Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Beach Houses In Gulf Shores: Tips For Planning An Extended Weekend At A Beach Resort

By Eric McMillan

Beach houses in Gulf Shores provide an easy base of operations when you want to spend a resort weekend in Alabama. Driving from an airport in Mobile or from points farther afield makes it convenient to be on vacation within a matter of hours. Enjoy the Gulf Coast attractions at a reasonable price when you choose privately owned lodging.

Do your advance planning for the choice of lodging by searching the Internet. Property owners often provide detailed descriptions of beautiful and functional housing while on vacation. Rentals are available for a day or a month. Internet descriptions are often detailed, with pictures, prices and open dates available to those who want to know more about the property before making a decision. Be sure to make your reservations well in advance of arrival to avoid disappointment in finding the right lodging.

If you arrive before Saturday morning, you can take advantage of every holiday minute. You can fly into the Mobile airport and drive to the resort community. You will be impressed with the beauty of the surroundings as you approach the community. The available facilities are well kept, as would be expected in an area where tourism is the most important industry.

Reservations for a meal at one of the many eating establishments may be appropriate. There are also dinner and theater performances that recommend advance reservations. You can find almost any favorite food type while dining in the community. There are ethnic choices such as sausage. There are seafood festivals and shrimp festivals in or near the resort.

If you choose to take advantage of nature, you can spend an entire weekend breathing fresh air with a tang of salt, walking miles of white sand beaches or meandering along trails through the sand dunes. Those who want to get in a day on the waters of the Gulf can charter a fishing boat for a chance to reel in one of the varieties of marine fish that frequent the warm Gulf waters. If you don't like to fish, you can still enjoy a cruise. Helicopter tours cruise over the water to give you a bird's eye view of the attractions.

Many family visits to the area include some time spent at the local zoo. Children will enjoy a petting zoo as well as animal educational shows and features. The private zoo is popular with the community and with visitors alike. Around three hundred creatures call the zoo home, including some that are on the endangered species lists.

If you want to attend a Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday celebration, there's one in the area. Country music shows and festivals occur throughout the year. You can attend an art show or a hot air balloon festival. You can enjoy golfing or tanning during the daytime and reserve the night time to attend the clubs, shows and dances.

Beach houses in Gulf Shores offer a convenient base for all the tourist activities here. You can find something to do each weekend throughout the year. Plan on a relaxing weekend to prepare you for the busy week ahead.

About the Author:

Gay Holidays To Morocco

By Howie Holben

Morocco is a country steeped in myths and legend and offers gay travel opportunities to experience a rich history and culture that continues to strongly influence daily life. Morocco offers visitors the chance to cross the desert atop a camel, sleep in a hotel made of sand and haggle with aggressive spice and rug traders in marketplaces that look and feel like they are from another time in history. In many towns and cities former homes have been transformed into guest lodgings, called riads, that often offer a more welcoming atmosphere for travelers on a gay vacation and provide the opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and daily life of Morocco. While there is no visible scene in this conservative Muslim country, there are still abundant reasons for Morocco to be part of your gay travel plans, including ancient ruins and architecture, exceptional beaches, desert landscapes that stretch as far as the eye can see and open air souks (markets) that wind through village streets offering exotic wares.

With exquisite Muslim mosques, ancient Roman ruins, snake charmers and street performers, a Morocco vacation is an exceptional opportunity to indulge in this unique country sights, colors, sounds and smells. No Morocco travel experience would be complete without exploring the Dar Si Said Museum in Marrakech, winding through the many quarters of the Fes medina, gazing at Casablancas amazing art deco architecture and standing on an ancient wall in Tangier to view the expansive ocean and breathtaking sunsets.

Morocco was once a popular gay vacation destination for jet set from Europe, including famous writers, composers and socialites; however, although Morocco was once known as a welcoming spot for exotic gay vacations, homosexuality was criminalized in Morocco in 1962. While the law is rarely enforced, travelers on a vacation in Morocco should be aware that same-sex conduct is illegal and is punishable by fines and six months to three years of imprisonment.

The government released a statement in early 2009 stating that homosexuality would not be tolerated and that increased efforts to repress same-sex conduct would be established. This may mean increased enforcement of this 1962 law. This is not uncommon in primarily Muslim countries and does not mean that Morocco should be avoided when planning travel.

It does; however, indicate that awareness and discretion are advised wile on a Morocco vacation. To avoid possible issues, travelers may want to consider participating in a travel group vacation or planning their trip with the assistance of a gay travel tours company well-versed in planning vacations in Morocco.

About the Author:

A Cornwall Holiday Park Has A Lot To Offer.

By Kalvin Lyle

There are lots of water sports and fun to take in at a Cornwall holiday park. These are a good destination choice for a short weekend get away, or a long holiday with the family. These places do a wonderful job of fulfilling the recreational needs of everyone.

In picking a specific location you will want to keep a few things in mind. What you plan to do there will make a large difference in the park you select. Some beaches are busier than other. The wind conditions can vary from one to another. Some are well suited for sports, while others may be meant more for walking and exploring.

The scenic coastline offers a backdrop that must be intended to relax the mind. Each beach can offer something a little different in terms of the amount of rocks, the outlay of the beach, and cliffs on some are good for blocking the wind. Smooth white sand is plentiful on all of them. Small tidal pools created by the layout are wonderful for children to swim in.

Surfing is quite popular. The waves along the park beaches are well known to make for wonderful surfing. You can also learn how to surf in one of the many surfing schools in the area.

Many seaside sports flourish here. Windsurfing, sailing, water skiing, and canoeing can all be enjoyed at the parks. It seems that there is no end to this fun in the sun. If none of these interest you, maybe just walking the beach is more your niche. Some beaches have small sand dunes that make them ideal for walking.

Swimming and sunbathing are of course also enjoyed at all the beach locations. No matter which Cornwall Holiday Park you select, there is sure to be an activity to satisfy every member of you family. Book your holiday now before it is all reserved.

About the Author:

Double Reading Speed in 11 Minutes - Cost $20

By Dr. Jay Polmar

I am sure you know how to read, after all you are reading this article. But just how long will it take you to read this short article. 2 minutes, 5 minutes, longer. Did you know that for twenty bucks, and just 11 minutes of your time you can change your life in ways you never imagined -- all by reading. It takes just 11 minutes to hear how Dr. Jay Polmar learned to read fast, and you'll learn 3 secrets to improving your life through by reading.

If you are a smart person, you already know what I am talking about - learning how to use your brain properly so that what you read becomes usable data, and knowledge to help you create greater success in life.

So -- the more you read of a similar subject, the faster you read that subject. The faster you read the subject that you are familiar with, the more that it becomes a part of your long-term memory. That's why when you first study basic primary school math, and you follow it and study smart, and go all the way through college - math is a thing that you become accustomed to. If you've studied really smart, it's really easy, and you can do some of it in your head without calculator or paper and pen.

With reading, it's similar, yet different. Imagine it this way - our simple method will teach you in 11 minutes how to read all kinds of materials more rapidly with greater comprehension than before, and get what you need out of it. Of course, it a beginners course, but in 11 minutes your increased your reading speed say 60-80% and as you use the techniques over the next few days the speed increase, and so does your understanding and comprehension.

You've spent $20 and studied for 11 minutes and accomplished a great deal. But, what if you learned also, how to read a book for best understanding and comprehension for test-taking or pleasure, and what if you also learn to write a paper for school, or grad school - without stress in 10 days or less, would that make your life easier.

Change your life in 11 minutes for 20 bucks, you really can't lose. Remember also, the more you read, the better you read, the more you remember - that's how the brain works.

About the Author:

Sunday, January 31, 2010

Eight Uncommonly Great Movies For Your Entertainment Enjoyment

By Antonia Ellison

Americans have long had a love affair with their actors, and of course, we all like motion pictures too. There have been a couple of films that have become classics, as much for the actors as for the picture. While any lists of the "greatest" will always miss someone's favorite, here are a couple of movies starring some fantastic stars.

The real McCoy from 2003 "Finding Nemo". Wonderfully produced animated children's adventure motion picture. Nemo is a young blowfish that has been scooped out of the sea by a diver. His father Martin is overwhelmed with guilt, and will swim the length of the ocean to locate his young son. His expedition takes him on an amazing adventure with his newfound friend Dory, a blue tang, that eventually sees him reunited with his only son.

Everyone's all-time beloved Uncle Buck. Cindy Russell must visit her ailing dad. Her lone alternative for someone to watch over her children is good old Uncle Buck. Careless Buck has to someway pull himself together and take care of the kids for a couple of days.

Everyone's all-time favorite Jerry Maguire. Jerry is an agent for a top Sports Management group. When he is fired, he expects his client to come along with him as he sets out on his own. All of a sudden Jerry finds out that he has no real friends in this cutthroat, dog eat dog, business. Down to one client and one assistant, Jerry fights to build himself a business.

The first from 1994 Ace Ventura, Pet Detective. This motion picture is directed by Tom Shadyac. This is a classically madcap Jim Carey comedy. He is cast as Ace Ventura, a pet detective. The mascot of the Miami Dolphins has been kidnapped, and it is up to Ace Ventura to break the case. Jim Carrey, Courtney Cox. And Sean Young star.

A unforgettable from the year 1968 "Dracula Has Risen From The Grave". Dracula runs afoul of small-town monsignor while he chases the churchman's beautiful blonde niece. Cast includes Christopher Lee, Rupert Davies, Veronica Carlson, Barbara Ewing, Barry Andrews, and Michael Ripper.

Everyone's all-time favorite Forgetting Sarah Marshall. Here is a romantic comedy set in a beautiful resort in Hawaii. After being dumped by his girlfriend Sarah, he at last decides to go to Hawaii to get over the loss. Unfortunately, when he goes to check in at the resort, the first person he sees is Sarah, and of course her new boyfriend.

Mrs. Brown, You've got a Lovely Daughter is a stupid reprieve for a film, with Herman and his Hermits heading for London to enter their greyhound in a race. In between the anticipation they harmonize "There's a Sort of Quiet All around the Planet" Cast includes Herman's Hermits, Stanley Holloway, Mona Washbourne, Sara Caldwell, and Javelin Percival.

Leaving Las Vegas - Ben plays a full-blown alcoholic. He has ruined his life, so he takes what cash he has left, and goes to Las Vegas for one last party. His first step is to employ a prostitute, an comparably distraught soul. The tie between these two will lead to ruin or salvation for them both.

And there you have a very brief list of some very impressive movies featuring some very cool actors. We adore our And there you have a very brief list of some very notable films featuring some very cool cars. We adore our cars.

About the Author:

Famous And Favorite Motion Pictures To Enjoy Right Now

By Guadalupe Duran

It is exceedingly likely that all over the world the number one most wanted form of entertainment is motion pictures. Motion pictures are collectively loved and they have the power to influence us in many ways both good and bad. Movies that are based upon true stories help us to learn from other folks experiences and fictional motion pictures actually do the same thing since they are ordinarily based upon real life.

Different genres affect people in different ways of course. There are men and women both who love the chick-flicks and there are those that would never watch one. Some love horror movies and some abhor them but the good thing about the movie business is that there is a little for everyone.

While movie entertainment has been around now for close to a century it has only been in the last 30 years or so that we have been able to view motion pictures right at home. Every month there are millions of DVD's and videos purchased and rented throughout America. Now it is even better and easier because it is now possible to download movies straight to your computer right from the ease of your own house.

Films can actually be a enormous benefit for our lives. When we sit down and settle down to enjoy a great motion picture it permits us to get away from our everyday concerns, difficulties and worries. We tend to get caught up in the lives that are happening in the film and it permits us to stop thinking about our own difficulties for a while.

Films can also be very instructive. There are alluring true stories that teach us about people and the world we live in. "Erin Brockovich" starring Julia Roberts is an outstanding instance of a true story that tells about the world we live in. Al Gore's documentary "An Inconvenient Truth" is another great example of an educational movie.

History is also many times portrayed in the movies. One of the most beloved movies of all times actually teaches us a lot about a crucial part of American history. "Gone With The Wind" seems like a love story about Rhett Butler and Scarlett O'Hara but it actually teaches us quite a bit about the Civil War and that time in our history.

Popular film called Wild Wild West is a classic. This is a big screen version to the old TV series of the same name. James West and his buddy Artemus Gordon are determined to stop the evil Dr. Arliss Loveless, who is planning to gun down the president. Will Smith stars as James West.

Underworld Evolution, The war between the Werewolves and the Vampires rage on. Now we look back to the beginning, and see how the battle between the two races started out. A conflict that started way in the past is about to be brought into the current day to finish here.

South Park, The pint-sized, energized babies of South Park, Colorado, are so crazy about the new R-rated Terrance and Phillip film that they start copying its bad-mannered discussion. This empowers the parents of South Park to mount a promotion contrary to the film's megastars-and native land, Canada. Sharp, ludicrous and yes, foul-mouthed spoof, based on the disrespectful TV succession; kindled by astounding melodies by Parker and Marc Shaiman. Cast includes Matt Stone, Mary Kay Bergman, Isaac Hayes, George Clooney, Brent Spiner, and Stewart Copeland.

And now you can do it the easy way. Discover a excellent reputable movie download website and start downloading the movies that you want to see right from the comfort of your own house.

About the Author:

Must See Places In Vietnam

By J. M. Maurette

Explore Hanoi

Hanoi is one of the best tourist attractions for Vietnam holidays. It is a busy city, bustling with activity, but if you stay for a week or two you will soon learn to appreciate it. Nearby Ha Long Bay and Sapa, and the Old District in Hanoi are some great places to check out. The famous Perfume Pagoda is also a must see.

Visit Northeast Vietnam

Regions like Ha Giang and Cao Bang are fantastic places for those wishing to go somewhere a little different. Few tourists ever visit them, but with five to eight days and a provided four-wheeled vehicle, you can see some virtually untouched places.

Hue

South of Hanoi is the ancient Vietnamese capital known as Hue. Take a few days to have a wander and see the sights, especially some of the wonderful old temples around the place.

Pop into Hoi An

A lovely beach is just the first of many great attractions in this wonderful city. You will never grow tired of looking at the incredible architecture in the beautiful streets of Hoi An, or picking up tailor-made clothes at bargain prices.

Submerge yourself in Nha Trang

Scuba diving is great in this region, with a number of amazing beaches around.

Saigon

Also known as Ho Chi Minh, this is the business center of Vietnam. If you thought Hanoi was loud and chaotic, this place is even more so! Like Hanoi, it has plenty to offer.

Drift down the Mekong Delta

Hop in a boat and check out the floating markets of the Mekong Delta.

Phu Quoc Island

The island of Phu Quoc, which exists a little way south of Cambodia, is a tropical paradise. Crystal clear waters and endless beaches have not been spoiled by the rise in commercialism in the area.

About the Author:

About Canon Power Shot Cameras

By Marcel Torres

Canon power shot cameras are a great buy if you're in the market for a new camera. Most models have glorious picture standard especially for a compact camera that you can carry with you. You can buy models that are light weight and easy to use. The costs are reasonable when you consider the quality of photos you get.

Different models will, naturally, have different features. Check the features carefully before buy this camera to be certain you are getting the model that most closely fits your needs. This could make a big difference in the megapixels and amount of memory.

The power shot is actually a sequence of cameras produced by Canon. Features vary greatly by model. A number of these are water evidence while others could be more light weight. Most of the cameras in this series have features to permit you to take quality photos even in dim lighting. If you've got an concept of what you need then you can find the model you need easily.

Most models are extremely basic. You simply aim and click. These are great even for newbies to take great footage. They are so easy to use and need little to take the photos you would like. This should be a good first camera for a younger person too.

This line also has a semi-professional camera. This could require a bit more effort on your side and you could need to understand a touch more about cameras to take the photos you want. These may not be what you are looking for if you're an informal user who only wants to take family photographs and pictures of family holidays.

The price of the Canon power shot cameras will rely on the features and model you choose. You can get these at any local retail store or on the internet.

About the Author:

The Isle Of Skye - A Majestic Timeless Land

By Frederick Hoymer

The UK is a country that is blessed with regions of outstanding beauty. The islands and highlands of Scotland are world famous for just such a reason. They offer an incredible environment as well as a feeling of tranquillity. If you are thinking about a trip to this corner of Europe then the Isle of Skye would make an excellent base.

Often just the name Skye will conjure up an image of a remote and wild land. But did you know that it is actually now a popular destination during the summertime; though the crowds will not be as what is seen in other parts of Scotland such as Loch Ness. Its remote location has helped to provide a cushion against the onset of mass tourism.

If a vacation is a time to relax and unwind then there is no better place than Skye. It is as if time moves slower here. The pace of life can certainly be described as laid back. You will soon find your worries and troubles are forgotten when you spend time exploring the natural beauty of the environment.

There are few places in the world where you can stand on a white sandy beach lapped by tranquil turquoise waters, while in the backgrounds soars magnificent wild peaks hiding ancient ruins and relics of a bygone age. It can often feel as if we step back in time when we arrive on the island. You can sense the history of the area where ever you look.

If you time your visit correctly then you can make full use of Skye's miles of trails and pathways. For example there are popular walks on which you may be lucky enough to spot some of the island's diverse wildlife. Just keep an eye on the weather as the clouds can roll in off the Atlantic in a matter of minutes.

Scotland's west coast is not just blessed with land mammals, there are also a large number of marine species that can be spotted from Skye. At the right time of year you may be lucky enough to see dolphins, whales, sharks, and seals.

Once you have had your fill of exploring the great outdoors you can take time to enjoy the traditional Gaelic culture. The Isle of Skye is a destination unique in both its environment and heritage. A visit will never disappoint; you will feel like returning as soon as you can.

About the Author:

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Surf Schools Online

By Alexis Kurt

Surf schools are no doubt gaining popularity in this modern generation. This is because more and more people are getting interested in this kind of outdoor sport that gives so much thrills to those who are into it already. These schools are often seen in some famous surfing resorts in Hawaii and Florida of the United States and Portugal in Europe.

For surf enthusiasts, it really gives them the thrill to see amazing resorts to do their hobby with pride and gusto. This is especially true for those who are already much into this kind of sport and recreational activity. But for those who are still beginners, or those who just have the itch to try this game, it would also entice them to see surf schools known for having the reputation of superb quality service.

Finding real good surf schools is no longer a problem these days. You can easily find them especially if you are a neophyte tagging along the helm of a real surf enthusiast. Many websites now abound the internet where you can surely find these schools where you will be able to learn surfing fast and easy.

The best place to find surf schools where you can surely learn surfing fast and easy is the internet. A lot of neophyte surf enthusiast finds the internet most convenient to look for the best school where they could hone their skills and talent on this particular sport which is now gaining popularity worldwide. The convenience of looking for such school in the internet, entices more and more surf enthusiasts to browse for schools of such kind.

The fact that doing your search for surf schools in the internet is the most convenient and indeed hassle free, entices more and more surf enthusiasts to look for such schools in the internet. It is now most preferred since these schools are now just a click away with the advent of modern technology.

The convenience and the best deals are basically among the things that enticed more and more surf enthusiasts to look for the best surf school using the World Wide Web. The many websites catering to the need for such special schools also made the price for learning surfing a bit lower. This is because of the competition in this business genre getting stiffer each day.

The internet is indeed the best place to look for the best surf schools anywhere in the world. It is where you will definitely find the best deals for you to learn surfing as quickly as you can in the easiest manner. Schools of such kind are often found in the best surfing resorts in many tropical areas around the globe.

With the advent of technology, you need not have to go through the hassles of going from one resort to another just to learn surfing in its real sense. You can do this right in the comforts of your own room. The internet is making things much easy for anyone to the best surf schools.

About the Author:

Florida-More Than Great Beaches

By Thomas Clarke

The beautiful beaches of the Gulf of Mexico can be accessed at many points along the Gulf Coast. Florida is one long beach around the entire peninsula. About the only places that don't have great beaches are the island keys. It seems a little weird, but the keys are not the best beach destinations but they are great for other water sports and activities. Fishing, skiing, the traditional way and the jet version, scuba diving and sailing are all great activities while in the keys. The water is beautiful and the weather is warm and inviting.

Make sure to visit Key West and stand at the southern most point in the US and visit the Hemingway house to see all the freaky six toed cats wandering around. The other beaches in Florida are some of the best in the country. On the Atlantic side you have great destinations like the always hot and beautiful Miami Beach. Farther north there is Cocoa Beach which has the world famous Ron Jon store that is open 24/7. It is a tourist destination, but is still fun to visit. The beach is great for body surfing and surfing as well as just laying in the warm Florida sun.

There are things to do other than just hang out on the beach. Ninety minutes away in Orlando is Disney and all the other theme parks that you would want to visit and just a couple of hours north is Daytona Beach. Daytona is another great destination on the Florida east coast. A couple of hours across the state, on the Gulf of Mexico side is Tampa and Clearwater.

If you are visiting the Tampa area you will find there is never a dull moment. Tampa is full of fine dining establishments, sporting events and theme parks. From there you just drive across the bridge and you are in the Clearwater/St. Petersburg area where you can enjoy a lot of fun and some of the greatest beached in all of Florida.

Just south of St. Pete is Sarasota and Ft. Myers. In these areas you can find many great seafood restaurants and fine arts. A great place to visit in this area is the Ringling Museum which houses some of the greatest artwork anywhere. There are so many wonderful places in Florida to visit that you may want to rent a car and spend a week or two just traveling around visiting each and everyone of them.

About the Author:

Brisbane Fun And Adventurous Side

By Kathy Smith

Brisbane is the perfect destination for outdoor activities, giving it's perfect climate. It is a relatively flat city and has various parks for you to enjoy walks, cycling and skating to your hearts content.

Cycling: There are over 5,000 kms of cycle ways across the Brisbane city. You can take a ride around the river, explore the suburbs or cycle around Moreton Bay. You can pick up a booklet at the tourist information centres, Brisbane Bicycle Experience Guide, to find details on cycle paths if you choose. For an easy start you can go from the City Botanic Gardens, cross the Goodwill Bridge to the University of Queensland. Bikes are allowed on city trains, at all times except peak hours, and they are also allowed on the CityCat and Ferries for free.

In-Line Skating: Cycle tracks are also great for skating. Skatebiz, on Albert Street, offers skate rentals and any safety equipment you may need for your day. Other great places to cycle are Southbank Parklands, City Botanic Gardens and Brisbane River paths.

Rock Climbing: This is possibly on of Brisbane's most popular pastime. You can head the the Cliff Rock Climbing area at kangaroo Point where the pink volcanic cliffs, said to be over 200 million years old, are now home to a climbing wall. This wall is suitable for all levels of climbers and the floodlights remain on until midnight. There are also indoor places such as Urban Climb, in West End or Rock sports, located in Fortitude Valley where you can rock climb. Some clubs such as K2 Extreme and Torre Mountain Craft offer climbing and abseiling classes as well.

Swimming: Everyone's favourite place, including my own, for a nice day of outdoor swimming is the artificial lagoon at Southbank Parklands. Although this is a great place other wonderful pool areas include, Centenary Pool, which has an attached fitness center. This is a 50 metre pool that offers high diving and a toddler wading pool. Spring Hill Baths is a heated pool and is opened year round, here you can take lessons in aqua aerobics and a dip into history, as it is the first Brisbane public bath established in 1886. When enjoying the day here you must try the quirky historic changing cubicles!

Skydiving and Ballooning: The Brisbane Skydiving Centre picks up from the CBD and offers tandem skydives over Brisbane including a 30 minute scenic flight .Balloon flights over Brisbane CBD are spectacular and can be organized by Fly Me to the Moon. They take off just after daybreak and travel about 10 to 15 kms and are about the hour. A 4WD follows you to the landing site. The flight normally takes you over the river and views extend north beyond the Glass House Mountains and south to the Border Ranges.

About the Author:

Understanding San Diego Hotel Rooms And How To Find Where They Are

By Josh Krundle

Coming to appreciate San Diego hotel rooms and San Diego itself is easy when one begins to take a close look at one of the finest cities in the country in terms of geography, attractiveness and richness of locale. For sure, there are large numbers of hotel rooms both in the city and in its outlying environs, though just about everything around San Diego is considered to be the city.

While one doesn't tend to think of there being very much to the west of San Diego, sitting as much of it does on the Pacific coast, the fact is there are several outstanding luxury hotels located across the bay over in Coronado. Additionally, the Navy's commando training school responsible for turning out Navy SEALs is also located near Coronado, which is sure to be an opportunity for some sightseeing.

Indeed, the Pacific coastline that San Diego enjoys is the site of numerous excellent hotels, both to the north and south of San Diego in addition to being within the city proper. Many such hotels will not be inexpensive, and this is because of their location along the coastline and also because they specialize in delivering an extreme level of quality service to those who are guests.

For those traveling to San Diego on business, they should consider themselves fortunate because there certainly are enough franchise hotels that are oriented toward business travel. In fact, there are more of these hotels than any other type, with many being down by the airport and to the north and northeast of the city. In fact, there's a mile-long stretch of excellent hotels just to the east of downtown.

San Diego harbor also is home to a number of excellent franchise hotels as well as numerous tourist and sightseeing opportunities. Generally speaking, hotel rooms are available all throughout the year, the prices will vary depending on the season. Summer sees the highest prices while most of the winter months outside of the Christmas season see a commensurate drop in prices.

Another fine area that one might consider staying is down near downtown and Balboa Park. This particular area boasts several very nice hotels and bed and breakfast-type facilities that may suit a tourist or sightseer very well. Additionally, the airport also can boast of a number of nice hotels located directly around it, and this might be the perfect solution for the business traveler.

Just outside the city itself, to the north and east, is what locals refer to as North County. A number of hotel chains have set up business there, and the reasons are obvious; the area features beautiful locales and Lake Miramar, a picturesque reservoir with excellent walking and biking paths. Over to the west is the rich enclave of La Jolla, home of a number of luxurious hotels.

Anywhere one decides to find a hotel room in San Diego or in its surrounding environs it's a sure bet that success will ensue. Certainly, there should be no problem in finding excellent hotel facilities ready and available at almost every time of year, with some being independent while others are part of franchise hotels. Some are of extreme luxury, so or member that fact when looking for rooms.

About the Author:

It's Time To Book Your Private Jet Flight To The Superbowl

By Daniel Pott

The time is quickly approaching for this years Superbowl. If you have your tickets in hand then you are probably in the process of making your flight arrangements to Miami for Super Bowl weekend. Commercial airlines can be a hassle and of course, if you are time restricted you can find yourself at risk of missing the big game.

This is one of the largest sporting events of the year and although staying at home and watching all the new commercial can be fun, there is nothing better than being at the actual game. So instead of becoming a slave to the commercial air lines you should check into getting a private jet charter.

When you are flying with a private jet charter you will find that traveling in and out of Miami will be such a breeze. It is one of the best ways to travel in class, and if you share the cost among a few friends you will be able to start your Superbowl celebrations before you even reach Miami.

It will be a special weekend and one that you and your friends will not soon forget, but be sure to reserve your private jet charter today. Many people will be using this convenient method of travel to get to and from the game, so getting your reservation settled early is the best way to not only ensure a flight on your time schedule but also that you can shop around for the best deal available.

Choose a private charter jet for your flight to the Super Bowl and even let them make your on the ground transportation arrangements for you. You will fly in comfort and style without the hassles of crowded airports and boosted airport security checkpoints. Fly to Dolphin Stadium in style and you will have a wonderful weekend of partying hard and watching the big game live.

About the Author:

Friday, January 29, 2010

Saints Top Dolphins To Remain Undefeated

By Ross Everett

With an offense that can strike as quickly as the New Orleans Saints', they're never out of a game. The Miami Dolphins found that out the hard way on Sunday as the Saints came roaring back from a 21 point deficit to win going away 46-34. Drew Brees threw for 298 yards and a touchdowns, though gave up three interceptions as New Orleans remained undefeated at 6-0 despite trailing in a game for the first time this season. Miami dropped to 2-4 on the year.

Adding insult to injury for NFL betting enthusiasts who backed Miami as +6 home underdogs, the Saints continued their rampage against the pointspread with a late game interception return for a touchdown to cover. New Orleans is 6-0 against the number this season, while Miami dropped to 2-4 against the spread.

After the game, Brees said that his team never lost confidence:

"There was no doubt on our sideline we would come back and win. They had given us their best shot, and we had played about as bad as we could play. All we had to do was string together a few drives and gain the momentum back. We knew it was going to happen, and it did."

Following a rushing touchdown that gave his team their first lead of the game in the fourth quarter, Brees dunked the football over the goal post crossbar:

"There are times in the game when a team just needs an emotional lift. I felt like I had to do something to get everybody hyped. The first thing that came to mind was to dunk it."

Saints' linebacker Scott Shanle suggested that the game could portent good things to come:

"It can be a season-defining win. This was a test we hadn't faced yet, and we couldn't be happier with the way we responded."

A dejected Ricky Williams explained how his team had lost:

"This was our game to win. We fought and we fought. They just fought harder at the end."

Dolphins' QB Vonte Davis said the defense was aware that with Brees in the game even a 21 point lead was tenuous at best:

"With Drew Brees, it's like the score is 0-0. We knew they would come back and that it would be a tough game."

The Saints will now host the Atlanta Falcons next Monday night. They'll then face two struggling teams, taking on the Carolina Panthers at home the following Sunday and playing against the Rams at St. Louis on November 15. The Dolphins will play on the road against the New York Jets this Sunday. They'll play at New England the following Sunday before returning home on November 15 to take on the lowly Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

About the Author:

MMA Flashback: Aoki Beats JZC In Rematch

By Ross Everett

After a controversial no contest in their first matchup, there was no doubt as to the winner of the DREAM 2 rematch between Shina Aoki and JZ Calvan. Aoki controlled the fight from the opening bell and used a wide repertoire of submission attempts to keep his opponent off balance. Most impressive was Aokis dominance of the ground game, which many observers considered to be JZs edge in the contest.

Aoki scored early with a takedown and controlled Calvan on the ground, working a heel lock attempt before taking his opponents back and attempting a rear naked choke. In the second, Aoki put on a submission clinic and demonstrated his ungodly flexibility as he spun from an armbar to a triangle choke and back again. Calvan was able to counter or escape, but looked completely out of sync as he generated almost no offense whatsoever.

Aoki was very emotional in his postfight speech to the crowd. JZC had grumbled about the no-contest in their DREAM 1 matchup, and the one sided decision made him even more dejected in his postfight press interviews.

With the victory Aoki advances to the semifinals of the lightweight GP tournament. Aoki has made some statements in the Japanese press leading up to the fight that win or lose there would be no way hed be ready for the next round with only half the preparation time as the rest of the field. Hopefully the impressive victory and the enthusiastic response from the holiday week Tokyo crowd will change his mind.

The rest of the card was devoted to the opening round of the middleweight GP tournament. Taiei Kin defeated Minowa-man Ikuhisa Minowa in a very closely contested and entertaining fight. Minowa was clearly tired in the 2nd, and that likely sealed the deal for Kin.

Korean judoka Yoon Dong-Sik also advanced with a unanimous decision victory over Shungo Oyama. Two one sided contests followed, with Zeleg Galesic submitting Magomed Sultanakhmadov via arm bar in a minute and a half of the first round. That was followed by the MMA debut of former Pac 10 wrestling standout Ian Murphy, was dominated by BJJ specialist Ronaldo Jacare

About the Author:

The Mapes Hotel: Lost Landmark Of Northern Nevada History

By Ross Everett

The Mapes Hotel in Reno, Nevada met its demise on Superbowl Sunday of 2000 when 75 pounds of explosives packed inside the structure's support columns brought it to the ground. The controlled demolition came despite years of effort by a number of groups within the community to preserve the building with lawsuits, redevelopment proposals, and grass roots lobbying efforts. The National Turst for Historic Preservation even took up the cause, challenging the destruction in a lawsuit that eventually reached the Nevada Supreme Court.

While the efficacy and justification of demolishing the Mapes is debatable, one thing that is not is the glorious history of the hotel. It was built in'47, and signaled the start of the modern era of casino gambling. Despite the notoriety of Bugsy Siegel and the Flamingo in Las Vegas, it was the Mapes that became the first building in the nation to have a hotel, casino and live entertainment under one roof. It also became the hotel of choice for celebrities staying in Northern Nevada. Clark Gable and Marilyn Monroe stayed at The Mapes during the filming of 'The Misfits'. Joseph McCarthy, America's famed anti-Communist crusader, admitted to a reporter over cocktails in the Mapes Lounge that he really didn't have a list of Communists in the US despite his frequent and vitriolic insistence to the contrary.

In the 50s and 60s it became, along with Lake Tahoes Cal-Neva Lodge the place to be seen in Northern Nevada. The top floor, window-walled Sky Room showcased performances by the legends: Sinatra, Louis Prima, Mae West, Milton Berle, Sammy Davis, Jr., and the Marx Brothers among others. Subsequent years were not kind to downtown Reno but the Mapes prospered during the 60's and 70's. The hotel finally closed in'82, due more to financial difficulties experienced by the Mapes family caused by one of their other Northern Nevada gaming properties than anything else.

Reno never experienced the massive growth that occurred in Las Vegas and southern Nevada, and for that reason the destruction of the Mapes is more open to debate than the hotel demolitions to the south. Even the demolition of The Sands--perhaps the most historically significant casino in the state--is hard to argue against given the inability of such a small property to compete in the current Las Vegas marketplace and in light of the value of the mid-strip real estate. The old properties may have historic value to pop culture historians, but their survival doesn't make economic sense. They're simply 'analog players in a digital world'.

This is not the case in Reno, where land and buildings for development in virtually every casino area are abundant. The official reason that the Mapes had to come down was that the city needed the land--which sits along the banks of the Truckee River--to expand its riverside district of art galleries, restaurants and shops. The revitalization of downtown Reno is definitely needed and a legitimate goal, but at the same time it is hard to think that the Mapes was a barrier to this. Indeed, a number of proposals for redevelopment including office space, artists lofts and upscale senior housing would have probably served to enhance the livability of the downtown area. For whatever reason, the City Redevelopment Authority wouldn't approve any of the proposals and the fate of the Mapes was sealed.

The behavior of the City Redevelopment Authority throughout the process has come into question. Overlooking the Truckee River, the hotel was perfectly placed between the downtown casino area and the riverfront district. In'96, the city purchased the htoel and began accepting proposals for redevelopment. Despite receiving a number of proposals that made sense both in terms of their financial workability and positive impact on the downtown area, the City Redevelopment Authority nixed all of them and insisted that the hotel be razed.

After the demolition of The Mapes Hotel, the lot remained vacant for almost a year until a temporary ice skating rink was constructed in the winter of 2001. The site now houses a permanent ice skating rink which, while not a bad use for the land, brings into question the insistence by the City Redevelopment Agency that none of the proposals to preserve the building were viable. Clearly, they had no specific plan or even general idea of what to do with the land but for some reason wanted to see the hotel come down. This has led to all manner of speculation, ranging from financial self interest to a rumor that the structure was 'haunted' and needed to be destroyed to forestall future paranormal activity in Washoe County. Whatever the reason, the city of Reno lost a valuable landmark of a more civilized era.

About the Author:

Cincinnati Rips Chicago

By Ross Everett

Former Chicago Bears running back Cedric Benson got revenge on the team that let him go in the best possible way. Benson amassed 189 yards rushing and led his new team, the Cincinnati Bengals, to a 45-10 rout over the visiting Bears on Sunday. Carson Palmer threw for five touchdowns with no interceptions in the blowout victory.

The Bengals also made short work of the NFL pointspread, easily covering as +1' home underdogs. Cincinnati improved to 4-3 against the number while Chicago evened their ATS mark at 3-3.

A smug Benson described his feelings after the win:

"Everybody knew it was going to be an emotional day. Everybody knew. What a wonderful day and a wonderful thing, to go out there and strut your stuff."

Despite the evidence to the contrary, Benson downplayed the motive of revenge:

"I continue to be as graceful as I can be. I'm not shoving anything in anybody's face. Like I say, it wasn't a revenge day for me. I just wanted to take advantage of the opportunities."

He said his biggest problem was trying to keep his emotions in check and play under control:

"There were a few times where I may have gotten a little too hyped up, a little too antsy. A couple of drives, I found myself having to calm myself down and gather my emotions to stay poised. Once I got past that, we were good to go. Keep it rolling."

Bengals' receiver Chad Ochocinco had 10 catches for 118 yards and two touchdowns. He shared his thoughts postgame:

"I don't understand why it went this way today and why it didn't go that way last week or the week before that. The offensive line played unbelievable. For Ced to run the way he did today and for us to be able to throw, we could have done what we wanted to do."

Chicago gave up more points than in any game all season, a fact that left defensive end Alex Brown looking for answers:

"That was pretty embarrassing. It's embarrassing to come out and play like that. I tip my hat to their whole team. Cedric ran the ball like crazy. They did whatever they wanted to do."

The Bengals will enjoy a bye week before hosting the Baltimore Ravens on November 8. They'll then play two games on the road at Pittsburgh and Oakland. Chicago will try to get back on track this Sunday as they host the Cleveland Browns. They'll host the Arizona Cardinals the following Sunday before heading west for a Thursday night game against the San Francisco 49ers on November 12.

About the Author:

Steelers End Vikings Undefeated Run

By Ross Everett

Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings are undefeated no more. The Pittsburgh Steelers' used a couple of big plays from their defense in the fourth quarter to break open a close game and defeat the Vikings by a final score of 27-17. Favre put up decent yardage in the loss, throwing for 334 yards but had no touchdowns and an interception. The defending Superbowl Champion Steelers improved to 5-2, while the Vikings are now 6-1.

NFL pointspread players who backed the Steelers as -6 home favorites were rewarded with the cover. Pittsburgh had only covered one of their first six games heading into the contest, and the win improved their record against the number to 2-5. Minnesota dropped to 4-3 against the spread with the setback. The 44 points scored went UNDER the posted total of 46'.

The Steelers largely shut down Minnesota's rushing game, holding Adrian Peterson to 69 yards. Pittsburgh safety Ryan Clark underscored his team's dominance against the run:

"That's the biggest point of the game. You have the best running back in the world and you don't give it to him. They're saying they can't beat us running, and that's a major statement when you have the guy they have back there."

Favre gave a mealy mouthed justification for the loss in his postgame interview:

"There were a lot of what ifs, a lot of reasons we didn't win. The red zone was one of them. They're physical, and they were as good as we thought they'd be. ... When I came here and looked at our schedule and saw the Steelers game, I went, 'Oh-h-h.' "

Favre has only thrown three interceptions in a Vikings' uniform, but #3 was a costly one as it was returned by Steelers' Keyaron Fox for a touchdown to put the game out of reach as Minnesota was driving for a potential game tying field goal. Afterwards, Fox recalled the play:

"Brett tried to force it in there and the running back bobbled it and slipped out of his hands and it fell into my lap. I had just run across the field after Peterson and I was winded, so it felt like it was 100-plus yards."

The Vikings now face another big game next week as they head to Favre's old stomping grounds in Green Bay for a battle with the Packers. It'll be Favre's first appearance at his old home in an enemy uniform. The Vikings are a +3 road underdog with the total set at 48. The Vikings will then have a bye weekend before hosting the lowly Detroit Lions on November 15. Pittsburgh will enjoy a bye week this week before returning to action on Monday, November 9th facing the Denver Broncos on the road.

About the Author:

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Farmville Help Tips

By Brock Davis

People around the world is asking for help with Farmville. It has become a popular search question that is Googled many times per day. Farmville help tips sites, and blogs now run into the thousands all claiming to have the most up to date or best Farmville tips. The problem is some of these tips can make you lose your Farmville or Facebook account.

Thousands of Farmville players are looking for tips every single day. Their only hope is to level up quickly in the game or earn extra experience points or coins. You can access to better crops, animals, buildings and tools so this is why many people want to level up quickly.

But note that providers of Farmville and Facebook do consider some types of Farmville cheats and tips to be illegal. These are what are known as hacks where you are required to download a program and while you are playing Farmville, you have to run that program.

You will be shown how to alter or change part of the computer code of the game itself to give you the edge. If you decide to use these forms of cheats then you need to know what you are risking. If you get found out by the games provider you will face having your access to Farmville suspended.

If Facebook are then notified by the games provider and you are accessing Farmville through Facebook there is a real risk that Facebook will block your account with them.

An IP address is the unique address every computer has when connected to the net. They may actually block you by using your IP address, so if you think you can just register a new account under a different name, it does not work.

If they block your IP address unless you know how to cloak or hide the IP address, or how to change it, whatever computer you use in your home to try and get onto Facebook will be blocked.

To end, here is a simple but affective tip for you. Use hale bales or fences to surround your farmer so that you block him in. This will speed up your sewing and harvesting. This is a legal tip with no risk involved.

Use only legal tips and tricks is the best advice I can give you. Learn them and you will not be left behind as other Farmville players soar to the top of the chart.

To learn all the legal Facebook tips and tricks you need to visit the link below.

About the Author:

Visit Cuba On A Small Group Cuba Tours

By Jose Maurette Garces

If you are like the majority of the people, you do not know very much at all about the small country of Cuba. Recently the United States lifted the travel ban to Cuba for the first time in many years. Now Americans have the opportunity to visit Cuba on a small group Cuba holidays.

If you are a traveler who enjoys seeing new countries, you will enjoy a small group tour. You will not only be touring as a group, but individually, you'll have the opportunity to do some sightseeing on your own. You can, also, choose to participate in some optional local activities at the same price the Cubans pay.

The reason many people return from tours disillusioned is because they did not have an opportunity to interact with the local people. In this sense, small group Cuba tours is uniquely different. You will actually be staying in local homes with Cuban families as your host.

These tours are not luxurious, but everything is clean and comfortable. You won't just have the opportunity to meet local Cubans, you will have the opportunity to really get to know your tour companions since the groups are small.

An example of a small group tour is the eight day Western Cuba Tour. The group size will be between two and twelve with the average size being seven. The arrival destination is the city of Havana. There are no activities planned for the first day so you can use the time to visit the city on your own.

You will visit two other places on this tour where you will have the opportunity to hike, explore caves, go bicycling, snorkel off one of Cuba's best beaches and go horseback riding. You will be able to see Cuban wildlife as you travel. Every night will be spent in the home of a Cuban family. Day eight is similar to the first day. You may leave Cuba at whatever time is convenient for you.

These tours are a great way to relax and enjoy a visit to Cuba. Because the groups are small, you will make some lifelong friends as you travel together. Small group Cuba tours are an intriguing way to see Cuba as it is.

About the Author:

Finding The Right Hotel in Havana

By Jose Maurette Garces

Havana is said to be the heart of Cuba holidays. With its pristine beaches and site seeing opportunities this can make for a wonderful holiday even on a tight budget. Havana hotels can be found for less money than you would pay on average in other places around the world.

You can find a hotel on the beach where you can soak up plenty of sun. Most hotels provide air conditioning but if you are going during the summer you may want to ask to be sure. If site seeing is more your thing then you can get a hotel close to all of the popular locations.

Pizza seems to be a popular choice for a lot of tourists. Many reviews claim the food tends to be bland and lacking in spice. Of course personal tastes play a big role and you may find the food to be to your liking. At least try out the food and see for yourself rather than dismissing it off hand.

If you are on a tight budget then you may be in luck. Some of the accommodations are actually very cheap. Of course you should be prepared to get what you pay for. Some reviews have spoken of hotels that are very run down. Of course others may describe them as classical with great historical appeal.

With all of the accommodations to choose from it may be hard to know which will be your best deal. Look for rooms you can live with and a price you can afford. Keep in mind that this is a foreign country and monetary systems are different.

Proper planning can make for a wonderful vacation to Havana. Do some research and find the perfect Havana hotels today. With prices that fit any budget you are sure to get a great deal.

About the Author:

Where To Take Your Family On Vacation

By Thomas Clarke

Picking out a great vacation for the family is not as easy as it sounds. There can be big differences in what everybody likes or wants to do. Now, taking out the fact that parents would like to do something relaxing and maybe even romantic, there are still things that are family friendly. Also, if anybody tries to talk you into taking a family vacation in Las Vegas, get as far away from them as possible. Do it quickly, nobody needs friends like that. That town is not appropriate for children and only single people should be allowed in the city limits.

So what does that leave, if you can't go somewhere relaxing, romantic or to Las Vegas, where do you take the family? Well, there are plenty of places. Let's assume that going overseas is not an option, for simplicity's sake. That leaves you with fifty great states, cruises and even Canada, which contrary to popular belief, does have things to do for fun.

The obvious places are easy, the beach or mountains. Depending on where you live, there is the option of visiting the ocean along the east or west coast and along the Gulf of Mexico. For people who already live near the ocean, the mountains can be more of a draw. The Smokey Mountains for the eastern US and the Rockies for the west are great destinations. California even has its own range for people that live there. Spending a week in the mountains or at the beach can be a great vacation and there are so many things to do from skiing, water or snow, swimming, hiking and biking, to scuba diving and camping.

For people who want a little more structure and want all of their vacation in an easy to open container, a theme park or a cruise is a great option. These all inclusive vacations are easy to plan and easy to keep the agenda straight. You know exactly where you are going to be each day and you even know when and where you will eat dinner each night. It can take some of the stress out of a vacation, which is supposed to be relaxing to begin with.

These are all great family things to do and there should be something for everybody to do. Planning is easy as well, with just a few clicks of a mouse you can have everything done.

About the Author:

Planning You Family Vacation

By Thomas Clarke

Summer is approaching quickly and many are looking to make vacation plans before there is no longer any flights or rental vehicles available. If you are considering this then you may want to consider finding a cheap car rental. You can find some of the best deals on auto rentals by following these simple tips:

1. Before you rent with a company sign up for their frequent travelers plan, as this will give you discounts and information on the promotions that are being offered. Once you receive your discount call around to other rental companies, as many of them ted to honor competitor promotions and offered discounts.

2. Browse the internet for available discounts ad coupons. There are sites that are dedicated to placing any available offers or discounts for numerous companies. You can also locate coupons on many of the coupon sites and information web pages.

3. Check with some of the discount travel websites like Expedia, Orbitz, and Travelocity although this is a good place to search for the best rates, it is also wise to follow up with the actual companies themselves to make sure that they are really offering you the best possible deals.

4. If you are flexible on your travel dates, you will be able to get better deals. Most rental companies actually will charge you less money, the longer you are renting. The best deals are usually offered for weekend and week long rentals.

5. Wait for the upgrade. If you want a luxury car but don't want to have to pay the extra price for one than reserve a mid-size car and then when you get to the rental place ask them if they have any vehicles that you could upgrade to. Most car rental companies will then offer you the luxury car for only a few dollars more, since that will put more in their pockets for a vehicle that would otherwise be sitting.

About the Author:

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Why Send your Teen to Camp?

By Lonnie Lorenz

While choosing the right Teen Summer Camps may be more complicated than selecting a general interest camp for a younger child, the rewards can be even richer. A teenager is in the midst of an incredible growth spurt. There is a literal physical change that you may see when your teen arrives home, but equally important are the emotional, spiritual, intellectual, and social changes that a challenging summer program can produce in a child in this age group.

Finding the right summer program for teens is not all that different than that of a ten year old. It is important to find a safe, secure, and appropriate environment. Yet, teens need and are ready for new challenges and increased independence. Yearly, as interests expand and your child matures, reexamine your choice.

All teens are not alike so remember that the needs, interests, and abilities of a thirteen year-old are often very different from that of a seventeen year-old. So, keep in mind your child's maturity. Supervision in teen programs is often less than for other children programs.

Teens are part kid and part adult. So planning a summer program may be more complex than you think. Because many good programs fill up fast, you will want to try to focus early to avoid disappointment.

The best way to start your search for a summer program is to sit down and talk with your child. Searching for a good summer program is a way to strengthen your relationship with your teen. This is an opportunity to discuss with your child his interests, concerns, and values. You need to talk with your teen about what each of you want the summer to be. But be ready to Listen...even if they "don't want to do anything."

Many teen programs exist its important to try to find the best one. Sometimes you have to really look hard to find the right answer. The internet is a very useful tool for this. It is helpful to know the kind of program you are looking for: sports, serving, traveling, adventure or a little bit of each.

Sometimes, the best ways to meet your goals with your child's is to piece together the summer with activities. This it is more difficult to figure out, your teen will get a broader experience for your extra work.

If you decide that your teen will choose a local program, it is important to establish summer rules, expectation, chores, and schedules. This will be especially important if this will be the first summer in years that your youngster is spending at home.

Swift Nature Camp may be the perfect fit for your teenager. Swift Nature Camp is unique among teen summer camps in that we provide teens a special opportunity to make friends in a relaxed and fun-filled environment, to build self-esteem and independence, and to challenge themselves with new physical and creative activities. We realize teenagers want to do things for themselves and are bored by a "normal" camp. So we provide an Adventure Camp program with loads of opportunities cabins often leave camp and go out into the big open wild and see the Apostle Islands, go to the International Wolf Center or find themselves canoeing down the Mississippi River.

Last and most importantly remember youth is limited and no adult ever looked back and recalls the good old days of just watching TV all summer!

TO learn more how to select an Summer Camp visit Summer Camp Advice. Summer Camp

About the Author:

Planning Gay Vacations To Peru

By Howie Holben

For many, the best gay Peru vacations is merely a way to put regular life on hold while you take off for a week or two in order to melt the stress of your day-to-day, recharge and participate in experiences that you normally wouldn't be part of if you never left home. What if your next vacation went deeper?

More and more people seek more harmony and peace in their lives. They expect more from their time away than just temporary relief. They want to seek out a deeper meaning for being alive. If you are one of these people, a spiritual journey to Peru's Sacred Valley may be exactly what you're looking for in your next vacation.

Nestled in the Andes Mountains, this area of Peru is know for it's spiritual connection to the Earth. The area is filled with ruins from the Inca Empire. To touch walls that were built with such precision such a long time ago, can be a very moving experience. An experience you will not forget.

The Kamaquen Retreat Center is known to be wonderful place to stay while visiting the Sacred Valley. The staff at Kamaquen is adept at bringing their guests close to the Andean people, spirit and culture. The center's goal is to their guests find a bit of themselves while exploring the Sacred Valley.

No spiritual journey to the area would be complete without ascending the mountain to submerse yourself in the wonders of Machu Picchu. The epitome of spiritual energy, Machu Picchu offers soul stirring views, the kind that leave you breathless just by witnessing them. It also boasts magnificent and awe inspiring architecture that lies in complete balance with the sacred geography of the region by encapsulating mountain views in the windows and doors of the village as well as using intricate stone work that mirrors the surrounding mountain landscape.

At the summit, there are also many temples you can visit for that perfect meditation spot and you can take part in ceremonies designed to honor the sacred landscape. The journey aspect of gay vacations to Peru can yield incredible personal benefits that can also positively affect all other components of your life.

About the Author:

How to Light a Cigar

By Dave Sabot

Enjoying a cigar is definitely among the finer things in life. There are some specific techniques involved in lighting-up that ensure that the cigar is enjoyed to its fullest. Those who smoke pipes will likely find some things familiar in the process. Those who only smoke cigarettes will have a bit of learning ahead of them but it's well-worth the effort.

While lighting the cigar will be a large part of the experience, a cigar is enjoyed even before it is lit. If the host presents a cigar from a humidor it's likely a pricey one. The smell of cigars, even before they're burning, can be quite enjoyable. Go ahead and run it under the nose before lighting up or cutting it. The host will likely offer some information about its origins and the tobacco used. Cigars, unlike cigarettes, are much more than brand names.

If one happens to be offered a cigar, there are definite rules of etiquette where lighting up is concerned. This not only shows refinement on the part of the smoker; it makes certain that the host's gift is truly enjoyed.

A true aficionado will offer either a torch cigar lighter or a box of matches. Lighting using either method is identical. There are three faux-pas of which one must beware when lighting a cigar: lighting the cigar without first warming it; holding the cigar in the flame; and over-heating the tobacco.

First, hold the flame under the cigar and warm it by rotating it in the mouth. One can gauge when the cigar is ready to be lit when the wrapper is warm to the touch. Lighting the cigar is much different than lighting a cigarette. Instead of holding the flame to the cigar, one draws it toward the cigar by puffing slightly and continuing to rotate the cigar. This ensures an even light. Blow on the cigar to get it burning evenly.

When done properly, lighting up a cigar exhibits a great deal of refinement and shows an affinity for the finer things in life. Puff the smoke into the mouth, don't inhale, and remember to take enough time to enjoy each puff. Unlike a cigarette, cigars burn for a long while and there's no rush to finish them. If one wishes, they may stub it out and finish it later.

About the Author:

Legal Full Movie Downloads For Your Computer

By Stephanie Kirkland

There are places that you can go to get full movie downloads for a small cost or even for free. The best part is that it can all be done legally. You may be asking yourself, how do I do this for my needs? It's not as hard as you may think.

Find The Downloads

There are plenty of places to look for downloads that will not cost you an arm and a leg. A search online can yield a ton of results that you can look through. You may also choose to go with a company that you know from personal experience or that friends or family have used. Be sure to look at the prices so that you know what you are going to be spending and what if it will be worth it for you.

Rentals

There are some places that will offer rentals of downloadable material. They will often charge for a 24 hour download and will then remove the movie from your computer. Some will offer a longer rental, but these sites usually require a monthly fee. Renting this way can be a great option when the local video store is out of the movie that you are looking for.

Computer Requirements

There are some things that computers that are going to be used for downloading films are going to need. Some companies have very basic requirements and others have ones that are more extensive. Be sure to look at what the company is going to need on your computer so that you know what it is that you should have and what you may not have. This will help you to find a company that only has what is already on your computer or that will take apps that will not cost you anything.

When looking into downloadable movies, you should make sure that you are getting what you need and that you are paying only what you can afford. That way you will have some great rental movies and still stay in your own budget.

About the Author:

Business Hotels near Broadway

By Cory Laden

Broadway is the oldest north-south avenue that runs through the full length of Manhattan and continues into the Bronx . Originally, this avenue snaked along the length of the Manhattan Island. On arrival of the Dutch, this avenue became a thoroughfare in the city. This avenue was called "The Boulevard" until the end of the 19th century when it was renamed to Broadway. The entire length of Broadway was once a two way traffic street but currently the traffic on Broadway is only southbound.

The intersection of Broadway and the Seventh Avenue at Manhattan is called Times Square. This place is significant for the annual New Year celebrations, packing thousands from around the world to bring on the new year. Times Square and Broadway are known for their spectacular, animated digital advertisements. Broadway is also a major business hub which draws many businessmen to stay here at the best hotels to carry out business.

The leading hotels that are located at Broadway are The New York Marriott Marquis Times Square, Paramount, Millennium Broadway Hotel, Double Tree Guest Suites, The Edison Hotel, The Premier, and Kimpton Hotel.

Closest to Times Square is the New York Marriott Marquis. The 49 story non smoking hotel with 1949 rooms offers the best view of the Manhattan and Times Square.

Half a block away from Times Square is The Paramount Hotel. This hotel features a library bar and a paramount bar. An exciting feature of this hotel is that they allow you to carry your pets along.

You are welcomed with cookies and coffee at the lobby of the Double Tree Guest Suites. The theater lighting at the lounge of this hotel is a major attraction for the visitors.

The Millennium Broadway hotel features sophisticated rooms in the Asian culture. This hotel with 750 rooms offers the most reasonable prices. Located one block away from the Times Square organizes the annual New Year's festivities.

When you reside at one of the many hotels near Broadway, the world of theater in New York lies at your feet!! These hotels located in the heart of Times Square on Broadway are close to museums, theaters and shopping malls of New York. Hotels near Broadway are also very popular or business purposes as all these hotels have rooms that are well equipped with the latest technology.

About the Author:

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Farmville Mastery Guide

By Adrian Logan

Like to play Farmville but struggling to be successful in the game? Obviously there is more to this game than it seems at first. There is actually some strategies involved in running a virtual farm effectively. What you need is a Farmville strategy guide to help you.

It wasn't long ago that I first heard about Farmville. Obviously this game has really caught on. I think there are at least 50 million players on board today. This is an amazing number. What is so addictive about this game? I think it is all about control. You have total control over your very own virtual farm. But if you don't know what you are doing, your farm can control you instead.

How to build your farm in the most effective manner? Two very basic things is needed in order to grow your farm. They are experience points and Farmville cash. You can earn more cash by gaining more experience.

With more cash you have the ability to acquire more things. Each new crop, tree, animal, or decoration that you are able to acquire, can work for you to produce more cash. Sounds simple enough doesn't it?

Think of this like planning for retirement or a business, except that you can have a thriving farm within days. What this means is that a little effort every day goes a long way. The first thing you have at your disposal is some land to plow and harvest. You also have crops that you can begin with.

With each level that you move up you have more options to choose from. It really doesn't matter what you actually plant, what matters is that you know the cycle of each crop and how much they will yield for you in coins when harvested. The biggest secret to being successful is to not allow the crops to wilt before you have a chance to tend to them, so plant according to your own schedule.

For example, strawberries need to be harvested every 4 hours and sell for 35 coins per plot of land. Soybeans, on the other hand, take 24 hours to be harvested and sell for 63 coins per plot of land. If you can access your computer and tend to your crops every 4 hours, then pick the strawberries.

Choose soybeans if you can only check your farm once a day. Either way you will gain coins and level up. It really is up to you. If you can access your computer and be in Farmville often, you can level up faster.

Another very effective strategy is to either plant just one kind of crop or at least batch them so that you can make your rounds, so to speak, and tend to them accordingly.

Harvesting your crops of course will always give you cash, but there are a number of other ways to earn cash as well. As you gain experience points, there are things you can start adding to your farm, such as animals, trees, and decorations. If you tend to each, they will yield you cash. For example, trees bear fruit and cows give milk. Again, knowing the cycle of each is the key making the maximum amount of cash.

By helping your neighbours, you can earn cash and ribbons. It is good to receive ribbons as it can give you experience and coins and accelerate your game play

Lastly, you can acquire something else by selling away what you currently own.

Remember, how you plan your planting and hoeing will affect your experience points which in turn will affect the cash you earn. Every little things you do counts. Build your dream farm today.

About the Author:

New Orleans Dominates NY Giants

By Ross Everett

Heading into last Sunday, there was a consensus that the New York Giants were the best team in the NFL with an undefeated record, a productive offense and the league's top ranked defense. The New Orleans Saints made a compelling case to the contrary, however, as they dismantled the Giants to win 48-27 behind yet another MVP-like performance from quarterback Drew Brees. Brees threw for 369 yards and four touchdowns with no interceptions as New Orleans kept their record perfect on the season at 5-0.

NFL betting enthusiasts who took New Orleans as -3 home favorites were confident that they'd be cashing a ticket by halftime as the Saints shot out to a 34-17 lead at the break. The Saints also remained perfect against the NFL pointspread at 5-0, while the Giants failed to cover for the first time this season and stand at 5-1 ATS. The 75 points scored sailed OVER the posted total of 47.

After the game, Brees explained his team's strategy:

"We wanted to really dictate the tempo of the game the whole way through. Seven different guys scored touchdowns. That's big. That's the type of rhythm that, when you get in, you feel like you can call anything and it's going to work."

The Saints are off to their best start since'93 and have yet to trail in a game this season. Still, head coach Sean Payton wasn't entertaining talk that his team had established themselves as the presumptive Superbowl favorite:

"I don't think you can talk about big pictures after game 5."

Giants' QB Eli Manning was looking forward to a homecoming of sorts-his father, Archie, played the same position for New Orleans during his NFL career. Suffice to say it didn't go as he had planned:

"It's not the way I imagined it during the week, but you're going to encounter all sorts of games and all sorts of situations. I look at it as a loss. We need to go back to work this week, fix some things and try to improve."

New York head coach Tom Coughlin marveled at the play of the Saints' offensive line who gave Brees great protection all day long:

"I don't know that we ever hit him. At this level, if you're going to stop the pass, you've got to get pressure. You've got to force the quarterback not to throw it on his tempo."

The Saints will now face the Miami Dolphins on the road, with New Orleans a -6 favorite and the total set at 47. After the trip to south Florida they'll return home for a game against longtime rival Atlanta on Monday night football. They'll then host the Carolina Panthers on November 8. The Giants return home to play the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday night, with New York a -7 home favorite and the total set at 46.

About the Author:

Beginner Guitar Lesson Online

By Adrian Logan

Learning guitar lesson online can be very fun. There are wide ranges of manner for you to learn no matter if you are eyeing on an acoustic or electrical guitar. There are people who hire a private tutor. For people who know a guitarist, they can consider themselves lucky because they can ask their friends to personally give them the guitar lesson needed.

Hiring a professional to teach you how to strum the guitar can be a little costly although the outcome is very good. However if you do not have enough cash to spare then you can always learn with the help of a professional plus the bonus point of learning at your own pace by means of using online DVD guitar lessons.

The method of going for beginner guitar lesson online became a phenomenon because of the many people who are eager to learn without spending an arm and a leg. With the help of online guitar lesson, you simply have to go to the site that offers the tutorial and little by little, you will become familiar with some of the basic lessons that you need to get started.

To be of help to different kinds of people, online lessons are obtainable in wide array of platforms like DVD lessons, eBooks, and a lot more. If you are wondering which of them is the best option then you might want to get those which provide videos and software so you can learn easier and in a more enjoyable manner.

If you want to have a fast result while being able to work at your own pace, going for a beginner guitar lesson online where the instructor will teach about the step to step method to play can be the most efficient manner of learning.

As it requires effort and money to create those online guitar course, most of them are available with an inexpensive one-time payment. After your first payment, the preceding lessons are free. In case you are already knowledgeable about the basics such as strumming then you are free to move on to more advanced lessons.

Even if you have to spend a little, you will realize that the price is worth it. Some of the other beginner guitar lessons online would include playing acoustic guitar, lead guitar, and blues guitar. Because there won't be someone who is learning with you, the software will allow you to learn at your own speed.

In due time, you can surprise your friends on how efficient you are in playing the guitar even if they know that you haven't hired someone to teach you. Just gear yourself with enough patience and later on, you will realize how well you are performing. Don't give up along the way; just keep on moving and learning the process as to become a seasoned guitarist in due time.

About the Author: