Pancreatitis – Living With and Overcoming Pancreatitis

Posted on November 22, 2011 by jif411

Pancreatitis is subject that I am fairly well versed on simply because I have been living with and overcoming pancreatitis for over 32 years. After many unsuccessful attempts to obtain a diagnosis and resolution for my illness I was finally diagnosed by a brilliant doctor by the name of David Langdon, M.D. who reminds me of Gregory House (only much more pleasant in manner) from the TV series House, M.D.

I say he reminds of House because Dr. Langdon is brilliant, knew there was a major problem, wasn’t positive of the possible diagnosis and did what could only be described as a “dicey” way of coming to a firm diagnosis.

After a round of blood tests, an upper GI, a gallbaldder test and sticking a scope down my throat to check out my insides didn’t show anything he knew from listening to me explain my 7 ER visits and my symptoms that there was something not right but obviously having a hunch and needing some concrete evidence…

He used 2 drugs that caused me to have an acute pancreatitis episode in his clinic so that he could observe me and draw blood every 30 minutes for about 5 hours until he had what he considered definitive proof of pancreatitis and then he ordered a CT scan.

In 1979 CT scans and Ultra Sound were a very new thing and so were probably not nearly as fine tuned as they are now. However…

After the tests were all done he sat down with me and told me I had Pancreatitis and would continue to have problems until eventually (he said within 10 years) I wouldn’t be able to eat anything and that pancreas transplants weren’t successful. In other words he may have been telling me I may not be alive within 10 years.

Shortly afterwards he left town to teach at a major Texas University and so I lost the only doctor that did me any good, in fact, he probably saved my life and because of him I was able to get my shit in one bag by doing research which enabled me, through trial and error and some real luck (maybe Divine Intervention), to actually come up with a complete regimen that in time stopped the acute pancreatitis episodes, healed the damage and enabled me to survive for another 22 years more than he said I could expect. So…

If you currently suffer with acute and chronic pancreatitis I know your pain and I also may know the solution. There is no cure for pancreatitis but – I am pain free. I have had pancreatitis for over 32 years, suffered very painfully for several years and haven’t had but ONE acute episode (actually a series of 11 AP episodes in I believe 2006) in the last 29 years.

I don’t pull punches, I am blunt.

I don’t sell some crap ebook full of erroneous information like I have seen offered on the Internet. In fact, my information is absolutely free. I don’t claim to know everything about acute or chronic pancreatitis, I am NOT a doctor but I would wager any day that I know more about pancreatitis triggers, diet, and how to overcome the condition than most doctors and their patients ever will and…

Since I am a curious sort I learn more all the time because I am always looking for more new research and am also willing to listen to others, check out their thoughts, via research or my own experience, in order to formulate a conclusion as to whether their thoughts or theories hold water.

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Vegetarian Meal Plan – Healthy Vegetarian Eating Ideas

Posted on November 22, 2011 by jif411

A vegetarian meal plan is very wholesome and nutritious in nature. While eating this you are only giving up meat, but there is still a very broad variety of things that are available to you. Unlike a vegan like diet change, vegetarianism offers more flexibility and lets you still enjoy some of the things that you are accustomed to eating.

Vegetarian meal planning by nature is going to be packed with fiber and many essential vitamins and nutrients. Aside from all these things, vegetarians naturally get all the recommended fruits and veggies that you are supposed to get and them some, which from a health perspective is a very good thing. Eating in this fashion also helps you get more of the water that your body needs which also works hand in hand with regulating blood sugar, and losing weight.

There is still plenty you can do with a full vegetarian menu. Vegetarianism can be put in three categories, all very similar in essence. Vegan is a form of vegetarianism that omits all meat, fish, and poultry and dairy products, and anything that contains any of these. There is also the Lacto-vegetarian that omits meat, poultry, fish and eggs. So anything with a form of meat of has any egg in them they do not eat. The standard vegetarian is the lacto-ovo. They exclude all meat forms, but will allow anything else which includes all dairy based products. They have also come up with a name for the person who is semi- vegetarian. This person may on a day to day basis eat vegetarian, but every now and then will have some meat, fish, or poultry on occasion. These individuals are called “flexitarians” respectively.

Vegetarian meal plans may consist of a fried egg over spinach, with some refried beans and a glass of orange juice. Even some steel cut oats, made with raisins, honey, and hemp milk, served with couple slices of soy bacon and a slice of whole grain toast. It may seem like a big sacrifice until you look at it as being just a few simple changes.

These vegetarian diet changes like many plant based theories can tackle many problems that can arise due to improper diets.

For dinner on might have an Asian style stir fry that would include green and red peppers, water chestnuts, bamboo chutes, broccoli, shredded carrots, habanero or jalapeno peppers, lentils, kale, and a whole grain organic low mein pasta. Stir fried in low sodium soy sauce and extra virgin olive oil. This type of vegetarian dish is loaded with everything that the body needs with a lower amount of carbs before late evening, before going to bed a short while after.

For dinner one may be winding down, but for those who need a boost of energy for lunch before a workout that will benefit from added protein and carbs.

FOr lunch before a workout one might have a double-decker veggie burger with honey mustard, tomatoes, spinach, bean sprouts, jalapenos, avocado slices(4), pickles, and organic cheddar cheese served on whole grain wheat bun. Some baked sweet potatoes fries, a banana, and a small chocolate soy protein powder shake. Blending the banana in the shake will give it a very nice texture. This meal has carbs, protein, good fats, potassium and the right vitamins and minerals to help you get the most out of your workout without running out of gas too early.

A good veggie diet if you are creative can have you losing weight, feeling great and still enjoying food to the utmost if not better than before. You should never compromise with your health with any poor diet and this type of eating will prevent that, and if we don’t have to compromise taste….even better!

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How to Create Your Own TV Show

Posted on November 22, 2011 by jif411

In this article I will be discussing the steps and a few challenges you will face in creating your very own TV show. Before you begin there will be a few things you will need. First you will need a video camera of course; you will also need a computer with video editing software installed. Next you will need to find your casts for the TV show and you will also need a crew to help with your filming.

You will need to select what type of genre your TV will fall under then you will need to write a synopsis describing the content of your TV show. You need to make sure your TV shows meaning and goals are clear. Try to make your idea good enough to be able to film multiple seasons if necessary. Once you have your shows meaning and goals established it is a great idea to get your film protected, you can get protection by searching out an outline registry for your TV show concept that will prevent your film from being copyrighted.

You will need to have a casting call to select your characters for your first episode also known as the “pilot episode”. Next you will need to write your guidelines for your show, this is known as “the bible” this will describe in detail the content for each episode throughout your shows season. You will need to do this several times, doing this will increase not only your shows popularity but also its value as well.

It can be a very smart idea to partner with a producer who already has experience. They are likely to have resources to help you with filming your TV show. You can also sell your pilot episode to any production network or company and they will create their own production units. Keep in mind you do not need to hire a producer you can keep your film for yourself to broadcast.

Now you can be your own agent and producer but it’s not a bad idea to fill these roles by hiring professionals as to this is their job and they know what they’re doing. So unless you already have experience in this field this will be of much help when finalizing your film. Once your show is complete submit your TV series in contests and festivals, this can be a great way to expose your film. Remember to have fun and be creative.

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Some Basic Strategies For Depression

Posted on November 22, 2011 by jif411

Feeling sad and down once in a while is normal. However, if it continues and it becomes worse, then you are probably experiencing depression already. It is more than being empty and feeling blue. You cannot function like you use to. You no longer enjoy life. Things such as your hobbies, leisure time and recreation don’t mean as much. In order to understand the concept of depression, read on to know how to overcome this problem.

Most people use the term “depressed” to describe their reaction with disappointments and struggles in life. Some people might just feel empty, lifeless, angry and restless. Depression is more than sadness. To know if you are depressed, here are some symptoms and signs that will not just go away in a blink of an eye.

1) You find it hard to accomplish your daily tasks and routine.

2) You over sleep or you cannot sleep.

3) No matter how hard you try in controlling your negative thoughts, they seem to stick around.

4) You tend to eat too much or you do not have an appetite. Your weight drastically changed.

5) You are into reckless behavior such as indulging yourself with too with alcohol.

6) You are thinking that your life does not have meaning and is not worth living.

7) You cannot concentrate, focus, remember things and make decisions on your own.

8) You are experiencing physical pains and aches without any reason at all, such as stomach pain, headache and back pain.

Treatments for depression can be identified if you know the root cause of your depression. You need to pin point the underlying causes. For instance, you might be depressed because you are not growing in your chosen career. This is situational depression that can be treated with psychotherapy.

For many, there is a biological factor involved with depression. For those patients, drug intervention may be needed, especially if the depression is having negative effects on your life. Having a complete physical is recommended as well, as some medical conditions can also trigger depression. Consult with your physician prior to beginning any program for depression.

Below are some self-help treatments for depression that you can start today. You can combine these solutions and hopefully gain some relief from depressive symptoms.

Treatments for depression tip #1: You need to change your lifestyle into a healthier one. It will not be an easy task and will not happen overnight, but here are some basic ways on how to make changes in your lifestyle

Seek support from the people around you. There are depressed people who tend to isolate themselves from the people who are dear to them. This can be detrimental, as gaining support from others during this difficult time can speed up recovery.

You need to have a healthy diet to naturally boost your mood. You need to get enough nourishment to help your brain and body function. Discuss with your doctor or nutritionist if you are getting the right vitamins and minerals needed for everyday functioning.

Treatments for depression tip #2: Try to remove from your mind negative thoughts. Always think positive. Attract positive energies in your life. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy from a licensed psychotherapist may help in this regard.

Treatments for depression tip #3: A hug from your loved one cannot be replaced. However, pets can give you different happiness and joy once you have them. Pets give you unconditional love and are great companions. According to studies, taking care of a pet may lessen your chances of being depressed.

In conclusion, depression should not be taken lightly. Get a complete physical from your doctor which should also include complete blood work. Perhaps there is a deficiency somewhere, or there is an underlying medical condition. Additionally, seek the help and guidance from a licensed psychotherapist. With these strategies, your chances of recovery will increase dramatically.

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Line Fillers

Posted on November 22, 2011 by jif411

Facial lines (also referred to as wrinkles) are an unwelcome part of aging. In fact, they can make people seem older or more tired than they actually feel. Genetics sometimes plays a role in the number of wrinkles a person will get. Environmental factors, such as repeated, long-term exposure to the sun, can also claim responsibility for line formation.

Are lines preventable? Not completely. However, they can be better managed when defensive measures begin early. For example, washing facial skin each morning and evening with a mild, pH balanced cleanser, wearing sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays, not smoking, and regularly moisturizing work to stave off lines or make existing ones appear less noticeable.

And what about the wrinkles that do not go away despite our best efforts? A substance natural to the skin known as hyaluronic acid can help.

How? When hyaluronic acid is injected into a line, it temporarily plumps the area to restore a more youthful contour. Mouth lines diminish, eye creases fade, and brow furrows become less visible. You still look like you, only younger!

Let’s look at two of the more common hyaluronic acid fillers.

Juvederm and Restylane are extremely popular, non animal-based hyaluronic acid injectables; they are included in the category known as dermal fillers. Both products are FDA approved, safe, and effective.

The injections are minimally invasive with little to no downtime.

Results are typically immediate, although it may take a few days for the full effect to become evident.

Benefits often last between three months to one year (and occasionally beyond).

Side effects, such as swelling and/or bruising, may occur at the injection site; this should dissipate in a few days.

It’s important to stay away from aspirin and aspirin-like products, as well as certain vitamin and herbal supplements, a week before and after a Juvederm or Restylane injection. This minimizes the potential for unwanted side effects.

In addition to reducing the appearance of wrinkles, Juvederm and Restylane can add volume to the lips, chin, and cheeks to produce a more sculpted look.

Only a trained doctor should administer Juvederm and Restylane injections. In the wrong hands, results could be compromised.

Cost is determined by the amount of product needed. For example, deeper wrinkles may require more than one syringe, where fainter lines may only need one.

Dermal fillers have changed the way people view their lines, and Juvederm and Restylane stand out in customer satisfaction. Some individuals prefer one product above the other, but both offer great results.

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The Case of the Defective Hunting Rifle Scope and an Unexpected Development

Posted on November 22, 2011 by jif411

Mark loved to hunt every fall. He would get up early, brave the elements, and he and his buddies would go hunting as soon as deer season began.

But this season he noticed that his scope no longer worked. It must have become damaged over the winter and he would need a new one. His buddies had a successful hunt, but he came home empty- handed. But at least they all had a good time with their camaraderie and good natured fun. He couldn’t wait until he got a new sighting scope and then installed it on his rifle and eagerly went hunting the next weekend. Much to his surprise he still was unable to see well out of his scope. Finally it dawned on him. Maybe it was his eye that was the problem and not the scope.

He made an appointment with me to have his eyes examined. He had been a childhood friend of mine, but it had been more than 30 years since I had seen him socially and I had never seen him professionally. In fact he had never had his eyes examined, other than for his driver’s license, and he had never had trouble getting his license. (Incidentally, the drivers’ license test is not an “eye examination”; it is merely a screening test checking the most basic of visual abilities.)

When he was in his early 40′s he could no longer see very well at near, but “magnifying glasses” from Walmart worked just fine. His wife urged him to get his eyes examined, but he reasoned, “why should I get my eyes examined when I have no trouble with my eyes and I just need my magnifiers to see small print?”

Mark’s reasoning is typical, but wrong. It would be like waiting until you had a heart attack before you saw a doctor “because your heart was beating just fine.” The fact that we have two eyes is a blessing as well as a curse. In Mark’s case his vision was deteriorating in his right eye, the eye that he used while sighting through the hunting scope. But in normal conditions he was relying upon the vision of his left eye and not aware of the poor vision of his right eye. This happens more often than you would think.

I often see people who are seeing poorly out of one eye but who are totally unaware of it until their eye examination. But even more frightening, I often see individuals that have normal visual acuity, that is they still have 20/20 vision, but a comprehensive eye exam reveals that they have an eye condition that needs treatment immediately – or at least preventative measures – to enable them to retain their vision. Just as your doctor might say, “your coronary arteries are 80% blocked and you need coronary bypass surgery” or “you need to take medication that will help you avoid a heart attack” eye doctors also recommend measures to help you preserve your vision. (I’m not talking about a new, stronger pair of eyeglasses.)

Mark’s problem turned out to be macular degeneration in both eyes, but much more advanced in the right than in the left. Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in older adults (60 an older) and seems to be increasing exponentially. The macula is the most central part of the retina (the part of the retina that images focus most sharply upon) and is essential for normal, 20/20 vision. A person with macular degeneration will eventually notice that when he looks directly at an object it is blurry, but peripheral vision still remains normal. This is terribly disabling because it will eventually prevent one from driving or reading or recognizing faces.

The macula is vulnerable to damage because bright light is focused upon it, and for the same reason that sunlight can damage skin it can damage the macula. The macula is highly metabolically active which means it generates many free radicals in the process of seeing which makes it more susceptible to damage than most other tissues of the body.

We can’t stay indoors at all times to protect our eyes and we certainly can’t stop using our eyes so what can we do to prevent damage? There are several ways of helping prevent damage to our eyes from macular degeneration.

The first way is akin to using sunscreen to protect your skin. A hat should be worn when outdoors to shade your eyes and a quality pair of sunglasses with UV protection. Sunglasses should be worn year round, not just in the summer, and even on hazy days. The UV radiation from the sun generates free radicals that damage the DNA of the cells in the retina and the macula. (Incidentally, UV radiation also increases the incidence of cataracts.)

The second way of protecting your eyes from macular degeneration is by eating kale and sardines several times a week. If you ate kale (or green, leafy vegetables like kale and spinach) and sardines (or cold water fatty fish like sardines and salmon and herring) you would have plenty of nutrients like lutein and zeaxanthin and the omega 3 oils EPA and DHA in your normal diet. But, you probably don’t, do you? Fortunately, there are supplements that will give you these essential nutrients that help protect your eyes from macular degeneration. Many people take supplements that include lutein and omega 3, but at far lower doses than is necessary.

The omega 3 oils are concentrated more in your eye and brain than in any other organs of your body because they are so critical to their proper functioning. Lutein and zeaxanthin are called macular pigments because they absorb harmful UV rays, preventing them from damaging the fragile cells of the macula. They are about 1000 times more concentrated in the macula than any other part of the body and also act as antioxidants, neutralizing the harmful by-products of metabolism.

We took photographs of Mark’s retinas which showed multiple drusen. The first signs of degeneration are called drusen and are fatty deposits that accumulate between the retinal pigment epithelium and the retina. The number and size of the drusen help us determine the severity of the macular degeneration. We also did a test called OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) that gives us a view of the retinal and macula in cross section. The OCT is an amazing instrument that allows us to image the retina and the thin macula (only 1/100th of an inch thick) to a detail of a 5,000th of an inch and visualize the many layers of the retina to determine the extent of damage. This is important information because it enables us to differentiate between wet macular degeneration, which can be treated, and dry macular degeneration which cannot. It is also useful to see changes in the retina caused by diabetes, the other major cause of blindness up to the age of 60, and other diseases of the retina.

I sent Mark to a retinal specialist (who treats diseased of the retina and the vitreous) who decided that treatment would not be beneficial. A treatment that has proven successful for wet macular degeneration – although it cannot restore totally normal vision – is called Lucentis (or Avastin). It is injected into the eye and helps control the bleeding that is the hallmark of wet macular degeneration. This treatment usually has to be done multiple times in order to control neo-vascularization – the growth of new, fragile blood vessels in the retina that tend to bleed.

Most people take their vision for granted, the most precious of all senses. Surveys show that, next to life itself, the loss of vision is the most to be feared. Yet, sadly, many people like Mark pay little attention to their vision until it is too late. At the very least, lutein, zeaxanthin and omega 3 fish oils can be thought of as a good insurance policy. And if you smoke, we now know that it is a major contributor to macular degeneration.

www.littlefieldoptometry

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Various Treatment Methods for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Posted on November 22, 2011 by jif411

With symptoms that are vague and hard to figure out, thoracic outlet syndrome is a condition that may take some time to diagnose and treat. It would help however to be aware of this disorder as to its causes, signs and symptoms and treatment methods to help you deal with it.

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) happens when the superior thoracic outlet is compressed. This outlet is a neurovascular bundle that passes between the anterior and middle scalenes at the base of the neck. It is more common in women, occurring between the ages 20 to 50. The most common cause of thoracic outlet syndrome is trauma, which can be sudden or repetitive. With sudden trauma, there is a fracture in the clavicles that can be caused by accidents. Repetitive trauma on the other hand happens to those who have to do certain tasks over and over again using the wrists and the arms. Those who are at risk for developing TOS are people who are in non-ergonomic postures for several hours working on computers, athletes who often have to raise their arms above, electricians, musicians and rock climbers.

The signs and symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome depend on the certain type of TOS. For neurogenic TOS, there is severe muscle wasting at the base of the thumb which is called the Gilliatt-Sumner hand. There will also be a dull pain at the neck, the shoulders and the armpits as well as numbness at the hands and the forearms. For the vascular type of TOS, the affected arm is usually paler and is cooler to touch from that of the unaffected arm. This is often accompanied by pain, numbness, a tingling sensation and absent or weak pulse. For non-specified TOS, the most common sign would be a dull pain at the neck, the armpits and the shoulders. The pain usually gets worse when you do activities, and is triggered by accidents or injuries.

For most people with thoracic outlet syndrome, the treatment will usually be through the conventional ways and there are only few who will need surgical interventions. One of the most common treatments is the use of ice and heat. Ice packs can be used to help decrease the inflammation of the injured or sore muscles. Heat on the other hand will improve the circulation on the affected areas which will also bring relief. It is also important to maintain a proper posture since poor posture can actually aggravate the signs and symptoms of TOS. Stretching is also a way of relieving TOS as long as it is done properly. This will help reduce the compression of the thoracic cavity, help decrease the impingement of the blood vessels and nerves as well as help realign the muscles, bones and ligaments that are causing TOS. Nerve gliding is also an effective treatment method for thoracic outlet syndrome. To do this, you will need extend the affected arm towards the side and tilt your head to the opposite side. You will feel a gentle pull at the affected side when you do this. If you need the help of a physical therapist in doing the said exercises, then it would be better so that he can ensure that the activities you are doing are correctly done.

Treating TOS as early as possible is very important so that it will not get worse and will lead to complications. Be aware of the different signs and symptoms so that you will be able to identify if you are suffering from thoracic outlet syndrome or not.

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How To Reduce Obesity – Healthy Eating Plan

Posted on November 22, 2011 by jif411

Obesity can be defined as the accumulation of too much body fat. If you have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above, you are considered to be obese. Body mass index can be determined by weight divided by height. This condition is widely regarded as one of the most damaging health problems of our time. Obese people have an increased risk of developing many serious and life-threatening medical conditions, including heart diseases, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, stroke, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, gallstones, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and delay in wound healing.

Obesity may also cause infertility, irregular menstrual periods in women, and sexual conditions. It is believed that obesity can lead to the occurrence of some types of cancers, such as breast, uterus, cervix, colon, prostate, and rectum. Moreover, being obese can reduce the quality of your life. It may contribute to physical disability and psychological problems like depression and social isolation. Obese people are strongly advised to lose a few pounds of body fat in order to avoid the complications associated with obesity. However, before knowing how to reduce obesity, you must understand the possible causes of it.

Obesity can be caused by a number of different reasons, but the most common is eating more calories than the body uses. Bad eating habits like consuming too much junk food and other high-calorie foods, drinking beverages that are high in calorie, missing breakfast, eating huge portions of meals, and missing breakfast can also lead to this condition. Some other factors that can result in obesity include genetics, sedentary lifestyle, inadequate sleep, age, withdrawal from smoking, reduced activity due to illness, decrease and pregnancy. At times, obesity can be a result of certain underlying medical conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome and hypothyroidism

How To Reduce Obesity: Treatment for obesity typically focuses on achieving and maintaining an appropriate weight. This goal can probably be attained through modifications in diet, exercises, and behavior changes. Avoid poor and unhealthy eating habits and all other contributing factors. Stick to a healthy eating plan that is filled with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and plant-derived foods. Add fiber-rich foods and omega-3 fatty acid foods to your diet. If you have problems with emotional eating, seek counseling from a mental health professional.

Performing regular exercise is an integral part of how to treat obesity. Also, include more physical activity in your daily routine. Weight reduction pills are a good option for those who are unable to lose weight by dieting and physical activity. Weight-loss surgeries, such as gastric bypass surgery, gastric sleeve, laparoscopic adjusting gastric banding and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch may also be beneficial to lose body fat.

There are also certain natural remedies that can help you in your quest of how to reduce obesity. Drinking green tea, eating fresh ginger, and drinking warm water mixed with lemon juice and honey are some effective remedies to reduce obesity. Taking ginseng berry extract mixed with a glass of water daily is also a good way to reduce body fat.

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Dual-Sporting Motorcycles in the Boonies

Posted on November 22, 2011 by jif411

Every summer I get out dual-sport riding as much as I can, which, considering that I don’t own a dual-sport bike of my own, means not nearly often enough. Most recently I headed to Gunnison, CO, where my friend Kevin runs a business renting Suzuki V-Stroms. I don’t have to pay for the rental, Kevin puts me up at his house, and there’s no end to the great mountain roads around Gunnison. This does qualify as heaven, doesn’t it?

I tend to forget between rides just how much I like the V-Strom. It’s a lot lighter than either of my street bikes and I’ve finally come to the conclusion that that is a big part of what makes it so much fun. When you’re dealing with a lot of weight you devote too much of your attention to handling the bike. Then you get on a light bike and you find yourself free to just go!

Go we did. We headed east out of town and turned south on the road that runs up over North Cochetopa Pass. There are some nice canyons on the way up the pass but the road is paved so it was really just our avenue to get to where we really wanted to be. Over the pass and down the other side, and we turned off on a gravel county road that leads over Carnero Pass. I had never even heard of Carnero Pass, much less been over it, so now the fun really began.

We worked our way up a canyon and then into the forest, where the aspen trees were just in the process of turning their leaves to the gold of fall. It was a gorgeous, warm but not hot autumn day, blue sky and puffy clouds, and we were out in the midst of it all. This truly is heaven.

The road was pretty good for a gravel road, though it did have its share of rough spots and washboard. Unlike with my street bikes, the V-Strom’s deep suspension ate up the bumps and I felt just as confident on this surface on this bike as I typically do on the street on the other bikes.

We climbed a bit, though there was nothing overly steep as can often be the case on roads like this, and before long there we were at the pass. At 10,166 feet I would have thought we’d have more climbing to do but I guess we had not really descended that far off North Cochetopa Pass so it wasn’t that much of a climb up Carnero.

Over the hump and down then and the country started to change. We got out of the forest and into another canyon, with all the varied rock formations that I’ve come to realize are present all over this region. Other Colorado passes, such as Rabbit Ears Pass or Lizard Head Pass, are named for their distinguishing rock formations but there are plenty of equally or more striking formations elsewhere, they’re just tucked away where most people never see them.

As so many canyons do, this one ended with the rock walls coming together as if to form a gate and we slipped through the gate and out onto the high plains beyond. From here, another country road, still gravel, would take us close to Del Norte, where we met a paved state road and then U.S. 160. We turned west to South Fork, veered north on another state highway up over Slumgullion Pass and down into Lake City. Then on north and back to Gunnison. This stretch from Del Norte was all paved but I didn’t hold that against Kevin. Besides, it gave the V-Strom the chance to show once again that it is an extremely competent highway bike as well as a dual-sport.

One of these days I’m going to buy one of these bikes for my own. I swear I am. I just need a little more money. But in the meantime you can’t beat having friends like Kevin.

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The Latest In Car Camera Tracking Devices – A New Era in Fleet Management

Posted on November 22, 2011 by jif411

Many fleet companies have used GPS tracking devices to manage their work force for some years now with intuitive software to measure mileage, journey times, record location and also track clocking in times of staff.

The technology has become somewhat less expensive and now market leading companies are launching Live Video Tracking Devices.

These devices offer similar features to the more traditional tracking devices although they now offer some new features including – live video!

The benefit of such a device is that fleet managers can view the GPS location, speed of the vehicle, mileage, and listen to audio from around the vehicle and even watch live video meaning they can pretty much be there with their vehicles in real-time no matter where in the country or world they are positioned.

The new systems known as Mobile Digital Video Recorders or ‘DVR’s’ use 3G and 3.5G mobile networking to transmit video to a server ready for viewing instantly should there be a need. What’s more is the data charges can be kept to a minimum with the most modern systems only transmitting video ‘upon request’. If live video is not being monitored, the systems will use the same amount of data as a traditional tracking device. Data packages for around ?25 from most mobile telephone service providers will be enough to cover the data charges for the systems making them the ideal fleet management tool.

The systems can record video from up to 4 cameras around the vehicle meaning the front, rear, cabin and loading bay can all be monitored in real-time.

One instant benefit is the problem of theft from company vehicles. When vehicles are left unattended by the driver, vehicles often become targets to opportunistic thieves. These new systems allow the fleet manager to keep an eye on the vehicles while drivers are away for short periods.

Some of the smarter systems can also be used as accident logging devices alongside the tracking and live monitoring elements. When partnered with an inertia sensor, the systems will automatically transmit live video and record it at the server when a vehicle exceeds its G-Force Limit – usually caused by harsh breaking or an accident.

This means the fleet manager can view every video from the vehicles should there be an accident. They are able to remotely play back all of the events and collect video evidence for presentation to insurance companies and authorities. Many Fleet Insurance Companies have realised the benefits of such systems and offer over 25% discount on fleet premiums should the Mobile DVR’s be used.

The fleet manager can even open live conversation with driver via the system and the on board speakers already in the vehicles meaning that if needed, instant live communication is available at the touch of a button – no more trying to find the driver’s telephone number in a database somewhere to get in touch with them!

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