The rapid technological
advancements in the audio sector have made wireless earbuds more of a
necessity than a luxury. From Apple's AirPods to Samsung's Galaxy Buds,
these little gadgets have become an integral part of our daily lives.
But as their usage skyrockets, so does the concern about their safety,
particularly when it comes to brain health.
The Growing Unease: Unpacking the Worries
Wireless earbuds operate using Bluetooth
technology, emitting a type of radiofrequency radiation in the process.
This has caused some people to wonder if placing such devices in close
proximity to the brain could have potential health risks. We've grown so
used to Bluetooth headphones that we barely pause to consider their
potential long-term effects. Already, we're exposed to various other
forms of radiation via cell phones and other gadgets.
Extreme viewpoints suggest that wireless
earbuds could "zap your brain's energy," leaving users feeling fatigued
or mentally exhausted. These arguments often gain traction on social
media platforms, where snippets of "research" can quickly go viral,
irrespective of their scientific credibility.
Digging into the Science: What Does Research Actually Say?
Before diving into panic mode, it's essential
to understand the difference between ionizing and non-ionizing
radiation. Ionizing radiation, such as X-rays and gamma rays, carries
enough energy to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms, leading to
cellular damage and an increased risk of cancer. Non-ionizing radiation,
like the type emitted by Bluetooth devices, is far less energetic and
doesn't have the same damaging effects.
Reports argue that AirPods, and other similar
devices, have not been proven to be harmful, based on studies examining
the health effects of electromagnetic fields (EMFs). There's also no
substantive evidence to support the claim that Bluetooth earbuds
increase the risk for brain cancer. Moreover, it's important to note
that the radiation emitted by Bluetooth devices is extremely low
compared to other types of radiation. The power of radiation diminishes
with distance, and considering the proximity of earbuds to phone
devices, the overall exposure remains minimal.
Should You Be Worried?
Given the available scientific data, there's
little reason to believe that wireless earbuds pose a serious threat to
brain health. However, it's always wise to apply the principle of
moderation. Using wired headphones when you're at home or limiting your
Bluetooth earbud usage when not necessary could be small but impactful
ways to limit any potential exposure to radiation.
The Voice of Reason: Precaution is Not Paranoia
While there isn't concrete evidence supporting
the claims that wireless earbuds are detrimental to your brain, being
cautious does not hurt. Sometimes, precaution stems not from fear but
from a well-informed perspective. Simple practices such as taking
regular breaks, using speaker mode when possible, or even rotating
between wired and wireless options can be good habits to adopt.
Conclusion: Don't Toss Them Out Just Yet
While the fears around wireless earbuds and
brain health might seem alarming, current scientific evidence does not
validate these concerns. However, it's always a good idea to balance
convenience with caution. The debate on this topic is far from over, and
as technology continues to evolve, so will our understanding of its
long-term effects. Until then, you can continue to use your wireless
earbuds, but perhaps with a newfound awareness and a moderate approach.
After all, a bit of precaution today could potentially save you from
unforeseen troubles down the road.
David’s
battle with Goliath was more than a fight between two nations. It was a
defense of Jehovah’s name and a challenge to those who doubted His
supremacy.
King Saul doubted that the young man could
be victorious over a seasoned warrior like Goliath. But as David
pointed out in today’s passage, the only way a boy with a sling could
defeat the giant Philistine was by the Lord’s hand (v. 37). In
confronting Goliath, David showed courage, but what really drove him was
righteous indignation: “For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that
he has dared to defy the armies of the living God?” (v. 26).
Today
this narrative is often read merely as a triumphant underdog tale.
Modern audiences may take comfort in the belief that they’ll never have
to deal with such a scenario. But the real story is that David stood up
for God, and there are times when we should do the same. We don’t need a
degree to defend our faith. Our “smooth stones” (v. 40) are the truths
we’ve learned from the Bible. Just remember that whatever the outcome,
the battle is the Lord’s (v. 47), and He gives victory to the faithful.
Moving into a new place can sure be an exciting process.
However, installing safety measures to safeguard it can seem like an
overwhelming task. But at the end of the day, you have to admit that the
installation of home security devices is crucial to your safety.
Cases of burglary continue to rise and dip in Toronto. So you need to
always be on an alert. It's best to contact a trusted locksmith in
Toronto as soon as you decide to boost your home's security
infrastructure. Given below are some of the most effective measures that
every new homeowner should take.
Door and Window Security
Locking your windows and doors is hands down the easiest ways to
safeguard your house against thieves and vandals. Remember that burglars
are always searching for easy targets. You forgetting to unlock a
window or door may just provide them what they wish. It's a great
practice to keep your doors and windows locked, both when you're inside
and outside your home.
You can also consider door and window sensors. These smart sensors
can detect if a window or door has been left open. There are also smart
locks that you can schedule to lock your premises at specific times
automatically.
Invest in High-Quality Door Locks
Just locking your premises is not enough today. You also need to
ensure that the locks on your door are not average ones. They should be
high-quality locks having a deadbolt. Such locks make it incredibly
challenging for intruders or burglars to break in.
Apart from that, take a close look at your door frames and hinges.
Are they old? Strong frames and hinges can easily endure a break-in. But
doors that are old and creaking only become a security risk. It's
always a wise idea to look for smart locks. You don't need to operate
them manually. Everything happens according to how you want it remotely.
Have Your Packages Delivered to a Locker
As the festive season arrives, you might be busy visiting your
friends and family members and purchasing gifts for them. Many people
tend to purchase gifts online. In that case, deliver your parcels to a
locker. It's a great step to ward off thieves from your places.
Apart from purchases, you shouldn't also forget to give your friends
and family the address of the locker who will get your parcels. It will
allow them to ship the gifts they want to gift to you there. Package
lockers also provide homeowners with safe storage space. Alternatively,
you can also request your post office to keep the mail addressed to you
on hold so that they don't fall into the hands of unknown people.
Invest in a Home Security System
One of the most efficacious methods to keep criminals from breaking
in is installing a home security system. Through it, you can get alerted
whenever there's been any instance of a break-in. It has been shown
that a premise that doesn't have a security system is thrice more likely
to experience break-ins. If a burglar happens to see any sign of a
security system at your house, they'll likely won't make it their
target.
Security cameras designed for home use add a new layer of protection
to your premises. You can get alerted of any movement on areas like your
yard through them. Window and door sensors will signal you if a person
is trying to enter your premises.
There's no need to think that you can only install these kinds of
systems at an exorbitant price. Today, there are numerous options for
you to explore. Many of them are affordable and can easily fit into a
standard budget.
Use Smart Lighting
Thieves and intruders like to work in the dark so that they can do
their job conveniently. But outdoor lights prevent them from doing
precisely that. These lights prevent them from moving towards a specific
area.
You might be one of those who leave lights in their home open when
going on any trip or occasion. But the problem with it is that intruders
are highly skilled in detecting if a house is empty in reality or not.
It's why smart lighting is so beneficial. They have sensors in them
that make the light illuminate the moment any movement is detected. They
thus catch the thief off-guard and scare them off. You can also adjust
the brightness based on the time of the day via a timer.
Apart from smart lights, you can also invest in outdoor security
cameras. It's an extra step in the direction of making your home fully
safe.
Final Words
No homeowner desires to fall prey to a home invasion. Keep the tips
given in this post in mind to keep your house and your loved ones
well-protected and safe. You can start small and build on your knowledge
of the various security products and their functionalities. It will
help you make an informed decision regarding the kind of security system
your house needs.
Tiger Locksmith is a reliable locksmith in Toronto that provides full-fledged residential, commercial, and emergency lockout services.
The
first chapter of Matthew’s gospel records the lineage of Jesus.
Starting with Isaac, the miracle child born to Abraham, there are 42
generations until the universe-altering event of the Savior’s birth.
Among the names listed, there are schemers, prostitutes, murderers,
kings, and idol worshippers. Many of these men and women had their lives
transformed by God and, by His miraculous workings, were given a place
of honor in the ancestry of Christ.
The same God who
orchestrated it all is the one who promises us eternal life through His
Son Jesus Christ. The Bible records God’s faithfulness in keeping
promises made to us, His children. He has reassured us that we who are
born again have a place in His family (Romans 8:15). And the Holy Spirit has been given to us as a pledge, ensuring we will receive our eternal inheritance (2 Corinthians 1:21-22).
We
need only enter into a personal relationship with Christ. There are no
additional specifications to meet, and God’s blessings belong to us the
instant we become His children. Our Father has promised, and we can
count on Him.
Ice Hockey demands countless skills to be successful, and one of the most crucial abilities to have as a great hockey player is power. Every sport demands its specific strengths, but hockey is a different animal.
Hockey
is difficult to train for as a sport that is played at extremely high
speeds and has as many physical demands as football, but Tony Greco
knows how to develop hockey players' strength like no other.
Off-ice
training can be challenging to determine what exercises and coaches to
listen to, but Tony is a trainer with outstanding expertise. These
circuits are not only beneficial for on-ice abilities but teach players
the pace and difficulty they should be training with for many
off-seasons to come.
As Canada’s leading fitness
specialist, Tony has worked with some of the biggest names in the NHL
including; Claude Giroux, Brandt Clarkea and Jack Quinn. He is a top
graduate of the Sports Performance Institute, and certification from his
academy surpassed the National Fitness Leaders Advisory Council
policies in all of personal, strength and aerobics training.
Not
only does Tony offer outstanding opportunities for players to succeed
on the ice but also provides knowledge as to how players should be
eating, resting, and treating their mindset. Tony truly supplies players
with the capability to become the top one percent of hockey
players.
This 12-week program is for any position from
goaltender, defenseman, or offensive player. Tony’s course is for those
who refuse to cut any corners and are determined to become not just
great, but exceptional hockey players. Pro Hockey Academy introduces you
to the limits beyond the ones you already have and guides you on how to
stay at that level for the rest of your career.
Tony’s main principles of the Pro Hockey Academy 12-week Program include:
Tony
has varied training focus points varying from week to week throughout
his 12-week program, but what he centers the majority of his training
around is speed.
While there are various exercises and
methods Tony does to exploit speed in hockey for his students, this
circuit provides students with a great workout that focuses on
explosiveness. Being able to escape your defender can be difficult if
you don’t have the power, and this circuit provides you the tools to
escape anyone.
Tony’s workouts are all quick-paced with
multiple exercises in each round, and this circuit is no different.
Despite all of these circuits being challenging, find the beauty in the
pain and the capability to push as hard as you can.
This circuit is 5 rounds, 5 reps for each exercise, including; back split lunges
weighted
squat jumps, plate overhead lunges, lateral squat to knee drive, and
stiff-legged eccentric deadlift. Take a look for yourself.
Mobility
Strength is certainly an important aspect of hockey, but flexibility and mobility are also incredibly essential.
To
perform at the highest degree your body has to be warmed up, and Tony
teaches his students how to appropriately do so. We often try to jump
into training very quickly, but Tony acquaints his students with how to
warm up properly and apply it to not only off-ice training but could
also surely be applied on the ice before games.
Tony may
have a large focus on strength in his course, but he prides himself on
teaching his students the importance of being loose and flexible. So
every player is fully able to train safely and also perform to the best
of their ability.
Here are some of Tony’s favorite warm-up routines and stretches.
Strength Training
Strength is the main focus for anyone getting into off-ice training, and this module will do you justice.
Gaining
strength is not easy, and this module equips participants with the
power every player wants in the game of hockey. And while gaining
strength is something every athlete desires, this circuit is not for the
faint-hearted. These workouts make you earn it, no doubt about it.
These
exercises are quick and challenging, but undoubtedly routines you can
imagine aiding you to become a great hockey player. Tony encourages you
to push beyond your limits, and this will indeed introduce you to your
limits.
This circuit is five reps for each exercise, and
four rounds with the following exercises; hang clean to press,
alternating splitter hang cleans, split lunges to press and finishing
off with splitters to skaters. May sound like some peculiar training,
but make sense once you watch the video below.
Newborn
babies have the wonderful ability to fall asleep anywhere, untroubled
by worry or fear. Our heavenly Father intends for believers to have the
same sense of security—He wants us certain of our relationship with Him
through Jesus and confident of its permanence.
But
have you ever noticed how that sense of peacefulness changes by the time
babies are toddlers? They often cry over small disturbances and are
unwilling to leave a parent’s side. Their situation has not changed.
They have the same safety and protection they enjoyed as infants, but
they’ve lost their feeling of assurance.
Doesn’t this
also describe us on occasion—when we don’t believe the promises of our
heavenly Father? From the moment of salvation, we enjoy a permanent
relationship with God, one that we will retain forever. But at times, we
struggle to fully understand and embrace that gift.
Certainty
about salvation doesn’t come from applying human logic. It is a matter
of faith. Do we believe what God says or not? Whenever you feel yourself
wavering, pray the words of 1 John 5:13:
“These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son
of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.”
Kicking a soccer ball is a generalized term that is an extensive topic. Unlike kicking in other sports such as football or rugby, where a 'punt' accounts for most of the kicks, in soccer, there are hundreds of different kicks depending on the situation.
Despite
this fact, kicking a soccer ball is a factor of soccer that is not
taught as in-depth as it should be. In this article, we will cover how
to perform a perfect soccer kick in all situations on the field. This
includes:
➢ First touch
➢ Short and long passing
➢ Putting curl and spin on the ball
➢ Power shooting
➢ Chipping the ball
➢ Knuckle Ball
Without a strong foundation
in kicking a soccer ball, the rest of the skills that you will learn
later in your career will be more challenging to pick up. Luckily, you
have come to the right place. After reading this article, you will have
all the pieces to kick a soccer ball like the pros correctly.
1. First Touch
Undoubtedly
the most overlooked skill in the game of soccer. Without a great first
touch, it does not matter how good your second touch is. You would not
be able to play as quickly or with as high quality if you had a good
first touch.
What does a good first touch look like?
A good first touch ultimately must set you up for success in whatever your pre-planned play is. This means it must be:
➢ Out from under your feet to allow you to move and play at pace
Now the tricky part… How do you kick the ball in this situation to set you up to play how you want?
The
key is to be as delicate as possible. Imagine you are playing soccer on
the second story of an apartment, and you don't want to wake the person
below you. You can use the outside, inside, laces, or sole of your foot
depending on the way the ball is coming to you, but the idea of a good
first touch is to take the pace off the ball and direct it 1-2 feet in
front of your intentional stride.
How to Improve your First Touch?
Most
of your soccer heroes learned the beautiful game on the street with
little to no equipment. Improving your first touch can be done as simply
as kicking it against a wall. Each time the ball comes back to you, you
can touch it in a different direction to work both feet. As you
improve, you can start to add more power to challenge your touch. From
the image below, you can see the simplicity of the day and how
repetition is essential.
If you
have more players to work with, you can begin to pass the ball to each
other to make the drills more three-dimensional. For example, here is
Coach Michler explaining a drill that works on the technical aspects of a
first touch and pass.
2. Short and Long Passing
Short
passing is the most common kick in the game of soccer. It allows teams
to move the ball to a more favorable area of the field. Long passing is
less frequent as it serves a more specific purpose, such as relieving
pressure or counterattacking.
These forms of passing require the same focus and foundation of kicking. However, they do differ in some forms.
1st Difference
When
kicking the soccer ball for a short pass, you want to get over the
ball. This means my body is tilted over the ball, and I am kicking
towards the top of the ball. We want to do this, so the ball stays firm
to the ground to make it easier for our teammate to control it. An ideal
zone to kick the ball would be here.
For a long
pass, you will most likely want to put height on the pass to place the
ball over the head of defenders and reach your target. This means you
need to aim more to the bottom of the ball. You will also need to kick
the ball with much more force to allow the ball to travel further.
2nd Difference
The
second difference between these two types of passes is where you
connect with the ball on your cleat. To allow your body to get over the
ball, with short passing, you will connect with the side of the inside
of your foot.
Since you are trying to get more power and
height with a long pass, you should allow your chest to be more open.
The connection on the ball should also be with the joint that connects
your big toe to your foot. This will allow you to follow through with a
motion that propels the ball upwards at about 30 degrees.
Similarities
As
with any contact with the ball, you want to plant your standing foot
just to the side of the ball to allow for stability and accuracy when
you pass. If you are right-footed, this will be left and the opposite if
you are left-footed.
To ensure that your pass is accurate
and smooth, you need to make sure that you follow through with your
kick. Many people kick and stop the movement rather than following
through. This harms your kick in many ways and can cause injury.
A
significant factor that many players forget is the importance of the
upper body in kicking the soccer ball. As you can see with this player
in the image below, his opposite arm is stretched wide while kicking the
ball. This allows your body to rotate into the kick, more balance, and
power when connecting with the ball.
Locking
your ankle is probably the number one term you have heard when people
talk about kicking a soccer ball. This is for a good reason. When your
foot is loose and wild, there is a lower chance that the ball will go
where you want it. Take control of your foot by locking your ankle to
make your foot stiff like a golf club.
3. How to Curl and Spin a Soccer Ball?
Although
this may sound a bit technical, it is much simpler when you know the
basics. The concept of curling a ball is due to the air pressure hitting
the ball as it moves at different forces. You need to hit the ball with
spin and power to create this motion. This
superb skill will allow you to avoid obstacles and impress your friends.
Inside of the Foot Curl
To
create the whip of the curl, you need to stand between 90 and 45
degrees toward the ball. This will allow you to strike the ball across
your body to create the curl. You also want your body to be tilted
slightly to shift your weight to the side you want to curl the ball.
We
want to strike the ball with the big toe joint like the long pass.
However, the motion will be different, as depicted in this image.
For a
right-footed player (opposite for left.) You want to be connecting with
the ball in this area and whipping the ball back towards you to create
the spin on the ball.
To see some of the best players in
the world complete this skill, be sure to check out Lionel Messi, David
Beckham, or Ronaldinho.
Outside of the Foot Spin/ Curl
This
skill in soccer kicking is mainly called spinning the ball because you
cannot produce the whip and curl that you would in an inside foot kick.
Since we are kicking with the outside of the foot, we cannot wrap our
body and leg around the ball to create this curling motion.
The
spin comes from the ankle joint and the foot in this kicking technique.
As you connect with the ball, you want to flick your foot (right-footed
players) to the right to allow the ball to spin and slightly curl that
way.
The
outside of the foot can be performed when your weight is balanced on
your left foot, and you need to spin the ball around an obstacle.
4. How to Kick a Soccer Ball with Power?
A power shot is often called 'shooting
with your laces.' The reason for this is to perform a shot with power;
you need to connect with the ball on the laces of your cleats. This is
because you can get the full force of the momentum generated by your run
and backswing through the ball when you kick. Unlike the curling shot,
you want everything to be linear to generate as much power. This
includes your run-up and body position, which you want to be straight
and lean over the ball.
As with all soccer kicks, you want
to follow through with your opposite arm stretched outwards for maximum
balance. When connecting with the ball, you want to connect directly in
the center of the ball to ensure no power is lost by missing parts of
the ball. Whether you wish to produce height on the ball or keep it
flat, you can adjust your contact on the ball slightly above or below
the center.
Funnily enough, the best way to learn how to
kick the soccer ball with power is by trying not to kick it with power.
Here is a clip that explains this concept.
5. How to Chip a Soccer Ball?
Chipping
the ball is one of, if not the most challenging skill on this list, but
indeed a spectacular skill to have in your arsenal. A chip is best used
to avoid an obstacle in tight spaces. Whether you need to chip it over a
defender's foot in a dribble, chip the ball over a defender's head to
play a pass, or chip the goalkeeper to score a goal. These examples are based around the same motion but require different levels of force to cover the height.
The
motion which we are talking about is scooping the ball from underneath.
To execute this type of soccer kick, we want to place our foot under
the ball, quickly lift our toes to the sky, and raise our legs. This
will get the ball off the ground at the desired height.
6. How to Knuckle a Soccer Ball?
How
to knuckle a soccer ball is one of life's biggest questions. Taking a
shot like Ronaldo or Bale is a thing of beauty. As a bonus, we would
like to share this clip on how to shoot a knuckleball.
Final Thoughts on How to Kick a Soccer Ball
When
learning how to kick a soccer ball, the most crucial element is
focusing on the basics mentioned in this article. Do not rush the
process, as, without a strong foundation, there will always be mistakes
when attempting more expert skills.
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