Mariner

Marine exhausts systems are an important and often overlooked part of a marine engine. Most vessels have a 'wet' exhaust system. Salt water is injected at the riser - the outlet for exhaust from the exhaust manifold. This mixture of exhaust gas and water is then passed through a series of bends until it exits the boat, preferably at the stern.

Exhaust gases mixed with salt water create a highly corrosive compound. This is why exhaust systems are commonly made using non-corrosive components such as nitrile rubber reinforced hose (brown - not green - stripe), galvanized steel, fiberglass or plastic. The purpose of these components, which vary in size and shape depending on the engine size and layout of the engine room, is to prevent hydraulicing of the engine. This is caused when an engine has filled with salt water which has entered via the exhaust and can cause extensive damage if left for more than two hours. Water enters the exhaust from wave action at stern and poor exhaust design. In some ocean conditions, such as a following sea, water can be forced back up the exhaust when the engine is not running. Poorly designed exhausts allow water to flow back and fill the waterlock/muffler box then up the hose into the exhaust manifold, through the exhaust valves and into the combustion chamber. With the engine full of water the engine cannot crank over as it is cannot compress water.

You will know your engine is hydrauliced if it will not turn over - generally after a long sailing period - and you have removed the starter motor and ensured it works. To remove water from inside the combustion chambers, first remove all injectors, crank engine over to blow water out, refit injectors, bleed injector lines, and start. Then leave motor running until exhaust sorted out.

Check to see that the riser is not coked up or corroded - a common problem. To check the exhaust riser remove the exhaust hose from the riser (often a difficult procedure) and look up the pipe to see if it is restricted by exhaust/salt build up. If build up is excessive the riser will have to be removed to check the engine end of the pipe. Coke can be scraped out to provide a short term fix although often the riser will have to be replaced. There are aftermarket systems which vary in quality. Make sure you fit the right design for the application.

Ensure your water-lock is low enough and big enough to hold all the water in exhaust system. Is there a gooseneck or central vertical loop in the exhaust hose at the transom exit? Is there a siphon break and is it functioning properly - no leaking valves?

Exhaust gas is poisonous and can cause sea sickness and headaches. Replace any faulty parts immediately. Use double hose clamps on each joint or, preferably, super clamps, bolt style, and exhaust cement if need be. Hot sections should be lagged with fiberglass tape to prevent burns.

Beware of asbestos lagging. Many older vessels and marine engine installations had exhaust systems that were lagged with asbestos tape and rope. Asbestos sound-proofing was also common in older boats.

The magnificent twin ships from Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, the Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas, are about as similar as two ships can be! Same length, same breadth, same tonnage, amazing public spaces including seven distinct neighborhoods, heavenly staterooms and soothing spas. Yet there are certain areas in which these twins show their individuality, namely in some new shopping and dining venues.

One of the outstanding changes is the addition of a Brazilian-style steakhouse called Samba Grill on the Allure of the Seas. By day the area is a cafe in the adult only solarium. By night, the Solarium is transformed into a true churrascari with both indoor and outdoor seating, authentic Brazilian meats and seafood offerings carved table side, as well as lively music and specialty drinks. There is also a buffet with soups, appetizers and salad. The charge is $25 pp to eat at Samba Grill, and this does not include any beverages or alcoholic drinks.

Replacing the Seafood Shack from the Oasis, the Allure offers Rita's Cantina, a vibrant new Mexican restaurant in the Boardwalk neighborhood. The offerings include ceviche, chips with salsa and guacamole, as well as fajitas, tacos and flautas, a veritable fiesta on the Allure of the Seas. Let's not forget the margaritas. There's a selection of more than 15 different flavors to choose from, of course these have to be purchased separately. The charge to dine is $7.95 per person, and you can order as much as you'd like. Rita's also offers evenings of Latin delights with live guitar music, dancing and delightful libations. At least once per 7 day cruise, Rita's will have a Fiesta package available. For $20 pp you get 3 margaritas, tastings of various foods, party gifts and live entertainment.

Not to be outdone by the south of the border crowd, the Boardwalk area will also sport a new snack bar called the Boardwalk Dog House. It's pretty obvious what this venue will have to offer, but you get more than a variety of hot dogs including the ever popular Coney Island dog. Also available are brats, sausages and lots of toppings. This Dog House will occupy the space held by the Donut Shop on the Oasis of the Sea, but fear not, the Donut Shop has not been displaced, just relocated next to the Ice Cream Parlor right across the way.

Also unique to the Allure of the Seas are several venues that are a first on any cruise ship. Enjoy Starbucks at sea open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, shop at the new Guess store selling accessories including watches, belts and purses or shop for paintings and sculptures at the Romeo Britto store.

The Oasis of the Seas offers their rendition of the Broadway play, Hairspray. The Allure of the Seas cast performs the musical Chicago. The ice shows are different, with the Allure using the cast of the film How to Train Your Dragon. Comedy club, jazz and piano bars, a sports bar and various lounges can be found on both ships.

The Allure of the Seas was also the first RCI ship to feature a 3D movie screen at sea. The picture quality and sound are excellent. Various movies are shown during a 7 day cruise. Sorry folks, no popcorn but you can go grab a slice of pizza or cookies on Deck 5 before heading over to the movie. For the best view, enter through deck 4.

Last but not least, the Allure of the Seas was the first ship to feature characters from various DreamWorks movies including Shrek, KungFu Panda and Madagascar. Characters participate in a sail away party, parades and are available for pictures and a character breakfast as well. Dreamworks characters will also be featured on the Oasis of the Seas beginning in April 2011.

So much to do, so little time! You'll never find so many outstanding dining, snacking, noshing, nibbling, grazing and feasting experiences as you will on the Allure of the Seas, unless you're sailing with her twin, the Oasis of the Seas.

Real estate investing is a good idea for those people who are looking for the right way to invest their money. Now is the perfect time for you to do your investment because there are lots of properties that are for sale and have lower prices.

This can be the best way for you to invest especially if you do not have that much money. But sometimes, there are some investors who want to invest but do not have the right amount for the property that they are eyeing for. Here are some of the tips that you can consider in order to have a successful investment without emptying your wallet.

There are lots of properties that are available for sale. But the most sought after property is the Miami Beach condo. These condos have been the popular choice of most tourist because of the modern and luxury lifestyle that it can provide to its residents. But we all know that these condos are very expensive and you will be running out of cash if you do not know how to buy one.

In investing it is important that you have to make your plans. You have to know what you are looking for, the purpose and of course the amount that you can safely dish out for this great investment.

The first thing that you need to do is to make a though search. IF you are familiar with the market, you will surely encounter hundreds of options. You will surely find the one that perfectly fits your specifications. One of the easiest ways to conduct your search is through online. Now there are lots of websites that can showcase you hundreds of choices and for sure you will find the one that will be perfect for you. It is important that you have to read carefully the descriptions of these Miami Beach condos. You can also check out those pictures that are posted. With this you will have a better chance of finding the perfect property for you.

Now there are real estate agents that you can hire. The help of a realtor is good for those people who are busy enough and do not have any time in conducting the search. These realtors usually have the right knowledge on how to pick up the right Miami Beach condo for you. All you have to do is to provide them a list of your personal specifications, make sure that you are not missing any single details.

With these tips you will surely end up with the right Miami Beach condo that will be perfect for your lifestyle and your personality.

Pontoon Boat Full Camper Enclosures are a canvas enclosure custom made to fit your make and model of Pontoon Boat. These enclosures will help protect your console instruments, pontoon furniture and carpeting throughout. The Pontoon Full Camper Enclosure makes the most of your pontoon boating experience. A fully enclosed deck using a Bimini Top and a Camper Back Top gives you overall deck headroom. This is the ideal enclosure for weekenders, travelers and entertaining on your pontoon boat. By adding optional screens and privacy curtains, you can turn your pontoon boat into the ultimate travel camper.

The Pontoon Boat Full Camper Enclosure does enclose the entire deck area of your pontoon boat which now really makes it a multi use boat. You can entertain family and friends as well a great way to have a business meeting with a client. This enclosure is ideal for dining onboard, think of all the ideas you could do to create any atmosphere you wish for a great evening of entertainment.

If you're a real estate broker or agent selling waterfront properties, a The Pontoon Boat Full Camper Enclosure will be a great asset in helping you close a property sale. Keep your clients dry while you tour the lake looking at cottages and year round waterfront homes. Create an office on the water complete with cell phone, laptop computer, GPS etc.

The Pontoon Boat Full Camper Enclosure can also be used for an overnight stay similar to a tent if needed. Makes for an inexpensive weekend camping trip by boat and give you a break from the hot humid weather or brief rain showers.

By adding a custom made Pontoon Boat Full Camper Enclosure, you can now start up a private charter boat business for tours and self-guided fishing trips, and not have to be concerned about changes in the weather while you are on the lake.

If your to spend more time on your pontoon boat, look into a Pontoon Boat Enclosure with your local boat dealer, marina, boat canvas shop and online. Get expert advice on the right Pontoon Enclosure before purchasing. You will now be prepared for any change in whether and not put a damper on a planned day on the water.

The Pontoon Boat Full Camper Enclosure will make a true difference in your comfort while you are boating and extend your boating season deep into the fall.

The history, meaning and symbolism of nautical star tattoos is
a hotly debated topic. Today many different groups have
adopted the Nautical star tattoo as a symbol for their own
movement and they have all ascribed their own meaning and
history to the symbol. Thus has lead to a wide
disagreement as the the meaning of the tattoo.Historically
most everyone agrees that Sailors were the first people to get
nautical star tattoos. In fact the very word nautical
relates back to sailing. So this connection has been
pretty firmly established. Most people would agree the
sailors were a pretty superstitious group historically and
sailor lore abounds with superstitious and fantastical stories
of life and death and being lost at sea. Early on
sailors navigated by the stars at night and the north star
became the symbol for finding ones way home. Once you
know where the north star is you can point your ship in the
right direction to get home. So the star became a symbol
for finding ones way home or more symbolically even finding
ones path in life. Therefore many sailors would tattoo
nautical stars on their forearms as a good luck symbol in
hopes of returning home.

However their modern day meaning is a more debated topic.
Many believe that groups including gay and lesbians, punk
rockers and those in the military have adopted the nautical
star tattoo as a very important symbol. The diversity of
these three groups has lead many to argue the meaning of their
tattoos.

For the military the connection is pretty obviously point
back to the early sailors and the symbolism and meaning is the
same as the early sailors. Many military people get a
nautical star tattoo as a symbol for finding ones path home
safely. Of course this can also include more
symbolically just finding ones way in life.

Here is a quote we found from a member of the armed
services and his interpretation of the tattoo:

"I am in the United States Army, an MP who searched towns
and villages for Al Quida and insurgents. I was in Iraq for 1
year. I have a red and black nautical star on my wrist. The
reason I got it was because when I was out there, I felt it
was a guide to guide me home to my family safely. I got it so
that it would remind me that I am going to make it to see my
son grow up. I am not gay, it doesn't matter what you believe
it represents, it means something different for everyone. Out
in the desert, I would look up at the stars and think about
home. So anyone can think what they want to, that is what it
means to me. "

Punk rockers have also adopted this as a popular symbol to
have tattooed. The punk movement traces its history and
use of the nautical star tattoo back to Sailor Jerry.
Sailor Jerry is historically one one of the most famous tattoo
artists ever. He was well known for his innovative and
"cool" designs. Punks have taken this symbol and it has
very much the same meaning of finding one way in life.
Being the rugged individualists type Punks are drawing to the
symbolism of true north and finding one own unique way in
life. So the Nautical star has become a symbol for this.
You see many punk bands that have full sleeve tattoos
typically incorporate nautical star tattoos either on their
elbows or elsewhere.

The lesbian and gay connection is the one that does not
seem so obvious at first. Historically back in the
1940's and 50's when alternative lifestyles were not the norm
and often women had to hide their alternative choices they
would sport a hidden nautical star. Often they would get
the star tattoo done on the inside of their wrist where it
could easily be hidden by a watch during the day but shown off
in the evening when out on the town. Today many lesbians
where the nautical star tattoo to show their connection with
their early pioneering sisters. Here is a little
evidence to support my points.

"Here's the passage (with some pieces dropped) from "Boots
of Leather, Slippers of Gold: The History of a Lesbian
Community" by Elizabeth Lapovsky Kennedy and Madeilne D. Davis
copyright 1993 p. 189.

(talking about the 1940's and 1950's):

"...During this same time period, the cultural push to be
identified as lesbians- or at least different- all the time
was so powerful that it generated a new form of identification
among the tough bar lesbians: a star tattoo on the top of the
wrist, which was usually covered by a watch. This was the
first symbol of community identity that did not rely on
butch-fem imagery. We can trace this phenomenon back to an
evening of revelry in the late 1950's, when a few butches
trooped over to "Dirty Dick's" tattoo parlor on Chippewa
Street and had the tiny blue five-pointed star put on their
wrists. Later, some of the fems of this group also go the idea
one night and did it...The community views the tattoo as a
definite mark of identification..."the Buffalo police knew
[that] the people that had the stars on their wrist were
lesbians and they had their names and so forth. That it was an
identity thing with the gay community, with the lesbian
community". The fact that the star tattoo was created by those
who were firmly into roles, in fact by the group that was
considered the butchy butches and their fems, suggest that the
force to assert lesbian identity was strong enough to break
through the existing traditions of boldness based in butch-fem
roles. The stars presage the methods of identity created by
gay liberation. In fact, the mark has become something of a
tradition in local circles and has seen a revival since the
1970s."

This meaning of the symbol has of course created a lot of
problems and arguments among the other two groups of bearers
of nautical stars. Most puck and military people do not
want to have a nautical star that points back to anything from
the lesbian movement so many will say that there is no
connection there and this is false.

Here is a quote from another armed forces member about the
symbolism of the nautical star among the gay community:

"This "gay symbol" is a load of hooey that someone made up
VERY recently. The nautical star tattoo has been around nearly
as long as tattooing itself. The late Celts (or early Irish,
depending on your view of World History) were said to have
been the first to have the tattoos, although evidence of it
being used on ships in Spain has been found pre-dating the
Irish claim.

As a Marine, it's a very commonplace symbol amongst us if
we have been part of a Boat Raid company, red for port, green
for starboard on varying parts of the body. On ship, I saw
about a million different variations on the Sailors I was was
serving with, obviously harking back to the sailor roots."

Here is a quote from a punk rocker and his feelings about
the symbolism of the tattoo:

"what idiots..even the military boys dont know what it
really means....JUST SO YOU ALL KNOW!!!!!it was used by OLD
sailors.. and the symbol represents North on a Map ...and it
is the North Star the sailors would use it as a baring to get
home....you can find it on Really really old maps and old navy
vessels... Punk Rock.. well we use it because we can and
because Sailor Jerry made the coolest tattoos who started
putting them on everyone.. my grandfather even had one thus
being used as a traditional icon"

It just goes to show that when the same powerful symbol is
used over and over again over decades of time it can taken on
very different meanings for different groups. So all of
those that you see sporting a nautical star tattoo might not
all have the same interpretation of its symbolism.

So do you have a nautical star tattoo or think about
getting one in the future? Which meaning of the symbol
will you get the nautical star for? As long as you know
what the symbolism behind the star is for and you have gotten
it for the right reason to either support the lesbian movement
or as a symbol to finding your way!

When you're looking for a luxury watch online, most seasoned shoppers will suggest you clear your schedule. Watch enthusiasts typically begin by selecting several "favorites" (perhaps every model on the website), and then devoting the next hour or several to narrowing down their choices from many to few to one... or maybe two.

The Concord Mariner watch is no exception. You'd think it would at least be possible to restrict your quest by gender - do you want a Concord ladies watch, or one for men? But regardless of your particular chromosomes, the Concord Mariner collection is so exquisite that you'll wind up perusing the selection in its entirety. Hey, you can always buy that stainless steel chronograph for the man in your life - or perhaps that black-dial diamond number for a certain lucky lady.

For men, one of the hottest among the Concord Mariner collection is the Men's Automatic Watch in 18 karat rose gold and stainless steel, complimented adeptly by a silver dial and, of course, the brand's classic 12-sided bezel. Rose gold is a subtle, classy way to break free of humdrum silver and gold (or gold and white gold) (or gold and stainless steel) without straying into crocodile-skin-wristband territory.

Now, those XX-chromosomed vixens might enjoy the Concord Mariner Ladies Diamond Watch, featuring an iridescent mother-of-pearl dial and diamonds, diamonds, diamonds. This beauty boasts 12 diamond hour markers, diamonds around the bezel, and diamonds set along the bracelet. Still, the color uniformity of the diamonds, mother-of-pearl, and stainless steel case and bracelet insure that the piece is elegant, not flashy.

With a watch like that, you might think that diamonds are a girl's best friend, but try taking that up with a men's Bulova wrist watch. Showcasing classic stainless steel and diamond combinations, this collection applies a whimsical challenge to the conventions of style and structure. One favorite is the Bulova Diamond Mens Watch, marked by a square-shaped silver chronograph, striking right angles and all. The result is a sophisticated blend of geometry and class - enough to make you wonder how many best friends diamonds really have.

So if men can have diamonds, perhaps women are due for something a little more masculine - but of course, still with diamonds. Coming from the Bulova Sport Marine Star collection, the Ladies Two Tone Diamond Watch provokes certain athletic, rugged connotations, evened out by some magnificent materials. As promised, we have diamond hour markers and diamonds inset on the case, a two-toned affair in stainless steel and gold as the name suggests. The bracelet is likewise two-toned in a dazzling pattern clearly exempt from the aforementioned humdrum effect.

With any luck, you're now down from approximately one million possible watches to a fab collection of four, which suggests you only have one or two more hours of deliberation ahead. Keep it up, though - on your next shopping expedition, you'll at least be able to watch the hours tick by in style.

The cynical, systemic avoidance of responsibility with regard to the welfare of children in the United States is nowhere better illustrated than in the practice of corporal punishment in schools.

" The U.S Department of Education declared school corporal punishment is a matter for the states to decide. This is a win for the states. Let us systematically rescind corporal punishment.

" In the twenty-two (22) states which permit corporal punishment, departments of education say it's a matter for local school districts to decide. This is a win for the districts. Let us systematically rescind corporal punishment in school.

" School districts where corporal punishment is practiced say their policy reflects the will of the community expressed through their elected school boards. This is a win for the community. Let us systematically rescind corporal punishment in school.

" When school children are injured by corporal punishment, no one seems to have a strategy to address the problem. Instead, the parties engage in a well-practiced ritual of circular buck-passing which leaves the school administration essentially a law unto themselves and children unprotected. Let us not allow this type blind attitude harm another child. Let us systematically rescind corporal punishment in schools in your state, in your district in your community.

Corporal punishment causes emotional as well as physical damage, which can not be resolved through traditional talk therapy. Healing emotional damage from corporal punishment needs to specifically focus on the aftereffects of physical violence. If left unhealed the emotional damage continues to plague the person for a lifetime. Hitting, paddling, smacking, whacking, bopping, or any form of physical assault against a child is violence, because the act violates the child's sacred body boundaries.

Furthermore, when a parent or other authority figure, whom the child is totally dependent on, uses corporal punishment, the child is betrayed in the worst way possible. "I love you, therefore, I hit you," is hypocrisy. It is hypocrisy because love and hitting (hurting) can not co-exist simultaneously. It is hypocrisy because the same act against an adult is considered assault and battery and the perpetrator is subject to arrest and possibly a jail sentence. Why then, when so much is at stake, do we assault our children when we protect adults from the same violent act? The answer is quite simple, but too lengthy to include in this article.

Dr. Frank Putnam of the National Institute of Mental Health and Dr. Martin Teicher of Harvard Medical School studied 170 girls, 6-15 years old-half had experienced corporal punishment, half had not-for seven years. The girls who experienced corporal punishment had symptoms such as abnormally high stress hormones, which can kill neurons in brain areas crucial for thinking and memory, and high levels of an antibody that weakens the immune system.

Teicher completed a series of brain studies on 402 children and adults, many of whom experienced corporal punishment. His findings revealed that corporal punishment creates arrested growth of the left hemisphere of the brain which can hamper development of language and logic and arrested growth of the right hemisphere of the brain (the site for emotions) at an abnormally early age.

The AMA and APA ignore these studies. Why do the AMA and APA ignore these studies and other noted researchers' work-for example: Judith Herman, M.D? The answer lies within the denial theory-if we don't believe it, it can't hurt us. The irony is "Facts do no cease to exist because they are ignored," and the tragic results follow.

The results are:

" Children whose parents or other authority figures use corporal punishment to correct unacceptable behavior show more antisocial behavior over a long period of time, regardless of race and socioeconomic status, and regardless of whether the mother provides cognitive stimulation and emotional support (Gunnoe & Mariner, 1997; Kazdin, 1987; Patterson, DeBaryshe, & Ramsey, 1989; Straus, Sugarman, & Giles-Sims, 1997).

" Adults who were hit as children are more likely to be depressed or violent themselves (Berkowitz, 1993; Strassberg, Dodge, Pettit, & Bates, 1994; Straus, 1994; Straus & Gelles, 1990; Straus & Kantor, 1992).

" Corporal punishment increases the probability of children assaulting the parent in retaliation, when they are older (Brezina, 1998).

" Corporal punishment sends a message that violence is a viable option for solving problems (Straus, Gelles, & Steinmetz, 1980; Straus, Sugarman, & Giles-Sims, 1997).

" Children who are spanked regularly are more likely over time to cheat or lie, be disobedient at school, bully others, and show less remorse for wrongdoing (Straus, Sugarman, & Giles-Sims, 1997).

" Corporal punishment adversely affects children's cognitive development. Children who are spanked perform poorly on school tasks compared to other children (Straus & Mathur, 1995; Straus & Paschall, 1998).

Something can be done. Healing can only begin with an acknowledgment of the truth. It is futile to hope that lies, evasions and excused can somehow erase the memory and the pain of past injuries.