Popular Back Massagers

Last week, I reviewed the Travel Roller, which is a self-myofascial release (SMR) tool for back pain relief. We live in a sedentary society, after all. Between sitting at my instrument, sitting at my desk and sitting (sometimes) when I teach, I do get back aches. Even with all my attempts to have ergonomic seating, I still get backaches, especially lower back pain.

As much as I like my Travel Roller, I'm always on the lookout for other massagers that offer back pain relief. Since I'm self-employed (TL: not the health benefits plan), I try to solve as much as I can on my own before calling a medical professional.

I have done some digging and found these 10 popular back massagers. Sure, you can order them from Amazon. However, if you want to buy local, do check your local medical supply store or exercise equipment store. Here's the Top Ten Best Sellers in Back Massagers:

1. Trigger Point Performance The Grid Revolutionary Foam Roller, Black

2. The Stick Travel Stick

3. Body Back Buddy

4. Spine-Worx Back Realignment Device

5. Trigger Point Performance Grid 2.0 Revolutionary EVA Foam Roller (Black)

6. Trigger Point Performance The Grid Revolutionary Foam Roller with SMRT-CORE Level 1 DVD (Black)

7. Original Massage Stick

8. The Original Backnobber II by The Pressure Positive Company

9. Trigger Point Performance Self Myofascial Release and Deep Tissue Massage Starter Set

10. Body Back Buddy Trigger Point Massager

Alas, my Travel Roller is not in the Top 100 List. In fact, it's actually found under "Sports & Outdoors". Methinks it's in the wrong category.

Now, I do own back massager that IS on the Top 10 List: The Originial Backnobber. What I tend to do is use the Travel Roller to loosen up the knots a bit so that the Original Backnobber can get into a knot and finish the job.

Popular Japanese Study Books

Some of my classmates have been using other Japanese language workbooks to supplement their Japanese studies. Our きょうかしょ is jam-packed with information. However, the print is tiny and it's all in Japanese. It would be nice to have some explanations in English.

I'll be ordering my messenger bag soon, so I thought I would do a quick search

to find some of the popular Japanese workbooks on the market and add one or two to my order. Here are 10 of the most popular Japanese text books and workbooks that I found. どうぞ!

1. Japanese DeMYSTiFieD with Audio CD, 2nd Edition

2. Japanese For Dummies

3. Japanese for Young People III: Student Book

4. Japanese Sentence Patterns for Effective Communication: A Self-Study Course and Reference

5. Japanese for Busy People I: Romanized Version 1 CD attached

6. Japanese For Young People I: Kana Workbook

7. Japanese the Manga Way: An Illustrated Guide to Grammar and Structure

8. Japanese For Young People I: Student Book

9. Japanese for Busy People: Kana Workbook (Vol 1)

10. Genki: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese Workbook I [Second Edition] (Japanese Edition)

These books are also popular on J-List.com. Click on the link below to shop there:

Roll Away Tension with the Travel Roller

The gym and massage therapist are not available 24/7, 365 days a year. That's when owning a self-myofascial release tool to relieve tension and stress comes in handy.

In "Stress Levels Up in Canada, Mental Health Association Warns", the CBC reported that stress had increased 30% from the previous year. In the article, it is stated that a study conducted by Desjardins Financial Security found that one-third of the people surveyed experienced anxiety, insomnia, tension headaches and muscle pain due to stress.

The increase of self-maintenance tools available have increased since the study was completed. This implies that consumers are seeking affordable ways to relieve stress anytime, any place. These methods range from home exercise DVDs and home fitness equipment to personal massagers and self-maintenance tools. The Travel Roller falls under the "self-maintenance tool" category.

A Look at the Travel Roller

The Travel Roller is a massage therapy roller and a self-myofascial release (SMR) tool. It is made of a stiff tube covered by a soft-closed cell foam surface. These materials make the Travel Roller more durable than standard foam rollers.

The Travel Roller is highly portable, fitting easily into a bag, backpack or suitcase. Two sizes of the Travel Roller are available. The small roller is 4" X 13" while the large roller is 5" X 15". There is also the Fitter First TravelRoller Acupressure Kit, which contains three acupressure balls (soft, medium and hard), two exercise posters and the "This is How We Roll" instructional DVD. The instructional DVD is also available separately.

The Travel Roller is available in red, blue, black, pink and lilac. It eco-friendly, with no off-gassing from the materials.

How the Travel Roller Works

To relieve muscle tension, users roll on the floor with the Travel Roller, applying gentle pressure on an area that is stiff. Users can adjust the pressure applied to an area as well as the angle of the roller. They can also alternate between rolling and pausing to apply static pressure on a muscle knot.

When used properly, the Travel Roller applies similar pressure as a masseuse using his or her forearm of foot. It can be used on the upper back, lower back, calves, hamstrings, quadriceps, IT band , pelvis, shoulder, armpit, neck and feet.

The Travel Roller Story

The Travel Roller was developed by Adam Wood of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. A multi-sport athlete, he was on the Canadian bobsledding team for over four years. Adam earned his Bachelor degree in Kinesiology from the University of Calgary and attended the National Coaching Institute Calgary.

He is now a strength and lifestyle coach. When Adam began coaching office workers, he realized the severity of his clients' muscle tension and muscle pain. This inspired him to create the Travel Roller.

How Well the Travel Roller Works

Users have written to Adam Wood commenting that they noticed immediate results after using the Travel Roller. With regular use, twice a day (or more), muscle tension and pain are eased. With just one roll, the user can feel and hear the skeletal system attempt to realign itself.

When used on a particularly tense spot, great care should be exercised. It is best to start with gentle pressure and then gradually place more weight onto the roller.

One huge design improvement since the Travel Roller was first released is that the cell foam is secured more thoroughly. This minimizes, if not eliminates the possibility of the cell foam becoming unglued from the tube. However, the foam is not indestructible. A curious pet can easily leave its mark on the foam with one bite.

The Travel Roller withstands the pressure used by people large and small. It works especially well on relieving back pain. The Travel Roller also works well on easing tension in the legs and shoulders. As for easing neck pain and neck tension, that takes a bit of practice to get the hang of it.

I have owned the Original Travel Roller and have version 3.8. The current model out on the market is 4.3. I can tell you that the design improves with each new release. Any complaints that I have about my Travel Roller has been addressed in subsequent models:

• Sturdier construction: The glue on the foam (Version 1.0 ) weakened with age, so the foam kept coming off. I'm glad to see that version 3.8 up to 4.3 do not have this issue.

• The foam doesn't lose shape.

• Design improvements on the storage container: You can store your acupressure balls, exercise band, your wallet, water bottle or your [insert blank] securely. My 3.8 is holding up well and can still hold the band and the balls (but anything else would fall out). Version 4.3 has a drawstring to keep the contents secure.

The Travel Roller works best when the user is barefoot or wearing proper footwear for exercising. Using the Travel Roller in stockinged feet is not advisable.

Cleaning the Travel Roller is relatively simple. Wash in warm warm soapy water. I usually let it air dry.

Alternative Self-Maintenance Tools

The Travel Roller is just one of a growing number of self-maintenance tools out on the self-massage market. There are also foam rollers, massage sticks, spiky massage balls and acupressure balls.

The Travel Roller is available at  Fitter First as well as Amazon. Locally, you can check your local exercise store or your physiotherapist's office. The Travel Roller Acupressure Kit retails between $73 - $79 USD. The Travel Roller sells for $44 - $49 USD, while the Travel Roller Athlete Kit (roller, one acupressure ball and a stretching band) retails for $59 USD.

As far as self-myofascial release tools go, the Travel Roller's portability and durable construction are huge benefits. The fact that it is fairly easy to use is also a bonus. Another boon is that regular use of the Travel Roller can cut down on visits to the massage therapist or chiropractor. Perhaps the biggest advantage is that the Travel Roller can be used several times throughout the day, every day.

Originally published on Suite101.com on March 30, 2010. Updated March 23, 2013. All rights reserved by Rhona-Mae Arca.

THWOMP Album Review: Hey! Listen!

THWOMP's sophomore album, which features beloved Nintendo® video game themes, including The Legend of Zelda series, Double Dragon II and FFVII is reviewed.

Nintendo® cover band THWOMP released its sophomore album on April 27, 2012. Entitled Hey! Listen!, the album boasts 15 tracks, a musical treat for gamers of all ages.

THWOMP is a five-piece progressive "prog" rock band based in Calgary, Alberta. It is comprised of Brad Stanton (bass), Colin Mitchell (lead guitar), Dan Bronson (guitar), Scott Moffat (drums) and David Marshall (keyboards).

Founded in 2001 by Brad Stanton and former band member Scott Munro, THWOMP performs regularly at conventions across Western Canada. Last month, the band performed at the Calgary Comic Expo, where Hey! Listen! was unveiled.

THWOMP released its debut album, Knight League EP in 2010. The eight-track Nintendo® CD featured the band's arrangements from the classic Super Nintendo® racing game F-Zero.

Hey! Listen! is the group's first full-length album. Transcription was done by Brad Stanton, Kirk McVean and David Marshall. All members of THWOMP were involved with writing the band arrangements on the album.

Hey! Listen Highlights

The “Dungeon Theme” from The Legend of Zelda sets the tone for a nostalgic journey back in time. The opening is truly a gem, best appreciated live. "The beginning of the 'Zelda - Dungeon Theme' is actually two guitars, one playing 8th notes, the other playing off-beat 16ths," explained David Marshall in recent correspondence. "The neatest part about it is that it sounds like one guitar. It's an especially cool effect live, coming off the stage in stereo."

They are soon joined by the drums. Layer upon layer is added until the main dungeon theme appears played on the keyboards. As the theme loops, it builds in intensity, gradually leading the listener down musical depths before coming to slow mournful conclusion on solo guitar.

THWOMP's version of the “J-E-N-O-V-A” theme is edgier than it is in Final Fantasy VII. The keyboards, playing it as it appears in the game, but the guitars are quickly given the theme. They circle around and clash as if in battle, playing against the backdrop of a relentless rock groove on percussion.

“Fever” from Dr. Mario is a catchy and “feel good” track. The opening theme is first played by the keyboards (set for full nostalgic effect). The drums lay a catchy groove that is bound to set toes tapping and heads bopping long before the guitars take over the melody. THWOMP really shows how effective rests can be. Although they are in the original theme, the silences in THWOMP's arrangement are especially crisp. Indeed, they are long enough to elicit chuckles or squeals of excitement or delight from listeners.

The band vamps a bit, building the excitement before launching full-on into the “Korobeiniki” theme from Tetris. The guitars play the opening theme, while the keyboards provide an effective contrast with the the second theme. There's enough time in the interlude for listeners to mimic falling Tetris pieces before the main themes return in full force.

A little bit of disco shuffle merged with solid 80's rock grooves come together for the “Double Dragon II Theme”. The guitars belt out the main themes while the keyboards provide the requisite video game sound FX. One could easily imagine character Billy Lee taking down a street full of baddies to this rendition.

Listeners can truly rock out with the Star Fox “Attack Carrier” theme. The guitars weave around like Fox McCloud's Arwing, soaring against the driving beat laid down by the drums. The keyboards have some cool licks too.

Hey! Listen! Track Listing

1. The Legend of Zelda – Dungeon

2. A Link to the Past - Dark World

3. The Adventure of Link - Minor Battle

4. The Adventure of Link - Palace

5. Final Fantasy VII – J-E-N-O-V-A

6. Final Fantasy VII - Under the Rotting Pizza

7. Final Fantasy VII - Still More Fighting

8. Dr. Mario – Fever

9. Tetris – Korobeiniki

10. Double Dragon II - Theme

11. Double Dragon II - At the Heliport

12. Star Fox - Corneria

13. Star Fox - Attack Carrier

14. Star Fox - Course Clear

15. Star Fox - Space Armada

Label: Bandcamp

Release Date: April 27, 2012

Price: $4.99 CAD

Hey! Listen! Verdict

At 15 tracks, it may seem at first glance that Hey! Listen! is far too long, but that is not the case. Video game themes, by the nature of the scenes, are fairly short. The album contains 36 minutes worth of musical adventure.

THWOMP delivers these classic video game themes ably and serves them up with a bit of spice. At times sexy, sometimes humorous, but always cool and fun, Hey! Listen! provides retro-gamers with a solid collection of themes to indulge in a bit of nostalgia. This video game CD also introduces a younger generation of gamers and music fans to a fun era of video game music.

Hey! Listen! Is available through Bandcamp. Video game music download formats include MP3 320, FLAC, as well as other audio types. Stay tuned for their Suite101.com interview, which will be republished here.

Canine Equipment Ultimate Trail Dog Pack - Product Review

One of the first things that I read when I researched Maestro's breed is that these dogs like to be right in the thick of the action. That is certainly the case with him.

When he's not working with me, my Lakeland Terrier is raring to go on an adventure. As soon as he sees me loading up his dog pack, he gets very impatient.

Product Features of the Canine Equipment Ultimate Trail Dog Pack

The Canine Equipment Ultimate Trail Pack consists of three parts: the harness and two saddle bags. The harness can be used separately as an ordinary walking harness (it has a thick D-ring for the leash). It has three adjustable padded straps: the neck strap, one that straps around the chest and the third straps under the belly.

There is reflective piping on the edges and mesh webbing on the underside of the harness and padding. The handle on the top can be used to carry the pack when you want to give your dog a break.

The two saddle bags have several compartments. There is a poop bag port on one dog pack and gear loops on the other.

The interior of the saddle bags are sectioned off, with pockets large enough to hold a small water bottle. There is even a ring inside to hook your keys.

Each saddle bag has a loop on the backside, to thread the chest and belly straps through. This secures the bags and prevents them from flapping wildly.

Like the harness, the saddle bags have mesh padded lining. The Ultimate Trail Dog Pack is made of 20D rip stop nylon and 210D PU nylon lining. One last feature: the zipper pulls glow in the dark.

This dog pack comes in three sizes: Small (30-55 lbs, girth 16-24"), Medium (55-80 lbs, girth 25-34") and Large (80+ lbs, girth 35-44"). It currently comes in two color combinations: red/black and black/grey.

Using the Ultimate Trail Dog Back

Maestro and I use this dog backpack on trips of all sizes, from weekend trips to visit family and friends, as well as day trips around the province.. I like how Maestro can carry his own gear and "dog stuff".

A common question we get from strangers is, "What kind of stuff does he carry?" His saddle bags carry all his trip essentials, such as: poop bags, pet wipes, a microfiber towel, a t-shirt (or windbreaker or raincoat), snacks, food, vitamins, Benadryl, Gas-X, activated charcoal, wound and infection gel, a styptic pencil, bug repellant, toothbrush, toothpaste, paw wax and his water bowl.

I have read that a dog can safely carry up anywhere between 10 to 25% of its weight. This figure depends upon the dog's size, breed, age and physical fitness.

Maestro is a middle-aged dog. He can't wear the pack as long as he used to. That's when that handle on top comes in handy. I either clip the entire pack from the handle or clip the saddle bags straps onto my backpack and we carry on.

Apparently, you can also use it to pick up your dog. I've tried it just once, lifting Maestro approximately two inches off the ground. Although the handle is sturdy enough, I can't imagine that he feels comfortable being carried around like that.

Sometimes, I'll place the dog pack on Maestro when we are at home and we have visitors. Cesar Millan, AKA "The Dog Whisperer", recommends that wearing a dog pack is one way to calm a hyper dog.

Pros and Cons of the Ultimate Trail Dog Pack

Maestro and I have tried several backpacks. The last one he used was an old Outward Hound dog backpack. He overheated very quickly. The buckles were rough on the edges, so I cut myself on them a few times. Plus, it just wasn't pretty.

On the other hand, the Ultimate Trail Dog Pack is aesthetically pleasing. The mesh lining allows airflow, so Maestro doesn't overheat as quickly. The pockets (I love pockets) are well thought out. Things stay fairly organized inside. The saddle bags sit nicely on his body. Have I mentioned how sturdy and slick the design is already?

It was also the only dog pack on the market that had the belly strap properly positioned. All of the other ones we tried must have been designed for longer dogs, as the belly strap went right one his penis.

We get plenty of compliments on the backpack and inquiries of where to purchase it. We bought ours at Pet Planet. Pet Valu has been known to carry it occasionally. Amazon carries it as well. the CE Ultimate Trail Dog Pack is in the Top 25 for Dog Backpacks.

I do have one complaint regarding the straps. All of the straps are too long. At least, with the chest and belly strap, I can cut them down and secure the edges. Unfortunately, I can't do that with the neck strap. This means the dog backpack jostles more than it should.

Alternative Dog Packs

At a price range of $50 - $57 USD, the Canine Equipment Ultimate Trail Pack is the most expensive of the bunch. The most popular dog packs on the market are significantly cheaper (all prices are in USD): Kyjen Outward Hound Backpack ($27.17 - 35.23), Kurgo 00028 Wander Pack Dog Backpack ($27.50), Dog Backpack/Harness Deluxe 2 in 1 Large Red ($17.88), ABO Gear Aussie Naturals Dog Backpack ($36.34) and Guardian Gear Polyester Dog Back Pack, Medium, Green ($30.94).

However, with its thoughtful design, craftsmanship, fit and coolness factor, the Ultimate Trail Dog Pack was the best dog pack for us out of when I purchased it nearly two years ago.