Wax Museums

Saturday, February 28, 2009 · 0 comments

By Ian Kleine

At this moment, most people actually do opt to visit wax museums out of sheer curiosity, wonder and probably, shock, amusement and bewilderment. Welcome to the Hollywood Wax Museum.

Centered right smack on Hollywood Boulevard lies the wax museum in its stately, old-world, glory. The admission is well over ten dollars, but you be the judge as to whether it is worth your money or not. The portion where it lacks a souvenir shop is a bit sad, however.

As the Hollywood Wax Museum is aptly named, most of the subjects concerned and immortalized are that of those with famous (and almost famous) Hollywood stars in their most famous shows and in their famous roles. Most of the wax figures are those of nineteenth century actors, featuring nineteenth century films I doubt your son or daughter knows. Try asking your son about MASH and he might look at you like some Neanderthal.

Then again, perhaps that would be a good time to immerse your brood in the old culture of Hollywood, when Stallone was still 'da bomb' or when Sharon Stone was the talk of the town (admit it, she's not the 'it' thing for almost a decade now). There's a lot of things to be learned from this simple tour (not necessarily things you have to know, but just things that you should know because it's just...there). There's also the Baywatch crew, probably the more familiar for the kiddies out there (mainly because of the recent scandal caused by Hasselhoff regarding his medications).

If you have the time to spend, to splurge on history, then why not give the place a visit? It may not be a Taussad Wax House, but it surely comes close to it. There are other museums nearby that might lift your interest too, like the Believe it or Not museum just around the corner.

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Tips For Advertising Your Vacation Rental Property

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By Gia Deonne

If you have a vacation property, one way to make extra income is to rent it out as a vacation home. If you live near a beach, a famous tourist attraction, or anywhere else that is popular with vacationers, than you will probably be able to rent out your home without any problem, provided of course, that you take the time to advertise it correctly.

The first thing to do is to make sure that you are familiar with the short term rental laws for your state, city, and HOA, and that you sign and mail in any paperwork that may be required. You should purchase an insurance policy for your vacation rental home and create a rental agreement that includes basic information such as the amount of monthly rent, the duration of the tenancy, any utilities and services included in the price of the rent, the amount of security deposit and other clauses.

Vacation rental ads need to be concise and to the point. Dont waste your time with unnecessary words, since your space will probably be limited. Instead, include a few colorful photos, and focus on the basics: a clear headline, a property and location description, duration of tenancy, and of course, the price. At the same time, be sure to highlight the best features of your property. Is it steps from the ocean? Was it recently remodeled? Are pets allowed?

One way to increase the number of people who find your ad via the search engines is to add keywords at the bottom. These should be focused on the specifics of what you are offering, i.e. vacation rental (your area) and should be separated by commas. You should plan on posting your ad on several different sites to increase exposure and to help you reach different demographics. Certain sites may offer features and options that others dont.

Dont worry if your ad doesnt generate the response that you want at first, advertising online is often a process of trial and error, and the people who are the best at creating ads that get results are usually the people who have the most practice doing so. Include some updated photos, additional descriptions, and other improvements, and keep trying. Your perfect renter is out there.

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Boris's List Of Films In 2008: Download Full Movie Versions

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By Veronica Harmst

This is a small selection of the more popular movies put up on the big screen in 2008. This list consists of the motion pictures I enjoyed watching this year. I hope you find some films here that are worth watching.

Jumper: During a near death experience, David Rice discovers he has an unbelievable ability. He now knows he can teleport himself to anywhere he desires to be, anytime he wants. He then comes to learn that there are others with this capability. Unfortunately, after a few years of fun, he finds out that there are those that want him, and all the jumpers wiped out. He now must battle for his life, as the hunters want him dead.

BOLT: Bolt: This movie is an animated family comedy. Bolt is a dog actor, who in his TV show, has superpowers. The thing about Bolt is that he really thinks he is this super hero dog with superpowers. After he is unexpectedly thrown into the real world, he realizes that he is just a dog. On a journey to get back home, he is helped by Mittens, the cat, and Rhino, the hampster.

THE CHRONICALS OF NARNIA, PRINCE CASPIAN: It's only about one down the road in their normal lives when, the four saviors of Narnia, Lucy, Susan, Peter, and Edmund magically reappear in Narnia. Running for his life, Prince Caspian has blown the magin horn, praying that he will be saved. In Narnia, 1,300 years have passed since they were Kings and Queens, but they now return to battle for the freedom of Narnia once again. With the help of the brave warriors of Narnia, they battle to free Narnia.

WANTED: A young, bored, office worker named Wesley discovers that his father, who he never really knew, is a contract killer. When his father is killed, Wesley is basically forced into the group of assasins that his father was a part of. He is transformed from a nobody office worker into the killing expert that he was meant to be. After that, everything becomes complicated, and many twist and turns follow. Enjoy the ride.

THE DARK KNIGHT: This time Batman, and law enforcement officials, are taking the major criminals off the streets. This has effectively reduced crime, until a new criminal mastermind shows up, and attacks the city. Batman is in a battle now, as the Joker has unleashed his criminal insanity on Gotham City.

TWENTY ONE: Twenty One basically recounts an amazing true story about M.I.T. students who formed a winning formula to beat blackjack. These wiz kids prepared and then enacted a brilliant run at the blackjack tables. To play in Las Vegas, where card counting can get you banned, they had to change casinos often, and disguise themselves, so the wouldn't get caught. Twenty One is based on the book that tells how the M.I.T. teams took it to the casinos.

10,000 B.C.: This movie will take you back almost 12,000 years. When mysterious warlords from another tribe invade the Yaghai tribe, they capture, among others, Evolet. A strong young hunter, D'Leh, who is in love with her, organizes a band of hunters to chase down these warmongers, and save her, and the rest of the captured tribe members.

WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS: Wild and crazy nights in Las Vegas are normal. Joy and Jack, who had just met, wake up to discover that they are married. When they win a $3 million jackpot, the question is who should get the money, so they ask a judge for a decision. It is decided that the two must stay married for a few months, and give their marriage a chance. With $3 million on the line, the battle is on as both want to have the cash for themselves.

WALL-E: This picture is an animation comedy. Mankind has left Earth, since it had become a pile of rubbish. Waste removal robot, Wall-E, has been left to clean up the mess. Years later, when a robot namend Eve shows up searching for any signs of life, Walle-E has a friend. Eventually, when Eve is recovered by the craft that sent her, Wall-E somehow get on the ship, and begins an exciting new life.

These days just about everyone buys or rents films, and watch them at home. An increasingly popular way to get movies is by using down loading technologies off websites. There are websites that with a membership, you can download almost any film you can think of.

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A Guide in American Girl Dolls Collecting

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By Karen Hoffman

Many young girls today are hooked up with collecting dolls like American Girl dolls. Well, this is not that surprising to know as it's totally fun and exciting to collect some pretty girl dolls and be able to dress them up and buy them some accessories, furniture, books, and presents, like you would do to a real dear friend.

Collecting dolls like American Girl dolls is a good, fun hobby. After getting a doll, you can buy her different cool and trendy clothes and accessories. You can do whatever you want with the doll. If you want your doll to look like sporty or be dressed like a princess, you can. If you also want her to be comfortable like a real dear friend, you can also get her beds, tables and chairs, trunks and other storage cases, and many other furniture options. You can also get her different pets, musical instruments, suitcases, horses and carriages to enjoy.

Also, if you want your doll to meet some new friends, you can bring her to some doll retail locations that offer special activities for doll collectors and their dolls. You and your doll can meet new friends and have lunch or tea. If you wish to have your doll's hair be trimmed or be cut, it is also possible in these retail locations. You can also visit some online resources and communities for doll collecting. For American Girl doll collecting, for sure you will find lots of these said resources and communities. In these places, you can interact with other collectors and eventually be able to share your doll with them and same thing as they eventually share their doll to you. You can engage yourself and your doll to parties and the like.

However, doll collecting can be expensive specifically when it's American Girl doll collecting. On the good side, the dolls you may possibly own can become investments. Most especially if they were released long long time ago.

But if you wish not to spend much, you can try looking at eBay and Amazon. In these places you can find retired or used dolls and discounted dolls that are in good quality. Clothes, accessories, books, furnitures and other great stuff for dolls are also available in these places. However, you must be careful and wise in checking of the quality of the dolls and the stuff for them to be sure you're getting best value for your money.

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Family - What You Should Do To Make Your Family Life Work

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By Mona Hagen

There are certain points which should be kept in mind if you want your family to be a happy family. Your kids and your spouse are your family. By definition a family is a group of people who are related to each other by either blood ties or by marriage and adoption. The dictionaries define a family as a group of people in which normally two adults have a socially acceptable relationship with each other and they may have kids of their own and they may adopt the kids of other people.

This family unit is the most important group of people in any one?s life. If this group of people understands and they are healthy to give you the space in life which you need the most, you will be healthy to bear the rough and tough of life. How you behave as a family is important. If you have close ties with apiece other you will be healthy to make life better and easier for apiece other. Those families in which the members are not very close to apiece other are not very helpful in bringing positivism and courage in a person. To build a strong character you need to have strong foundations.

The family unit is the demographic unit which provides this strength. The family unit and the concept of strong family ties are appreciated by all the cultures. If you belong to a developed country the concept of family ties will be different than what you will experience if you belong to some under developed country. From whichever part of the world you belong, the family unit is always important. It is the unit which is considered very important by almost all the cultures.

The close ties between the members of a family are important in making your personality. In the world of today these ties are even more important. Thus you must try to retain this structure. The family unit must be preserved and you should play your role in developing your family ties with the other family members. There are certain things which you should do to promote the love and affection you feel for each other. It is important to do so. If you pay due importance to the family structure you will be able to have a very close bonding with the other members of your family.

If you want to feel closer to somebody, feeling the emotion of love for that mortal is not enough. Creating understanding between you and that mortal is very important. The same goes within a family. If you want to retain your family ties and if you want your family unit to become even closer, you have to understand apiece other. Everyone in this world needs love and care. You must give your family members all the love and care which you can give them. You must also try to understand their needs. Some of your family members may need a lot of space for themselves. If you want to have a close family you need to understand these requirements of the other members of the family. If the family members understand, there will be no problem for any one and the relationships will become even stronger.

Give your family members a margin to be wrong sometimes. This is very important as the psychologists say that it is a right of everyone to be wrong sometimes. If this is the situation, you must discuss the problem with your family member but give him or her surety that your love for him or her is unconditional. This is very important. People feel closer to each other due to the bond of love that exists between them. Understanding between two people leads them to a growing love. Although understanding each other is very important but loving your siblings, your kids and your parents are the actual key to success. Thus, make them know for sure that you love them. Feel the bonds within your heart. You will definitely help your family in becoming happier, and your family life will become a better experience for you.

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You Can Download Movies

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By Sherry Pies

With new and old movies popping up all over the internet and all the software sharing programs, the question is; which is better? Downloaded or streaming movies. Both types of files have their perks and downfalls. It is important to examine them before you decide to sit down and watch your internet flick.

There are several generic video players to choose from. Windows Media Player is an excellent default video player but because there are so many formats, I would suggest downloading a second one. QuickTime is another option because it allows viewing of various Mac files.

One familiar site that reaches out to people looking to pay is Amazon.com. The famous online bookstore not only sells paperbacks but they also sell CDs and movies. They have even allowed for online movie rentals system.

On their website there is a section called "Videos on Demand". All you have to do is install the proper software and enter your credit card. Once you click on the video and accept the charges, you can download the movie onto your computer.

It takes roughly twenty minutes to get the movie onto your computer. It will stay there as long as you do not open it. Once you open it, you have twenty-four hours with the file on your computer.

If you are looking to put your downloaded movie onto your Ipod and PSP then you will need a converter for that as well. Having a multifaceted converter can really save you a lot of time in effort when trying to watch a movie. If you find a good converter, familiarize yourself with it because it should be all you need.

One thing you will definitely need is software to burn your movie onto a CDR. Windows Media Player has some burning but you might want look into purchasing one that can burn various types of movie file formats. A good burning program will has burning speed, length indicators and copying preferences.

The quality of the film is unmatchable by any other online method of watching a film. The movie is clear enough to make it seem as if you are watching it from your television. It is good for the people who hate fuzziness and poor sound quality of streaming videos.

Like many other sites, Amazon has their movies broken down into genres. They have everything from TV shows to sports. They also have a large library that you can select from.

Amazon also has weekend rentals. Instead of staying on your computer for one day, the movie will stay on from Saturday to late Sunday night. This will allow you to watch the movie a couple times or let other people from your family watch it.

Both streaming and downloaded movies are great because they cost little if not nothing. It all comes down to what the individual prefers. If you like quality and watching the films on your television then you should download; but if you like safety and convenience then you should chose streaming movies.

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Pest and Diseases of Grapes

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By Abraham Kiyoski

The aim here is to produce a vine shaped like an open bush. The rods are allowed to grow naturally for the first year after planting. The rods are then cut back to within two buds of their base in January.

They could also be grown on the 'Grow as you like' system, being allowed to scramble over a trellis or cover a fence or wall. Under this system very little pruning is necessary, though it does pay to cut back the fruiting laterals in the summer at two leaves above a bunch.

Once again the vine is allowed to grow naturally the first year and then it is cut down to within two buds of its base. The strongest of the shoots that result is kept and is tied perpendicularly to a stout bamboo cane. All side growths that develop are pinched out with the thumb and forefinger to their base. When all the leaves have fallen, the long cane should first of all be tied to the stake and then should be carefully bent so that it can be tied along the lower wire. This bending of the cane, at an angle of 90 degrees, is important because the flow of sap is checked.

Once in position the rod is cut back, by about a quarter, and then the shoot which develops from the end bud is tied along the bottom wire until it reaches the next cordon where it is pruned, in the summer, to just above a bud. The laterals or side growths that develop from the lower parts of the cane are tied to the top wire when they are long enough and they are then pruned.

Each of these laterals is allowed to bear one bunch of fruit this season. As the cordon is to remain tied horizontally to the lower wire, these laterals are pruned back in January to within one plump bud of their base. This bud, of course, will grow the next spring and once again the lateral will be trained upwards and tied to the top wire. This next year it will probably bear two good bunches and the year after maybe three bunches. From then on the crop will be three or four bunches per lateral.

When growing a vine against a wall the pruning may be similar. The rod instead of being taken along a lower wire can be trained, with a main rod growing upwards and with side permanent rods trained out at right angles. Thus a series of horizontal cordons are formed and the laterals they produce are pruned back hard each January. These are tied to wires stretched tightly in between the main wires.

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Pick a Camp-Read a Blog

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By Jeff Lorenz

Getting a good feel for a summer camp is not all that easy, checking out a camp blog can help. Here are just a few things you might find at Swift Nature Camp's Blog.

Jef & Lonnie Lorenz, are Directors of Swift Nature Camp a Non-competitive, Traditional coed overnight summer camp in Wisconsin. Boys and Girls Ages 6-15. enjoy Nature, Animals & Science along with adventure camping.

We at Swift Nature Camp believe that your child's safety is the most important part of camp. That is why we have a strict Lifejacket rule. Everyone must wear a PDF when in a boat. No exceptions, staff and campers alike. THis is true if on a river canoe trip or on on our own camp lake. Water is so much fun and kids love it but it is dangerous and we must be prepared. We even have a special "titanic test" to ensure that our lifejacket fits nice and snug in case of an emergency. Campers learn this the first day of camp.

It seems as if we are learning more that Summer Camp helps children grow into mature adults. A new British study finds that most modern parents overprotect their kids. Half of all kids have stopped climbing trees, and 17 percent have been told that they can't play tag or chase. Even hide-and-seek has been deemed dangerous. And that dreaded stick..."will put out someone's eye". It is easy to blame technology for the decline in outdoor play, but it may well be mom and dad. Adrian Voce of Play England says 'Children are not being allowed many of the freedoms that were taken for granted when we were children,' 'They are not enjoying the opportunities to play outside that most people would have thought of as normal when they were growing up.' According to the Guardian, "Voce argued that it was becoming a 'social norm' for younger children to be allowed out only when accompanied by an adult. 'Logistically that is very difficult for parents to manage because of the time pressures on normal family life,' he said. 'If you don't want your children to play out alone and you have not got the time to take them out then they will spend more time on the computer.' The Play England study quotes a number of play providers who highlight the benefits to children of taking risks. 'Risk-taking increases the resilience of children,' said one. 'It helps them make judgments,' said another. We as parents want to play it safe and we need to rethink safety vs adventure. The research also lists examples of risky play that should be encouraged including fire-building, den-making, watersports, paintballing, boxing and climbing trees. Summer camp provides an excellent opportunity for children to get outside take risks and play, all while still while being supervised by concerned young adults...we call counselors. See how Swift Nature Camp can put Adventure back into your childs life.

Horses! Enough said. Today's children often have their first interactions with a horse at summer camp. For most of us living the urban dream it is hard to have enough time in a day or space to own a horse. Yet at camp, children have the opportunity to get back to our American roots and have a relationship with a horse. Yes, a relationship! Horses have personalities, even more so than your family dog. Because they can do so much more, carry you through the woods on trails to places campers have never seen before. Our goal at Swift Nature Camp is to help children build this relationship while understanding basic horse care while learning how to ride.

When most folks think of a science they think of school and all those books and studying. However, Swift Nature Camp is all about having Fun while helps children to learn how and why to become good stewards of the environment. It is through direct experience and hands on activities that we inspire kids to be environmentally conscious when they return home. Our first goal is to be a kids summer camp but it is so much more,, it's our dedication to the environment. Swift Nature Camp is fun with a purpose.

Jeff & Lonnie Lorenz, are Directors of Swift Nature Camp a Non-competitive, Traditional coed overnight summer camp in Wisconsin. Boys and Girls Ages 6-15. enjoy Nature, Animals & Science along with adventure camping.

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Snow Festival

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By Ian Kleine

Okay, I was intrigued as to why we had a "Snow" festival when the thing was but a common sight when it was winter time. Shouldn't we have a rain fair then or something?

This year, they had settled to celebrating snow. That minuscule, white ice crystal. I don't think the town had gone bonkers yet, but seeing this was the first time, I indulged myself to the little celebration. It was a snowy town to begin with, so I had it would be quite natural for us to celebrate something we had plenty of.

The festival had no name yet, except for the fact that it was indeed, snow-themed. The people were were quite excited frankly, even though I assumed that they would be just freezing their bottoms off after the festival. They had everything planned quite well though.

In the first day, they were going with just the usual calm day of displaying stuff and being off with their business. They were off in their booths selling either food (the winter rice cake was a treat to the tongue, the wine was another story). There were makeshift igloos too, and a warm fire inside; it was kind of daunting to be inside, but when you've been there, you would know it's actually quite comfy.

The second day marked off a town snowball fight. It was very, very invigorating to say the least. They had, like, people do stuff you would only find in military war games. They had the melee people who crept up another and slid snow down their pants (not a very good thing mind you), the snipers who propelled snow balls feet away, and the support, who made the snowballs for each and everyone.

The last day had the big bonfire. Everyone was warm, and everyone felt content. I had felt that it wasn't the snow that made everyone happy, but just because everyone was just there being themselves.

It was more of a celebration of life than of the snow.

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Kenya holidays - exotic beach and safari holidays

Friday, February 27, 2009 · 0 comments

By David Savage

Exotic holidays begin with the decision to travel to far off destination to experience a culture and discover a lifestyle different from our daily routines. When choosing a prime destination for your holidays Kenya should be at the top of the list. Regardless of what kinds of activities or relaxation measures you wish to take, Kenya holidays are sure to please.

Being a tropical paradise, Kenya holidays have a steadily warm and welcoming climate year round. July and August are the coolest months, but hardly wintry. The rainy season comes from March through June, keeping Kenya green and growing. From the beaches along the magnificent blue Indian Ocean to the cool green inland mountains, Kenya has an almost perfect climate year round. Imagine leaving the cold and gloomy winter weather and arriving in the warm tropical splendor of beautiful Kenya! It is truly the most excellent cure for the wintertime blues. Leave the snow behind and bask in the glorious sunshine of the Indian Ocean coastline, let the warm tropical breezes soothe away your cares. Forget the snow shovel and grab your bathing suit! Exotic Kenya holidays await you!

The scenery that is taken in on luxury Kenya holidays is unparalleled. The beauty is awe inspiring as you gaze upon the sunsets and sunrises from the beach. For those that enjoy a good hike, your eyes can feast upon greatness as you over look the natural and unspoiled land that is rolled out for miles and miles. The panoramic vistas are breath taking which make for magical moments and romantic settings.

One of the finest and most desirable traits that luxury Kenya holidays have to offer is the safaris! Imagine gazing across the unbridled territory and the natural atmosphere while intently watching the wildlife live so freely. Being up close and personal with lions, zebras, giraffes and so much more are a remarkable and spiritually uplifting event. Kenya safari holidays enlighten your understanding of nature as a deep and mutual respect is developed. They are very affordable and the length of time varies as per what your schedule allows. This is a favorite pastime that is treasured and desired when it comes to Kenya holidays.

In Kenya, shillings and Banknotes are the currency. If you have any questions about money conversion, the Central Bank of Kenya is ready to help you with information and advice. Make sure you pay close attention to the rules and regulations concerning foreign currency exchange. It wouldn't do to run afoul of the law and ruin such a wonderful holiday!

The activities on Kenya holidays are so diverse that everyone can really have a great time. For the water lovers there are things like diving, snorkeling, boating, parasailing and more. For the tourists with an athletic mind there are a multitude of sports to play and sport centers to take advantage of. The golf courses are spectacular with supreme architecture and a challenging turf. No matter your desires Kenya holidays have what you are looking for.

Also keep in mind the Hemingways Hotel when you are making your plans for your Kenya holidays. It has excellent rooms with the finest accommodations and provides exciting activities for its guests. For the perfect holiday experience, Kenya is truly a one of a kind destination!

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Alpine Strawberries

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By Mavis Batey

There are many varieties of strawberries. Below are a few choice varieties of compost growing of strawberries that gardener usually plant.

They can be planted in rows 18 inches apart, leaving a foot between the plants. The fruits, of course, are small and the propagation can be done by splitting up the clumps after fruiting has finished in the late autumn. Fifty plants are ample for a normal family. This is a strawberry which. will grow on a partially shaded border which has been enriched with plenty of fine old compost or, if preferred, sedge peat. It is possible to raise plants from seed or to buy them from nurserymen early in September. Pick off the first few flowers that appear and the plants will then. crop heavily from August to October, when the ordinary varieties are over.

About the third week of July it pays to mulch the ground with sedge peat so as to keep the heavy crop of berries off the ground. There seems to be no clearcut end to a truss of flowers which may continue to grow until it is about 20 inches long. The planting should be done in rows 2 feet apart, allowing 18 inches between the plants.

Hampshire Maid if deblossomed in May and June will produce fruits from July until November. The plant is compact, the trusses appear all round and the fruit is found at the edge of the foliage. The fruit is rounded-conical, firm and dark red. It is suitable for jam. It certainly is a very heavy cropper.

Red Alpine Improved is very similar to Baron Solemacher though claimed by some to have a better flavour. N.B. Neither of these varieties produces runners.

Some choice varieties for compost growing of strawberries are Cambridge Favorite. The Hartley Mauditt strain of this variety is outstanding. Captain A. W. S. Agar, V.C., who supplies this variety, sends the plants to growers on or about August 22nd. A very heavy cropper. Fruit very large, conical and salmon scarlet. The plants arc compact, the runners have strong crowns and make rapid growth. An excellent variety for ganwicks and cloches. Season second early; Cambridge Late Pine. A strong-growing variety which because it flowers late is very resistant to frost and mildew. Produces large, round, conical, crimson fruits of excellent sweet flavour. First class for bottling and canning. Season late; Cambridge Prizewinner. Plants are tall with spreading foliage. The berries are light scarlet in colour but they are nice and firm. The first fruits are large and conical, the later ones smaller and more rounded unless the plants are properly fed and mulched, when the size keeps up. Loves being given a little extra potash in the form of wood ashes. Season early.

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Begin Your Vacationing And Reserve Early

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By Leon Pizzagi

Finding a European Tour Company One of the most picturesque, exotic, and historic places on earth is Europe. Most travelers agree that, Europe is the most historic place in the world. The region in Europe that I am referring to is that westerly peninsula in Eurasia. It is the land mass called the world's second smallest continent. There are magnificent and exciting attractions in this one spot, and it is the main reason that it is a perennial favorite for travel. Getting on the list for a European tour is easy.

Upon landing, visit the tour counter at your point of entrance. Once there, you're excursion is prepared and supervised by a knowledgeable tour guide. This specialist will tell you a lot of pertinent facts regarding the history behind many of the standard visitor attractions such as our lady of Fatima. A knowledgeable tour guide will be able to inform you about all the facts behind them.

A European tour makes a holiday more enjoyable. Nonetheless, on your tour you will gain an unbelievable amount of information about the destination, so be prepared to absorb it. Begin your vacationing and reserve early if you're interested in this kind of holiday. Tours fill quickly. So, you will have to ensure that there'll be space for a particular date. You'll want to get yourself on the European tour list as soon as is possible.

While it is easy to become listed with a tour company, it is difficult to decide what tour you want exactly. That's because there are so many marvellous alternatives. One of the tour companies, Image Tours is a terrific firm that has been around since 1939. This firm offers an array of exciting and affordable European tours daily. To do this they use over 400 different specialists and knowledgeable travel partners across the globe. If you're looking on the Internet for tours of Europe, you might try asking your search engine for the European Tour Directory. You'll find the information in the listing a great help in planning which tours you'll take.

Another great vacationing alternative is Grand European Tours. This company has been in business for over 27 years. They have holiday friendly and knowledgeable staff, always more than willing and able to assist you with anything that you may require. They believe that an excursion ought never to be rushed. And, their tours run at a very relaxed pace.

A more affordable but a company that may not offer as many frills, is Cosmos. The holiday company has been in business since 1999. Customers have access 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Among the many tour companies to consider are some other affordable companies such as Globus, Trafalgar, and Insight. Each of these reputable tour companies has its own specialty and staff. You should research thoroughly to see if any of them will meet your needs.

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2008 Box Office Hits By Columba: Full Movies Free Download

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By Derek Fisch

I have put together a short list of the more popular movies put up on the big screen in 2008. I have chosen a few of the films that I think you might like. Hopefully you will see a couple of movies that you will enjoy.

WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS: Wild and crazy nights in Las Vegas are normal. Joy and Jack, who had just met, wake up and soon realize that they had married each other the night before. After winning a huge jackpot, each thinks they deserve the prize, so they ask a judge for a decision. The strange ruling is that the two must stay married for a few months, and see if they can settle their differences. With $3 million on the line, they each try to get the other to give up, as both desire to get the money for themselves.

TWENTY ONE: The basis for this film is the actual tale of young college kids who created a team of blackjack players that beat the casinos. These college kids planned, trained, and executed an assault on the casinos. To play in Las Vegas, where players can be banned for winning with card counting skills, they had to change casinos often, and disguise themselves, so the wouldn't get caught. Twenty One is based on the book that tells how the M.I.T. teams took it to the casinos.

WANTED: A young, bored, office worker named Wesley discovers that his father, who he never really knew, is a contract killer. His father is killed, and now he is being recruited into the secret society of killers that his father was a part of. He is transformed from a nobody office worker into the professional killer that that he was destined to become. From there, things get complicated, and many twist and turns follow. Hang on to your seat.

10,000 B.C.: This cinematic production will take you back almost 12,000 years. When rival hunters attack the Yaghai's, they ride off with some of the people, including the lovely Evolet. A strong young hunter, D'Leh, who is in love with her, organizes a band of hunters to chase down these warmongers, and save her, and the rest of the captured tribe members.

JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH: Trying to find his lost brother, professor Trevor Anderson explores caves in Iceland, and that puts him on a journey to the center of earth. This is a newer edition of the 1959 production, that was created from the brilliant book by celbrated writer Jules Verne. Cast includes Brendan Fraser, Josh Hutchinson, Anita Briem, and Seth Myers.

MADAGASCAR: ESCAPE 2 AFRICA: As the title suggests, this is the continuation to the highly acclaimed Madagascar. Our cast of lost animals, Alex (Lion), Marty (Zebra), Glorial (Hippo), and Melman (Giraffe) want to go back to New York's famous Central Park Zoo, which is the only home they know. Instead, with the Penguins leading them astray, they are heading off to Africa instead.

GET SMART: Maxwell Smart (agent 86) is at it again, "and loving it". KAOS vs CONTROL, agents hidden in plants, and all the great one liners. This is a modern day version that looks back at the antics of Maxwell Smart.

INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL: Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) returns to action, after a long break. This is the most recent movie in the Indiana Jones movies. In this, the latest adventure, an older Indiana takes on the Russians. The Soviets are looking for ancient relics called the Crystal Skulls, which are thought to have secret powers.

STEP BROTHERS: When two child like older men, who both live at home with one parent, find themselves having to live in the same bedroom because their mom and dad get married, you have one crazy situation. Put Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly acting as these two idiots, and the conditions are right for a very fun film. This comedy looks like a best bet for comedy lovers.

These days just about everyone buys or rents these movies, and watch them at home. A new way people are aquiring movies is through downloads from online sources. The internet has many websites that offer downloading of tons of different movies.

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Movie Site Downloads

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By Gary Spartlet

With today's home entertainment systems, many of us get movie rentals regularly. Typically we all wait to rent the box office hits, in place of watching films at the movie theaters. Here is a short list of some of the most popular DVD rentals in October 2008.

Another new way people are accessing movies is movie downloads. You can go to websites on the internet that will provide downloads of 1,000's of movies. This an easy way to build your movie library.

INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL: The Indiana Jones adventure continues, after a 19 year break. This the most recent movie of the exploits of the infamous Indiana Jones. In this, the latest adventure, An older Indiana is pitted against post war Soviets. Now, the chase is on for ancient relics called the Crystal Skulls, and the secrets they carry.

THE LAZARUS PROJECT: Ex con Ben Garvey is a new man now. With a loving family, and steady work, he has found happiness. Then, he is let go from work, and reverts to his old life of crime. The heist is a complete failure, and he will pay with his life. Death by lethal injection awaits. Incredibly, he regains consciousness only to find himself in an insane asylum. He now is in a battle for his sanity, and his soul.

LINEWATCH: Michael Dixon (Cuba Gooding Jr.) is a respected boarder agent in New Mexico, and life seems to be good. But Michael's past is about to catch up with him. A long time ago, he was in a brutal L.A. gang, which he eventually left. When simple bad luck exposes his whereabouts to his old gang, he and his family are put in grave danger. He must put it all on the line, and make sure that gang leader drake is able to safely get a huge illegal drug delivery into the country.

THE INCREDIBLE HULK: This movie tells the story of Scientist Dr. Bruce Banner, who has become the green Hulk. This box office hit tells of the marvel universe comic super hero the green Hulk. Key actors include Edward Norton, Liz Tyler, Tim Roth. This film is directed by Louis Leterrier. The film genre is sci-fi/action.

DECEPTION: Jonathan McQuarry (Ewan Mcgregor) has a chance meeting with corporate lawyer Wyatt Bose. This a meeting that will change his life. He is exposed to "The List", which offers a secret world of sexual indiscretions. But, he also gets caught up in a treacherous game of back stabbing and death.

JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH: On a quest to find his brother, science professor Trevor Anderson sets out on a journey that puts him on a journey to the center of earth. This another version of the original 1959 movie, which was about the science fiction book by highly acclaimed author Jules Verne. Cast includes Brendan Fraser, Josh Hutchinson, Anita Briem, and Seth Myers.

THE HAPPENING: Science teacher Elliot Moore, along with his wife and some friends are getting away from the big city. Philadelphia has been thrown into chaos. Many people are being overcome by an unusual force, and are dying at their own hands. Can we solve this dilemma, or is this the last stand of the human race?

IRON MAN: Man of the town, arms builder, Tony Stark (played by Robert Downey Jr.) is captured by insurgent fighters in Afghanistan. He is instructed to build missiles for the insurgent group. He suffered a bad injury when his convoy was attacked, and has metal in his chest. To survive his injuries, and escape his captors, he creates a suit made of armor, that makes him super strong. We now have another super hero, Iron Man.

SPEED RACER: The 1990's television cartoon is now a movie hit. Similar to The Flinstones, Speed Racer was a TV cartoon that was turned to a movie with an actual cast. Speed Racer is a young man who loves racing. His goal is to win The Crucible, a major rally car race that his older brother lost his live in. Against all odds, and the family business on the line, he partners up with his arch rival Racer X, in an effort to capture the championship, so the family business won't go under.

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Movie Downloads And Reviews

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By Barry White

This is a short list of the more popular movies put up on the big screen in 2008. This list consists of the movies I enjoyed watching this year. I'm sure that you can find a picture or two that are worth watching.

10,000 B.C.: This cinematic production takes us back to prehistoric times. When rival hunters invade the Yaghai tribe, they kidnap the beautiful Evolet. D'Leh, a young hunter who loves Evolet, leads a group of hunters to pursue the warlords, and save her, and the rest of the captured tribe members.

WANTED: Wesley Gibson is about to learn that the father he never knew, is a contract killer. His father is killed, and now he is being recruited into the group of assassins that his dad was a member of. He is asked to become the assassin that is in his blood. After that, everything becomes extremely complicated. Hang on to your seat.

THE CHRONICALS OF NARNIA, PRINCE CASPIAN: It is one year later, in their normal lives when, the four saviors of Narnia, Lucy, Susan, Peter, and Edmund are mysteriously pulled back into Narnia. Fearing for his life Prince Caspian has blown the magic horn, praying that he will be saved. In Narnia, 1,300 years have passed since they were Kings and Queens, but they now return to rescue Narnia from an evil fate. With the aid of the bravest in the forest, including, a dwarf, the centaurs, and a very skilled mouse, they conquer their foes and free Narnia.

Jumper: During a near death experience, David realizes something incredible. He has the ability to actually teleport himself to any place he wants to go, at any time. Later, he becomes aware that he is not alone in having this capability. After he becomes used to jumping around the world, he finds out that there are those that want him, and all the jumpers wiped out. Now he is in a fight for survival, as those people try to track him down.

WALL-E: This picture is an animated, comedy, adventure, sci-fi. Everyone has been removed from Earth because it had become a big pile of trash. Wall-E, a trash collecting robot, is assigned to continue cleaning. Years later, when a robot named Eve shows up searching for any signs of life, Walle-E has a friend. When Eve is retrieved by the spaceship that sent her, Wall-E sneaks aboard, and begins an exciting new life.

BOLT: Bolt: This film is an animated comedy. The star is dog actor Bolt, who in his role on television, has superpowers. The thing about Bolt is that he honestly believes he has superpowers. When he is accidentally put into a real life situation, he realizes that he is only a normal dog. Needing to find his way home, he finds help, in the form of Rhino and Mittens, his newly found hamster and cat friends.

WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS: I guess it was a typical night out in Vegas. Joy and Jack, who had just met, wake up to discover that they are married. They wind up winning a large jackpot at the slot machines, but each thinks they deserve the prize, so they try to settle it in court. The judge decides that for the next few months they must stay together, and give their marriage a chance. With an eye on the jackpot, they each try to get the other to give up, as both desire to wind up with all the money.

TWENTY ONE: Twenty One basically recounts an amazing true story about M.I.T. students who created a winning formula to beat blackjack. These wiz kids learned to beat the game, and then performed an assault on the casinos. To beat the games in Vegas, where card counting can get you banned, they devised signals, disguises, and even fake drivers licenses, to keep from being banned. Twenty One is based on the book that explains how these kids made millions playing blackjack.

THE DARK KNIGHT: This time Batman, and Lt. Gordon and D.A. Harvey Dent, are on a mission to clean up Gotham City. This has effectively reduced crime, that is until the Joker shows up, and things get a lot worse. Batman is in a battle now, as the Joker has unleashed his criminal insanity on Gotham City.

Most people buy or rent films, so they can see them in the comfort of their living rooms. A new way people are acquiring movies is by using down loading technologies off websites. There are websites that with a membership, you can download virtually any movie ever made.

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Walt Disney's Disney World Part 2

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By Florentina Ryan

Walt Disney World trips every year become unforgettable memories for families over the world. You must avoid hassles costly errors and do your research ahead of time. Walt had planned to call his vacation land "Disney World", however after he died Roy persisted that it be called "Walt Disney World". The resort became an instant success and in just one year it had attracted approximately 11 million guests Walt Disney World is one of the most famous if not the famous resorts in the world, and is perfect for families especially with teenagers looking for amazing fun. The resort contains four theme parks, two water parks, six golf courses and many more.

Try the Ride on the Tricera Top Spin (think Dumbo with dinosaurs) but be careful and forewarned because the animatronic Dinosaur ride is too violent or intense for many children and worries them a bit. Rides are controlled by computer, interactions with employees are marked by attentive concern or scripted carefully and attractions are focus-grouped . Riders get thrilled and get very wet as they drop down 11 stories into the stream .The Frontier land add and includes the highly delightful animatronics and the charm provided by the Country Bear Yogi.

The top rated Disney World Tickets are the following : Disney Plus Tickets, sea world tickets, Disney meal Vouchers, Park Hopper Tickets Combo Pack, park hopper tickets, Disney Plus Tickets, and water park fun tickets and many more.

Orlando, Walt Disney World in Florida is a fantasy vacation for people all over the entire world who wants to experience great fun especially those who are deaf and hard of hearing. Amusement rides, famous characters, Broadway-style programs/shows and many more attract millions of visitors every year. Walt Disney World vacations, four words hold a wonderful world full of fun in them. Walt Disney World is an excellent vacation for everybody ,it really has something for everybody. Walt was on the opinion or believed that Epcot could grow vigorously or thrive as changed urban landscape concept, same in some ways to what Le Corbusier foresaw/ envisioned earlier in the century. However, once Walt passed away it was changed and turned from a community into a unique park- but an amusement facility.

Plan on spending more days to see it all! You and your family will leave with lots of valuable memories that last for a lifetime, and you all might want to look forward to coming back once more! Plan any group events to go on a exciting tour and you will receive all the discounts offered on hotels as well as cruises and your resort stays.

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Pests and Diseases of Blackcurrants

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By David Uriah

Get the bushes planted as early as possible, preferably in November or early December. Always plant two-year-olds, if possible. After the second year the pruner aims to remove two or three branches each winter, with the idea of encouraging the production of new wood.

The blackcurrant bears on the young wood produced the previous season. Thus, when the bushes are seven or eight years of age and onwards, the aim is to remove a third of the branches, tackling those that are dropping on the ground first, so as to keep the bushes as upright as possible.

Fortunately with black currants it doesn't matter at all about cutting to just above a bud, for there seem to be pin buds which will break out into good growth on almost any part of the old wood. By the way-don't ever summer prune blackcurrants.

It is better not to cultivate in between blackcurrant bushes. I had tried grassing down in contrast to strawing. The disadvantage of this system is that the grass has to be cut fourteen or fifteen times during the summer and autumn and this makes extra work.

If the stems of the blackcurrant bushes suddenly wilt, the blackcurrant shoot moth caterpillar must be suspected. A tunnel will be found in the centre of the shoot made by a small caterpillar. The only way to get rid of this pest is to cut all the branches down to within an inch of ground level, in the spring, and so to sacrifice the crop for one year.

These insects hate having to fly from bush to bush when they are planted at distances of 5 to 6 feet, and, in fact, they will not do so in windy weather. The `hedge' method, therefore, encourages better fertilization and thus heavier yields.

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M4A1 Airsoft : A top choice for Airsoft Gamers

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By James Erwin

Airsoft guns are modeled after real firearms. Manufacturers go to great lengths to achieve this realistic look and feel, from the gun dimensions to its external markings. Other manufacturers, such as Colt, which owns the rights to the M4 carbine, do not allow airsoft companies to use their name or markings. Airsoft guns can be divided into three distinct groups that are determined simply by how they are powered.

Spring models are airsoft guns that require you to pump or cock the weapon every time you fire it. The spring version is usually made of plastic and can fire from 150 to 350 fps depending on the spring design and the BB weight.

Gas airsoft guns are often used only once a round and are usually saved as a side arm or secondary weapon. The gas or C02 usually only lasts through the duration of the clip and a lot of the time your shots will not be accurate.

Electric airsoft guns are more powerful and usually the most accurate. Many electric guns come with a hop up system that allows you to lay down a consistent accurate line of fire until your clip runs out. These high-grade AEG's are usually made of metal, can fire upward of 450 FPS and are designed to perform under harsh conditions.

US Special Forces groups and the US Army Ranger Regiment use a carbine version of the M16A2 known as the M4 Carbine. The M4 has a shorter barrel and a collapsible stock for a noticeably more compact profile.

The M4A1 is a compact lightweight version of the M4 Carbine that features a detachable carry handle and flat top rail system for mounting accessories. The M4A1 Carbine is capable of full-auto fire.

The M4A2 is similar to the M4A1 but has a fixed carrying handle and is capable of safe/semi-auto/3-round-burst firing modes.

M4 MWS (Modular Weapon System). Colt Model 925 carbines were tested fitted with the Knight's Armament Corporation (KAC) M4 RAS under the designation M4E2, but this designation appears to have been scrapped in favour of mounting this system to existing carbines without changing the designation.

The M4A4 is virtually identical to the M4A1 except it utilizes a safe/semi-auto/3-round-burst firing mode instead of the A1's safe/semi-auto/full-auto.

The RIS in the M4RIS stands for Rail Interface System and is used to accommodate the SOPMOD Kit (Special Operations Peculiar Modification). The SOPMOD kit consists of a 4 X Day Scope, a Reflex Sight, a Visible Laser, an Infrared Pointer / Illuminator, a Visible Light, Backup Iron Sights, and a Forward Hand Grip.

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The Bed and Breakfast Experience.

Thursday, February 26, 2009 · 0 comments

By Dave McKinney

"The Bed and Breakfast Experience" is the term sometimes used to describe the differences offered by bed and breakfasts compared to hotels. Instead of staying in a predictable hotel you will experience individual charm and individual attention.

At a bed and breakfast you will enjoy hotel amenities with added personal touches. B&Bs have been described as the next best thing to staying with friends; perhaps better since you can get away and be private. You are even greeted by name! Each B&B is a home as individual as its owners. There is, or should be, no sense of trespassing in someone's home; privacy is paramount.

There's somewhere for everyone to stay: a heritage home, sea-view guest house, elegant inn, country cottage, contemporary home, farm or a woodland retreat. Older houses may ooze charm furnished with antiques whilst contemporary homes have the crisp, sharp lines of modern dcor.

Bed and breakfasts provide good value for money since a full breakfast is included in the rate. Further, you will often receive free parking, free movies and free local telephone calls. Business travelers will appreciate the wireless internet and sometimes full business center facilities.

Amenities and dcor vary greatly, as do price points, so it can be a daunting task to find the right quality of accommodation when browsing through the many bed and breakfast websites in the area of your choice. "Read between the lines" of their websites to find an inn to meet your expectations. Good quality B&Bs generally have good quality websites: you can expect to see an availability calendar with easy online reservations, a toll-free telephone service and easy-to-navigate information. Ponder the ambience of the rooms, house and gardens. Check the amenities whether for business needs or for a relaxing break. Are there desirable special offerings like packages, in-room massages, jacuzzis or hot-tubs, garden seating, private entrances? Are children or pets welcomed?

Reputable bed and breakfasts often subscribe to ratings organisations and associations with exacting inspection and approval standards. If you book with a bed and breakfast which meets these requirements you should be assured that you will not be disappointed by its quality so look for such logos on websites.

Unlike other accommodations a bed and breakfast is typically a private residence whose owners have chosen this type of business because they enjoy meeting people. What better way to experience the richness of an area than to stay in bed and breakfasts whose hosts gladly provide concierge insights into area tourist attractions, activities, restaurants as well as local tips?

In a B&B the beds and the breakfasts are equally important. You will sleep on comfortable beds snuggled in designer linens and awake to savour a full memorable breakfast including home baking and local produce.

If this is to be your first bed and breakfast experience it very likely will not be your last.

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Golf Holidays to Get Away From It All

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By Dr Kang Isla

If you have been working too hard for too long and just need to get away and play some golf, you will want to check out golf holidays package vacations from your travel agent. These travel arrangements are often referred to as "stay and play" plans because you stay at a certain hotel and receive rights to play at a certain golf course while you are there.

When making these arrangements, make sure there are not special requirements that will make playing inconvenient or impossible for you. Some of these plans require you to limit your arrival dates and departure dates or have other unacceptable limits so read the fine print.

You can take golf holidays to all sorts of locations depending on your personality and desires. For instance, you can choose to golf in a course located near or in a major city, taking in museums or theatres when not golfing. Or you might choose to visit a golf course in an area of rugged natural beauty such as the mountains. While there, you might take a day to fish instead of golf. Whatever your needs, you can find golf holidays packages to meet your needs.

Are you going to take your own golf clubs with you when you travel on golf holidays? You probably would prefer to use them rather than the clubs that can be rented at the course to which you are travelling. If you choose to take them with you, you will need to think about the arrangements a bit. For instance, do you have a really high quality golf club bag which will protect those expensive golf clubs. If not, you'd better get one. You won't be able to carry your clubs on if you are flying, so you'll need a bag that can take airport luggage handling and still protect your clubs. So get a good one.

When picking a destination for golf holidays, pick the course you wish to play on first, and then find out about lodging at hotels, resorts, or stay and play package plans. Make sure the tee times that are set for you when choosing a stay and play package are going to work for you.

People who are staying at a golf course's own resort generally get first serve when choosing tee times. If it's really important to you to get the tee time you desire, it may be worth it to you to stay at the resort instead of a less expensive hotel. Either way, you are sure to find refreshment and restoration when taking golf holidays.

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Futon Bed Mattress

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By charlie reese

So many of us are stumped when an unexpected overnight guest shows up at the door. Maybe your Aunt drops in on her way through your area while on vacation. If you don't have an extra bed, you and hubby end up on the couch so your Aunt gets a good night's rest. While it would be nice to have a few extra rooms in your home, including a guest room, most of us don't have that luxury square footage. Still, everyone has the occasional guest. Kids enjoy having sleepovers with their friends. The futon bed mattress makes a nice, efficient, comfortable decorating solution and serves its function elegantly.

Futons are designed to be folded into a chair, when not in use as a mattress. The simplicity of the lines and design make the futon bed mattress compatible with just about any decorating scheme. When you choose one of a neutral color, you can tie it right into the room decor by placing a pillow, mirroring the colors or pattern of the sofa or drapes, on the futon. This makes you a clever decorator. Another recommendation for the futon bed mattress is obviously, price. When you compare the cost of a conventional day bed with that of a well made futon, it's a no-brainer. In addition, the space savings and extra, casual seating make this a good solution to small space areas.

Futons make good furnishings for kid's rooms, too. Use a waterproofing spray before use. Spills and stains aren't a problem. Take a cloth and just wipe them away. They serve as comfy TV, or video gaming seating. They work great for sleepovers as well. The floor can be uncomfortable to sleep on, even for young kids and teens.

Let's say you don't have an extra bedroom, but you do have a small utility type room you use as a sewing room or office space. The futon bed mattress offers your occasional guest comfortable, private quarters. While the room may be too small to accommodate a regular bed as part of the regular furnishings, a futon folds up with such a small footprint, you can use it as a seat when you're doing some hand sewing task. When you have an overnight guest, it's easily unfolded for a cushy bed and a good night's sleep.

Another situation which is perfectly suited to the futon bed mattress is that of college students in small studio apartments. You'll gain a lot of daytime space and not feel so cramped. The futon is so easy to lay out, it takes no time whatsoever to make it up at night and transform it into chair mode in the morning. It's also an economical solution when you're just getting started or are on a limited budget.

Futons are so versatile, in design and function, they work in a variety of scenarios. I'll bet if you think about it for a moment, you'll come up with a spot which is just perfect for a futon bed mattress.

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Mississippi Cruise Options To Explore The Real American South

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By Anthony Herbert

You may already be a connoisseur of the pleasures of Mississippi river cruises, or you may be contemplating a trip on the United States' best-known river for the first time. In both cases, there are a lot of different possibilities to shape your trip, and you should be well aware of them.

There are many different alternatives to bear in mind when organizing a Mississippi river cruise. Mostly, these pertain the amount of time that you want to spend on the river, on whether you intend to travel alone or with other people, be it friends, family or possibly even business associates, and the kind of cruise that you want to undertake.

There are indeed a lot of options for the discerning traveler looking for a Mississippi cruise. The river, which runs from Minnesota to Louisiana, is the second longest in the United States and also the fifth longest in the world.

There are different types of vessels that you can take on a Mississippi river cruise, from luxuriously refurbished steamboats of old to newer self-catering houseboats and small modern motor yachts.

If you choose a steamboat, you will not be spoilt for choice as many of the bigger Mississippi river cruise boats have saloons, gambling malls, restaurants, spas and so forth. And of course, there are plenty of onshore activities to choose from, from sightseeing to golfing.

Many of the bigger boats include a lot of activities and events on the Mississippi river cruise, which can make the trip very suitable for young adults. But there are activities for families and more mature people as well. From bird-watching to gourmet dinners and dance evenings on the river, there are options for everyone's tastes.

Many Mississippi river cruises follow a distinct theme throughout the trip, and both the on-shore sightseeing and the on-board entertainment are geared towards the themes. Whether you are a naturalist, a civil war buff, a jazz lover, a nostalgic for the days of steamboats and railroads, or an architecture fan, you will be able to find the cruise that interests you.

As for the itineraries, Mississippi river cruises can either be round trips, leaving and returning at the same port, or can be between two cities. The former is more common for shorter cruises, while trips of a week or more tend to be one way only.

Pricing for a Mississippi cruise varies enormously, mainly depending on the kind of trip (luxury, midrange or budget) but of course also no the length, on the included extras, and on the overall package. Often discounts can be had for groups such as families.

On the Internet you will find a wealth of information and tips on how to find the perfect river voyage for you. Once you have all the information you need, you can choose the right option for you at travel agencies, through the Internet or directly at the cruise lines' offices.

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Moon's Face in Idaho

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By Ian Kleine

Craters of the Moon is a national preserve located in the state of Idaho, near the central plains. Nearest town across the area is Arco, who benefits from the tourism of this area. Craters of the Moon is aptly named because of the volcanic activity that had resulted in the area in the past and had created a flood basalt area that mimics the landscape of the moon.

It has about three major plains, all lying along the Great Rift of Idaho, another spectacular natural monument. The Great Rift is an example of open rift cracks that appear around the world, Idaho's being one of the most deepest of the known cracks. The area boasts of a lot of natural formations like tree molds (happens when lava cools down but burns the tree inside, forming a mold-like cavity), lava tubes (a lava cave) and many more.

It was of 1924 that President Coolidge proclaimed the area a protected zone. Amenities and lodging was created and the area started to take shape. Soon thereafter, the park was expanded until the National Wilderness Preservation System had finally declared its protection over the area.

The park was also used by NASA, for training in collection of rock samples in an arid environment. It was later found out by the astronauts that the two terrains (that of the moon and of the park) were totally different. Still, the name stuck thereafter, and no attempts to change it were made.

There are numerous sights to see, one of which is Kings Bowl Lava Field, which formed after the eruption of a lava tube touching groundwater and blowing the whole area up due to a steam explosion. It's quite large and hard not to notice. Others near the area are explosion pits, lava lakes, squeeze-ups, mounds and ash blankets.

Idaho has a wonderful natural monument, so why not try and give it a visit?

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Award Winning Baby Toys Make Great Unique Baby Shower Gifts

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By Edie Mindell

If you decide to choose a toy as your baby shower gift, it is important to consider things like simplicity, practicality, how educative the toy is, and its ability to develop the infants senses through different colors and textures. Every year, toys for infants and toddlers are rated using many criteria in order to recognize and award the best, most useful, and most beneficial toys for babies.

This article will feature some of the top-rated infant and toddler toys, and the characteristics that make them great. Remember, there are tons of toys out there that are comparable to the ones that won awards (and might even have more features), which are available for a fraction of the cost. Note the attributes that make them top quality baby toys, and aim for gifts that match or beat these award-winning characteristics.

Some popular toys of this era are those that help babies develop their sense of hearing, touch, and sight. Musical toys are some of the most purchased toys these years, and one musical toy that has stirred up commotion and praise is the Learn and Groove Musical Table by LeapFrog. This table for infants and tots from six months to three years is a bilingual learning table that teaches children the alphabet, counting from one to ten, colors, and first words in both English and Spanish.

The Learn and Groove Musical Table is great for developing motor skills with gadgets that teach skills like sliding, spinning, opening, closing, pulling, and pushing. This toy features over fifteen musical activities and over forty songs! LeapFrogs Learn and Groove Musical Table has won many awards such as the iParenting Media Award for Outstanding Products.

Another wonderful toy for building your babys motor skills is the Amazing Baby Developmental Light-Up Pullstring Musical by Kids Preferred. This cool, star-shaped toy has a baby-safe mirror, a peek-a-boo flap, features flashing lights, plays "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star," and is suitable for babies from ages birth and up. A dangling heart, butterfly, and sun rattle are great attachments on this musical toy that are wonderful for developing your infants sense of sight and touch. The ten-inch toy is very versatile and will attach to a car set, crib rail, stroller, and a diaper bag. Kids Preferreds Amazing Developmental Light-Up Pullstring Musical is the winner of the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Best Toy Award.

LeapFrogs 10th Anniversary Hug and Learn Baby Tad is a tenth edition, award-winning toy that is full of interactive activities for your baby. This baby tad teaches infants the different parts of the body, letters, and numbers; it emphasizes basic movements, motor skills, and language acquisition skills. This 10th Anniversary Hug and Learn Baby Tad will even play classical music for your little one, which is proven to be good for the development of your mind.

The common characteristics amongst these award-winning, stellar toys are the development of movement and language skills, an emphasis on the five senses, and intellectual advancement; today, the best-rated toys are the smartest toys.

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Baby Name Trends are Based on Traditions

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By Edie Mindell

This year, the hottest trends for baby naming are quite a bit unusual. From biblical names with a twist to foreign names, 2009 sets a whole new pattern for naming babies. Name meanings and history are important to consider when naming a baby, since that name will be something that will be with them for the rest of their lives. Although name definitions are the first things one usually looks at when choosing the perfect name for a baby, following name trends has become very common in todays society. Year 2008 keeps a little bit of the traditional element in popular baby names, but also integrates modern style, a retro factor, and an unusual touch.

As it has been established for the past few years, biblical traditional names are some of the most popular. Jacob, Joshua, Abigail, Daniel, and Gabriel are some names that have been prevalent in recent times. A few uncommon additions to these common biblical names are those such as Caleb, Ethan, Zachary, and Elijah. The name "Elijah" is actually one of the most popular names this year. Many people hold true to biblical names because they are classic, and they usually have a beautiful, deep meaning that professes great things for your babys life.

An interesting trend this year is for Western parents to give their children foreign names. Spanish, Asian, Italian, Irish, and Arab names have become quite popular amongst North Americans and the English. Carlos, a Spanish name meaning "free man," Connor, an Irish name that stands for "much wanted," and Lian, a Chinese name whose meaning is a "lotus flower," are some of the most widespread foreign names that have gone global.

Another cool and trendy practice in 2008 is giving your name a classic, traditional name with a twist in the spelling. For instance, instead of naming your baby girl "Natalie," come up with a different and creative way to spell the name, such as "Natelly." Alterations to common names should be well planned and thought out. Place an emphasis on the part of the name, or a sound in the name that you like the most. This is a fabulous way to make your baby stand out from the rest. Uniquely spelled names are ranked at the top this year.

A continuing pattern that began last year and has continued throughout this year is to give your baby the name of a place. Australia, Athena, London, Ireland, and Paris are common place names that have become popular baby names this year. Some believe that this trend is a result of the popularity of Paris Hilton, a famous heiress and style icon. Naming babies after a location on the map is probably the top trend for 2009.

Lastly, giving children weird and unusual names is a common trend today among celebrities. From "Apple" to "Shiloh," these names are sure to stand out from the crowd. When choosing the right name for your little one, remember consider all aspects of the name, from sound and spelling to meaning and significance.

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Japanese-California Festival

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By Ian Kleine

Nisei, in Nihonggo, means 'second generation' ('ni' meaning two, and 'sei' probably meaning generation). This month-long festival is held usually in August, with the main attractions heralding the first two weekends of the fest. Nisei Week draws the attention and the support of both Japanese and non-Japanese festival goers, due to its grand floats and parades, and the month long activities that soon follow. This 2009, the festival will be celebrating its 69th year.

The festival grounds of the Nisei festival is tremendous. Following the original structure of the Japanese matsuri (or festival), the streets are lined with booths that are filled with food, games, prizes and others. There was once a free-admission carnival and art show, but they were removed, and/or changed. Up 2006, an eating contest consisting of Japanese pot stickers or "gyoza" was added. The attraction was tremendous. Contestants each ate as much as nearing 200 or so.

Los Angeles' tofu festival was added at the succeeding festivals. The festival was once a self-standing fest of sorts, but after the greater success of the tofu festival (beer was a factor that helped); it was now a festival that was held after the Nisei month.

They also have the Nikkei games, an open competition for everyone with running, martial arts and exhibitions. The Little Tokyo Anime Festival, another crowd bringer that spawns a massive amount of audience, most usually fans of Japanese animation. Cosplays and booths were comics are sold are usually rampant.

Ondo dancing, were people dance to the tune of a singer (sometimes lyrics being read off a magazine!) happen too. The choreographer has the dancers carry chochin lanterns as they will the night away, dancing in the streets. The audience can dance too, with little supervision as the dance is often times just easy to follow and easy for the bones. (Really!)

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How to Repair Xbox 360 in Only 30 Minutes

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By Roy Gumble

Are you experiencing red light error with your Xbox 360? You are not alone. Recent market research has revealed that as many as 30% of Xbox's experience red light error as a result of a manufacturing error. Today we are going to cover what causes Xbox error and what can be done to fix the problem once and for all.

What kind of Xbox error are you experiencing?

For the most part, the type of error occurring can be determined by the amount of red lights which appear on the actual console.

? One light ? General hardware failure.

? 2 lights: - System is overheating and should be shut down immediately in order to prevent permanent damage to internal components.

? Three lights ? Red Ring of Death. See short discussion below.

? 4 lights: - Loose AV cables ? check connection and replace cable if necessary.

What Causes 1 and 3 Red Light Errors

There can be any number of causes for 1 and 3 red light errors but the most common causes are a loose GPU resulting from the cold-soldering. The second and related cause is overheating from the motherboard. This can be caused by a malfunctioning cooling system. Heat sinks, vans and vents all work together to cool down your console.

How to Repair Xbox 360

Now that we have covered the causes you are likely wondering how to fix the problem. Your first choice is to simply return your Xbox console back to Microsoft. Provided that your 90 warranty has not expired this could be the option for you.

Of course while this first option may sound good, most Xbox owners dread having to return their consoles for two reasons. The first being, you'll have to live without your precious Xbox for at least six weeks and secondly, you'll more than likely end up having to fork out about $140 for repairs, not to mention the shipping costs involved.

For those of you who cannot wait you can try to fix your Xbox on your own. Individuals who are considering this approach must keep in mind that your Xbox is a delicate machine and should not be tampered with unless you know what you are doing.

Fortunately for gamers, there are some excellent downloadable guides available to repair Xbox 360. For as little as $25, these guides can be downloaded directly to your PC and the best part is, they come with well presented instructional videos as well as a full money-back guarantee. Essentially, if you follow the instructions provided all Xbox errors can be repaired within 30 minutes or less.

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The Natural Control of Woolly Aphis

Wednesday, February 25, 2009 · 0 comments

By James Wilkinson

Trees planted in an already established orchard are curiously enough slow to make headway, and therefore in such cases I always advise grubbing.

Having decided that one is going to keep the trees, it is then necessary to start on the renovation scheme. This may begin with the removal of large numbers of trees because the orchard has been overplanted.

The cut is made deep enough to go right through the cambium layer and into the wood. Fruit growers have for some years been adopting this method for curing trees which appeared to be 'bark bound' but it is not generally known that it is a cure for silver leaf as well and on some farms 90 per cent of the trees affected with silver leaf have recovered when treated in this way and borne naturally two years later.

By removing, say, alternate rows from north to south when the orchard is planted on the triangular system or by taking out every other tree when the plantation has been planned on the square system you give adequate room for trees that have been starved of light and whose branches are undoubtedly going into one another.

It is a very good plan to mark the trees which are to be removed with a ring of white paint. If you, yourself, do this, then those you are employing to do the digging up of the trees will not make any mistakes.

Therefore, it is worth while tackling neglected trees carefully and gradually getting them right. The only exception to the rule, perhaps, is in the case of an orchard where there are gaps which amount to 25 per cent.

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Cheap travel around Cuba

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By R. Maurette

I will uncover in this article one way around getting cheap Cuba holidays. In last few years Cuba has become more and more expensive but there are some ways around it to cut down prices

When you contact a tour operator for a quote and your itinerary is including various locations they will simply use taxis to move you from A to B simply because there are no other options available that they can book make money from it.

There is a way to safe hundreds of dollars. Allow me to introduce you to Viazul. Viazul is a coach company that has terminal in most of the Cuban locations that are worth seeing in your holidays to Cuba.

So let?s compare prices. Let?s take a transfer from Trinidad to Havana. Havana and Trinidad is one combination that will be present on almost every tailor made itinerary. A private taxi from Trinidad to Havana will cost you anything from 160 GBP to 180 GBP and a ticket with Viazul cost just 20 GBP.

I hope you can appreciate how ridiculous the difference in price is. Now think how much you could safe if you were to go all around the island using this advice. You could be saving hundreds on pounds.

Viazul service is very punctual and the coaches are very restful. The only problem is that you will have to book it locally in Cuba and also that you will have to be at the station 1 hour prior to departure.

One common mistake most people do is not to read about the destinations they are thinking of visiting before hands. Distances in Cuba are quite long. I could take you up to 6 hours from Havana to Trinidad by Taxi.

I will of course recommend you to take taxis if what you want is total comfort and relaxation and if money is not an issue but if you want to save good money then Viazul is the best and only option you will have.

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Larry Bird Basketball

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By Denise I Smithson

Born in West Baden Springs, Indiana, Larry Joe Bird was raised in the nearby community of French Lick. Even as a youth it was apparent that Bird had an incredible talent of the game of basketball, being the all-time scoring leader at Springs Valley High School. His record in high school won him a basketball scholarship to the University of Indiana.

Bird felt intimidated by the size of the campus and dropped out immediately. After taking a year off, he returned to college at Indiana State and became part of their Sycamore team. As a senior in 1979, he led Indiana to the NCAA Championship, where they faced off against the Magic Johnson-led Michigan State Spartans. Indiana State finished this season with a 33-1 record; while at Indiana State, Bird was the 5th highest scorer in NCAA history with a 30.3 points per game average.

The number one choice of the Boston Celtics in 1979, Bird was paid a record salary of $650,000 per year. Making an average of 21.3 points per game, Bird won the Rookie of the Year award in a season which saw a 61-21 record for the team and Bird gaining a lot of popularity with fans.

By 1980, the Celtics moved their playing court into the Robert Parrish Center and drafted Kevin McHale. These two men would become what have been dubbed the "best frontline in NBA history." The 1980-81 seasons saw the Celtics go to the NBA finals where they took down the Houston Rockets in six games-this would be Larry's first NBA Championship-but not his last. Larry was a leader and this was seen by general manager Red Auerbach, who happily watched his team become one of the two most exciting and winning teams in the NBA during the 1980's. In fact, almost every NBA final would feature either the Celtics, the Los Angeles Lakers, or both.

Bill Fitch, the Celtics' coach nicknamed Bird "Kodak", since as Fitch said: "it's for his ability to picture how a play would unfold. He can turn a play into points.". Bird was also a formidable defensive player and his statistics are truly amazing - his tallies in the 1981-1982 season reached the double digits. The Celtics became even more of a force to be reckoned with in 1983, when guard Dennis Johnson signed on and new coach KC Jones came on board.

The end of the 1983-84 season brought victory to Bird and his Celtic teammates with a seven-game series and win over the Lakers; they won the seventh game in a close but exciting 111-102 score. Larry averaged 27 points and 14 rebounds during this amazing series and won the coveted Most Valuable Player (MVP) and the NBA's regular season MVP for the 1983-84 season. A loss to the Lakers in the 1984-85 season still brought Larry the NBA's MVP award. Fans of basketball everywhere still feel the match-up of Bird versus Magic was and is the best match-up in basketball and the most exciting to watch.

The Celtics returned to finals once again in the 1985-1986 season; they defeated the Houston Rockets in six games and finished with a 76-15 record for the year. Bird again won the series MVP in this, his third NBA championship victory with an average of 24 points per game, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. This year also saw him winning the league MVP award, the third player to do so. Bird's Celtics would also come out on top in the finals the next year, beating the Lakers in six games. Bird, like his rival Magic Johnson was becoming synonymous with the game of basketball.

However, it was his performance in the 1987-1988 season which would make the name Larry Bird a synonym for basketball. This season saw him earning a 29.9 point per game average with a field goal percentage of .527 and a free throw average of .916. Due to surgery for a bone spur, Bird was sidelined in the following season. He returned for the 1989-1990 season, but Bird knew that it would soon be time to retire. This basket ball legend was part of the 1992 US Olympic basketball "Dream Team", along with Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan. Bird holds a career average of 24 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists per game, his 49.6% field goal average and an incredible 88.6% free throw average, a 37.6% three-pointer average and has played in no less than twelve All-Star games. Larry Bird's name is truly legendary and the man is a living synonym for basketball, holding a special place in the hearts of basketball fans everywhere.

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