Travel alert
As a person who thoroughly enjoys traveling, I am often checking various sites for any new travel alert that I may need to be aware of. I've had to reschedule some of my travel plans in the past because of a new travel alert or security reasons. However, I am thankful for the government posting travel alerts, as travelers can avoid some uncomfortable and unfortunate situations.
A travel alert can be posted for a number of reasons. Perhaps there is a storm brewing in a certain part of the world that could wreak havoc on islands or countries. You certainly would want to know if there is a hurricane that could cause some chaos for your vacation destination. If a terror alert is elevated or something disturbing is taking place in another country that you are destined for or traveling through, a travel alert will advise you on the situation. Terror attacks are becoming more common and concerning in almost every corner of the world right now. Often times, governments will intercept information that a terror attack is in the works or likely to occur, and a travel alert will be issued to those who may be wanting to travel there. After hearing the alert, it will be up to the traveler to decide whether or not it is worth the risk.
Since 9/11 and recent threats of terrorism, security at the airports have become stricter. Lines to pass through security and wait for flights have become lengthier. I stand in those long lines quite frequently and listen to all of the others complaining. Perhaps they arrived late and are annoyed at being detained for security reasons, wishing they could dash to their gate. Or, maybe they just hate waiting in lines and don't understand why this is taking place. To those people, I'd like to say to relax. I'd much rather wait in line for twice as long and know that I will be safer on my flight that being rushed through. All you have to do is see a travel alert mentioning terrorism and you should understand why lots of precautions are taking place. It is definitely a shame that this is what the world has come to, but that's just the way it will be now.
Currently, there is a travel alert for January of 2007. Passports will be needed for almost all travel to any destination in the world. There are a few countries that are exempt but honestly, I think that people should go ahead and get one. I just don't know why they have to be so expensive. If they're becoming mandatory, then lower the fees so that they are more affordable to people.
If you're planning on doing any upcoming travel, always check for a travel alert of any kind before departing. It could save you a lot of grief and perhaps even save your life.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Utube Videos
U tube Video Camcorders is a site teaching you about Video Camcorders that work for utube meaning you can make utube videos easily and post you own unique videos for everyone in the world to see :) .
Monday, November 20, 2006
Dr Dre
"Andre Young, a.k.a. Dr Dre, co-founded the notorious rap group N.W.A. (with Ice Cube and Eazy-E). The group was one of the most successful hip-hop groups of the late 1980s and helped lay the foundations of west coast gangsta rap. Dre's 1993 solo effort, The Chronic, was a critical and popular success. Later in the 1990's, Dre turned his attention to producing. He helped launch the careers of Warren G., Snoop Dogg and Eve of Destruction, and in 1999 Dr. Dre helped produce Eminem's top-selling The Slim Shady LP."Dr Dre Snoop Dog Fan Site
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Just In Case Your Interested In Laser Hair Removal
Wave 1 lasers: 1960 to 1969
The first lasers used for dermatology in the mid to late 1960's emitted a continuous wave, but this was not practical for hair removal, since the beam could not be controlled well enough to avoid collateral skin damage. The development of the Q-switch (similar to a camera shutter) allowed laser energy to be emitted in controlled pulses.
Wave 2 lasers: 1969 to present and more laser information here .
The first lasers used for dermatology in the mid to late 1960's emitted a continuous wave, but this was not practical for hair removal, since the beam could not be controlled well enough to avoid collateral skin damage. The development of the Q-switch (similar to a camera shutter) allowed laser energy to be emitted in controlled pulses.
Wave 2 lasers: 1969 to present and more laser information here .
Cheap Trips :)
Cheap trips
Despite the fact that most people long for some sort of wonderful getaway, not everyone has the means of being able to do so. That doesn't necessarily mean that you can't find some cheap trips that are affordable and enjoyable. You just have to be willing to have some flexibility and creativity. No matter where you live, there are cheap trips to be found. Sure, they may not include lying on an exotic beach or swimming in the ocean, but they can include some adventures.
Depending on where you live, there are most likely campgrounds somewhere within a few hours driving distance. Camping can make for some cheap trips and many adventures. If you're lucky enough to find a campground in a wooded area, you can plan for hikes and picnics. Perhaps you'll be able to swim in a stream or lake or spending some time fishing. There is nothing quite like spending time in nature to feel more peaceful and share quality time with family or friends. Sometimes even taking some cheap trips to spend some quality time with yourself is more than worthwhile.
If you're not into nature and camping, there are lots of other things you can do for cheap trips. Perhaps there is an amusement park near your house that you can venture to and stay overnight at a nearby hotel just for the sake of being away. Driving down the road to spend the weekend at a bed and breakfast that you've always admired makes for cheap trips. The same goes for local hotels. Cheap trips can be things that you plan that only last for a day - museums, hikes, theme parks, plays, concerts, anything. Depending on much you spend when shopping, visiting malls that are not local make for cheap trips.
If you want to venture out of town and perhaps a bit of a distance away but are desperately looking for cheap trips, be flexible. Cheap trips can be obtained more easily if you travel mid-week or in the off-season. Ask if there are discounts available or packages. You can find cheap trips if you are able to get discounts. Always ask before you book anything. If you have AAA, you can find some discounts. Cheap trips aren't always easy to come by. Your budget and schedule will dictate what you can and cannot do. However, getaways don't always have to be far away from home. Find some cheap trips locally that you can enjoy with others or alone. There is also something that you can find to do, as long as you're willing to have an adventure and do the research to find where the adventure will be.
Despite the fact that most people long for some sort of wonderful getaway, not everyone has the means of being able to do so. That doesn't necessarily mean that you can't find some cheap trips that are affordable and enjoyable. You just have to be willing to have some flexibility and creativity. No matter where you live, there are cheap trips to be found. Sure, they may not include lying on an exotic beach or swimming in the ocean, but they can include some adventures.
Depending on where you live, there are most likely campgrounds somewhere within a few hours driving distance. Camping can make for some cheap trips and many adventures. If you're lucky enough to find a campground in a wooded area, you can plan for hikes and picnics. Perhaps you'll be able to swim in a stream or lake or spending some time fishing. There is nothing quite like spending time in nature to feel more peaceful and share quality time with family or friends. Sometimes even taking some cheap trips to spend some quality time with yourself is more than worthwhile.
If you're not into nature and camping, there are lots of other things you can do for cheap trips. Perhaps there is an amusement park near your house that you can venture to and stay overnight at a nearby hotel just for the sake of being away. Driving down the road to spend the weekend at a bed and breakfast that you've always admired makes for cheap trips. The same goes for local hotels. Cheap trips can be things that you plan that only last for a day - museums, hikes, theme parks, plays, concerts, anything. Depending on much you spend when shopping, visiting malls that are not local make for cheap trips.
If you want to venture out of town and perhaps a bit of a distance away but are desperately looking for cheap trips, be flexible. Cheap trips can be obtained more easily if you travel mid-week or in the off-season. Ask if there are discounts available or packages. You can find cheap trips if you are able to get discounts. Always ask before you book anything. If you have AAA, you can find some discounts. Cheap trips aren't always easy to come by. Your budget and schedule will dictate what you can and cannot do. However, getaways don't always have to be far away from home. Find some cheap trips locally that you can enjoy with others or alone. There is also something that you can find to do, as long as you're willing to have an adventure and do the research to find where the adventure will be.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Good Luck Charm
Although you don't seem to hear about them much anymore, there was a time when everyone had a good luck charm. The quintessential rabbit's foot was among the most popular good luck charms but has been forgotten in the age of political correctness and animal rights. Many people still think of a four leaf clover as being a great good luck charm but I've had a difficult time getting my hands on one.
For many people a good luck charm is quite personal and difficult to explain to others. I have good friends who consider a particular piece of clothing to be their good luck charm. For others, it is a baseball cap, particular pen or pair of shoes. I don't really have a good luck charm but if I did I think it would be my car. Fresh out of college I bought myself a brand new Honda Civic and I absolutely love it. Obviously I take it everywhere I go and we have seen several corners of this country together. She has always gotten me back home safely so she is some type of good luck charm for me.
When I spoke to my friends about the topic of good luck charms I was touched to hear from one of the girls that she considers her baby boy to be her good luck charm. Like many first-time parents her life was completely changed by the birth of her child. She considers him to be the best good luck charm anyone could ever have. He has helped her reassess her life and the way she views the world in general. She seems to have a sense of peace about her that she never did before and attributes it to that precious child.
I'm sure that some people believe that having faith in something like a good luck charm is superstitious. I think that anything that gives you confidence and makes you feel safe and self-assured has to be a good thing. The only danger in believing in charms is the possibility that you could lose them. If you believe that a certain something protects you, keeps you safe, or helps situations end the way you want them to, if you were to lose that item you may not be able to muster up the confidence on your own. All and all, I suppose it is important to think of yourself as your best to good luck charm and not place your faith in something that could be lost.
For many people a good luck charm is quite personal and difficult to explain to others. I have good friends who consider a particular piece of clothing to be their good luck charm. For others, it is a baseball cap, particular pen or pair of shoes. I don't really have a good luck charm but if I did I think it would be my car. Fresh out of college I bought myself a brand new Honda Civic and I absolutely love it. Obviously I take it everywhere I go and we have seen several corners of this country together. She has always gotten me back home safely so she is some type of good luck charm for me.
When I spoke to my friends about the topic of good luck charms I was touched to hear from one of the girls that she considers her baby boy to be her good luck charm. Like many first-time parents her life was completely changed by the birth of her child. She considers him to be the best good luck charm anyone could ever have. He has helped her reassess her life and the way she views the world in general. She seems to have a sense of peace about her that she never did before and attributes it to that precious child.
I'm sure that some people believe that having faith in something like a good luck charm is superstitious. I think that anything that gives you confidence and makes you feel safe and self-assured has to be a good thing. The only danger in believing in charms is the possibility that you could lose them. If you believe that a certain something protects you, keeps you safe, or helps situations end the way you want them to, if you were to lose that item you may not be able to muster up the confidence on your own. All and all, I suppose it is important to think of yourself as your best to good luck charm and not place your faith in something that could be lost.
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Hand Hooked Rug
Many people love the idea of creating something by hand. However, most of us don’t have the time or patience to learn a complicated new craft. A hand hooked rug project is ideal for anyone who wants to get creative without investing too much time and money on the venture.
The hand hooked rug is an American tradition that used to have great favor but gradually faded from the scene. Recently there has been a surge of interest on this traditional art form. The gaining popularity of the hand hooked rug might be due to a few factors that we will briefly explore here.
The cost of creating a hand hooked rug is minimal. The supplies are relatively inexpensive and the project requires very few tools. You can start on your rug craft with little investment and this is very appealing to a novice.
Many of us hate starting a project that requires great expense because there is a chance that the craft isn’t right for us. The hand hooked rug project requires a minimal investment so you really have nothing to lose. This may be part of the new interest in this kind of craft.
Time is always a factor. We live very busy lives in this day and age. Taking time to learn a traditional craft like rug hooking requires a few hours. Within one session you are well on your way to making a hand hooked rug. This is appealing because many of us have little time to invest in our art projects.
The hand hooked rug craft is cost efficient and it is time-saving as well. These two elements are major factors in the emergence of this great art form. However, some individuals look to the hand hooked rug in a different way.
Instead of approaching the craft as an activity, many people look at the hand hooked rug as collectable art. The original rugs were typically made out of cloth scraps often from worn out clothes. The fabric was “hooked” through burlap sacks used to carry foods like potatoes.
The rugs created by our ancestors are gaining a lot of attention at auctions and antique stores. The antique hand hooked rug is very collectable right now. The value of an older piece is great and you can expect to pay quite a bit of money on a quality antique rug.
The hand hooked rug has seen some changes over the years. The older versions are valuable reminders of our past. The new crafts are emerging on the scene as a modern crafter’s delight.
The hand hooked rug is an American tradition that used to have great favor but gradually faded from the scene. Recently there has been a surge of interest on this traditional art form. The gaining popularity of the hand hooked rug might be due to a few factors that we will briefly explore here.
The cost of creating a hand hooked rug is minimal. The supplies are relatively inexpensive and the project requires very few tools. You can start on your rug craft with little investment and this is very appealing to a novice.
Many of us hate starting a project that requires great expense because there is a chance that the craft isn’t right for us. The hand hooked rug project requires a minimal investment so you really have nothing to lose. This may be part of the new interest in this kind of craft.
Time is always a factor. We live very busy lives in this day and age. Taking time to learn a traditional craft like rug hooking requires a few hours. Within one session you are well on your way to making a hand hooked rug. This is appealing because many of us have little time to invest in our art projects.
The hand hooked rug craft is cost efficient and it is time-saving as well. These two elements are major factors in the emergence of this great art form. However, some individuals look to the hand hooked rug in a different way.
Instead of approaching the craft as an activity, many people look at the hand hooked rug as collectable art. The original rugs were typically made out of cloth scraps often from worn out clothes. The fabric was “hooked” through burlap sacks used to carry foods like potatoes.
The rugs created by our ancestors are gaining a lot of attention at auctions and antique stores. The antique hand hooked rug is very collectable right now. The value of an older piece is great and you can expect to pay quite a bit of money on a quality antique rug.
The hand hooked rug has seen some changes over the years. The older versions are valuable reminders of our past. The new crafts are emerging on the scene as a modern crafter’s delight.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Outdoor Christmas Decorations
Outdoor Christmas decorations
I moved into a new neighborhood last summer, thinking it looked like a normal place to live. My neighbors all seemed nice and normal, there wasn't anything too strange about them. The day after Thanksgiving, I changed my opinion. When I left for work that morning, all was well in my neighborhood. When I returned home in the early evening, my jaw dropped. I thought that perhaps I was on the wrong road. Apparently, my neighbors try to outdo each other with their outdoor Christmas decorations. The house directly across from me, as well as on both sides of my house, had outdoor Christmas decorations covering their front lawns and homes. I'm not just talking about ordinary outdoor Christmas decorations that people oohh and ahh over, I'm talking about the most tacky decorations you can imagine.
Most of the outdoor Christmas decorations that were scattered all over the lawns were the kind that lit up. Since it was early evening and the sun was already setting, they were all lit up in their bright glory. I pulled into my driveway and just stared. I was absolutely appalled and embarrassed. I wanted to pack up my things and move right back to my old neighborhood. Directly across from me was a giant lit Santa. He must have been at least 6 feet tall and by far, the most ridiculous of all of the outdoor Christmas decorations on my block. He was swaying slightly in the breeze, making him appear as if he was waving at me. I couldn't get over the fact that all of my neighbors had managed to get all of their outdoor Christmas decorations set up in only a few hours. Apparently, I had not received the neighborhood decorating schedule.
To me, outdoor Christmas decorations are supposed to be simple and elegant. They shouldn't stick out like a sore thumb and make people gawk when they drive by. I've always loved putting lights on my front porch and bushes, maybe the decorative white reindeer as well. There are some outdoor Christmas decorations that simply should be outlawed. If you wonder what outdoor Christmas decorations I am referring to, drive through my neighborhood. There is no need for giant Santas and hideous candy canes hanging from trees.
My husband was just as shocked as I was. We laughed about it that night after dinner. We decided that the next day, we would put our outdoor Christmas decorations out and hopefully our neighbors will learn some things from the simplicity of ours. We aren't the type to go overboard. That night, there was an annoying glow that shone in our bedroom window from the lighted outdoor Christmas decorations of our neighbors. I fell asleep thinking wishing there would be a power outage on my street.
I moved into a new neighborhood last summer, thinking it looked like a normal place to live. My neighbors all seemed nice and normal, there wasn't anything too strange about them. The day after Thanksgiving, I changed my opinion. When I left for work that morning, all was well in my neighborhood. When I returned home in the early evening, my jaw dropped. I thought that perhaps I was on the wrong road. Apparently, my neighbors try to outdo each other with their outdoor Christmas decorations. The house directly across from me, as well as on both sides of my house, had outdoor Christmas decorations covering their front lawns and homes. I'm not just talking about ordinary outdoor Christmas decorations that people oohh and ahh over, I'm talking about the most tacky decorations you can imagine.
Most of the outdoor Christmas decorations that were scattered all over the lawns were the kind that lit up. Since it was early evening and the sun was already setting, they were all lit up in their bright glory. I pulled into my driveway and just stared. I was absolutely appalled and embarrassed. I wanted to pack up my things and move right back to my old neighborhood. Directly across from me was a giant lit Santa. He must have been at least 6 feet tall and by far, the most ridiculous of all of the outdoor Christmas decorations on my block. He was swaying slightly in the breeze, making him appear as if he was waving at me. I couldn't get over the fact that all of my neighbors had managed to get all of their outdoor Christmas decorations set up in only a few hours. Apparently, I had not received the neighborhood decorating schedule.
To me, outdoor Christmas decorations are supposed to be simple and elegant. They shouldn't stick out like a sore thumb and make people gawk when they drive by. I've always loved putting lights on my front porch and bushes, maybe the decorative white reindeer as well. There are some outdoor Christmas decorations that simply should be outlawed. If you wonder what outdoor Christmas decorations I am referring to, drive through my neighborhood. There is no need for giant Santas and hideous candy canes hanging from trees.
My husband was just as shocked as I was. We laughed about it that night after dinner. We decided that the next day, we would put our outdoor Christmas decorations out and hopefully our neighbors will learn some things from the simplicity of ours. We aren't the type to go overboard. That night, there was an annoying glow that shone in our bedroom window from the lighted outdoor Christmas decorations of our neighbors. I fell asleep thinking wishing there would be a power outage on my street.
Toys For Christmas
We are entering my favorite time of the year. I love holiday time. I enjoy decorating and baking my family’s favorite holiday recipes and also shopping for special gifts for everyone on my list. Now that our family is expanding to include grandchildren this is even a more magical time of the year for us.
When our own children were toddlers we did not have a great deal of money to spend on toys for Christmas. I tried to get something special for everyone, but we also needed to include practical items as gifts. This meant that stocking stuffers usually included socks and underwear instead of luxury items. We also bought other clothing items for the children. Most of the toys for Christmas that our children received were from their grandparents. This worked out well because it gave the children something to do during the holiday time that was spent at the grandparent’s houses.
Now that we are the grandparents and have more financial resources we are the ones that get to shop for and provide the toys for Christmas. I have to admit that the toys have changed greatly since our children were young. Everything is either electronic or battery operated. This year when my husband and I went to find gifts for our children and their families we decided that we wanted to give them more than material things, we wanted to give them a means to spend family time together. Instead of buying toys for Christmas for the youngsters and clothing or other items for the adults we decided to make family gift baskets. Our three children were very close when they were growing up, but jobs, children and community activities have made it difficult for them to spend much time together as adults. Their children enjoy playing together when we get together at holiday time. We decided that it would be fun to have a full family time together as a water park. We booked reservations for all or us and had the water park send us confirmations for each family. We also bought a board game for each family as well as a card game. We placed the reservation confirmation, the games and microwave popcorn in a big basket. We also put in a gift certificate for a chain delivery pizza place.
On Christmas the children were very excited about having the full weekend together planned for them at the end of January. We told them that we were also coming along so that we could baby sit in the evening so the three couples could go out for dinner together. This was a great idea and received very well. I do not think any one missed not getting toys for Christmas.
When our own children were toddlers we did not have a great deal of money to spend on toys for Christmas. I tried to get something special for everyone, but we also needed to include practical items as gifts. This meant that stocking stuffers usually included socks and underwear instead of luxury items. We also bought other clothing items for the children. Most of the toys for Christmas that our children received were from their grandparents. This worked out well because it gave the children something to do during the holiday time that was spent at the grandparent’s houses.
Now that we are the grandparents and have more financial resources we are the ones that get to shop for and provide the toys for Christmas. I have to admit that the toys have changed greatly since our children were young. Everything is either electronic or battery operated. This year when my husband and I went to find gifts for our children and their families we decided that we wanted to give them more than material things, we wanted to give them a means to spend family time together. Instead of buying toys for Christmas for the youngsters and clothing or other items for the adults we decided to make family gift baskets. Our three children were very close when they were growing up, but jobs, children and community activities have made it difficult for them to spend much time together as adults. Their children enjoy playing together when we get together at holiday time. We decided that it would be fun to have a full family time together as a water park. We booked reservations for all or us and had the water park send us confirmations for each family. We also bought a board game for each family as well as a card game. We placed the reservation confirmation, the games and microwave popcorn in a big basket. We also put in a gift certificate for a chain delivery pizza place.
On Christmas the children were very excited about having the full weekend together planned for them at the end of January. We told them that we were also coming along so that we could baby sit in the evening so the three couples could go out for dinner together. This was a great idea and received very well. I do not think any one missed not getting toys for Christmas.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Angel Christmas Decorations
Angels are a big part of my home decor all year round. I have various statuettes, figurines, posters, prints, and knickknacks featuring these heavenly beings in nearly every room of my house. Because of this, you probably think that I'm all set once the holidays come around since angels figure very prominently in yuletide decorating schemes. But that's not the case at all. In fact, angel Christmas decorations are much different from the items that I usually have in my home, so I go shopping each year to purchase those special pieces.
This may sound strange, but I have a set routine when it comes to buying angel Christmas decorations. First of all, I never use the same ornaments year after year. Instead, after I've had a particular angel Christmas decoration up in my house for one holiday season, I give it away to a friend or relative so that they can enjoy the beautiful ornament for themselves. This system has been working out nicely for everyone involved and is a good way to ensure that my home has a different look for the holidays each year.
The second part of my routine consists of only buying angel Christmas decorations that fit a particular theme. As you might imagine, you can buy an angel Christmas decoration in almost any size, style, color, or material these days. I don't want my holiday decorating scheme to have a haphazard look to it, so I make sure my angel Christmas decorations have a consistent look to them despite the fact that they're all different pieces.
The third, and best, part of my routine consists of buying one very special angel Christmas decoration that will either go on top of the tree or occupy another prominent place in my home. This will be the featured ornament that all of my guests immediately look for and notice when they visit me during the holidays.
Because I go through so many angel Christmas decorations, I am always looking for new outlets to purchase from. All the craft, home decor, and knickknack shops in my area know me very well and the proprietors know about my affinity for angels. But as hard as they try, they can't always get new angel Christmas decorations in stock. So now I usually end up purchasing my angel Christmas decorations online. I don't mind having to do that because I definitely have a wider selection to choose from. As long as the angel Christmas decoration that I ordered doesn't get damaged in shipping, I'm ok with purchasing from online merchants.
If you want to add angel Christmas decorations to your holiday display this year, why not check some out right now? Hopefully you'll be as impressed with the selection, quality, and prices as I am!
This may sound strange, but I have a set routine when it comes to buying angel Christmas decorations. First of all, I never use the same ornaments year after year. Instead, after I've had a particular angel Christmas decoration up in my house for one holiday season, I give it away to a friend or relative so that they can enjoy the beautiful ornament for themselves. This system has been working out nicely for everyone involved and is a good way to ensure that my home has a different look for the holidays each year.
The second part of my routine consists of only buying angel Christmas decorations that fit a particular theme. As you might imagine, you can buy an angel Christmas decoration in almost any size, style, color, or material these days. I don't want my holiday decorating scheme to have a haphazard look to it, so I make sure my angel Christmas decorations have a consistent look to them despite the fact that they're all different pieces.
The third, and best, part of my routine consists of buying one very special angel Christmas decoration that will either go on top of the tree or occupy another prominent place in my home. This will be the featured ornament that all of my guests immediately look for and notice when they visit me during the holidays.
Because I go through so many angel Christmas decorations, I am always looking for new outlets to purchase from. All the craft, home decor, and knickknack shops in my area know me very well and the proprietors know about my affinity for angels. But as hard as they try, they can't always get new angel Christmas decorations in stock. So now I usually end up purchasing my angel Christmas decorations online. I don't mind having to do that because I definitely have a wider selection to choose from. As long as the angel Christmas decoration that I ordered doesn't get damaged in shipping, I'm ok with purchasing from online merchants.
If you want to add angel Christmas decorations to your holiday display this year, why not check some out right now? Hopefully you'll be as impressed with the selection, quality, and prices as I am!
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