tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36606275249081489972024-03-12T20:08:11.375-07:00Volleyball InformationProviding The Best Information about VolleyballAndy Subandonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12131539956244386499noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660627524908148997.post-76728343569082073652010-10-19T03:17:00.000-07:002010-10-19T03:17:00.860-07:00Florida Gulf Coast University - Southwest Florida's Emerging Institution<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaLJQWCrPyCNXOcMGicoK4t2-29AhGeVwcnRlyyzDLbtOZsuNv42aDxjOV5czzWiR8hPhh-cj5AFVJqL5co6oOIruSU9yr54up7BERh6lpPIq9X51EnMKDE-har6GujgnNsT0smmW0Gpw/s1600/50-WEBSITE-126.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 311px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaLJQWCrPyCNXOcMGicoK4t2-29AhGeVwcnRlyyzDLbtOZsuNv42aDxjOV5czzWiR8hPhh-cj5AFVJqL5co6oOIruSU9yr54up7BERh6lpPIq9X51EnMKDE-har6GujgnNsT0smmW0Gpw/s400/50-WEBSITE-126.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479232009996098754" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">By Mark M Washburn<br /><br />Florida Gulf Coast University, or FGCU, is one of the newest universities to make its debut in academe, opening its doors in August 1996. Much of the impetus behind its incorporation was the overwhelming desire of Southwest Florida residents to host a world-class university in their midst. Not surprisingly, the allure of a mild climate, lots of sunshine and nearby beaches has helped FGCU more than double its student enrollments every year since inception to more than 10,000 students for 2008-09. In an era of college educations that cost upwards of $40,000 a year in tuition, FGCU is a relative bargain with out-of-state annual tuition averaging $17K.<br /><br />Located on 760 acres in the heart of Southwest Florida, FGCU has carefully mapped out its location to maximize the surrounding wildlife and nature preserves and offer a "living laboratory" to students, faculty, and alumnae. True to this mission, FGCU is heralded as one of the most ecologically sound campuses in North America. The University recently purchased waterfront property in Bonita Springs with the intention of developing a marine research laboratory to further capitalize on its coastal location and the abundance of marine and bird life.<br /><br />A co-ed institution, FGCU is four-year with accreditation to award associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. As of the fall of 2008, the University offers 51 undergraduate and 31 graduate degree programs in Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, and Health Professions. With the plethora of resorts and restaurants in the region, the Resort and Hospitality Management program is one of the more popular majors. Students can participate in an active internship program at some of the world's premier resorts located just minutes from campus. Biology and criminal justice are also growing programs. The Division of Justice Studies is in its first year of offering a Master of Science in Criminal Forensic Studies, paving the way for future CSI investigators.<br /><br />Students praise the small class sizes and individual attention with an 18:1 teacher/student ratio at the undergraduate level. FGCU is also one of the most technologically advanced campuses in the world with a campus-wide high-speed Internet network. Classrooms all feature fully equipped multimedia instructional systems that include Internet access, cameras and audio and video presentation capabilities. Capitalizing on its expertise, FGCU has hosted an Informational Technology (IT) forum for the past eight years, connecting area experts with MBA students in Germany.<br /><br />While many students barely tolerate dorm or off-campus living during their college years, the 2,400 students who live in FGCU campus housing enjoy a comparatively luxurious existence. Residences are apartment-style, completely furnished and wired for high-speed Internet access. Full-size kitchens, spacious living rooms overlooking the lake, and automated laundry facilities are additional touches that give new meaning to the college experience. Other amenities include a swimming pool, barbecue areas, beach volleyball, and easy access to lake water sports.<br /><br />Athletics are an increasingly large part of the FGCU program and encompass baseball, men's basketball, men's golf, men's soccer, men's tennis, softball, volleyball, women's basketball, women's cross country, women's golf, women's soccer, women's swimming and diving, and women's tennis, among others. The women's teams have performed especially well, despite the newness of the programs with the women's basketball team ending their 35-1 season with a loss in the Division II National Championship. As of the 2007-2008 academic year, FGCU moved to Division I sports.<br /><br />Despite its sunny climate and laid-back atmosphere, FGCU offers a solid classroom experience. While students can take courses in paradise, graduates are well prepared to excel in today's tech-savvy and increasingly green environment.<br /><br /></div>Andy Subandonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12131539956244386499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660627524908148997.post-51687370697446217812010-10-16T03:15:00.000-07:002010-10-16T03:15:00.427-07:00Why Money is Only One Third of Happiness<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaMWwy4sN2Lx176AJ3apuLKTqjyS5n7i7FkYNelgLjlOgKs2ZzW6x_G7bgUZbDqP0CrGMOkbe1sDBNMbcm4jbcNEMWcaY3Fs8PGJSRPolFY62-iFh3dMTxBjCsDTQqpmYPnQvuuDzm708/s1600/49-WEBSITE-126.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaMWwy4sN2Lx176AJ3apuLKTqjyS5n7i7FkYNelgLjlOgKs2ZzW6x_G7bgUZbDqP0CrGMOkbe1sDBNMbcm4jbcNEMWcaY3Fs8PGJSRPolFY62-iFh3dMTxBjCsDTQqpmYPnQvuuDzm708/s400/49-WEBSITE-126.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479231659882365778" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">By Tomaz Mencinger<br /><br />If you think that making money will make you happy, then please continue reading this article. In my personal experience, you need two more things to be really happy...<br /><br />The goal of this post is to open your mind a little a bit and show you the real path to happiness, so that you won't waste too much time and energy working ONLY to earn more money.<br /><br />Let me share my personal theory on what makes people happy and hopefully, you'll see this making money thing from a different angle.<br /><br />First, it is a fact that many rich people are unhappy. It is also a fact that many rich people were so unhappy that they committed suicide.<br /><br />So just having a lot of money does not make you happy.<br /><br />You may think, "Yeah, but I'm different. When I am rich, I'll be happy!"<br /><br />I am quite sure that this is not the case, so let me try to convince you otherwise.<br /><br />Three things are necessary for your happiness. Without them you CANNOT be happy.<br /><br />(Of course, many smaller factors also affect your level of happiness, and we'll talk about them, too.)<br /><br />1. You MUST do what you love.<br /><br />There is no way around this one. If you have to be in a job where you do things that you don't like, you won't be happy.<br /><br />It's logical right? Not like = not happy<br /><br />Many people blind themselves and say, "Well, it's not so bad; I'm quite happy. I earn a good salary and spend weekends playing tennis, going to the movies, going out with my friends and..."<br /><br />What they are saying is that if they are happy two out of seven days, then they are happy.<br /><br />I am saying that there is a happiness with which you can be happy seven out seven days, and it's a much deeper and more fulfilling feeling than this superficial, short-lived, flying high feeling.<br /><br />You need to be involved in some kind of activity that makes you happy. Something that is your passion.<br /><br />For me this was and is tennis. I used to watch tennis on TV for hours, although I was a semi-professional volleyball player and I was studying electrical engineering.<br /><br />I liked volleyball, my teammates and all the social parts of it, I hated electrical engineering and I was obsessed with tennis. I could watch it for hours, and I could play it for hours without ever getting bored or tired of it.<br /><br />You need to find something like this in your life and then STICK to it. Do whatever you need to to make this passion your main activity.<br /><br />Your happiness depends on it.<br /><br />2. You MUST make other people happy.<br /><br />This one is often overlooked, and the main reason is ego - selfishness.<br /><br />Although you might think that you just want things for yourself, you will realize sooner or later that we are social beings and we thrive on being appreciated and loved.<br /><br />We must feel that we are NEEDED, for whatever reason.<br /><br />As a tennis coach I get this feeling from sharing my experience with other people, and from their appreciation of my sharing.<br /><br />It gives me great pleasure when people tell me how their mental game or their general tennis game has improved. It gives me great pleasure when I receive e-mails from people who didn't buy anything from my website, but enjoyed the free information I offer.<br /><br />By the way, this is one of the reasons that blogs are so popular. It's easy for people to leave their opinions and thoughts about certain topics, and this makes the owner of the blog very happy.<br /><br />It doesn't matter what you do as long as you are USEFUL.<br /><br />You can clean streets or hotel rooms, make pancakes or ice cream, be a waiter, make bicycles, sell juicers, repair vacuum cleaners... Whatever, there are millions of things that people need on this planet.<br /><br />And as long as you feel useful and appreciated by other people, you will find the second third of happiness.<br /><br />Before you see the last third of happiness, entertain this question for awhile: WHY do so many wealthy internet gurus (and other rich people) STILL sell their services, make new products and work hard every day, when they could just replicate, add new websites and earn more passive income doing almost nothing?<br /><br />Why?<br /><br />Because they NEED to be appreciated.<br /><br />The main drive of most people is to be appreciated, to be useful, and that's why they still keep doing what they are doing even if they have massive amounts of money.<br /><br />Just think about all the IM names such as Russell Brunson, Mike Filsaime, Joel Comm and tons of other people who have incredible wealth, yet you still receive their promotions about home based business ideas, hear about new products they've developed and find their names all over the Internet.<br /><br />Some of the reason is their desire for power and money; yet some of it is because of the two basic human needs: to help, and to be useful and appreciated.<br /><br />You have this need to be appreciated, too; so before you jump into this making money thing, think about how you can earn money and, at the same time, be useful to people and actually be able to hear or read their responses to what you offer.<br /><br />This will build the second pillar of happiness.<br /><br />3. You MUST receive GOOD income - MONEY!<br /><br />I do not believe in the theory that money is not important for happiness.<br /><br />Maybe if you live in Tibet, stay in some isolated cave and meditate for 12 hours per day, then OK, you got me there.<br /><br />But if you live in a modern society with cars, cellphones, the Internet, TV, computers, movie theaters, Disney parks, hotels, holiday resorts, airplanes, electricity, taxes, schools and other things that complete the full package, then you need money in order to live a good life.<br /><br />And you need a lot of money (what "a lot" is depends on your perspective, of course).<br /><br />How much do you need? I say you need at least $5000 monthly to live a good, modern life. That's $60,000 per year. You are not poor, you are not obscenely rich, yet you can afford most of the pleasures that life offers.<br /><br />(I'd be happy to hear what you think is a good monthly income in the Western world...)<br /><br />But the actual key to happiness is not only HOW MUCH money you are earning, but HOW are you earning it.<br /><br />The power of the Internet allows you to earn money effortlessly. It's passive income, and money just keeps coming in day after day, even of you don't do anything about your websites for awhile.<br /><br />That is the real freedom: not only financial freedom, but also personal freedom.<br /><br />Additional factors that make you happy<br /><br />Of course, other factors also make you happy but, in my opinion, they all are less important than, or are consequences of, the three pillars of happiness discussed above.<br /><br />The first of those is to be loved. I mean by a partner; whether you are straight or gay doesn't matter.<br /><br />As long as you have a special soulmate, a boyfriend, a girlfriend, a husband or a wife who loves you and whom you love, then you are adding to your happiness.<br /><br />But know that before someone loves you, you must love and like yourself. How much you are able to like and appreciate yourself is how much someone else will be able to like and appreciate you.<br /><br />And that's why I believe that doing what you love, making people happy and earning good income precede being loved by someone.<br /><br />Because the first three pillars WILL make you happy, and that way, you will automatically attract into your life partners who will love and enjoy your happiness, and make you even happier.<br /><br />Another thing that makes you happy is health. It is, of course, the most important pillar of happiness. No way can you be really happy if you have cancer and you know your life is going to end soon.<br /><br />But I assume that because you are reading this your health is okay right now (or at least not too bad), that you are interested in learning how to become financially free, and that you are not worried too much about your health.<br /><br />But still think about it, and don't let junk food and lack of movement spoil the happiness of earning money and being financially free by causing you to become sick.<br /><br />In summary<br /><br />Many big and small things make us happy. If your main goal is to earn money and you think that will make you happy, think about it some more.<br /><br />Money, in my opinion, makes one third of happiness and, unless you do what you are passionate about (what your purpose is) and receive appreciation from other people for what you do, money will not make you happy.<br /><br />Once you combine all three of these factors, many other things will automatically fall into place, and your life will become a joyous adventure.<br /><br /></div>Andy Subandonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12131539956244386499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660627524908148997.post-90414091977360812002010-10-13T03:14:00.000-07:002010-10-13T03:14:00.186-07:00Gisele Bundchen Reveals her Diet and Workout Secrets!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwfscXNE41KAyEmyLU6RbKA-FBXOvfF2gofS5MrsqtXXVDpEEFsf013nYu6ykX6f4b0PNtNhw5uYDDDdxVc_tKkD8BoyvuHwItVWoiKj_lUSEF7TZId_EZwsOzENvQ8u-uYb9J_ZMhF18/s1600/48-WEBSITE-126.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 324px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwfscXNE41KAyEmyLU6RbKA-FBXOvfF2gofS5MrsqtXXVDpEEFsf013nYu6ykX6f4b0PNtNhw5uYDDDdxVc_tKkD8BoyvuHwItVWoiKj_lUSEF7TZId_EZwsOzENvQ8u-uYb9J_ZMhF18/s400/48-WEBSITE-126.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479231164105560066" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">By Melissa Larone <br /><br />Gisele Bundchen....what can I say. She certainly has the best body out of any celebrity or supermodel that I can think of. She always manages to keep her weight right down and looks stunning as always. Being naked doesn't bother Gisele! According to her, her diet secret is cheeseburgers. This is a very upsetting claim! How can somebody who weighs about 90lbs and is probably 100 meters tall use cheeseburgers as her diet secret? She must have a hell of a workout secret, one cheeseburger contains approximately 300-400 calories! She was discovered at Mcdonalds at the age of 14 so I suppose it makes sense. I'll do some further investigating to find out the REAL Gisele Bundchen workout for you. Don't worry!<br /><br />What Does Gisele Bundchen Eat?<br /><br />Cheeseburgers apparently. And anything else she wants! She's either got a super fast metabolism or actually is burning it all off. Or....it was a lie!<br /><br />How Does Gisele Bundchen Workout?<br /><br />Ok now it is starting to make sense. Gisele burns off every calorie of that cheeseburger! We think of eating cheeseburgers and settling in for a night in front of the TV, whereas Gisele eats a cheeseburger and jumps on the treadmill! Gisele Bundchen tells "I'm very athletic, so I guess because of that I get to eat what I want."<br /><br />From the information I have gathered, Gisele seems to do yoga upon waking. Gisele gave some New York builders a bit of a thrill when she was doing yoga in her apartment one morning. She wasn't aware the builders could see in through the blinds. I kept telling my assistant that we needed to put something up, because they could see in my apartment, but she said, 'Don't worry about it - you have special blinds where you can see out, but they can't see in.'" The supermodel continued to stretch and practice yoga in skimpy outfits every morning in her living room. She adds, "I'm stretching in my shorts and I see a guy looking at me, but my assistant said he couldn't see me, so I continued. "I left and came back home and there were more guys looking into my apartment. I decided to wave (to see if they could see) and they all waved back. "They could see me the entire time! I could have killed her (assistant)!"<br /><br />She also plays Volleyball and does extreme sports to stay fit."I'm very comfortable with my body."<br /><br />Workout: Yoga everyday upon waking, horse riding, volleyball & anything extreme about 3 times a week.<br /><br /></div>Andy Subandonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12131539956244386499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660627524908148997.post-23388097911300855772010-10-10T03:11:00.000-07:002010-10-10T03:11:00.146-07:00Forget Exercise - Go Play<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_wfBuD9DHPHe08MVdnPzfJIOdJfD2WOaiL7X3YBBjOnefyk1nr_QMyFC0nMRx0Z5kHZs9tVMALr7isRBoLRwFBXu6Wf39-VPyTsa7rBkbC3Ic_9mo5aPfA7kWQvqOztlUsqpFjx-f_xE/s1600/47-WEBSITE-126.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_wfBuD9DHPHe08MVdnPzfJIOdJfD2WOaiL7X3YBBjOnefyk1nr_QMyFC0nMRx0Z5kHZs9tVMALr7isRBoLRwFBXu6Wf39-VPyTsa7rBkbC3Ic_9mo5aPfA7kWQvqOztlUsqpFjx-f_xE/s400/47-WEBSITE-126.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479230717242869362" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">By Don Stuart<br /><br />Can't seem to get the energy or motivation to exercise? Forget exercise - go play. For most of us exercise is a chore. So many people hate to exercise, or just can't get motivated to start an exercise program. If you are one of those, forget about exercise, go play.<br /><br />Make it a point to play everyday. Find a partner. Go golfing, swimming, shoot baskets, tennis, volleyball, play catch, any kind of sport that gets you moving. Every day. You may need a different partner each day - find one.<br /><br />Get on your bicycles and go siteseeing. Get with a partner or group and go horseback riding. Go to the parks and explore the trails. Play volleyball, badminton, anything to become active. Remember to start slow and work your way up to playing an hour or two each day.<br /><br />Set a schedule for each activity one day each week. Pre-arrange with a partner to play every day, make each one a weekly event. You will need anything from one to seven partners to keep active all week.<br /><br />Go to your Parks Department, see if they would be interested in starting a playday program for different age groups, or however they might want to do something for their public. Many already have activities for the kids - how about the adults.<br /><br />Go to the local newspaper. Would their Sports Editor be interested in getting their public involved?<br /><br />You may use this article in anyway appropriate. All I ask is that you use it in its entirety, including my information.<br /><br /></div>Andy Subandonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12131539956244386499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660627524908148997.post-88025076205890531752010-10-07T03:10:00.000-07:002010-10-07T03:10:00.321-07:00Presenting: Ottawa's Byward Market - Special Events, Culture & Art, Boutiques and Culinary Delights<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJPRM_cvyHij-NU0PjR_QK43DHcf3jjx_u9GK_Qqv3ok6VDLHANe2cnKRSRPxJpapVAsYZrwTSMyU1gTpydYkbfMTIAMyweChXs6kT9Xbs_-uK8uwkTstbUgkduztxDlP53wh-Atj6oM/s1600/46-WEBSITE-126.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJPRM_cvyHij-NU0PjR_QK43DHcf3jjx_u9GK_Qqv3ok6VDLHANe2cnKRSRPxJpapVAsYZrwTSMyU1gTpydYkbfMTIAMyweChXs6kT9Xbs_-uK8uwkTstbUgkduztxDlP53wh-Atj6oM/s400/46-WEBSITE-126.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479230186529310306" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">By Susanne Pacher<br /><br />Ottawa has a myriad of sights to visit and the ByWard Market is one of the major entertainment areas in Ottawa. It combines a great selection of restaurants and night spots, with funky boutiques and retailers, galleries and artsy places and a busy outdoor market. Throw in a good dose of special events and you've got yourself a happening place!<br /><br />I myself will be heading off to Ottawa on February 10 to sample Canada's capital, and to check out Winterlude, Ottawa's winter festival, which will be held this year from February 3 to 19, 2006. Winterlude includes skating on the Rideau Canal, the world's largest outdoor skating facility according to its Guiness World Book of Records designation of November 2005.<br /><br />Let me give you an idea of the enormity of this skating opportunity: the Rideau Canal's surface is the equivalent size of 90 Olympic rinks and stretches for 7.8 km (4.8 miles) through downtown! And it features all kinds of outdoor entertainment as well as the famous Beavertails, Ottawa's signature pastry, so skating on the Canal will be a definite must on this upcoming trip.<br /><br />So, after a good round of outdoor exercise I will certainly be checking out what the ByWard Market area has to offer and quench my well-deserved hunger with a great meal.<br /><br />In anticipation of my visit I had a chance to talk to Meg McCallum, from the ByWard Market Business Improvement Association, who was able to give me a great overview of this ecclectic area.<br /><br />1. Please give us a general overview of the ByWard Market, its location and its history.<br /><br />Established by Lieutenant Colonel John By in 1826, the ByWard Market is one of Canada's oldest and largest public markets. The legendary builder of the Rideau Canal, Colonel By himself laid out the street plan of the Market, designating George Street and York Street to be extra wide to accommodate the creation of a public market and gathering place. 180 years later, the Market is still going strong!<br /><br />Within an area roughly four blocks square, you'll find cafés, specialty food shops, boutiques, galleries, restaurants, pubs, hair & aesthetics salons and more! Easily accessible on foot, by transit, by bicycle or by car, the ByWard Market offers a unique experience for all.<br />Whether you're here at dawn to welcome the outdoor vendors with their overflowing stands of fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers, and art & crafts; joining some friends for brunch/ lunch/ dinner or shopping; or staying up till the wee hours at one of our hip nightspots, you'll find the ByWard Market has something for you!<br /><br />2. The ByWard Market still houses a farmers market today, please give us more information about that.<br /><br />Outdoor vendors are an integral part of the ByWard Market experience. You'll find ByWard's vendors outside, no matter the weather, 363 days per year (closed Christmas Day and New Year's Day)! At the peak of summertime, there may be 175 stands operating, selling fruits & vegetables, bedding & gardening plants & cut flowers, arts & crafts, maple syrup & honey. In the winter months, you're more likely to find Christmas trees, natural wreaths & garlands, firewood, cut flowers, maple syrup & honey, and art & craft.<br /><br />The farmers market is surrounded by specialty food retail shops - butchers, bakeries, imported items and more. As an example of the variety of goods you'll find, there are over XXX types of cheese to be found!<br /><br />3. Please tell us about the variety of culinary experiences that are available in the ByWard Market.<br /><br />With over 80 restaurants, you'll never run out of options for dining. In the summer months, patios are the place to go, both to take advantage of the sun and warm weather and to people watch. In the winter, you'll find a warm welcome in some of the area's most beautiful heritage buildings, such as the Courtyard Restaurant and Mamma Grazzi's Kitchen. The ByWard Market is home to several internationally recognized chefs and sommeliers - try the Social, Luxe, E18hteen and Domus Café. You'll find Canadian cuisine at its finest, along with Thai, Mexican, Indian, Aboriginal, Japanese and more. If you're in a hurry, the ByWard Market building is home to several take-out options, or you can assemble a picnic lunch with breads, meats, cheeses, fruits and veggies from the farmers market. Don't forget dessert - there are several bakeries and gelato shops to choose from, as well as the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory or Sugar Mountain for those with a sweet tooth!<br /><br />4. What type of retail and shopping opportunities can be found in the area?<br /><br />With most retail shops being locally owned and operated, Market business owners are masters of their crafts. You'll find quality, experience and cutting edge trends in the many fashion, housewares and specialty boutiques. If you're looking for locally designed jewelery and clothing or picks from designers across North America and Europe, the shops on Sussex, Clarence and Dalhousie will wow you! If your interest in cooking has been piqued, try Ma Cuisine, Les Concepts Zone or Domus Housewares for kitchen gadgets galore! From there, of course, you'll start to want to redecorate your whole house... and this is the place to do it. Roche Bobois, Philip Van Leeuwen and many more furniture shops are to be found, along with specialty bath and bedding stores such as Mon Lit and Bed Behaviour. This is only a sampling of the variety of shops - you really have to visit to see for yourself!<br /><br />5. There are also a number of nightlife opportunities in the ByWard Market. Please tell us about those.<br /><br />The Market is home to over 20 nightclubs featuring world reknowned dj's and live music; as well as more than 50 restaurants, pubs and lounges that stay open until 2 am. You'll find everything from martinis and single malt scotches to a world wide selection of wines and spirits. Venues run the gamut from intimate to extravagant; for the salt of the earth and the cream of the crop. Some not to be missed experiences include Fat Tuesdays New Orleans Experience (cajun cuisine and a carnival atmosphere), the Rainbow Bistro (live blues music), The Collection/Mercury Lounge/ Bar 56 (3 floors of martinis, dj's, culture and style), and Zaphod Beeblebrox (recently made famous as the filming location for the Rolling Stones latest video).<br /><br />6. What special events are you planning during the ByWard Market Mardi Gras?<br /><br />Warm your fingers, toes, and your spirits as you take part in a variety of great activities all week long. From a masquerade ball to live Southern bands, you will find fabulous entertainment options for everyone at ByWard Market Mardi Gras from February 3 - 14th.<br /><br />Plus, all week long, take advantage of extraordinary discount prices at 20 of the ByWard Market's trendiest boutiques and salons. Over 25 great ByWard Market restaurants and bars will be serving up special Mardi Gras Menus all week; with tasty Southern dishes and beverages such as all-you-can-eat Creole mussels, Mardi Gras martinis, Cajun seafood jambalaya, and much more.<br /><br />7. You are planning a "Winterlude Stew Cook-Off" for February 3, 2006. Please tell us about this special event.<br /><br />For only $10 you can sample stew created by over 20 of the Market's finest restaurants, including last year's winner of both Judge's and People's Choice awards, Luxe Bistro. The 15th annual Winterlude Stew Cook-Off takes place at the south end of the ByWard Market Building on Friday, February 3, between 12 and 2 p.m.<br /><br />Winners are chosen by the public as well as by a panel of celebrity judges including a master chef from Le Cordon Bleu Cooking School. All proceeds from the stew cook-off will be donated to Operation Go Home.<br /><br />8. You have another special event planned for February 18, 2006: a Snow Volleyball Tournament. Please tell us about that.<br /><br />Winter doesn't need to be spent inside! The Snow Volleyball Tournament brings out up to 40 teams to compete for bragging rights in friendly competition. The action takes place on Saturday, February 18 at 3:00 pm beside the Whiskey Bar at 112 York Street. Proceeds raised at the event will be donated to Operation Go Home.<br /><br />9. Please tell us about the galleries and the arts and culture opportunities that are accessible in and around your area.<br /><br />To start with, the National Gallery of Canada anchors the Market at it's north-west edge. And just across the street is the Notre Dame Basilica - a beautiful cathedral worth a visit to see the marbled painted archways and pillars. Throughout the Market you'll find many small galleries, commercial and publicly owned. The Ottawa School of Art offers short courses, workshops and lectures, and has a shop, a student gallery and a large public gallery. Lafreniere & Pai Gallery is home to works by some of Canada's best glass and ceramic artists, and Gallery of the Kanadas showcases aboriginal and inuit art. Many restaurants host exhibitions, and the Sussex Courtyards are home to several whimsical sculptures.<br /><br />10. What are the ByWard Market Ambassadors?<br /><br />The ByWard Market Ambassador program is operated through a community partnership and includes tourism, safety and information functions. Each summer ByWard Market Ambassadors circulate throughout the Market area contributing to a positive Market experience by...<br /><br />- Providing tourists & the public with an on-street resource for questions about the Market & the City<br /><br />- Providing a safety &security function by monitoring the street activity & responding to situations that require intervention<br /><br />- Providing front-line response & first aid treatment in the case of accident or injury<br /><br />- Maintaining positive community relations with all Market stakeholders<br /><br />Look for the bright yellow t-shirts with INFO on the back...<br />Thank you, Meg, for giving me a good overview of the ByWard Market. I look forward to checking out some of these places in person in a few weeks from now.<br /><br /></div>Andy Subandonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12131539956244386499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660627524908148997.post-21677637942084959752010-10-04T03:09:00.000-07:002010-10-04T03:09:00.331-07:00Purchasing Florida Investment Property And Various Considerations<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGpeMj4kenpZy2d0fLvHxlL8BCEh239Fy0_FfN0iOql0rsI7T4uhy5gvd3v2xONVAkS5ekD-Mzh5tE4AZ6yFc3v5UsDdMMxV5AwDgtnCemKkdqpqF6CvpZxYWz99Pou-w2wHQIumaNi-8/s1600/45-WEBSITE-126.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGpeMj4kenpZy2d0fLvHxlL8BCEh239Fy0_FfN0iOql0rsI7T4uhy5gvd3v2xONVAkS5ekD-Mzh5tE4AZ6yFc3v5UsDdMMxV5AwDgtnCemKkdqpqF6CvpZxYWz99Pou-w2wHQIumaNi-8/s400/45-WEBSITE-126.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479229771002914002" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">By Lisa Carson <br /><br />Purchasing Florida Investment Property<br /><br />Considering researching the purchase of Florida Investment Property or properties for sale in central Florida? Do you find yourself wishing you didn't have that lawn to mow and the constant upkeep on a home? Purchasing Florida Investment Property can relieve you of all those household chores but purchasing a Florida Investment Property requires you do some homework. You need to know what you are looking for in a Florida Investment Property. Some important things to consider in Florida Investment Property are: size, price, location and future salability. Are you looking for the best price on an economy unit, or do you desire luxury Investment Property with more to offer. Prices on Florida Investment Property will vastly vary depending on size, location and other amenities provided. Remember to keep the main thing in mind when purchasing Florida Investment Property: location, location, location. This is the most likely factor in determining whether your purchase of Florida Investment Property will escalate in value. A Florida Investment Property location near banks, shopping, restaurants and cultural venues in a growing real estate sales area will probably mean home values will continue to escalate. The market can always be volatile but purchasing Florida Investment Property in areas such as this will give you a greater chance of profitable resale value.<br /><br />Purchasing Florida Investment Property in High Traffic Areas<br /><br />Are you looking for Florida Investment Property as your primary residence or are you considering purchasing Florida Investment Property as a source of providing rental income? Or is your goal to purchase Florida Investment Property that can be used for family vacations, giving you the benefit of anytime availability without the hassle of searching for last minute specials on low cost holiday lodging. Owning Florida Investment Property can provide you with the security of owning your own vacation villa. Purchasing Florida Investment Property in high traffic tourist areas will also give you the benefit of renting to help off-set the cost of your purchase. Many profitable rental locations exist with one of the hottest areas being the Orlando, Florida area. Orlando is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations due to its proximity to Walt Disney World and the major area theme parks, Sea World and Universal. Owning Florida Investment Property in the Kissimmee, Florida, Orlando, Davenport, Florida area will provide rentals with the closest lodging locations near the major theme park attractions.<br /><br />Owning Florida Investment Property Close to the Major Attractions<br /><br />Kissimmee is closest to Disney World, the number one Central Florida tourist destination. Besides Disneyworld, don't overlook other area attractions near Kissimmee that are also a boost to owning a rental accommodation in this area. A family with kids will have loads to do when booking rental accommodations in Kissimmee. Green Meadows Petting Farm transports you to the country where more than 300 farm animals are on display to touch and see. Other farm activities are also scheduled at this country adventure land. For the horse lover, Horse World is what you've been dreaming of! 750 acres are yours to explore with nothing above you but blue sky and nothing below but the creaking of the saddle. Along with horse riding, Horse World also allows you to relax with a good old fashioned game of horse shoes, volleyball, or basketball. Reservations are suggested. A trip to Kissimmee would not be complete without a visit to the Silver Spurs Arena where rodeos are held every Friday night at 8:00pm. Opening in October of 2005, the Silver Spurs Arena has a capacity of 8,300 with 12 luxury skyboxes in an indoor arena hosting concerts, sporting events and more. Along with these old Florida attractions, you won't want to miss the Arabian Nights dinner theater which was voted best dinner show by Orlando Sentinel readers. Step back into medieval times where an Arabian fairytale is played out before your eyes on horseback. Along with the amazing entertainment, you will feast on an elegant three course meal. Kissimmee is loaded with amazing hidden surprises.<br /><br />Owning Florida investment properties in the Orlando Area<br /><br />Owning real estate resort condominiums in the Orlando area will provide you and your renters with access to all the theme parks around Central Florida plus the hundreds of discount attractions in or near Orlando. Orlando's nickname is The Beautiful City". It more than lives up to its name with its towers of gleaming glass metal skyscrapers set between sparkling lakes. Orlando is also all about historic preservation also. You will find charming brick streets and many gardens and parks. Cultural attractions near Orlando Florida investment Properties include the Morse Museum of American Art where a permanent display of Tiffany glass is on exhibit along with American paintings from the 19th century. The Orlando Museum of Art features American portraits and landscaping, art of the ancient Americas and American impressionist works. Looking for a garden oasis far removed from the hectic tourist pace? Try Leu Gardens, an oasis covering 50 acres featuring annuals, palms and an orchid house. These fine cultural experiences will seem like cheap deals for their reasonable price.<br /><br />Florida investment properties - Other Fine Attractions<br /><br />The list goes on and on. After spending a fortune at the major attractions, you will appreciate finding low cost but fun entertainment near your investment Property. A trip to Florida would not be complete without a visit to Gatorland. The name says it all, as this 70 acre park is home to thousands of gators and some crocodiles. Breeding pens and nurseries are available to view, containing critters of all sizes. Don't miss gator feeding time when you will get a close up view of gators in a feeding frenzy. This family owned park also has a mini water park for children, a petting zoo and a 2000 foot boardwalk which winds its way through a cypress swamp. Looking for the "au naturale" wild side of Florida? Wekiwa Springs pumps 42 million gallons of sparkling clear water a day. Canoeing, swimming, picnicking and fishing are popular outdoor activities. You are also likely to spot a gator in the wild, along with other wildlife native to Florida. For information on these and other local Orlando attractions and to check out the lowest price at orlandoinfo.com.<br /><br />Renting Florida investment Properties<br /><br />Owning Florida investment Properties may be a great option for those with the funds but maybe all you want to do is find discount lodging for a Florida dream vacation. There are many options for renting Florida investment Property. Kissimmee and Orlando are great choices for location of your rental villa. Check out this web source for more information on lodging: http://www.orlandotouristinformationbureau.com. Looking for a time share resort rental? Redweek.com lists time share rentals with price and availability listed on site. Maybe your idea of a dream Florida vacation is staying in a quieter area, somewhat removed from the mainstream of the tourist hubbub. Staying in Davenport, Florida offers that quiet respite. Davenport may seem like its miles removed from the mainstream but it is only 5 miles southwest of Disney making it a close commute to the major attractions. One choice in Davenport is Island Hideaway Resort offering 2 and 3 bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchen. Other amenities include: outdoor pools, children's play room, poolside bar and grill and recreation center. Another great choice is the Island Club Resort and Spa. With its variety of discount deals, you are sure to find what you are looking for here. Everything from an economy size villa to a 5 bedroom vacation villa can be found here. Along with low cost lodging, you will also find resort amenities which include a large adult pool and kiddie pool, volleyball, basketball and tennis court, massage and fitness room and on-site store.</div>Andy Subandonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12131539956244386499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660627524908148997.post-72972356383315169982010-10-01T03:07:00.000-07:002010-10-01T03:07:00.400-07:00Humor, Your Pressure Release Valve, Relieve Stress and Restore Mental Clarity<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOFIaUzMUVbbpFzdE2U9cnoyMSjHIuWpOTMRclzoq_jUsYUII10JIbb5pY3rU0rvuVu-hmHFuU8L8VMQog59bnr_lqme1gP9-fuqQcjvGPaLZyBX2VFb_feBZdeEk-hohx8O6O1-alp6Q/s1600/44-WEBSITE-126.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOFIaUzMUVbbpFzdE2U9cnoyMSjHIuWpOTMRclzoq_jUsYUII10JIbb5pY3rU0rvuVu-hmHFuU8L8VMQog59bnr_lqme1gP9-fuqQcjvGPaLZyBX2VFb_feBZdeEk-hohx8O6O1-alp6Q/s400/44-WEBSITE-126.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479229459135127762" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">By Lois McElravy<br /><br />Workplace stress or occupational stress is the leading cause of employee absenteeism. On an average workday, an estimated 1 million workers do not make it to work due to stress-related-illness.<br /><br />The unexpected or uncontrollable situations that daily wreak havoc on our well laid plans are a major source of stress. Even though we are often unable to control our circumstances, we can control our reaction. Acute stress causes the two hemispheres of our brain to become disconnected. This explains why we might feel flustered, fumble, drop things, and make mistakes, when we feel stressed out.<br /><br />If we are able to look for the humor in that moment, smile, and find a way to laugh about it, we can diffuse a potentially explosive situation. Laughter is a pressure release valve that activates the limbic system in the brain, connecting the right and left sides. It helps us do more whole brain work, and improves our mental clarity. By relieving our stress, we are able to regain our perspective, summon our creativity and problem solve at a higher capacity.<br /><br />Karla is an accountant and works for a medical office. Even though it was a stretch, Karla worked hard all week to finish the payroll, so she may leave work early to attend her daughter's volleyball tournament. Her boss asks her to fill in for the receptionist, who just called in sick.<br /><br />Karla has a solid relationship with her boss, and she is fortunate to work in a fun environment. Karla feels comfortable to use humor in her response to her boss' request, "Sure, I adore this office. I don't mind missing my daughter's volleyball tournament this afternoon, even though it will break her heart, and I have worked hard to get my work done so I may leave early today. That is, unless you insist that I still leave early."<br /><br />One theory on how humor is created is called the Incongruity Theory. This theory suggests that we laugh when two incongruent things come together unexpectedly. Without complaining, Karla was able to draw her boss' attention to the commitment she made to be present at her daughter's game. Because Karla's playful sarcasm caused her boss to chuckle, he was more than willing to make a plan that would accommodate her leaving early.<br /><br />How can you use humorous exaggeration to solve a stressful issue in your workplace? Here is an example. You are not able to finish a project, because it hinges on receiving information from another co-worker, who has assured you twice, he will send it immediately. You feel awkward asking him a third time. So you pick up the phone, and call him, "I seem to be having some problems receiving my e-mail lately. I can't seem to locate the information you sent to me last week."<br /><br />Don't be surprised if this is the response you hear, "The problem is not with your e-mail. I still haven't sent that information." When you show others that you aren't perfect, it allows them to admit that they are human, too. Bottom-line, you want the information and the quickest way to get it is to ask without blaming or offending.<br /><br />The next time you are stressed out because of unexpected or uncontrollable circumstances remember this; "On the keyboard of life, humor is your escape key."<br /><br />Lois McElravy, Lessons from Lois, works with individuals and organizations who want to learn how to effectively use humor, so they can handle the demands and pressures of work and home, maintain a flexible perspective, produce positive outcomes, and have more fun.<br /><br />Learning to laugh and "hangin' on with humor" rescued Lois from the distress and despair surrounding her daily life, and initiated her recovery from a brain injury. Her universal message offers hope, motivates participants to be faithful to do the small things, and conquer their challenges one day at a time.</div>Andy Subandonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12131539956244386499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660627524908148997.post-51148874302847208972010-09-28T03:06:00.000-07:002010-09-28T03:06:00.371-07:00Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Cure With Homeopathy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLdT7b6T9DEaCHSdFdxe4cszDDnd1Cfxee99_eJl0mLAp58chKJhZBgmEZvVYfLUPPIx0WjG1YUP2TctWSUMzxg4tZ4lWlSOOAO-gOHZ4OFdTsTv7Jq0VZ22y8lZV_zW05xyd_2KPjRcg/s1600/43-WEBSITE-126.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLdT7b6T9DEaCHSdFdxe4cszDDnd1Cfxee99_eJl0mLAp58chKJhZBgmEZvVYfLUPPIx0WjG1YUP2TctWSUMzxg4tZ4lWlSOOAO-gOHZ4OFdTsTv7Jq0VZ22y8lZV_zW05xyd_2KPjRcg/s400/43-WEBSITE-126.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479229122156616290" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">By Karl Robinson<br /><br />A 30 year old woman developed Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) followed by Lyme Disease (LD) for which she was treated with partial success with antibiotics. She came to me as she had started to relapse.<br /><br />RMSF is caused by a bacterium called Rickettsia rickettsii that is carried by an infected tick. Symptoms include fever, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, headache and lack of appetite. Often there is a rash, abdominal and joint pains and diarrhea. Treatment is usually with the antibiotic doxycycline.<br /><br />LD is also caused by a bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi, and it, too, is transmitted by the bite of an infected tick. It causes fever, headache, fatigue and a skin rash. It can progress into a debilitating disease affecting the joints, heart and nervous system. It is especially well-known for its arthritic symptoms. It, too, is treated with antibiotics.<br /><br />Antibiotic treatment can be successful especially if started early in either disease. Unfortunately, in many cases of both RMSF and LD, antibiotics fail and the patients suffer terribly with the diseases disabling them.<br /><br />To a conventional doctor the diagnosis and treatment of both illnesses is fairly straightforward. For the homeopath, however, the journey of the disease is always different from one patient to the other.<br /><br />My patient remembered waking up one day in the summer of 2007 with burning spots, one on the abdomen, one on the upper inner thigh and a third along the bra line. She thought it was ringworm. Later, much later, she reasoned, they must have been caused by a tick bite. More about that later.<br /><br />After a month the lesions went away but soon after she had her third ectopic pregnancy (when the sperm fertilizes the egg in the fallopian tube) and surgery was performed the end of October, 2007. After the surgery she experienced low energy and trouble sleeping. She was waking unrefreshed. She had been a most active person and volleyball was her passion. By the spring and summer of 2008 volleyball was exhausting her. Any exercise resulted in fatigue lasting two days.<br /><br />She noticed fullness in the ears and "a ticking sound in the ears when I swallowed." If ice was dropped into a glass the noise was unbearable yet she could not hear someone close when they spoke. Her muscles began to twitch especially on the left side of the body. Facial acne followed with large pustules on the face and neck. There were two episodes of sudden dizziness and nausea with sweating in August, 2008. She lost feeling in the right arm and eventually was unable to move her right hand. In the summer of that year she developed balance problems. On rising from sitting she felt dizzy, as though she were falling to the left. She was bumping into walls and dropping things. It became difficult to find the right word when speaking.<br /><br />She was diagnosed with the acute form of RMSF in October, 2008. She recalled the skin lesions in the summer of 2007 and reasoned they must have been caused by a tick bite. But she could not understand how she could test positive for the acute form of RMSF fifteen months later. The test was repeated and was positive again. A few weeks later she tested positive for LD. It is uncommon to have both diseases at the same time. She was placed on doxycycline for several months and did improve.<br /><br />In January, 2009 she had another failed pregnancy, this one a miscarriage.<br /><br />After stopping the antibiotics, she gradually began to relapse. It was then she sought out homeopathic treatment.<br /><br />"All my symptoms are starting to come back," she said at our first meeting. "The twitching, the clicking in the ears, the fullness in the ears, the decreased hearing, irritability and lower energy-it's all coming back."<br /><br />I now knew her diagnoses-the RMSF and LD-and I knew the particular symptoms that were bothering her. BUT THAT INFORMATION IS NOT ENOUGH FOR A HOMEOPATH TO PRESCRIBE ON. We need to know details about the person. I noticed she spoke rapidly and energetically. Her husband helped. "She is very active," he said. "Focused. Very athletic. Definitely not a couch potato. She used to play volleyball all the time."<br /><br />In school she did poorly on tests and her academic record was not great. Her thing was sports. Besides volleyball, she did track.<br /><br />She was punctual. "I like to be five minutes early," she said.<br /><br />She had struggled with depression since she was married in 2003. She came from a large family and in marriage she was alone a lot since her husband was away often. Also, they moved five times in four years.<br /><br />I asked how she was when depressed. "I would just lay around," she said. "Not much motivation." She mentioned how much she had enjoyed being around people before her marriage.<br /><br />She then brought up a curious trait. "I tell the truth."<br /><br />"What do you mean you tell the truth?" I asked.<br /><br />"Well my sister lives with us. We found out she was using drugs. I confronted her about it and told her she needed to tell my parents and she did."<br /><br />She continued telling me that she had always been a "goody two-shoes" and "a black and white kind of person."<br /><br />By this time I suspected she might need the homeopathic medicine, Sepia so-knowing the symptoms Sepia women often have with their menses-I asked about them.<br /><br />"I have to sit on the toilet, sometimes for hours, because I feel everything is going to fall out."<br /><br />Now, this is a confirmatory symptom of Sepia-this bearing down sensation during menses.<br /><br />I asked about her housekeeping. "When I was depressed the house would become a wreck, she said." Then I'd get up and clean the whole house in two hours."<br /><br />"I bet you cleaned to music," I said.<br /><br />"Yes. How did you know?"<br /><br />I knew because that is typical of Sepia women. In fact, they are always better with activity and vigorous exercise. Often they love to dance and if they can't dance they will boogie around the house when cleaning.<br /><br />She mentioned how before these two illnesses she often used to run six miles effortlessly.<br /><br />Sepia people love activity, the more vigorous the better. If they do not do sports they work hard and fast. They tend to be honest (witness how she confronted her sister about her drug use.) And she had the strong bearing-down sensation during the period.<br /><br />One other Sepia trait: they often become indifferent, even hostile, to loved ones. I asked her how she treated her husband. "When I was depressed I told him, 'I don't like you. I don't want to be married to you.'"<br /><br />I was satisfied she needed Sepia and gave her a dose.<br /><br />During the follow up visit she was ecstatic. "I'm doing a thousand times better," she said. "I feel I'm a completely different person. I told my husband I felt genuinely happy for the first time in years."<br /><br />"My female parts aren't as heavy as they used to be. Every time I had a period it felt heavy down there-my uterus and lower intestines. Also my thighs felt heavy. Not now."<br /><br />She had resumed running and it was not tiring her. Also, she was getting on much better with her husband. She even overheard him say to a friend, "She's a completely different person."<br /><br />Her acne, however, was considerably worse.<br /><br />In homeopathy, it is important to know what is happening on the road to cure. We like to see old symptoms return and acne was an old symptom. Also we like to see less important organs and structures being affected as the more important ones improve. As the acne was far less crucial to her health than the symptoms she had had earlier with the RMSF and LD I assured her that everything was in order.<br /><br />Does this mean that Sepia will cure all cases of RMSF and LD? Not at all. Sepia will only cure when the patient has the characteristic symptoms of Sepia. Another person with either RMSF or LD will need a different medicine. Homeopathy is very different from conventional medicine in this regard. We focus on the innate symptoms of the person which are often particular to him or her. By "innate" I mean those traits that an individual comes into this world with. They shine forth consistently throughout the life. Sepia would not be indicated in a lazy, slothful person who moved slowly through life. ALWAYS WE TRY TO MATCH THE HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINE WITH THE PATIENT'S CHARACTERISTIC SYMPTOMS.<br /><br /></div>Andy Subandonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12131539956244386499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660627524908148997.post-39675163669948839362010-09-25T03:05:00.000-07:002010-09-25T03:05:00.368-07:00At The Beach - A Primer On The Selection And Clearance Of Trademarks<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4eL0eFul8IxZZpOjl1Qv_T1MLTxX9R7gyWrgISK9QxH4FHc2r8KstX4u5OQIgvXw0rvVLJ2GwRDHyq2nnIymH6DV8C7GA9auB2Fs-bVcLuJS5TqDsCFwE9b0dOu8lSt1do7jr7IcTuWs/s1600/42-WEBSITE-126.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 358px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4eL0eFul8IxZZpOjl1Qv_T1MLTxX9R7gyWrgISK9QxH4FHc2r8KstX4u5OQIgvXw0rvVLJ2GwRDHyq2nnIymH6DV8C7GA9auB2Fs-bVcLuJS5TqDsCFwE9b0dOu8lSt1do7jr7IcTuWs/s400/42-WEBSITE-126.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479228792133500850" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">By William Maguire<br /><br />INTRODUCTION:<br /><br />Surfboards, swim fins, wetsuits, t-shirts, swimsuits, sunglasses, sunscreen, bottled water, sandals, umbrellas, towels, volleyballs, ice chests........ sounds like another summer day at the beach! To the savvy, business entrepreneur, however, these beach accessories/necessities are the breeding ground for commercial exploitation. Not far behind in this consumer petri dish of sand and capitalism is the need to select a trademark by which the item exploited will be known, e.g., HOBIE® surfboards, O'NEILL® wetsuits, OAKLEY® sunglasses, BAYWATCH® wristwatches, MIKASA® volleyballs, and COPPERTONE® sunscreen and tanning lotions. This article will highlight some famous trademarks in the sun, sand & surf and will briefly address the legal and business issues with respect to the selection, clearance and registration of such trademarks.<br /><br />TRADEMARKS DEFINED<br /><br />A trademark (or mark) is defined as any word, symbol, slogan, or device (such as a design), or a combination of them, used by a manufacturer or merchant to identify his goods or services and to distinguish them from those manufactured, sold or serviced by others. COPPERTONE® and SPEEDO® are excellent examples of 'word' marks. "TAN DON'T BURN" is an example of a 'slogan' mark. A logo or design such as the famous COPPERTONE girl and the dog is an example of a 'design' mark. An example of a service mark is ESPN® for the "entertainment services, reporting and sports programming services rendered through the medium of television." Such a service mark as ESPN® can also be exploited and serve as a trademark (i.e., for clothes (shirts, hats, sweaters, vests); prerecorded videotapes; beach bags, beach towels, etc.). In the U.S., trademark rights are acquired through use (e.g., by selling or transporting your product in commerce with the mark attached or on a label). In addition, under certain circumstances "color" can be a trademark. Examples outside the surf/beach industry are the color "pink" for fiberglass insulation and "green" for dry cleaning pads.<br /><br />SELECTION AND CLEARANCE<br /><br />The selection of a trademark is the first step that a merchant undertakes to create an identity for his/her surfboard or swimsuit, etc. The clearance of a trademark is the process of determining whether or not the trademark is available and is not being used by someone else as a trademark. This clearance process cannot be overemphasized in its importance. Ignoring this vital step can lead to a multitude of problems and expense. In the clearance of a trademark, a two-step process is suggested. The first step is to conduct an on-line computer trademark search of the mark. This on-line search is further clarified by identifying the goods sought to be used or sold as trademarks are categorized by classification. In the United States, the federal government has adopted the International Classification system. Toys, sporting goods, volleyballs swim fins, bodyboards, and surfboards are in Class #28. Swimsuits and beach apparel and clothing are in Class #25. Backpacks, beach bags and gear bags are in Class #18. Posters, magazines, books, trading cards, and other printed matter and publications are in Class #16. Videotapes, audiotapes, video game software (including downloadable software over a global computer network), surfing and skateboard helmets are in Class #9. Therefore, if you are planning to sell surfboards, apparel and gear bags, then you will want to conduct an on-line search of Classes # 28, 25 and 18. The on-line search is often called a "knock-out" search. This is because the on-line search is a quick and relatively inexpensive way to determine if the mark is already being used. These on-line searches are often available at public libraries, commercial search firms and law firms.<br /><br />If your mark appears free of conflicts after conducting an on-line search, the next level of search is the full search, which is obtained from commercial search firms like THOMSON COMPUMARK and CORSEARCH. The full search will search the federal database of trademarks at the Patent and Trademark Office, State trademark registrations, common law sources such as phone directories and Dun & Bradstreet listings, plus internet domain name registrations. If your mark still appears clear of conflicts after a full search, then you can be fairly certain that you can adopt and start using your mark. CAVEAT: These searches are not guarantees of the absence of conflicting marks, but they do allow a merchant to make a more informed decision in the clearance of a trademark.<br /><br />FEDERAL TRADEMARK REGISTRATION<br /><br />To obtain maximum protection, it is best to register your trademark or service mark. In the U.S., your greatest rights can be obtained with a federal trademark registration. If you are only conducting business within one state, e.g., California, it is possible to register your mark with the California Secretary of State. However, if it is your intent to do business across state lines or in foreign commerce (or if you are already doing business across state lines or in foreign commerce), then the prudent thing to do is to file for a federal trademark application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office located in Alexandria, Virginia.<br /><br />An application for registration of a trademark must be filed in the name of the owner of the mark. The applicant must submit: (a) a written application; (b) a drawing of the mark; (c) the required filing fee (which is $325 per mark per class at this time). The applicant will also incur attorneys fees, typically a fixed fee, should an attorney be hired to file the application(s). Trademarks registered with the Federal Government, as stated previously, are categorized by a classification system which correspond to the type of goods sought to be registered. For instance, MOREY® and MOREY BOOGIE® for bodyboards, CHURCHHILL® swim fins and MIKASA® volleyballs all are in Class #28. The ESPN® service mark is in Class #41; QUIKSILVER®, HANG TEN® and OCEAN PACIFIC® for clothing are in Class #25; BILLABONG® and BODY GLOVE® wetsuits are also in Class #25; REEF BRAZIL®, NIKE® and ADIDAS® for sandals and footwear are also in Class #25; SPEEDO® and TYR® backpacks and gear bags are in Class #18; SURFER® magazine, VOLLEYBALL® magazine and SURF BUSINESS(TM) are in Class #16 for publications.<br /><br />After the mark is registered in the U.S., it is important to give notice of this fact by placing the registered trademark symbol, "®", adjacent to the mark. Prior to registration, it is also advisable to use the symbols, "TM" (for trademarks) and "SM" (for service marks).<br /><br />The chief advantages of a federal registration include:<br /><br />"Constructive Notice" nationwide of the registrant's claim to ownership of the mark. This basically eliminates the good faith defense of an infringer who claims to have lacked actual knowledge of the registered mark.<br /><br />Registration is also evidence of (a) the validity of the registration; (b) the registrant's ownership of the mark; and (c) the registrant's exclusive right to use the mark in commerce in connection with the goods or services.<br /><br />Registration also entitles the registrant to (a) file a lawsuit for infringement of the mark in Federal Court; (b) prevent importation of goods bearing an infringing mark; and (c) use the registration as a basis for registering the same mark in certain foreign countries.<br /><br />Trademark registrations are valid for 10 years subject to certain use and filing requirements, and are renewable every 10 years, also subject to continued use and renewal filing requirements.<br /><br />FOREIGN TRADEMARK REGISTRATION<br /><br />If your product is distributed internationally, then you must, by and large, register your mark(s) in each country where you plan to do business or are doing business. Is this expensive? Yes! On the other hand, the alternative is the potential loss of the ability to sell your product in those countries where a third party has filed a prior application for your mark(s). Therefore, foreign trademark protection is typically obtained on a country-by-country basis. Unlike the U.S., however, trademark rights in many foreign countries are obtained by registration rather than use. This further necessitates the importance of filing for marks in foreign countries as soon as possible.<br /><br />One notable alternative to the typical practice of registering trademarks on a country-by-country basis is the new (European) Community Trade Mark Application which has been available since January 1, 1996 for the filing of applications. By obtaining a Community wide trademark registration, an owner of a U.S. registered trademark, for example, can potentially save both time and money otherwise invested in registering a mark in each separate European country and can thus hopefully attain maximum protection for its trademarks in overseas markets at a minimum of cost.<br /><br />CONCLUSION<br /><br />Whether you are selling products or services, it is very important to be aware of your trademark and/or service mark and their value. In a competitive business environment, the potential for economic loss is tremendous if trademark rights are not acquired, evaluated, protected and maximized. While this article does not portend to cover all the intricacies of trademark law, hopefully it has helped to shed some light on this area of the law which is of paramount importance to the business owner.</div>Andy Subandonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12131539956244386499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660627524908148997.post-62759838281974670112010-09-22T03:04:00.000-07:002010-09-22T03:04:00.753-07:00Hello from Toronto - Presenting - 55 Division - A Lesson in Community Policing in the Beach<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGBWitgce6SvY7JC7Or7fx4cJmpV6dxQn7bY_u9uvYYFoRZMB97W89NVSJJCJZzMOZTjFDlttwFTNIR0iRfTaJ79DXuEgsyU_pm3CDGk-tG_X3c0M3LWaF0kzVhut1H41afS_i_UyrHmQ/s1600/41-WEBSITE-126.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGBWitgce6SvY7JC7Or7fx4cJmpV6dxQn7bY_u9uvYYFoRZMB97W89NVSJJCJZzMOZTjFDlttwFTNIR0iRfTaJ79DXuEgsyU_pm3CDGk-tG_X3c0M3LWaF0kzVhut1H41afS_i_UyrHmQ/s400/41-WEBSITE-126.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479228498140109330" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">By Susannne Pacher<br /><br />With the date for my photo exhibition rapidly approaching and the need to finalize my articles and get the photos ready, I had not planned to do any further interviews, but one organization could not be missing from my article series about the Beach: Toronto Police Service 55 Division, an organization with whom all the special events organizers work regularly. In his words 55 Division is extremely supportive of the Beach and a very positive force in the community.<br /><br />I hopped in my car to drive to Dundas and Coxwell Avenues to meet the officers at 55 Division. Gene introduced me to Superintendent Wayne Peden, the head of the station and after introducing the Celebrate Toronto project Superintendend Peden started to give me a general overview of 55 Division. He explained that the policing area of 55 Division extends from the Don River in the west and to Victoria Park Avenue in the east, and from Danforth Avenue in the north to Lake Ontario in the south.<br /><br />Superintendent Peden added that the police play a critical role in all the public events in the Beach, including the Beaches Jazz Festival, the Easter Parade and the Ashbridges Bay Fireworks. He used to work in this area in the 1980s and was just transferred back to this station last year. According to Superintendent Peden the Beach is a very safe area, with the main concerns being traffic and parking. He described the Beach as an excellent place to live and work. Many police offers want to work at this station, and Superintendent Peden enjoys his new location.<br /><br />55 Division has about 235 employees including front line officers, detectives and investigative offers as well as community response officers who work with the community to resolve issues. Examples could include barking dogs, or driveway disputes, or teenagers that might be up to mischief. The idea is to resolve issues before they become problems.<br /><br />During big events 55 Division officers work with the organizing committees of the respective events to ensure that the festival or the parade are going to run smoothly with minimal inconvenience to the locals. During major events for example, all the main streets north and south of Queen Street East have to be blocked off, and this is 55 Division's responsibility. Once the roads are closed, the organizers take over and handle things from there.<br /><br />Superintendent Peden started to fill me in on some of the community issues that are going on in 55 Division: from volleyball programs for teenagers from at-risk communities to school safety and anti-bullying education programs, officers from 55 Division are involved in a wide variety of community endeavours about which I would shortly learn more. The Superintendent added that his station has a very good working relationship with the community and the politicians in the area. 55 Division strives to provide a strong visible presence and to be recognized as an integral part of the community.<br /><br />As he had to go, Superintendent Peden handed me over to Sergeant John Spanton who was going to explain things to me I more detail. He explained that there are several different units within 55 Division: a Primary Response Unit (PRU) that involves first line policing, emergency call response and apprehension of criminals. In addition community problems and outreach is handled by the Community Response Unit (CRU). Sergeant Spanton added that the division has one officer who is in charge of educational outreach in elementary schools; in addition two full-time officers handle the liaison with local high schools.<br /><br />One of the important mandates of the Toronto Police Service is to encourage greater community integration. In addition a concerted effort has been made to attract more visible minorities and women into the police force. Sergeant Spanton explained that today many of the officers that are being hired are quite a bit older than what used to be the case in the past. The recruiting process takes life experience into consideration, and Toronto's demographic diversity is increasingly being reflected in the faces of the Toronto Police Service. A wide variety of different ethnic and cultural groups are represented within Sergeant Spanton's own team of officers. More officers with different language skills are being hired as well to be able to communicate with the various immigrant groups that call Toronto their home.<br /><br />Another officer joined us: Regina La Borde is a 15-year veteran with the Toronto Police Force and now a full-time Elementary School Liason Officer. After many years of front-line policing she has become a full-time educator and crime prevention officer for 55 Division. Her curriculum includes topics such as traffic safety rules and not talking to strangers which are taught to children in junior and senior kindergarden. In Grade 2 safety and street proofing continues. Topics such as what to do when you get lost and telling your parents at all times where you are and what you are doing get covered. The curriculum for Grade 4 includes Internet safety and cyber-bullying. The concept of never talking to any strangers, even online, is emphasized as well.<br /><br />In Grade 5 bullying becomes the key topic while drug awareness takes centre stage in Grade 6. Students learn about the different types of drugs, such as alcohol, marijuana, cocaine or ecstasy; they also get educated about the drugs' biochemical effects as well as about the legal consequences that can happen if they get involved in drug use. In Grade 8 the focus is on youth violence and gangs to prepare students for what they might be facing in high school. Materials such as videotapes and Powerpoint presentations are used to illustrate the concepts, and the entire curriculum is presently being updated to reflect current realities.<br /><br />Officer La Borde indicated that she does these teaching assignments in uniform and added that her job is very rewarding because at this age children are very open to learning, and they have a consistently positive image of the police.<br /><br />Sergeant Spanton continued that police officers come out to local elementary schools in the division to participate in fair days or fun days. Community Response Unit officers make an appearance in uniform and give the children an opportunity to explore the features of a police car and to get to know the officers. On various occasions children from different daycare services have a chance to get a tour of the police station. All these functions are part of the public outreach and education function of the police.<br /><br />He went on to explain that two full-time officers in 55 Division are dedicated to the local high schools. They make an appearance at high school basketball games or swim meets, and often police officers participate in friendly competitions with the local high school sports teams. The children have a great time competing against the officers, and it gives them a chance to get to know the officers from a human point of view.<br /><br />In elementary schools officers also offer bicycle safety courses and provide safety checks for the children's bikes, another opportunity to see the human side of the officers. The focus in elementary schools is on crime prevention and pro-activeness while in high school the police officers' role becomes more reactive and focused on education and enforcement.<br /><br />Sergeant Spanton also explained that in addition to the CRU (Community Response Unit) officers there are Primary Response Unit officers who handle emergency calls and apprehend criminals. A full-time Crime Prevention Officer interacts with local store owners and residents about how to safety-proof homes and businesses. A Community Relations Officer looks after seniors and mentally ill individuals. These officers often become the liaison person with other social service agencies or local hospitals.<br /><br />Sergeant Spanton himself supervises a Community Response Unit team, and in the winter he has eight officers reporting to him while the number goes up to ten officers in the summer. He also attends management meetings to identify problem areas in the division which will then be taken into account in the deployment of manpower. Special events and crime "hot spots" are considered in the allocation of resources. The officers' hours are changed depending on the problems that may arise in the community. In the spring as daylight gets longer, work hours for many officers are changed to go from 4 pm to 2 am.<br /><br />He also explained that many officers walk the beat in the Beach all year round. they start at Lee and Queen and talk to store owners about crime and safety. When the weather gets nice several officers are deployed on bicycles to patrol the green spaces and parklands close to the waterfront to ensure that the general public is safe in these popular recreational spaces. The "Parks Project" for example is intended to provide police presence in the outdoor recreational areas and to deal with groups of teenagers that might assemble in the evenings which occasionally may lead to trouble.<br /><br />A visible police presence discourages these crowds from gathering, and the officers educate and encourage the youth to disperse when it gets dark to prevent issues from happening. As a result, single women going jogging can feel quite feel safe and secure when they choose to work out in these areas, and a consistent police presence goes a long way towards ensuring public safety. Sergeant Spanton emphasized that the Beach gets the service it gets because it is receptive to the police. He added "we are here to help".<br /><br />The entire philosophy of the Toronto Police Service is heavily focused on community-oriented policing which is a number one priority. The public should understand that the police are accessible and available, and what makes 55 Division unique is that the community takes full advantage of the services offered by the police.<br /><br />Staff Sergeant Steve Tracy explained some additional concepts to me. He indicated that the officers in charge of the high school programs also run the ESP Program: a Toronto-wide initiative, the Empowered Student Partnership program is a peer mentoring program where students plan, organize and execute a year-long safe schools initiative in their local schools and communities. They are empowered to take the necessary actions to solve issues specific to their school and are able to utilize programs or guest speakers that are available to them through the Police Coordinator at Community Programs, Youth Services.<br /><br />One important corporate partner of the Toronto Police Service is Tim Horton's which has created a so-called "Earn A Bike" program, targeted at children between ages 12 and 15. In return for providing 30 hours of supervised community service, children who would not otherwise be able to afford a bicycle participate in park cleanups, graffiti eradication and other community based programs. In the process they gain a totally new understanding of the role of the police as well as a new perspective on mischief such as graffiti. At the end of the program these children are presented with a bicycle and a helmet by Tim Horton's, and last year 14 children in 55 Division had an opportunity to participate in this program. Staff Sergeant Tracy says that "small things like this can have a big impact on the community".<br /><br />He also explained that 55 Division has an auxiliary police program that encompasses volunteer police officers that often help with crowd control during special events like the Toronto International Beaches Jazz Festival or the Taste of the Danforth. These are trained civilian volunteers, outfitted in uniforms that are similar to those of full-fledged police officers, and they are trained in civilian authority and basic use of force. Their equipment includes a baton and handcuffs, and their main role is to assist with community events.<br /><br />Events like the Beaches Jazz Festival that attract large crowds require a large uniformed presence to provide for safety and public confidence. Auxiliary police officers also help to locate missing children during special events; in addition they assist with community outreach and crime prevention and play a critical role in supporting the police force which, like any other city department, is facing limited resources.<br /><br />Community mobilization is also an important objective of the Toronto Police Service. With an $800 million budget the Police Force is highly accountable to local taxpayers, and a two-year business plan lays out the service's priorities for the next two years. Community mobilization also encompasses turning Community Response Unit officers into "long-term problem solvers" dealing with problem addresses, neighbhourhood disputes, noise complaints or other community problems that do not have an immediate fix.<br /><br />Staff Sergeant Steve Tracy explains that problem addresses often have some criminal element associated with them, for example drugs might be at the root of the problem. But there are also other stakeholders involved, for example a negligent landlord. The problem address might affect Social Services, the Department of Public Health, Bylaw Enforcement or the Fire Department, and might require a holistic solution in order to solve the problem. Cases like these are not just a police issue. The police's role is to involve the various stakeholders to get the problem fixed. Simple examples of community mobilization include Neighbourhood Watch programs where the neighbourhood starts to solve its own problems. The Police Services simply do not have enough resources to handle all issues, and it becomes critical to mobilize the community and involve them in the problem solving process.<br /><br />We also touched on the role of the CPLCs: the Toronto-wide Community Police Liaison Committees are made up of community volunteers and police service representatives from each division. Each committee is intended to reflect the demographics of the local community to work together in identifying, prioritizing and problem-solving of local policing issues. The CPLCs achieve this by being proactive in community relations, crime prevention, education, mobilization and communications initiatives, and by acting as a resource to the police and the community.<br /><br />In the Beach, for example, the Community Police Liaison Committee would have representatives from the main business improvement areas as well as major event promoters and regular citizens. This gives all the stakeholders a chance to hear one another's voice, and Staff Sergeant Tracy adds that at 55 Division the CPLC works extremely well. Resources, ideas and information are shared for the benefit of the entire community. The Community Police Liaison Committee also has a Youth Scholarship Fund where money is raised for bursaries that go to local high school students. The entire community is working together to make the neighbourhood a better place.<br /><br />Individual police stations participate in a variety of corporate initiatives, and many initiatives are the results of partnerships with the community. Basketball and volleyball programs, for example, are funded by ProAction Cops and Kids, a non-profit organization designed to provide funding for programs targeted at at-risk youth. These programs are designed for youth between 11 and 18 years of age and allow police officers and at-risk youth to interact in constructive, non-confrontational circumstances to develop a better understanding of one another. Programs encompass arts, sports, education, safety, mentorship and camping, and to get a better understanding of ProAction's role in the Beach community I had a chance to talk to Police Constable Lisa Cowling.<br /><br />Together with Police Constable Troy Lashley, PC Lisa Cowling created a beach volleyball program for children at risk. In the summer of 2006, 18 male and 20 female students aged 11 to 16 years old were selected from two different community centres, and they would take turns coming down to Ashbridges Bay on a Wednesday evening to learn how to play beach volleyball. ProAction provided the funding for nets, balls and refreshments, and every evening would be capped off with a barbecue. Police Constable Cowling explained that the participants were taught the basic skills of the beach volleyball, but also other concepts such as camaraderie, teamwork, honesty and fairness.<br /><br />Many of these children had never had an opportunity to spend much time at Toronto's waterfront, and this was also an ideal way of getting to know police officers on a human level. The officers would be running the program in plain clothes, and by the end of the program real friendships had developed. On the final day of the program, a big barbecue was held for the two groups from the different community centres, and two professional Beach volleyball players came out and played games with the kids. Fred Koops, owner of local beach volleyball outfitter Overkill designed and donated t-shirts for the children. This coming year, other police divisions will be invited to select their own at-risk youth to participate in the program and the program will be expanded.<br /><br />My visit to 55 Division was capped off with a guided tour through the facility by PC Cowling. She showed me the entire three levels of the building, including the holding cells for men, women and teenagers.<br /><br />This afternoon had been a fascinating lesson in policing, and my eyes were truly opened to the broad range of positive roles that the police play in the community. The motto of the Toronto Police Service "To serve and Protect" is definitely being put into action in the Beach.</div>Andy Subandonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12131539956244386499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660627524908148997.post-46568036265816688362010-09-19T03:01:00.000-07:002010-09-19T03:01:00.256-07:00Presenting - The Balmy Beach Club - Legend by the Lake<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge1JpTdxpIsrQ2OFil8W52CNeqyoVOawp7vR7WnpVjzW588sRph9-tjNucdDASGRe5B-hsaHPcIZbsYW-4ngCW1omb70Ch-g6nriMcCklQccIPjtrlvMtnlvSativa1BFpmdoX1wMs-y8/s1600/40-WEBSITE-126.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge1JpTdxpIsrQ2OFil8W52CNeqyoVOawp7vR7WnpVjzW588sRph9-tjNucdDASGRe5B-hsaHPcIZbsYW-4ngCW1omb70Ch-g6nriMcCklQccIPjtrlvMtnlvSativa1BFpmdoX1wMs-y8/s400/40-WEBSITE-126.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479227806686575218" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">By Susannne Pacher<br /><br />No neighbourhood portrait of Toronto's Beach community could ever be complete without one of the true institutions in the area: the Balmy Beach Club, a private social and athletics club founded in 1905, has been a real anchor of the local sports and recreational scene, and continues to thrive today as a favourite gathering place for many of its members. During a recent interview with Glenn Cochrane, he took me briefly into the Balmy Beach Club and stated that "this is the best patio on Toronto's waterfront - bar none". When I headed out on the patio and saw the sweeping 180 degree panorama of Lake Ontario with a view towards Toronto's skyline, I simply had to agree. Combined with a beautiful setting inside a historic neighbourhood, surrounded by gorgeous mature trees, one would be hard-pressed to find a more perfect urban oasis in Toronto than the Balmy Beach Club.<br /><br />To find out more about this revered institution I set up an interview with Ken Bingham, long-time member of the Balmy Beach Club, and the official historian of this institution. The Balmy Beach Club, a non-profit organization, is a social and athletic club that came into existence in 1905. It has about 1400 members in two membership categories: the social membership provides access to upstairs facilities, including the bar, lounge, patio and banquet hall. Social members are able to attend a wide variety of functions, for example the Superbowl Party, a Glen Miller Dance, Rock Star Karaoke, a Martini Night and many more. Members in the social category also participate at no extra cost in lawn bowling, volleyball and most social functions run through the club. In addition, members are eligible to rent the banquet facility for private functions such as birthday parties, anniversaries and weddings. Many local community organizations also use the club to hold special events or fundraisers.<br /><br />The fitness membership includes the privileges of the social membership and additionally provides access to the fitness room, the squash courts, sauna and change rooms on the lower level of the building. With this level of membership it is feasible to join the canoe, hockey or rugby sections of the club. Sports such as curling, tennis, football and lawnbowling are offered as well through the club.<br /><br />For more than a century the Balmy Beach Club has been noted for its athletic teams which started out with canoeing and lawn bowling, and were later expanded to add other activities such as curling, hockey, squash and volleyball. Ken explained that the land for the Club was donated by Sir Adam Wilson, an Ontario Chief Justice in the second half of the 19th century. The land for the Balmy Beach Park was incorporated in 1903.<br /><br />The first club house, a beautiful two level structure with large wooden verandas, opened in 1905, but it unfortunately burnt to the ground in 1936. Another club house was built, but again fire struck in 1963. The current club house dates back to 1965.<br /><br />While Ken was grabbing me some extra papers with historic information I took the opportunity to talk with Chris Buckley, the current president of the club, now serving his second term. Chris works full time in sales, and in his spare time he oversees the club and chairs the board. He informed me that this is a volunteer position, and that a Board of Directors is responsible for the main athletic sections (canoeing, lawn bowling, volleyball, hockey, rugby and squash). Chris further explained that membership is actually rather reasonable for a private club: the social membership is $260 a year while the fitness or athletic membership costs $420 per year. An initiation fee of $300 applies to first-time members, but that fee is sometimes waived during special promotions.<br /><br />Chris Buckley indicated that he is very interested in increasing the membership of the Club since a larger roster of members also helps to defray the costs of running the club. Sometimes the Balmy Beach Club holds open houses and invites the community at large to get to know the club, its facilities and recreational opportunities. He indicated that the club is very open and welcoming, and has members from as far away as Brampton and Mississauga, but there are also a number of international members who reside in the United Kingdom, in the United States, in Australia and New Zealand.<br /><br />The sports teams themselves run various fundraising events to cover the costs of insurance and other necessary funds for their sports activities. A very popular fundraising event is a volleyball tournament, and participants often show up outfitted in funny costumes. One time a team was dressed up as gladiators, another time they were pretending to be waiters with bowties from the "Goof" , the affectionately nicknamed historic Garden Foods Chinese restaurant just up the street.<br /><br />The club itself also gets involved in charitable activities on behalf of the Beach community. The club sponsors local high school baseball, lacrosse and hockey teams, and club members also provide a scholarship to one male and one female student at Malvern Collegiate. During the summer the club runs a canoe/kayak day camp for about 300 children. The linkages to the community are strong.<br /><br />I inquired into general information about the club, and Chris informed me that the opening hours are Monday to Sunday from 6 am to 1 am. He chuckled and said "the bar closes when the president goes home". New developments are also in the works: the city wants to build additional volleyball courts on the sandy beach right in front of the club. Toronto has actually become known as the beach volleyball Mecca in Canada with a variety of leagues and tournaments encompassing hundreds of teams that are run out of Ashbridges Bay. The Balmy Beach Club was actually were it all started, and Canadian beach volleyball celebrities Mark Heese and John Child both used to play at the Balmy Beach Club. Heese and Child participated in three Olympic Games: the team won the bronze medal in Atlanta (1996), came in 5th in Sydney (2000) and 5th again in Athens (2004).<br /><br />World caliber athletes have been coming out of the Balmy Beach Club for a long time. International rugby players have been developed at the Balmy Beach Club, and Chris adds that there are eight senior players that played on the Canadian national rugby team, while six Balmy Beach junior players are currently playing for Canada. Several paddlers from the Balmy Beach Club have won Olympic medals in kayaking and canoeing as well.<br /><br />What Chris really enjoys about being a member at the Balmy Beach Club is that the club is very inclusive and includes members of all backgrounds and age groups. He enjoys being friends with 18-year old youngsters while he also appreciates the older members, many of whom have been part of this club for several decades. He said it is very sad when some of the older members pass away, and the entire club mourns the departure of long-term club members. He adds that he has football pictures from high school that depict three generations of Balmy Beach Club members.<br /><br />Chris had to go and handed me back to Ken, and we set off on a tour of the building. Ken first took me into a large multi-purpose room on the Western side of the building which houses a variety of plaques and sports jerseys. This is where most of the social functions are held, and occasionally the room is also used for indoor lawn bowling. Ken indicated that the Balmy Beach Football team won the Grey Cup twice in 1927 and 1930. Several wooden plaques highlight the Canadian champions in canoeing / kayaking, lawn bowling and football/rugby that came out of the Balmy Beach Club. The long lists are impressive.<br /><br />One plaque in particular honours the Olympians that emerged from this club. One person that appears four times on this plaque is a gentleman by the name of Jim Mossmann, who, as Ken explained, was the Canadian Olympic Canoe Coach in four different Olympic games. In addition to paddling sports, curling is another sport offered by the Balmy Beach Club. The club fields twelve teams that all play in their own league at the East York Curling Club.<br /><br />Lifetime club members also get honoured here, and some active members have been with the club for 60 or more years. The Balmy Beach Club truly provides social and recreational opportunities for an entire lifetime, and its members have a deeply felt loyalty to this institution. Many a courtship was started at the Balmy Beach Club, and I bet that scores of Beachers were born as a result of a romantic connection that started at the Balmy Beach Club.<br /><br />Just outside the multi-purpose room is an area full of plaques, the Balmy Beach Club Hall of Fame, honouring some of the distinguished athletes from the club. In a hallway just to the left of the entrance hall there are a number of certificates, including original certificates from the 1920 Olympic Games in Paris, the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin, the 1952 Games in Helsinki as well as the 1960 Olympic Games in London, all donated by Balmy Beach Club members who were actual participants in these historic competitions.<br /><br />Ken pointed out a picture on the opposite side of the wall showing a group of lawn bowlers on opening day in 1905. A picture of hockey players dating back to 1913 also illustrates the long history of this institution. Ken explains that the original sports at the Balmy Beach Club were lawn bowling and canoeing, and all the other sports were added gradually over the years. We then headed downstairs where Ken showed me two squash courts as well as the well-equipped fitness room that is available to the fitness members. Wherever you look, walls are adorned with historical pictures, certificates, medals and plaques; there simply is not enough wall space at the Balmy Beach Club to display all the significant mementos that have accumulated over the years.<br /><br />Our official tour had concluded and Ken took me back upstairs. In addition to the club's history I was also interested in some of the individuals that make this club run. I had already talked to the president, Chris Buckley, and I thought I'd find out a bit more about the historian himself. Ken Bingham was born right in the area and spent 25 years of his life living on Fernwood Park. He joined the Balmy Beach Club in 1950 and is also one of the lifetime members. Prior to his retirement he used to work at Inco's head office, a company that also generously sponsored some of the trophy cases, a big TV screen and several filing cabinets for the club.<br /><br />Ken introduced me to two long-term Balmy Beach Club members and handed me over to his colleagues as he had to go. The famous Jim Mossmann, four-time Canadian Olympic coach, has been a member for an unbelievable 72 years. Naturally he was also inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame for his athletic achievements. Today he says he lives in a condo close by and mainly comes down here to socialize.<br /><br />Another long-term member, John McCullough, was just inducted as a lifetime member last night. He has been a member since 1943. His friends were joking and referred to him as a walking encyclopedia. John says that today he spends much of his time golfing, lawn-bowling and curling. He has been retired for 23 years, and the Balmy Beach Club has become an important anchor for his social life.<br /><br />The friendly face behind the bar is Jamie Reynolds, also a Balmy Beach Club member and the maintenance manager. Jamie is also responsible for ordering the supplies, the drinks and snacks for the bar. The Balmy Beach Club is a licensed establishment and serves quick snacks and pre-made sandwiches. Jamie has been a member since 1964, started off paddling, then played rugby from 1967 to 1987. Today Jamie is a talented lawn bowler. He explains that the natural sequence of sports at the Balmy Beach Club starts with paddling, then moves on to rugby and hockey, and finally ends with lawn bowling in people's later years. An entire lifetime of sports and social activities is available at the Balmy Beach Club.<br /><br />Another true fixture at the Balmy Beach Club is Barb Kelly, who works part-time in the club's administration since she retired from her long-term job with a paper mill. Barb Kelly is also a life-time member and joined the club in the mid 1970s. She has been on the Board of Directors for the last 12 years and was the first female on the board. Originally the Balmy Beach Club was closed to women as there were no lockers or showers for females, and finally opened its doors to females in the 1970s.<br /><br />Barb has been paddling since she was a child, and on May 4, 2007 she will be inducted in the Balmy Beach Sports Hall of Fame as an athlete (she is an outstanding lawn bowler) and a major contributor of the club. Barb explained that eight times a year she runs a "Euchre Meat Roll" which is basically a fundraiser for her lawn-bowling team that involves a vacuum-packed piece of meat as a prize giveaway. Barb has participated in many dances and social events at the Balmy Beach Club since she was a young girl.<br /><br />Last but not least I got a chance to meet the person who really runs the Balmy Beach Club: Charlene Provan is the General Manager of the club and is in charge of all operational matters which include staffing issues, facility rentals, administration, maintenance, volunteer coordination, security and well as set-ups and tear-downs for special events. Charlene mentioned that insurance costs in particular have risen incredibly over the last few years. Insurance now adds up to about $130.00 per player on the competitive rugby team. Canoeing/kayaking, on the other hand, requires expensive marine insurance. Charlene has worked here for eight years, and since she started insurance costs have actually tripled.<br /><br />Charlene adds that the club is financially self-sufficient and has never asked for any funds from the city, who officially owns the land that the club is built on. She adds that the Balmy Beach Club is an important focal point for the community, a beautiful place to get away from it all, right here in the city. Charlene herself grew up in the Beach, attended local schools such as Williamson Road, Glen Ames and Malvern Collegiate Institute. She has raised her daughters here and for a number of years she worked at "Lido's in the Beach", a restaurant formerly owned by Lido Chilelli, founder of the Beaches Jazz Festival.<br /><br />One of the things that Charlene has instituted at the club is a more inclusive policy. More than 30 years ago, the club was open to men only. After shower and locker facilities were installed for women, the club opened its doors to both genders. Things have changed substantially, and since Charlene arrived on the scene, she has introduced many family-friendly events such as Christmas parties, Easter egg hunts and Halloween events. Charlene has actively been working on broadening the appeal of the Balmy Beach Club and on making it accessible to a wider range of people. She has even added a wireless Internet connection to the club so members can come in and use their laptops from the comfort of their social club.<br /><br />Considering all this history and the people behind it, the club is definitely the 'Legend by the Lake", and in Charlene's words it is the "best kept secret in Toronto".<br /><br /></div>Andy Subandonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12131539956244386499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660627524908148997.post-27094352388180460402010-09-16T02:59:00.000-07:002010-09-16T02:59:00.350-07:00Travel Gold Coast<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk7LvMbwXGc_3oshXUR2B-jF3CJMWb6LlUxnXZCx982f2wGaH2g9_WIIZgiJyYpsa6C0mbm6S7zkiOzvBRCxhC8HBsutCZZ1PgPTJEEFXai9eycXRiV2lpooXFqig4xa18UacNhXAkbV8/s1600/39-WEBSITE-126.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk7LvMbwXGc_3oshXUR2B-jF3CJMWb6LlUxnXZCx982f2wGaH2g9_WIIZgiJyYpsa6C0mbm6S7zkiOzvBRCxhC8HBsutCZZ1PgPTJEEFXai9eycXRiV2lpooXFqig4xa18UacNhXAkbV8/s400/39-WEBSITE-126.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479227342744007618" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">By Bailey Jamieson<br /><br />Gold Coast, Queensland is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the country. The lovely 23 to 28 degree temperatures make it a great place to escape from everyday life, relax and unwind. Travelers from all walks of life head to the beach each year and travel Gold Coast.<br /><br />Accommodations come in all forms, to suit every traveller. Backpackers can find an inviting hostel, filled with lively adventurers, while beach lovers can lounge on the beach or relax in the spa at one of the many resorts. Gold Coast is there for all types of visitors, and welcomes guests with the perfect accommodation.<br /><br />If the outdoors is calling you, you will find plenty of activities to keep your holiday action packed. Visitors can enjoy surfing, fishing, windsurfing, swimming or just lazily sunbathing on the beach to see and be seen. This amazing region satisfies the action seeker and those wanting to escape the everyday life.<br /><br />Gold Coast attractions offer enough to keep any itinerary filled. The native animals at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary welcome everyone to drop in for a visit and see their sanctuary home. The spectacular shows at Sea World can provide a full day of family fun in the coast sun.<br /><br />For the theme park lover, Gold Coast has a lot to offer. Dreamworld, Dracula's Haunted House, Infinity, Warner Brothers Movie World and many more all there to welcome visitors from around the country and around the world. Adventurous souls can twist and turn on a carnival ride and the more timid can play around of competitive putt putt, because there is something for everyone.<br /><br />At the end of the day, it is time to step out and let your hair down. Enjoy a night of lively conversation over a few pints of Dukes at the Burleigh Brewing Company. Step out for a night of dancing at CDs Nightclub or sit back and let someone else doing the dancing and singing at Dracula's Cabaret Restaurant.<br /><br />For the golfer in the family, Glades Golf Club offers championship golfing on 65 hectares of sprawling land. Greg Norman designed the course and the club also offers volleyball, tennis and a gym. At the end of the game, golfers can enjoy a drink or meal at the club bar and restaurant, which overlooks the course.<br /><br />For the history or culture buff, Gold Coast has a lot to offer. Cultural attractions include the Beaudesert Historical Museum, the city art gallery, Corporate Art Centre and the Dick Johnson Race Complex and Museum.<br /><br />Animal lovers have a lot to choose from. The Rathdowney Alpaca Farm, just a 90 minute drive away, invites visitors to drop by to get up close and personal with a few South American friends. The David Fleay Wildlife Park is home for many threatened species in Australia.<br /><br />For a weekend getaway or extended family vacation, travel Gold Coast has something exciting to offer everyone. Accommodations come in all forms and styles, and can accommodation every travel budget. Attractions in the area offer something for the kids, selections for adults and plenty of outdoor action for the wild adventurer.<br /><br /></div>Andy Subandonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12131539956244386499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660627524908148997.post-59157379626999961622010-09-13T02:57:00.000-07:002010-09-13T02:57:01.006-07:00Learn How to Jump Higher in Basketball and Jump Over Your Opponents<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRa0yT-AQYOgfN5w7Ah_TCAEWMgiluKXVobROG4-aso6Z4T5m_asIViEoGN4sXHqDQXlXokXyb4czYWsRL2TjnLapCTo9oOU_4nfOtn3me4U6UmLVLrPRixyFprR8kmkQKiTJlSEn4rK8/s1600/38-WEBSITE-126.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 254px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRa0yT-AQYOgfN5w7Ah_TCAEWMgiluKXVobROG4-aso6Z4T5m_asIViEoGN4sXHqDQXlXokXyb4czYWsRL2TjnLapCTo9oOU_4nfOtn3me4U6UmLVLrPRixyFprR8kmkQKiTJlSEn4rK8/s400/38-WEBSITE-126.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479226853443021650" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">By Stan Remmerstone <br /><br />Every basketball player dreams of making many of those slam dunk moves that are worthy of the highlight reel. However, not everyone is gifted with enough jumping skills to dunk the ball. Some struggle just to reach the net or touch the backboards with the tips of their fingers.<br /><br />Good news is it that it is wholly possible to learn how to jump higher as there is a science to it. Jumping higher vertically can be achieved through the proper training and use of old and new athletic training principles.<br /><br />Muscles and the nervous system components that control the muscles can be trained. This is is the most basic principle of any kind of sports training. The jump higher training is no different.<br /><br />It all starts with your current fitness level. As in any sport, you need to be physically conditioned before you begin any specialized training like the higher jump training. First, you need to make sure that you are flexible enough because this is essential to preventing training-related injuries. Stretching is a good way to develop flexibility.<br /><br />Second you need to be mentally prepared to undergo a rigid training that will test your speed and strength. You need to give 100% dedication if you want to succeed.<br /><br />Third, remember that you need to support your training with proper nutrition because food is where your body will get the things it needs to grow or rebuild itself.<br /><br />Fourth, you need to prepare your core strength for the training that you will do with your leg muscles. The core strength comes from the abdomen, pelvis, back, shoulders--- basically your entire torso and spine. This is where your extremities, namely your arms and legs, draw their power to do extraneous activities. Jumping higher will depend on how much your legs will be able to draw from your core muscles.<br /><br />Lastly, you need to get the right information on how to execute the jumping exercises correctly. Many exercises will feel right when you do them but could turn out to be the wrong ones when you consider your objectives. Plyometrics will most likely be included in your regimen but there are a lot of ways you can screw up the execution of this high-velocity training drills. Go consult a professional when it comes to plyometrics training.<br /><br />Plyometrics will target the fast twitch muscle fibers of your legs because that is the whole point of learning how to jump higher. Doing exercises that drills your slow twitch muscle fibers will be counter productive. Know the difference before you start your program.<br /><br />Learning how to jump higher can be achieved through the applications of correct principles of how muscles work, along with principles of injury prevention, nutrition, core conditioning and mental preparedness. One can not live without the other. Always keep this in mind in any basketball training that you undertake.<br /><br /></div>Andy Subandonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12131539956244386499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660627524908148997.post-51827415299233325022010-09-10T02:55:00.000-07:002010-09-10T02:55:00.435-07:00Sentosa - The Island of Tranquility<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeGT9TL1wqfw2I3PDAAhERrmbkOPEfaX97ucRakyO3i7Ctz21ayil-aoLwLQWRdkUbvHuWYzh0JzKshVinaA63xeiiH5ZnvKZUTmYq7z7qEK-rthpp38h51qxhiZs4p-e_DjN14qWxMGk/s1600/37-WEBSITE-126.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeGT9TL1wqfw2I3PDAAhERrmbkOPEfaX97ucRakyO3i7Ctz21ayil-aoLwLQWRdkUbvHuWYzh0JzKshVinaA63xeiiH5ZnvKZUTmYq7z7qEK-rthpp38h51qxhiZs4p-e_DjN14qWxMGk/s400/37-WEBSITE-126.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479226317596736098" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">By Pauline Go<br /><br />For many visitors coming to Singapore, the hustle and bustle of the busy city can get overwhelming at times. If you happen to be visiting Singapore during the Great Singapore Sale, you will end up spending most of your time at Orchard Road and Bugis Junction. However, to enjoy the tranquility of simple island life, you will have head to Sentosa Island.<br /><br />Sentosa is truly an island of tranquility. It is perfect for people who want some peace, quiet and relaxation. In addition, there are not that many attractions as Singapore so you can definitely relax and rejuvenate yourself before heading back to a chaotic city life.<br /><br />In Singapore, if you want to go to Sentosa Island, taking the efficient Singapore public transportation system already ends up relaxing you. You can either take the Sentosa Bus, Sentosa Express train or the cable car. The cheapest way to get to Sentosa Island is the bus or express train which hardly costs around $3 per adult. However, you can take the cable car from the harbor front Tower 2, which will cost you around $15.<br /><br />Once on Sentosa Island, you can book yourself into a hotel or head straight for the beach. Many people love to rejuvenate at Tanjong Beach. Lying on the beach, enjoying the gentle sea breeze and marveling the solitude can be a completely new experience for many people. There is port near the beach which can end up blocking your view because of the rows of ships that come to dock there.<br /><br />If you miss the noise of the city, head to Siloso Beach. It is the most happening place on the island. You will find the beach full of young people and there are many activities like mountain biking, canoeing, skim boarding and roller-blading that you can indulge in. The beach is also popular with volleyball enthusiasts who organize matches every weekend.<br /><br />If the afternoon gets too hot and humid for you to stay on the beach, you can head to the Underwater World and Dolphin Lagoon. You can meet the dolphins there or take a spend time at the oceanarium which is home to more than 2,500 fish belonging to 250 different species. You can also go into the moving travelator, which is an 83-meter long glass tunnel and see the aquatic life with nothing but the glass separating you from them. You can see stingrays, sharks, eels and shoals of fish swimming past you. If you are adventurous enough, you can also opt to dive with the sharks!<br /><br /></div>Andy Subandonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12131539956244386499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660627524908148997.post-23657083300241059272010-09-07T02:53:00.000-07:002010-09-07T02:53:00.379-07:00Quick Facts About Peru<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-SL_ZTppEDZeFyw_U_VzX57MAq_YajQ3uCN7WDbT6dBUs_NeBemX78dOBC1fbfiDLILi3qEpadPUlQUkCcEw7inYyTrakhagRJnjESsF08-O4PvQoyvG5MyBkp4_hvkR2tKGwswadRLQ/s1600/36-WEBSITE-126.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 301px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-SL_ZTppEDZeFyw_U_VzX57MAq_YajQ3uCN7WDbT6dBUs_NeBemX78dOBC1fbfiDLILi3qEpadPUlQUkCcEw7inYyTrakhagRJnjESsF08-O4PvQoyvG5MyBkp4_hvkR2tKGwswadRLQ/s400/36-WEBSITE-126.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479225934601570930" border="0" /></a><br />By Pauline Go<br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />Located in the west central part of South America, is one of world's greatest centers of ancient civilization known as Peru. Mentioned below are some important facts about this beautiful country located in the Andes.<br /><br />1. Peru is the 19th largest country in the world and the fourth most populous country in South America with a population of over 28 million people.<br /><br />2. Majority of the people living in the country are Roman Catholics. The country has an ethnically diverse population that includes Amerindians, Europeans, Africans and Asians. Spanish is the major language spoken by people of this country.<br /><br />3. Geographically, the entire country is divided into three distinct zones that include the coastal region or Costa, the highlands or the Andes or Sierra, and the eastern hills or Selva.<br /><br />4. Mining, fisheries, agriculture and trade are the important occupations of the people. The country is rich in natural resources and mineral deposits that include silver, gold, copper, timber, fish, petroleum, coal, iron ore, phosphate, potash and natural gas.<br /><br />5. The culture is a blend of Amerindian and Spanish traditions. However, these customs have also been influenced by various African, Asian and European ethnic groups that have inhabited the region.<br /><br />6. This beautiful country is a developing nation where primary and secondary education to children is free and compulsory. Literacy rate in the country is about 90.9 percent and the life expectancy of the people is 69.84 years.<br /><br />7. Soccer is the national game. However, people also enjoy other sports including tennis, surfing, beach volleyball and sailing.<br /><br />8. Important tourist destinations include the Lima province, City of Cuzco and Huaraz.<br /><br /></div>Andy Subandonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12131539956244386499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660627524908148997.post-63506599858115386572010-09-04T02:52:00.000-07:002010-09-04T02:52:00.468-07:00Water Sports Holidays In Thailand<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF1KyRm3biFpki1VV8aTo3_aI-Cg_8iMYohs1fB3-CtWBWb0egvl7bgPyCX0h5GBFmGQ3KAyt6-BDkAkIGgaQP1JgRHDxMdqK-0HzIxArqfa9XUXLcWO2ez3at7Nxa-gqxWCcku1YMhsM/s1600/35-WEBSITE-126.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF1KyRm3biFpki1VV8aTo3_aI-Cg_8iMYohs1fB3-CtWBWb0egvl7bgPyCX0h5GBFmGQ3KAyt6-BDkAkIGgaQP1JgRHDxMdqK-0HzIxArqfa9XUXLcWO2ez3at7Nxa-gqxWCcku1YMhsM/s400/35-WEBSITE-126.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479225351776543010" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">By James Burrows<br /><br />You get treasures of ethnic, scenic, gastronomic, and oceanic pleasures in Siam. Thailand certainly is the fascinating and exotic land of lovely people known for their fantastic culture, cuisine, and overall lifestyle. The land, of course, is well known for its beautiful beaches and pelagic pleasures. It is a wonderful destination for water sports in Southeast Asia.<br /><br />Thailand definitely is the best pick, if you are looking to have fun & adventure packed water sports holidays. You can really have great holiday, beaching, playing beach volleyball & other beach sports, and enjoying numerous water sports activities, such as swimming, rafting, surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, sailing, and scuba diving in Thailand. Some famous destinations for water sports destinations in Thailand are - Mae Hong Son, Hua Hin, Phuket, Chumpon, Ko Chang, and Koh Tao.<br /><br />Mae Hong Son, located near the border of Myanmar along the banks of the river Pai, is a wonderful town in the North West Thailand. The town offers you a nice opportunity to enjoy rafting the Pai River. You can join one of the rafting expeditions that are commonly organized in the heart of Mae Hong Son. Mae Hong Son can be accessed by car or bus from Chiang Mai via the Mae Hong Son loop. The town is also served by the Mae Hong Son Airport.<br /><br />Hua Hin, in the northern part of the Malay Peninsula, some 200 km south of Bangkok, is a celebrated beach resort town in Thailand. It is best known for kitesurfing. You can hire your kitesurfing equipment, have kitesurfing instructions from experts, and enjoy kitesurfing. You can also joint kitesurfing lessons & courses for beginners. You can also enjoy numerous other beach and water sport on the beach resort, with an area around 86.36 km². You can also enjoy swimming, windsurfing, wave surfing, and rowing.<br /><br />Phuket, the largest island and the southern province of Thailand, is best known for its beaches. It is popular destinations for beach & water sports. You can enjoy numerous beach & water sports activities, such as swimming, kitesurfing, yachting, windsurfing, wave surfing, rowing, snorkeling, diving, scuba diving, etc. in Phuket. Famous Phuket beaches include Bang Tao, Surin Beach, Laem Singh Beach, Kamala Beach, Patong Beach, Karon Beach, Kata Yai Beach, Kata Noi Beach, Ao Chalong, and Rawai Beach.<br /><br />Chumphon or Chumpon, the capital of the Chumphon Province at the shore of the Gulf of Thailand, is a fantastic town in southern Thailand. Located about 463 kilometers away from Bangkok, Chumpon is famous for kitesurfing or kiteboarding, and other water sports activities. You can enjoy numerous beach & water sports activities, such as swimming, windsurfing, wave surfing, snorkeling, diving, fishing, and rowing. The town can be accessed by bus or by ferries.<br /><br />Ko Chang, located on the Thai east coast 310 km away from Bangkok near the border to Cambodia in the Gulf of Thailand, is the second largest island of Thailand. It is famous for sailing and scuba diving. However, you can also enjoy several other beach & water sports activities, such as swimming, windsurfing, wave surfing, snorkeling, diving, and rowing in Ko Chang. The island can be accessed by ferries operating from Laem Ngop.<br /><br />Ko Tao, an island located near the eastern shore of the Gulf of Thailand, is widely famous for scuba diving. Diving in Ko Tao is easy and full of fun. Often, you have encounters with turtles, stingrays, barracudas, lots of small fish, and reef sharks. The island is a great place for divers. It is a great place to learn diving, as there are hardly any currents. You can also enjoy several other water related activities, such as wake boarding, water skiing, sumo tube, wind surfing, and sailing. Ko Tao can be accessed catching ferries from Surat Thani, or Ko Samui, or Ko Pha Ngan.<br /><br /></div>Andy Subandonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12131539956244386499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660627524908148997.post-8746951954608936142010-09-01T02:48:00.000-07:002010-09-01T02:48:00.245-07:00Osgood Schlatter Disease - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Methods<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3cp1WJYY9RxTIEgUkpZCoiZAAzwrTPOzLCNzFiLW_ot2A1xzDmDbO9ULQWc43Oen-W7ZmtTeoaHD_4vrEujwJnyL4svX-oeChBDwnBZxXwvZri6aqh_JJw1rSmg9VI4N2XKXG7eyTTRY/s1600/34-WEBSITE-126.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 253px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3cp1WJYY9RxTIEgUkpZCoiZAAzwrTPOzLCNzFiLW_ot2A1xzDmDbO9ULQWc43Oen-W7ZmtTeoaHD_4vrEujwJnyL4svX-oeChBDwnBZxXwvZri6aqh_JJw1rSmg9VI4N2XKXG7eyTTRY/s400/34-WEBSITE-126.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479224538553428146" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">By Juliet Cohen <br /><br />Osgood-Schlatter (OS) disease is one of the most common causes of knee pain in the adolescent. It occurs mostly in boys who are having a growth spurt during their pre-teen or teenage years. It is named after the two people who first described it. It is not serious and usually goes away in time. Having Osgood-Schlatter disease can be frustrating, because your child may need to limit his or her running and jumping activity level for a short time.<br /><br />Frequent use and physical stress cause inflammation (pain and swelling) at the point where the tendon from the kneecap (called the patella) attaches to the shinbone (tibia). The disorder is typified by a painful swelling just below the knee on the front (anterior) surface of the lower leg bone. OSD usually strikes active adolescents around the beginning of their growth spurts, the approximately 2-year period during which they grow most rapidly. Osgood-Schlatter disease is most often seen in preteen and teenage boys from 11 to 15 years old. The condition is characterized by localized pain and tenderness in this area.<br /><br />Osgood-Schlatter disease usually occurs in just one knee, but sometimes it develops in both knees. It is felt that stress on the bone from the tendon tugging it during activities leads to Osgood-Schlatter disease. It is believed that Osgood-Schlatter disease results from the pull of the large powerful muscles in the front of the thigh (called the quadriceps). Osgood-Schlatter disease typically goes away over time (months to years after the normal bone growth stops). Because of a lack of a precise definition, it is difficult to differentiate OS disease from avulsion fractures of the tibial tubercle. The pain usually worsens with exercise, jumping, and sports such as basketball, volleyball, soccer, figure skating, and gymnastics. Treatment is conservative, with the use of pain-relieving medications, application of ice in the area of pain, and avoidance of stress on the knee caused by heavy quadriceps loading.<br /><br />Causes of Osgood-Schlatter disease<br /><br />The common causes and risk factor's of Osgood-Schlatter disease include the following:<br /><br />Activities that place repeated stress on the top of the tibia, the big bone in the lower leg, where the tendon of the kneecap inserts.<br /><br />Tight quadriceps (front thigh) muscles.<br /><br />Histologic studies support a traumatic etiology.<br /><br />Teenagers who play a lot of sport involving kicking, running, or jumping.<br /><br />Tight hamstrings (back thigh) muscles.<br /><br />Risk factor: Age between 11-18 years.<br /><br />Symptoms of Osgood-Schlatter disease<br /><br />Some sign and symptoms related to Osgood-Schlatter disease are as follows:<br /><br />Pain, swelling, or tenderness below the knee.<br /><br />Swelling of the bump on the front of the leg just below the kneecap.<br /><br />Limping (may worsen following activities).<br /><br />Tightness of the surrounding muscles, especially the thigh muscles (quadriceps).<br /><br />Numbness or tingling in the knee<br /><br />Feel or hear a snap, pop, or grinding in the knee.<br /><br />Relief from pain with rest.<br /><br />Treatment of Osgood-Schlatter disease<br /><br />Here is list of the methods for treating Osgood-Schlatter disease:<br /><br />Apply ice or cold packs immediately to prevent or minimize swelling.<br /><br />This injury needs rest if it is to heal properly.<br /><br />Analgesics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) may be given for pain relief and reduction of local inflammation.<br /><br />Gently massage or rub the area to relieve pain and encourage blood flow.<br /><br />Run at a slower speed or for a shorter amount of time and jump less often.<br /><br />Wear a strap across the patellar tendon during high-impact activities, to help diminish the stress on the area in which the patellar tendon inserts.<br /><br />Paracetamol or similar painkillers may be useful when pain flares up.<br /><br />Rarely, surgery may be needed if the initial treatment fails.<br /><br /></div>Andy Subandonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12131539956244386499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660627524908148997.post-54566316494810926432010-08-29T02:46:00.000-07:002010-08-29T02:46:00.186-07:00Tampa Schools<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsf1v3izYV40syCjoQ-uHly0wJ2VsORYej6M26fvZMYvQgLsb2LyfpWsftH_Ek5GAYjrxvkRGVQ4UMFlaPGBdVDOoGS7FPccVaqkblJyly2fhBmMMT1iNC0w56-5ZTAGLVO8MODrw4bWc/s1600/33-WEBSITE-126.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsf1v3izYV40syCjoQ-uHly0wJ2VsORYej6M26fvZMYvQgLsb2LyfpWsftH_Ek5GAYjrxvkRGVQ4UMFlaPGBdVDOoGS7FPccVaqkblJyly2fhBmMMT1iNC0w56-5ZTAGLVO8MODrw4bWc/s400/33-WEBSITE-126.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479224130967438866" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">By Calum MacKenzie<br /><br />Children throughout Tampa wake up each Monday through Friday and head out to school, lunch and books in hand. While they may bemoan another day filled with reading, writing and arithmetic, they are receiving their education from one of the highest ranked school districts in the state.<br /><br />Hillsborough County School District has a policy of offering a dynamic cross-section of schooling options because they understand that a "one size fits all" education doesn't coalesce with their community. These include Walton Academy of the Performing Arts and two teen parent schools. Among the public schooling options are magnet and charter schools.<br /><br />Magnet Schools<br /><br />Magnet schools offer students a more exploratory education. Students must show a strong interest in the field of study of their chosen magnet school in order to be considered for enrollment. Even though magnet schools educate studies concentrated in a specific field, they are funded by the state and school district and must adhere to the performance standards just like traditional public schools. Most students of magnet schools go on to complete post-secondary education in their field of study. Magnet schools, listed with their field of study, in the New Tampa area include:<br /><br />Cahoon Elementary, Animal Science<br /><br />Dunbar Elementary, Math/Science/Technology<br /><br />Lee Elementary, World Studies<br /><br />Lincoln Elementary, International Studies/International Baccalaureate<br /><br />Lockhart Elementary, Foreign Language & Global Studies; Visual/Performing/Communication Arts<br /><br />Lomax Elementary, Math/Science/Technology<br /><br />MacFarlane International Studies/International Baccalaureate<br /><br />Muller Elementary, Environmental Studies; Visual/Performing/Communication Arts<br /><br />Philip Shore Elementary, Visual/Performing/Communication Arts<br /><br />Rampello Kindergarten through 8, Cultural Arts & Humanities<br /><br />Charter Schools<br /><br />While magnet schools offer highly concentrated curriculums, charter schools offer highly specialized teaching styles. Charter schools are owned and operated privately with subsidization through Hillsborough County School District and the State of Florida. They are just as accountable as traditional and magnet public schools through FCAT testing (more on this under "Standards", below.) Charter schools often require parents to commit to a number of hours of volunteer work throughout the school year. They also require that parents understand their particular charter, or contract. Examples of charter school options include those that teach in Montessori style, Core Curriculum or Independent Study (distance learning.)<br /><br />Any student that qualifies for public education in Hillsborough County may apply to attend a charter school, regardless of how far or close the student lives from the school.<br /><br />Standards<br /><br />The Sunshine State Standards, or SSS, are the uniform educational criteria for each grade level from Kindergarten through graduation. All public and most private schools in Florida have adopted these standards and teach material so that students will meet or exceed them. In 1998, the State of Florida began testing students based on the criteria to gauge the effectiveness of the SSS. A consortium of educators and instructional professionals from around the United States came up with the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test, or FCAT.<br /><br />Students are tested annually from third grade through eleventh. Reading and math tests are given each year. Writing is assessed in all grades except fifth and eleventh grades. Science knowledge is tested in fifth, eighth and tenth.<br /><br />Beginning in the 2005-2006 school year, students are required to successfully pass the tenth grade test to qualify for a regular high school diploma upon graduation. Students scoring less than a passing grade on any of the subjects tested are offered subsequent testing opportunities during their eleventh and twelfth grade years.<br /><br />According to 2005 testing scores, Florida students scored at or above the national average in fourth grade reading, fourth and eighth grade writing, fourth grade science and fourth grade mathematics. All other grade levels and areas of study that were compared showed Floridian students were close to national averages and gaining ground.<br /><br />Gorrie Elementary, located just a mile from the University of Tampa in West Tampa, scored highest of all elementary schools in fourth grade reading and mathematics among all Hillsborough schools tested in 2006. Roosevelt Elementary, located in the Palma Ceia area, scored highest for fourth grade writing skills of all Hillsborough County schools during 2006.<br /><br />Terrace Community Middle School, a charter school located just south of New Tampa, scored highest among all eight graders tested in 2006 in Hillsborough County middle schools for math and science. Wilson Middle, located in the Davis Island community, scored highest among eighth graders in reading and writing.<br /><br />Palma Ceia area's Plant High School scored highest among all Hillsborough County tenth graders for math, reading and writing in 2006.<br /><br />New Tampa schools showed remarkable staying power and above average scores for each of their six elementary, two middle and two high schools. Each school scored 300 or more in all subjects tested in 2006, for grades four, eight and ten.<br /><br />Private Schools in Tampa<br /><br />Some families in the New Tampa area prefer a religious or college preparatory private school for their children to receive their education. While the list of private education options is copious, below is a list of a few of the most prominent private schools in the area, as well as their particular specialty. Berkeley Preparatory School operates to create well-rounded, college bound students. They provide education from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. The teachers and staff strive to educate students beyond reading, writing and arithmetic; they offer competitive sports and arts as well as numerous clubs and community service projects.<br /><br />The Academy of Holy Names is one of the oldest private schools in the Tampa area, having been founded in 1881. Their pre-kindergarten through eighth grade offers excellence in education to both boys and girls. Ninth through twelfth grade classes are restricted to an all-female student body. The school's teaching are based on the Catholic faith. Students are not required to be of the Catholic faith to attend, though nearly three-quarters are.<br /><br />The Jesuit School is an all-boy school with a reputation for turning out high-achieving graduates. This school was founded 18 years after the Academy of Holy Names. Jesuit School education includes numerous missionary and community service opportunities for its students. Students are not required to be members of the Jesuit Church.<br /><br />In 2002, a three-decade old school began unpacking boxes in their new, state of the art facility across from Tampa its former home at the University of Tampa. Tampa Preparatory School serves students and their family from sixth grade through twelfth. Tampa Prep doesn't offer remedial classes, their program was designed to offer challenging coursework in core subjects as well as a wide diversity of other subjects - fine art, computer technology, music, dance, theater, golf, track, swimming, volleyball, soccer, baseball, basketball and wrestling.<br /><br />Co-ed students at Tampa Catholic High School receive their education in the three R's as well as the three purposes set forth by the Catholic faith - teaching the Message of God as revealed in Christ and through His Church; building Community through fellowship in the life of the Holy Spirit; and providing opportunities for Service to the community. After school, students continue their education by taking part in some of the nearly two dozen clubs and extra-curricular activities. Tampa Catholic's philosophy is to educate the entire student- mind, body, and spirit.<br /><br /></div>Andy Subandonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12131539956244386499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660627524908148997.post-84780044912428706972010-08-26T02:39:00.000-07:002010-08-26T02:39:00.596-07:00How to Prepare Your Home for Sale<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo4s13DNo4lOVglmIxM9KML_x3O6hse7efme8zuIACHp0snw9LlhgFo5iK6U14hDRD3Kn5blLdgDkxpuJ6wEFPVzlljb4c_lMuuEBZ2-ub7J6cGajO_jH8G-s7bVbSwTV8MwGksFQShOg/s1600/32-WEBSITE-126.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo4s13DNo4lOVglmIxM9KML_x3O6hse7efme8zuIACHp0snw9LlhgFo5iK6U14hDRD3Kn5blLdgDkxpuJ6wEFPVzlljb4c_lMuuEBZ2-ub7J6cGajO_jH8G-s7bVbSwTV8MwGksFQShOg/s400/32-WEBSITE-126.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479222216260893026" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">By Don Kanare<br /><br />There are literally dozens of things you can do to prepare your home for sale that will make it look sharp and enticing to prospective buyers. This is by no means a complete list of everything that a seller should or can do to make their property stand out from the competition. These suggestions will help you get moving in the right direction so that when your home or condo is for sale you will get a better response from prospective buyers.<br /><br />Exterior and Areas Surrounding the Property -<br /><br />1. Eliminate all signs of deterioration such as an old mailbox or broken fence posts and replace as needed. If the exterior paint looks bad, you'll either need to paint the place or offer buyers a credit for painting.<br /><br />2. Make sure the yard, flower beds, and plants all look appealing. This is a good time to have a landscaper visit your property and remove dead plants, trim trees and shrubs, mow the lawn, remove debris, clean fountains and bird baths, etc. If you have pets, pick up after them every day and fill in any holes where they have been digging!<br /><br />3. Get rid of any clutter in your yard. Not everyone loves those lawn decorations, even if your best friend made that metal sculpture you adore. What you love, others may find offensive and they may not even get in the front door if they don't like the look of the yard and exterior of the property.<br /><br />4. Repair, paint and dress up and kids toys, swing sets, dog houses, or other structures that will remain in the yard. Deferred maintenance of these items makes buyers wonder whether the inside has really been well maintained or just recently refreshed.<br /><br />5. Check all outside lights and replace / repair any fixtures as needed. Make sure all light bulbs are working and that you have the right type of bulbs and sufficient lighting for your driveway and garage areas.<br /><br />6. Clean that patio and barbecue grill so they look spotless. Do the same with lawn and deck furniture, or put those items in a storage area is they look dated or worn.<br /><br />7. Patch, repair and seal the driveway and sidewalks, if needed. If you have any outdoors sporting equipment like a basketball hoop, volleyball net, etc., make sure it's in top notch condition. If it looks ancient and beat up, better to remove it temporarily or replace.<br /><br />8. Look at the house numbers and replace if they are not readable from the street or they have deteriorated. Polish up the front door knocker, clean the glass, and spruce up the front entrance to make a good first impression.<br /><br />9. Check all windows and screens for holes or damage. Repair or replace as necessary to maintain a high quality look. Wash all the windows one day before your property is on the local MLS tour.<br /><br />10. Make 6 sets of keys for your real estate agent and test them all. If the lock is even a tiny bit sticky it makes a bad impression on buyers. Spray some lubricant (e.g. WD40) and if that is not good enough, then call a locksmith and have the lock repaired or replaced.<br /><br />Interior Repairs and Improvements - Everything You Do Must Be Non-Offensive (i.e. Neutral)<br /><br />1. Clean the entire home or condo from top to bottom. I recommend that you hire a professional cleaning service to assist you, or if you are an absentee owner, let them do the work. This includes cleaning the carpets, moving furniture and cleaning under and around all furnishings and decorations.<br /><br />2. Remove clutter. You may love all 14 pictures of the grandkids lined up on the mantle, to a buyer it looks overwhelming and detracts from the "open feel" they are seeking. As gut wrenching as it is, this is a case where less is more. Leave enough pictures on the walls so the place doesn't look bare and an occasional knick-knack on the coffee table or mantle is ok. Pack away the dried flower arrangements, sports trophies and everything else of a personal nature so as not to distract buyers from "seeing" your property. Take a good look at all the furniture in your place and remove anything that is non-essential to make your place appear larger.<br /><br />3. Paint is a cheap and relatively easy way to brighten up any property. Use neutral colors that are easy on the eyes and hire a professional unless you have done quality interior painting in the past and have confidence you can do a stellar job.<br /><br />4. Replace all light bulbs that are out or missing. Replace dated light fixtures if within your budget.<br /><br />5. All closets and storage areas need to be organized and cleaned. Put loose items in boxes so the place looks neater. Buying uniform size boxes from the local box company in bundles of 25 will save money and help to create a cleaner look than just grabbing boxes from the local liquor store.<br /><br />6. Do you have pets? It is critical that your house not smell like animals, no matter how much you love Fido or Fluffy. Areas where pets reside must be kept meticulously clean. If you have to, burn some incense, put potpourri in strategic places and remove and replace and carpet that has been soiled. It is extremely difficult to sell any property that has pet odors or residue.<br /><br />7. Put a chair or bench near the front door if people need to remove their shoes before touring your property. The lack of a place to sit is a real turn-off, especially in resort markets with aging populations.<br /><br />8. Do minor repairs. Many sellers overlook the need to do touch up repairs such as caulking the tub, fixing a leaky faucet, driving loose nails into deck boards, etc. Taking care of these little details eliminates the biggest objection that buyers have when they see something amiss; "What else is wrong with the place?" Remove doubt in the minds of buyer prospects by attending to these minor repairs or hire a handyman.<br /><br />All of this may seem like a daunting task, but millions of sellers do these things every year to prepare their homes for sale. Whether you hire help or do it yourself is your own personal decision. Remember, the properties that sell fastest and for the highest price are quality properties that are in good condition.<br /><br />In a resort market such as Incline Village NV at Lake Tahoe or Vail, CO where buyers are looking at real estate and writing offers during a very short sales season, all of this preparation is even more essential. The old adage, "You never get a second chance to make a first impression" is never more true than when it comes to a buyer walking into your place for the first time. Most buyers in a high end market such as Incline Village do not want to do anything more than paint or carpet. So, do yourself a favor and make your property appeal to the greatest number of prospective buyers.</div>Andy Subandonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12131539956244386499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660627524908148997.post-90953537665608458932010-08-23T02:35:00.000-07:002010-08-23T02:35:00.626-07:004 Great Beach Vacation Ideas<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghw4tVoIwi3Pc-rPnVjY3Ae-g36Tcg5fIm2q3uZP2UQkHZ0WKLaeiYo1XR1_32djyaHaA8zYtaMhsy5qCc2FOM8YxhvvvzKTfoWmYKzYNR5lNI3Ey-huCnWHP6Q5lWLT_DEGMKgtpDtPI/s1600/31-WEBSITE-126.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 356px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghw4tVoIwi3Pc-rPnVjY3Ae-g36Tcg5fIm2q3uZP2UQkHZ0WKLaeiYo1XR1_32djyaHaA8zYtaMhsy5qCc2FOM8YxhvvvzKTfoWmYKzYNR5lNI3Ey-huCnWHP6Q5lWLT_DEGMKgtpDtPI/s400/31-WEBSITE-126.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479221223714530674" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">By Chris Ryerson<br /><br />Deciding to go on a beach vacation is a no brainer for most people. What can be better then a wonderful relaxing beach vacation to let the cares and stresses of the world just float away. So taking the beach vacation or not is clearly not the problem however, deciding on a vacation spot and the perfect beach can be difficult. However this guide will help highlight some of the most famous spots and also give you some ways to narrow your own choices.<br /><br />What type of beach vacation are you? Are you the avid extreme sports junkie who wants to surf, hang glide and mountain bike on your vacation? Or possibly you are an avid golfer or what about shopping is that more your speed. Choosing the perfect beach location for your getaway really depends on what you like to do while on vacation. So try and choose your spot based on your likes.<br /><br />Surfing, Golfing and Active Lifestyle<br /><br />Why not try Huntington Beach California known as Surf City California. There are plenty of great opportunities for great surfing right in town. There are also many other sports that you can have a blast doing near by. For example have you tried or thought about trying kite surfing? This is a great hybrid of flying kites and surfing. There are lots of opportunities to do try this new sport.<br /><br />Golfing Beach Vacation in Georgia<br /><br />Thinking about more of a golfing vacation then Georgia might be the ticket for you. The Cloister at Sea Island in Georgia offer beautiful 54 holes of golf and wonderful sandy beaches. No matter what you mood golfing or relaxing you will find it here.<br /><br />Seclusion with Half Moon Bay California<br /><br />Are you looking for more seclusion and less sports? Then you might want to try half Moon Bay in California. Just 30 minutes drive from San Francisco yet worlds apart. This little town and beach resort can give you a much need relaxation break away from the cares of city life. The Ritz Carlton in Half Moon Bay is a wonderful hotel to be pampered at!<br /><br />Family Fun Vacation Kona Village Resort Hawaii<br /><br />Are you thinking about a beach getaway but want to bring the kids along with you? There are tons of great activities at Kona Village resort like scuba diving, glass bottom boats, fishing, tennis, Volleyball and more. There is enough to keep even the most adventurous kids entertained for hours while you get a break!<br /><br />So no matter your reason for taking a beach vacation there is a beach that will fit your style. Go ahead and make a plan and decide what you want to do on your beach vacation and then start making reservations. Why wait when there are so many great opportunities and new experiences to have. The most important thing is to really think about what you want to do on your vacation and then find the perfect beach spot accordingly. Get started to day and set the date for you r next vacation otherwise it will never happen.<br /><br /></div>Andy Subandonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12131539956244386499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660627524908148997.post-52422418128299197782010-08-20T02:34:00.000-07:002010-08-20T02:34:00.203-07:00Increase Vertical Jump<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbjyQ4bhNiJeyT1aoxNyhsaA__Dze-691fptG0e5O8xZH_jpuSVxnRH4MaHdJShRQc9Sj_yIHEY1cdhd9WBmAZvuCnKBLUfj1SAF-4bjoxwFWHjEskUo6pb_GMWAsDIXPSWGG5yliekfg/s1600/30-WEBSITE-126.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 263px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbjyQ4bhNiJeyT1aoxNyhsaA__Dze-691fptG0e5O8xZH_jpuSVxnRH4MaHdJShRQc9Sj_yIHEY1cdhd9WBmAZvuCnKBLUfj1SAF-4bjoxwFWHjEskUo6pb_GMWAsDIXPSWGG5yliekfg/s400/30-WEBSITE-126.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479220896891960306" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">By Kyle Oxenham<br /><br />Interested in how to increase your vertical jump, well you have come to the right place. I am a vertical jump training coach with a ton of knowledge and personal experience with increasing the vertical jump. Jump training can be a really exciting way to increase athletic power, and will help take your sport to the next level. Here I will share with you the basics to achieving an eye popping vertical jump.<br /><br />First you have to understand jumping is caused by the central nervous system not the muscle system. Secondly learn the 5 stages of power development for athletes: Starting Acceleration, Progressive Acceleration, Power Out-Put, Stabilization, and Re-Coordination.<br /><br />Also do not overtrain, you should feel energized and powerful at the end of your workout. Forget the "go to failure rule", instead for example when doing repetitive jump squats, stop when you feel like you are not jumping as quick or high as your first jump. You may be able to jump 5 times or 15, it depends on many variables; so you have to really focus when you are training so you do not go past this point. If you do go past this point you will not be training for power anymore and your body will start to use less power, you don't want this if your goal is to jump higher.<br /><br />Exercises you want to do at the gym are power and strength movements like plyometrics, repetitive jumping, and depth jumps, attitude jumps, skipping rope, flying pull ups and jumping push ups. Also make sure you follow the 5 stages of power in your workouts.<br /><br />Here is major piece of advice for jumping higher. The more power and energy you can absorb the higher your potential jump can be, meaning if you can land off a 36 inch box safely, quietly and repetitively you will have the potential to jump 36 inches. Warning do not drop off of anything that is more than a few inches above your current standing vertical, and only do attitude jumps once a week at the most.<br /><br />Next you have to understand jumping technique and how it can help you to jump to your full potential at your current strength and power levels. You must use your whole body to jump not just your legs, swing your arms forcefully up and stretched over your head as you explode upward with your lower body. Using your arms will help you jump at least a few inches higher.<br /><br />You now have some great information to get you started on building your vertical jump; there is no limit to how high you can jump, when you do the math. So aim for a 40 inches, or 50 inches, and even a 60 inch standing vertical jump. Go for it!<br /><br /></div>Andy Subandonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12131539956244386499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660627524908148997.post-58574524545792681322010-08-17T02:33:00.000-07:002010-08-17T02:33:00.351-07:00Talking Tommies With Mean Gene<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0HGxdRGPIPjlDiEVgJZaj23ovKsgzWjcYTx9Ikd1o1Yffx8gaBrFBkSX0GXOXZN3IvovMYS3WOWrC5wifhWkisN4L92an2pFMTfAI-3R802kaQU6f_urpWSGFvpSzYmsOHyHQWl5EO34/s1600/29-WEBSITE-126.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 293px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0HGxdRGPIPjlDiEVgJZaj23ovKsgzWjcYTx9Ikd1o1Yffx8gaBrFBkSX0GXOXZN3IvovMYS3WOWrC5wifhWkisN4L92an2pFMTfAI-3R802kaQU6f_urpWSGFvpSzYmsOHyHQWl5EO34/s400/29-WEBSITE-126.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479220616739473826" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">By Brett Boese <br /><br />The Tommies recently moved to the top of the polls at D3hoops.com for the first time in school history. They also become the highest ranked team in league history, bumping out my Gustavus teams who finished second in the final poll in 2002-03 and began the 2003-04 season in the same spot.<br /><br />With Wednesday's game against second place Augsburg looming, I wanted to know more about what has made this season special. Having only seen them play once this year, I tracked down long-time St. Thomas sports information director Gene McGivern in search of some feedback.<br /><br />Brett Boese: You're in the middle of your 15th year serving as the primary media contact for the athletic department at the University of St. Thomas, but you only recently joined the blogging world. Do you find yourself missing the simpler times or have you come to embrace the Age of the Internet?<br /><br />Gene McGivern: I moved to Minnesota after eight years in the daily newspaper world in Nebraska and Iowa. I started as Augsburg's SID in November 1988 with a half-time job for a salary of $10,000. I worked a day job as a proofreader in downtown Minneapolis, then worked nights and weekends for the Auggies. (After about two years I joined Augsburg full-time and actually coached track and cross country there for several seasons).<br /><br />My first office was an interior closet with an electric typewriter (no computer). There was no copier - we typed up football and basketball stats using carbons and duplicated them on an ink rolloff machine. We worked home football and basketball games, keeping stats by hand, then typed the final totals onto the carbons. We "dicatated" that is we read the basketball stats to part-time workers at the Star Tribune and Pioneer Press. All other sports for game days we just phoned a score into the newspapers.<br /><br />During the 8-to-5 day, we helped compile season stats and mailed weekly reports to the NCAA and conference statistics coordinators. We also mailed out a weekly 2-4 page summary of scores and brief highlights. The SID world has changed so dramatically in those 20 years with the arrival of computers, desktop publishing, voice messaging, statistics programs, faxes, the internet, digital photography and video. All these tools have made it easier to promote your teams, yet at the same time, made our jobs so much more demanding. Now we staff all home soccer, hockey, volleyball, softball and baseball games as well as we always did in football and basketball.<br /><br />The only thing I think that's been lost in those two decades is that today we probably rely too much on technology. I used to pick up the phone and make story pitches, or I would occasionally go to lunch with a Star Tribune or Pioneer Press beat writer. It was more personal. Those beat writers are long gone. Today you also have to make en effort to escape all the demands at your computer and regularly visit with your coaches and student-athletes. You need to get to know them as people, not as bios or as athletes. That's an on-going challenge.<br /><br />As for blogging, last August I started a blog (it's really a features/opinion column). Ten years after the internet was introduced, I think colleges at all levels are just now figuring out how to best use their websites to tell their athletic department's story. In a metropolitan area like the Twin Cities, where there's no St. Cloud Times or Fargo Forum that comes calling, the days of simply sending out story ideas are over. If the story is good enough, write it yourself.<br /><br />BB: D3hoops.com has helped raise the profile of small college athletics since it was created in 1995. It elevated the Tommie men's basketball team to No. 1 in the polls this week, marking the first time an MIAC school has reached that lofty status on its site. I'm sure UST coach Steve Fritz would downplay the significance of that achievement, but what's the pulse of the players? Is that something they're excited about?<br /><br />GM: I think one thing that makes the 2008-09 Tommie squad unique is that it doesn't have a superstar but is led by four seniors who hate losing, are unselfish, and have had to work hard to get where they are. Last year's team, with its many impressive wins, didn't have that senior leadership on the court.<br /><br />Even Lonnie Robinson, who made All-America in baseball as a senior, has had to constantly work hard in both basketball and baseball to get where he is now. Al McCoy and B.J. Viau played a year of JV and sat one year on the pine while waiting their shot. Brett Tuma has played the last three years with confidence and always seems to spark the team. It's a cliché but a big part of why this team is 17-0 is that they do focus on one game at a time with the first goal to outwork the other team.<br /><br />As for a No. 1 ranking, I suspect it's something they will look back on with pride and appreciate more a few years down the road, but won't spend too much time this week talking about it or reveling in it. With the MIAC schedule so condensed, they won't have time to celebrate with an improved Augsburg team up Wednesday on the road. As for now, I think their two main goals are to win the fourth consecutive conference title, and to play their best basketball in the postseason, wherever that takes them.<br /><br />BB: Perhaps more importantly, are you a reader of Posting Up? Do you have a favorite poster? I hear that Willy Wonka character is pretty cool.<br /><br />GM: I read d3hoops' basketball chat room a fair amount but have never posted. The site seems a little more civil than when they first started a few years ago. Chat rooms and blogs, with all their warts, are here to stay, so people just need to accept them as an outlet for fans. I dislike posters using anonymous names, especially if they don't do their homework or just rip players and coaches for the joy of it. On the plus side, the posters tend to be some of the MIAC's most ardent fans and we need all the spectators and advocates we can get.<br /><br />I seem to recall that the Wonka guy is quite knowledgeable, but is he the same guy who sometimes obsesses on players' individual stats in the box score? Like dogging a recent Tommie 3-point shooter who played 20 feet from the basket for not getting enough rebounds? Or riding a current Tommie guard who doesn't get a lot of assists (even though in this offense, that's not his primary role)? Oh, well, we all have our opinions.<br /><br />BB: The Tommies are currently 17-0 overall - the last undefeated Division III team in the nation - and 12-0 in conference play. They own a 3.5 game lead over a surprising Augsburg team and their average margin of victory is nearly 20 in a typically rugged league. How surprised are you by their dominance? Has any one player in particular raised his level of play this season?<br /><br />GM: Among the surprises, at least to those who don't watch practice every day, is the consistent play of Al McCoy at center. I think the bench is even more productive this season with Tuma, newcomer Brady Ervin and lately with centers Josh Peltier and Sam Eicher stepping up. Lonnie Robinson has been a beast and has shown no signs of senioritis. Tyler Nicolai continues to improve and has hit some big shots.<br /><br />As far as the MIAC race, I'm sort of a "Law of Averages" guy, so I expected that this would be a tricky season for St. Thomas coming in as such a huge target, trying to win a fourth MIAC title in a row. I expected January to be tough with the four-game stretch at Bethel, home Carleton, at SJU and home Gustavus, then five in a row on the road. I think St. Thomas and Augsburg have been the conference teams who have played most consistently and closest to their ability. Jeremy Sutherland's injury has probably cost Carleton in a couple of close defeats. Bethel has some talented seniors and still is capable of making a February push. If UST keeps focusing on its next game and working hard in practice, it has a chance at a good postseason.<br /><br />BB: A recent four-game stretch against the other title hopefuls - Gustavus, Bethel, Carleton and St. John's - saw UST win all four by double digits. With eight games left in the regular season, how confident are you that the Tommies will run the table? Has that ever happened before? Which remaining games make you most nervous?<br /><br />GM: A few teams went 16-0 or 18-0 in the 1960s and 1970s, but only one men's team has gone 20-0 since the league expanded to 11 teams in the 1980s. St. Thomas went 20-0 in 1994-95 with a team that played just seven guys. This season's UST team has fresh legs, depth and balance, so, sure, eight more wins could happen. But the odds are stacked against it, and I'll be surprised if the Tommies go 20-0.<br /><br />Augsburg will be a good test Wednesday since the Auggies, coming off a bye, have often played UST close in recent seasons. UST easily won the first meeting with Augsburg at home, but Nate Alm was in early foul trouble and sat most of that game, and he's been huge lately. Bethel has lost 10 in a row to UST, so it may be due. And there are road games at Carleton and Gustavus. When you play a team a second or third time, they look at the film and sometimes change strategy, too.<br /><br />BB: When I played against the Tommies earlier this decade, coach Fritz seemed to ride his starters into the ground. For example, the 2001-02 season saw four starters play at least 35 minutes a game. He seems to have gone to the other extreme this year, with 10 players averaging between 10 and 28 minutes. Is that a product of the numerous blowouts, a change in coaching philosophy or do the Tommies simply possess a more reliable bench this year? I will say that they didn't seem to lose much when the starters sat down against Gustavus - but I'd appreciate if you could avoid breaking down that particular game in any great detail.<br /><br />GM: Some recent Gustavus teams had very deep benches, and a couple of Johnnie teams in the last dozen years also brought some good players off the pine, but this Tommie team might have as good of an overall bench the MIAC has seen in the last 25 years - not just in scoring but in guys who can play defense, apply a full-court press, rebound, and shoot from outside.<br /><br />Last year's UST bench was pretty good, and you add in Brady Ervin and have some sophomores playing with more confidence. I would say it's more of a case of Coach Fritz having better athletes on his last two teams, and the fact that if you want to press and run, you need to use more guys and keep players fresh.<br /><br />BB: The Tommies have won at least 19 games seven times in the last nine years, won the MIAC title the last three years and consistently reached the NCAA Tournament. However, they haven't won two straight games in the national tournament in a decade. That includes two disappointing losses at home in the last two years. What factors have played a role in the lack of postseason success?<br /><br />GM: In the last decade, few men's or women's teams from the MIAC have gone far in the NCAA playoffs. Is some of that due to the 20-game (22 for women) conference schedule, that limits opportunities to play more good region and outside teams? I don't think it helps. You have to be good and catch some breaks to make a deep postseason run.<br /><br />First of all, the West region is one of the better ones, so you don't get any easy games. Since the 1993-94 Toms reached the Final Four, St. Thomas had six more NCAA playoff berths in the next 15 seasons. None of those NCAA exits could be considered chokes, and only one was a double-digit loss.<br /><br />In 1995, a 27-0 Tommie team which went just seven deep probably ran out of gas when it lost 94-74 in the second round at home to a very good Nebraska Wesleyan team. In 2000, playing without MIAC career 3-point leader Kip Sparby, UST lost in round two at Buena Vista, 69-66. In 2002, in Mark Buri's final game, they lost at home in overtime in the second round to UW-Oshkosh, 88-85, on a night where Oshkosh I think made 22-of-23 free throws. In 2006 UST lost in the second round on the road to No. 1-ranked Lawrence (Wis.), 63-59 after cutting a 15-point deficit to one point in the final 30 seconds. In 2007 they lost in the second round at home 86-80 to a very athletic Carroll (Wis.) team; and in 2008 they lost in the first round at home 72-70 to a deep and athletic Buena Vista (Iowa) team that later lost in overtime to eventual NCAA champion Wash. U.<br /><br />I think the Nebraska Wesleyan, Carroll and 2008 Buena Vista losses weren't ideal matchups. But the best teams overcome all obstacles, and UST's postseason record since 2002 is what it is - 10-3 MIAC playoffs, 1-4 NCAA.<br /><br />BB: Every significant contributor returns from a year ago for UST and the results have been impressive. It certainly looks like the Tommies could reach Salem without ever visiting a place like the Road Star Inn in Stevens Point (Thanks for splurging, Myles Brand). While expectations have certainly been raised for those diehard UST students, what concerns might you have as the end of another season looms? Do you see any small issues that could become big problems down the road?<br /><br />GM: I don't think anyone associated with the UST team is even aware that Salem is where the Final Four is played. Since none of the current players have ever reached the Sweet 16, they aren't looking very far (if at all) into the postseason.<br /><br />As far as UST students with J-term ending next week, many students who were on study abroad or home working will return. I would expect good crowds for St. Mary's, Bethel, St. John's and Hamline games in February.<br /><br />One thing that concerns me is potential foul trouble, even with UST's depth. In the Tommies' last two defeats, last season at Concordia-Moorhead and at home to Buena Vista, they were badly outscored at the foul line.<br /><br /></div>Andy Subandonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12131539956244386499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660627524908148997.post-47073081748135109882010-08-14T02:31:00.000-07:002010-08-14T02:31:00.258-07:0010 Things to Do and 10 Places to Go to For Healthy Living in Chicago, Illinois<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEingAdY67YlLWUM7lCQzzTYn-OQ3akJUK3XNhvDygXNah3CxGIHNmA9R7LR7SvY6hvMCQD_x0vBmeML1j_18_py2Xw2c78b9dwNRjvCdVKdyoMMSvFnrPw3IGF9GpjvQr6fU9tUbL1iB34/s1600/28-WEBSITE-126.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEingAdY67YlLWUM7lCQzzTYn-OQ3akJUK3XNhvDygXNah3CxGIHNmA9R7LR7SvY6hvMCQD_x0vBmeML1j_18_py2Xw2c78b9dwNRjvCdVKdyoMMSvFnrPw3IGF9GpjvQr6fU9tUbL1iB34/s400/28-WEBSITE-126.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479220307675087426" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">By John C Arkin <br /><br />Chicago is a port and transportation center located at the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan. The city is blessed with skyscrapers and other sceneries. Renowned for the world's tallest buildings, it is certainly a good place to hang out. By just traveling around, you may get involved in some sports activities of your choice.<br /><br />1. North Avenue Beach. If you think this beach was made to give you your swimming pleasures, this place is more than that. It has an outdoor gym where you could stretch and keep those muscles fit. Biking and in-line skates are also allowed in the area. Volleyball may also be played. With this variety of options, you could find a health activity you will dwell on.<br /><br />2. Bike Chicago. This bike rental stall has several locations found in Chicago. If you want to tour the place, they have the so-called touring bikes. If you want to climb uphill and you think walking would be too tiresome, mountain bikes are offered as well. They also have various gears that will make your ride around town comfortable and easy.<br /><br />3. The Green at Grant Park. By the name itself, you could conclude that this is a golf club. Yes, The Green at Grant Park is a typical 18-hole golf course which could help you enhance your putting capabilities. This may not sound ideal for competitions but it is far better than miniature golf.<br /><br />4. McCormick-Tribune Ice Rink. Conveniently located at the Millennium Park, this rink will give you a different kind of skating experience. The view of the lake as well as the grandest skyscrapers in the city will make your playing time a more ideal one. It is just like hitting two birds with a stone by being healthy as well as enjoying the sceneries.<br /><br />5. Lincoln Park to Oak Street Beach. This is considered as the best route to take for in-line skating. You may also take your bikes along with you and join a group of avid bikers. Be extra careful though especially that there are tendencies that skaters and cyclists may clash.<br /><br />6. Belmont Harbor. This is known to be an ideal place for sailing the city of Chicago. The view is definitely enticing while the sport will help you enhance your skills. It may sound better if you know how to sail your own boat but if you want to feel relaxed, you may ask someone to do it for you.<br /><br />7. Ohio Street Beach. Though there are 30 indoor pools found along the Chicago Park District, a better alternative for swimming could be found from the stretch on Ohio Street Beach going northwest to the Navy Pier.<br /><br />8. Windward Sports. Windsurfing in Chicago is also a pleasant health option. While enjoying the breeze, you could surf with the waves of the famous Lake Michigan.<br /><br />9. Chicago River Canoe and Kayak. Kayaking in Chicago is always a good alternative to start a healthy living. You may have a team with you and you will certainly enjoy several forms of kayaking from cardio kayak to paddling under the moon.<br /><br />10. Adler Planetarium. This is an educational location which could help you exercise your mind and your eyes as well. Exploring scientific inventions could be a healthy option for everyone. Walking is a good form of exercise as well.<br /><br /></div>Andy Subandonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12131539956244386499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660627524908148997.post-22827968435563925742010-08-11T02:28:00.000-07:002010-08-11T02:28:00.418-07:0010 Things to Do and 10 Places to Go to For Healthy Living in New York, NY<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglnqYLyt9OQMbruEQNmBHOmggQV9UMznGM0XV5x2r70usfua7INuVXJAMJckc9e2vMSwcjJEcRbTeGEknTZRai-m3Lk_zvvyCvWbiKubHIgnZtdj-El5Y6mfK34OubiN5EwMPQoW2Rrp8/s1600/27-WEBSITE-126.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglnqYLyt9OQMbruEQNmBHOmggQV9UMznGM0XV5x2r70usfua7INuVXJAMJckc9e2vMSwcjJEcRbTeGEknTZRai-m3Lk_zvvyCvWbiKubHIgnZtdj-El5Y6mfK34OubiN5EwMPQoW2Rrp8/s400/27-WEBSITE-126.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479219511916068338" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">By John C Arkin <br /><br />New York is the largest city in the United States. It lies at the mouth of the Hudson River occupying the southernmost extension of the New York State. It is a complex assortment of islands. With these facts, you will definitely get a panoramic view of the entire city. Other than this, you may also get to places where healthy living is offered.<br /><br />1. Chelsea Piers. This 30-acre sports and entertainment complex embraces multifunctional facilities for recreation. This is an ultimate place for any sport enthusiast. It has football fields, a boxing ring, an indoor race track and basketball and volleyball courts. This is better called as a one-stop health and fitness club.<br /><br />2. Hudson River South. After enjoying the wonders of Chelsea Piers, you may run on a five-mile stretch back and forth Battery Park City. This spot is also ideal for kayakers, skaters and cyclists as well.<br /><br />3. Loeb Boathouse. March to November is convenient months for gondola rides along the rivers of New York. You could bring your family and friends along with you as you explore the waters while doing your own boating activity.<br /><br />4. Wollman Rink. Located at Central park, this is regarded as New York best outdoor spot for skaters. Rates vary depending on the age of people who want to play but the idea of fun will surely be coupled by a few sweats dropping from the body.<br /><br />5. Lasker Pool. Central Park must have given out the best in every healthy adventure. With the Lasker Pool in the place, you are about to enjoy swimming. Stretch those hands and start moving your feet as you swim to and from the ends of the pool.<br /><br />6. Central Park Drive. This is a 6-mile run and walkway for people who want to achieve a healthy lifestyle in New York. Walking and running is always known to be healthy for the heart. Circling around the park through this drive will bring out the marathoner spirit in every individual.<br /><br />7. Golf Club. The hitting stalls found in the Golf Club are set on four levels of fairways. Hitting a few golf balls will surely energize you as well as freshen up your entire body. This is a good place for amateurs to practice the craft.<br /><br />8. The Sky Rink. This rink gives a view of the Hudson River. Initially made for skating, the place is also conducive for hockey games. It is a good place to start organizing skating activities for your officemates. Try this out for one day and you will surely get back.<br /><br />9. Field House. Wall climbing is an activity which has been out for years now. Rock climbers or a team may enjoy the 30-foot indoor provision for said active game. Finding your way to the top is never the same with the tactics you need to learn before you actually reach it.<br /><br />10. Toga Bike Shop. Biking is not allowed at Central Park but there are a lot of other places where you could do cycling. Just rent a bike from the Toga Bike Shop and the pleasure is all yours for $30 a day. With this very reasonable rate, you could track downtown at your own pace.<br /><br /></div>Andy Subandonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12131539956244386499noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660627524908148997.post-21479196248793655592010-08-08T02:27:00.000-07:002010-08-08T02:27:00.079-07:00Interesting Facts About Iraq's Sports<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8XeQUuuhN3NYEfqeRPV0olpwxihQJwx6m6CBzUip1Vasb84srW6dbc_mDQXzz6rQnpHjMl-TVrY-gkfm7QHorbPjvjlf3yG1AwNnEYdy3SCCHuYKVht85MOMa6FvWT3nC8E5-hKio7w/s1600/26-WEBSITE-126.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8XeQUuuhN3NYEfqeRPV0olpwxihQJwx6m6CBzUip1Vasb84srW6dbc_mDQXzz6rQnpHjMl-TVrY-gkfm7QHorbPjvjlf3yG1AwNnEYdy3SCCHuYKVht85MOMa6FvWT3nC8E5-hKio7w/s400/26-WEBSITE-126.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479219107015321106" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">By Alejandro Guevara Onofre<br /><br />Like Mullah Mohammed Omar (Taliban terrorist), Pol Pot (maoist dictator) and Fidel Castro Ruz (communist dictator), Uday Saddam Hussein al-Tikriti was notorious for torturing sportsmen. During the 1998 Arab Games, Uday , Saddam Hussein´s son, threatened to make the Iraqi national soccer team pay the costs of the trip if they did not achieve good results. Who was Uday? He was president of the Iraqi Olympic Committe. Don Yaeger wrote in an article published in Sports Illustrated in March 2003, "Uday's penchant for violence has long been an open secret among international athletic officials. Amnesty International reported in 2001 that Uday had ordered the hand of a security officer at his Olympic headquarters to be chopped off five years earlier, after the man was accused of stealing sports equipment that was missing (but later turned up). In 1997 FIFA, the governing body of world soccer, sent two investigators to Baghdad to question members of the Iraqi national team who'd allegedly had their feet caned by Uday's henchmen after losing a World Cup qualifying match to Kazakhstan. The investigators spoke only to people whom Uday had selected. The result: a report exonerating Uday ".<br /><br />Abdul Wahid Aziz is a weightlifter from Iraq who won a bronze medal at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, Italy.<br /><br />The Iraqi delegation participated in the 2006 Summer Asian Games held in Doha,Qatar, and won 2 silver and 1 bronze medals, placing the Iraqi team in 29th place out 45 countries and territories. For the first time since 1986, athletes from Iraq took part in an Asian Games. It was represented by eighty-six sports people in Doha. The national football team qualified for the Asian Games and the team surprised everyone when it reached the finals only to lose to the hosts by 1-0. The silver medallists were Mohammed Ali Karim, Younis Mahmoud, Usama Ali, Salam Shakir, Jassim Muhammad Haji, Karrar Jassim, Haidar Aboodi, Haidar Kaw, Ali Rehema, Ahmad Abd Ali, Muayad Khalid, Mostafa Karim, Alaa Abdul-Zahra, Ali Mansour Alwan, Samer Saeed, Haidar Sabah, Ali Khudhair, Mohammed Kassid and Mohammed Raheem.<br /><br />The 1976 Summer Olympics was boycotted by Iraq. However, an athlete had already competed before the boycott was officially announced. The Iraqi government objected to New Zealand´s participation on the grounds that their rugby team had toured apartheid South Africa.<br /><br />Iraq did not go to the Asian Games in 1990. Not surprisingly, the Asian Games took place without athletes from Iraq. This country was considered the aggressor of Gulf Persian war and as a result was excluded from participating.<br /><br />From 1979 to 2000, the Iraqi government made little contribution to the development of sport. Certainly, Haiti has more Olympic medals than Iraq-was one of the richest nations in the Third World in the 20th century.<br /><br />The Iraqi football team is sometimes called the "Brazil of Asia". Why? This team is one of the Asia's most successful. It won fourth place during the XXVIII Summer Olympic Games held in Athens, Greece, in 2004. Iraq was the only Asian country in the finals. However, Iraq made history on July 29, 2007, when its team won the Asian Nations Cup. Using a nucleos of players from Athens´s 2004, they beat the three-times Asian champions (1984, 1988 and 1996) Saudi Arabia 1-0 in the final held in Jakarta, Indonesia. In Jakarta, throughout the match, a sympathetic crowd of more than 60,000, which included thousands of Iraqi fans, chanted "Iraq ! Iraq! Iraqi flags hug from high in the stands and one large sign read, "Peace for Iraq". It was one of the few unifying moments in the recent history of Iraq. The victory marked the first time in the tournament´s 51-year history that Iraq has won the Cup. General David H. Petraeus,congratulated the team members and called them "an example for all of Iraq: a team of Sunni, Shia and Kurd who overcame lots of adversity to achieve a common goal, and they did it by teamwork. On that day we were all Iraqi, too".<br /><br />Iraq -it is about 3 times the size of Alabama- made its debut at the 1948 Olympic Games in London, Great Britain. This country won its first Olympic medal at the 1960 Games- a bronze in weightlifting.<br /><br />The Iraqi Olympic team went to Spain to compete in the 1992 Summer Olympics Games. Nine athletes competed in 3 sports at the 1992 Games.<br /><br />The Arab country withdrew from the 1956 Olympics. The boycott was a protest against the Israeli invasion of the Suez Canal.<br /><br />Iraq qualified for the 1986 World Cup in Mexico City. It had to wait 56 years to finally play in a FIFA World Cup.<br /><br />The Iraqi government gives outstanding athletes special medals and monetary awards for excelling in sports. On returning home, each member of the triumphant football team -Asian champions- was rewarded with special prizes: $10,000 and a diplomatic passport.<br /><br />The Asian country sent 45 athletes to the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow,USSR (currently Russia). Like Benin, Lybia, Uganda, Burkina Faso and Guyana, Iraq returned to the Summer Games after participating in the African-led boycott of the 1976 Olympic Games in Canada.<br /><br />Football is the most popular sport in Iraq. Football games draw huge crowds to stadiums in Baghdad (Iraq´s capital), Arbil, Mosul and other cities. Other popular sports in Iraq include wrestling, volleyball, taekwondo, athletics and basketball.<br /><br />Ahmed Raed defected from Iraq during the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. He was an Olympic weightlifter. Ahmed was given the honour of carrying his country´s flag in the opening ceremony of the Olympics.<br /><br />The Arab country did not compete in the Summer Olympic 15 times ( Athens-1896, Paris-1900, St.Louis-1904, London-1908, Stockholm-1912, Antwerp-1920, Paris-1924, Amsterdam-1928, Los Angeles-1932, Berlin-1936, London-1948, Helsinki-1952, Melbourne-1956, Munich-1972 and Montreal-1976).<br /><br />One of the most famous sportsmen in Iraqi history is Taffar Al Saffar. He won the gold medal in the 400-metre hurdles at the 1974 Asian Games in Tehran, Iran. The gold medal for Iraq was the first ever won by that country in Asian competition.<br /><br />The Iraqi team finished 20th at the FIVB Volleyball Men´s World Championship in Buenos Aires, Argentina`s capital.<br /><br />Younis Mahmoud is an Iraqi football icon. He is best known as the athlete who scored the winning goal for Iraq in the Asian Cup in 2007.<br /><br />The Asian country qualified for the FIFA World Youth Cup finals for the first time in 1977. The Iraqi players were each awarded a Soviet-made Lada by president Ahmad Hassan al-Bakr.<br /><br /></div>Andy Subandonohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12131539956244386499noreply@blogger.com0