Giant Centipedes of the Caribbean - SXM Sint Maarten

They look prehistoric. They make goose bumps break out on your skin. They move lightening quick, leaving most people screaming and running for cover. They have a reputation matched by no other and their bite packs a wallop. No, this is not something out of a horror movie…and it’s not Halloween time. I’m talking about the giant centipedes of the Caribbean!

Living in the Caribbean comes with its fair share of hazards: traffic congestion, power outages, hurricanes….and centipedes! These bugs are a force to be reckoned with. A mere smack with a shoe or a full can of insecticide won’t do you any good. But how much do you really know about these alien looking creatures?

Well, ok, for starters they have a giant scientific name: Scolopendra gigantean. That’s quite a mouthful. Let’s stick to calling them giant centipedes. These creatures live in the warm and moist areas of the world. They are found mainly in the South American Amazon and parts of the Caribbean, namely Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica and, of course, here in Sint Maarten/St. Martin. Typically found in deep, moist leaf litter, their bodies dry out quickly if they are exposed to sun or wind. These predatory carnivores can grow to a length of thirty-five centimeters and are known for their climbing ability and speed. Who hasn’t had nightmares for days after seeing the mad dash of one of these beasts across the kitchen floor? You spend days wondering where it went and when it will come back.

Contrary to belief, these centipedes don’t have one hundred legs. Centipedes get their name from “centi” meaning hundred, and “ped” meaning foot.  In reality they have usually only forty jointed legs that are tinted yellow. All centipede species have odd number pair of legs: that is to say a species may have 17 pairs or 51 pairs of legs, never 50 pairs of legs. That means you can’t find a centipede that has exactly 100 legs! Centipedes are invertebrates; they don’t have a backbone. Their maroon body is segmented, each having a pair of legs.

The head is the business end of this animal and contains a mouth, antennae and pincers. These pincers are used for defense as well as capturing prey. And these pinches pack one heck of a punch! These pincers inject venom that can paralyze a smaller victim. The poison injected is toxic to humans, but fortunately not sufficient to usually cause death. The bite of the giant centipede can, however cause chills, fever, nausea and severe pain. For most people, a centipede bite is harmless, resulting in a painful sting and symptoms that pass after a few hours. *‘Mild as a bee sting at the least, the pain is worse the larger the centipede. Small puncture wounds may be scene at the location of the bite. Swelling usually occurs with bites, even mild ones. More severe symptoms include headache, heart palpitations, nausea, vomiting, anxiety and lymphangitis, a painful swelling of the lymph nodes. The primary care for a bite is to wash the area with soap and water. Never use alcohol.  Use ice packs to reduce any swelling. People who have insect allergies should monitor themselves closely following a centipede bite and may need to contact emergency medical services in the event of more severe symptoms.’ {*Information courtesy of webmd.com.} Also, they can also pinch with their hindmost legs, so they should just not be handled. Realistically, although aggressive, most giant centipedes are pretty shy and will back away if given the chance.

Giant centipedes usually eat smaller bugs and are quite the scavengers. They’ll eat the remains of other animals. They can also be quite impressive hunters. They are mainly nocturnal and as mentioned can be swift when descending on their victims. By using stealth, they have been known to hunt down and being able to disable and consume mice, frogs, lizards and birds. Amazingly, they have even been observed catching bats in caves, while they fly by! This creature has proven to be quite clever. The centipede goes into the caves, making its way up the wall of the cave. It grips the stony ceiling with its two hind legs, dangling the rest of its body beneath it. It waves back and forth so it can come across a bat flying by. When finding one, it grabs it from midair and paralyses it with a bite. Within seconds the bat is disabled and the centipede can eat it within a very short period of time. When done, it climbs down and slithers out of the cave.

Here’s a surprising fact: Did you know that female centipedes can actually be quite attentive mothers? Seems strange, doesn’t it?  Once a female centipede has been fertilized, she’ll deposit her eggs; usually fifteen to sixty at a time, into holes within the soil, sealing it back up with dirt to mature. The female giant centipede shows parental care by guarding and licking the eggs to prevent fungal infections. The female centipede will sometimes continue to guard her young, until they're ready to leave the nest. When the young hatch, they go through various molts as they grow, increasing the number of legs they get each time. It usually takes a centipede three years to mature and they can live as long as six years.

Certainly centipedes are not cute; nonetheless, there are people who want them as pets. Centipedes are actually becoming a favorite among exotic pet owners worldwide, but extreme care must be taken while handling them.

So there you have it, some great facts about the Giant Centipede. Regardless of your wealth of new information, you’ll probably still scream in sheer terror the next time you see one, even if it’s only an inch in length!

Weathering the Weather.

Well, hurricane season has come awake with a mighty loud roar. Earl shook us up a little, leaving debris and damage in its wake. Throughout the season, we’ve been constantly reminded about having the right supplies and enough supplies. The dos and don’ts of hurricane survival. But no body ever talks about how to pass the time during the storm, when there is nothing to do but wait and wonder.  Now, keep in mind: a hurricane is not a joke or a matter to be taken lightly, and I would like to stress that this article is not meant to imply that in any way. All I’m pointing out is some fun ways to keep your mind occupied and reduce stress levels. Especially for those with families that include young children. The way people choose to pass the time range from being frantic with worry, sleeping through it or getting blind drunk.  You can find a happy medium with a little help.

Now, once you’ve made all your necessary preparations – which should always be a priority, take a little time to check on your ‘fun’ supplies. One of the most popular suggestions out there is board games and card games. That’s right! Dust off the old Monopoly and Clue and enjoy a friendly board game competition. It’s a great way to spend time together and you don’t need any electricity to do it.  Light a few candles and kick back for some fun. This idea isn’t just for the kids. Adults can have a blast, too. If you’re play with kids, try to spice it up a little. You can always raise the stakes by making bets on household chores for when the storm is over. The loser has to wash dishes for the next two nights, or the winner gets to relax for a week without cleaning. It makes for a more competitive atmosphere and will pass the time much faster. As for the grown-ups, well, you can come up with your own bets…

There is a very special group of storm riders that need extra attention. Those are the little kids. Keeping young children under control during any storm can be rough, especially during a major storm that has probably left you without any power. Arts and Crafts work as a great way to keep them busy. Simple household items can be loads of fun. Aluminum foil can bring hours of entertainment. You can make all sorts of great shapes, from snakes to birds, even crowns. Something as simple as a box of crayons and paper works really well, too.

For the older kids, a favorite thing to do it ghost stories. What a perfect setting! The power’s out {more than likely}, the winds howling and there’s candles lit. See if you’re up to the challenge of telling the scariest story!

Another fantastic idea is charades. Have everyone write down ideas, characters, movies, etc. onto small pieces of paper and place them into a bucket. Each person takes a turn drawing a piece from the bucket and acting out what is on the paper. You’re ready to have hours of fun. Again, this a great idea for people young and old, and the rules can be changed to fit the needs of the situation. You can spend the night acting out Disney movies…or adjust it so you’re acting out scenes from Aliens or Predator.

Scavenger hunts can keep people busy for hours and are particularly fun when a flashlight is required. You'll want to plan this activity ahead of time, so you can hide everything before the electricity goes out. For added fun, use a pirate theme and have guests wear bandanas or eye patches. Hey, we live in the Caribbean, right? Make your scavenger hunt maps by printing them on parchment paper, then lightly burning the edges to create a frayed, worn-out look. Roll them up and tie with twine. You can make the hidden objects appropriate for the age group. Candy and toys for the kids and rum and limes for the adults!

And of course, the island favorite: HURRICANE PARTY! This is the most popular way to weather out a storm. It’s a way for people to make memories and have the stories to tell. Plenty of photo opportunities, that may result in blackmail material. Look, we live in the Caribbean – hurricanes are a way of life, but they don’t have to rule our life! A hurricane party can be something as simple as people getting together for drinks in a storm, to big 3-5 day events. A hurricane party is a great way to insure your family and friends are safe and sound. If you plan on hosting a hurricane party, here are a few things you’ll need to consider.

Consider the needs of your guests. Ask yourself these key questions: Will children be attending or will this be an adults-only party? Will drinking alcohol be encouraged or prohibited? Does anyone have medical concerns such as heart problems or diabetes? Will any one bring pets? If so, do they have any special needs and are they socialized? Also, it's a good idea to have some form of support plan in place. Prior to kicking off the party, gather all your guests and talk about a safety plan and let every body voice any fears they may have. Getting things out in the open from the beginning will make it easier to cope when the hurricane hits.

Make sure everyone knows what they need to bring. Sure, the host will provide needed things, but it’s always a great help when everyone pitches in. Many times people are encouraged to bring along hurricane supplies such as food, beverages, jugs of water, batteries, first aid kit, etc. It's also common for people to bring their own flashlight and sleeping bag, along with a party item such as a board game, playing cards or coloring books and crayons. Of course, essentials like ice and a blender should be considered! Nothing’s worse than running out of limes in the middle of a storm!

Comfort food is a necessity at hurricane parties. Serve foods such as macaroni and cheese, nachos with all the fixings, hamburgers, hotdogs and steaks. Chicken and dumplings, pasta dishes, and pizza are always a welcome addition to any hurricane party. Start by consuming the food in your refrigerator and freezer, as well as foods that need to be cooked. Eat the items that will spoil quickly when the power goes out. This gives you a great excuse to eat ice cream first!

Last, but not least, you need to have a little music for your hurricane party. Reggae and island music are well-suited choices; particularly Jimmy Buffet. In fact, you can create an entire Jimmy Buffet, "Margaritaville" theme for your hurricane party.  Any music will do. Some people may want to rock out, others may want to chill out. Just keep in mind that radios and CD players use up a lot of batteries.

Hurricane parties should be fun, yet safe. Keep a close ear toward the weather radio and be prepared to evacuate if necessary. Be creative, be prepared, bring plenty of food, water and supplies, be safe and have fun! When all is said and done, you will have a group of well-fed, happy people who can help you with any clean-up. And the party can spread to the clean up, too. Make cleaning up less of a chore and more fun.

Look, hurricanes can be a scary event. But there are a lot of ways to keep your spirits high while staying safe. Safety should always be the first priority. After safety comes good, sensible fun. Earl was a close call and Fiona fizzled and there’s not a single complaint about that. As we begin to recover we are keeping a wary eye on the news as Gaston seems to be the next threat. Get your supplies together, for both safety and fun to weather out the storm the best way you can!

Swedish Filmmaker on St. Maarten.

Viking ancestry has left its mark on Swedish filmmaker Marcus Ingemann: A love for the sea, a longing for warm winters and a sense of adventure. Long, curly blonde hair, a strong jaw line and cunning blue eyes are also telltale signs of his Viking heritage. Where better to live the life of a Viking pirate than in the Caribbean and then share it with the world?

Born and raised in Malmoe, Sweden. Marcus was always on the look out for adventure. His love for the sea was nurtured at an early age. He began racing Optimist Class at the age of eight. By fifteen he was racing Lasers. He was an avid racer until the age of nineteen. Also, at the age of fifteen Marcus began Martial Arts training. He trained avidly for eight years, earning a 1^st degree black belt for his effort.

At the age of nineteen Marcus began a new undertaking involving his strong enthusiasm for writing: writing a self-help book entitled ‘The Power of Mind Mapping’. He also developed his own web site: www.fortunewell.com and offered his book for free. The Power of Mind Mapping enjoyed success with over 1O,OOO documented downloads from the site.

“I wrote the book not only to help myself but to help others. I’ll always been highly interested in psychology. I spent years studying psychology on my personal time. Also, I was really inspired by motivational speaker Anthony Robbins.”

Around the same time Marcus also began attending school to become an Air Traffic Controller {ATC}. After September 11^th, 2OO1 air traffic controllers were not in high demand. Despite Sweden’s best efforts to keep schooling open, in 2OO3 Sweden gave Marcus a year of leave. Still hungry to explore the world Marcus set off for a year in Australia.

“Why Australia? It was a life long dream. I wrote an essay on Australia when I was eight. Something about it always fascinated me. I had to go.”

While in Australia, Marcus worked on a sailboat doing three day charters around the Whitsunday Islands. His position on the boat was deckhand and host. His duties included cleaning and cooking for the guests. He also spent time being a door-to-door salesman, offering educational programs for children, working in a café as a barista and celebrating his 25^th birthday.

In 2OO4 Marcus returned to Sweden to continue with Air Traffic Controlling. While continuing with ATC, Marcus revamped his book – The Power Of Mind Mapping and released it through an on demand publishing company. The revised edition enjoyed moderate success and generated enough money to pay off several bank loans.

In 2OO6 Marcus set off on another adventure, choosing China as his destination. Marcus spent five weeks back-packing through China. He visited places such as Beijing, Shanghi and Shaolin – the birth place of Kung Fu.

In 2OO7 Marcus called it quits with ATC, no longer able to handle the tedium of the job.

“Air Traffic Controlling was just boring me to death. I knew I wasn’t cut out to do ATC as a life long career. What I really wanted was something that involved my love of writing, film and graphic design. I took a couple courses in university but I wasn’t happy with them. I set out to learn as much as I could on my own over the years and I’ve kept up with the latest inovations in the industry. Working as an ATC was just to pay the bills.”

Still on the look out for great adventure, Marcus walked away from everything he knew and set his sights on St. Maarten from a recommendation from a friend. He arrived in Sint Maarten just before Christmas 2OO7. When he arrived the island bug bit him. He loved the island; the weather, the people and the laid back atmosphere.

“A good friend of mind told me about Sint Maarten. He couldn’t stop talking about how great the island was. It had a touch of European culture and a fantastic life style. I had to see this for myself.”

He set up camp at local crew house. The crew house and adjoining bar gave Marcus access to people from all walks of life and plenty of information about St. Maarten.

“It was great. I met all kinds of people and learned where to go and what to do and what not to do on the island.”

It was through his new connections that Marcus landed his first job on the island working as a tour guide for personal watercraft company.

“I loved being a tour guide. I was out on the water all day. I got to see some of the best snorkel spots and to meet new people every day. I was seeing the island in a way that only made me love it more.”

The job as a tour guide generated enough money for Marcus to buy a sailboat. The boat he purchased was a 29ft racing sailboat. After owning the boat for six months Marcus moved on board permanently.

“I moved aboard because it was just more convenient. It was cheaper – no rent – and I was working on the boat, making it ready to go island hopping. I had a small dinghy that was enough to get me to and from shore.”

Marcus worked as a tour guide for nearly a year then landed a job with salvage company doing surface support and diving.

“It was a lot of hard work, but I learned a lot of cool stuff while working there.”

After working for the salvage company, Marcus found a job doing what he loved best: graphic design.

“It’s just something that I keep coming back to. I’ve been doing it for the last 18 months and really enjoyed the challenges of the job.”

In October 2OO9, fueled by his undying passion for the graphic arts, Marcus got the idea to make a documentary about Sint Maarten/St Martin, wanting to show people why he’d fallen in love with the island. He began the undertaking of being a one-man production and film crew.

“Why make a documentary? I wanted to show people the island and why I love it so much. Spending time as a tour guide made me appreciate how little people actually knew of the island. I wanted to change that. Plus it was a great reason to continue doing the things I loved best: Writing, graphic design and film.”

In late August of 2O1O calamity struck. Hurricane Earl barreled its way across Sint Maarten leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. While riding out the storm at a friend’s house, Marcus received news that his boat had sustained catastrophic damage. The mast had been shattered into three pieces and the deck had sustained major damage, including several large holes. Production on his documentary ground to a halt while Marcus dealt with the crippled sailboat. Production was only stopped for a short time and Marcus collected himself and continued making his documentary. Despite the fury of the storm, Marcus still could see the beauty of the island.

In February of 2O11 – nearly eighteen months after its conception and with help from friends, Marcus completed the documentary. The thirty minute documentary showcases the cultural and culinary diversity, activities and beautiful beaches of Sint Maarten/St. Martin. Under the production company name of Pinpoint Paradise, The Best Of SXM was ready for release. Marcus tested the waters of the tourism market and released the documentary, for purchase as a download, on www.pinpointparadise.com/sxm. The downloadable version sold several copies with 24 hours.

Now ready for an official release, Marcus has partnered with Pineapple Pete’s and The Alley Nightclub for a release party. This Friday, May 6^th is the official launch party for Pinpoint Paradise – The Best Of SXM. The event will be held in the Ultra Lounge, located dockside behind The Alley Nightclub. The documentary will be showcased several times through out the evening and Marcus will be on hand to meet people and answer any questions. Also, the documentary will be made available on DVD for purchase. The release party begins at 5pm and will be open to the public. The first viewing will be at 6pm.

For any additional information regarding the event, please feel free to contact Tattoo at: 522.75O7 or check out the event listed on Facebook.

The Domestication of the Beloved Dog

My Super Mutt:Dolly. Island Rescue.

"Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring--it was peace." - Milan Kundera

Do you ever look at your dog and wonder about his ancestors? The latest trend for us humans is to seek out our ancestry and find out about great, great, great grandmothers and the like. But what about your dog? How is it that humans and dogs have developed such a close relationship?  

Dog history is really the history of the partnership between dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) and humans. That partnership began with simple origins. Human needed help with herding and hunting, an early alarm system, and a source of food in addition to the companionship many of us today know and love. In return, dogs get companionship, protection and shelter, and a reliable food source out of the deal.

The world's first known dog was a large and toothy canine that lived 31,700 years ago. Some fossils found show prehistoric dogs to be as big as a small pony. One of the largest species was the Pleistocene predator the Canis Diris, also known as the Dire Wolf. This was believed to be the biggest prehistoric dog that ever lived, outweighing the modern wolves to which it was immediately ancestral. Unlike modern wolves, though, the Dire Wolf had an uncommonly small brain, and there's speculation that it may have scavenged prey like a hyena rather than killing it on the fly like a wolf. As far as most other species of prehistoric dogs, they lived on a diet of horse, musk ox and reindeer, but not fish or seafood.

Remains for the older prehistoric dog, which were excavated at Goyet Cave in Belgium, suggest that the Aurignacian people of Europe from the Upper Paleolithic period first domesticated dogs. Some research suggests that dog domestication might have begun when the prehistoric hunters killed a female wolf and then brought home her pups. Recent studies on silver foxes suggest that when the most docile pups are kept and cared for, it takes just 10 generations of breeding for morphological changes to take effect. The skull recently found most closely represents prehistoric dogs, rather than wolves. Research actually suggests that wolves and dogs split into different species about 100,000 years ago.

Since the Aurignacians are believed to have hunted big game and fished at different times of the year, the researchers think the dogs might have enjoyed meaty handouts during certain seasons. Lucky dogs. Sounds rather familiar, doesn’t it? How many times has your dog sat patiently by the dinner table, watery brown eyes silently begging, and you toss your beloved dog a tasty morsel from the table? Some things, regardless of the passage of time, do not change. However, the earliest dogs likely earned their meals with a little more effort that today’s furry companions. It’s believed that the dogs were used for tracking, hunting, and transport of game. Transport could have been organized using the dogs as pack animals. Also, the dogs could have been kept for their fur or meat, as pets, or as an animal with ritual connotation.

"In order to really enjoy a dog, one doesn't merely try to train him to be semihuman. The point of it is to open oneself to the possibility of becoming partly a dog." - Edward Hoagland

There are quite a few superstitions and myths associated with dogs. According to the legends of several Native American tribes, the first humans were created in the shape of wolves. At first these wolf people walked on all fours; then, slowly, began to develop more human characteristics until they became men and women. Among many Native American tribes, it is the dog who awaits the spirit of the newly deceased on the Way of Departed Spirits and who accompanies the entity to the Land of the Grandparents. In addition to its role as a guide to the other side, a number of tribes associated the dog with the moon and the sun. Such an association with the moon may have stemmed from the dog's howling at the moon on shadowy nights. The connection with the sun may derive from the dog's habit of walking around in a small circle before it lies down. To early people, the making of such a circle was to create a symbol of the sun.

One of the biggest associations was regarding death. Dogs have always been credited with the power of sensing supernatural influences, and seeing ghosts, spirits, faeries or deities which are invisible to human eyes. In Wales only dogs could see the death-bringing hounds of Annwn; in ancient Greece the dogs were aware when Hecate was at a crossroads foretelling a death. Dogs are believed to be aware of the presence of ghosts, and their barking, whimpering or howling is often the first warning of supernatural occurrences. A howling dog at night means bad luck or somebody close to you will be very sick or worse. There are many instances of black dog ghosts which are said to haunt lanes, bridges, crossroads, footpaths and gates, particularly in Suffolk, Norfolk and the Isle of Man. Some black dogs are said to be unquiet ghosts of wicked souls, but others are friendly guides and protectors to travelers; the Barguest of northern England could also appear as a pig or a goat, but was most commonly a huge black dog with large eyes and feet which left no prints. Packs of ghostly hounds have also been recorded all over Britain, often heard howling as they pass by on stormy nights rather than actually seen; these hounds generally foretell death, or at least disaster, if they are seen and the proper action is to drop face-down onto the ground to avoid spotting them.

Ok, not all doom and gloom, right? In Scotland, a strange dog coming to the house means a new friendship; in England, to meet a spotted or black and white dog on your way to a business appointment is lucky. Three white dogs seen together are considered lucky in some areas. If a new-born baby is licked by a dog, that baby will be a quick healer. If you scratch a dog before you go job-hunting, you’ll get a good job.

All right, so in spite of several bad associations regarding death superstitions, dogs have not only been humankind's most consistent and considerate animal friend, but certain scientific research now suggests that the human species might not be here today if it hadn't been for an ancient linkup with the canine family. That’s something to keep in mind the next time you’re rubbing the head of your furry companion, or offering a tasty treat for a good deed, or just for the heck of it. There’s a famous joke about dogs and humans that maybe we should all bear in mind. If you were visiting our planet from another world, and you saw humans walking their dogs and picking up their poop, who would you think was in charge?

Hookah – Taboo or resurfacing culture?

Hookah has been a misunderstood way to smoke.  Older movies showed many shady characters who would be sitting around a hookah up to no good but in recent years the trend has resurfaced and hookahs are becoming more common.  Hookah Lounges are gaining in popularity in the world as an alternative to the bar scene. 

For centuries, Hookah smoking has been looked upon as an art form that’s been passed down from generation to generation throughout the Middle East. These water pipes were quite common during the 17^th century, frequently found in coffee shops along the narrow streets of the region. The Hookah Pipe has inspired many great discussions. Such topics included politics, religion and everyday common events as the pipe was set in the center of a gathered group and the attached hose is passed from smoker to smoker, all while partaking in some interesting conversation and sharing some all-around good times.

As with many things, there is some debate as to where the Hookah came from. There are different names for the hookah including Shisha, Nargila and Waterpipe. It’s believed that the very first Hookah Pipe design was crafted out of a coconut shell in either India or Persia, and then quickly spread through the rest of the Arab world. It was in Turkey that the Hookah was given some finishing touches and found its final form, not really changing at all in the 350+ years since. When the 20^th century arrived, the Hookah Pipe was such a fashion icon that upper-class Turkish women were photographed with their pipe, making it a significant status symbol in the process.

The evolution of the hookah pipe as we see it today took place over many years. From the most elaborate to the very basic the hookah pipe is now used by all levels of society and groups. Not only did the hookah pipe change in shape and size it also changed in name as it travelled through the regions. A hookah has four fundamental parts which do not vary, such as the base/smoke chamber, which is partly filled with water; the bowl, which contains the heating apparatus and tobacco; the pipe, which connects the bowl into the base through a tube plunging into the water; and the hose, which connects to the pipe’s second tube and is not immersed into the water, but the smoke chamber air. The heating apparatus can use charcoal or an electric heater, and the hose may or may not be removable. It is operated through indirect heat and water-filtration. When the smoker breathes in through the tube of the hookah, the difference in pressure forces the air to pass the coal wherein it heats the tobacco giving off smoke. Then, the smoke coming from the tobacco is brought through the water into the smoke chamber air of the smoker. When the smoke passes through the water, it filters both nicotine and tar from the tobacco and also gives the smoke a cool, smooth feeling.

The Hookah uses all five senses. First, it’s many are just amazing to look at, seeming as a collectable piece of art. Touch is obvious through operation of the pipe. Many Hookahs are made of different materials, such as glass and offer different sensations depending on where you touch the Hookah. Taste and smell are tickled through the tobacco and smoke, and the distinguished sound of the water bubbling in the Hookah is for the ears. Such a combination is nothing short of pleasing and relaxing to the masses that gather around the world to partake in Hookah smoking.

If you want to try out smoking a Hookah, this is what you may expect. First, select a place that has the kind of atmosphere you’re looking for. Perhaps some where laid back and chilled. The person/persons you plan on going with are a big factor as well. If it is your first time, be sure to go with someone who has some experience and can help you along the way. Slow, relaxed, unpremeditated conversation enhances the pleasure of a Hookah, while nervous or point-scoring talk is simply joyless.

What should you order? Shisha, also referred to as Tombac, Gouza, Moassel or Sheesha, was and still is the premier choice of Hookah smokers around the globe. This special blend of dark Shisha leaves, fruit pulp, molasses or honey, and glycerin contains only 0.5% nicotine and no tar. Shisha flavors have grown to include some interesting blends like Banana Split, Cherry Cola, Double Apple, and Pina Colada. Some of the most traditional flavors include Grape or Rose. Many Hookah smokers will occasionally opt to add ice, fruit juice, or even wine to the water in the glass base to alter the texture, taste or effect of the smoke.

Now, how do you smoke a shisha? Deeply, my friends, deeply! It's the only way. Keep in mind: It's a big piece of equipment, and drawing on it from the cheeks is just not going to make any impression. You've got to inhale. After about 15 to 20 minutes, the flavor will start to change. Often, the smoke becomes too hot. You simply use the coal tongs to remove one of the charcoals. Or maybe the taste tends towards sooty or dirty. Then you simply pick up the charcoals and drop them into the metal coal tray to shake off the ash coating, before placing them back on top of the foil. A little later, maybe after half an hour, the coals will be exhausted. The shisha can be refreshed with new coals once or twice, before the smoking mixture is used up.

Many Hookah smokers have their own pipe at home. If you are considering that, remember to choose your Hookah carefully. And once you have chosen it, it’s a bit of a production to set it up each time you want to smoke. To many veteran Hookah smokers, this process is almost a ritual in itself.

Start by breaking the shisha into small clumps and drop them into the bowl loosely. Load your bowl to just below the rim, so the tobacco will not be bulging or overflowing when you put the foil on. Try not to pack the shisha into the bowl too much. You want the bowl to breathe well so all the air will be getting to the shisha. Put the foil on, shiny side down, and make sure it’s pulled nice and taught over the rim of the bowl. Take some extra time to smooth out the foil that’s been folded over the side of the bowl so everything is nice and clean and as air-tight as possible.

Poke a whole bunch of really small holes using something fine like a safety pin. The idea is to have as many holes as possible so the foil will breathe really well, but make sure the holes are not so big that ash falls through them as your coals burn. Once you have the holes poked, you should take the bowl and put your mouth over the opening at the bottom, blowing through the tobacco and foil, then gently sucking back in. You’ll want to keep your hand tight over the rim of the bowl while doing this so your foil stays nice and tight. This is an important part of the process, as it helps you determine how well the bowl breathes. The better the airflow, the better your smoke quality.

Now it’s time to put the bowl on the hookah and get your coals ready. You will need to experiment with the amount of coal you use. In general, a little more coal is a little better than too little… and if the flavor gets harsh and makes you cough, that’s an indication that the heat is too strong and the shisha is burning. At that point, you want to take the coal off the bowl and let the shisha rest a little. You should also be moving the coal around the outside of the bowl as you’re smoking, about every 10 or 15 minutes.

As you enjoy your Hookah, take the time to let your mind drift back to the days of old and marvel how culture resurfaces time and time again.

Do You Know what good Bar Karma is?

Not everyone who spends time in bars understands the simple principals of bar behavior. As a rule of thumb, for the customer, the difference from being treated as a chump and being treated with respect is measured equal in proportion to the manners you give to those who serve the drinks. There's a simple equation: a happy bartender will, in turn, make you happy. It's bar karma. Proper bar etiquette is a large part of the beautiful dance that we call getting drunk.

The following is a pretty simple and straightforward list of bar dos and don'ts. If you want to keep your local bartender happy, it’s highly recommended that you follow it. Keep in mind, a happy bartender is likely to serve you faster, back you up quicker, and slide you that free drink earlier and more often. That way, everybody's happy. And it all starts with getting your bartender's attention.

Let's say that you and a couple of your friends are out at your favorite bar. The place is wall-to-wall people, and you're dying for a drink. How do you get the barkeep to come over and give you that drink? Well, one thing you shouldn’t do is pull out a twenty and wave it at him. Most barkeeps find this insulting. You are not the only one at the bar with money. They can always tell who's waiting to order a drink, and if the bartender seems to be ignoring you, he's probably just busy taking care of somebody who was there before you. But, for argument sake, let’s say your barkeep just doesn't notice you. It's perfectly all right to give a wave or a nod. Most bartenders will respond to "excuse me," or "pardon me, bartender/barkeep.”  Never snap your fingers at a bartender, unless you want to keep snapping them for the next twenty minutes while you wait for a drink. And I have yet to talk to a bartender who happily serves a customer who calls them "hey, you!"

Now it's time to order your drinks. Do yourselves a favor, and the bartender, and know what you want before you call the bartender over. In a crowded bar, every second he spends standing there waiting for you to decide between a vodka red bull and a vodka cranberry is time the bartender could be taking care of the hundred other people who are waiting for drinks. Know what you want and select ONE PERSON to be your spokesperson and order all your drinks at one time.  When you order all together, the bartender can make all your drinks at once, and avoid making four separate trips and avoid a raise in their blood pressure. After all, you’re at a bar, you’re there to drink. So know what the heck you want! Also: Bartenders don't know how to make every drink in existence. There are millions of drink recipes out there and some drinks have different ingredients and share the same name. Don't expect every bartender to make a Mai Tai like the one you had in Hawaii. If your favorite drink is uncommon, know the ingredients and your bartender will take it from there.

Likewise, you should pay all together as well, so the barman only has to bring you your change once, instead taking the money for one drink, going to the register, making change, then coming right back to where he just was, four times in a row. Ordering drinks this way is, clearly, four times slower. And don't forget to have the money ready by the time the barkeep arrives with the drinks. In a bar, faster is always better. And please, please, PLEASE don’t hand your bartender a handful of crumpled bills and expect to get any great service for the rest of the evening. Nothing slows a bartender down more than having to waste time straightening out crumpled, sorry looking bills. And it’s just really disrespectful. Your change is returned to you in a quick and timely fashion and not wadded up like used tissue paper.

As far as tipping, it’s just really easy to just keep it simple. Tip every time, and tip something for every drink. Remember, bartenders only make about $3.00 an hour. Like waiters, the rest of their money comes from your tips. And not tipping is of course the best way to insure that everyone else in the bar gets served again before you do.

Let's say that you've been at the bar for a couple of hours and have ordered a few rounds. This does not automatically entitle you to a free drink--a bartender doesn't have to give you a free drink if he doesn't want to, even if he’s your friend. So don’t expect it and don’t feel like you’re entitled to it. One of the biggest mistakes people tend to make is going to a bar where their good friend works, expecting free drinks. They tend to forget that this is a job and the bartender can’t always just give away drinks to their friends all night long. Never assume that you're getting a free drink; always at least offer the money. And PLEASE: If YOU order a round of shots, YOU pay. "Do you want to do a shot?" is an invitation to buy a shot for someone, not an invitation for someone to buy one for him or herself. And this can't be stressed enough: don't forget to tip on a free drink. If you don't tip on your free drink, you're not giving the barkeep a reason to give you another one.

And last, but certainly not least, if you absolutely must make or take a call, step away from the bar and head to the restroom area, or outside. These are the only appropriate place to carry on a conversation. Nobody wants to hear your personal business, hear about your latest love interest or be a part of your break-up call. And when you're on the phone next to them, trying to shout above the music, they can't help but listen and start to get annoyed, including the bartender.

That about covers it for the basics of bar etiquette. You follow these guidelines, you'll guarantee yourself a bartender that is happy to see you, serves you quick, and gets you drunk fast. And let's face it, being able to zip past the hundred other losers in the bar and get served first is cool. As always – remember to party responsibly!

Seaweed….not really a weed, but so much more! SXM Sint Maarten

It’s happened to just about all of us at some point. You’re bobbing around in the ocean on a beautiful sunny day, floating on your back, eyes closed, sun on your face…then…What just touched me? You jerk you head up and look around as something brushes against your leg. Eeww, gross! Seaweed! Ok, ok…Maybe not ‘eeewww’, but it can freak us out. But if you stop to think about it, seaweed is actually an amazing plant, and does a lot more than float around and gross people out.

There are two groups of seaweed. The first group is the simplest forms of the plant, {yes it is a plant not a weed} are the blue-green algae and green algae. These plants are found closest to shore in shallow, warmer waters. They can take many different shapes. Some look like little trees, with branches and leaves swaying in the water. Others can look gelatin, floating in sheets. And other still can look like strands of thread floating near the surface of the water.

The second group is known as the brown algae. This is found is cooler climates on chillier waters. Instead of floating along the surface, brown algae take root on the sea floor or stones and can be found at depths up to 75 ft. {23 m}. The appearance of brown algae is even more plant like, resembling delicate ferns under water. Due the reddish brown of the plant they can survive at deeper depths, absorbing the blue and violet lights only found down there.

Now, this is a versatile plant! Mainly it is an important plant in the food chain of the seas. The largest of the green algae, Ulva (sea lettuce), grows to a ribbon or sheet 3 ft (91 cm) long. It provides food for many sea creatures, and its broad surface releases a large amount of oxygen. Fucus, called rockweed or bladderwrack, is a tough, leathery brown alga that clings to rocks and has flattened, branched fronds buoyed by air bladders at the tips. Animals such as seals and sea turtles eat seaweed as part of their regular diet. But that’s not all: humans eat it, too!

Seaweed appears in the oddest of places; you almost certainly have eaten some sort of seaweed extract in the last 24 hours as many foods such as chocolate milk, yoghurts, health drinks, and even the highest-quality German beers contain seaweed. Seaweeds are found throughout the world’s oceans and none are known to be poisonous. In many Asian countries, seaweed is considered a delicacy. Japan, China and Korea are three of the world’s top producers and consumers of seaweed. The main food species grown by aquaculture in these countries are Nori or Zicai, Kombu, Kunbu or Haidai and Wakame. In Japan alone, the total annual production value of nori amounts to more than US$2 billion, one of the most valuable crops produced by aquaculture in the world. And there is more to seaweed than just providing food. It is used in many different industries, including the medical field. Kelp, a group of seaweed that generally include the many large brown seaweeds and are among the most familiar forms found on North American coasts. Some have fronds up to 200 ft (61 m) long. The kelps are a source of salts of iodine and potassium and, to a lesser extent, other minerals. When the seaweed is burned, the soluble mineral compounds are removed from the ashes (also called kelp) by washing. They are used chiefly as chemical reagents and for dietary deficiencies in people and in livestock. Kelp is also a commercial source of potash, fertilizer, and medicines made from its vitamin and mineral content. Kelps are especially abundant in Japan, and various foods known as kombu are made from them. A vegetable gelatin is made from species of red algae and is the most valuable seaweed product. Irish moss or carrageen, a red alga, is one of the few seaweeds used commercially in the United States. After being bleached in the sun the fronds contain a high proportion of gelatin, which is used for cooking, textile sizing, making cosmetics, and other purposes. In Japan it is made into a shampoo to impart gloss to the hair. Scientists are even trying to figure out a way to make seaweed into a bio fuel.

Down here in the islands, the most well known seaweed is sea moss. Sea moss has a bit of myth behind it. Most Caribbean men are not afraid to admit that sea moss is one of their secrets to sexual potency and virility. Caribbean men are not bashful to claim how much an elixir and aphrodisiac the sea moss drink is. It is believed to be an excellent reviver and energizer or as they say in islands "it good for de back". Recently, sea moss has even been used to promote fertility in women.

Used for centuries by Arawak and Carib Indians as a natural healing supplement, scientists are beginning to take notice of this little miracle from the sea. Sea moss contains potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, chloride, sulfur, phosphorous, vanadium, cobalt, manganese, selenium, bromine, iodine, iron, the list goes on and on. The nutritional content of sea moss could probably account for it being considered so good for you. Dried sea moss has 45 calories per cup of which 12% comes from fat, 70% from carbohydrates and 18% from protein. Its high quantity of mucilage is highly recommended to treat digestive conditions, ulceration of the stomach and duodenum, and inflammation of the urinary system. Unlike sea weed, sea moss is free of taste making it very easy to ingest. Sea Moss is also a great source of B vitamins and omega3 fatty acids. People who have used sea moss as a medical supplement claim to find relief from everything ranging from ADD to Alzheimer’s disease. That’s a pretty broad and impressive range!

Making a drink from sea moss is one of the most popular forms that people use to consume it. Once dried, sea moss resembles pasta. In this form it is simple to run through a food processor and sprinkle on salads, soups, casseroles, cereal and a number of dishes to boost your body's performance. When soaked in water, it retains its original form and can be used as a gelatinous substance in smoothies, shakes, cocktails and deserts. Once a sea moos drink is made, it looks like a vanilla milkshake and you can actually add different flavors to it.

So, the next time your swimming in the ocean and brush up against a clump of seaweed, try not to freak out. Instead, remember how awesome this little plant really is and raise a glass of sea moss in a toast to seaweed.