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vacationsoup · 5 years

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New Post has been published on https://vacationsoup.com/best-place-rent-snorkel-beach-gear-maui/

Auntie Snorkel. The Best Place To Rent Snorkel And Beach Gear On Maui

Where is the best place to rent Snorkel sets, Stand Up Paddle Boards, Bicycles, GoPro, Wetsuits and so much more in Kihei, Maui

Like many of our vacation rental owner neighbors, we provide a whole suite of beach gear for our guests. We offer the popular Tommy Bahama backpack chairs, 2 deluxe Tommy Bahama beach umbrellas, 3 different size/types of coolers, boogie boards, sand toys and beach games, big, thirsty cotton beach towels, a 'sand free' beach blanket and tote, pool noodles, a big folding wagon to tote all this stuff to the beach easily and so much more.

But with limited space we can't offer it all. The good news is that if we don't have it Auntie Snorkel does!

There are at least half a dozen activity rental stores within walking distance of our vacation rental condo in Kihei, but we think that the locally owned Auntie Snorkel is the best! Here's why!

Personalized service, local knowledge, great selection, awesome prices!

Renting Snorkel Sets

Let's start with snorkel sets. Many of our guests bring their own sets and at one point we had several sets available in our condo, but over time we felt that the generic 'one size fits all' concept of outfitting a snorkeler was not the safest way to go and we removed the sets. Getting a mask to fit properly is best left to the experts. Having a leaky mask means no-fun as you constantly clear the fog or remove the water. All the while missing that turtle that just swam by!

If you don't want to take up luggage space with snorkel gear, then renting is the way to go.

Photo by Auntie Snorkel

Auntie Snorkel offers a plethora of mask sizes and styles to fit all needs. The owners and staff will custom fit each person with their own gear. There's even a 2 For 1 discount coupon, which at the time of this posting has a full dry snorkel set with fins renting for just $7.95 a day!

Stand Up Paddle Boards

Since Auntie Snorkel is literally just steps to two of Maui's best beaches, Kamaole I and II, you can rent your SUP and walk it across the street and be paddling with turtles in mere minutes. * BONUS * Auntie's is just a 5 minute walk from our vacation rental condo too!

Photo by Auntie Snorkel

Stand up paddle boards or SUP for short are in hot demand so be sure to pre-book online (don't forget to use the 50% off coupon!)

The very best time to head out to the Kamaole beaches is early in the morning when the water is smooth and glassy. You want to venture out before the wind kicks up and makes paddling difficult. You'll see lots of other paddle boarders doing the same thing. It's a very popular activity on Maui! And with good reason. Both 'Kam' beaches offer amazing reef views and you're sure to see a turtle or two swimming right beside you! (Photo by Auntie Snorkel)

Beach Cruisers

One of the best ways to see South Maui (the towns of Kihei, Wailea and Makena area) is by beach cruiser! Since Maui's weather is wonderful year round, any day is a good day for a bike ride. At less than $20 a day you can cruise all over South Maui and have a blast doing it. Make sure to read our 'Discover South Maui By Bicycle | Find Your Next Adventure On A Bike' post to get the most out of your rental!

Boogie Boards and Skim Boards

While we do offer a variety of boogie boards in the condo, we don't have skim boards. Not to worry, Auntie to the rescue! Go get your skim on with one of theirs. According to Auntie's website "If you’re looking for skim boards you probably already know what these are about. If not, skimboarding is a sport where you run down a wet beach, throw a flat oval wooden disk across the wet beach hop on and glide!! Skim boarding is like “the skateboarding” of beaches."

Check out professional Skimboarder, Austin Keen skimboarding at Maui's Makena Beach (aka Big Beach). Skimboarders are regulars at this beach and even if you don't rent one and give it a try, this is a great beach for watching the locals - they'll show you how it's done local style!

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Maui Island Activities & Tours

You'll find a whole host of Island activities available on Auntie's website. But stop by the shop and talk to the 'Fun Specialists' to see all of what is offered. You'll find;

Luaus

Zipline Activities

Boat Tours

Helicopter Tours

Rafting Trips

and much more!

Auntie Snorkel is Maui’s Local Family Owned & Operated Beach Rental and Activity Shop, est. in 1985.

You can trust Auntie's!

According to their website, "Auntie Snorkel shop has been serving Maui’s fun seekers for over 33 years, established in 1985. We are the original South Maui Snorkel Shop. When I bought the shop ten years ago from Auntie we decided to keep the name. The name Auntie is a term of respect here in Hawaii. I am living my dream. I get to meet awesome people from all over the world and share with them my love and knowledge of this magical island I get to call home. We know all the spots. I have lived here since 2001. We are the true definition of a family owned and operated shop. I answer the phones and work the shop along with my family. When you shop with us you are supporting my ohana and for that I thank you!! Why go anywhere else? We are the friendliest, fastest, cheapest and our location is the most epic!"

Owner Mark Noble is a certified 'Fun Specialist' as is his co-worker Scott Johnson! On our most recent trip to Maui we were in need of a life vest for a quick fishing/kayak outing. Since we own our own life vests here in California and forgot to bring them over, we headed to our favorite rental spot and Scott hooked us right up! Auntie's treated us like Ohana!

Guaranteed Lowest Prices

Great savings on rental prices means more money for Mai Tais!

Hydrate!

Scott also introduced us to the most delicious new raw juices being sold in the shop. R.I.P.E Raw. Invigorating. Pure. Energy. After a day of salt water activities this cold pressed juice hit the spot! We tried Dream: a mix of Pineapple, Mint, Apple, Cucumber. It was delicious so go check out their line up of amazing juices and elixirs here! Talk about drinking a rainbow!

Photo by R.I.P.E

Just a little about R.I.P.E because is was so delish and we can't help but share another wonderful, locally owned Maui business. "We are a small, cold-pressed juice business on the island of Maui, offering cleanses, monthly memberships, and one-time purchases. Our team truly believes in the power of juicing and the positive impacts that juice makes to your overall well-being. We offer fresh, made to order juices that are delivered right to your doorstep. Think of us as your modern day milkman, only we deliver fresh, organic, local, cold-pressed juice!" For more info visit https://www.ripejuicemaui.com/

Everything that Auntie's Offers

[table id=13 /]

Hours

Monday: 7:30 am - 6:00 pm Tuesday: 7:30 am - 6:00 pm Wednesday: 7:30 am - 6:00 pm Thursday: 7:30 am - 6:00 pm Friday: 7:30 am - 6:00 pm Saturday: 7:30 am - 6:00 pm Sunday: 7:30 am - 6:00 pm

Contact: 808.298.3021

Business Info:

Accepts Credit Cards: Yes Car Parking: Street Bike Parking: Yes Wheelchair Accessible: Yes Good for Kids: Yes By Appointment Only: No Offers Military Discount: Yes 👍🏻

Auntie Snorkel is rated 5-Stars on both Yelp™ and TripAdvisor™

#beach #BeachCruiser #beaches #beachfun #BoogieBoard #cycling #MauiActivities #MauiAdventures #Snorkel #snorkeling #StandUpPaddleboard #whattodo #WhatToDoKidsMaui #WhattoDoMaui #WhereToRent

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topfygad · 5 years

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Top 10 New Scams to Watch Out For While Traveling in Asia

We have all heard about pick pockets and classic scams like overcharging. But as the modern tourist gets smarter, so does the modern scammer. In recent years, there have been a multitude of new scams and ways to swindle tourists out of their money.

During my travels, I encountered many of these scams more than once and some on a daily basis! At times, I would only loose a few dollars, but if I wasn’t careful and prepared, some scams may have cost me my life. Therefore, it is important to be able to recognize when you are a target and how to deal with the situation appropriately.

Here is my list of these new scams and my advice on how to deal with them so you will be prepared during your travels!

1. Fake Taxi Meters

Watch out for this scam at tourist hotspots, particularly in Vietnam. Everything seems normal upon first entering the taxi. The meter looks real and the taxi driver starts it just like normal. However, you quickly realize that the numbers are climbing way faster than they should. This is a result of the taxi man tampering with the original meter. If you stay in the cab, the trip could end up costing you ten times as much.

How to Avoid or Respond

The best way to avoid this scam is by making sure the taxi has the logo of a trusted company. It is fairly easy to ask which taxi companies are legitimate at your hotel or closest tourist office. If there are no trusted taxis available then ask for a set price that seems reasonable. However, taxi scammers will often only agree to a price that is in the range of their fake meter. In this case, leave the tourist area and flag down a cab on the street.

If you find yourself in one of these taxis, wait for a public area with lots of people and politely but firmly say you wish to get out there. Once out, count your losses and find another taxi.

2. Guides/Drivers Promising one Thing and Delivering Another

This is another very common scam all over Asia, and can also be the result of poor communication. A common scenario would be when you and the guide agree on several stops for a set amount of money. The tour will then finish or run out of time before you have been to all the stops you agreed on.

How to Avoid or Respond

Making sure the guide understands the deal is very important. Have them show you on a map or repeat everything you agreed on. Also, make sure to let them know you will pay them only after you have seen everything. Another way is to discuss increased pay for every stop. They will be much more willing to continue if they know they will get more money.

3. Taxis Kicking You Out Quickly Hoping You Will Leave Something

This one is common in China. You get in a cab and the driver frantically beckons you to get out. Since this is startling and quick moving, it is very easy to drop a phone or leave a purse in the cab.

How to Avoid or Respond

Be aware of the scam and always double check your surroundings before getting out of any transport vehicle. Drinking excessive amounts makes this scam much more likely to succeed.

If you realize you left something, take down the taxi number and license plate so you can call the company. However, in most countries, once the cab pulls away the driver will deny having ever seen your lost item.

4. Not Getting Change

This is one of the most common scams in Asia, and while it is not very expensive, it can add up quickly if you’re not careful. A clerk will wait until you ask for change, hoping you will just walk away. They might also short change you a little hoping you will not notice.

How to Avoid or Respond

This one is pretty self-explanatory. Be aware and count your money, honey!

5. Unsafe Boats and Busses

This scam involves promising a nice boat or bus and placing you in an older, dirtier, and less safe one. Thailand is particularly bad about stuffing way too many people in one old boat. This has, in the past, cost tourists their lives.

How to Avoid or Respond

Ask to see the vehicle, talk with other tourists, and look up reviews of the company online. If the ride looks unsafe, demand your money back and find another. It isn’t worth being shy on this one.

6. Prices Too Good to be True? Tuk Tuk Tour Scams

Thailand has several areas rampant with these scams. If a tour seems way too cheap, then it should be an immediate red flag. Most of these tours have deals with businesses that they will drop you off at somewhere along the way. You will end up spending way more time at these places than on the actual tour, and if you don’t buy, the tuk tuk driver will likely just leave you. They will often say you don’t have to buy and then their gas somehow runs out halfway through the tour.

How to Avoid or Respond

Be prepared to buy something or don’t take these tours.

7. Using Children as Bait: The Tour Giver or the Little Helper

Around many attractions, particularly in Cambodia and Laos, children will be begging or selling things. It’s fine to buy from them, just remember the money all goes to their parents. These children will also find creative ways to assist tourists during their tour, which might look like fun and games, but ends in a demand for money. I have had children fan me with leaves while walking up steps, follow me into a cave, and show me secret places to take a photo.

How to Avoid or Respond

In my experience, all it takes is a gentle “no” in the beginning and the children will stop. However, there have been many times when I found the children to be very helpful in showing me things I would not otherwise see. Make friends with these kids and they might take you to their secret hide out or off the path attraction. I will always tip at the end if I think it’s worth it.

8. Border Crossing Scams

There is a myriad of scams that happen when you cross into a new country. A new one is the health check tent that looks obligatory, but in reality, you can walk right past. They charge you for their fake exam.

How to Avoid or Respond

Move quickly and with purpose during a boarder crossing. You want them to think you have done it before. Don’t look lost and when in doubt, ask other tourists first, then a guard or office clerk for verification, (because they can be in on it too). Petty overcharging for visas happens frequently, but it’s just a few dollars and is not worth the hassle.

9. Asking to Come Home and Play a Game Involving Money

This happened to my friend in Laos. The scam involves meeting a nice local who then asks if you would like to come over for dinner. He then mentions a third party that he wants to play a game with. This game will involve money in some way and the guarantee that you will win a lot of it at the cost of the third party. This, of course, is not the case. My friend ended up running out in tears once the scammer tried to get her credit card involved.

How to Avoid or Respond

Politely decline to come over and ask if they want to have dinner at a restaurant instead.

10. People Pretending to be Official Ticket Checkers or Bag Carriers

This happens everywhere as well, especially Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia. As soon as you arrive, someone official looking begins to take your bag and carry it for you. They will almost always demand a large tip at the end. I have also been greeted by a man pretending to collect tickets for the train station. He takes your bags, ushers you on the vehicle, and then sits in the cab with you until you tip him.

How to Avoid or Respond

Never let anyone handle your bag unless they are just placing them on top of the vehicle or in a carriage. Even though they will get angry, most will leave if you tip them less than they demand. Now you are prepared for the adventure of a lifetime, traveling in Asia!

What is the craftiest scam you have heard about or been victim to while travel in Asia or other parts of the world?

source http://cheaprtravels.com/top-10-new-scams-to-watch-out-for-while-traveling-in-asia/

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jillmckenzie1 · 5 years

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Bites with Blondie: The Neon Lights Shine Bright at Broadway Market

It’s not every day that you’re invited to attend a private preview of Denver’s newest food hall, three days before they officially open for business.

That. Just. Happened.

Well, technically that happened earlier this week, and I’m still ecstatic. I have to admit, I’m still getting used to possessing a press pass, so when I am cordially invited to anything that is food-related, I am elated…and apparently I rhyme when I’m thrilled. Oh, boy.

When Denver’s first food hall, The Source, opened its doors and introduced locals to the “food hall” concept, I thought, “What is this? A bar? A food court? A shopping center? What IS this?” To be honest – it’s all of the above. But in a killer spot in the city, with much better food and booze options. Now, vendors range from food trucks to high end eateries, offering their signature dishes and a totally new experience. Food halls are on the rise in Denver. It feels like a new one opens each season – which is probably because it’s true. In fact, all 11 food halls scattered throughout the state, have opened within the past 5 years and another 3 more are projected to open in 2019.

With a handful of business cards and my photographer husband in tow, we set off to get a “sneak peek” preview of Denver’s newest food hall – Broadway Market – and it did not disappoint.

Located on the corner of 10th and Broadway, on the boarder of the Golden Triangle and Capitol Hill neighborhoods, Broadway Market stands tall amongst its high rise neighbors. Sure, parking can be a bit tricky, but it always is in this area. Metered street parking is available and the bi-level parking lot to the right is free for diners after 5pm – unless you love getting towed, as State of Colorado office workers have priority until then.

Once you reach the entrance, with its brand new neon signage and modern feel, it’s hard not to feel like one of the cool kids. A large, open community space is first to greet visitors, with a fully-stocked bar purposefully situated in the middle. Modern accents are found throughout (think clean lines and bold designs), including a variety of seating options. From sleek metal high-tops and counter service to long community tables and plush leather cushions, the options are endless and designed for all types of occasions. Vendors line the walls of the space creating an even more open, airy feel. Bright neon signs hang above each vendor booth, allowing visitors to easily pinpoint where they want to head first.

EAT:

I was immediately drawn to Wonder, a Boulder-based juice company and smoothie shop serving the most vibrantly-colored juices I had ever seen. Founder Robyn Knowlan gave us insight into the juices offered and shots available to aid digestion, and introduced us to her perfectly-crafted avocado toast. The spot features other healthy grab-and-go options along with 100% organic, cold-pressed, never pasteurized or pressure-processed juice. Next door, Maria Empanada offers delicious handmade empanadas in a variety of flavors, each carefully hand -rolled and -crafted to a golden-brown perfection. Famous in both Argentina and the Denver metro, owner Lorena Catarovici continues to pair the most delicious ingredients with love in each empanada. Situated to the right, Misaki first found success at Stanley Marketplace and expanded based on request. This made-to-order sushi stand offers delicious sushi and sashimi using only the freshest ingredients and fish that is flown in daily. (Highlight of the evening – seeing a 250 pound Blue Fin Tuna sliced, diced and put into hand rolls made on the spot!) Mondo Mini Market offers homemade soups, salads, and house-cured meats for their signature sandwiches and charcuterie plate, while veteran chef (also operating Old Major, Masterpiece Delicatessen and Culture Meat & Cheese), Justin Bronson brings his latest endeavor offering “supremely” delicious burgers and chicken sandwiches at Royal Rooster.

With three stand-alone locations and a food truck, Biju’s Little Curry Shop caters to Indian food lovers by featuring southern-style ingredients with a kick. Full of protein or keep it vegan; there is something for everyone featuring their signature curry. Also specializing in global cuisine, Chefs Daniel Asher and Josh Dinar created Mother Tongue, specializing in Donar Kebab, falafel and frites. Their concept was inspired after a trip to Istanbul, Turkey and is designed to evolve over time. Their other restaurants include the newly open Ash ‘Kara and River and Woods.

Chef Paul Reilly, from the team behind Beast+Bottle and Coperta, set out to bring the fresh flavors of Rome to Denver with two very different style pizzas – a traditional thin crust wood fired personal pizza and a thicker sliced piece of paradise at Pizzeria Coperta. Aiming to satisfy your sweet tooth and end any meal, is Miette Et Chocolat. Renowned pastry chefs and chocolatiers Gonzalo and David, introduce a French patisserie with a modern twist, serving homemade chocolate, candy bars and sweet treats.

DRINK:

While the main bar features signature cocktails, a variety of liquors and fine wine, it’s the adjacent beer wall that catches the most attention. Given a swipe card upon entry, each guest is able to pour and refill all beer glasses from the wall taps as necessary before cashing out. The swipe card holds the bill, which can be paid after each visit or after a few. Brews on tap range from light to dark, with my personal favorites in the middle – IPA’s. Try one or try all, whatever the palate there is something for everyone.

SHOP:

First to catch my eye was Luna and Jasper. This funky-chic boutique hosts unusual jewelry pieces (seriously cool), snarky desk signs, trendy accessories and wild pairs of socks. All gifts looking to inspire laughter, love and joy. Marking its second location, Velvet Wolf caters to women in the form of everything from vintage tee-shirts and flirty dresses to trendy overalls and accessories, while Iron Wolf, is designed primarily around menswear and featuring colognes and men’s accessories. Molly and Chris Hakes own and operate the 350 square-foot space housing both stores, while also running their Stanley Marketplace outpost.

PLAY:

From birthday parties, private events and just day-to-day operations, there is always something going on at Broadway Market. First up – Grand Opening TODAY, February 22nd. Doors will open to the public for the first time and visitors will be greeted with coffee provided by Logan House Coffee Company, breakfast and Wonder’s cold-pressed juices. Most food businesses open around 11 and are eager to serve the masses. Play all weekend with food, drinks and more as Broadway Market celebrates its opening weekend. For the most up to date event news, sign up for their email list.

With no shortage of food halls in Denver, some might think another one isn’t necessary. But don’t be fooled – this trendy, neon city brings a popular concept and elevates it to the next level.

from Blog https://ondenver.com/bites-with-blondie-the-neon-lights-shine-bright-at-broadway-market/

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ntrending · 5 years

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Sony's PlayStation Classic brings us closer to video game nostalgia saturation

New Post has been published on https://nexcraft.co/sonys-playstation-classic-brings-us-closer-to-video-game-nostalgia-saturation/

Sony's PlayStation Classic brings us closer to video game nostalgia saturation

Retro video games are fun, but until last year, they were tricky to give as a gift. You can load up a gift card for virtual console games on modern consoles, but the selection is sporadic and gift cards aren’t fun to unwrap. You can also go the vintage hardware route, but buying old game stuff from a trustworthy store can get pricey, and those old heaps of plastic and silicon degrade over time, no matter how well they’re cared for and restored. Or, you could buy one of those unlicensed consoles loaded with bootleg versions of your favorite games. I once got one for $30 from a flea market. It was fun, but the controller only had eight of its nine buttons and Mario was blue for some reason.

The Sony PlayStation Classic is the latest in a small parade of officially licensed self-contained retro consoles. It rolls up 20 old-school PlayStation games—Tekken 3 and Rayman—with a pair of controllers, and a mini version of the original, iconic gray console that debuted in 1995.

It even comes in a box that has the feel of an old console box. While I typically think packaging design is a somewhat overrated feature in the gadget world, I like the box the PlayStation Classic comes in. It’s the kind of package that’s fun to see when you rip off the colorful wrapping paper. It takes you back to getting a console for Christmas if you were lucky enough to experience that, or helps make up for the console you never got.

Is it fun to play?

There are 20 games on the PlayStation classic and while some of them are hits, others are slightly perplexing. Cool Boarders 2 is an obvious classic (I’m not being sarcastic) and Final Fantasy VII is the kind of game that can eat up hundreds of hours before you realize how addicting it is. Tekken 3 is still incredibly fun, and Metal Gear Solid is the so good you don’t even really need to rely on nostalgia to enjoy it.

Some titles, though, like Intelligent Qube, don’t have the same iconic status. This was an awkward phase for games as they transitioned into more 3D worlds. Without the novelty of newness, the awkward movements and camera wackiness can be more distracting than exciting. It would have been awesome to see some other truly iconiPlayStationon titles, like the original Tony Hawk Pro Skater or Tomb Raider, which was one of the quintessential PlayStation titles. But, licensing is hard. Crash Bandicoot, for instance, would have been amazing on a machine like this, but the franchise just got a total remaster for the Nintendo Switch, which obviously took priority over a retro console.

Are the controllers any good?

The controllers are one of the best elements of the PlayStation Classic. They aren’t flimsy and you get a pair of them in the box. If Sony really wanted to nail the old PlayStation feeling, they should have included one really good controller and another off-brand controller that was slightly broken so you could make your brother, neighbor, cousin, or whoever else was unlucky enough to be player two have to use it.

Seriously, though, the controllers are great. They don’t have the DualShock joysticks for easier 3D movement, but the original Playstation pads didn’t either and none of them games really require them. Each controller plugs into the console via USB, so you can plug them into a PC if you want as well, which is nice added value.

Do you get any extra features?

With other retro consoles like the Nintendo SNES Classic, you get a few extra bells and whistles to go with the gameplay experience, like the ability to rewind during a game if you screw up and don’t want to have to endure playing a dreaded game over again. The PlayStation Classic, however, offers a mostly stock experience. You can only save one game per title to pick up where you left off. You can’t have multiple saves. And the menu system is fine, but it’s not quite as polished as the Nintendo machines.

Careful buying it for your kids

I have two children who are almost the same age as I was when I got the original PlayStation back in the neon-filled days of the mid-90s. And while they enjoyed playing with the PlayStation Classic, they didn’t seem to understand why I thought it was so fun to try and pull somewhat lame snowboard tricks with a jaggy character in a game that could clearly never compete with the UHD 4K Xbox One and Playstation 4 graphics they’re used to.

They played each of the games a little and then bailed to see what else they could play. That wasn’t an option when I was a kid. When I got a $60 game, that was my entertainment for the foreseeable future. So, the obvious choice was to spend hours grinding away random encounters to level up my Final Fantasy characters or trying to unlock all the hidden characters in Cool Boarders 2. That’s not the case anymore, so building those obsessive relationships with classic games is a lot harder to do.

Should you buy it?

If you’re a rational consumer, then your buying decision should be a simple matter of looking at the list of games. If any of them send you careening down memory lane like a driver who had too much wassail at the office holiday party, then this product is meant for you. If you’re just looking for some classic games to play and you don’t have specific affinity for any of these, then something like the Sega Genesis Classics collection, which gets you 53 games for $30 (and that’s retail without any holiday discounts, which are abundant this time of year) might be a better bet.

If you’re buying it for a gift, though, it’s hard to beat something like this. Sure, it would be a lot more attractive at $80, but the fact that it comes with two controllers makes it a gift that’s immediately fun. You open it and want to hook it up right away. And now that you’re an adult, you can play it until 3 AM without having to sit next to the system with the TV on silent so you can quickly turn it off if you hear your parents coming out to the kitchen for some water.

Written By Stan Horaczek

#Technology

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matthewlofthouse94 · 6 years

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In this part of my Photographic Practice module I was introduced to the basic concepts video making with DSLR cameras and Adobe Premiere Pro software.

Moving image is an important part of contemporary photojournalism. There is the old saying “a picture can say a thousand words”, whereas a video can tell a full story. Videos are seen alongside photos in news articles online more and more due to their compatibility with the internet. Away from photojournalism, moving image is used in documentaries to tell deeper stories about people or places. The onset of high-definition video recording capabilities on DSLR cameras made a lot of working photojournalists incorporate video making into their skills, and the majority of modern employers will expect that skill.

Moving image and still image can work together to tell a story and tell it in the best possible way. Video is capable of telling the full story but this format isn’t compatible with printed news unlike it’s photo counterpart. It also takes a lot longer to upload and process video and not everyone has time to view them in comparison to a photo. These cons make still photography key and more popular in photojournalism but using both is the most effective way to do the job of storytelling through images.

Mobile Phone 5×5 Video

The days of filming on a big video camera are long gone now due the onset of compact cameras and smart phones with video recording capabilities. Footage recorded by members of the general public on their phones are often seen in news stories online. A working photojournalist will be sure to have his/her phone fully charged and capable of video recording even if they have a DSLR camera with them. There are numerous video editing apps available on mobile phones now which you can use to build up a short film or montage to tell a full story if one clip isn’t enough.

In class we were set a task to create our own 5×5 video shot using our mobile phones and edited with a dedicated phone app. I used my Samsung S6 which has a camera capable of recording in full HD and the app Adobe Premiere Clip, the phone app version of the professional standard computer software app Adobe Premiere Pro. A 5×5 video is a 25 second long film made up from 5 five second clips. The idea is to tell a narrative through the clips which will be silent with a short piece of music played over the top of the video.

We had a short period of time to complete the task so I headed down to the centre of the campus where the library caught my eye with its lines/patterns and I decided to make my film there. I walked down the aisle of books with my phone handheld, holding it steady to minimise camera shake. I got a couple of handheld videos scanning down and then across the book shelves until I found a book I liked I then stood the phone up against a book a shelf and recorded myself picking up a book and looking through it. I then repeated this but with myself sat down reading the book this time from a different angle.

With five clips recorded I opened up Adobe Premiere Clip and created a new project titled In the Library. The five clips were added in chronological order and tweaked to last 5 seconds max as I had gone over by a few seconds on some of the clips as I didn’t have an assistant to press the buttons for me when I was in the video. Adobe Premiere Clip offers free music for short films and I picked a simple gentle sounding instrumental to accompany the video. Now finished, I exported the video to the my phone gallery so it could be viewed properly.

DSLR 3 Second Clip

Although phones are capable of recording in HD and have practical benefits, the DSLR camera is capable of recording higher quality footage and gives you full control over filming. Our class were tasked with filming a 3 second video each that would be put together later in a montage. The video had to tell the viewer something about you in just the 3 seconds. I used a Canon 5d Mark II to record the footage with, which I booked out from the university stores.

I used a class 10 compact flash card in the camera as recording video without interruption requires an SD or CF card with this speed class. I decided to set up the camera by my desk facing my laptop as I edit some sports photography. Editing photos is what I do in the majority of my spare time so I thought it was suitable enough. Another key point with DSLR video recording is to set the camera to PAL as this is the widely recognised UK and European standard.

As I was editing a photo of a goalkeeper at the time I decided to put my own goalie gloves and football next to the laptop with one of my cameras and telephoto lens which I used to photograph the goalkeeper with. It is a powerful camera great for still and moving image. I used it on manual and used settings similar to what I would use for a photo. Aperture f/2.8 with a focus on the laptop screen had a nice shallow DoF effect. An ultra fast shutter wasn’t required so 1/60th and ISO-1600 exposed the recording clearer. After recording 3 seconds of myself clicking the mouse I uploaded the footage from the camera’s compact flash card to my laptop and sent it in to my course leader.

Deadline Video

We completed a workshop in class to further our skills in teamwork and DSLR video recording. The objective was to create a short 20 second video which suited the title “Deadline”. I teamed up with a classmate and we split into two roles with myself as the subject of the video and my classmate as the cameraman. We worked together on composition and a story line. We spent 30 minutes shooting the subject from different angles and acting to suit our story line. The story involving the subject working hard on the computer to meet his deadline before the computer frustratingly crashes.

https://vimeo.com/243959001

We decided on some clever angles and what was good and bad in the footage before the footage was edited in Adobe Premiere Pro by my classmate who turned it into a comical short film with text, music and effects. Notice the number of clips, there’s 8 in a mini twenty second film, this can be multiplied and seen as 48 clips in a two minute short film. Lots of clips keep the viewer interested and the variety of angles used keep the viewer even more interested, even if the story is good the correct filming and tight editing can combine with the good story and form a great film.

Skateboard editing on Premiere Pro

I got to know the layout and effects of Adobe Premiere Pro better through a workshop where we were given footage from an already finished skateboard film. The completed film was over 6 minutes long and featured long clips of various boarders skating. I opened Premiere Pro and created a new project with the name Skateboard Film. In Premiere with it’s windowed layout I placed the film into the timeline and I used the slice tool to cut up all the clips. After slicing I rearranged the order of the clips and sliced some of them to make them shorter by clearing. Premiere Pro is well known for crashing a lot so I was sure to save my project at 10 minute intervals.

Now I had the clips in an order that I liked I went into the colour menu and edited the exposure of some clips. The editing menu allowed me to perform some effects on clips in the Effects Controls. The band above the timeline turned yellow and sometimes red in parts as I make edits. When this happens the video can playback roughly so a Render is required to make it playback smoothly again. Happy with my edit of the skateboard film I exported it with the format H.264 and the preset YouTube 1080p and I selected the Maximum Render Quality option. It took a few minutes to process before I could view the video which came out complete with high-definition.

My Film

As I photograph a lot of sports I decided to make my short film on that subject. Taking advantage of the university’s sports park which hosts BUCS League games every Wednesday. I created a short music led film featuring the university men’s and women’s rugby.

I have photographed rugby at the USW Sports Park before, it is a short train ride from Cardiff Queens Street station near my campus to Treforest Estate where the sports park is only a short walk from. I am a rugby fan and I used to play the sport myself before I began photographing it so I have a good understanding of how the sport is played. I booked out a Canon 5d Mark II with a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens and a tripod with a panning head. I headed to the park on a Wednesday as this day of BUCS sports. The British Universities and Colleges Sport organisation run leagues in numerous sports and the matches usually take place on Wednesdays. I decided that a film about the rugby could lead to a series of films about different sports.

On the day I shot my footage there was two rugby union games happening. The USW Women’s 1XV hosted the University of Exeter Women’s 2XV on one pitch, whilst the USW Men’s 2XV welcomed Clwb Rygbi Tawe. Both matches kicked off at the same time adjacent to one another so I arrived half an hour before KO and began recording establishing footage. When the games started I spent the whole 80 minutes recording action footage and then at the end I caught some post match video of the teams reflecting on their game. The 24-77mm was great for recording establishing shots but it wasn’t very useful when the match action was on the opposite side of the pitch to me. Luckily I had my own 75-300mm f/5.6 lens in my backpack which I fixed on to the camera for better match action.

First edit

I shot 67 recordings whilst I was at the sports park, more than 15 minutes worth of footage. I uploaded the footage to a folder on my laptop and created a new project in Premiere Pro with the clips. I created three bins to better organise my clips, titled Action, Pans, and Close-ups respectively. I then went through every clip with markers to choose which part of each clip I wanted to use and then I added them to the timeline. Chronological order seemed best and although I didn’t use all 67 clips I still added enough to amount to 5 minutes worth of footage. I used the slice tool to clear some seconds off certain clips to make them shorter before I added a title and credits and the film was ready to be exported at 3 minutes long exactly. I completed some colour edits to increase exposure on clips that required it and turned a couple of clips into black and white to make the film less one dimensional.

I showed this first edit to a couple of my classmates and my course leader and they all returned some constructive feedback. The music was mentioned by all of them as it picks up tempo at the wrong time and during the rugby action the tempo isn’t fast enough to suit the footage. The use of black and white was seen as unnecessary which I agreed with as the film was dimensional enough in full colour. The length of certain clips was seen as too long in this edit and cutting off seconds or milliseconds could increase their effect and keep the viewer interested. The final comments made were on the title text being too big and that the rolling credits would work better as fixed credits.

Second edit

I went back to my project and cut more seconds off footage including a deep cut of the two clips showing rugby tunnel with the players clapping each other. That took nearly 30 seconds off the video, which combined with further cuts with the slice tool the length of the film was down from 3 minutes to 1 minute 54 seconds. I made the size of the text in the title smaller and I made the credits shorter and fixed them. I changed the music completely and added two new songs, one slow tempo song which I split in two and used before/after the match action. I used a second song with a fast tempo for the action and for consistency I used songs by the same artist. The removal of the black and white effects and a couple of transitions for the change in the tempo were my final edits.

Feedback for the film now was much better, comments were made about how the music worked much better and the tighter clips kept the viewer interested for longer. The special edit where the kicker hits the ball at goal before it cuts to another clip of the ball going through the posts was pointed out for it’s better timing. My course leader said a couple of clips could be shortened even further. He also pointed out that the title which uses the USW Sports Park sign isn’t necessary when the third clip does the same effect.

Third and final edit

Making the third clip the first clip with a title text and scrapping the original opening clip was my only key change in this third edit following some good reactions to the previous edit. The music named in the credits was incorrect so I removed that and I didn’t include the two correct songs in the credits as they took up too much space. I continued to make some action clips shorter and the final edit came in at 1 minute 42 seconds long. I removed the two transitions where the music tempo changes to suit the action and I used just one instead to make the action hit the viewer better. Technically my objective was to create a video at least 2 minutes long and although this video falls short it suits it’s duration and keeps the viewer entertained throughout.

The final video was well received, one viewer said he could imagine seeing it on a rugby website. The tighter clips were well received as well as the change in title. I shared it with some of the rugby players who play at the sports park and they enjoyed watching it, they even thought of it as a decent advert for the rugby union on offer up there. The idea of a series of videos similar to this but covering a different sport each time is something that I think could work and be well received.

Following this work with DSLR cameras, phone cameras and applications like Adobe Premiere Pro and Adobe Premiere Clip I feel a lot more confident with my video making skills.

Photographic Practice: PART FOUR – Moving Image In this part of my Photographic Practice module I was introduced to the basic concepts video making with DSLR cameras and Adobe Premiere Pro software.

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madelinemurphy680-blog · 7 years

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Stand-up Paddle Boarding As A Great method To Work Out

My favorite Hawaiian word is "Mahalo." It means thank-you. So thank-you in advance for reading this article and sharing it with friends and family. Add me to your web site or blogs.. New camper trailers these days come with everything you need. They can be fitted with tents which pop up in a matter of minutes and they come with all the equipment you need. From a comfy spot to lay your head after a long day, to supply bottles and compartments to keep everything secure and even cooking equipment so you can enjoy a cuppa and supper under the stars. SUP enhances your balance. Should you already have excellent balance this particular sport is going to be that much simpler for you. If you don't have great balance, you may still do this activity and with period your balance may improve. The majority of sydny paddle boards tend to be large as well as stable. My personal board is actually 12 ft long as well as 31 in . wide. Not a problem! The act of sitting on the Board, paddling and achieving your body make use of many small and stand up paddle boards large muscle movements to help keep you focused and vertical through smooth water, in addition to small surf and large types, will help enhance your balance with time. Sadly even though the competitors had turned up, the wind hadn't. The early rounds of the event were postponed and it was day three by the time the contest finally got under way. Many amongst you are getting the "calling" to connect with Spirit. You may be from any walk of life, but it is God and the angels that we want you to walk with. It does not make a difference if you are devout, religious people, or if you are a proclaimed atheist. It makes no difference if you are from India, australia, the United States, Canada, Pakistan, or any other location on the surface of the earth. All of you can reach the pinnacle of perfection at any moment, as long as you do not fear or question why you have been chosen. Everyone is chosen, but not all heed the call to communicate with their Higher Self. Now, it is your turn to do that! Choosing the right surfboard can make a difference in how much you can enjoy your surfing. If you try to use a fish surfboard when you are not very skilled at surfing, you will quickly become frustrated. Stand up paddle boards are great for older people or people who are overweight because they do not require a great deal of strength or stamina. Soft surfboards may be great for an inexperienced surfer who is not very fit. If you entertain or have visitors at your home, you may want to keep some inexpensive soft surfboards around as it allows anyone to make a good attempt at surfing. Moving forward from the 60's SUP has been adopted by athletes looking for a good core workout. During low surf, surfers were also finding it to be a good training activity and ended up enjoying it so much they entered events and competitions specific to the sport. Some surfers have converted to stand up paddle boarding on the river because they find it easier to see incoming sets of waves. This leads to them actively catching more waves - and how can that be a bad thing? Modern-day riders looking for a challenge are even practicing the sport on rushing rivers, navigating the rapids and other obstacles. The one thing that stand up paddle boarding strongly necessitates is good balance. The SUP board is actually wider, thicker and a lot larger than most ordinary surf boards, plus it has one or more fins found at the bottom. If you're performing Stand-up paddle boarding for the first time, start by kneeling on the board in a vertical position while paddling at the same time. As soon as you are ready, you can rise and put your feet in the same evenly spread out and parallel position as were your knees. You would want to position yourself on the board with your mass somewhat centered on the board. And you simply paddle. That's it. It doesn't sound like performing much truly, and it doesn't even look very much when you watch someone do it, nevertheless, the key is what's happening inside your body. The player can choose to pick up cards from the deck or ones that were discarded by the previous player. Usually, players when they choose to discard their cards, they do it by discarding the ones of least value or a high value card in terms of penalty points. High value cards generally are calculated at https://www.thoughtco.com/introduction-to-sup-2555699 the end of each game. There seems to be an upsurge in interest in paddle boarding (stand up paddleboarding) on Lake Michigan in the past two or three years. I've seen them spring, summer and ... yes, even in winter. Just last week, just before going to work, I glanced out of my window and saw a paddle boarder on the lake. Naturally, I grabbed my camera and took a shot. paddle surfboards, hawaiian watersports kailua, internet dating online

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topfygad · 5 years

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Top 10 New Scams to Watch Out For While Traveling in Asia

Here is my list of these new scams and my advice on how to deal with them so you will be prepared during your travels!

1. Fake Taxi Meters

How to Avoid or Respond

If you find yourself in one of these taxis, wait for a public area with lots of people and politely but firmly say you wish to get out there. Once out, count your losses and find another taxi.

2. Guides/Drivers Promising one Thing and Delivering Another

How to Avoid or Respond

3. Taxis Kicking You Out Quickly Hoping You Will Leave Something

This one is common in China. You get in a cab and the driver frantically beckons you to get out. Since this is startling and quick moving, it is very easy to drop a phone or leave a purse in the cab.

How to Avoid or Respond

Be aware of the scam and always double check your surroundings before getting out of any transport vehicle. Drinking excessive amounts makes this scam much more likely to succeed.

4. Not Getting Change

How to Avoid or Respond

This one is pretty self-explanatory. Be aware and count your money, honey!

5. Unsafe Boats and Busses

How to Avoid or Respond

Ask to see the vehicle, talk with other tourists, and look up reviews of the company online. If the ride looks unsafe, demand your money back and find another. It isn’t worth being shy on this one.

6. Prices Too Good to be True? Tuk Tuk Tour Scams

How to Avoid or Respond

Be prepared to buy something or don’t take these tours.

7. Using Children as Bait: The Tour Giver or the Little Helper

How to Avoid or Respond

8. Border Crossing Scams

How to Avoid or Respond

9. Asking to Come Home and Play a Game Involving Money

How to Avoid or Respond

Politely decline to come over and ask if they want to have dinner at a restaurant instead.

10. People Pretending to be Official Ticket Checkers or Bag Carriers

How to Avoid or Respond

What is the craftiest scam you have heard about or been victim to while travel in Asia or other parts of the world?

from Cheapr Travels https://ift.tt/2KRxmPf via IFTTT

#IFTTT #Cheapr Travels

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topfygad · 5 years

Text

Top 10 New Scams to Watch Out For While Traveling in Asia

Here is my list of these new scams and my advice on how to deal with them so you will be prepared during your travels!

1. Fake Taxi Meters

How to Avoid or Respond

If you find yourself in one of these taxis, wait for a public area with lots of people and politely but firmly say you wish to get out there. Once out, count your losses and find another taxi.

2. Guides/Drivers Promising one Thing and Delivering Another

How to Avoid or Respond

3. Taxis Kicking You Out Quickly Hoping You Will Leave Something

This one is common in China. You get in a cab and the driver frantically beckons you to get out. Since this is startling and quick moving, it is very easy to drop a phone or leave a purse in the cab.

How to Avoid or Respond

Be aware of the scam and always double check your surroundings before getting out of any transport vehicle. Drinking excessive amounts makes this scam much more likely to succeed.

4. Not Getting Change

How to Avoid or Respond

This one is pretty self-explanatory. Be aware and count your money, honey!

5. Unsafe Boats and Busses

How to Avoid or Respond

Ask to see the vehicle, talk with other tourists, and look up reviews of the company online. If the ride looks unsafe, demand your money back and find another. It isn’t worth being shy on this one.

6. Prices Too Good to be True? Tuk Tuk Tour Scams

How to Avoid or Respond

Be prepared to buy something or don’t take these tours.

7. Using Children as Bait: The Tour Giver or the Little Helper

How to Avoid or Respond

8. Border Crossing Scams

How to Avoid or Respond

9. Asking to Come Home and Play a Game Involving Money

How to Avoid or Respond

Politely decline to come over and ask if they want to have dinner at a restaurant instead.

10. People Pretending to be Official Ticket Checkers or Bag Carriers

How to Avoid or Respond

What is the craftiest scam you have heard about or been victim to while travel in Asia or other parts of the world?

from Cheapr Travels https://ift.tt/2KRxmPf via https://ift.tt/2NIqXKN

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