Lessons From Obama: Out Innovate, Out Educate and Out Build Others to Stay Competitive

On a recent trip to the US to support around 50 businesses from Sydney and New South Wales who were participating in the annual Gday USA promotion, I tuned into the hotel television to hear Obama's State of the Union address.

Obama is a beautiful orator and he was in form once again for the State of the Union. He used emotions, values, images and humanity brilliantly to deliver what in the end was a simple message;-

America's lead over the rest of the world is slipping, but there is still time to come back from the brink. There is still time to "out-innovate, out-educate and out-build the rest of the world."

To achieve this Obama outlined a number of priorities:- • investing in innovation & education, funded in part through a heavy reduction in Government spending • investing specifically in research & development (R&D) in biomedical, information technology and clean energy technology • aspiring to double the number of exporting businesses in the economy • investing in infrastructure - "from high-speed rail to high-speed Internet"

These sorts of changes can sound somewhat academic, yet Obama managed to make it both tangible and inspirational. For example, if the American people want jobs to be created in the US for their kids, then Obama noted they needed to "win the race to educate our kids".

He illustrated the need for immediate action by noting that "25% of US kids currently fail to finish high school". But he also showed the nation where they needed to head by articulating the end-goal: "America will once again have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world by the end of the decade".

Obama does this again with R & D, where he talks about investing in clean energy to "break the dependence on oil. Instead of subsidizing yesterday's (old) energy, let's invest in tomorrow's (future)."

And the end-goal is clearly articulated;- "80% of America's electricity will come from clean energy by 2035 and the US will be the first nation to get 1 million electric vehicles on the road."

Obama uses this pattern again and again throughout the State of the Union address around the three key elements of his national change agenda to "out-innovate, out-educate and out-build" the rest of the world.

It's a change agenda that should have strong resonance with Australian's too.

We cannot afford to rely so heavily on mineral resource exports to keep paying for our lifestyles. Sooner or later, even the great energy consumers of today, like China, will find alternatives.

To stay ahead of the curve, to protect our quality of life, to create a sustainable future for our people, we need to borrow liberally from Obama's address and create "an economy driven by new skills and new ideas".

Australia is well placed to meet this challenge, our best asset is the incredible track record of innovation. Australia has given the world a long list of innovations including the Black Box flight recorder, the Bionic Ear, the pacemaker, the vaccine for Human Papillomama Virus, the technology that drives Google Maps, WiFi and even the creative talent behind the blockbuster movies Happy Feet and Finding Nemo.

Australians have long been forced to be innovative. We come from a land that can be harsh and unpredictable, where there are no off-the-shelf solutions.

But with every major country in the world now undertaking the "ideas race", my concern how do we get Australia's to celebrate the achievements of our Nobel winners in science, maths, medicine and physics, as much as we celebrate our sporting heroes?

How do we create a society where investing in education, R & D, venture capital and leading edge technologies are as intrinsic to the Australian psyche as sports or the concept of "mateship"?

Right Sizing Your Next Television

Shopping for a television can be a complex endeavor. Buyers have numerous technologies, all providing excellent viewing, from which to choose. Aside from pocketbook considerations, the impressive pictures and audio from a television can drive the purchasing decision for most shoppers. However, the quality of the viewing experience, as well as the cost of the television, is greatly influenced by the size of the television screen.

How should a potential television buyer determine which size television is the right one for their situation?

There are many methods of determining the screen size which would be recommended by those in the industry. In general, televisions less than 27" are used in bedrooms and those found in kitchens tend to be 19" and smaller. For living room use, most people tend toward screens 27" and larger. Home Theater applications typically make use of television screens 32" and up. These aren't rules of course, just "norms".

Although there are many proposed methods of calculating the optimum screen size, one of the primary considerations is the room in which it will be viewed; or more specifically the distance between the viewer and the television. Using this distance, it is simple to determine which screen will produce the best viewing.

The calculation varies based on the type of television that will be purchased. If a buyer selects a widescreen, high definition (high resolution) LCD or plasma screen they can actually sit a bit closer to the screen because the scan lines and pixels are less visible. The picture remains clear despite viewing the screen in closer proximity.

For these televisions, the viewing distance from the screen to the seat from which they will typically view their television can be measured in inches. This measurement is then divided by 4 which results in a number that will be a rough estimate of the minimum size screen that should be purchased. As an example, if the distance is measured at 144 inches (12 feet); the minimum screen size that should be considered is 36 inches.

For a regular 4:3 television which is not high resolution, optimum television size could be grossly calculated by measuring the viewing distance in inches and dividing by 4.8. Being too close to a television that does not offer high resolution can result in a poor quality view as scan lines become visible.

Although selecting the display type/technology of a television can be a complex choice that is based more upon personal preferences, selecting a television that is the optimum size can be a simple decision that has a very direct effect on the quality of a buyer's viewing experience and the ultimate cost of their purchase.

Shipping to Israel? Important Things You Should Know When Shipping to Israel

When you are shipping your household goods to Israel, the most important thing you need to know to get started is your status in Israel. The rules for shipping to Israel vary depending on your status. There are certain special statuses for people shipping to Israel which include:

Oleh Hadash Katin Hozer Ezrach Oleh Toshav Hozer

The statuses listed above include different rules for shipping to Israel. For example, those with Oleh Hadash status can import a wide range of items tax free including two computers per family, and furniture for use in your home. If you are an Israeli citizen who has been away from Israel for six years or more, you may have Toshav Hozer status of over six years which gives you special tax discounts on vehicle imports.

Other status possibilities that influence cargo shipping to Israel are:

Student A-1 Visa B-1 Visa Tourist Citizen

If you are a tourist visiting Israel, you can obtain a permit for three months and import a car without having to pay taxes. Those going to Israel with A-1 Visas can import a car or motorcycle after obtaining an Israeli driver's license and a Personal Import License from Israel's Ministry of Transport. While all of the specifics on this are more detailed than the purpose of this article, a good cargo expert can provide you with additional helpful information about overseas shipping.

Few items are actually prohibited from importation into Israel, but there are restricted items which may affect a person moving to Israel. Prohibited items include weapons, drugs and alcohol and live plants. You also cannot bring in a large quantity of any one item. This is to insure a person is not trying to import items with his personal belongings that he plans to sell.

All printed material such as books and pictures, or anything that contains data such as films, tapes, movies, video, DVDs, computer software and CD-rom/flash drive need to be packed together and easily reached by customs officials. Customs officials need to look at all this data and it could be subject to censorship, depending on the type of material. In order to avoid problems with terrorism, customs officials need to make sure the items being brought into the country are not propaganda or terrorist related. It will be easier if you pack all these things together with a detailed inventory list.

Depending in part on your status, household belongings can be shipped to Israel duty-free with a few exceptions. All your belongings need to have been in your possession for at least 12 months, this is to ensure you are not importing anything you plan on selling (which would be subject to taxes). Only one of each type of electrical appliance will be duty free. You need to pay taxes on computers and cordless telephones. Tax rates are based on the cost, insurance, and freight of the items, often referred to as "CIF value."

Tools, instruments and camping and sporting equipment are not typically duty free but you can still ship them. It is best if all items that are subject to duty are packed together or close together. It is also a good idea to have a detailed list of everything you have packed including what is in each box. If you're planning on shipping a new appliance overseas to Israel, it is important to have an invoice for the item.

You can ship an automobile to Israel, however, certain types of vehicles cannot be imported. It is best to check with the consulate or with a cargo shipping company that has experience shipping vehicles to Israel to make sure your vehicle will be allowed in the country. Automobiles are not duty free. Depending on your status, you will have to pay a varying amount of taxes which are based in part on a percentage of the total value of the vehicle. You can use your driver's license for one year once you arrive in Israel, but after that you will need to get an Israeli license.

If you plan on moving to Israel, you can bring your cat, dog or bird with you as long as it is at least three months old. You need to get a Health Certificate from your veterinarian before you leave, stating that your pet is in good health. You also need a copy of their vaccination records, especially the rabies vaccine. If you don't have these papers when you arrive in Israel, your pet will have to stay in quarantine for about 8 days.

Shipping to Israel can be a straightforward and easy process if you follow the import rules of the country, and it may even be cheaper than buying everything new once you arrive. Israeli import regulations are simple to follow if you plan ahead, pack similar items close together and have multiple copies of a detailed packing list. Keep the import regulations in mind when you are packing and it will save a lot of time once your shipment arrives in Israel.

Watch Out for Some Conditions on Private Hire Insurance Policies

Make sure that the purpose is defined

Before you apply for private hire insurance, you need to be clear about the usage of the vehicle. This is a sticky point if the car is being used for private purposes as well as business purposes. In some states the stickers are so discreet that it is possible to do the private school run or the odd shopping trip without worrying about being flagged down for a ride. That does not mean that the insurance provider will be tolerant of dual usage. Make sure that this issue is clarified right at the beginning.

Check whether they provide individual cover

There has to be a certain level of coverage for drivers that are not part of a fleet. In fact you might be in for a discount on the premium which you pay for the private hire insurance policy because the assumption is made that you are unlikely to have many drivers that are using the vehicle. That reduces the risks for the insurer and they are likely to reflect this confidence in the price which they are going to charge you at the end of the day.

Fleet coverage for two or more vehicles is available

In order to qualify for the fleet coverage under the terms of the private hire insurance, it is a requirement that you have two or more vehicles. Some entrepreneurs are open to the suggestion of working as a team in order to keep the costs low. It helps if you define the drivers that are going to handle each vehicle so that the insurance company can attach the relevant risk factor. On the other hand you may get a generic assessment for the entire business in order to take advantage of the discounts on offer at the time.

Ascertain the costs for new drivers

There are new drivers who will be part of the group. They are not entitled to the full level of discounts but you can work out a fair deal with the provider. It is important that you consider all the factors which contribute to the costing system for the package that you are looking at. That will enable you to make coherent decisions which are in line with your expectations and the business plan that you have for you private hire business.

Consider NCD schemes from private driving

There are some discounts for drivers with a good record. The private hire insurance policy is meant to represent the level of risk that is associated with the driver. Previous claims are not definitive but they are an indicator of the likely behavior that the driver will display if they are on the policy. If you have a no claims discount scheme whilst driving privately then you should suggest this as part of your current policy. They might not do an exact swap but they will take into consideration any evidence that shows your good driving record. It might save you some money on the premiums which you might have paid.

In Review: Bypass, The Story of a Road

At the age of 40, former Jesuit priest, Michael McGirr - armed with not much more than a copy of Anna Karenina, some spare clothes and a less than state-of-the-art Chinese built bicycle - set out to ride the 880 kilometres (547 miles) of the Hume Highway which links Sydney and Melbourne.

While the ride forms the backdrop to McGirr's book Bypass: The Story of a Road, like all good travelogue's the ride itself is really just a frame to hang the real story around, which as the title suggests, is the story of the Hume Highway. From its humble beginnings as a rough track across the Great Dividing Range, to its current state as a modern dual carriageway, the Highway continues to serve as the major thoroughfare linking Australia's two largest cities.

Bypass takes you on a wonderful journey covering the history of the Hume, and the politics that helped shape it. Along the way you meet some great - and not so great - Australian characters that have helped imprint the name of the highway into the Australian psyche. People like the 61 year old Cliff Young (great), who in 1983 won the inaugural Sydney to Melbourne foot race against competitors half his age. And men like Ivan Milat (not so great) who was convicted of the murder of seven young backpackers and hitch-hikers, all of whom he buried in the Belanglo State Forest.

Then there are the explorers Hamilton Hume (after whom the Highway was eventually named) and William Hovell, who in 1824 along with at least six others, set of from Appin (near the present day Sydney suburb of Campbelltown) for the first successful quest to reach Melbourne. We also meet truckies; the bushrangers Ben Hall and Ned Kelly; and the poets 'Banjo' Paterson and Henry Lawson. We attend a Catholic Mass in Tarcutta - officially the halfway point between Sydney and Melbourne - where apart from the priest and two parishoners, the only other people in attendance are the author of Bypass and his companion Jenny, who has by this time joined him on his ride to Melbourne.

We visit almost every country town along the route of the Hume Highway, and learn something about each of them. Towns like Goulburn, famous for the Big Merino and Goulburn Jail (where Ivan Milat is currently serving seven life sentences). We visit Holbrook and learn why the outer shell of the Oberon Class submarine HMAS Otway now sits in a public park in the middle of town. In Chiltern we pass by the childhood home of the Australian writer Henry Handel Richardson, and learn that Henry's real name was Ethel Florence. We learn too, that like other female writers have done throughout history, Ethel wrote under a male nom de plume because at the time it was felt that women didn't have what it took to be great writers. And we also visit the town of Yass, and drop by the Liberty Café for a meal before continuing on our journey.

Now, I have to confess this section of the book took me completely by surprise, and was one of the great unexpected pleasures I got out of Bypass. Let me explain why.

Some years ago, I was returning to Adelaide from Australia's national capital, Canberra, and on a whim decided to pass through the town of Yass, which is some 60 kilometres or so from Canberra. Because I had been on the road less than an hour, and because I could see no reason to stop in Yass, I simply left the Hume Highway, drove into town and up along Yass's main street, while all the time looking left and right taking a mental snapshot of the landscape. I then headed back out onto the Hume and continued on my way.

It may seem such an odd thing to do, but then I am prone to do odd things on no more than a whim, and this was one of those occasions. The reason I write about it now is that as I drove up Comur Street, Yass's main thoroughfare, my gaze fell on a small dining establishment called the Liberty Café.

At this point I should mention that apart from putting this blog together, one of the other 'strings' I've added to my 'bow' is songwriting. So within minutes of passing through Yass I began writing a song called The Liberty Café*. This song subsequently appeared on my second album American Dream*, and remains one of my favourite songs. Never the less, I had always regretted not stopping in at the café as I drove through town. I'm pleased to say I made amends for that lapse earlier this year, when in April, I again drove to Sydney, and this time I did stop at the Liberty Café for a meal break. In fact, I stopped there for a second time on my way back to Adelaide. So, as I say, it was a delightful surprise to read about the Café in Bypass, and know that of all the restaurants and cafés in Yass, Michael McGirr had also been drawn to the Liberty.

Across its many short chapters, Bypass also introduces us to some of the thousands of bumper stickers that adorn the rear ends of many Australian vehicles. In fact, McGirr uses stickers as chapter headings to introduce us to every aspect of his journey. Thus, the bumper sticker THE OLDER I GET THE BETTER I WAS, allows him to explain some of his own personal story and the reasons for his decision to ride the Hume Highway. In the chapter THE GODDESS IS DANCING, McGirr introduces us to his riding partner Jenny, and in DEATH IS THE MANUFACTURER'S RECALL NOTICE, we pause to learn about some of the many roadside memorials that mark the sites of fatal road accidents that line the Highway.

To conclude, Bypass is a book that ticks a lot of boxes in terms of my personal criteria for a good travelogue. The book is immensely readable, always entertaining and informative, often surprising, and constantly filled with odd facts and humourous anecdotes. These keep the story moving along smoothly and effortlessly - which can not always be said of Michael McGirr's monumental bike ride.

I began this review by writing "like all good travelogue's the ride itself is really just a frame to hang the real story around, which as the title suggests, is the story of the Hume Highway." But it should also be said, that Bypass: The Story of a Road is not merely the story of one relatively short (by Australian standards) stretch of highway. It is also about the history of this country, and about the people who have helped build and shape it into the modern land it has now become.

Green Home Remodeling

Americans are now spending up to 160 billion each year on remodeling their homes and businesses. A fraction of this money has been focused on what is known as "green construction". Green construction or remodeling is using energy saving, recycled products, and is experiencing nothing less than a renaissance or rebirth. You can help restore a significant portion of the world's ecosystems by using "green construction". Such a practice can also help create a healthier indoor environment for your family.

Green remodeling is simple, but many homeowners interested in green building and remodeling have no idea what it involves and are therefore confused and intimidated. They think it consists not only of excessive expenses, but difficulty in getting the appropriate green products. Some also have misconceptions about the aesthetics of a green house. Some concern themselves about the misconception that they will appear to be living like hippies of the 1970's. But it is merely a process through which you can redefine the way you live, a clean slate on which you can express your visions, dreams, and principles. The process offers a vehicle through which you can manifest and integrate your core values into your sacred space.

The hardest part for a homeowner is deciding just how "green" they want their rooms or homes to be. When it comes to green remodeling, you don't have to do everything green, but anything you do will help. Are you updating an antiquated home? Have you outlived the functionality of your current design? Are you adding more space because of a change in lifestyle? Are you simply tired of your interiors and want something new?

The most important thing to remember is to pick and choose among the many options; design features and green building products that will best serve your interests. If you are purchasing new materials you can choose organic, low-impact, and healthy products such as bamboo flooring, natural fiber carpeting, natural plasters, low VOC paints and stains, as well as non-synthetic, natural furnishings and accessories, such as bedding, linens, and cleaning products.

You can use products made with high levels of salvaged (natural stone, lumber), recycled (fly ash in concrete), or agricultural byproducts (wheatboard and linoleum) content. These types of products reduce resource demand and help keep waste out of landfills. Choose products that are durable and low-maintenance; these are desirable because they need to be refinished and replaced less often, they save you money and save energy.

Try to use products that are locally or regionally produced. Local products support the local economy and may have lower levels of embodied energy, meaning that they require less energy and fewer resources during the production process (including the acquisition of primary material, manufacturing and handling), and especially in transportation.

There is no such thing as a right or wrong set of products. Building green is a thinking process, not a contest to see how many green things you as a homeowner can incorporate into your home. Do what you can within your budget and motivation.

As for the cost of taking on green remodeling, some green building elements may cost more, but many eventually will cost less. You will benefit from their use in energy saving costs for a long time to come, therefore making them a savings to you over the years to come. When it is part of the initial process of setting goals for the project, it becomes matter-of-fact. Many have found that the real cost is in the learning curve, not in the actual implementation of the building process.

The outward and even interior appearances of most green buildings don't look any different than other conventional buildings. The majority of green element differences can be seen only as improved energy efficiency and air quality, which are all built within the structure of the home.

Most recycled products look the same as their conventional counterparts. Most materials have a high recycled content and are non-toxic. Some examples include: recycled red oak and bamboo floors (both consist of water base finish), recycled tile floors, recycled exterior doors, and natural plaster with integrated color. Paint manufacturers are now offering paints low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at typically less than .00 per gallon. For kitchens, you can also find Silestone countertops (which has a high recycled content and is anti-microbial), and you can even find formaldehyde-free cabinets.

Recycling as much material as possible from an existing house demolition and incorporating it into your remodeling project will also save you money. Green products are now becoming increasingly affordable as major manufacturers compete and develop new lines to meet the green-building demand.

You can help restore a significant portion of the world's ecosystems by using "green construction". Just think about changing the world - one room at a time.

What Makes Home Equity Loans So Attractive?

A home equity loan is a popular way to borrow larger amounts of money from a lending institution using your home as collateral. There are two terms that you should be familiar with when looking into taking out a home equity loan, they are equity and collateral. Equity is the amount of the money that your home is currently worth (appraised value), less any debt (mortgage).

Collateral means that when you take out a loan, you pledge something of significant value (in this case your home). Your home is a guarantee to the bank that you will pay back the loan. If you can not repay the loan, the bank can sell your home to recoup all its losses.

It is important to understand that putting up your home as collateral is a major reason why home equity loans are very attractive to lenders. Lenders find these loans very secure and because they are more secure than other types of loans they are able to give you extremely attractive rates. Usually home equity loans are at or a drop higher than normal mortgage rates. Plus in many cases, the interest paid for these types of loans are tax deductible.

Another reason they are attractive is that it allows home owners to borrow large sums of money, tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. You usually can't borrow that much money on a credit card or other type of loan. For instance, if you would like to renovate your home, go on a vacation of a lifetime, send your child or children to college or even use it as an investment or seed money to put down on other businesses, these types of loans can empower an individual very easily.

Home equity is also attractive to many homeowners because the repayment schedule for many of these types of loans can be 5 years, 15 years or even 30 years. For homeowners that would like to borrow large sums of money, but don't want to be burdened with large monthly payments, they make it very easy to budget monthly payments over a long period of time.

While home equity loans are extremely attractive loan products, it is important to make sure that they are right for you and your families specific circumstance. This loan is essentially a second mortgage and if you are unable to pay these types of loans, you can literally lose your home.

Short Story - Janu, The Mountain Bird

Janu and I were school mates. It is a shame to call it a school. A shed with thatched roof, leaking in monsoon rains, with three teachers who have to teach in all four standards, as our science teacher had been transferred elsewhere.

Janu was senior to me, but she failed twice and we became class mates.

My Papa worked in the gulf and came home only rarely.

Janu lived in the next plot in a hut, with her parents who were daily wage earners, doing odd jobs. She was helpful to Ma, in household work. I helped in her studies, as she was weak in all subjects.

The hills where we lived were full of small streams and wild trees. Janu and I would roam about, plucking fruits and berries. With my sling, I could accurately aim a mango, even at a good height and bring it down with a stone. And the mangoes were really very tasty. We used to share everything, leaving our parents' share.

Hare, porcupines, wild fowl, honey etc. were also available occasionally.

Or we would catch fish. Janu was expert in catching them in the streams. They were not big, but that is all we had, as the nearest market was miles away.

There was a post office, two miles from our school. As the post man was reluctant to walk every day, he would come only once a week. I would carry Janu on my bicycle and bring letters and kitchen items on other days. Ma was reluctant to send me alone as I was too small, though I felt I am big enough.

One day Janu noticed a big ball of something I had not seen before. It was full of fibre and Janu could easily break it. She said it was wild elephant's dung and we should hurry home, as the animal was near by.

We had hardly moved a few yards, when she suddenly pulled me and we climbed a hill, from the top of which we could espy the surroundings. I was panting. She held me close and asked me to look at the stream below.

I could not believe my eyes! There were a dozen of these animals, big and small, swimming and playing in the water. When a kid tried to escape on to the ground, its mother pulled it down. I felt sorry for it, but Janu said it was necessary that it must learn swimming. When Janu knew it was safe, we came back home.

One day we were bathing in the stream. I noticed that she had breasts like lotus buds. The circles around the tips were small and pink. Ma's were dark. I asked her why it is so. She just smiled and kissed me.

On our way from the post office, a truck stopped near Janu. The driver took her bodily and was about to get back into his cabin. All were watching and the girl was yelling and shouting: leave me alone.

I always carried my sling and a small bag full of stones. In no time, a big stone hit the driver's back. He fell down and we both hastened home. Thereafter Janu was not allowed to go to the post office. I became a hero.

As standards 5 to 7 were added to our school, I pleaded with my Papa to allow me to complete my studies there. I did not want to leave Janu.

We extended our mountain walk to hills several miles beyond, carrying our food with us. Once we noticed a man in pants and shirt coming with a tribal woman, completely naked, except for a few leaves around her groins. Janu indicated to me to hide ourselves in the bush and watch. They looked around and seeing no one in the surroundings, the woman lay down on the grass. The man removed his pants and inserted his big penis into the hole between her thighs. Then he went on putting it in, withdrawing and repeating the process for some time. Afterwards, he gave her some money and they went away.

I asked Janu what all this meant. She was very excited.

She asked: do you want to do it? Come.

Then she too removed her skirt and asked me to pull off my under wear. She lay down and parted her thighs wide, exposing the slit, which was pulled apart with her two hands. Do you see a hole?

I saw one, very small, through which I could insert only the tip of my penis. She then pressed my buttocks hard, against her groins, when my penis entered her hole completely. I experienced a heavenly feeling. Then I knew what to do.

The climax was so thrilling that we wanted to do it every day. I asked her: how did you learn this?

Sometimes my parents did thus, in day time too. Then I watched it through the key hole of the door.

But our "honey moon" was cut short by fate.

My Papa uprooted Ma and myself from the mountains and took us to Dubai where I completed my studies and started my own business. I was married ten years ago. We have no issues.

Are you still thinking about the mountain rat?

My wife awakened me from my pleasant reminiscences, offering me a cup of hot tea.

Don't call the innocent girl a rat, I protested.

She new something about Janu; I said nothing about our secret encounters.

She asked: Why don't you search her?

I wrote letters to the post master; he never replied.

She: Next time we go to India, we must go personally. I too want to see her.

So we searched the maps and located a point in the Vindhya ranges. We had to contact the forest officials who helped us to reach the post office.

The area is changed beyond recognition. Motorable roads and terraced buildings were not uncommon.

Near the school was her hut, still without any change. I hastened there and was shocked to see an old woman without teeth, her hair all white and the face crumpled with creases....Is it Janu?

She came and rested her face on my shoulder, wetting my shirt with profuse tears. I tried in vain to hide my tears.

Janu was wailing: I lost all. First my only son; then my husband.

I did not know what to say. I gave her thousand rupees and we departed, promising to come again.

Throwing Events - Track & Field

Along with running and jumping events, throwing events complete the Track & Field trifecta. The throwing events are the javelin, discus, shot put, and hammer throws. The javelin is thrown in the men's decathlon and women's heptathlon. The men's javelin is longer and heavier than the women's (men's are 800 grams and 2.6-2.7 meters, compared to women's 600 gram 2.2-2.3 meter spears). All javelins have a grip in the center to hold while running with the spear. The javelin is thrown after running a predetermined distance (at least 30 meters) to gain momentum. When the thrower reaches the line, or just before, he releases the spear. All throws must be done overhand. Throwers are not permitted to spin, as is allowed in discus. The point of the javelin must hit the ground first to avoid disqualification.

The discus is no longer part of the pentathlon, though it was in the ancient version. The men's disc itself is 2 kgs and 220 mm, and the women's is 1 kg and 181 mm. In high school competition, the practice rubber disc is often used, as it is cheap, durable and more evenly distributed than the metal discuses. The discus is thrown from a concrete circle. They face initially away from the throw, and spin counter-clockwise one and a half times. Once momentum is built, the thrower releases the discus. The discus spins off the index and middle fingers in a forehand/sidearm movement. Discs spin clockwise as they move towards the ground.

Shot putting is the act of pushing a metal ball (the shot) through the air. The term shot put can refer to the motion as well as the ball. Throwing from inside a circle, the goal is to get the ball as far as possible. The landing point is measured from the soil disturbance where the ball first bounced, not the final landing point. Shot putters have 60 seconds from the time their name is called to begin their throw. Men's shots weigh 7.26 kilos, and women's weigh 4 kg.

The final throwing event is the Hammer Throw. Though hammers were used historically, modern participants don't actually throw hammers, but metal balls attached to wire handles. Men's hammers weigh 7.26 kgs and are 3'11 3/4," and women's are 4 kg and 3'11." To throw, participants swing the hammer above their head. Once momentum is gained by turning in three-four circles, competitors release the ball.

There are generally three to six rounds in all throwing events. A round consists of each player taking one throw. The competitor who has the longest throw wins (if there is a tie, the winner is he with the second longest throw).