Tom Sample asked:


The word “adventure” has been a part of our lives in some minor or major experience. Travel has also been undertaken probably more frequently than we have had adventures. Now, when we combine these two words, a whole new vista of thrilling experiences come to our mind and understanding Adventure Travel becomes possible.

Adventure is usually thought of in terms of facing physical dangers, surpassing them and in the process there are some ups and downs that keep the suspense alive and finally either one feels a sense of achievement or disappointment. Well, adventure can be said to be a unique, out of the way experience that applies strictly to each one individually. The different kinds of adventures that one can think of can vary from being very passive to very active depending upon the nature of the individual. For example, for one, going for a walk in the countryside may spell adventure while to another, it could be whitewater rafting while a third may not be satisfied with anything less than a walk through an Amazon jungle!.

Mountaineering, rock-climbing, para-gliding, bungee jumping, sky-diving, bull-fighting, racing, etc can be termed as adventurous. The thrill and sense of danger that challenges a person’s capacity may attract them to undertake daring feats. These are some of the physically active adventures. Unlike these, exploring the countryside, visiting new cities or remote places, camping, trekking, scuba diving, going off on safaris also involve physical activity but these may be considered a little passive when compared to the ones mentioned above. For children, learning to ride a bicycle, horse riding, exploring an abandoned house, taking a roller coaster ride, or getting onto a giant wheel for the first time, may all constitute an adventure.

There are people who seem to be bitten by the travel bug and cannot stay in a place for long. They yearn to try out new places, visit the wonders of the world or far off remote areas, museums, art galleries, gambling casinos, libraries, temples, shrines, etc just to get the feel of it and experience that high of having known the unknown first hand. Adventure is that experience which goes beyond the normal or common routine of one’s life. It is exclusive to a particular individual depending on one’s personality, nature and tastes. It has entirely to do with one’s own imagination, physical and mental courage.

Sometimes, all the members of a family could have the same tastes as far as adventure is concerned. It makes traveling together that much easier. Sometimes, views within the family might differ. In which case, one might think going to Disney is an adventure while another might want to go up in a hot air balloon!

For some, adventure travel may be scaling the Mount Everest or mixing with the local people of an unknown village. Ultimately, the experience of making it adventurous lies totally within you as there is no yardstick to measure how adventurous an event has been for a person. It is your own, exclusive, personal experience!

Kris Koonar asked:


Visualize a 1,000 foot tall expanse of upright, continuous, flawless glass. If you were asked to climb it, it would not at all be possible unless you had suction cups on your hands as well as feet. Now visualize a 1,000 foot tall expanse of an upright rock wall, which is full of cracks and protrusions that are very evident and simple to locate. This would enable you to climb the rock just the way in which you climb a ladder. Rock climbing at all times lies at some point in the midst of these two extremes.

In a simple situation there is actually no skill involved. As long as a person’s body is in good shape, it is possible for pretty much any person to climb this kind of a rock. While the rock becomes even and the supports venturing further, the climber comes into the area of gradation and skill. The climber must be capable of identifying sufficient handholds and footholds, and be steady on them in situations that are unstable, and progress from one position to the next one without collapsing. On tough paths there could be slight cracks with just a small amount to get grip and outcrops that are in need of unbelievable strength to pass through. The speed of wind and varying temperatures make climbing up the rock still more demanding.

As far as possible, the climber should try to carry out most of the climbing efforts by making use of his/her legs. In the perfect situation, climbers attempt to maintain their centers of gravity above their feet and press on, using their legs. They make use of their arms and hands simply to balance and position themselves. While the rock turns out to be more even, it becomes more difficult to keep on. This is the time when power and alertness get into the picture. On complicated paths, the climber requires to have great arm, hand and finger strength as well as endurance to stand by the rock. On very complicated paths, coming across sufficient hang-on in succession turns out to be a problem.

Perhaps the simplest and most secure method to begin rock climbing these days is to visit an indoor climbing facility and sign up for training. In the climbing facility, you will gain knowledge of the basic techniques in a secure atmosphere, you will be able to increase your power and skills, as well as get together with other climbers. Any big city will have at least two or three rock climbing facilities in the region. Once you know the basics of rock climbing, you can get an associate and start on simple sport paths. As you practice and get more experience, you can go on to more difficult paths.

A lot of climbers do not go further than sport climbing, since they prefer the protection and momentum possible with the pre- placed bolts. If you would like to attempt difficult paths, or paths in isolated regions, then you can get trained at how to put up safety measures. If you are attempting to make that leap into outdoor rock climbing, it is important to get an associate or hire an instructor/guide with the usual climbing expertise so that you could be taught the methods.

Joel Owens asked:


Superman might have larger than life powers to protect the Earth. Daredevil might have superhuman senses to defeat the Kingpin of Crime. Spider-man might be flexible enough to get out of any sticky situation. But then again, when an evil villain is out to cause mayhem on Earth via nuclear bombing or sophisticated biological weapons, only one fictional character sans the superpowers can salvage us from utter destruction: Secret Agent Bond—James Bond.

James Bond, unlike these superheroes, doesn’t have supernatural powers or wasn’t bitten by a genetically enhanced spider of sorts for him to be called a hero. Known to have the strength, wit, intelligence, charms, seamless gadgets, and of course, his natural appeal to women, he is an unstoppable brute. Agent 007, as he is commonly called, is a human weapon, ready to stop any atomic bomb, morally bankrupt villain or some unnamed armaments to save the world.

The Villain Who Made the Most Movies

The hardest task for the creators of the James Bond franchise must have been the conceptualization nemeses that would be worthy and fit to be up against the most popular secret agent in Hollywood. They must have been in a heated James Bond Villain quiz discussion in order to reincarnate evil at its best to be eradicated by our suave hero in the end.

Ernst Stravo Blofeld is arguably one of the most hated villains to be fought by 007. As an evil mastermind of SPECTRE (Special Executive for Counter-intelligence, Terrorism, Revenge and Extortion), he aims to take over the world and get truckloads of money in the process of doing so. He appears in 7 major James Bond movies and definitely continues to earn a lot of fans for his pure rashness. This bald, cat-totting and murderous villain is never adamant in annihilating James Bond. Blofeld, with his trademark accent and evil deeds, will be a staple character in any James Bond villain quiz no matter how many other villains might be baked in the oven of the screenplay writer’s imagination.

More Villains: A James Bond Villain Quiz

Villains might be abhorred, but no one can deny that we love them for what they do best—being EVIL. Let’s see how well you know James Bond’s nemeses. Take this James Bond Villain quiz and find out.

1. He has a penchant for sharks, crocodiles and killing, among others. This villain appears in Live and Let Die and was portrayed by Yaphet Kotto.

a. Elliot Carver

b. Mr. Big

c. Mr. Bullion

2. He tried to kill Bond by blowing him up with an atomic bomb to no avail. He is famous for the line, “Better than letting a handful of old men in Moscow bargain away our advantage in disarmament talks!”

a. Mr. Big

b. Kamal Khan

c. Octopussy

3. It is Soviet counter-intelligence agency portrayed in the early James Bond novels based on the real-life agency of the same name. In the novels, it was one of 007′s greatest nemeses.

a. SPECTRE

b. SMERSH

c. KRYPTONITE

4. He wants to disarm world powers and have world peace by destroying missile silos and military bases around the world using the diamond satellite laser weapon he created. He appears in Diamonds are Forever.

a. Kamal Khan

b. Nick Nack

c. Professor Dr. Metz

5. He attempts to execute Bond in Korea, and drives a Jaguar XKR while chasing him across a flat plain in Iceland. He appeared in Die Another Day.

a. Zao

b. Gustav

c. Kanami

Answers:

1. b. Mr. Big

2. c. Octopussy

3. b. SMERSH

4. c. Professor Dr. Metz

5. a. Zao

Villains Make Bond, THE James Bond

Villains can give the needed oomph to make someone a hero. In the case of our favorite fictional secret agent, James Bond would have never reached this pinnacle of popularity without these murderous minds out to cause considerable damages to the world. Sure enough, the quality of a James Bond film is contingent upon how evil, downright mean and callous his enemies could get. The more ruthless these villains become the more smashing and appealing James Bond becomes to the box office.

Mike Cole asked:


Adventure tours are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to a traditional vacation. Travelers have found that adventure tours break up the monotony of visiting just one location on a trip. By visiting numerous locations, most of which are breathtaking landscapes or vibrant cities, an adventure tour can making an entire vacation an experience to remember. Many adventure tours include hiking and camping, and some even feature white water rafting or ocean kayaking. Since an adventure tour is not your ordinary vacation, there are a few things that you should keep in mind when venturing out on one. Here are the 10 most important tips to remember when setting out for your adventure tour vacation.

#1 – Be Prepared

Many of the places that an adventure tour can take you will put you out of the range of most cellular phones, so it is important that you prepare yourself ahead of time. Make sure that you travel with a fully-stocked first aid kit, complete with epinephrine and a snakebite kit. Training classes in CPR and first aid can be useful as well, and are generally offered by the local Red Cross or other civic organizations throughout the year. If you or anyone in your party requires medication, make sure that you have enough for the entire trip. Carry a list of all allergies that your party members have as well as all of the medications that everyone takes so that it can be provided to medical personnel if needed.

#2 – Don’t Forget the Sunscreen

While most people can get a sunburn and have it be a minor inconvenience, you will likely be spending most if not all of the day outside when on an adventure tour. Severe sunburns can lead to infections or other threats, and can also greatly increase your chances of getting several types of skin cancer. Make sure that you choose a waterproof or sweat proof sunscreen to keep it from getting washed off, and reapply it several times throughout the day.

#3 – Review the Tour Information Before You Set Out

Not only can reviewing the tour information help you to be more prepared for what you will face on your adventure tour, but it can also give you an idea of some of the things to be looking for. Many wonders may go unnoticed if you are not looking for them while on your tour.

#4 – Listen To Your Tour Guide

When travelling with a tour guide, make sure that you pay attention to the things that they say. This can not only enrich your tour experience but can also help you to avoid dangerous situations. A tour guide or tour coordinator is one advantage of taking an adventure tour rather than venturing to these locations on your own. The tour guide should be well versed on the locations you are visiting and has been trained to both add information and an element of safety to the vacationers on the adventure tour.

If an Adventure Tour Requires Experience, Make Sure That You Have It

Some tours are perfect for everyone, while others may require that you have a certain level of experience with hiking, rafting, or other activities. Make sure that you meet the requirements or you may be at risk of injury.

#5 – Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water while on your adventure tour, as it can be very easy to become dehydrated when out in the sun or doing physical activities. Make sure that you avoid caffeine and alcohol, as these can speed up dehydration.

#6 – Be Careful What You Eat and Drink

Only eat or drink from the wild when you absolutely know that it is safe to do so. There are a number of poisonous berries and plants which look perfectly harmless at first, and open water can contain a number of harmful microbes. Your best bet is to make sure that you have plenty of food and water in your pack.

#7 – Be Wary of Wildlife

Wildlife can be beautiful, but you should make sure that you give it the respect that it deserves. Not only are wild animals unused to human contact and may attack if provoked, but some animals can carry diseases which can be very dangerous. Likewise, many foods which are processed for human consumption can make wild animals very sick. Admire wildlife from afar to keep both you and the animals safe.

#8 – Be Respectful of Your Environment

Ideally, when an adventure tour group passes through there will be little or no signs that they were there. Avoid leaving litter behind or causing unnecessary damage to the environment as you pass through so that other tour groups will be able to enjoy the scenery as well.

#9 – Don’t Take Unnecessary Risks

It’s easy to get caught up in the adventure aspect of an adventure tour, especially when your days consist of activities such as rock climbing and white water rafting. Remember to keep a level head and don’t take unnecessary risks, since these risks can lead to serious injury if you aren’t careful.

#10 – Take Pictures! An adventure tour is truly a memorable experience. Whether you are traversing a narrow path down the Grand Canyon, hiking through the French countryside, or experiencing a safari in Africa or Australia, take a camera! Send the pictures to friends and family, or keep these memories for yourself. Either way, you will ensure that the incredible sights you have witnessed will stay with you forever.

Muna wa Wanjiru asked:


Indianapolis is the well-known capital of the U.S., which is the state of Indiana, and the county seat of Marion County, Indiana. The 2000 Census report tells that the city’s population is around 781,870. It is Indiana’s most crowded city and is the 13th largest city in the U.S., the 3rd largest city in the Midwest, and the second most densely inhabited Capital in the U.S at the back of Phoenix, Arizona.

Indianapolis is also known as Rust Belt city, due in part to an aggressive downtown renewal campaign. The 1960s saw a shift in the economic base of the city that is also one of the reasons for this change. A large part of this diversification involves the hosting of the events, especially some sporting events.

Indianapolis is known as The Amateur Sports Capital of the World, and The Racing Capital of the World, have both been applied to Indianapolis. The credit of hosting the , Pan American Games in the year 1987 goes to Indianapolis. Between 2000 and 2007, Indianapolis has successfully hosted the United States Grand Prix, the All State 400 at the Brickyard and also the NCAA Basketball Tournament.

The attendance at both the Indianapolis 500 and the Allstate 400 makes them the largest 2 single day sporting events in the world. 250,000 fans are present at this event. The number of monuments within the city limits is the more in number in Indianapolis that comes second to Washington D.C.

USS Indianapolis is one of the two US Navy vessels that have been named after Indianapolis. This vessel suffered the worst single at-sea loss of life in the history of the United States Navy.

Indianapolis rock climbing is a thrilling and amazing experience as the rocks and the climatic conditions prevailing here are ideal for rock climbing that will help you attain endurance, strength, and emotional stability, along with superb balance and agility. All these qualities are required to survive with tough, hazardous physical challenges in Indianapolis.

Indianapolis rock climbing experience in Indiana polis is packed with action and advanced rock climbers mainly prefer it. Some easy climb spots are also available in Indianapolis thus even amateur rock climbers can give it a go.

The climbing routes present in Indianapolis rock climbing are highly unpredictable. If the route being hiked is a multi-pitch route the leader sets up a secure anchor system at the top of the pitch, also called a belay, from where he can belay as his partner climbs.

As the second climber climbs, he or she removes the gear from the rock. The second climber removes all the bolts, chains, draws along with other rock climbing equipment when it comes to the matter of following traditional climbing techniques. Climbers are at the top of the pitch with all their equipments.

Note that the second person is protected from above on his Indianapolis rock climbing, but the leader is not, so being the leader is more challenging and dangerous job. When the climbers reach the top at the end of their climb, they must finally rappel or otherwise move down the climb in order to return to their starting point. Lead climber does not always fasten the second-climber from the top.