Britta loved her work as a gynecologist as it allowed her to feel needed by both men, women and couples as to a certain extent it was her when delivering babies who allowed them to start their families. Her work was also something that allowed her to shut out the rest of the world relieving her . . . → Read More: What Should not Matter (chapter Two)]]>

Britta loved her work as a gynecologist as it allowed her to feel needed by both men, women and couples as to a certain extent it was her when delivering babies who allowed them to start their families. Her work was also something that allowed her to shut out the rest of the world relieving her of all those fears of live that might cause her to stray off the path of what those around her had taught her. Britta was truly comfortable at work specially when attending women who were expecting. Their was something about a pregnant women that drew out her sympathy in a way that was not even understood by her as to why it could be so. What was it about women in this condition that made her feel the way she did? After all it was like she had been educated; this was a perfectly natural function of the female body which happened literally everyday somewhere in the world so why was it that she felt a certain bond between herself and these women who came to seek out her professional guidance? Was it that she felt these women were creating the beauty of life in their very bodies which had been placed in their sacred care. What ever the reason hers was a responsibility that she took beyond the call of her duty. 

Britta had many patients who had taken her in as a more then a doctor but a friend whom on many an occasion they had even invited to their children’s christening something that was unheard of in her native Sweden were people tended to respect one another’s privacy to exaggerated point where one was left in virtual solitude. Britta was proud to be Swedish but perhaps it was the time she had spent in Brazil where her father held a post that made her see for herself how almost hermetic to the point of being antisocial people in her country really were. It was in Brazil that she was introduced to a way of life which made people want to be closer to one another almost instantly instead of like in her country were it was regarded as out of place for someone to want to be friendly with someone he or she had not known for a minimum amount of time. It was this desire for warmth that made her an atypical Swede as she never failed to except any invitations which her patients gladly handed her wishing to repay the genuine affection they felt from her that went beyond her medical duties. 

Out of all the patients Britta had it was Rosa O’Leary from Panama whom she had become closest to as she tended to confide to this patient as much as if not more then this patient would confide in her. On this particular day Rosa had made an appointment so she could be Britta’s last patient before she got to go on her one hour lunch break which she always took at noon. Britta and Rosa had lunch together everyday in which their busy schedules allowed them and always in the same place the “Blue Star” which was the nearest 24 hour diner. It being located on the corner of 78th street and Lexington avenue. The “Blue Star” was very popular among the staff at Lenox Hill; combining the qualities they were looking for of relatively good food at a fair price with an added delivery service.

Rosa and Britta were in many ways contrasts not only because they came from completely different ethnic backgrounds but because of their nature; where Britta was a reserved person, Rosa was an artist who expressed her feelings not only through her violin but through an outgoing personality. They strangely enough came from the same sort of social background as they both came from middleclass families, naturally middle class in Panama meaning something different then it did in Sweden which was one of the countries where the difference between the very rich in the very poor was one of the smallest in the world.

They were opposites in many ways but even opposites must have something in common in order that they might be compared. Black and white were also opposites but even they were both colors. Britta and Rosa like these two colors also had something that made them compatible and that was that they needed other people to share themselves with in the way they were. This need apart from the ambition they had to excel in their chosen professions which were as diverse as they themselves were was another link that united them making their friendship one that went beyond the confines of the ordinary. 

There was definitely something special in the relationship these ladies who were both attractive in their own way. Britta being the typical Nordic beauty while Rosa the typical Latin American beauty with that much darker skin which Britta considered to enviable in its olive tone which had gone pleasantly darker in the summer months unlike her own skin which due to her lack of pigmentation was freckled up and red as it peeled off her body making her wish hers was a different tone of skin. Britta also admired Rosa’s straight waist length hair which was truly black. Jet black, the same color she had once tried to dye her own like many women and even some men do in the Nordic countries who wanted to stand out from the sea of blonde. Some in her country even went to the length of dying their roots black to give the impression that their hair was not really blonde. Rosa also had fine facial features which included big green eyes that made for an imposing contrast with her skin. Her check bones were high and her nose refined though not perfectly straight; made slightly crooked by a small bump that gave her face as well as her what Britta considered to be character. Her mouth perhaps was the only thing about her face that came from her Indian heritage as it was small with fluffy lips that stuck out in her like buttons on a coat. Physically speaking these ladies however were not so diverse in their bodies because Rosa was tall for a woman of her part of the world; standing at 174 cm but again in contrast to Britta was bodacious (more so when in an advance state of pregnancy) with all the sensuality that her large breast and well shaped legs gave her.

Career wise Rosa was a woman who had achieved a certain though perhaps not a huge deal of success as she was a violinist in the “New York Philharmonic” who played second violin but was constantly hoping to be upgraded to first violinist. Financially her position was one that allowed her to live without worries as her salary plus the royalties she got for sales of CDs and performing was more then adequate to keep her in her comfortable life. A life which was made more so by the small three bedroom but never the less Park Avenue apartment which had been left to her by her deceased husband.

Britta and Rosa were very hungry when they left Lennox Hill Hospital to go to the “Blue Star” as Britta for her part had not eaten anything since breakfast which she took at 6:00 in the morning in the form of a bagel with cream cheese and a cup of black coffee she got at the same place she was going to be having lunch. Rosa was also very hungry as she too had not eaten since her breakfast which had been a large yogurt after which she went about her daily routine of practicing the instrument that had made it possible for her to have all that she had just like her brother’s boxing gloves had it made it possible for him to have everything he had. Rosa practiced playing the violin an average of 10 hours a day as this is what was required of anybody who played in a philharmonic.

“You know Rosa, I don’t know how you can find the energy to have a baby and practice the violin like you do, most of my patients are barely able to go to work and here you are in this heat and pregnant condition and you can practice the violin which I know is very demanding as I see by the calluses you have on your fingers” were Britta’s words to Rosa as they were making their way over to the Blue Star. Rosa always enjoyed Britta’s company and one could see it in the way she managed to smile which is what she did as she replied to Britta “I have energy but everyday with the heat I feel I have less as I get more tired after playing but I have to practice because like I tell you before even if I miss one day I loose a lot”. 

Britta and Rosa walked slowly for obvious reasons as they turned the corner of 77th and Lexington toward the Blue Star both of them dressed in clothes that were almost a uniform for who they were. Britta wore her white doctors uniform which her hospital required from all its MDs while Rosa wore a pair of blue dungaree overalls (which her brother claimed made her look like a mechanic) along with a long white t-shirt underneath. Rosa did not really like seeing herself in overalls but had bought three pairs of them at Britta’s request who had claimed that though not elegant they would not put stress on her stomach or her fetus and they would allow her the most freedom of movement with the added advantage that she would not have to buy bigger and bigger clothes as her belly increased.

Rosa and Britta were opposites whose personalities could not have matched any better as Rosa loved hearing about Britta’s Job as much as Britta loved hearing about Rosa’s which is precisely what Rosa was telling her about. Rosa spoke in that Latin voice of hers which to Britta’s ear gave everything a matter of extreme urgency.

“Britta, I tell you everyday I get so tired of having to practice the same pieces day after day, I mean I like Beethoven and Tchaikovsky but its so boring when sometimes it seems like that is all we play specially the 9th symphony since it is now the I don’t know what to call it the national anthem of the united Europe. This is why I am thinking of moving to the orchestra at the Metropolitan Opera House where they maybe don’t pay so much but I might get position as first violinist under the baton of James Levine who is artistic director there, I don’t know Britta what you think?”. “I don’t know, maybe you should think of making the move if you are not happy at the New York Philharmonic but just remember to add up all the pros and cons before you taking a decision” was Britta’s reply which she said in that voice of hers that to Rosa had always sounded so calm and relaxed making Britta seem like the kind of person whose composure would not abandon her under any circumstances.

It was the serene tone in this voice that at first made Rosa almost break out in laughter which eventually made her decide to have Britta as her gynecologist for it was this sound which she figured would keep her calm during those terrible contractions and pains that she knew where bound to come the moment she went into labor. “Well maybe you are right but or maybe I just need to change something in my life, you know it’s still hard for me” was Rosa’s reply telling her how she still perhaps had not gotten over the death of her husband; Gerald O’Leary. A stockbroker at Smith Barney who like so many others had died on that fateful day which forever would be remembered as “September 11”.

My name is Gianni Truvianni, I am an author who writes with the simple aim of sharing his ideas, thoughts and so much more of what I am with those who are interested in perhaps reading something new. I also am the author of the book entitled “New York’s Opera Society” which is now available on Amazon.

Gianni Truvianni
http://www.articlesbase.com/fiction-articles/what-should-not-matter-chapter-two-714393.html

As well as marine fish you can keep a selection of invertebrates in your salt water fish tank aquarium. Invertebrates are creatures without backbones, many of which are aquatic and can be kept in a saltwater fish tank. This class of creatures include squids, lobsters, shrimps, starfish, sea urchins, sea anemones, coral and feather stars. Other . . . → Read More: Keeping Invertebrates In Your Saltwater Fish Tank Aquarium]]>

As well as marine fish you can keep a selection of invertebrates in your salt water fish tank aquarium. Invertebrates are creatures without backbones, many of which are aquatic and can be kept in a saltwater fish tank. This class of creatures include squids, lobsters, shrimps, starfish, sea urchins, sea anemones, coral and feather stars. Other marine invertebrates include sea squirts, sea cucumbers, zoo plankton, lugworms and sea hares.

Marine invertebrates suitable for keeping in a salt water fish tank include sea anemones, corals, sea sponges, crabs, shrimp and snails.

Sea Anemones

Anemones can be kept in a salt water aquarium provided excellent water conditions are maintained. they also require intense lighting and a strong current. They can be fed on blood worms, pieces of shrimp and other meaty scraps.

Although anemones are predators most of the species kept in fish tanks have a symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) that will provide the anemone with nourishment as long as the lighting conditions are correct. if you place Tube anemones, Carpet or magnificent anemones in your fish tank ensure there is sufficient space between them as they will sting, and possibly kill, each other. Some mobile species may also damage live coral and anemones may also eat other invertebrates such as crabs and urchins or smaller fish.

Sea Sponges

Sea sponges are simple organisms of the Porifera phylum with over 5000 species known. They have only one type of tissue but specialised cells. Sponges feed by filtering water for microplankton. In the fish tank sponges must be anchored to rocks. they require absolutely pristine water conditions, with strong water currents and low lighting to prevent algae from growing on them. They must never be exposed to air. feed with special foods for marine invertebrates.

Crabs

Crabs can range in size from an inch to more than twelve inches. Some familiar species of crabs are Hermit Crabs, Porcelain Crabs and Boxing Crabs. Crabs will eat any edible materials they can find. Some species burrow deeply during the day so provide them with a deep substrate. Crabs need reasonably good water quality and are very good in the fish tank for their scavenger duties cleaning up algae and uneaten food.

Shrimps

Shrimps are a good addition to a salt water fish tank being colourful and also cleaning up left over food. Most shrimp are between two and three inches long with some species growing to more than ten feet in the wild. They remove parasites from fish and rely on camouflage and stealth for protection. They have a hard carapace which is shed regularly to allow the shrimp to grow. When shed the shrimp is very vulnerable until a new shell grows so in the aquarium provide rocks and caves for your shrimp to hide. they can be fed on flaked foods, freeze dried or live foods.

Snails

There are more than 40,000 species of snails and they are found in all aquatic environments. The families usually used in fish tanks are Mesogastopoda, Littorinidae and Haliotidae from the Caribbean and Pacific Oceans. They are mostly reef snails and vary in size from half an inch to around 8 inches in the wild. Snails are good additions to a fish tank as they are scavengers and eat algae. Place one snail to every two gallons of water to deal with the algae. Snails will also need a calcium supplement for shell maintenance and they are very sensitive to higher nitrate levels. Their diet can be supplemented by the addition of vegetable based tablet foods, blanched lettuce, or dried seaweed.

Janet Ashby

Academy Sports & Outdoors, The Sports Authority, Inc. and Dick Sporting Goods are amongst the leading Sports Equipment Stores in the USA

The 10 leading sports equipment stores in the USA are discussed here.

Academy Sports & Outdoors

This specialty company is known to be among America’s largest and most popular sporting goods sellers. With more than a hundred . . . → Read More: The 10 Leading Sports Equipment Stores in the USA]]>

Academy Sports & Outdoors, The Sports Authority, Inc. and Dick Sporting Goods are amongst the leading Sports Equipment Stores in the USA

The 10 leading sports equipment stores in the USA are discussed here.

Academy Sports & Outdoors

This specialty company is known to be among America’s largest and most popular sporting goods sellers. With more than a hundred chains operated all over the southeastern region of the country, Academy Sports + Outdoors shops furnish the sports aficionados with a heavy collection of gears, clothing, as well as accessories at comparatively inexpensive rates.

The Sports Authority, Inc.

This popular chain offers everything from class sports footwear, apparels and sports accessories, at competitive rates. The company also provides an all-encompassing gamut of sports paraphernalia from aquatic sports equipment, hiking and camping gears, football supplies, cycling stuff to ball games kit. In 1987, Sports Authority, Inc. opened its first shop in Florida. Now, the company runs more than 400 stores scattered in the country.

Dick’s Sporting Goods

Is one of the most advanced sporting goods chain in the United States that presents a sizeable choice of quality sports equipment, sports clothing, and sports accessories. The company sprang from the simple aspiration of a young man Dick Stack to sell fishing gears in the late 1940s. Today, Dick Sporting Goods has more than three hundred shops spread throughout thirty states across the United States.

Sport Chalet

Sport Chalet started out fifty years ago as a shop selling only scuba and ski equipment. At present, it has rocketed to be one of USA’s top sports vendor that provides high-end sporting merchandise such as fitness, bowling, fishing, basketball, airsoft, golf, snowboarding equipments, and a lot more. Sport Chalet also provides copious services such as sports expert advice, repairs and rentals. Stores are located throughout Arizona, Nevada, and Southern California.

Modell’s Sporting Goods

The company is one of the leading provider of an extensive line of sporting equipments such as paintball, soccer, skateboarding, running equipments plus so many more. It also supplies athletic footwear, and costumes. Brand names for football jerseys like The Champion and Schutt DNA football helmets are sold in Modell’s stores. Modell’s Sporting Goods is the oldest family owned specialty business of sporting merchandise in the United States. The company runs almost a hundred shops all over Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Virginia.

Hibbett Sporting Goods, Inc.

It is established in 1945 and is currently based in Birmingham, Alabama. The company equips sports fanatics with its wide multiplicity of reasonably priced apparel and equipment for sports such as basketball, boxing, football, and weight lifting. It also offers famous brand names of sporting goods like Dickies, Nautilus, NBA, Nike, Oakley, and Ecko. Near to 500 Hibbert Sporting Goods, Inc. stores are located in more than twenty American states.

Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI)

REI is one of the United Sates’ biggest buyer cooperatives that serves as a source of a broad line of camp and outdoor sports gears and clothing. REI has 77 retail stores and a comprehensive web site, as well. Dog gears, tents, car racks, backpacks, sleeping bags and watches are some of the products that REI sells in its different stores nationwide.

Football America

Maryland-based Football America has been providing the United States with the handpicked football equipment and supplies for almost three decades now. It offers a full selection of hard-wearing, high performance football costumes, helmets, cleats, shoulder pads, plus more.

ATS Sports

ATS Sports is USA’s and the globe’s biggest resource of tennis related tackles such as stringing machines, grips, court equipment racquet strings, umpire chairs, benches, as well as tennis accessories. The company is headquartered at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Sports & Recreation, Inc.

Is the tenth biggest sporting goods franchise in the US and is based in Tampa, Florida. It is a supplier of well-liked trade name sports equipment as well as footwear. As Sports & Recreation, Inc expanded its stores and locations, it also came up with a number of different names for its stores. The stores were adorned with banners that were aimed to build up the hometown persona of the company. Local area names where a Sports & Recreation, Inc shop is situated were taken on as the name of the store, itself. Thus, the stores run under names like Tampa Sports and Jacksonville Sports Unlimited.

Jayesh Bagde

Krav Maga is an Israeli martial art. Translated from Hebrew it means “contact combat”. This is purely a self defense method. It is not a sport; there are no competitions or tournaments. All techniques are no holds barred for real life situations. It is methodical training system to first deal with the immediate threat, prevent further . . . → Read More: Can Krav Maga be an Effective Form of Self Defense?]]>

Krav Maga is an Israeli martial art. Translated from Hebrew it means “contact combat”. This is purely a self defense method. It is not a sport; there are no competitions or tournaments. All techniques are no holds barred for real life situations. It is methodical training system to first deal with the immediate threat, prevent further attacks and neutralize the offender.

The guiding principles are:

Do not get hurt

Utilize natural reflexes of the body

Exploit all vulnerable points of the body

Use any available objects as weapon

Quickly neutralize the attack

Rapidly transition from defensive to offensive

Training stresses fighting under worst-case conditions such as: when protecting someone else, against several attackers, an armed attacker, with only one usable arm even blind folded. Krav Maga emphasizes continuous combat motion. Full protective gear and padding is worn during training so that the students can learn not only how to use their full strength, but to understand how the full impact feels. Sometimes distractions are provided during class so that the students learn to ignore all other diversions and focus on the sparring lesson.

This martial art was founded by Ima Lichtenfild. Born in 1910 in Budapest, Hungary, he grew up in Bratislava, Czechoslovakia. He won national championships in boxing and wrestling and was also greatly influenced by his father who was a self defense instructor, besides being a chief detective inspector.

In 1981 six Israeli experts traveled to the United States and gave demonstrations to Jewish Community Centers. Afterward twenty-two Americans traveled to Israel to become students of the martial art and that is how it began to spread to other cultures.

Su Ericksen