The best-performed amateur golfer from the Charles Tour series, which culminates with the Shirley Open starting today, will gain entry to the New Zealand Open at The Hills near Queenstown in January.
A capacity field will line up for the $40,000 Labour Weekend event in Christchurch, including Sir Bob Charles – playing for the first time in a tour event named in his honour.
The professional field is headed by Charles, the four-time New Zealand Open champion. Charles, who has been a Christchurch Golf Club member for more than 50 years, twice finished runner-up in the open at the course.
Hawke's Bay golfer Doug Holloway, a four-time winner on the Charles Tour, will be favoured among the professionals, along with last year's Taranaki Open winner Troy Ropiha and 2003 New Zealand Open champion Mahal Pearce.
Japan tour player Kazunari Nakayama impressed in Taranaki, while Wellington's Brenden Stuart, the consistent Grant Moorhead (New Plymouth) and Tauranga's Jared Pender are likely contenders this weekend. The amateur battle has an additional edge, with the overall winner invited to compete in the co-sanctioned New Zealand Open, while there is the $1500 Danny Lee Scholarship for the leading amateur over the spring series – the Wairakei Open, Taranaki Open and Shirley Open.
Former Northland golfer Gary-John Hill, now based at the Titirangi club in Auckland, is leading the amateur section after his share of third place at the Wairakei Open.
He leads Tauranga's Andrew Stewart. Stewart made an impressive debut for New Zealand at the Asia-Pacific teams championship recently, where he was fourth-best individual.
Wairakei Open winner Emily Perry, runner-up in the prestigious Riversdale Cup in Melbourne this year, will be looking for her second win in the women's competition over 54 holes.
New Zealand strokeplay champion Zoe Brake (Whakatane) will be hoping to stake her claim after strong performances in the recent interprovincials, along with fellow international Caroline Bon and Nelson's Lisa Wright, who is returning to the game after a lengthy layoff because of leg surgery.
The top 60 men, plus ties, make the cut for the final two rounds of the event which concludes on Monday.
The women's event finishes on Sunday.
2009年10月25日星期日
2009年10月22日星期四
Fitness benefits of massage
We all know that a massage can relieve stress, help to make sore muscles feel better and even reduce anxiety, but can it help us achieve our fitness goals? Research shows that the massage you get to relieve stress can also have a positive effect on your muscle-building capabilities and fitness level.
Massage improves circulation and general nutrition of muscles. This appears to be the most valuable fitness-related benefit. After a muscle is exercised, vital nutrients must be supplied in order for it to increase in size. Massage maximizes the supply of nutrients and oxygen through increased blood flow, which helps the body rebuild itself.
Massage improves range of motion and muscle flexibility. This results in increased power and performance, which helps you work efficiently and with proper intensity to help the body’s muscle building response.
Massage helps to shorten recovery time between workouts. Waste products such as lactic and carbonic acid build up in muscles after exercise. Increased circulation to these muscles helps to eliminate toxins and shorten recovery time.
Massage can help prevent over-training. Massage has a relaxing effect on the muscles, as well as a calming effect on the nervous system. This can help prevent the limiting effect on muscle building caused by over-training.
Massage can aid in fat loss. According to research, massage may burst the fat capsule in subcutaneous tissue so that the fat spreads out and becomes absorbed. In this way, combined with proper nutrition, massage may help in weight loss.
Massage helps prevent and even heal injuries. By stretching connective tissue, massage improves circulation to help prevent or break down adhesions.
While a massage won’t build muscle directly, it helps the body’s rebuilding phase following a workout and influences muscular growth. Getting a massage is just as important as regular workouts. Great news for those of us who thought working out was all hard work!!
Related site:beijing massage ,http://www.prettyshanghai.net/
Massage improves circulation and general nutrition of muscles. This appears to be the most valuable fitness-related benefit. After a muscle is exercised, vital nutrients must be supplied in order for it to increase in size. Massage maximizes the supply of nutrients and oxygen through increased blood flow, which helps the body rebuild itself.
Massage improves range of motion and muscle flexibility. This results in increased power and performance, which helps you work efficiently and with proper intensity to help the body’s muscle building response.
Massage helps to shorten recovery time between workouts. Waste products such as lactic and carbonic acid build up in muscles after exercise. Increased circulation to these muscles helps to eliminate toxins and shorten recovery time.
Massage can help prevent over-training. Massage has a relaxing effect on the muscles, as well as a calming effect on the nervous system. This can help prevent the limiting effect on muscle building caused by over-training.
Massage can aid in fat loss. According to research, massage may burst the fat capsule in subcutaneous tissue so that the fat spreads out and becomes absorbed. In this way, combined with proper nutrition, massage may help in weight loss.
Massage helps prevent and even heal injuries. By stretching connective tissue, massage improves circulation to help prevent or break down adhesions.
While a massage won’t build muscle directly, it helps the body’s rebuilding phase following a workout and influences muscular growth. Getting a massage is just as important as regular workouts. Great news for those of us who thought working out was all hard work!!
Related site:beijing massage ,http://www.prettyshanghai.net/
2009年10月21日星期三
Japan flights a Christmas boost
Tourism Tropical North Queensland chief executive officer Rob Giason yesterday detailed the JAL Boeing 747 charter flights arriving from Tokyo on December 27, 28 and 31.
Each jet will bring 450 passengers with an estimated spend of $1500 per person over four nights.
Also coming during the December break are two more of All Nippon Airways/JTB Boeing 747-400 charters from Tokyo announced earlier this year. They will carry 646
people.
"This is a nice Christmas economic contribution during a period when there is a bit of a slow down in the domestic market," Mr Giason said.
"This is not to be sneezed at. We’ve had a tough 18 months and this makes it a little bit of an extra Christmas present for a few," he said.
Mr Giason said the flights would top up the Christmas-New Year period.
He said there was demand from the Japanese wanting to escape their cold winter for the tropics. Packages were being sold through wholesalers KNT, HIS, JALPAK and Yomiuri.
"KNT is distributing a dedicated brochure for the Cairns charter program in Osaka to take advantage of demand in western Japan," Mr Giason said.
He said there was a call for more services to Cairns during the December holiday period and TTNQ’s Japan general manager Harry Niihori had managed to secure the charters in addition to scheduled services into Cairns from Japan.
Mr Giason said he hoped it was the beginning of more charter flights from Asia.
"Three years ago there were no planes available to charter. Now there are aircraft available and it’s all about utilising these to our advantage," he said.
Mr Giason said there were now opportunities to add charter flights during peak holiday periods without cannibalising the scheduled services from Japan and China.
The region’s recovery of lost Japanese tourist numbers was boosted with four charters last month and this month with almost 1300 people arriving on the four flights, three of them school tours.
Each jet will bring 450 passengers with an estimated spend of $1500 per person over four nights.
Also coming during the December break are two more of All Nippon Airways/JTB Boeing 747-400 charters from Tokyo announced earlier this year. They will carry 646
people.
"This is a nice Christmas economic contribution during a period when there is a bit of a slow down in the domestic market," Mr Giason said.
"This is not to be sneezed at. We’ve had a tough 18 months and this makes it a little bit of an extra Christmas present for a few," he said.
Mr Giason said the flights would top up the Christmas-New Year period.
He said there was demand from the Japanese wanting to escape their cold winter for the tropics. Packages were being sold through wholesalers KNT, HIS, JALPAK and Yomiuri.
"KNT is distributing a dedicated brochure for the Cairns charter program in Osaka to take advantage of demand in western Japan," Mr Giason said.
He said there was a call for more services to Cairns during the December holiday period and TTNQ’s Japan general manager Harry Niihori had managed to secure the charters in addition to scheduled services into Cairns from Japan.
Mr Giason said he hoped it was the beginning of more charter flights from Asia.
"Three years ago there were no planes available to charter. Now there are aircraft available and it’s all about utilising these to our advantage," he said.
Mr Giason said there were now opportunities to add charter flights during peak holiday periods without cannibalising the scheduled services from Japan and China.
The region’s recovery of lost Japanese tourist numbers was boosted with four charters last month and this month with almost 1300 people arriving on the four flights, three of them school tours.
2009年10月20日星期二
Japan 'ideal for food-loving Brits'
Japan could prove to be an ideal holiday destination for food-loving Brits to visit, it has been noted, as it offers all sorts of dining suitable for all tastes and budgets.
According to editor of Food and Travel magazine Charlotte Swift, Japan is "a mecca for gastronomes" and has all sorts of eateries, from street stalls to Michelin-starred dining rooms.
Those Brits who want to check out some of the country's Michelin-starred restaurants and sample some of the world's most outstanding food may find it wise to budget for their blowout meal before they travel.
Making a list of everything they need to get for a break, including travel insurance, flights and spending money, could help them make sure they have enough left over for an expensive treat at a Michelin-starred eatery.
The Japanese areas of Kyoto and Osaka have recently been added to the Michelin-food guide to the country.
In total, the two areas are home to seven restaurants of this level.
2009年10月19日星期一
One for the gastronomes - Travel Japan
Travel Japan by H.I.S. has served up a smorgasbord of Japanese culinary delights with its latest offering - a 14-day hands-on food lovers tour sampling and in some cases cooking many of the country’ s more traditional dishes.
Combining Tokyo with Takayama, Osaka and historical Hiroshima and Kyoto, gastronomic delights on the ‘Food Lovers Japan’ menu include ‘Takoyaki’ (octopus balls), ‘Hida Beef’ (wagyu famous to this region), ‘Okonomiyaki (pancakes), ‘Soba’ noodles and ‘Fugu’ (puffer fish).
A highlight of the culinary section of the tour offers the chance to partake in a traditional `kuidaore’ (eat until you drop) session in Osaka.
The program also features a visit to Tokyo’s Tsukiji fish markets, the largest in the world, Hiroshima’s World Heritage-listed Itsukushima shrine and Himeji-jo Castle, one of Japan’s most picturesque medieval castles.
An overnight stay, complete with ‘shojin ryori’ (Buddhist cuisine) meals as guests of Buddhist monks in the temple city of Koya-san is also included .
The ‘Food Lovers Japan’ tour is priced from AUD7143* per person twin share.
This includes all accommodation, guides, sightseeing and meals as per itinerary
Combining Tokyo with Takayama, Osaka and historical Hiroshima and Kyoto, gastronomic delights on the ‘Food Lovers Japan’ menu include ‘Takoyaki’ (octopus balls), ‘Hida Beef’ (wagyu famous to this region), ‘Okonomiyaki (pancakes), ‘Soba’ noodles and ‘Fugu’ (puffer fish).
A highlight of the culinary section of the tour offers the chance to partake in a traditional `kuidaore’ (eat until you drop) session in Osaka.
The program also features a visit to Tokyo’s Tsukiji fish markets, the largest in the world, Hiroshima’s World Heritage-listed Itsukushima shrine and Himeji-jo Castle, one of Japan’s most picturesque medieval castles.
An overnight stay, complete with ‘shojin ryori’ (Buddhist cuisine) meals as guests of Buddhist monks in the temple city of Koya-san is also included .
The ‘Food Lovers Japan’ tour is priced from AUD7143* per person twin share.
This includes all accommodation, guides, sightseeing and meals as per itinerary
2009年10月18日星期日
Massage Brings More than Just Relaxation
The tremendous benefits of regular massage are irreplaceable to the human body. Massage is a variety of sometimes ancient techniques that manipulate the soft tissues of the body. It can definitely relax you, but there are some benefits of massage that go far beyond relaxation.
Pain and anxiety are two common problems associated with receiving massage therapy. By soothing muscles and nerves a greater state of well being is achieved for the recipient. When you take this concept further you find that massage can also benefit chronic pain and even self esteem. Massage allows for person to person contact that promotes feelings of comfort and soothing.
Medically massage is used for sports related injuries and to promote optimum performance of muscles. Through a pattern of exercise and massage, injuries can be avoided and greater athletic achievements can be accomplished. The regular massage prevents small injuries from becoming bigger ones and the athlete avoids the pain cycle all together. Massage is also an immune system enhancer that benefits patients with chronic immune system diseases like HIV. Increasing the circulation of healthy blood cells in the body helps these patients fight off disease better and keep a more positive mental attitude that is crucial for their survival.
Infants and babies have shown positive responses to massage through toddlerhood. The birthing process is often made easier and less complicated by regular massage during pregnancy and throughout the labor process. Massage for premature babies promotes better weight gain, and massage for babies with diabetes correlates with better lifelong compliance with regimens and healthier lifestyle choices.
The effects of massage on patients with high blood pressure should also not be overlooked. Massage can play a key part in the regulation and control of chronic high blood pressure by not only relaxing the patient, but also by helping the central nervous system to balance as it regulates blood flow throughout the body more efficiently. Regular massage combined with isometric exercise has been shown to improve both the blood pressure and blood regulation in patients.
Massage Therapy is a technique that can benefit a great number of people with a wide variety of complaints both physical and mental. This form of therapy can be incorporated into a balanced and healthy lifestyle to promote continuous and further health and well being as well as to be used as treatment therapy for those with chronic mental and physical conditions.
Pain and anxiety are two common problems associated with receiving massage therapy. By soothing muscles and nerves a greater state of well being is achieved for the recipient. When you take this concept further you find that massage can also benefit chronic pain and even self esteem. Massage allows for person to person contact that promotes feelings of comfort and soothing.
Medically massage is used for sports related injuries and to promote optimum performance of muscles. Through a pattern of exercise and massage, injuries can be avoided and greater athletic achievements can be accomplished. The regular massage prevents small injuries from becoming bigger ones and the athlete avoids the pain cycle all together. Massage is also an immune system enhancer that benefits patients with chronic immune system diseases like HIV. Increasing the circulation of healthy blood cells in the body helps these patients fight off disease better and keep a more positive mental attitude that is crucial for their survival.
Infants and babies have shown positive responses to massage through toddlerhood. The birthing process is often made easier and less complicated by regular massage during pregnancy and throughout the labor process. Massage for premature babies promotes better weight gain, and massage for babies with diabetes correlates with better lifelong compliance with regimens and healthier lifestyle choices.
The effects of massage on patients with high blood pressure should also not be overlooked. Massage can play a key part in the regulation and control of chronic high blood pressure by not only relaxing the patient, but also by helping the central nervous system to balance as it regulates blood flow throughout the body more efficiently. Regular massage combined with isometric exercise has been shown to improve both the blood pressure and blood regulation in patients.
Massage Therapy is a technique that can benefit a great number of people with a wide variety of complaints both physical and mental. This form of therapy can be incorporated into a balanced and healthy lifestyle to promote continuous and further health and well being as well as to be used as treatment therapy for those with chronic mental and physical conditions.
2009年10月15日星期四
Copeland defends massage policy
It's a pain that Des Moines County officials believe can be massaged away.
Since August, some county employees have had the option of paying for chair massages offered at the county board's meeting room at the downtown Burlington courthouse.
The practice has been criticized by a Burlington blog.
Des Moines County Auditor Carol Copeland defended her decision to arrange the massages with Style by Design in Burlington and lashed out at the blog.
"I just want all of this nonsense to go away. I have theoretically been accused of misappropriating county mone and county employees under my direction were misappropriating time. I'm a crack whore and a pimp (according to the blog). I don't appreciate being call those names by people posting on some blog," Copeland said.
Des Moines County Board Chairman Jeff Heland said the chair massages took place in the board's meeting room without their knowledge.
Regardless, he said he backs Copeland's decision.
He said employees who received massages paid for the service out of their own pocket and they were performed during assigned breaks. He called it an unnecessary distraction.
"It's time to move on to something else. If you ask me, this is a good example of Carol being a progressive boss and helping her people feel better," he said. "As for it going on in our meeting room, so what? A lot of things go on in that room that I don't need to be aware of."
Supervisor Dan Cahill agreed. "Hell, I think it's a great idea," he said.
Supervisor Bob Beck could not be reached for comment.
During a weeklong inquiry by The Hawk Eye, it was determined that massage therapist Leslie Gray was approached by Copeland to provide services for interested county employees.
For the past three months, Gray gave massages in the board's meeting room. The massages were fully clothed with the employee seated in a special chair.
Chair massages also were offered in September and earlier this month. About four years ago, similar massages were offered at the courthouse, according to Copeland.
Employees from the auditor's, treasurer's and re-corder's offices had the option of paying $15 to receive a 15-minute chair massage.
In a Sept. 11 e-mail, the invitation was extended to employees in other offices, including city/county assessor, county attorney, sheriff's office and information technology, according to Copeland.
The offer was not extended to supervisors.
The reason, Copeland said: "We sit in front of computers all day and they don't. Besides, they're guys and I didn't think they would be interested."
The September e-mail written by Copeland said that Gray would be giving massages on Oct. 7 beginning at 9 a.m. and concluding at 11 a.m. It further said: "Get a massage for only $15. Sign up in the auditor's office."
On the Oct. 7 signup sheet,
and
shanghai massagewere given to seven employees from the recorder's, treasurer's and auditor's office, including Copeland.
At a meeting Tuesday, Des Moines County Attorney Pat Jackson had expected to be asked by the board to provide an opinion on the matter. That didn't happen.
"I think we don't need to involve Pat in this. There was nothing illegal here, and we can't control perception," Heland said.
订阅：
博文 (Atom)