Monday, February 4, 2013

Turkish Ouds & Neys Oud Strings, Brass Gluepots and Hide Glue available at MusiCaravan


Master Luthier HANK LEVIN offers:

• Quality Ouds and other Middle-Eastern Instruments
• Hand-Made Ouds Strings
• Specially designed Luthier's Gluepots for instrument construction and repair

MusiCaravan sells high quality Turkish ouds (lutes) and neys (flutes), as well as offering professional repairs on these instruments, and concert quality strings for Turkish and Arabic ouds. We also sell brass gluepots for hot hide glue used by instrument makers and fine cabinet makers, as well as the hide glue itself, of the highest quality. Repairs are also offered on ouds, neys and bendirs.                                              

The Gluepot

With great pride, MusiCaravan  presents their exclusive hand-made Brass Luthier's gluepot---a craftsman's tool of heirloom quality!


   • Especially designed by a master luthier Hank Levin, to the exact requirements for heating the hide glue traditionally used by violin, lute and guitar makers, as well as for fine workers in wood inlay, decorative veneering and marquetry.

    • Hand-crafted of hammered brass, highly polished, with an ornate lid and brass wire handles---destined to be both an heirloom and centerpiece!

    • An Electric Gluepot Warmer is available separately, that keeps the glue workable at exact temperatures.

The finest specialty woodworkers have relied for centuries on the unique qualities of hot hide glue in their work. Even with the advent of modern epoxies, yellow glues and cyanoacrylates, hot hide glue's special properties and strength make it irreplaceable in instrument making and repair. Besides being an indispensable tool for the finest detailed woodwork, the exquisite highly ornamented appearance of this wonderful little gluepot ranks it as the finest choice of gift item for craftsman or non-craftsman alike. Hand crafted of hammered brass, highly polished, and fit with its precious ornate lid and delicate brass wire handles---in your workshop or on your coffee table, it is sure to provoke comment and conversation indeed, it looks almost too pretty to use. But make no mistake---the Traditional Brass Luthier's Gluepot is made to be used! Rugged and heavily built, it will be part of your family for many generations, a memorial to the honored craftsmen who used it. Weight: 1 lb. 5 oz. Packaged weight: 1 lb. 8.5 oz. Outer diam: 4" Height (with lid): 4" Height (without lid): 3.25" Capacity inner pot: 3 oz. Capacity of water jacket (outer pot): 18 oz.

Musical Instrument Strings

Arabic Style Oud Strings

Introducing the MusiCaravan new long-awaited Arabic String set, made with the same precision and high quality as our famous Turkish sets (described below). Approved by prominent makers and players, they are designed for standard Arabic tuning, from bass to treble, of C, E (or F), A, d, g, c', or slight variations thereof.

Turkish Style Oud Strings

Turkish Style Oud strings are made to exact specifications in collaboration with Oud virtuoso Üstad Necati Çelik [pronounced “Nejatee Chelik”], and MusiCaravan supplies him with these strings. Necati is considered by many to be the foremost classical Oud player in Turkey today.

These strings compare very favorably to Pyramids. The trebles are true and even, and the bass strings last many months without going out of tune with themselves. When I change strings, it is because they are literally wearing out, or have lost too much brilliance to perform with an ensemble---not because they are going out of tune. The only other strings I can say that of are the Pyramids, and they cost a lot more.

There are two different Turkish sets. One has a label bearing Necati Çelik’s name and is designed for the tuning that he prefers, from bass to treble: B (or C#), F#, b, e, a, d'. This tuning is preferred by most Turkish classical musicians today because of its increased range and versatility when transposition is necessary.

The other set is called the MusiCaravan set, and is for the tuning E, A, b, e, a, d. This is a very common traditional tuning, and is often considered the “standard” tuning in the United States. It is widely used by Armenian musicians.

The sets are identical except for the two bass strings. The two treble courses are high quality non-rectified nylon. The cost of either set is $19 US.

Ouds, Neys and Frame Drums

Inventory includes the finest Turkish ouds, neys and frame drums (bendirs and daires), specially selected by Hank Levin in Turkey. Hank's experience as both a maker and performer on all of these instruments insures that MusiCaravan sells only the finest quality instruments in perfect adjustment. Help and advice in maintaining your instrument, as well as limited instruction, are also available.

About Hank

MusiCaravan.com is the manifestation of Hank Levin's lifelong passion with World Music, its various musical instruments, and their manufacturer.

Hank Levin originally played classical guitar and lute, and later studied Middle Eastern rhythms and modes (makam) on oud with Maestro Necati Celik, and ney with maestro Sadreddin Ozçemi. Hank's repertoire includes Turkish, Armenian, Azerbaijanian, Persian, Sephardic, Arabic and Greek pieces. He also plays various percussion instruments. He has made numerous presentations at colleges, at the San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival, and on Pacifica Radio (KPFA). He has appeared with renowned Persian vocalist Ustad Naser Masoudi, with the Latif Bolat Sufi Ensemble, and with Persian santurist Ustad Asghar Azarvand, and with Turkish maestros Oudi Necati Çelik and Kanunji Halil Karaduman. Hank is the director of the Turkish Classical Music Ensemble of San Francisco.

Order Ouds, Oud Strings, Frame Drums, Neys, Gluepots and Glue online at http://musicaravan.com, or call MusiCaravan at 1-800-799-3733.

San Francisco Bay, Marin wetlands get international designation aimed at protection

The San Francisco Bay estuary and many associated wetlands in Marin have been added to a list of protected areas under a 1971 international treaty among 163 countries meant to limit damaging development along ecologically important waterways.

Ramsar Convention officials on Friday announced the U.S. government had added the bay as the nation's 35th "wetland of importance" under the treaty. The designation takes effect Saturday, World Wetlands Day.
While the designation will not result in new legally-binding protections for wildlife and habitat in the bay, it does focus international pressure on agencies to step up conservation efforts and may lead to additional funding for wetland restoration. The designation also means the country is committed to not promoting projects that alter designated ecosystems.

"This designation should be a point of pride for anyone living in the larger San Francisco Bay Area," said Beth Huning, coordinator of the Marin-based San Francisco Bay Joint Venture. "Despite intense urban pressures, San Francisco Bay nonetheless endures as one of our country's great natural treasures."

There are a number of waterways and wetlands in Marin that are part of the designation: Richardson Bay, Corte Madera Marsh Ecological Reserve, Marin Islands, Petaluma Marsh (which includes Bahia), Angel Island, China Camp, parts of Olampali, Bel Marin Keys, Simmons Slough, Tiscornia Marsh, Triangle Marsh, San Rafael tidelands, Beach

Park, Gallinas Marsh, Pickleweed Park and a number of other smaller sites. San Francisco Bay is the largest estuary — about 400,000 acres — on the Pacific Coast and it is widely recognized as one of North America's most ecologically important estuaries. It accounts for 77 percent of California's remaining wetlands, providing key habitat for a broad suite of flora and fauna — over 1,000 species of animals, including native and conservation status species, including wintering shorebirds.It also provides a range of ecological services such as flood protection, water quality maintenance, nutrient filtration and cycling, and carbon sequestration. Melissa Pitkin, spokeswoman for PRBO Conservation Science — the former Point Reyes Bird Observatory — said decades of research led to this designation.

In 1998 the Bolinas Lagoon was given a similar designation. That body of water is home to 23 rare, threatened and endangered species and 50,000 migratory birds that come though every year.

"It is a great day for the bay and a gesture of promise for its future protection," Hunning said of the designation of San Francisco Bay. "We have entered an era of restoration, a renaissance of the bay."

The San Francisco Bay estuary and many associated wetlands in Marin have been added to a list of protected areas under a 1971 international treaty among 163 countries meant to limit damaging development along ecologically important waterways.

Ramsar Convention officials on Friday announced the U.S. government had added the bay as the nation's 35th "wetland of importance" under the treaty. The designation takes effect Saturday, World Wetlands Day.
While the designation will not result in new legally-binding protections for wildlife and habitat in the bay, it does focus international pressure on agencies to step up conservation efforts and may lead to additional funding for wetland restoration. The designation also means the country is committed to not promoting projects that alter designated ecosystems.

"This designation should be a point of pride for anyone living in the larger San Francisco Bay Area," said Beth Huning, coordinator of the Marin-based San Francisco Bay Joint Venture. "Despite intense urban pressures, San Francisco Bay nonetheless endures as one of our country's great natural treasures."
There are a number of waterways and wetlands in Marin that are part of the designation: Richardson Bay, Corte Madera Marsh Ecological Reserve, Marin Islands, Petaluma Marsh (which includes Bahia), Angel Island, China Camp, parts of Olampali, Bel Marin Keys, Simmons Slough, Tiscornia Marsh, Triangle Marsh, San Rafael tidelands, Beach

Park, Gallinas Marsh, Pickleweed Park and a number of other smaller sites. San Francisco Bay is the largest estuary — about 400,000 acres — on the Pacific Coast and it is widely recognized as one of North America's most ecologically important estuaries. It accounts for 77 percent of California's remaining wetlands, providing key habitat for a broad suite of flora and fauna — over 1,000 species of animals, including native and conservation status species, including wintering shorebirds. It also provides a range of ecological services such as flood protection, water quality maintenance, nutrient filtration and cycling, and carbon sequestration. Melissa Pitkin, spokeswoman for PRBO Conservation Science — the former Point Reyes Bird Observatory — said decades of research led to this designation.

In 1998 the Bolinas Lagoon was given a similar designation. That body of water is home to 23 rare, threatened and endangered species and 50,000 migratory birds that come though every year.

"It is a great day for the bay and a gesture of promise for its future protection," Hunning said of the designation of San Francisco Bay. "We have entered an era of restoration, a renaissance of the bay."

Saturday, February 2, 2013

For Mental Game Coaching for Athletes, Sports Teams, Coaches, Families and Sporting Organizations come to Protex Sports.

What is Sport Psychology?

 

The study of behavior factors that influence and are influenced by active participation in sport, exercise, and physical activity is called sports psychology.

 

Psychology in sport works with the mental aspects of sport performance such as improving mental toughness, regaining composure, increasing confidence or refining focus. Coaches focus on the strategic and physical components of competition and technical skills, however, sports psychology professionals strive to enhance the minds of athletes to help identify triggers that negatively impact performance. As a result athletes are more equipped to handle the pressures of competition, overcome negative thoughts or beliefs, enter the zone more easily and remain focused for longer periods of time. All of these skills lead to improved performance and a stronger, champion mindset!

 

What services are provided by a sport psychology professional?

Mental Game professionals work with individuals, groups and organizations on the psychological factors which performance such as:

  •              Confidence Development
  •              Focus/Concentration Skills
  •              Composure in Competitive Environments
  •              Goal Setting
  •              Pre-Game Routine Development
  •              Positive Self Talk
  •              Distraction Control
  •              Tool for Relaxation
  •              Solutions to Burnout
  •              Parent Education

 

Mission:

 

The mission of the Protex Sports Psychology Programs is to promote the student and professional athlete’s mental game learning and development. Consistent with Protex Sports mission to “educate the whole person”, our sport psychology program promotes the academic, social, emotional, spiritual, athletic and personal development of all athletes using applied sport psychology principles in a sport performance setting. Through a process of identifying the fears, mental barriers and other mental skills challenges, we are able to develop strategies to find and build on success. We believe that a healthy, mentally tough mindset is the key element to improving performance and creating confidence. This unique approach is the very core of our mental skills training program and is used to assist athletes to achieve new heights in their athletic performance, and personal lives.


About John Ellsworth

 

John Ellsworth holds a Master’s Degree in counseling psychology with a specialization in sports psychology and is presently a doctoral candidate in the field. John brings a multifaceted approach to the mental aspects of sports and health. Combined with his expertise in clinical and applied sports psychology, John has extensive experience coaching, teaching, and consulting with professional, elite, college, high school, and middle school athletes. In addition, John’s personal success in professional and amateur sports is testament to his ability to apply the concepts he teaches: goal setting, perseverance, life balance, belief in self, and mastery of the mental game.  John is available to consult and counsel with athletes at all levels, sports teams, coaches, families, and organizations. John is also available for workshops and seminars. 

 

COACHING SERVICES

 

Sports Psychology for Individuals, Teams, Coaches, Kids, and Sports Parents

 

                One-On-One Mental Game Coaching

                Team Mental Game Coaching

                Coaching Consultation/Educational Services

                One-One Coaching for Sports Parents/Parents & Athletes Coaching

                Sports Specific Mental Game Coaching

                Sports Mechanics for Baseball and Golf

                Triathlon and Multi Sport Training

 

For sports psychology and mental game consulting and coaching services call ProtexSports at (800) 608-1120 or visit http://protexsports.com 

 

 

Friday, February 1, 2013

Need a video production service specializing in videotaping depositions and courtroom video displays? Meet Legal Videos!

Legal Videos of San Rafael, CA are seasoned video professionals that are service oriented and competitively priced. They have established a solid reputation with colleagues by providing top quality, prompt, and reliable video service in particular when it comes to trials and courtrooms.

Video Production Services Offered:

Videotaped Depositions

Post Production

Non-Linear Editing

Courtroom Playback Equipment:

Elmo, DVD Player, VCR,

Projectors, Screens,

Multi-Sync Monitors, Computers

Recording Formats in DVD, VCD, CD,

S-VHS, or VHS Digital or Analog

Videoconferencing

Day In The Life

Audio/Video Duplications

Computer Animation and Graphics

Still Photographs from Video

Digital Photographic Services

Document Imaging and

Printing Services

Real-Time Court Reporters


Videographers are trained by highly experienced and eye for detail. Along with being technical, Bill likes to think of himself as a people person who has created a high-end yet personable service-oriented business. 

"My passion has always been in technology, particularly in the Audio / Visual / Photographic / Computer arena," says Bill.

Depositions                                          

All the work, including the synchronizing of the video and transcript, are done in their own state-or-the-art studio.
LiveNote CLSP (P), CLVS videographers, and a Notary Public are available.

Inside the Courtroom

Legal Videos train small to medium size law firm in the fundamentals of the latest multi-media litigation support and trial needs.

Equipment Available

ELMO, Projectors/Screens, Multi-sync Monitors, DVD Player, VCR, Computers, Audio/Video, Amplifiers, Sound Systems, Laser Pointers and more.

Courtroom Services:

•  Preparations

•  Presentations

•  Assistance

•  Equipment Rentals and more…


For your courtroom trial presentation and video depositions needs call videographer Legal Videos at 415- 459-7672 or visit http://legalvideos.com