Monday, December 13, 2010
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
White Water Kayaking Course – Basic
Our kayak school conducts white water kayak courses for beginners and intermediate paddlers. These kayak courses are
conducted at our base in Shivpuri near Rishikesh, India.
Our kayak courses are residential courses, which are carefully structured by white water kayak professionals . Our courses ensure
maximum kayaking time on the river. Proper theory instructions explain the concepts, river hydraulics, river reading patterns, and
emphasis is given for applying the techniques and instructions on the river.
During our kayak courses the participants will stay at our riverside rafting camp. All our white water kayak courses are inclusive of
food, lodging, kayaking equipment, instructors, river guides and all logistics for river runs.
Safety and credentials
There are 2-3 river guides for each 5 participants on the river, with a lead instructor and/or river guide. Our river guides are
experienced, possess international certifications and are a great company as well.
Our team certifications include
White Water Rescue Technician (WRT1) from Rescue 3 International, USA
Wilderness First Responder (WFR), from NOLS, USA
First Aid and CPR from Medic First Aid International, USA.
Duration: 6 days
Prerequisite:
You need to be in a good physical and mental state to undertake this course.
You need not be a swimmer to undertake this course, but you should be comfortable with water.
People with past history/ailment of heart, asthma, epilepsy are not recommended to register for this course.
Travel advisory & assistance:
- You need to reach Shivpuri on day 1 of the course. Shivpuri is 16 kms from Rishikesh on Badrinath Highway.
- You can either take a bus from Delhi to reach Rishikesh, or take a train to Haridwar followed by a taxi to reach Rishikesh/Shivpuri.
Costing:
18,000/- per person
What is included in our services?
Accommodation at our river side camp, all meals, use of kayaking equipment ( kayak, spray deck, wet suit, paddle, helmet, PFD ),
instructor, river guides, local transportation, all necessary rescue and first aid equipment.
What is NOT included in our services?
Train fares to/fro Haridwar, railway station transfers, expenses of personal nature, insurance of any kind, alcoholic drinks, anything
not mentioned explicitly in the above program
Katabatic Adventure Sports Pvt. Ltd.
Phone: 09818656488 / +91-124-4144588 / www.katabatic.co.in
Itinerary
Day 1:
Arrive at our base in Shivpuri by midday. Team introduction and orientation program is held. Kayaks and other necessary equipment is issued and
customized as per participant's builds.
Day 2:
Introduction to white water kayak paddling. Practice the Wet Exit. Basic paddling strokes - forward, reverse, sweep and Bracing techniques are practiced.
Day 3:
Eskimo rescue. eskimo roll techniques.
Day 4:
Ferry techniques. eddy in, peel out. eskimo roll practice. Review of skills.
Day 5:
River reading, do a river run through rapids.
Day 6:
River reading, do a river run through rapids up to class III
strap for shades or prescription glasses, cameras, sun protection/block cream, moisturizer, change of clothing to wear after rafting,
towel, toilet kit etc. Warm clothing would be needed for winters.
For bookings call:
09818656488 / +91-124-4144588
conducted at our base in Shivpuri near Rishikesh, India.
Our kayak courses are residential courses, which are carefully structured by white water kayak professionals . Our courses ensure
maximum kayaking time on the river. Proper theory instructions explain the concepts, river hydraulics, river reading patterns, and
emphasis is given for applying the techniques and instructions on the river.
During our kayak courses the participants will stay at our riverside rafting camp. All our white water kayak courses are inclusive of
food, lodging, kayaking equipment, instructors, river guides and all logistics for river runs.
Safety and credentials
There are 2-3 river guides for each 5 participants on the river, with a lead instructor and/or river guide. Our river guides are
experienced, possess international certifications and are a great company as well.
Our team certifications include
White Water Rescue Technician (WRT1) from Rescue 3 International, USA
Wilderness First Responder (WFR), from NOLS, USA
First Aid and CPR from Medic First Aid International, USA.
Duration: 6 days
Prerequisite:
You need to be in a good physical and mental state to undertake this course.
You need not be a swimmer to undertake this course, but you should be comfortable with water.
People with past history/ailment of heart, asthma, epilepsy are not recommended to register for this course.
Travel advisory & assistance:
- You need to reach Shivpuri on day 1 of the course. Shivpuri is 16 kms from Rishikesh on Badrinath Highway.
- You can either take a bus from Delhi to reach Rishikesh, or take a train to Haridwar followed by a taxi to reach Rishikesh/Shivpuri.
Costing:
18,000/- per person
What is included in our services?
Accommodation at our river side camp, all meals, use of kayaking equipment ( kayak, spray deck, wet suit, paddle, helmet, PFD ),
instructor, river guides, local transportation, all necessary rescue and first aid equipment.
What is NOT included in our services?
Train fares to/fro Haridwar, railway station transfers, expenses of personal nature, insurance of any kind, alcoholic drinks, anything
not mentioned explicitly in the above program
Katabatic Adventure Sports Pvt. Ltd.
Phone: 09818656488 / +91-124-4144588 / www.katabatic.co.in
Itinerary
Day 1:
Arrive at our base in Shivpuri by midday. Team introduction and orientation program is held. Kayaks and other necessary equipment is issued and
customized as per participant's builds.
Day 2:
Introduction to white water kayak paddling. Practice the Wet Exit. Basic paddling strokes - forward, reverse, sweep and Bracing techniques are practiced.
Day 3:
Eskimo rescue. eskimo roll techniques.
Day 4:
Ferry techniques. eddy in, peel out. eskimo roll practice. Review of skills.
Day 5:
River reading, do a river run through rapids.
Day 6:
River reading, do a river run through rapids up to class III
Things to bring:
strap for shades or prescription glasses, cameras, sun protection/block cream, moisturizer, change of clothing to wear after rafting,
towel, toilet kit etc. Warm clothing would be needed for winters.
For bookings call:
09818656488 / +91-124-4144588
Monday, May 31, 2010
River Rafting / Whitewater Rafting
The challenge of a turbulent river is no less than that of the rugged mountains. The icy heights of the Himalayas are the source of some of India's mighty rivers. Fed by innumerable streams they race along tortuous boulder strewn beds, cutting deep gorges and breaking into silvery white rapids. The term 'White water' refers to foamy and whitish appearance of fast flowing water. The white water river rafting is quite thrilling and adventurous. With the intricate network of mountain rivers flowing through a myriad of different colors of rocky Gorges, forests, flowers and high mountain villages, the hills provide ideal locals for the perfect water adventure
The magic behind River Rafting also referred, as Whitewater River Rafting is the extreme and never-ending thrills in the untamed rivers. The rivers in the upper Himalayas are among the best in the world for river rafting sports, with many staircase rapids that challenge the body and spirit of the river runner. The river cuts against the rocky banks, crash into rocks, crevices and breaking into white water rapids, foaming, swirling, and falling in a thunderous din. India and Nepal has a wide range of river rafting regions, which suits both amateurs and professionals.
Monday, May 24, 2010
General Motors: Weight Loss Diet Program
The following diet and health program was developed for employees and dependents of General Motors, Inc. and is intended for their exclusive use. This program was developed in conjunction with a grant from U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration. It was field tested at the Johns Hopkins Research Centre and was approved for distribution by the Board of Directors, General Motors Corp. at a general meeting on August 15, 1985. General Motors Corp. wholly endorses this program and is making it available to all employees and families. This program will be available at all General Motors Food Service Facilities. It is management's intention to facilitate a wellness and fitness program for everyone.
This program is designed for a target weight loss of 10-17 lbs per week. It will also improve your attitudes and emotions because of its cleansing systematic effects.
The effectiveness of this seven day plan is that the food eaten burn more calories than they give to the body in caloric value.
This plan can be used as often as you like without any fear of complications. It is designed to flush your system of impurities and give you a feeling of well being. After seven days you will begin to feel lighter because you will be lighter by at least 10 lbs. You will have an abundance of energy and an improved disposition.
During the first seven days you must abstain from all alcohol
You must drink 10 glasses of water each day Day One All fruits except bananas.
Your first day will consist of all the fruits you want. It is strongly suggested that you consume lots of melons the first day. Especially watermelon and a loupe. If you limit your fruit consumption to melons, your chances of losing three lbs. on first day are very good.
Day Two: All vegetables. You are encouraged to eat until you are stuffed with all the raw or cooked vegetables of your choice. There is no limit on the amount or type. For your complex carbohydrate, you will start day two with a large baked potato for breakfast. You may top the potato with one pat of butter.
Day Three: A mixture of fruits and vegetables of your choice. Any amount, any quantity. No bananas yet. No potatoes today.
Day Four: Bananas and milk. Today you will eat as many as eight bananas and drink three glasses of milk. This will be combined with the special soup which may be eaten in limited quantities.
Day Five :Today is feast day. You will eat beef and tomatoes. Eat two 10 oz. portions of lean beef. Hamburger is OK. Combine this with six whole tomatoes. On day five you must increase your water intake by one quart. This is to cleanse your system of the uric acid you will be producing.
Day Six: Beef and vegetables. Today you may eat an unlimited amount of beef and vegetables. Eat to your hearts content.
Day Seven :Today your food intake will consist of brown rice, fruit juices and all the vegetables you care to consume.
Tomorrow morning you will be 10-17 lbs. lighter than one week ago. If you desire further weight loss, repeat the program again. You may repeat this program as often as you like, however, it is suggested that you are allowed two glasses of white wine in addition to the instructions on the program. You may substitute champagne for white wine. Under no circumstances are you to drink any other alcoholic beverages with the exception of beer which is allowed. Any liquor (bourbon,vodka, rum) is forbidden. Cream drinks are especially forbidden. You may have an occasional cordial such as creme de menthe or schnapps, but you must always limit yourself to two drinks. If you wine, drink only wine that day. If you have beer, drink only beer that day, etc. Alcohol adds empty calories to your diet. However, after the first week it will help your digestion and settle your stomach.
G.M.'S Wonder Soup:
The following soup is intended as a supplement to your diet. It can be eaten any time of the day in virtually unlimited quantities. You are encouraged to consume large quantities of this soup.
28 oz, Water, 6 Large Onions, 2 Green Peppers, Whole Tomatoes (fresh or canned), 1 Head Cabbage, 1 Bunch Celery, 4 Envelopes Lipton Onion Soup Mix, Herbs and Flavouring as desired.
Additional Comments
Vegetables as may be taken in the form of a salad if desired. No dressing except malt, white or wine vinegar, squeezed lemon, garlic, herbs. No more than one tea spoon of oil.
You have been given a recipe for the WONDER SOUP which can be eaten in unlimited quantities. This soup is a supplement while you are on the program and it should be a pleasure to eat. Not everyone likes cabbage, green peppers, calory etc. This recipe is not inflexible. You may substitute vegetables according to your taste. You may add any vegetables you like: asparagus, peas, corn, turnips, green beans, cauliflower, etc. Try to stay away from beans (lima, pinto, kidney, etc.), however, because they tend to be high in calories even though they are very good for you.
Beverages you may consume while on the program :
Water (flavoured with lemon/lime if desired).
Club Soda is OK.
Black Coffee. No cream or cream substitute. No sugar or sweetness.
Black Tea = Herb or Leaf.
Absolutely nothing else except the fruit juices which are part of day seven. No fruit juices before day seven.
How and Why It Works
Day One you are preparing your system for the upcoming programme. Your only source of nutrition is fresh or canned fruits. Fruits are nature's perfect food. They provide everything you could possibly want to sustain life except total balance and variety.
Day Two starts with a fix of complex carbo-hydrates coupled with an oil dose. This is taken in the morning for energy and balance. The rest of day two consists of vegetables which are virtually calorie free and provide essential nutrients and fibre.
Day Three eliminates the potato because you get your carbohydrates from the fruits. You system is now prepared to start burning excess pounds. You will still have cravings which should start to diminish by day four.
Day Four, bananas, milk and soup sound the strangest and least desirable. You're in for a surprise. You probably will not eat all the bananas allowed. But they are there for the potassium you have lost and the sodium you may have missed the past three days. You will notice a definite loss of desire for sweets. You will be surprised how easy this day will go.
Day Five, Beef and tomatoes. The beef is for iron and proteins, the tomatoes are for digestion and fibre. Lots and lots of water purifies your system. You should notice colourless urine today. Your allowance calls for the equivalent of five "quarter ponders". Do not feel you have to eat all this beef. You must eat the six tomatoes.
Day Six is similar to day five, Iron and proteins from beef, Vitamins and fibre from vegetables. By now your system is in a total weight loss inclination. There should be a noticeable difference in the way you look today, compared to day one.
Day Seven finished off the program like a good cigar used to finish off Victorian meals, except much healthier. You have your system under control and it should thank you for the flushing and cleaning you just gave it.
Day Two: All vegetables. You are encouraged to eat until you are stuffed with all the raw or cooked vegetables of your choice. There is no limit on the amount or type. For your complex carbohydrate, you will start day two with a large baked potato for breakfast. You may top the potato with one pat of butter.
Day Three: A mixture of fruits and vegetables of your choice. Any amount, any quantity. No bananas yet. No potatoes today.
Day Four: Bananas and milk. Today you will eat as many as eight bananas and drink three glasses of milk. This will be combined with the special soup which may be eaten in limited quantities.
Day Five :Today is feast day. You will eat beef and tomatoes. Eat two 10 oz. portions of lean beef. Hamburger is OK. Combine this with six whole tomatoes. On day five you must increase your water intake by one quart. This is to cleanse your system of the uric acid you will be producing.
Day Six: Beef and vegetables. Today you may eat an unlimited amount of beef and vegetables. Eat to your hearts content.
Day Seven :Today your food intake will consist of brown rice, fruit juices and all the vegetables you care to consume.
Tomorrow morning you will be 10-17 lbs. lighter than one week ago. If you desire further weight loss, repeat the program again. You may repeat this program as often as you like, however, it is suggested that you are allowed two glasses of white wine in addition to the instructions on the program. You may substitute champagne for white wine. Under no circumstances are you to drink any other alcoholic beverages with the exception of beer which is allowed. Any liquor (bourbon,vodka, rum) is forbidden. Cream drinks are especially forbidden. You may have an occasional cordial such as creme de menthe or schnapps, but you must always limit yourself to two drinks. If you wine, drink only wine that day. If you have beer, drink only beer that day, etc. Alcohol adds empty calories to your diet. However, after the first week it will help your digestion and settle your stomach.
G.M.'S Wonder Soup:
The following soup is intended as a supplement to your diet. It can be eaten any time of the day in virtually unlimited quantities. You are encouraged to consume large quantities of this soup.
28 oz, Water, 6 Large Onions, 2 Green Peppers, Whole Tomatoes (fresh or canned), 1 Head Cabbage, 1 Bunch Celery, 4 Envelopes Lipton Onion Soup Mix, Herbs and Flavouring as desired.
Additional Comments
Vegetables as may be taken in the form of a salad if desired. No dressing except malt, white or wine vinegar, squeezed lemon, garlic, herbs. No more than one tea spoon of oil.
You have been given a recipe for the WONDER SOUP which can be eaten in unlimited quantities. This soup is a supplement while you are on the program and it should be a pleasure to eat. Not everyone likes cabbage, green peppers, calory etc. This recipe is not inflexible. You may substitute vegetables according to your taste. You may add any vegetables you like: asparagus, peas, corn, turnips, green beans, cauliflower, etc. Try to stay away from beans (lima, pinto, kidney, etc.), however, because they tend to be high in calories even though they are very good for you.
Beverages you may consume while on the program :
Water (flavoured with lemon/lime if desired).
Club Soda is OK.
Black Coffee. No cream or cream substitute. No sugar or sweetness.
Black Tea = Herb or Leaf.
Absolutely nothing else except the fruit juices which are part of day seven. No fruit juices before day seven.
How and Why It Works
Day One you are preparing your system for the upcoming programme. Your only source of nutrition is fresh or canned fruits. Fruits are nature's perfect food. They provide everything you could possibly want to sustain life except total balance and variety.
Day Two starts with a fix of complex carbo-hydrates coupled with an oil dose. This is taken in the morning for energy and balance. The rest of day two consists of vegetables which are virtually calorie free and provide essential nutrients and fibre.
Day Three eliminates the potato because you get your carbohydrates from the fruits. You system is now prepared to start burning excess pounds. You will still have cravings which should start to diminish by day four.
Day Four, bananas, milk and soup sound the strangest and least desirable. You're in for a surprise. You probably will not eat all the bananas allowed. But they are there for the potassium you have lost and the sodium you may have missed the past three days. You will notice a definite loss of desire for sweets. You will be surprised how easy this day will go.
Day Five, Beef and tomatoes. The beef is for iron and proteins, the tomatoes are for digestion and fibre. Lots and lots of water purifies your system. You should notice colourless urine today. Your allowance calls for the equivalent of five "quarter ponders". Do not feel you have to eat all this beef. You must eat the six tomatoes.
Day Six is similar to day five, Iron and proteins from beef, Vitamins and fibre from vegetables. By now your system is in a total weight loss inclination. There should be a noticeable difference in the way you look today, compared to day one.
Day Seven finished off the program like a good cigar used to finish off Victorian meals, except much healthier. You have your system under control and it should thank you for the flushing and cleaning you just gave it.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Maoist Threat In India
The Communist Party of India (Maoist) is a Maoist political party in India which aims to overthrow the government of India. It was founded on September 21, 2004, through the merger of the Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist) People's War and the Maoist Communist Centre of India (MCC). The merger was announced to the public on October 14 the same year. In the merger a provisional central committee was constituted, with the erstwhile People's War Group leader Muppala Lakshmana Rao alias Ganapathi as General Secretary.
The Naxalites, Naxals or Naksalvadis are a Maoist communist group in India, leaders of the Naxalite-Maoist insurgency.
Their name comes from the village of Naxalbari in the Indian state of West Bengal where the movement originated, and the group are far-left radical communists, supportive of Maoist political sentiment and ideology. Their origin can be traced to the split in 1967 of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), leading to formation of Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist). Initially the movement had its centre in West Bengal. In recent years, it has spread into less developed areas of rural central and eastern India, such as Chhattisgarh, Orissa and Andhra Pradesh through the activities of underground groups like the Communist Party of India (Maoist).
As of 2009, Naxalites are active across approximately 220 districts in twenty states of India accounting for about 40 percent of India's geographical area, They are especially concentrated in an area known as the "Red corridor", where they control 92,000 square kilometers. According to India's intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing, 20,000 armed cadre Naxalites were operating apart from 50,000 regular cadres working in their various mass organizations and millions of sympathisers, and their growing influence prompted Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to declare them as the most serious internal threat to India's national security.
The Naxalites are opposed by virtually all mainstream Indian political groups. In February 2009, Central government announced its plans for broad, co-ordinated operations in all affected states (Chhattisgarh, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal), to plug all possible escape routes of Naxalites.
India has no one to blame but itself for the rise and growth of the Maoists. Unlike violence by groups like the Lashkar-e-Toiba and the Jaish-e-Mohammed, both tagged with the terrorist label and whose attacks the government can attribute to Pakistan's support, the roots of the Maoists lie squarely in India, in the failure of the Indian state to address extreme poverty in vast stretches of rural India.
Maoist violence is no doubt brutal. It has laid bare the callousness of the Indian state, its failure to deliver good governance and to respond to the plight of the poorest and most marginalized sections of its population.
Analysts are cautioning the government against excessive focus on military methods to deal with a problem that is primarily political.
Recently, Chidambaram said he wanted Maoist-controlled areas to be liberated before any development programs could be launched there. There is concern that this "crackdown first, development later" is wrongly sequenced given the fact that it is the absence of development that has resulted in the emergence and growth of Maoism in the first place. "Development efforts should be an important part of the strategy to defeat them [Maoists]," points out an editorial in Deccan Herald. "To think that they can follow the campaign is to put the cart before the horse."
Mahendra Kumavat, a retired director-general of the Border Security Force who had over a decade's experience in fighting Maoists in the Andhra-Orissa-Chhattisgarh, area says that "the government is going to lose more hearts and minds to the Maoists if it forges ahead with a strike policy that brings nothing but bloodshed and disruption to people in the affected zones". It is "going to multiply our problems, not solve them", he warned.
As India prepares to unleash a war against its own citizens, a campaign is underway to discredit the Maoists. And what better way than to draw parallels with the Taliban? Media reports have described the beheading of the Jharkhand cop as a "Taliban-style killing", while the Maoists were referred to as the "Red Taliban".
Interestingly, this is not the first time that Maoists have decapitated their victims. Ajay Sahni, executive director of the New Delhi-based Institute for Conflict Management argues "it was common for Naxalites [as Maoists are often called in India] of various hues to 'shorten' a man by a foot, 'from the top'. Over the past years, after the formation of the CPI (Maoist), there have been several such incidents [of beheading]."
None of these beheadings were described as "Taliban-style beheadings". It is only after the government decided to take on the Maoists head-on that such analogies have emerged in the media.
Home Ministry officials seem excessively optimistic about the new offensive. "We hope that within 30 days of security forces moving in and dominating the area, we should be able to restore civil administration there," Home Secretary G K Pillai said last week.
Many in India do not think so.
The Maoists might melt away when confronted by the might of the Indian state but they will return to strike back. The Maoists in an earlier avatar were brutally crushed by the Indian state in the early 1960s. They regrouped in subsequent years.
They have indicated that they intend to inflict heavy losses. Describing themselves as "respectable citizens and patriots", they have appealed to the IAF to "not strike at sons and daughters of the soil".
Should the IAF do so, they would "teach the center [the federal government] a lesson that no other revolutionary force has taught them".
"Be prepared for a befitting retribution," the Maoists have warned.
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