Archive for September, 2009

Tips on How to Motivate a Team

Tuesday, September 15th, 2009

In many times of your life, you will need to lead people. The opportunities to do so, moreover, will not be few and far between. For instance, in school, you needed to push people to finish their work in your laboratory or group exercises so that you did not become the last group in class to pass your work. In the workplace, you often have to tell people how to work together, and remind them of deadlines constantly so that you are not behind on your workload.

Even your weekend getaways can be times and places where you need to motivate a team. You may need to push your family to get out of bed so that you can all go to church, or so that you can all get to the party in the next town just in time. Or you may have a group of friends who aren’t quite sure if they should go into business together, and you need to motivate them to start getting to work.

In other words, you will find no dearth of opportunities for you to learn how to motivate a team. With the many different personalities on the planet, it is not unlikely that the people on your team will have as many different personalities as there are members of your team. You need to not only make sure that these personalities do not clash, but push these team members to forget about their differences and produce output. Here are a few tips that you may want to consider when you start motivating your team.

So far, we’ve uncovered some interesting facts about Motivation. You may decide that the following information is even more interesting.

- Be firm, not pushy. The biggest mistake that managers make when they try to get their teams together is to emphasize the importance of output over everything else, personalities included. This can be a great way to get the job done of course, but if you have to keep reminding people every single day about how good they are, about how they should not mind each other’s quirks and idiosyncrasies, and about how they have to finish a job, then you can get sick on two different fronts. One, you can get emotionally worn out at having to keep on repeating yourself. Two, your team can simply just get sick of you.

- Be realistic with your deadlines. The day of the art of procrastination, and the myth of working best under pressure, is gone. If you are in school, then so be it, pull an all-nighter and get your work done. But if you are in the office, then you need to have some discipline. Treat your team members like adults, not slaves, and certainly not students. Don’t cut too close and give them short deadlines. Two different disasters may occur. Your team can either finish on time, but you can get poorly made output; or your team doesn’t finish it on time at all, and you don’t get the output that you need.

- For the best results, consult with your team. Recent research in social anthropology have shown that people will work best not when they are under pressure, but when they are empowered to do things themselves. This concept of participation and engagement is gaining ground in many different fields, from management to education. Keep this in mind when you are trying to motivate your team: consult with it on what deadlines will work best, negotiate these deadlines, talk to them about work output, and give them the power to decide things on their own. If you empower people, you can motivate them easily.

- Have some rewards ready for a job well done and make sure that your team knows about these rewards.

Those who only know one or two facts about Motivation can be confused by misleading information. The best way to help those who are misled is to gently correct them with the truths you’re learning here.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit my latest venture: GVO to claim your $1 trial membership!

Security Cameras In Daycare Centers

Sunday, September 13th, 2009

Recently, daycare centers have started to put security cameras in their facilities in and attempt to give parents a better peace of mind. All the parents of the child in daycare has to do is use the URL that is given to them when they enroll their child, then they have access to the security camera that is set up within the facility

Unfortunately by doing this, some daycares are now charging more for enrollment, but parents say it is worth it if, they can use the means to the security camera to view their child. Security cameras also provide evidence, whether the daycare staff is abusing or neglecting the children. Knowing the security cameras are on them changes their attitude as well.

So, with the use of security cameras in daycares the facilities around the United States are catching on, and many are following step by installing them as well. With the use of security cameras daycare centers hope their enrollments will rise as they were declining at the beginning of last year. Hopefully the use of security cameras the enrollment will increase once again, because parents will be able to view their children. Security cameras are kept well out of the reach of the children however, also with the use of security cameras, the managers and owners of the daycare centers can see that their staff are treating the children the proper way as well.

Sometimes the most important aspects of a subject are not immediately obvious. Keep reading to get the complete picture.

In the past daycare centers’ staff have mistreated children, so with the use of these security cameras it will now be easier to control. And to know which daycare centers are up to know good. With the use of security camera parents and guardians of children in daycare centers have the option of going to a website and actually viewing their children at the daycare at any given time of the day. This puts parents as well as guardians at rest in their minds knowing their children are safe and are not being mistreated.

It also allows them to find out if they are and bring charges against the daycare center or take other action. One thing they definitely would do obviously, is take their child out of the daycare center. However, if employees know the security cameras are in place and that the parents are able to view the actions of the employees they are less apt to mistreat or neglect any of the children at the daycare. So, this in fact works both ways.

In a way those daycare centers that decide not to go with security cameras in my opinion, will be the ones to avoid. It makes them look as though they are hiding something. Something they would rather other people not see. Security cameras installed in daycare centers have also attracted the use of security cameras in preschool facilities as well. Although there aren’t nearly as many preschool facilities installing the security cameras as there are day care centers.

Everyone knows this idea of security cameras actually cane about as an idea when all the grief on the news aired about neglected children in day care centers. Security cameras in daycare centers; that is a good idea.

Sometimes it’s tough to sort out all the details related to this subject, but I’m positive you’ll have no trouble making sense of the information presented above.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit my latest venture: GVO to claim your $1 trial membership!

Gearing Up for Skydiving

Sunday, September 13th, 2009

There’s more to skydiving gear than just a couple of weights and jumpsuits. There are other accessories that you will need if you want to jump safely high up in the air. Here are the things you need to have around to get into this extreme sport.

Altitude Helpers

One of the most essential gadgets for a skydiver is an altimeter and there are a lot of varieties to choose from. Choose an altimeter that is easy to read and comes with a warranty. Buy from stores that offer a lifetime warranty. This is especially helpful just in case you accidentally drop it in the creeper pad.

Audible Warning Devices

These devices may not be as important but wearing this when you skydive can give you security benefits. You may not depend on it so much but having a warning device that alarms when you exceed your altitude is definitely helpful. These are particularly useful if you are a skydiver who wants to get into freefly, flat-fly and breaking off high. This gadget helps because every freefall time changes every time you dive.

If you’re serious about freeflying most professionals advice that you must have an audible as a safety gear that guides you when you travel in higher speeds.

Audible devices can come in different kinds from the basic models to the more advanced which actually turns into a log book that records freefall time and speed and sync up with your computer as part of your statistics. In fact the more features an audible device has, the more expensive it is.

Protective Helmets

You may not consider everything you just read to be crucial information about Skydiving. But don’t be surprised if you find yourself recalling and using this very information in the next few days.

Another essential skydiver’s gear is a helmet. Should you decide on purchasing one then you should consider safety and comfort. Do take the time on finding one that fits you perfectly. For extra protection, you can purchase a full-face helmet. This accessory is good for those who wear contact lenses.

On the other hand, going with open-faced helmets let’s you communicate better because your face is more exposed. But wearing open-faced helmets exposes both your mouth and jaw. Another pair of goggles would have to be purchased to get more protection.

Another protective accessory is the leather frappe hats. These hats are essential for a skydiver but give little protection when it comes to injuries. This is a great choice especially if you’re an experienced diver.

Glove Protection

Gloves are necessary to protect your hands. Wearing one protects you from scratches, burns, accidents and the cold weather. Get one that is thick enough so that it protects you from the cold and thin enough so that you’re still sensitive enough to feel your handles. To get the perfect glove to skydive, purchase one from a specialty store and not your regular sports shop.

Hook Knives Safety

Having hook knives around is necessary for skydiving. You’ll need this should you encounter a line-over malfunction with you reserve chute. There are lots of hook knives to choose from. Choose the ones that you not only prefer but that is handy enough to fit your rig. Never place your hook knife near your chest area because you’ll lose it right away.

The best place for this gadget is right in your leg. Keep your knife blades sharp by not using it for other purposes.

You can’t predict when knowing something extra about Skydiving will come in handy. If you learned anything new about Skydiving in this article, you should file the article where you can find it again.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit my latest venture: GVO to claim your $1 trial membership!

Reasons for Relocation

Sunday, September 13th, 2009

When most people think of Relocation, what comes to mind is usually basic information that’s not particularly interesting or beneficial. But there’s a lot more to Relocation than just the basics.

There are a number of reasons why people consider relocation but whatever they may be, one thing is for sure, it is pretty big. After all, relocating means not only leaving what you have been so familiar with, you will also be essentially saying goodbye to your family, friends and even loved ones. You will be saying goodbye to routines and the comfort zone that you have been so used to. This is perhaps why a lot of people find relocation a stressful thing to do. Not only will you need to take care of a million details, you also need to face the fact that you will be in an unknown town and you need to start your life all over again. If that does not care anyone, I don’t know what will!

But there are reasons that are just too hard to say no to. Sometimes, you really need to leave in order to arrive at the place that you need to find. Here are some of the reasons when relocation is just essential.

1. Better opportunity
Sometimes, no matter how much you try, you just cannot get ahead in your chosen field not because you are not smart enough but because there is no more place to go up. Small town companies remain small unless they are part of a large corporation or gobbled up by a big corporation. If that is the case, the solution is often to relocate to another area, a bigger town or a city to find better opportunity there. Before you leave though, it is better that you already have a job waiting for you but if there is not, you can always take the risk and just leave town.

It’s really a good idea to probe a little deeper into the subject of Relocation. What you learn may give you the confidence you need to venture into new areas.

2. Leaving home
Sometimes in order to grow, you need to be on your own and learn to deal with life on your own terms. Most teenagers do this. They leave their small towns and stay in cities to find their luck there. Some make it big. Others don’t. But despite that, all of those who left home have managed to mature and learn the ropes about living. That’s the plan, anyhow so few are actually complaining. They did learn a lot throughout the whole experience.

3. Family relocation
When you are still young and at the mercy of your parents, you don’t really have much of a choice when it comes to moving. When one parent gets a better job offer in one continent or gets reassigned to another state, you don’t really have a choice but to go for it. It’s a family thing.

4. Education
Getting a scholarship is a pretty big thing no matter where the school is. So if you get an offer for one, don’t hesitate even if it means leaving home for a while. Remember that many people want to study but are not able to because of the rising costs of tuition. Being able to do so for free is a good deal and relocation is a small price to pay to get that.

Make sure though that before you plan, check out the offer and make sure that it will also include the cost of living, the house and the food. Otherwise, you need to think twice especially if you do not have the budget for such relocation.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit my latest venture: GVO to claim your $1 trial membership!

Narcolepsy: The sleeping disease

Friday, September 11th, 2009

There are over 3 million cases of narcolepsy and is estimated by medical reports that 200,000 Americans, but just under 50,000 are actually officially diagnosed by a doctor. It has been said that it’s widespread like the neurological disease Parkinson’s disorder. This condition is usually recognized in both men and women at any age, yet the symptoms are usually first noticed in teenagers and younger age adults usually in their 20s and early 30s.

It’s been noted that there is a 15-year between the onset and actual diagnosis of the problem, which has contributed to the debilitating features of this particular disorder. Those who deal with narcolepsy have a plethora of cognitive, educational, occupational, and psychological issues that can arise from this problem. The presence of narcolepsy is 1 in 2000 people and is also found in people with diagnosed learning disabilities and currently the treatment options are very limited.

The studies that were conducted for this concluded that this problem is constantly under diagnosed in the general population in society. Some narcoleptics don’t show any signs visibly and the severity of the condition varies from person to person.

This is where medical science has its blunders because of the fact that this condition is so under diagnosed that it’s hard to really get a grasp of the severity of this problem, because it varies in levels from noticeable to barely obvious.

If you don’t have accurate details regarding Sleep Disorders, then you might make a bad choice on the subject. Don’t let that happen: keep reading.

Polysonogram and Multiple Sleep Latency exams are the two tests that are done to give a formal and correct diagnostic approach to the condition and usually this is where the diagnosis presents the level of severity so that it’s properly noted by a specialist to ensure a proper treatment plan for that person. Tests are conducted in two-hour increments to allow the person to sleep and usually the polysonogram test does a continuous test of brain activity when it’s in REM sleep mode when sleep happens at night.

Usually most narcoleptics fall asleep in nighttime sleep mode fairly quickly. There are several methods of treatments for people with narcolepsy and usually it consists of anti-depressants and planned short-timed naps have also been helpful to lower the dependence on medicinal treatments and allowing the body to do what it should be doing naturally. Retraining the body to sleep at a reasonable time has helped those with narcolepsy to recognize sleeping at night and taking short naps during the day so that their body stays alert because a lot of narcoleptics have been putting themselves and others at risk when they fall asleep during their normal work day or even driving or operating machinery.

With the new wave of holistic medicine being readily available to help people with conditions from skin to psychological issues. Narcoleptics can also work with a treatment plan that includes a change in diet and incorporating exercise and taking nutritional supplements and formulas to give someone added nutrition if they’re not getting enough from the food they eat.

Narcolepsy is manageable if you follow the doctor’s instructions and taking medications when you’re supposed to and following therapy plans that are designed for that person to follow to the last detail.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit my latest venture: GVO to claim your $1 trial membership!

A Touch of Africa in the Taste of the West

Thursday, September 10th, 2009

Are you looking for some inside information on Silver Pendants? Here’s an up-to-date report from Silver Pendants experts who should know.

The jewelry that is in vogue changes from year to year as designers attempt to out-do each other in a game of one-upmanship. In the western world jewelry styles have undergone a complete makeover. Where once before jewelry was expected to be sedate and inconspicuous men and women of the west are learning what the men and women of the African countries have known for years; there is more to life than being sedate.

African-themed designs, particularly those from regions in South Africa, are all the rage in silver jewelry these days. With their flamboyant designs and brilliant colors the African nations have introduced a new era in silver jewelry. African jewelry draws heavily on nature; both the nature of the world around them and the nature of the human body. It is important when considering African pendants to recall that most of the citizens in South Africa do not share the same self-consciousness with regards to their bodies as the men and women of the Western nation. This is exemplified by their clothing; traditional African clothing is nowhere near as constrictive as traditional western wear. As a result of this lack of self-consciousness the African people draw heavily on the human body for inspiration in creating their jewelry. This is especially true of women; fertility icons and various other symbols of fertility are created from the unclothed image of the female body. While this may seem shocking to the women of the west, who are taught to view their bodies as something which must be hidden from view, the use of the female body in jewelry as a symbol of love and fertility is becoming more widely accepted.

Sometimes the most important aspects of a subject are not immediately obvious. Keep reading to get the complete picture.

The world around them also contributes heavily to African inspiration when it comes to designing their jewelry, a trend that is also working its way west as jewelry trends turn from the sedate and Christian to the outrageous and worldly. Suns, moons, stars and animals factor heavily in South African jewelry, drawing the wearer back to the days when the inhabitants of Africa lived beneath the sun with nothing but their wits between themselves and the elements. This jewelry often contains a raw quality despite the skill of its artistry designed to appeal to the heart of the wearer.

Perhaps the most popular of all of the South African jewelry designs, particularly pendants, are those created from ancient tribal symbols. Prior to the advent of the religion of technology African tribes paid homage to the forces of nature. This homage was reflected in the symbols painted by their tribe. Unlike many western designs, African tribal symbols all carry with them a deeper meaning. They were designed to speak to the gods and goddesses, mark an individual with their station in life and grant to the bearer of the symbol various new strengths and abilities not previously possessed. Their exotic nature and possible metaphysical properties are drawing those who wish to step outside the boundaries of their own narrow upbringing to them like a moth to the flame.

Of course, it’s impossible to put everything about Silver Pendants into just one article. But you can’t deny that you’ve just added to your understanding about Silver Pendants, and that’s time well spent.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit my latest venture: GVO to claim your $1 trial membership!

How to Become a Harley Davidson Motorcycle Service Technician

Tuesday, September 8th, 2009

This interesting article addresses some of the key issues regarding Harley Davidson. A careful reading of this material could make a big difference in how you think about Harley Davidson.

If you love Harley Davidson motorcycles and enjoy working with your hands, you can earn a good living as a motorcycle service technician. There are several trade schools across the U.S. that specialize in motorcycle service and repair. Programs take between 12 and 18 months to complete and classes can be attended at the institutes or through correspondence and online.

One of the most recognized motorcycle service technician programs is offered at WyoTech. Students are taught to diagnose, service and repair modern motorcycles, and given the option to choose the motorcycle manufacturer of their choice. Wyotech offers motorcycle service and repair classes in Daytona Beach, Florida and Fremont, California.

At the Baran Institute of Technology, you’ll receive hands-on training with various brands of motorcycles. As a student, you’ll get up close and personal with the intricacies of motorcycle service and repair. From the engine to the exhaust system, and clutches to electrical systems, this 75.5 quarter credit hour program is designed to prepare you to enter the world of motorcycle service and repair. Class size is limited to 20 students and the program can be completed within one year.

Motorcycle Mechanics Institute offers a unique program to Harley-Davidson enthusiasts. MMI’s Motorcycle Technician program addresses the basics of motorcycle repair and service on a full range of motorcycles. Students learn in a classroom environment and through hands-on training. After completion of the prerequisite training, students choose 12 weeks or more of elective course training.

Harley Davidson course electives include:

- Harley Davidson Early Model Technology – focuses on repair and restoration of motorcycles dating back to 1936.

- Harley Davidson Late Model Technology – Training to become an entry level Harley-Davidson motorcycle technician.

- Screamin’ Eagle – Focuses on the Screamin’ Eagle performance motorcycle.

- V-Rod Motorcyle – Focuses on the award-winning VRSCA (V-Rod) motorcycle.

- Buell – Focuses on design, technology and engineering of Buell motorcycles.

It’s really a good idea to probe a little deeper into the subject of Harley Davidson. What you learn may give you the confidence you need to venture into new areas.

Motorcycle Mechanics Institute offers the only certificate course in the nation that’s officially sponsored by the Harley-Davidson Motor Company. Classes are offered in Orlando, Florida.

Penn Foster Career School offers distance learning classes, which are conducted online and through print publications. Students have access to instructors and a toll-free instructional support hotline. If necessary, Penn Foster can help potential students earn their GED. Motorcycle technician training can be completed in nine months and financial assistance is available.

Professional Career Development Institute is a nationally accredited correspondence school founded in 1987. PCDI does not require any educational prerequisites to get started as a motorcycle service and repair technician. Students learn about each part, each system and how the entire motorcycle works. Courses can be completed in a matter of months. Upon completion of training, graduates receive a nationally accredited diploma.

With the ever-rising cost of gasoline, motorcycles are quickly becoming a favorite mode of transportation. Over the course of the next decade, more and more people will be riding motorcycles so the need for service technicians will increase. Additionally, there is an ever-growing need for motorcycle mechanics in the field of motorcycle racing.

Regardless of your choice of learning institution, becoming a certified motorcycle repair and service technician can provide you with an exciting and rewarding career.

Contact Information:

Wyotech – www.wyotech.com
888-577-7559

Baran Institute – www.baraninstitute.com
800-243-4242

Motorcycle Mechanics Institute – www.uticorp.com
800-859-7249

Penn Foster Career School – www.pennfoster.edu
800-275-4410

Professional Career Development Institute – www.pcdi.com
800-417-2407

Those who only know one or two facts about Harley Davidson can be confused by misleading information. The best way to help those who are misled is to gently correct them with the truths you’re learning here.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit my latest venture: GVO to claim your $1 trial membership!

Why Self-Motivation is Important?

Tuesday, September 8th, 2009

Motivation keeps people moving. This is one thing that helps them achieve goals that they have set for themselves. However, not all people are able to motivate themselves easily. There are those that who rely or depend on other people or experiences just to keep them going. Although getting motivation from other people or experiences might work, it is best if one learns how to motivate himself or herself on their own.

GETTING STARTED WITH SELF-MOTIVATION

Self-motivation is a process where one needs lots of reflection and self-assessment. These are very important because it will help the person to know what are his or her strengths as well as his or her weaknesses. If one know what are his or her strengths, that person will be able to continue what he or she is doing and even enhance it. On the other hand, knowing one’s weaknesses is as equally as important because through this, the person will know what are the areas he or she should improve on. If one knows his or her weaknesses, he or she might be able to turn these into opportunities that will make him or her successful in the future.

If you base what you do on inaccurate information, you might be unpleasantly surprised by the consequences. Make sure you get the whole Motivation story from informed sources.

If you are one of those who would want to get started on self-motivation, the first thing that you need to set your mind into it. By having a mindset that you would want to get started on self-motivation and stick with it until you are successful, you will be inspired to aim for greater heights. Setting your mind into something will help you look forward to the results of what you are aiming for. For you to have a proper mindset, it is best to clear your mind from negative thoughts so you can think clearly. Once you have done this, you will have an idea where to start with self-motivation.

The next best thing to do is to start with small and simple tasks. Self-motivation might be easy for some but for others, this is a very difficult feat to achieve. For people who feel that starting with self-motivation can be overwhelming, it is best to start with small and simple goals to achieve. If one starts small and simple, he or she will be able to accomplish these goals the easier and faster way. If simple goals are set and achieved this early, you will be able to earn self-confidence that you will need in facing greater and bigger challenges ahead of you.

Another thing that can help you get started with self-motivation is to continue learning different things. If you don’t stop learning new things, you will be able to acquire new skills that can help you achieve the goals you have set for yourself. Learning different things will also open you up to other opportunities that you never thought that exist. When you continue exploring, you will never know what is in store for you. Who knows? If you continue discovering new things, you will find your niche to success eventually?

Experts agree that self-motivation is a very important factor for people who are aiming for success in their lives. This is also important because it gives the person a sense of freedom in choosing paths that he or she has to take. Through self-motivation, people are given the chance to maneuver or control their own lives which in the future, will help them be the best persons that they want to be.

This article’s coverage of the information is as complete as it can be today. But you should always leave open the possibility that future research could uncover new facts.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit my latest venture: GVO to claim your $1 trial membership!

Security Cameras Can Provide Safety

Monday, September 7th, 2009

The best course of action to take sometimes isn’t clear until you’ve listed and considered your alternatives. The following paragraphs should help clue you in to what the experts think is significant.

For some home owners who want the idea of feeling safer have security cameras installed over their garages aimed at the driveway or street, and possibly another one over their door entrance. Or at the back door entrance of the home.
Often times these security cameras are basic, and some simply record surveillance, while others can show real time viewing. The idea of having a security camera allows the home owners to feel at peace knowing the camera is installed.

Most of the time if an intruder sees the security camera he or she will do everything possible to avoid the camera, and in essence feel as though there are other additional security measures taken on the house. Such as door alarms or window alarms. In this case an intruder would initially leave the premises trying to avoid being seen on the security camera.

Another reason home owners have security cameras installed might be if they travel a lot , the security cameras video the surroundings while they are away and if any type of vandalism or break in does occur, the appropriate measures can be taken.

How can you put a limit on learning more? The next section may contain that one little bit of wisdom that changes everything.

Some apartment complexes have security cameras at the entrance of the establishments for safety reasons as well. Each time a vehicle or person goes through the entrance the security camera oversees, and often times the security cameras can be set to move after a few minutes then move again. At least at one point of a camera’s movement in such an area like an apartment complex, the security camera will aim for the tags of vehicles. This is often successful for safety precautions when vehicles that don’t belong in the complex are recorded or viewed on the security camera.

Security cameras are used in several different areas for safety purposes. Although in some cases, the cameras are out of view of the public eye. Security cameras are a good source of watching what is going on exactly and no one can lie about incidents that might occur. Especially in heavily populated areas. Security cameras have increased in use by almost 60% over the last decade. By retailers as well as private use.

So the fact remains obvious that security cameras being used do provide safety measures for a lot of people, even those who don’t really like the idea of security cameras being in use. They feel although in some ways it does interfere with their right to privacy they realize the increase of the acts of violence in the United States today. Therefore, they are not going to complain.

If a security camera is in a parking lot and their car is stolen in most cases it can be retrieved, not to mention they have that peace of mind of walking to their cars under surveillance and know that there is a lower risk of being attacked or abducted by someone intending to harm them or hurt them in order to gain access to their belongings or their vehicle. There’s just too much crime to not have security cameras in most places today.

Hopefully the sections above have contributed to your understanding of Security Cameras. Share your new understanding about Security Cameras with others. They’ll thank you for it.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit my latest venture: GVO to claim your $1 trial membership!

The Roots of Modern Skydiving

Monday, September 7th, 2009

The best course of action to take sometimes isn’t clear until you’ve listed and considered your alternatives. The following paragraphs should help clue you in to what the experts think is significant.

The past few decades have seen a dramatic rise in public interest in skydiving as both a sport and recreational activity. Once viewed as a prohibitively dangerous activity for lunatics and thrill-seekers, modern safety standards and copious information available through different media has made parachuting much more accessible. Exactly how did this sport develop?

Ancient Ancestors

People have always dreamed of flying, and this has pushed many to do quite foolish and exciting acts. Several countries have legends of people gliding to safety from a high point with the use of a large cloth to slow their descent. Most of the legends involve robbers and thieves, but one notable exception is Emperor Shun of China. He reportedly escaped from a burning tower by tying several large straw hats together.

The Chinese are credited with the invention of the parachute, with records describing the device from as far back as 100 BC. Arabian texts also mention similar apparatus in the 12th century. Parachute-like drawings have been found in the notebooks of several medieval and renaissance inventors and engineers, the most notable among them Da Vinci’s pyramidal sketch from 1485.

Great Grandfathers of Parachuting

Early parachutists jumped from high towers and cliffs, with mostly unfortunate results. Materials and deployment technology was still lacking compared to the benefits enjoyed by modern BASE jumpers. In order to survive a jump using these antiquated parachutes, people had to get higher up. That just wasn’t possible until the Montgolfier brothers had the brilliant idea of hot air balloon flight.

Hopefully the information presented so far has been applicable. You might also want to consider the following:

Unsurprisingly, the first official parachute jump was performed by someone from the same country. Frenchman André-Jacques Garnerin invented the frameless parachute (previous incarnations had the cloth held stable by wooden armatures) and performed his pioneering jump from a hot air balloon in 1797. His jumps also paved the way for the invention of the parachute vent to improve stability. Jeanne-Geneviève, his wife, is credited as being the first female parachutist, and is reputed to have preferred the gliding parachute.

Jumping from Airplanes

Jumping from balloons became a fixture of carnivals and daredevil acts until the invention of the airplane in 1903. Parachute development had continued with the invention of the harness and the pilot chute in the late 19th century. These innovations proved quite useful to the first plane jumpers, a distinction shared by both Grant Morton and Captain Albert Berry in 1912.

Trusting in a scrap of cloth was still considered a dangerous activity, with the common belief that most people would ?black out? because of the speed of descent. Georgia Broadwick silenced the skeptics by performing the first free fall dive in 1914. After World War I, barnstorming became a popular entertainment in America, where parachute diving became a staple of these airplane acts. World War II saw furious military research and development for a better parachute, and these efforts culminated in the successful deployment of paratroops on D-Day in Normandy.

After the war, many of the veterans found that they enjoyed skydiving so much that they started taking it up as a recreational activity. Public knowledge was increased by such popular exhibitions as those by Britain’s Red Devils. This paved the way for further developments in safety and the modern sport enjoyed by millions today.

The sport has branched into many fields including accuracy diving, wingsuit gliding, formation flying, and freestyle air-surfing and skyskiing.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit my latest site: Power Copy Club to claim your FREE membership!


Search