Lose Weight By Having Fun With A Rebounder

Saturday, January 31, 2009 · 0 comments

By Jane Bracken

Looking for a fun, space-saving, portable fitness activity that gets your heart pounding but doesn't pound your joints? How about an exercise that doesn't require complicated equipment that can be tailored to your individual tastes? Want to strengthen your muscles without lifting weights? A rebounder may be just what you're looking for. Trampoline buying has become common for good reasons.

A rebounder is a small scale trampoline that can even be purchased in such designs as a folding rebounder. These folding rebounders merely fold in the middle to make them extremely portable. So take your enjoyable workout that is easy on the body yet extremely healthy for it anywhere you please.

You may think jumping is less effective that actually going walking. However, you are incorrect. If you jump for an hour you will burn over ten more calories than walking at three miles per hour and also relieve all of the tension that builds up around the joins from walking on hard surfaces. No more freezing cold runs or muggy day jogs, instead just set up your rebounder in front of your favorite television show or a rebounder DVD and get to working out.

Just like any other aerobic exercise, rebounding makes your heart rate escalate, your muscles get stronger, and your balance improve as you have to keep yourself upright during the jumping. Every jump accumulates to help strengthen your core and back without adding weights or uncomfortable sit ups.

No longer will you have to worry about expensive gym prices or gym equipment fees; rebounders are anywhere from thirty dollars to two hundred. Any budget can find room to squeeze in one, and if you are serious about working out on one you may want to consider a higher priced rebounder. They not only are of better materials and more stable but they often times include a fitness DVD so you can get right to working out.

And there is also a rebounder for every age and fitness level. Who knows a child that doesn't love to bounce up and down? And who knows a grandparent that wouldn't appreciate a workout that is easy on the joints? Work at your own pace, challenge yourself as fitness improves, and rebounding can be the path to a thinner body, better circulation, a stronger heart, improved immune system and less stress.

Those who workout on trampolines feel better about themselves for numerous reasons. Mainly because they start to get back their youth; they feel better, look better, and have a more defined and positive attitude towards daily activities. Just by spending a small amount of time on a trampoline from the comfort of their homes, they get to have fun and feel great about themselves.

Working out has never been so simple and enjoyable. Rigorous and straining workouts are officially at an end with the emergence of the rebounder. Hop along with your favorite television shows, DVD's, or music, and enjoy yourself as you cut weight and improve your body's health.

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Wadefishing at night with Topwaters

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By Captain Jim Onderdonk

Well we always hear the summer time complaints, in July and August, that it's getting too hot to fish. Most anglers are wanting to get off of the water before lunch! Well I am going to give you an alternative, wade fishing the Baffin Bay at night! Let me tell you, this is one of the best kept secrets. The water temperatures are cooler and the Baffin Big Girls have turned into heartless predators. There is nothing more exciting about hearing a massive blow up, while fishing a top-water at night! I am going to go through the how to, when to and where to, one at a time.

There are many bad things that can happen while fishing at night if you aren't careful. For this reason you should never fish along at night-time. Here are some tips to keep you safe:

* Your fishing partner should be aware of the aware of the area you are fishing in and your surrounds.

* While navigating, wear your P.D.F.'s.

* Leave a float plan (where you are going) with a buddy.

* Plan out your trip, including your first several fishing spots.

HOW: Once you have arrived at your first location safely, make sure that your anchor light stays on. This will also give you some bearing and help getting back to the boat. Strap on a L.E.D. head lamp, they are a must. L.E.D. head lamps are readily available and allow hands-free, much-needed light.

In addition to the headlamps, get some glow sticks as well. These are the type that activate and light up when you bend/crack/shake them. What you do is tie the glow stick to some string and hang it like a necklace, draping down over your back. This will also help to prevent boaters from coming too close, and keep your fishing partner from hitting you with a lure. Worst case scenario, it can also be a good emergency backup light to get to the boat. While wading, don't get too far apart.

WHEN: Full moon seems to be the best time for me. The extra light from the moon can really help to illuminate your fishing lure so that those big speckled trout can see them better. One trick I like to do is to tie a 10-12 inch piece of monofilament to the 1st ring and trail a soft plastic lure behind your topwater lure. At the end of the mono you tie on a light jighead (preferably 1/16th oz TruLoc) and then some soft plastic lure. I call this the "Donk Tangler".

I know what you're thinking, but just try it and you will be surprised. Work it the same way you would the top water. The fish will hit the soft plastic every time! I like to fish with braided line (Power Pro), it allows you to feel what you can't see. You will know when you have a hook up!

Also, check your So-lunar tables. I use what I call the 5 hr. window as a guide; 2 hrs before a major feeding time, the hour of major feeding and the 2 hrs after a major feeding period. Lunar tables are never a for-sure thing, but they have more than often worked for me.

WHERE: White Bluff, Black Bluff, East Kleberg Point, Alazan bay and the Tide Gauge Bar have produced numerous, night time wall hangers. This method has been very effective for me, as I am sure it will be for you. Remember keep just what you will eat! Until next time, SEE YOU ON THE WATER!

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Feeling Stressed? Try an Australian Luxry Cruise

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By Midje Ette

Australia is a fascinating place and a great one to choose for your next cruise. Full of unique and amazing plants and animals, it's a compelling spot for travelers of every kind.

First, you'll be welcomed aboard the stylish cruise ship in the evening, and have the chance to join the cruise for cocktails and apertifs while they introduce everything the ship has to offer. Enjoy the renowned cuisine of Australian cruise ships over the course of your trip.

Take advantage of the sun deck, ship's lounge, al fresco bar, and forward observation lounge. You'll be able to see useful and interesting information on the ship's plasma screens, and communicate conveniently with the world outside via Internet cafe.

Of course, you wouldn't want to miss the great meals cruises are famous for, and a cruise to Australia is no different. Enjoy fine dining in a luxurious dining room that offers both comfort and great views. Panoramic windows make sure that you won't miss anything, even though you're enjoying a great meal.

Choose a cruise that offers multiple expedition boats, allowing you to do what you want, when you want to do it. Some boats, like the Kimberly True North, even sail with their own helicopter!

Australian cruise ships built for wilderness exploration are a little different than the average ship. Purpose built to be able to explore even the upper parts of shallow river systems, they'll take you further than an ordinary cruise, allowing you to experience true Australian wilderness merely by stepping out of your cabin.

Cruises are famous for their food, and most Australian lines are no exception. You'll enjoy amazing and exotic dishes you'd never encounter anywhere else, including fantastic local wines and seafood from several of the ports you'll visit.

Of course, shark diving won't appeal to everyone. If you'd rather do something a little quieter, consider fishing in a secluded Australian bay. Whether you're an expert or a beginner, you'll have a guide who can help you and can work with your skills. Pink snapper and King George whiting are delicious catches frequently found on an Australian cruise.

The next day, visit Coffin Bay, an area filled with tranquil waters and brilliant beaches. The national park means there's a lot of amazing wild beauty to be seen.

Anglers will enjoy the many fishing options available on board Australian cruises. Many delicious species of fish can be caught in these waters, and guides are available with the expertise to help anyone on a fishing excursion. It doesn't matter whether you're a beginner or an old hand - there's someone to help you catch your fish.

You may not be permitted to wear shoes on board - this is for the protection of the ship and to keep it in top condition. However, be sure to bring appropriate shoes for off-board activities - you'll need them with all there is to do.

For an adventure in luxury, Australian cruises are a great choice. If you're looking for something a little different, why not consider one of these amazing trips. You'll be astonished at the beauty and luxury available on Australian cruises.

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Pontoon Boat Basics

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By Darrel Cunnings

If you are thinking about purchasing a boat you might want to look into pontoon boats. There are many reasons for this, and there are many pros into buying a pontoon boat compared to other types of boats. The biggest plus in my opinion is you get more square footage per dollar than any other kind of boat that is out there.

Pontoon boats offer great square footage because of the deck design which is flat shaped. Below the deck are the floating metal cylinders that keep the boat floating and prevent the boat from rocking back and forth too much, these cylinders are known as pontoons.

If you want maneuverability and speed then you may want to invest some extra money into getting a boat that has three pontoons instead of the more common two. A pontoon boat with only two pontoons can achieve fast speeds but it will not maneuver as well as one that has three.

Pontoon boats for awhile have been known as party boats. With so much space there is no reason not to have a party out on the water. You can have room for many people, and also room for furniture and tables and many other things you would not be able to put on any other type of boat.

When it comes to customization the options are almost endless with a pontoon boat. You can have carpet, furniture, a bathroom, sun roof or bimini top, or anything else that you can think of on a pontoon boat. This is why they are rented more often in the United States than any other boat.

Pontoon boats can also be used and customized especially for fishing. You will have plenty of extra room to store all of your fishing tackle and fishing gear. With the amount of space that you have you will not have any problems casting out lines, or throwing a cast net.

You can also customize a pontoon boat for fishing with built in live wells, fishing rod holders, and coolers to keep your catch in. Trolling motors and spot lights can also be easily installed for flats fishing and night fishing also.

One bad thing about pontoon boats is that they are not designed to be taken offshore at all, meaning stay out of the ocean. There is only a foot or two of space from the water to the front of the bow, so waves can easily crash over the bow and flood the boat.

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What are the Snell Motorcycle Helmet Testing Standards?

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By Frank Medley

The Snell Memorial Foundation is an organization designed to promoting helmet safety standards, and testing helmets to make sure they are safe. It was founded after the death of auto racer Pete Snell, who died in a 1956 despite the fact that he was wearing a helmet.

The Snell motorcycle helmet testing standards are more rigorous that even those of the Department of Transportation. Unlike the DOT, the Snell testing is done in their own laboratories, and not by the manufacturers.

One of the most important parts of the Snell motorcycle helmet testing is the vision test. This is especially important for full face helmets. It ensures that when riding, a motorcyclist has complete peripheral vision.

The next round of testing is the performance tests. These are what help to ensure that your helmet will remain intact, and will do its job should you ever be in a fall or accident on your bike.

To ensure that the helmets do not break down after they are used, helmets are subjected to heat, cold, and wet before they are tested. This will check for any breakdown after normal use.

Another important part of Snell motorcycle helmet testing is the impact tests. These are performed in order to ensure that in the event of an impact, the head is as protected from injury as possible.

There has been criticism of some of Snell's testing methods. Many believe they are too expensive to be reasonable for most manufacturers. Others believe that they are excessive, and aren't needed to prove a helmet is safe.

When you are buying a motorcycle helmet, you will know that any product that meets Snell motorcycle helmet testing standards has been held to a very high safety and protection standard.

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Top Holiday Destinations in July

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By Robert M Freeman

Are you undecided of where to go for your summer holidays, or are you just unsure on the kind of activity you want to involve yourself in? This year, you can head down an unusual path, and yet enjoy the greatest holidays ever.

Yachting offers countless comforts. To begin with, you are at home on the yacht. Yachts come in abundant shapes and sizes, and you can undoubtedly find one gigantic or small enough for your family and friends. With all your homey comforts on board, you are good to go. The holiday can be as extensive or as tiny as you want, but on the way you can experience the joy of seeing many coastal cities. You can stare at the good-looking scenery along the shoreline during the day and anchor in at a harbour at night to enjoy the nightlife in the city.

One of the most excellent places to go yachting this summer is Croatia. There are numerous remote islands waiting to be explored in this gorgeous country. The crystal clean waters will offer you numerous reasons to jump in and take a dip in them. There are several towns on the coast that will incite you to stop and sight the history and culture of the area from time to time. As there are several towns on the shore, you will never be far from civilization just in case you feel like stepping on land to enjoy a night away from water. There is always an alternative to moor in a marina or a secluded creek during the night, and just welcome the sunshine during the day. The locals of Croatia are extremely welcoming and friendly, which makes you feel right at home. The top places to visit are the Dalmation Coast, Korcula, and Dubrovnic.

The next option is Greece. With clear turquoise waters that stretch on forever and a coastline that provides a colourful view, this country is beautiful - whether you admire its beaches or the land. The coastline is dotted with vineyards, orchards, rocky terrain, and beaches, and these make it a beautiful panorama that you can enjoy day after day. There are quaint villages and sheltered harbours for daytime dips as well.

In addition to this, the historical and cultural attraction of Greece and its dazzling architecture makes it worth a visit. If you are searching for quietness and peace during your trip, there are many sandy beaches and stunning places to go to; if you want thrill then you can stay close to downtown and enjoy the nightlife. The south island route is recommended for less experienced sailors as the water is sheltered, however the northern side is less crowded and makes for more daring sailing. Ensure you visit Cephalona, Corfu, Ithaka, Paxos, and Kythira

The last option, but certainly not the least likable one, is Italy. With its breathtaking mountains, still lakes and idyllic islands, this is a perfect country to view from a yacht. It is one of the most popular sailing destinations in the world, with over 5000 miles of coastline. The cities are, of course, also very vibrant, and when you step onto land you will immediately feel yourself immersed in the culture. From Naples and its love for art, Tuscany and it's rustic charm, the glamour in Capri, and the history of the Almalfy coast - all will come together to make this holiday an unforgettable one for you.

You can choose to either rent your own yacht, which you can head if you are experienced in sailing, or you can hire a skipper along with the team and enjoy your holiday in lavishness. The size of the crew, though, will depend on the size of the yacht, and that in return depends on the number of people you have with you. Additionally, the costs are directly linked to the number of people you are planning your trip with. You can either choose to have the yacht take all the meals, or you can decide to have your snacks on the stops you come across on your way. Make sure you get the appropriate insurance cover before you start on your holiday, to protect you against any possible (but unforeseen) misfortunes.

Yachting is undoubtedly a perfect way to view a country from a new perspective, while at the same time enjoying the warm beaches during your summer holiday.

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Setting Up A Sky Bouncer Trampoline On Unlevel Ground

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By Jane Bracken

A trampoline must be set up on an even surface, and a sky bouncer trampoline is no exception. Safety will be compromised if a trampoline is on unlevel ground. Try one of the following suggestions if the ground underneath the trampoline is unlevel.

The easiest and fastest way to make a trampoline level is to dig out the dirt from under the edge of the trampoline where the it rests on the ground. Place the trampoline where you want it to go and mark the areas where you will need to dig. Then move the trampoline and use a shovel to move enough dirt so that the trampoline surface is level when you put it back into place.

Make sure that the trampoline is level before any one uses it. Placing a level set on the trampoline's surface will verify whether the trampoline is actually level or not. If the level set shows that the trampoline is not level, you will have to move the trampoline and dig more dirt.

Bricks, wooden shims, and blocks should not be used to raise the low side of the trampoline. The trampoline is likely to shift when these items are used. Do not place objects underneath the trampoline while it is in use.

It is also necessary to level an enclosure trampoline. The enclosure protects a user from serious injury while in use. Minor injuries can still occur, such as brush burns from collisions with the enclosure. Although the enclosure is a valuable safety feature, a trampoline must be level before it is used.

Dirt moved from around the edges may not be enough to level an air trampoline. If not enough dirt has been moved, the ground underneath the entire area that the trampoline covers will have to be leveled. Having a mound of dirt beneath the trampoline is undesirable.

If there is too much ground to moved with a shovel, professional equipment may have to be used in order to level the sky bouncer trampoline. Contacting a professional excavator to do the job for you is also an option.

Before allowing anyone to use the sky bouncer trampoline, make sure that the surface is level. Moving a little dirt usually will solve the problem if the ground is slightly uneven. Professional help is usually required when there is a lot of dirt to be moved.

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Cork Short Breaks

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By Craig Wilson

Cork has a great selection of hotels and guesthouses ranging from small family owned properties to the five star Hayfield Manor Hotel a pleasant ten minutes stroll from the city centre. You can get great priced flights from Newcastle with Jet2 and make your own short break on direct flights from Newcastle to Cork.

Cork is the 2nd largest city in the Irish Republic and is also the capital city of County Cork. The city got its name from the Irish word corcach, which translated means marshy place. The river Lee flows through Cork into Lough Mahon and creates on of the largest natural harbours in the world. It is hardly surprising that Cork has a major seaport and has lots of quays and docks

Cork was first founded in the sixth century by St Finbarr and became a city much later when it received its royal charter by King John in 1185. Having a large natural harbour meant that Cork became a major trading port and particularly with the merchants from the Scandinavian regions. However this also attracted attention from the less friendly visitors and Cork was attacked by Vikings and Norsemen.

The climate in the Cork region is mild, moist and changeable with lots of rain however it does not usually face extreme temperatures and weather. Cork is a foggy city and has an average of around a hundred days of fog a year. Despite the fog Cork is also one of the sunniest cities in Ireland with an average of nearly four hours of sunshine every day.

Whilst visiting Cork for your short break you will find lots of things to do and see. The architecture in Cork is particularly impressive and you can see many of the beautiful buildings if you take a tour bus around the city. The most famous building is probably the Church Tower of Shandon, which dominates the north side of Cork. St Patrick's Street is a pedestrian friendly route through the main shopping area. Make sure you visit Blarney Castle, Charles Fort and you could even visit the Greyhound Stadium one evening

There are lots of different shops from boutiques to markets offering a range of products to cater for all budgets. There are a few large shopping centres and the main shopping street is St Patrick's street. There are lots of different restaurants catering for the more refined palate to the fast food restaurants seen in most cities around the world.

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Carp fishing Baits And Methods For bigger Catches!

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By Tim Richardson

How your bait can really make a big difference to your catches in hidden and very obvious ways!

The scientific information available on essential dietary needs of carp most often does not take into account the presence of natural food in the presence of a test food item such as that of milk casein and gelatine. In fact it really makes a big difference when you consider that a carp is fully designed to fully digest and utilise its natural food items as opposed to an artificial food item composed of many foods such as in a boilie bait or pellet designed for salmon, trout or even specifically designed for carp! The actual energy and nutrient requirements compared to the actual biological conversion and energy supplied may well not be as great nor as efficient as thought by anglers.

Carp feeding stimulation involves many carp senses in a combined way; so why not exploit as many as possible to maximise our baits, after all; (baits do not merely work by exploiting nutritional stimulation but many other factors too!) We can take into account real life fishing variables such as the way carp exploit various natural food sources as the season progresses and this will impact on bait design and bait recipes, type of baits used and how they are applied on the hook and introduced as ground bait. When fish are very much orientated to feed upon natural organisms then this too can be exploited by good bait design, and we can exploit and manipulate the presence of natural organisms by using our bait to deliberately attract these too.

How things have changed in carp fishing since I began in the 1970's when most carp anglers caught single and double-figure fish and a carp weighing over twenty pounds was very special indeed and a thirty pound fish was a fish of a life-time and something of an object for closer scientific scrutiny! Where a can of luncheon meat or a loaf of bread used to catch carp, now many anglers will throw into their swim a couple of thousand boilies, many kilograms of pellets or particle baits and still expect to catch without waiting a week for all this to be cleared before getting a bite. The impact of the general trend towards use of more bait as free bait, chum or ground bait is often to do with improving angler confidence, but it can very much improve fish confidence too and when done appropriately seriously multiplies catches.

In the UK, there was a time a few decades ago when it was estimated that the majority of the fish weighing over twenty pounds existed in relatively few waters located in the North Kent area and having lived there myself, numerous villages there are certainly reminders of many famous carp waters from the 1970's and early 1980's period. Anglers starting carp fishing in the last 10 years certainly have great difficulty imagining just how much harder it was to catch fish of big twenty and upper thirty pounds going back even a couple of decades. Big carp existed in much smaller numbers in the UK and in only a relatively select handful of waters and this is why personal best fish of leading anglers in the 1970's and 1980's were so much smaller than those of today!

Not so long ago the capture of twenty carp of over twenty pounds in a season was a milestone few of even the top anglers had achieved. It is astounding to me today looking back, that you can catch twenty carp of around twenty pounds or over on certain UK waters in just a week or less; and this is very much due to the impact of the highly nutritional free baits applied by carp anglers over recent decades. Correct bait application is a massive edge which simply cannot be underestimated but is often extremely under-rated!



I just realised it is now 18 years since I had a personal milestone catch of twenty carp whose average weight was just less than twenty pounds, including a mid-thirty pound carp, in just 5 days. My homemade bait recipe design especially, and the way I introduced my free baits, made all the difference in achieving this exceptional catch at that Essex syndicate water back in 1991 and UK carp have had twenty years since to grow fat on the tonnes of bait very many thousands more carp anglers have been introducing to UK carp waters all year round! If you consider that carp soon get very conditioned to baits and practice avoiding hook baits in many carp waters 24 hours a day, the significance of knowing that bit more about bait, how it works, and how to apply it in new and creative ways is obviously highly important to consistent success today.

Bait design is very important and the nature of the free baits you use in order to get fish into an excited feeding state and drawn into your swim, hopefully to make a mistake with your hook bait is crucial; even in exceptionally prolific French and Spanish waters where 60 fish of over twenty pounds has been achieved by my friends in just 3 days. In the UK high-profile anglers are very much promoters of innovative baits and applications and the leverage of various bait substances and forms of recipes is a very big part of their ongoing success. Bait is important not merely as an edge in itself but as the whole basis of your ongoing success and so belittling the subject is rather missing the point that carp senses can be manipulated in our favour over and over again big-time...

By Tim Richardson.

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Old Pasadena and You

Friday, January 30, 2009 · 0 comments

By James Gilbert Pynn

With the proliferation of beautiful towns in Southern California, its easy to see why so many people pulled up stakes and went west. It is easy to see why so many settlers and immigrants eventually settled down in sunny Pasadena. The city as we know it today was born, in essence, when Benjamin Wilson became the first Anglo settler in the region in 1841. Wilson would later become the mayor of Los Angeles and a California senator. But is Wilson was the seed, Dr. Daniel M. Berry as the water that would grow this City of Roses.

In search of a miracle, Dr. Daniel M. Berry came to the Arroyo Seco. An asthmatic, Berry had been looking for a suitable place to relocate his loyal group of similarly asthmatic patients. He would characterize his sojourn to the area by say, It was the best three nights of sleep in my life. Eager to keep the area a secret, he created the Southern California Orange Grove Association and began to sell shares for a massive 4,000 aces bid. In 1874, the Indiana Colony was born. Pasadena would soon follow.

Within a decade, the colonys warm reputation slowly drew settlers from the East. Soon, especially in the years prior to the Great Depression, Pasadena had become something of a fashionable winter resort for cold-weary Midwestern and Eastern families. This migration brought with it artists, actors, and scientists. The citys cultural wherewithal began to multiply. In 1917, the famous Pasadena Playhouse opened its doors. The Norton Simon Museum was founded in1922 and the Art Center of College and Design in 1930.

What is now the Old Pasadena Historic District was once the focus of commerce and industry for the entire San Gabriel Valley. Today visitors can marvel at historic facades along the rich and bustling Colorado Boulevard. Another remnant of Pasadenas rich history is the annual Tournament of Roses Parade. First begun in 1890 as a showcase for Southern Californias warm climate, the Parade has been held on new years Day ever since. Though it had been followed by chariot races and teams sports, its first association with football began in 1902 and the "Tournament East-West football game. Though the next game was not played until New Year's Day 1916, it has since been firmly associated with the Rose Bowl.

This rose-shrouded gem continues to draw settlers, students, and artists. From the Historic District to Caltech to the Rose Bowl, Pasadena has something for anyone. Plane, train, or automobile, however you arrive, youre sure to be greeted with broad smiles and perfect sunshine. Theres a tremendous selection of Pasadena hotels to choose from, and even more restaurants, attractions, sights and sounds. The colony Dr. Berry built stands ready to embrace all comers.

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Valentines Day

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By Persipidus

Valentines Day

With Valentines Day around the corner, it is time to start thinking about what to do for your significant other. Is it going to be a weekend getaway or the annual flowers?

Valentines is the single most romantic Holiday of the year. Although some may see it as over rated, most do not. Try something out of the ordinary this year and show your loved one how you feel.

As a starting point, find out what your significant other likes and enjoys. Are they a traditional type of person that likes flowers and spas or do they like to try new things. One idea is a weekend getaway at an Inn where you can spend quality time together.

Maybe a a candlelit dinner with a nice wine is a way to go. In my opinion this is a a great start sharing quality time and show how you really feel.

Resorts around Valentines Day offer great special packages. This is a great way to go if you are looking more something more than just dinner. Suprise your partner witha airline tickets to a destiantion resort. But becareful not to book a trip that is a 6 hour flight for a weekend getaway. Try to find one that is less than an hour or two.

The possibilities are endless even on a limited budget. It has been my experience that sometimes the simplest of ideas are the most romantic. The idea is to put some thought into what your significant other would really and try to cater to them. The thought of an idea is better than nothing at all and sometimes even better than just flowers.

Theres nothing worse than having your plans fall through because you did not make arrangements in time. The bottom line is start now.

Valentines Day is a Holiday of romance. In my opinion, the best way to have a great Valentines Day is to provide a nice elegant setting where you and your partner can have quality time together and get out of the day-to-day routine. As long as it is thoughtful it doesnt really matter what it you do.

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Explore Dar es Salaam and Tanzania Southern Safari Circuit

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By Andrew Muigai

A majority of visitors to Dar es Salaam find it worthwhile to tour Mikumi, Udzungwa, Ruaha and Selous game reserves. These destinations comprise the southern safari circuit of Tanzania. Mikumi National Park is just a few hours away by car, and Zanzibar is a quick 2-hour ferry ride (or an even quicker flight) away. For relaxing day trips to nearby islands, arranged transportation via White Sands Hotel or Bahari Beach Hotel.

Occupying 3,230 sq km, Mikumi carries a variety of wildlife including elephants, lion,giraffe, impala, warthog, zebra, buffalo, wildebeest, hartebeest and eland. Wild dogs- considered an endangered carnivore species -are found here in good numbers. Other resident animals are crocodiles, hippos, and monitor lizards. Birds are most plentiful in the wet season when up to 300 species gathers here. Many of these are Eurasian migrants, exercising to the full, the freedom that comes with wings. The Mikumi flood plain is the dominant feature of the park, which is bordered on one side by the Uluguru Mountains and on another by the Lumango range. Mikumi forms the northern border of the Selous Game Reserve and is part of a vast wilderness ecosystem covering 75,000 sq km. Open grasslands stretch on the plains, while the miombo woodlands cover higher ground.

Mikumi is generally accessible all year round, unlike many other southern circuit safari destinations. It takes four hours to Mikumi by road, and one hour by flight from Dar es Salaam. For budget travelers, It is possible to take a bus ride to the park's gate then arrange game drives from there. At the few luxury lodges and tented camps and the three campsites in Mikumi , limited accommodation is available. Should you find yourself in Dar es Salaam on a weekend, Mikumi is a perfect destination for seeing African wildlife.

65 km southwest of Mikumi, and 348 km west of Dar lies the 1,990 sq. km. Udzungwa Mountains National park. Udzungwa mountains are found southeast of Kilimanjaro and are part of the Eastern Arc Mountains. This unique Tanzania national park was created purely for purposes of plant species conservation. Many rare plants inhabit the mountain forest in Udzungwa. Animal life in the forests consists of six primate species, including the Iringa red colobus monkey and the Sanje crested Mangabey both of which are endemic here. Lions, elephants, buffaloes and hunting dogs are found on the plateau area, though in smaller numbers than in other parks and game reserves in Tanzania. The park is an important conservation area for bird species, with more than four previously unknown species discovered by scientists recently. The dry season from June through October is the best time to visit Udzungwa. During the wet season, hiking routes get unpleasantly slippery.

Ruaha National park is the biggest elephant sanctuary in the world and the second largest national park in Tanzania, occupying 12,950 sq. km. The great Ruaha river is the lifeblood of this park, hosting many hippos and crocodiles, and drawing thousands of thirsty animals to its banks. Common animal species include water bucks, leopards, reed bucks, hyenas, giraffes, impala, wild dogs, zebra, greater and lesser kudu, and sable and roan antelopes plus many more. The Ruaha landscape is ideal for hiking, and walking safaris are acceptable. There is abundant bird life (over 370 bird species) especially during the wet seasons (March to April and October to November) during which some Eurasian migratory birds move in.

The flora is very diverse and over 1650 plant species flourish here. The Ruaha has the unique distinction of having plant and animal life found in both eastern and southern Africa. The climate here is hot and dry and temperatures can reach 40 degrees Celsius in October. The Ruaha is located 128 km west of the central Tanzania town of Iringa. It was previously inaccessible, but there is now year round road access. From Dar, road travel is a backbreaking 10 hours while a charter flight takes 1 " hours. The best time for a safari is over the dry season- May to December. Then, the Ruaha River is magnetic to the animals and right at the banks, the drama of their daily life is on display- feeding, fighting, courting and mating. The accommodation is currently limited, but there is a luxury lodge, and a few self-catering chalets and campsites.

Selous Game Reserve is the star of the southern safari circuit. The reserve is named after the intrepid Fredrick Courtney Selous, a celebrated Victoria era explorer and naturalist. He met his end here in a sideshow of the First World War. The Great War had spilled over from Europe as the Germans then ruled parts of todays Tanzania. Located 500 km to the southwest of Dar, the reserve occupies a staggering 55,000 sq km " larger than Switzerland- and is the largest of its kind in Africa. The Selous was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982 due to the significance of both its flora and fauna. This immense wilderness has a diversity of habitats including savanna woodlands, swamps, open grasslands and forests.

More than 2,100 plant and trees species have been recorded in Selous. The lifeblood of the reserve is the Rufiji river with its many tributaries and oxbow lakes suitable for boat safaris. Africa wild animals found in Selous include buffaloes, hippos, wild dogs, lions, black rhinos, bush bucks, water bucks, impalas, giraffes, zebras, greater kudus, reed bucks, elands, among others. The elephant population in Selous is estimated at over 60,000. Birdwatching enthusiasts too have something worth seeing in Selous, with over 420 bird species recorded. Due to the game reserve's huge size, wildlife is widely scattered, just like in Ruaha. Visitors can best enjoy the park at a slow pace, taking 3-4 days. Selous provides a very rewarding photographic safari experience especially at Stiegler's Gorge, a spot that leopards favor greatly.

To get to Selous from Dar es Salaam, it takes one and a half hours by flight or seven hours by road. Road trips are tiresome and are only advisable for the most adventurous people. Being quite near the coast, Selous is only a few hundred feet above sea level. Selous has a hot and humid climate especially between October and March. During the wet season, March to May, parts of the reserve are closed. The dry season is the best for visiting, during which time you can take walking safaris, boat rides, or self drive safaris in a 4x4 vehicle. There are limited accommodation facilities in Selous, with only a few luxury tented camps and no frills camps.

Sadani game reserve, located in the north coast about 50km from Bagamoyo, is also worth visiting. Sadani gives one an experience of the bush at the beach, and the wild life seen at the reserve including elephants, leopard, giraffes, lions, buffaloes and zebra. The reserve is, however, accessible only with special transport arrangements.

Before getting into Dar es Salaam and Tanzania, visitors from yellow fever infected areas have to be obtain certificates of vaccination against the disease. Travelers from the following areas where yellow fever is not endemic are exempted from this: Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and North America. The forest region in northwest Tanzania is regarded a high risk yellow fever area. Malaria is also common in most of Tanzania. It is advisable to start taking appropriate anti-malaria treatment two weeks before arrival. Typhoid, hepatitis A, and polio vaccinations are also advisable. In addition, with the exception of citizens of a few African and commonwealth countries, visitors must have Tanzania visas to get into the country. While it is possible to get the visa at entry points like Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar, and Dar es Salaam international airports, where possible, get the visa in advance from the Tanzanian mission in your country. Some airlines may not allow you to board flights to Tanzania without the visa.

You can get to Dar es Salaam through such Africa travel hubs as Johannesburg, Nairobi, and Addis Ababa. There are also numerous domestic flights in Tanzania to Dar and other airports including Kilimanjaro international airport and Dodoma airport. By sea, ferry services from Mombasa to Dar es Salaam are available. Visitors can tour around Dar es Salaam city using taxis, which charge a standard fee of Tsh 2000 for a journey within the city center. To travel to Zanzibar by ferry, you have a choice of 4 boats " 2 ordinary ferry boats, a hydrofoil, and a catamaran. You will need to produce the certificate of yellow fever vaccination before boarding the ferry. In addition to boat fare, you will have to pay US$5 for port charges.

Like most of Tanzania, it never gets really hot in Dar es Salaam. Average temperatures are in the 30 degrees Celsius range, with the hottest season being from October to March. It is therefore recommended that you carry light clothing, i.e. short sleeved shirts, trousers and shorts for men, and short sleeved blouses, skirts and slacks for ladies. Nudity is nevertheless unacceptable in the entire country. If touring the highland areas of Tanzania, you may need warmer clothing like sweaters for the evenings and early mornings.

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Making Child Halloween Crafts Safe and Fun

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By Kathy Pratts

Halloween can be an extremely fun time to spend with your kids doing some child Halloween crafts together. Preparing Halloween costumes, accessories and makeup for your kids can be exciting. But because you are making these for your kids, safety should also be in mind to keep the Halloween season enjoyable and a memorable one.

Since child Halloween crafts must be suitable for toddlers to 12-year-old children, it is important to keep the materials child-safe: make sure you don't use abrasive/harsh materials. Use instead appropriate ones such as hypoallergenic makeup and glitter that is specifically made for sensitive skin. Abrasive/harsh materials you should avoid include tin foils, hard plastic from cutout objects (otherwise, you should file the sharp edges), pointed accessories, and twigs with splinters.

Adult makeups are made up of stronger components that are too harsh and unsuitable for kids. Practice safe child Halloween crafts preparations and make your own Halloween makeup at home. Homemade Halloween makeup often does not cause allergic reactions because it is just made of cornstarch, corn syrup, food coloring and water. However, you can always do a patch test first.

Consider always the safety of your child when buying materials for child Halloween crafts. When using glitter don't buy the regular ones used for paper. These can be abrasive to both the skin and eyes and therefore can cause inflammation and reddening. Go to a specialty or makeup store instead and look for products that state "body glitter" or "face glitter".

Be careful when choosing household materials for your child Halloween crafts session. For accessories use cardboard instead of tin foil or cutout hard plastic. If your child is going to run around with a tin foil or cutout plastic star on a wand, the pointy edges could accidentally end up in the eye. Use cardboard or Styrofoam instead. You can wrap these in silver kitchen foil or glitter for that brilliant sheen. You can also spray-paint them with silver, gold or other metallic colors.

Child-friendly costumes can easily be bought in specialty shops. However, if you're going to make a costume together with your child, it might be a good idea to put away those needles and use no-sew costumes for your child Halloween crafts idea. If you're going to buy a costume, make sure it is easily detectable from afar (in case your child gets lost), flame-resistant, and can fit well on your child so he/she doesn't trip.

You can also think of basic Halloween costume ideas such as The Sleepwalker, which only requires your child to wear PJ's and set of curlers; you can also think of any character with a cape, such as superman or batman, which only requires you to attach a cape and a mask. You can create masks simply with a paper plate and garters.

Making child Halloween crafts both fun and safe for your kids doesn't have to be a difficult task. First think of safe materials and work around those using your imagination to create distinctive Halloween themes and styles.

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Organic Herbal Gardening Inside Your House

Thursday, January 29, 2009 · 0 comments

By Susan Honeywell

Deciding to begin an organic herbal garden inside your house will not only have a dramatic and positive effect on your heath, but it will also make your abode more beautiful thanks to the beautiful plants that will grace your windowsills and balconies.

By growing organic herbs indoors, you will be able to enjoy out-of-season delicacies and not worry about a sudden spell of cold ruining your crop. Another great advantage is that you won't need a huge amount of space; just a few pots will allow you to improve your cooking with fresh and free produce.

As for the plants that you can grow, most herbs that will grow in a garden will also do well indoors. Don't worry about having to exclude your favorite flavors, but focus instead on the combination of herbs that you would prefer to grow.

If you like Italian herbs, go for rosemary, chives, capers, oregano, fennel and basil. Burnished earthen pots will make your garden look authentically Italian. If on the other hand you are a fan of French and Provencal aromas plant lots of parsley, sage, lemon basil, marjoram.

As for the pots, you need to make sure that the ones you get are right for the herbs you want. Not all herbs are suitable to all kinds of containers. Specifically, for some plants you need a pot with a minimum size.

Make sure that you don't get any tiny pots meant for growing from seed, unless that is your original intention! In fact, better to get slightly bigger pots if you have the space in your growing area.

Also, don't leave the plants for long in the pots you bought them in, or it will stunt their growth. It is important to re-pot any herbs that you buy, if you are not growing from seed. Don't forget to water the plants well before repotting, to diminish the shock.

To garden organically, it is important to only use earth that is organically certified. The soil should not be too alkaline or too acid, a medium acidity is just about right. And any fertilizers you choose to use should be organic too.

In most cases, available natural lighting will be enough, although some growers may want to try out electric growing bulbs. But in normal circumstances, these won't be needed. Check if your chosen plants prefer sun or shade, and then place the sun-lovers on a south-facing window. The others should go where there is plenty indirect sunlight.

Make it a habit to regularly tend your organic herbal garden, and you will find that your food will improve much at little expense, and also that you will have brought a piece of nature to your home.

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Family Tips - Adjusting To Elderly Parents

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By Mirca Bauer

Parents do an amazing amount of work for their children to ensure that they grow up to be healthy and well-balanced individuals. As one makes the transition into adulthood, they begin to realize the extent that their parents worked, as well as how they can finally have the opportunity to give back.

There are certain things you should do to improve the calibre of life you have as a family. There are many practices you should refrain in order to become more useful for your family by bringing all the members of the family closer. Parenting is a full time responsibility. When you have kids you have lots of responsibilities which you are supposed to complete. If you have parents who are of old age but they still are alive, living with them in the same house may become a problem for some people. We must understand how we can adjust to our parents if they are old and we still live together.

In different parts of the world there are different trends. In some parts of the world the kids live with their parents and the paternal family of the kids. In this situation the kids are generally used to having their grandparents around. On the other hand in some cultures the kids leave the house of their parents when they become healthy to acquire for themselves. Now these people are not used to having their parents around all the time. When your parents grow old, it is your responsibility to give them all the love and care that they gave you when you were young. These are the people who have loved you selflessly. They always knew that you will leave them in quest of a career and a spouse, but they still loved you unconditionally.

When the parents are old it is the responsibility of the children to take care of them. Sending your parents to a nursing home just because they have grown old is not the solution. People must learn to respect the old age of their parents. The old people should be given all the due respect and importance and above all, their children must spend time with their old parents. Now that the parents have grown old they are not any more in the position to do simple things for themselves. You must learn to be there for them. They have listened to all your demands when you were young and they have provided for you all your life before you started earning for yourself. You must now pay them back in the same currency, love. Give them all due importance. Give them your time.

Generally the kids are very close to their grandparents. The grandparents are loving for them. They have more time for them. Thus the kids feel more comfortable with their grandparents. This is very healthy. The family ties become stronger in this way.

One should sense to be studious with their relatives when they grow old. Relatives in aged age might someday action unreasonably as good as they might not be in accord with as good as understanding. It right away is an avocation of immature kids to be studious as good as bears everything. This is a right you should give to a parents, as prolonged as it is inside of an area of capability.

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Family Tips - Assess Yourself As A Family Member

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By Sahra Mahrer

Family life is a very important part of any one's life. People generally consider their families to be the group of most important persons in their lives. It is common to all cultures and societies. All the cultures of the world profess family unit strength. As the family unit is a very important unit in the life of any human being, it is important that everyone considers him or herself responsible towards building a home and a nice family life. Your family members are the people you can look towards in the hour of need. These are the people who can be very helpful to you in regard to any and everything that has gone wrong in your life.

As family members are very important and family life and strong ties with your family members are an asset, it is important that everyone gives the family life its due importance. It is important that we continue with our traditions of having a close family. Family life has ensured stability and peacefulness in society which nothing else can provide. Family life is important and it is the primary responsibility of everyone to play his or her role in making their family life work. Everyone needs to contribute towards family life as the strength of a family unit is going to help every one.

As a family member you must assess yourself very frequently. As your family is one of the families we want to protect, you must pay full attention towards your family. First of all you must critically think about your behavior towards other family members. Are you encouraging enough? Do you tell your family members enough times that you love them? And that you are a part of them? These are the points you must consider. Assess your self and try to improve yourself if you think you demand in something as a member of the family who is responsible for creating the closeness and love between the members of the family.

Also, you must think about how much time you are spending with your family. Sometimes we love the members of our family very much but we are not able to resolve the issues which arise between the other members of the family and us, as we are not spending enough time with the other members of our family. This is something very important. If you want your family to be a happy family, you need to spend some time together. Even if you are busy otherwise, you must try to spend at least some time with the members of your family.

Celebrating little events in life may sometimes become even more important as compared to celebrating some huge events. For example, to your brother it may be more important that you remember his birthday and wish him a happy birthday at midnight as compared to taking him and his friends to a lavish dinner. You must not waste any such chance. Consider yourself as a family member, and critically look at each aspect. You will come to know what you should add in your personality to become even more effective as a member of your family to make the ties even stronger.

Family is very important to all of us. It is our responsibility to play the role which nature has given us. We can help in strengthening our family ties. We should try to do that as much as we possibly can.

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Beginners Saltwater Fishing Tackle Guide

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By Jeff Nickleson Jason Flitcher Sam Charles Corey Johnstone

Saltwater fishing requires many types of fishing tackle due to the amount of fish there are to be caught. For offshore fishing you will need heavier tackle than if you were inshore fishing in almost every case. Here I will briefly go over what kinds of saltwater fishing tackle there are.

When you are saltwater fishing inshore, you will need a fairly light fishing rod and reel set up with fishing line in the 10 pound test area. Spinning rod and reel set ups will work great for this. For offshore fishing you will need a bait casting reel and rod, equipped with heavy duty fishing line and terminal tackle.

The two most common types of fishing lines that are used now a days by anglers are braided and monofilament. If you are just beginning saltwater fishing monofilament line will be a better choice for you, as it is cheaper and you will be able to tie fishing knots easier with it.

For the size of line, braided line is a lot smaller, for instance you can fit more yards of 15 pound test braided on a reel than you can with monafilament line. Braided line is easier to cast and will hold up a lot longer than monofilament line. The only downside is that braided line is the most expensive type fishing line you can get.

The line that you use at the end of the line on the reel is called the leader line. Leader lines can be made out of many types of material, even steel. The leader line is made to absorb initial striking from the fish, and they are usually 3 times stronger than the line that is wrapped around the fishing reel.

Leader lines can be attached to the regular line by either tying a know, or by using a swivel. It is common to have weights and sinkers on a leader line, you can also have corks and multiple hooks attached also depending on what you are fishing for.

For fishing hooks you want the size of the hook to be able to fit in the fishes mouth you are aiming for. They are sorted by number with 1 being the smaller size good for small snook and snapper, while 20 would be for heavier and bigger fish like sharks and Marlin.

Another important item to have in your tackle box would be a set of fishing lures. Fishing lures are shaped like bait fish and they can range from a couple of dollars up to a hundred. You will not need the expensive fishing lures unless you are going after big marlin or swordfish.

Now that you have an understanding of what types of tackle you will need to saltwater fish you will need a place to store all of it. This is where the tackle box comes in place. Tackle boxes will give you the space to neatly organize all of your terminal tackle and fishing lures so that you can find them easy when you need them.

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Find Helpful Tips for Valentines Gift Baskets

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By Cindy Vicenza

Valentines Day is a great time to show someone special how you feel about them. It can be kind of hard, though, if you aren't familiar with how to pick something out for a Valentines gift. The main point in finding the right present is how well you know the person. This is important because these days, people give Valentine presents to everyone, from their special someone to their friends and co-workers.

Buying gifts for girls on Valentine's Day is not that hard. You can fairly easily pick up some chocolate, perfume, wine, or even a beautiful bouquet of . Buying for a man, however, can be much more difficult.

A great gift idea for guys, therefore, includes chocolate. But you can make it less feminine. Instead of the heart shaped box with strange nougat fillings, spring for some mouth-watering gourmet chocolate - like Ghirardelli. Opt for a with a manly look and feel to it - like one with a leather box. Then be nice to him, and hope he shares his gourmet goodies with you!

Gifts for wine lovers are easy to come by if you know where to look. You can choose gifts for red wine lovers or gift baskets for white wine lovers. Would he prefer California wine gifts or does he have more international taste buds? Don't forget, a nice bottle of champagne is always and option, and Dom Perignon takes the cake! Wine is such a wonderful gift because you'll no doubt share it together. Great memories often begin with a fine wine.

Choosing gifts for those who have everything can be difficult. Unique gift baskets can be given using themes that are close to their hearts, like fishing, golf, beer or the NFL. There are gift basket and websites where you can be creative and make your own gift basket with his favorite things. You can even personalize a Valentine's Day gift basket with things that he likes you to wear or secret meeting places.

I am simply saying: Don't underestimate how powerful thoughtful Baskets are. Your imagination is the only limit to your creativity. You can create expensive baskets or inexpensive baskets to fit any budget. It truly is the thought that counts when it comes to Valentines Day Gift Baskets.

Many people think that making money for companies is what Valentines Day is all about. It doesn't matter what you think about Valentines Day as long as you let those you love know how you feel about them.

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European River Travel: Do You Know What It's Like?

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By Samson Mandez

If you are thinking about river travel, you should spend a moment to consider a European cruise. These kinds of waterborne trips are great to explore the interior of a country, and especially so no the European continent, with its tightly packed and diverse cultures and nationalities.

River travel is probably one of the most comfortable and stylish ways to travel, and going on a river cruise in Europe will be the experience of a lifetime for you, whether you go alone, with one or more friends, with your significant other, or decide go with members of your family.

Compared to seaborne cruising, there is much more inland territory you can cover on a river trip, and compared to car-borne holidays you won't have to experience the discomfort of constant hotel changes. Plus who has ever heard of a river traffic gridlock?

Even though a European river cruise ship is smaller than an ocean going ship the facilities on board are no less numerous with most ships boasting a ball room, plentiful bars and restaurants, possibly a cinema as well as numerous viewing decks from which you will be able to admire the scenery and the architecture of many of the most beautiful European countries and cities.

For the preparation, before looking at the specific trip, you should determine the length of the voyage, the area you want to see and also the general level of comfort that you would expect.

As for the length, you can find anything from three day cruised to break up a longer holiday to leisurely four week trips down major rivers such as the Danube. One or two weeks are pretty standard lengths.

There are several great locations that you can choose from. Major countries for European river travel are Austria-Hungary-Romania (Danube river), Germany (Rhine, Elbe, and their tributaries), Holland (Rhine delta), France (Seine and Rhone), Spain-Portugal (Douro), Italy (Po and the Venice laguna) and Russia (Volga and the lakes around Petrograd)

Another crucial thing to consider is the season of the trip. The south of France or the flower-growing areas of Holland are great for a late spring or summer trip, for instance.

Trips in Germany are great in the winter months, especially if you like a traditional Christmas atmosphere and homely cooking and baking.

As for the price level of the trip, you will find many alternatives, going from fully inclusive, escorted luxury trips from basic "from A to B" travel catering specifically to younger travelers. There are options for all tastes, and for all budgets.

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Natural Hazards Line Top Quality Golf Course

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By Golf Buddy

The golf course will always remain as the main thing golfers are sensitive to. With 18 holes of teeing grounds, fairways, and greens (with a cup and a pin), but also rough and natural hazards, golf can be quite a challenging sport.

A golf course with only 9 holes available requires its golfers to repeat the same 9 holes twice in a round, while a course with 27 or 36 holes allows players to choose their 18 hole course, depending on its style and any maintenance issues.

Every player has the desire to play in best golf course of his area. Also every golf course may be different because of the choice of hazards in it. Hazards can be natural, man made or water hazards like lakes and rivers.

Touchet Valley Golf Course is of the best golf course in my opinion, which was originally built on a dairy farm and is quite old as it was built in 1910. It is one of the best places to play pasture golf links style.

Many companies manufacture quality golfing accessories now. Cobra, a well-known maker of golf clubs and equipment, has deals with touring professionals and a reputation for high quality. Excellence has always been synonymous with their products and it shows in their performance.

Considered one of the oldest golf companies, Cobra has a great range of drivers, irons, utilities, and putters and is located in Carlsbad, California. The former number one player in the world, Greg Norman, had a top relationship with Cobra Golf.

Yet another popular name in the manufacturers of golf equipments is Cleveland Golf, which is an American company, situated in Huntington Beach, California. Cleveland golf can be viewed back for producing classic golf clubs since 1940s. It also has good relationships with famous players and sponsorship of best golf course.

Despite some ownership changes, Cleveland is now making a great array of golf equipment and doing quite well. The designers golf courses themselves are architects who are in great demand and can become famous. With this in mind, one drawback of golf courses is that they are not very friendly to the planet.

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Mississippi Cruise Offers: Make It A Trip Worth Remembering

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By Anthony Herbert

River cruises are some of the most pleasurable ways to travel, and a Mississippi cruise is no exception.

When deciding on a Mississippi cruise, you have a series of different alternatives. Besides the obvious ones, such as length and itinerary, you should also spare a thought to whether you want a historical or themed trip, and on if you prefer spending time in towns and cities, or in the unspoilt countryside.

A paddle-wheel steamboat is certainly the best way to cruise and at the same time explore the history of the Mississippi River. You get to see the "showboat" amusements of the past. You will visit cities such as New Orleans, Nashville, Chattanooga and St. Louis, and visit sights such as the latter's Gateway Arch. You will taste excellent Cajun food on board.

The most famous ships catering to this kind of trade are the steamboats Delta Queen, the Mississippi Queen, and the American Queen, although there are others.

The alternative to a "back to olden times" cruise is a trip focussing on specific subjects, such as the area's vibrant music tradition, or Civil War battle sites.

Whether it's the Native American heritage, or Jazz and Bluegrass music that makes you tick, you will find your interest on the shores of the Mississippi.

Several cruises are narrated, providing informative history accounts and bringing the Mississippi of olden times to life. Most themes are linked to the region's traditions and glorious past.

A Mississippi cruise can be playground to all sorts of different people. Whether you are travelling alone, with spouse and kids, as a couple or with friends, you will be able to secure a trip that is just right for your party.

A Mississippi cruise during the autumn is perfect to discover the changes in nature at a more intimate pace, such as the impressive variety in leaf coloring. You will enjoy the foods of the season, which will include roasted game, apple cider and pumpkin pie. Usually there are onboard talks or that will help you understand and identify the plants and animals surrounding you.

Regardless of the season and of the theme that you will choose, you will find that there is something amongst the bends of the Mississippi that will feel just right for you. Alternatives abound!

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Discount Flower Delivery Service in Berkeley WOW Your Love One

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By Jenny Higginson

With Valentine's Day looking in the future what better way to surprise your special someone then with a bouquet of flowers! Believe it or not, you can go one step farther and surprise her even more by having someone else deliver them.

Well because if you plan correctly and hire a discount flower delivery in Berkeley now in advance, you know that the florist will remember to show up with your bouquet of roses or tulips even if you somehow manage to forget.

And fresh local flower delivery is the best. For the forgetful guy, who is not looking forward to another tongue lashing, using a discount flower delivery in Berkeley can be the answer to all your prayers.

If you are married or have been in a long term serious relationship you may consider tossing it up by sending the one you love only 11 roses instead of a dozen. Why? Because when they ask you why they only got 11, or complaint that the discount flower delivery Berkeley left a rose out, you have the perfect opportunity to tell them that 11 roses means "You are my treasured one, the one I love most in my life." For many people this is the perfect sentiment for Valentine's Day.

Even better, if you have large plans such as asking your loved one to marry you on Valentine's Day, the ultimate V-day gesture of love, you may decide to spring for fresh flower delivery in Berkeley of 108 roses.

108 roses is supposed to symbolize "Marry me." If your loved one knows what the number means, they will be shocked and overjoyed. If they do not, you can take the opportunity to explain to them why you sent so many roses, which makes a great lead in to your question and a delightful story to tell later as you grow older in years.

If you are already older in age, and have your golden years to look forward to later in life, you might consider spicing up a traditional Valentine's Day dinner with discount flower delivery in Berkeley of 100 roses as this number symbolizes that you plan to grow old with your loved one by your side which is a lovely gesture.

Planning the perfect Valentine's Day does not have to be hard this year if you get on the ball in advance and set up the discount flower delivery in Berkeley so that even if you forget, the delivery men will not.

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Join the Conversation - Say it With Flowers on Valentine's Day

Wednesday, January 28, 2009 · 0 comments

By Mary Smith

Think about having an intimate conversation with a loved one. Would it be possible to have that conversation without speaking or writing? Suppose you found someone you'd like to know better. How could you develop that relationship without speaking or writing?

That was the situation in Victorian England for much of the 1800's. Due to the strict social etiquette of the time, extreme discretion was required. Conversations of a romantic nature were strictly off-limits. But emotional expression cannot be denied for long. Symbolism and meaning became attached to everyday objects and gestures, and especially to flowers.

As a result, secret meanings were given to every type and color of flower. Bouquets became secret messages. An exchange of flowers became a conversation without words. The way the flowers were presented and the way they were accepted also added meaning. Many secret messages were romantic in nature, but some were rejections or insults.

Small bouquets of mixed flowers, know as tussie-mussies, became quite popular. Together with the secret language of flowers, they allowed intentions to be declared, and refusals and acceptances to be made. They allowed the expression of wishes, thoughts and emotions that people of the time dared not speak aloud.

As the symbolism grew more complex, many details of the secret codes were written down. Eventually dictionaries and even books were written to clarify the meanings and to help people better create and understand the messages.

The Victorians weren't the first to use flowers to express emotions. Many cultures including the Greeks, the Persians, and the Japanese had a flower language. While the exact meanings of flowers have changed over time to meet the needs of culture, the desire to express thoughts and emotions through flowers has remained to this day.

Many cultures had elaborate and lengthy courtship rituals. The giving and receiving of flowers was often an important part of the process. Those practices led to the prominent place of flowers in our modern culture. Valentines Day, Mothers Day, and Easter, among others, simply wouldn't be the same celebrations without flowers and plants.

We still use flowers to express our thoughts and emotions, although not in quite the same way as the Victorians. For Valentine's Day this year, rather than sending your loved one a simple "I love you" with roses, why not try a bouquet of mixed flowers with a hidden message? Search for the "language of flowers" online for ideas. Include a note about the hidden meaning of the flowers in the bouquet. Be sure to order your Valentine's Day flowers in advance to ensure a timely delivery.

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Save Money Shopping For Christmas Decorations In The Summer

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By James Smith

It does not matter how many Christmas decorations you and your family have accumulated over the years, it never seems to be enough. Even when times are tight most families will still spend some on new decorations.

Going online in the summer months to find some great bargains on Christmas decorations is a great idea. Most people think of after Christmas sales, but summer time is also a great time to buy.

In the summer when you are on vacation one favorite past times is to go shopping at little boutique shops. Some of these shops may be trying to clear out last years inventory at a deep discount and displaying some Christmas decorations for sale. You can also try to negotiate a lower price with the store owner or manager.

When people do a little spring, fall, or summer cleaning and then want to clear out the clutter they may have a yard sale. A yard or garage sale can be a great place to find some really good bargains on Christmas decorations.

Swap meets are similar to yard sales except that a lot of people come together in one place to sell their stuff. Therefore you can walk around and may find several great Christmas decorations to buy cheap from multiple families.

Stores online selling Christmas decorations may be a little slower in the off months and may therefore have more specials during those times. It pays to shop around a little all year long!

Online auctions will give you the opportunities to buy items that may otherwise be found at yard sales but from people who do not live near you. You can find some great bargains this way but be careful you do not have to pay too much for shipping charges.

Used Christmas decorations may not be for everyone. If that is you consider looking at some discount stores to save money.

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Experience Mexico Diving

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By Ed Price

If you live in the mainlands, you are probably eager to get to your nearest shore and get a taste of diving to see what wonders it can bring. Diving can be a really exciting activity if it is done in the right place and finding that right place wont be as easy as consulting your local travel agency for a road map to the nearest shore. If you want the best diving, youll need to think on a worldwide level and diving in Mexico can be the adventure that is worth taking because Mexico has wonderful areas for good diving spots.

Scuba diving in Mexico is widely popular for its beautiful sea life and clear coral reef presence. Dont worry about being lost there in Mexico because if you have never been there or traveled in your life, plenty of scuba diving resources are available in all areas of the Mexican coast with good resort towns to stay in. They usually come in great packages and many times combined with the travel accommodations.

Places in Mexico to Dive In

If you'd like to be in awe of the majestic beauty of nature, set your eyes on the Great Maya Reef. It is the second largest reef system in the world and has a galore of marine species and coral formations. It has great underwater currents flowing at average temperature so that its marine life and coral formations develop in a unique way.

The Great Maya Reef is the place to be for a great scuba dive, snorkel or a simple swim. With its crystal clear waters it allows you to witness all that its submarine world has to offer. The best view when observing fine corals, fishes and wrecks even when you are diving deep.

Divers that prefer a tourism experience in addition to diving should head to Riviera Maya which is just parallel to the Caribbean coastline of Quintana Roo, Mexico. This is the best place to find all-inclusive resorts for your enjoyment. Historical sites such as the Mayan ruins of Tulum and the ancient Chichen Itza can also be visited in that area. Divers in the Riviera Maya area will find interest in diving in the Belize Barrier Reef " the second largest coral reef system in the world.

Those seeking an island experience should visit Cozumel. The Cozumel dive spots promise well preserved coral reefs which will definitely make you dive into the deeper depths for exploration. The town of San Miguel de Cozumel located in the northern part of the island is the largest town in the area and the place where all tourists around the world go shopping for gear and stay in the many Cozumel dive resorts. Divers in the Cozumel island will enjoy the coral swim-throughs in the Palancar Reef located in the southwestern side.

A bigger place to explore

Additional to the major diving spots around Mexico mentioned here, there are more than 70 other dive Mexico sites with tons of reef formations and giant corals. More than 500 species exist on the reef and are well protected by marine reserves. It is no wonder why Mexico is ranked in the top 10 tourist dive destinations in the world.

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Family Tips - Assessing Your Family Members

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By Mona Hagen

What does your family mean to you? If you ask this question to ten different people you will get ten distinctly different answers to this question. To some people their family may be simply the people to whom they are related by blood but nothing more than that. They do not feel the strength of the ties which many others may feel for the members of their families. There are people to whom their family is more than friends and relatives and colleagues. They are very close to their family and feel as if their family members are the world to them. These people are very close to all the other members of their family. Another answer to your question may be that the experience with the family is something people must not have.

Such answers can be expected from people who belong to broken families. The kids whose parents are very strict and who beat them may be very scared and simply refuse to answer your question.

Although a family hold up equates to opposite things to opposite people in this world, psychologists have been certain that a approach a family behaves as well as a approach people handle with their family members have been a factors that figure a celebrity of that tellurian being. Thus a section of a family is really important. It is your avocation to safeguard that your family hold up is protected. It additionally is an avocation of your associate family members to compensate all due courtesy to a family life. We contingency cruise yourself as a family part of to confirm either we have been profitable due courtesy towards your responsibilities or not. Similarly, we should cruise a alternative members of your family as well as speak to them about what we cruise is a right approach to have a family hold up even fuller of hold up as well as zest.

Assessing your family members does not mean to become a critic. The fact is that all of the members of the family should contribute towards a very happy family life. You must only consider those points which are affecting the family life as a whole. For example, your sister may have a habit of reading your dairies or letters with out permission. Now this may be done in good spirit, but that may hurt the privacy limits of another sibling. This may create problems. In this situation you must talk to your sister and tell her that her habit is hurting someone. To retain the close ties in the family everyone should learn to give enough space to others.

The most important fact is that you not only need to assess them but you also need to talk to them about it. If the habits of one of the family members are disturbing the others, he has to be told about it. But you have to ensure that you do all the critical work without making him or her feel bad. The actual target is to retain the strong ties of the family unit there. It is not to hurt someone or criticize someone. You must assess the other family members and ask them to fulfill their responsibility, but you must not do it in harsh tone. It is very important that you learn this trick. It is not the solution that you do not talk to your family members about the habits they should change.

You have to discuss it them if a little thing is starting wrong as well as we wish them not to handle in a single sold way. Do it in a demeanour that looks good. Do not provoke others.

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Loads of Excitement in Breckenridge

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By Monique Mertrandes

There's always a great reason to plan a vacation to Breckenridge. The captivating view of the Ten Mile Range is guaranteed to stop you in your tracks upon your first look and every time you cast it a stare. Naturally, the outdoor activities are also a draw yet Breckenridge seems to put on its best face when the town comes together in celebration of its varied and manifold events. If you're considering a visit to Colorado's 149-year-old Victorian paradise, there's always something to celebrate and capture your interest in Breckenridge.

There may be no better way to embrace the new year in Breckenridge than with a twenty ton snow sculpture in the Budweiser International Snow Sculpture Championships. This annual event, coming to its 18th year now, brings together only the most creative artists to turn plain chunks of snow into a works of art. Sculptors from all over the world invade the town for five days to create majestic 12-foot tall masterpieces with just their two hands and a few permitted non-power tools such as carrot scraper and chicken wire. A panel of judges then present awards to the top three teams based on style, theme, and technique. Championships will be held from January 20-25, 2009 in the middle of town at the Riverwalk Center.

There's always a good sense to celebrate after a fantastic ski season and Breckenridge is a town that knows this better than any other. The Spring Massive is held each year to rejoice in the year's snow fall and this event always makes it easy for anyone to have a good time, whether it's through live entertainment or just a day of spring skiing. Planned happenings include free outdoor concerts, ski competitions, the Massive Beer Festival, Comedy, and a Bite of Breckenridge. The eighth annual festival will take place from April 1-19, 2009.

Last year wrapped up the 24th Genuine Jazz and Arts Festival in Breckenridge. Usually held during a weekend in August, wine tasting, hot music and beautiful summer nights come together each year for this free event in the Plaza above Maggie Pond. An assortment of performers are always chosen to create a special celebration of all things jazz like smooth jazz, fusion, and mainstream.

Neighboring towns join together in the fall to pay tribute to the traditional German celebration of Oktoberfest and Breckenridge is one that makes this event truly spectacular. Offering time-honored German music, delightful Bavarian food, entertaining kids' activities and endless stock of beer, Breckenridge has been celebrating Oktoberfest for fifteen years now. Grab your beer stein, pull on your lederhosen and from September 18-20, 2009, head over to Breckenridge for some incredible mountain fun.

Winter certainly brings a reason to celebrate in genuine Breckenridge style. The start of December marks the official announcement of Breckenridge that the holiday season has arrived with its Victorian Holiday celebration. Competitions on the Breckenridge Ski Resort and craft workshops are held and of course, the holiday season would not be complete without the yearly Lighting of Breckenridge on Main Street.

The celebrations in Breckenridge are endless and absolutely entertaining. Since all of these events are held in the hub of the town, you will surely find Breckenridge accommodations that will put you within walking distance to the venue or get access to public transportation that will shuttle you there for free. No matter what season you go to Breckenridge, have fun with the town by taking part in its various entertaining celebrations.

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Test "Runs" - Essential for your Long Hike

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By Vince Paxton

Are you thinking of taking up hiking? It is definitely an exhilarating and rewarding activity but you have to be prepared. Making sure you have the right equipment is essential but more important than that, you need to make sure you are physically able to take on the corporal challenge. If you're already a walker or runner it's a great start but hiking is much different.

Hiking involves carry upwards of 50 pounds on your back on terrain that you're probably not accustomed to. Not only will you need the physical strength in your legs, you'll also need good core strength and a good amount of stamina.

Just like taking on a mental test, you need to practice. First gain strength and stamina with just a day bag. As your day hikes become easier pack up your backpack and start trekking with weight on your shoulders. Start doing this at least a week before your hike, more if time permits.

Begin these "test runs" on level ground to get accustomed to the weight of your pack. After you've mastered that then move on to trails with rough terrain, grades and slippery surfaces so you can simulated a "real" hike.

Simulating your hike in this way has several benefits. Having a load on your back will build up muscles that will be used on your long hike. You're muscles will have time to recover and won't be sore for your "real" hike. If you have wear spots from your backpack or sores from your boots, you'll know where extra padding or cushion is required.

You'll also know what adjustments on your pack are necessary such as waist and shoulder straps. Shifting your equipment around can make a huge difference in your ability to carry weight on your back so move things around; try placing heavier items lower and close to your body.

These "test runs" are also a good way to judge if you're carrying too much; if after repeated trips you still have difficulty then think about discarding some of your "luxuries". You might think twice about cooking food and leave the camping stove for when you become a more experienced hiker.

Learn to pace yourself. This can be a difficult thing if you've never jogged long distances. Most beginners make the mistake of starting out too fast and tiring out too soon. It's better to start out slow and work your way up to a faster pace.

So don't jump into a long hike without first preparing yourself for the physical strength and stamina that's required. Make multiple "test runs" before you set out of your long hike in Malaga or anywhere in the world.

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