Oasis Hong Kong Airlines Celebrates Six Months of Flying with the Launch of its Hong Kong-Vancouver

Oasis Hong Kong Airlines, Hong Kongs leading low fare, long haul carrier, celebrated six months of flying today with the official launch of its Hong Kong Vancouver service.

The highly anticipated route was the icing on the cake for Oasis Hong Kong Airlines as it celebrated 315 flights, 100,000 satisfied passengers and an expanded fleet at a special ceremony at The Ritz Carlton Hong Kong.

Oasis Hong Kong Airlines executives, Mr. Raymond Lee, Chairman, Mrs. Priscilla Lee, Executive Director and Mr. Stephen Miller, Chief Executive Officer toasted the occasion with Champagne amidst a shower of confetti.

Were thrilled to celebrate this historic milestone and are looking forward to furthering our commitment to making long haul travel accessible to more people, said Mr. Lee.

We are grateful to our passengers for their ongoing support and will continue to enhance our service to ensure seamless and comfortable travel to London, Vancouver and additional destinations in the near future.

Mount Up: Oasis is Canada Bound

The inaugural Hong Kong-Vancouver flight will take off from Hong Kong International Airport on June 28 and land at Canadas Vancouver International Airport, the gateway to the city. The 12-hour non-stop flights will then run six days a week between the two cities.

Economy fares on this route will be offered from as little as HK$3,980 round trip: and business fares from HK$18,000 round trip. The Oasis Hong Kong Airlines price promise guarantees that 10 per cent of economy class seats on every flight will be available at HK$1,990 one-way for at least one year.

From 25 April to 15 May 2007, Oasis is also making an unbeatable buy one get one free introductory offer on its business class service. This simply the best business class offer to Vancouver invites passengers to purchase a businessOasis fare valued at HK$23,800* or above before 15 May 2007 to receive a free, transferable round trip ticket. The offer is good for travel until October 27, 2007.

Stephen Miller, Chief Executive Officer, Oasis Hong Kong Airlines said, Vancouver is very appealing to Hong Kong people as both a business and leisure destination and there is a high demand for flights to Vancouver out of Hong Kong. We are pleased to be able to respond to consumers needs by offering this super value service.

From today, customers can make their bookings to Vancouver on Oasis through selected travel agents. Additional reservation channels, including online at oasishongkong.com and via the Oasis customer service hotline (+852 3628 0628) will be available from early May.

Oasis has purchased three additional Boeing 747-400s from ANA (All Nippon Airways) to service the Vancouver route, bringing the Airlines fleet to five aircraft: one step closer to its goal of 25 aircraft by 2010. The first aircraft will arrive on Wednesday, April 25, 2007.

The Airline has also hired 200 additional cockpit and cabin crew members, bringing its crew size to over 400.

The Hong Kong to Vancouver service now on offer by Oasis follows the launch of its successful Hong Kong to London route last year, which has seen more than 100,000 passengers embark on its flights since its inaugural journey on October 26.

Mr. Miller says the response from customers on those flights has been overwhelmingly positive.

Weve had tremendous feedback from our customers. The people of Hong Kong have really embraced us, for which we are grateful.

The compliments we have received, especially from our business travellers, have given us the encouragement to now extend the same superior product and service experience to the much awaited Vancouver route.

*Terms and conditions apply to the buy one seat and get one free offer.

Oasis Hong Kong Airlines plans to fly to more leading aviation hubs in Europe and North America in the near future.

Tony C.F. CheungReine Blog92250
Renell Blog72031

Hawaii: Where Romance Meets Recreation

The lush and accommodating volcanic formed Hawaiian Islands offer an enchanting Pacific, Polynesian paradise for travelers worldwide. The main islands of Oahu, Kauai, Hawaii and Maui, steeped in history and tradition, are temperate and comfortable year-round, as would be expected from their tropical or sub-tropical locale. Travelers arrive by air and ship to celebrate the fascinating Hawaiian heritage.

The island natives have a rich culture based on an ancient Polynesian belief system. The islands are rich with legends, mythology, gods and goddesses. Long ago, island natives planned fishing, planting, harvesting and farming on moon patterns, using the Hawaiian moon calendar. Another traditional practice is the Kumulipo, or song of creation, an ancient chant recited by kahunas, or priests, at important festivals or events to explain the origin of the Hawaiian people.

While traveling, visitors can enjoy authentic Hula and Fire dancing, Tiki parties and luaus, an island tradition gathering large groups of friends and neighbors for a night of dancing, feasting and extravagant entertainment. To ensure luau accommodations, book space well in advance of your arrival on the islands as the most popular events sell out quickly.

Hawaii offers some of the most sought-after surfing conditions in the world. Whether you prefer to watch, learn or participate in the action, the islands warm, turquoise waters and massive summertime swells are sure to make a big splash.

Offshore, whale and dolphin watching bring tourists side-by-side with the natural, breathtaking underwater world. Humpback whales seasonally migrate December through April, while the nearby Pacific depths are home to many other spectacular breeds year-round. Hawaii also hosts various dolphin breeds, the bottleneck being the most popular. The Hilton Waikoloa Villages Dolphin Quest lets visitors swim alongside many well-trained, aquatic mammals. As with all events, advance booking ensures space.

Local cuisine blends the rich tastes of the Pacific Rim, classic American and European favorites for dishes from luscious seafood and fresh vegetables, to tangy fruits and select sauces. Island restaurants serve tastes from as far off as Vietnam, India and Thailand. Feast on abobo (braised pork or chicken), poi and laulau (taro leaves wrapped around pork or chicken and baked to perfection) and mochi (a sinful rice cake). Island-grown grapes flavor select wines while micro-brewed beers offer ideal complement to your meal.

Book your Hawaii vacation package today to experience all these beautiful islands have to offer.

By Clinton Douglas IV of http://www.vasrue.com/ who provides free, quality articles for your newsletter, website or publication on topics such as Hawaii: http://www.vasrue.com/ vacations. Please link to this site when using this article.Quintilla Blog13248
Rhodie Blog49571

Custom Wheels And Rims Sizes, Colors And Specifications

If you are simply bored with the look of your old car or not satisfied with the look of your new car, try customizing your car by adding a new set of shiny custom wheels and rims to it. You can easily purchase them online or at a retail store. At the retail store your have the advantage of seeing the product before purchasing it. However, on the online stores the prices are very low.

Brand Names and Types

You can choose from a variety of brands. Some of the most famous in this business are Enkei, Volk, Diablo, Panther, Katana, Boss etc. You can select from the basic ones to the gold plated wire wheels to the latest chrome spinners. You can choose the color, style and finish according to your preferences. Check online resources as well. Websites offer you quite a lot of cheap deals, which would other wise cost you a good buck at the retail stores.

Some auto merchants even have software, which allows you to customize wheels and rims for your vehicle. This gives you a good idea of how your vehicle will look.

Your Car and the Rim Sizes

You can have custom made rims and wheels for any automobile on earth. You can customize your Hyundai, Lamborghini, Land Rover, Lexus and Mazda, Nissan 4x4 trucks, Subaru etc. Be sure that you select the right wheel and rim size for your vehicle. You certainly do not want to select a size thats too big for your vehicle because it will be problematic while driving.

Hunt For the Right Colors

From chrome spinners, which cost as much as 3000$ to 5000$ per rim, to steel, aluminum and alloy you can get wheels and rims in a variety of sizes, colors and costs. Wheels with spokes, gun metal color, and gold are a few other popular types. Visit various websites to get the wheels and rims you want to have in your car.

Before you customize your car, always make sure that you have looked at all the options available. Only then you can make the right choice.

Barney Garcia writes about various custom wheel and rim topics. For more info visit: http://www.rims-and-wheels.info, http://www.custom-rimsandwheels.info and http://www.motorcycle-tire-spot.infoRene Blog2399
Pauline Blog54743

Sapphire: A Gift Idea for September Borns

Sapphires, gemstones of the skies, are hidden in the hard soil of our so-called blue planet. An ancient belief says that the sky has got its color from reflection of the blue sapphire stone onto which the earth rested. Sapphire belongs to the non-red variety of corundum group (red is ruby) & is the second hardest natural mineral, after diamond. It is given a 9.0 on the Mohs scale of hardness.

More about the gem

Although sapphires come in many colors including white, purple, colorless, green & sunset hues like orange, yellow & pink, but blue remains the main color. Many women go for sapphire for their engagement rings as this color signifies endurance & fidelity. Which is best is highly subjective & depends upon individual preference also. Generally the most desirable sapphires are those with an intense blue color, & plenty of sparkle and life.

Their beauty, magnificent colors, their transparency, hardness & permanence are those qualities which make sapphires favorite for gemstone jewelry. Sapphires are used in all categories such as rings, earrings, pendants & necklaces, as solitaire stones etc. Sapphire is the official birthstone for the month of September. It is also one of the birthstones for the Zodiac signs of Pisces, Taurus, and Virgo & Sagittarius. Sapphire is given as a gem for the 5th, 23rd & 45th wedding anniversaries.

Intangible powers

Sapphire is believed to have powers of spiritual enlightenment. It was believed that a sapphire would protect the wearer from envy & attract divine favors. This was the reason for which kings used to wear sapphires. It also symbolizes loyalty and faithfulness, while at the same time expressing love & yearning. When exchanged with a loved one, sapphires enhance feelings for one another and attune the two psyches.

The world of fine sapphires

The value of a sapphire depends on size, color & transparency. For very fine qualities these criteria are supplemented by information on the origin of the gemstone. Another pricing factor is a possible treatment. A stone which has not been treated becomes more valuable. The most valuable sapphires are real Kashmir stones. Almost as highly cherished are stones from Burma, followed by Ceylon-Sapphires. Sapphires are also found in India, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, Brazil and Africa. Top quality sapphires, however, remains a rarity in the gemstone mines all over the world.

Sudha Agarwal is a product consultant for FineJewelryVault.com. For these gift ideas and more, visit http://www.finejewelryvault.com/ for the finest collection of diamond gold & sterling silver jewelry at great prices. You may republish this article only if you include the authors information including all hyperlinked URL.Regan Blog50735
Priscilla Blog20554

Cheers (Season 4) DVD Review

One of the greatest television comedies in history, Cheers is an absolute "must see" for anyone who's ever had a regular hangout "where everybody knows your name". The shows centers itself around the friendly neighborhood Boston bar named Cheers. The bar is owned by former Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Sam Malone (Ted Danson). Sam has three employees - bartender Woody Boyd (Woody Harrelson) and waitresses Carla Tortelli (Rhea Pearlman) and Diane Chambers (Shelley Long). Noted psychiatrist Dr. Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammar) is a regular at the bar (and would later star in his own series spin-off, Frasier). Regular barflies Norm Peterson (George Wendt) and Cliff Clavin (John Ratzenberger) round out a strong supporting cast.

The Cheers (Season 4) DVD offers a number of hilarious episodes, including the first episode of the season which features the gang at Cheers and their remembrance of the late Ernie Pantusso (Coach). In this first episode, Indiana farm boy Woody Boyd arrives to meet his pen-pal (who happens to be Coach), but upon learning of Coach's death, Woody is hired by Sam to be a bartender. We also learn in the initial episode that Diane left Frasier at the altar during the couple's trek across Europe. The season ends with an improbable romance between Sam and the beautiful and intelligent city councilwoman Janet Eldridge (Kate Mulgrew). Diane is insanely jealous of Sam and Janet's romance, and the season ends with Sam's over-the-phone marriage proposal to a mysterious woman

Below is a list of episodes included on the Cheers (Season 4) DVD:

Episode 70 (Birth, Death, Love and Rice) Air Date: 09-26-1985
Episode 71 (Woody Goes Belly Up) Air Date: 10-03-1985
Episode 72 (Someday My Prince Will Come) Air Date: 10-17-1985
Episode 73 (The Groom Wore Clearasil) Air Date: 10-24-1985
Episode 74 (Diane's Nightmare) Air Date: 10-31-1985
Episode 75 (I Will Gladly Pay You Tuesday) Air Date: 11-07-1985
Episode 76 (2 Good 2 Be 4 Real) Air Date: 11-14-1985
Episode 77 (Love Thy Neighbor) Air Date: 11-21-1985
Episode 78 (From Beer to Eternity) Air Date: 11-28-1985
Episode 79 (The Barstoolie) Air Date: 12-05-1985
Episode 80 (Don Juan is Hell) Air Date: 12-12-1985
Episode 81 (Fools and Their Money) Air Date: 12-19-1985
Episode 82 (Take My Shirt, Please) Air Date: 01-09-1986
Episode 83 (Suspicion) Air Date: 01-16-1986
Episode 84 (The Triangle) Air Date: 01-23-1986
Episode 85 (Cliffie's Big Score) Air Date: 01-30-1986
Episode 86 (Second Time Around) Air Date: 02-06-1986
Episode 87 (The Peterson Principle) Air Date: 02-13-1986
Episode 88 (Dark Imaginings) Air Date: 02-20-1986
Episode 89 (Save the Last Dance For Me) Air Date: 02-27-1986
Episode 90 (Fear is My Co-Pilot) Air Date: 03-13-1986
Episode 91 (Diane Chambers Day) Air Date: 03-20-1986
Episode 92 (Relief Bartender) Air Date: 03-27-1986
Episode 93 (Strange Bedfellows: Part 1) Air Date: 05-01-1986
Episode 94 (Strange Bedfellows: Part 2) Air Date: 05-08-1986
Episode 95 (Strange Bedfellows: Part 3) Air Date: 05-15-1986

Britt Gillette is author of The DVD Report, a blog where you can find where you can find more reviews of movies and TV series. Source: http://thedvdreport.blogspot.com/2006/02/cheers-season-4-dvd.html.Orelle Blog13992
Ollie Blog3079

Understanding The Magic of Bluetooth Technology

Bluetooth technology is a low-power, low-cost wireless technology for short-range radio communication between various fixed and/or portable electronic devices such as mobile phones, laptops, PDAs, cars, stereo headsets, MP3s, digital cameras, PCs and computer peripherals. Bluetooth also refers to the standard communication protocol (IEEE 802.15.1) specifically designed for this kind of short-range wireless communication.

The core of Bluetooth technology lies in a low-cost 9 mm x 9 mm microchip that functions as a short-range radio link when inserted into an electronic device, making the device Bluetooth-enabled. Wireless communication between various bluetooth-enabled devices takes place via these radio links, instead of via cables as used in normal networking. Since Bluetooth technology uses radio signals, which are omni-directional and can be transmitted through walls and other obstacles, Bluetooth-enabled devices dont need to be in line of sight or be pointing at each other.

Bluetooth radio modules operate in the open, unlicensed ISM (industrialscientificmedical) spread-spectrum 2.4 GHz frequency band, divided into 79 channels separated by 1 MHz each. To avoid interference from other signals, the Bluetooth signal hops to a new channel every time it transmits or receives a data packet, making Bluetooth connection robust and secure. The communication range of Bluetooth technology varies from 1 m to 100 m, depending upon the maximum power permitted (1 mW to 100 mW). Because of this channel hopping, there should not be a consistent problem with other devices using the 2.4 Ghz frequency band, such as old cordless phones.

Each Bluetooth-enabled device can simultaneously communicate with up to seven other devices within a single personal area network, called a piconet. Each device can simultaneously belong to several piconets. Each device negotiates with each other via a defined device name so that each device can keep track of who it is communicating with. The device name to use when you are setting up your Bluetooth device is typically cleared stated in the accompanying device documentation.

Bluetooth technology offers built-in security with 128-bit encryption and PIN code authentication. When Bluetooth products identify themselves, they use the PIN code the first time they connect, thereafter staying securely connected.

Practical Applications of Bluetooth Networking

Some of the popular applications of Bluetooth technology are in wireless networking between a mobile phone and a laptop/desktop, between a mobile phone and a hands-free headset, between PCs in a restricted space and between the input and output devices of a PC (e.g., mouse, keyboard, printer). Bluetooth technology can also be used to transfer files, images and MP3 files between mobile phones or between MP3 players/digital cameras and computers.

Limitations of Bluetooth Technology

Short communication range (up to 100 m) is the greatest limitation of Bluetooth technology. Also, the data transfer rates are much lower compared to other wireless communication technologies. Susceptibility to interference from other devices operating in the 2.4 MHz band, notwithstanding adaptive frequency hopping, is another limitation. The Bluetooth technology is still not fully developed, so there is plenty of room for improvement.

Bluetooth-Enabled Devices

The Bluetooth wireless technology specification is available free-of-charge to Bluetooth member companies around the world. Many companies are interested in making their devices Bluetooth-enabled in order to avoid the clutter of wires with seamless connections and offer simultaneous transmission of data and voice as in hands-free talking.

Bluetooth technology is commercially available in a wide range of applications such as mobile phones, automobiles, medical devices, play stations and many more.

Jon Arnold is a computer engineer who maintains many websites to pass along his knowledge and findings. You can read more about Bluetooth technology and applications at his web site at http://www.bluetooth-explained.com/.Ranique Blog76485
Regan Blog50735

New Line up of Cars Relies on Microsoft

A recent study conducted by the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) revealed that automakers are working together in small clusters to gain faster communication about their upcoming innovative cars. In order to do so, they use different information channels like web conferencing and other ways to effect live conversations through the Internet. By doing this, the manufacturers can secure the quality of product and customer awareness in a snap.

The study is entitled “Key Factors that Enable Product Development: An Investigation of Creating ‘Great’ Products”. According to said study, the automakers are demonstrating greater passion by turning to collaborative product development (CPD) technique through the help of Microsoft solutions. They are adopting these solutions to serve as catalyst to gain more advantage in the automotive world.

PSA Peugeot Citron, for one, has worked with Microsoft Corporation to implement a Microsoft Office Enterprise Project Management solution. Due to this, information is shared hassle-free.

Consequently, Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. has also upgraded to Microsoft Office Professional Edition 2003 and the Windows XP Professional operating system, along with Microsoft Office Outlook Web Access and Exchange Server 2003. With this change, Nissan is expecting to maximize productivity at the same time save at least $135 million in the coming years. Nissan will also adopt Microsoft Office Enterprise Project Management in Spain. This is for a Design Change Collaborative Management platform for Nissan auto parts and automobiles. Microsoft technology is aiding Nissan to improve efficiencies in the entire process of complex planning, coordinating and monitoring vehicle manufacturing.

Patty Dilger, national sales director for the U.S. Manufacturing Industries at Microsoft, said “The auto industry is competing globally against an ever-increasing wave of nameplates. If an OEM expects to succeed, it must stand out with innovative cars developed through globally collaborative means that pull the consumer into the design process. By employing easy-to-use Microsoft solutions — from shared Web sites designed for collaboration to project-management tools and a whole range of Web-based methods for direct communication — the auto industry is deploying new ways to work together.”

Microsoft solutions are maximizes management and accelerates productivity. This is the focal reason why more and more automakers are turning to them for a rewarding collaboration.

Joe Thompson is the owner of a successful auto body shop in Ferndale, California. This 38 year old is also a prolific writer, contributing automotive related articles to various publications. Renae Blog36904
Pamella Blog34288

How To Make Great Savings On You Car Insurance

As anyone who has a motor car knows, car insurance can be expensive. However there are many ways in which you can save money when it comes purchasing for the first time or renewing your car insurance. Here are some simple ways that you can make some small and some substantial savings.

The premium you pay for your car insurance can vary a lot from company to company so it is in your best interests to shop around. You can do this yourself by trawling the internet or get a specialist broker to do it for you.

Work out what type of insurance you want, be it third party, fire and theft cover or fully comprehensive. If your car is an older model, for instance, then consider just taking third party, fire and theft car insurance.

Once you have determined the level of cover that you need, then get at least three separate quotes from different companies.

Getting a quote online will vary from company to company and you do need to compare quotes on a like-for-like basis.

One great way to lower your premiums is to offer to pay more for the voluntary excess you would pay if you were to make a claim. By doing this you can make savings.

If you choose to go with an insurance company that does home cover, sometimes if you take your household insurance cover along with your car insurance then you can make noticeable savings.

Finally, if you have taken advanced driving lessons or have no claims bonus for a number of years then it is worthwhile asking about any special considerations you might be entitled to receiving. While the majority of insurers ask about things such as this when filling in an enquiry regarding car insurance, it is also worthwhile mentioning if they don't.

David Thomson is Chief Executive of BestDealInsurance (http://www.bestdealinsurance.co.uk) an independent specialist broker dedicated to providing their clients with the best deal on their home, motor and life insurance.Rhetta Blog60487
Perle Blog58777

The Truth about Diamond Simulants

There is a large amount of talk about diamond simulants, with all of the discussion you will also find much misinformation, misleading information, and unfortunately a large amount of dishonesty. Smart jewelry shoppers today should make sure and know the difference and not be fooled by those who claim to sell man made diamonds, synthetic diamonds, lab created diamonds when they are actually selling Cubic Zirconia. I was astonished, amazed, but most of all appalled at how many companies say there are selling man made diamonds, lab created diamonds, synthetic diamonds are actually selling cubic zirconia. While I am new the internet business Signature Diamond & Gems, I am not at all new to the jewelry industry and for the live of me I cannot figure out what all the deceit is for, smart jewelry shopping deserve the truth about the product they are purchasing but most of all deserve a quality product for money well spent.

The perplexity of all of these variances can leave even the smart seasoned jewelry shopper a little dazed and confused. You the smart shopper who is interested the huge savings, stunning beauty, and quality product should consider investing in a simulated diamond gemstone also known as a cubic zirconia set in a "quality" setting that enhances the beauty of the stone.

What about a new couple just starting out? What about single parent family? What about middle class family with the everyday task of making ends meet with kids, school, groceries, insurance just to name a few. Shouldn't everyone be able to allow themselves of the luxury of purchasing a quality piece of jewelry while saving thousands at the same time. Are you one of these people or do you know anyone who falls into one of these categories? Well you are actually hearing from one now, for 14 years I worked for one of the largest jewelry manufacturers in the United States and it was then I realize that I could own beautiful pieces of quality jewelry set with diamond simulant gemstones and no one person every knew the difference unless I decided to share my best kept secret. I also realized that I wanted to share my knowledge and story with others and offer a quality product and everyone can afford and enjoy which is why I created my website http://www.signaturediamondgems.com/

I recently married and I currently and very proudly wear a exquisite custom made 14KW antique style wedding ring which has a 2 1/2 carat princess cut center stone and .85 carat pear shape stones on each side which my husband; a certified master jeweler has designed for me. Weather I am shopping, running errands, eating out , or sitting with a client there not a day that goes by that someone is totally star struck by my ring and yet not one person has ever asked it if a cubic!

The information below is geared to assist you in being a smart jewelry shopper and help in making a good decisions when making your next investment.

A synthetic stone is considered to be real in the properties of the stone it is in likeness too, but the stone was not created in nature. A simulant can be naturally or synthetically created, but its properties are not similar to the stone it is imitating.

A stone with the appearance of diamond is called a diamond simulant. Naturally or synthetically created white sapphire, glass, colorless quartz (rock crystal), rutile - natural and synthetic -, yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG), strontium titanite, cubic zirconia, and moissanite are all diamond simulants.

Cubic zirconia is the most abundant diamond simulant. Its likeness to diamond cannot be detected without proper instruments.

As a lab-created stone, cubic zirconia has come far in its development. Although naturally transparent, elements can be added during the manufacturing process to change its color within a wide range. Of all stones, only diamond, ruby, sapphire, and chrysoberyl are more hard than cubic zirconia, which rates at 8.5 on the mohs scale.

-A great many, popularly known cubic zirconia productions are done in Russia.

-Of all diamond replica stones, cubic zirconia is the most successful in likeness to diamond.

-Only diamond, ruby, sapphire, and chrysoberyl are harder than cubic zirconia on the mohs scale cubic zirconia rates at 8.5.

-Cubic zirconia has a reflective index of 2.15 while diamond is 2.41.

-Trace elements can be added to cubic zirconia to produce a range of colors in its naturally transparent state.

Chandra Melvin expert jewelry consultant and founder and President of - http://www.signaturediamondgems.com/Philly Blog49690
Penny Blog68097

Time Management Systems Help Us Soar!

On a recent airplane flight, I thought of all the systems that are in place to get us from one destination to another as efficiently as possible.

Boarding

Consider the rapid turnaround of planes these days. When the arriving passengers disembark, their luggage is taken off, the plane is refueled, a maintenance check is done, the interior is cleaned, a new crew boards, luggage is loaded, food and drinks placed on board, and the new passengers settle in often all within 30 minutes. Then were soaring to our next destination.

Taking Off

We don't buckle up in our seats and then wait while the pilot rummages through stacks of papers, old charts, unread magazines, and empty food containers, trying to figure out what the present destination will be and then where the directions are for that destination.

We expect these procedures to go smoothly and rarely give the process any thought. The pilot boards knowing exactly what he is going to do. There is nothing in that cockpit that is not specific to the job at hand. He has a set of procedures that he follows, in a set order, to make sure nothing is skipped. We count on that, for both punctuality and safety. When something does goes awry and we are delayed for any reason, we're disappointed. If a plane has an accident, we're shocked.

Yet do we expect the same of ourselves in our business endeavors? Consider your desk or your work area as the cockpit, driving the segment of the business for which you are responsible. Take a look around you. Is everything as streamlined as it could be? Are there any extraneous materials that do not pertain to the job at hand? When you come to work in the morning, do you know immediately where to begin, or are you shifting through papers and clutter to determine where to focus first?

With a good system in place, your work has been prioritized the night before. When you come in, you know what your schedule is and what you want to accomplish this day your destination. Nothing will fall through the cracks because you have a procedure to record every task and follow-up that has to happen.

The Crew

You also should expect those around you to be handling their work spaces with the same efficiency. Consider what would happen to our flight if everyone were following the systems needed to get the plane turned around except for one group.

Suppose the cleaning crew didnt pay much attention to the exact timing on their schedule. They knew they were going to clean planes today, but some friends from another unit stopped by so they had a brief visit and chat. Then someone had to make a personal telephone call. When they got to the plane, they found they didn't bring all the supplies they needed, so someone had to go borrow materials from another cleaning crew. Meanwhile the boarding and subsequent take-off is delayed.

Even though everyone else did their jobs, following procedures and schedules, the repercussions of this one group's delay trickle on down to all of the planes following after.

This may sound far-fetched but it occurs in some form every day in offices everywhere. We may be efficient ourselves, but theres often one person whose desk is stacked, who has to constantly ask for duplicates because they can't find what they need, who is easily distracted, and who forgets to follow up. We tolerate that and make jokes about it, but ultimately its not just that one person in the organization that's affected, it's everyone around that person. If you are working with someone like that, you are subjected to disarray, interruptions from them, and not being able to count on them to be as efficient as they could be in doing their share of the work. All of these results impact on the rest of the team.

Each of us needs to be working like the pilot. Know what your schedule is, establish a prioritized plan of action, have the materials you need on hand, and get rid of any unnecessary matter around you that does not pertain to the job at hand so that you can focus on what needs to be done now.

We count on that when we do business with other companies. Shouldn't they be able to expect the same from us? If you want to get your business off the ground, set up systems that will help you soar!

©2006, Key Organization Systems, Inc., All Rights Reserved

As the owner of Key Organization Systems, time management expert Denise Landers shows businesses, governments, and educational institutions how to manage daily workflow for maximum productivity and minimum stress. Learn how your business can benefit immediately at http://www.keyorganization.com.Renie Blog58862
Phaidra Blog6282

Securing A Passport For Aruba Doesnt Have To Be Painful

On January 8, 2007, all travelers to Aruba and other Caribbean destinations will need a U.S. passport for air travel. The change comes as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security attempts to alleviate travel concerns about border security under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) and the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004. Unlike previous years when passports were not required for travel to Caribbean beach resorts, this upcoming season has added potential for traveler headache. As many tourists that have planned their Aruba family vacation or scheduled a wedding may not be aware of the new rules, there could well be a rush on new passport applications near the end of the year. Also, because the program will be in its first season, there certainly exists a possibility of delays beyond the outlined timeframes for passport applications.

So, as you plan your activities for your Aruba wedding or vacation, you should also organize your materials for your passport application. Currently, the State Department claims that passport applications take 4 to 6 weeks to process. As backlogs are certainly expected this season, it is recommended that you either apply for your passport now as a couple of months remain before the legislation goes into effect, or apply as soon as you know you are going to travel.

To alleviate some of your concern, here are some additional recommendations to secure your passport as quickly and easily as possible for your Aruba vacation and even an outline of what to do when you dont have enough time to apply for a passport via traditional methods.

Regardless of how you plan on applying for your passport, the first thing you need to do is obtain proof of U.S. citizenship, usually in the form of a birth certificate. If you have an expired passport in your possession, that can also serve as acceptable documentation. Next, you will need to have a pair of passport pictures made. This is one of the easiest steps as many businesses such as drugstores and copy shops offer the service. Then, carefully complete the passport application available on the State Department website, or obtain an application from any post office or government facility.

Now you have to determine if you have enough time to wait 6 weeks or possibly longer for your passport to return. If you have ample time, prepare the necessary payment and mail through one of the accepted locations. To find a location to apply and pay for a passport in person, visit http://iafdb.travel.state.gov/.

If you are in a bit of a time crunch, you must determine what method will be the most effective for expediting the completion of your passport. Your best choices are expediting the application directly through the State Department or working with a third-party service. Though only the Passport Services Office of the State Department has the authority to issue passports, companies such as Passport Express and Travisa work directly with the government to secure passports in as little as 24 hours.

Either way, if it is your first passport or you have lost your expired passport, you must go to a passport acceptance facility with your passport photos, proof of citizenship and photo ID to have your application validated. The State Department lists about 7,000 locations, including courts, post offices, libraries and government offices.

At this stage, one of your options is to remit payment and mail applications from these approved locations. When mailing directly to the Passport Services Office, you will also have the ability to pay $60 for expedited shipping. Though this method doesnt guarantee passport completion for immediate departures, it can be useful if you are traveling within 3 to 4 weeks to ensure you receive your passport.

In lieu of submitting your application directly to the Passport Services Office, your alternatives are to have your materials approved for mailing via the aforementioned third-party expediting services, or to make an appointment with one of 13 regional passport agencies. The regional offices serve citizens traveling within 2 weeks and can usually provide passports within 2-3 business days. After making an appointment at such an agency, you will need to provide proof of travel within the allotted timeframe. Yet, because these offices are located in only 13 cities, the third-party companies serve as more convenient methods for simplifying and expediting your passport application.

It is also worth noting that a Passport Card, or PASS Card, program is in development for land and sea travel to and from the Caribbean. When approved for use, this credit card-sized passport alternative could eliminate the need for a traditional passport if you were to travel to Aruba via cruise from the U.S. without any international air travel.

This article was written by Justin Burch. Justin writes select pieces about http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/AUAbR for the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino.Rita Blog55812
Revkah Blog92636

Different Types Of Refrigeration

Each and every day, millions of people in the United States use a refrigerator. Many businesses depend on them as they are crucial to maintain our foods safety. When it comes down to it, refrigerators are so commonplace in our day, it is hard to imagine people would add chemicals or use ice to keep things cool. Beyond the refrigerator in a home setting, most people never even think of the extensive technology required to keep commercial and industrial food appropriately cooled at all times. Generally speaking, equipment is needed to protect and store goods, largely food, during shipping by road, rail, air and sea. Without the ability to do this, food would have no way of being moved from one area to the next without spoiling.

Domestic vs. Commercial Refrigeration

Domestic Refrigeration: This type of refrigeration is one that is familiar to most homeowners. Refrigerators and freezers that you keep in your home fall under this category. This is the type of unit that is used to keep food cold in a residential environment.

Commercial Refrigeration: This type of refrigeration holds and displays frozen and fresh food in retail stores, as well as other like establishments. In most cases, this type of refrigeration is farther advanced than refrigerators that you would find in residential homes. As you can imagine, it is crucial that many commercial establishments keep their refrigerators up to date with food safety regulations. This ranges from retail stores to restaurants and many more.

Food processing and Storage: This type of refrigeration is used to preserve process and store the food from its source to the wholesale division. If you are not in the food industry, you probably do not have much knowledge on this type of refrigeration. But even though you may not know about this, it still affects you in more ways than you can imagine. After all, you want your food to be fresh when it finally arrives at your home, right?

There is also a large variety of specialized equipment that may be required to protect and store foods when being shipped by road, rail, air, and sea. In other words, the food cannot thaw out just because it is in transit. Instead, special equipment is used to make sure that food is kept at the appropriate temperature regardless of transportation method.

All in all, there are many different types of refrigeration that help to ensure the overall quality and safety of food.

Glenn Day, an http://www.reccousa.com Industrial Refrigeration professional, specializes in finding the perfect solution for their industrial refrigeration needs. He recognizes the importance of maintaining a well-designed industrial refrigeration system.Raven Blog95157
Penelope Blog40025

Debate Opponent Knocks Hillarys Looks; Surgically Removes Self From Contention

There are a lot of things you can say about Hillary Clinton, and just about all of them have been said too many times. Now, her Republican opponent for Senate in New York, John Spencer, decided to say something about her looks.

"You ever see a picture of her back then? Whew," the desperate politico reportedly confided to a reporter for the New York Daily News. "I don't know why Bill married her," he reportedly raved on.

He is also reported to have said that she had benefited from "millions of dollars of work plastic surgery."

She looks good now," he supposedly conceded.

His attack immediately labeled him as such an airhead that he surgically removed himself from contention, not that, according to the pollsters, he was ever in contention.

Hillary handled her pillory of him with the aplomb of the practiced politician she has become. The Daily News article contained a photograph of her as a teenager.

She joked with reporters, saying, "My high school picture was cute."

Tom Attea, humorist and creator of http://NewsLaugh.com, has had six shows produced Off-Broadway. Critics have called his writing "delightfully funny," "witty," with "good, genuine laughs" and "great humor and ebullience."Rachel Blog15037
Orelee Blog79541

How to Survive (and even enjoy!) Your First Dressage Show Drew Pilton

Even if you are the most confident, well-prepared of riders, your first dressage show can reduce you to nothing but a bundle of nerves. There is so much to remember, and we're not talking about just the test! Well, relax, we've got everything covered. By the end of this article, you'll be on your way to realizing your dressage goals in a relaxed, enjoyable manner.

A month before the show:

* Be mentally and physically prepared. Sounds obvious, but too often riders enter their first dressage show without asking themselves the following questions: Do I understand the objectivesrhythm, relaxation, and supplenessof dressage? Can we ride the required movements in a controlled, accurate manner, and do we consistently do so at home? Does the horse have the ability to stay on task, and is he well-behaved?

* Don't focus on your nerves. If you wait to compete until you aren't nervous about it, you'll never compete. Even top-level dressage riders get nervous. Instead, realize that a healthy case of nerves can keep you focused on the task at hand.

* Read the AHSA rule book. Read it twice! Many riders are eliminated because they haven't taken the time to read the rule book and inadvertently break a rule. You've worked way too hard to let that happen!

* Begin to memorize the test. Know it front and back, inside and out. Walk the test on your own two feet, ride the test on your horse often, draw a diagram and trace it with your finger, and think about it in your head when you are driving and falling asleep. Know it in your sleep, because if you get in the ring and are nervous, it will be the first thing you forget.

* Arrange for someone to read for you. If you suffer from the type of nerves that empties your brain of everything you've learned since birth including, unfortunately, the dressage test you've memorized, then find a friend or family member who will read it to you.

* Get a good coach. Practice doesn't make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect. Ride with your instructor as often as you can afford to. Your coach will be able to gauge your position and your ability to use your aids correctly, which will have a direct and very important impact on your horse's progress.

A week before the test:

* Start paying attention to details. Make sure your equipment is clean and in good working order, and refer to the AHSA rule book to make sure it's all legal. Be sure your clothes fit. Make a check list of everything you need to bring with you.

The day before the test:

* Give your horse a good once-over. Now is a good time to bathe, clip, and perform other grooming odds and ends. Give your tack trunk and trailer a fairly detailed inspection to determine you've packed everything you'll need.

* Give yourself a good once-over. And don't forget to eat well and get good night's sleep.

* Visualize the test. The night before your test, banish your nerves by visualizing it in your head. Banish any bad thoughts, and instead concentrate on riding the perfect test in your brain. The next day your brain will feel "experienced," and that will help!

The day of the test:

* Find a partner-in-crime to attend to the details. This person can check you in, get your number, do last-minute grooming, and make sure that your time is freed up to concentrate on the test at hand.

* Check out the arena. Rules will prohibit you from riding in it, but you may be able to walk it. If this is possible, take advantage and walk the test on foot.

* Give yourself plenty of time to warm up. You want to be on long enough to warm up, but not on so long that you and your horse are tired before the test even begins! Do the same warm-up as you do at home, so something feels familiar!

* Arrive early. Get to the arena well before the whistle blows, and give yourself and your horse a once-over to determine that everything is in order. If you have a friend or family member there, ask them to look you over as well.

* Focus on your horse. And not on your nerves. If you focus on your horse and not yourself, everything will fall into place.

* Bring your sense of humor to the ring. Everything will not be perfect. Be competitive and give your personal best, but keep everything in perspective.

* Enjoy yourself. Enough said!

Ron Petracek is the founder of Equine Internets vast 15 site classified and social network. You can view its amazing size here Http://www.equineinternet.com/network.php or to further your equine habit please visit our forum by clicking here http://www.horsechitchat.com/equineforums and start posting Need to sell a horse or tack? place a free ad here http://www.click4equine.com and always the barn door in left open on purpose.Reta Blog42932
Ophelie Blog19240

La Creperie in Lauderhill

One of the many cities in the South Florida metropolitan area, Lauderhill is a medium-sized community notable for the large number of Jamaican-born elected officials outside of Jamaica (a fact that has earned it the affectionate title of Jamaica Hill by many West-Indians). It isnt an incredibly vibrant city (when compared with Ft. Lauderdale and Miami, anyway), but Lauderhill still pleases in part because of some of the wonderful restaurants they have in town. On the weekends, you will often find the best ones choked with diners from Ft. Lauderdale and even Miami. My favorite is La Creperie.

La Creperie is an amazing bistro-style restaurant that specializes in (surprise) Breton-type crepes. If you were to claim that this was just a simple crepe-house, however, youd be dreadfully mistaken. The culinary masterworks of Lucien Retty are widely varied, and transcend even the written menu. His famous bouillabaisse, for example, is delicious, full of shrimps, mussels, swordfish, and cod, and only available on the last weekend of every month. It sells out incredibly fast, so Id recommend an early reservation if you want to partake. As far as regular menu items go, the duck is fabulous, and is always served with fresh raspberries or bing cherries.

Naturally, you couldnt have a place called La Creperie without sizable portions of crepes. Over 30 varieties of fillings are available, from standards like apples and cherries to seafood. Crepes Suzette are my favorite the Grand Marnier adds the perfect orangey hint. Rettys deserts are known far and wide, to the point that you occasionally have to reserve them in advance. His house Napoleans, for example, go even faster than the bouillabaisse, but are worth the trouble to get one.

La Creperie is a wonderful place, and is perfect for either special occasions or more casual dining. A trip to La Creperie would pair perfectly with a limousine from Mirage Limo theres nothing quite like a limousine ride to get you in the mood for world-class cuisine. Have fun in Lauderhill!

Nick Jurkowski is a senior editor for http://www.MilleniumLimo.com. The essays above can be found on his night life blog, The Urban Adventure Blog, which is updated daily.Ranique Blog76485
Petronia Blog68230

Honest Paid Survey Review Learn the Truth about Paid Online Surveys

Paid online surveys is getting more and more popular, it is a good work from home opportunity because it is an easy and free way to make extra money online. However, with so many paid online survey sites popping up everywhere these days, it is difficult to determine what is real and what is ugly, especially for someone who is new to the paid survey world. To give a real picture of paid online surveys, I have outlined some of most basic and common fact about paid surveys in a Questions and Answers manner.

1. Are paid surveys for real?

Yes, Paid online surveys are for real! There are a good number of legitimate marketing firms/paid survey companies will pay you just for your time and opinion. They pay you to find out what do you think about businesses and manufactures products and services.

2. Why so many people think paid surveys are scams?

I think there are three main reasons:

First, there ARE scam/spam sites - they claim to be paid survey sites and in-fact they just want your personal information and turn around and sell it.

The second, there are many websites promoting those "scam/spam" sites just for commission. If you see any websites (paid or free) that list hundreds (300+ or 400+) of paid surveys sites, please be aware! Lot of those websites just promote anything they can for commission, no matter it is scam or spam. Remember, more is not always better!

The third, lot of survey starters do not realize that it takes a while to get paid. Two or three weeks after signing up and taking some surveys, you don't see the money coming in and you start questioning this paid surveys thing is just another online scam. Lot of people just give up this way because they don't know if they signed up with legitimate survey companies and completed surveys, they will get paid, however, it takes time- lot of survey companies have minimum payout requirement to cash out reward, and it certainly takes time to reach that requirement. Also, it takes average 2-3 weeks for surveys companies to process payment.

3. How much can I make for taking paid surveys?

The answer really depends on several factors:

1). How many legitimate paid survey sites did you sign up with;

2). Your demographic profile which determines the number and types of surveys you get and qualify;

3). The amount of time you spend participating in surveys, focus groups, etc;

4). How lucky you are when it comes to drawings, rattles and sweepstakes.

I would say if you signed up a number of good survey sites and take the majority of the surveys you are invited, you could make $1000 to $2000 a year in cash, gift certificates and prize combined. I personally make average $200 a month and spend about an hour and half a day taking online surveys, it takes me about a year to reach this level.

Can you really make $100 an hour? - It is possible to make $100 for a one hour focus group discussion, but you won't have this kind of opportunity to fill a whole day's work. The truth is you are not going to get rich or make a full time salary by doing paid surveys. However you certainly CAN make pretty good extra cash.

4. Do I have to pay to take surveys and get paid?

Absolutely NOT! Legitimate surveys companies NEVER ask you to pay to take surveys. They are always FREE to join, and it cost absolutely NOTHING to take surveys and get paid! Please be aware the difference between survey sites and Paid to Sign Up offer sites, the later pays you for signing up offers, and sometimes you might need to pay upfront a small amount to try the offers.

5. Should I pay a database/directory/list for paid survey sites?

No. With some effort, you should be able to find all yourself. The problem with those database/directories is they usually promote everything they can find for commissions, no matter it is scam or spam, and they can NOT be trusted.

Doing paid surveys is not going to make you rich, but it's certainly an easy and fun way to make extra cash. I enjoy testing new products before they come out of the market and giving opinion on existing products and services to make them better, and the fun part is I get paid for doing so!

Copyright 2007 Mei Lynn.

Mei Lynn is the website owner of http://www.mysurvey123.com - The most comprehensive and informative site about paid online surveys, where she provides the Best FREE paid survey lists, paid survey guides and honest paid survey reviews.Rene Blog2399
Perrine Blog76965

Running A Home Business & Working Full Time Outside Your Home

Very few people will claim they are bringing enough money home to meet all their needs and wants. Several will begin a home business to supplement their income while remaining at the full time job outside. This can take a toll on the personal life as well as the health of just about anyone running a home business and working full time outside the home.

One of the first considerations should be whether or not the home business in conflict with the full time job as many employers will not tolerate competition from one of their employees. For example, a person working in a retail environment in nearly any capacity may find themselves in conflict with company policies if they begin an online retail outlet. Or someone working for a carpet cleaning company starting a home business offering cleaning services part time as a home business. Being in conflict often forces the employee to make a choice of keeping their full time job or finding work elsewhere.

There are many home business opportunities available that will not conflict with outside work environments, but the time involved in operating the home business will need to examined to determine if it can be done effectively while working full time. The business operator will only have limited availability as well as time to spend on the business and the time needed to run the business will have to be reallocated from another part of the day.

A person with a family will need to know that any time needed to run the home business will have to come from time usually used for family functions or just spending time with the wife and kids. The full time employer will not tolerate someone spending time on their home business while being paid so dividing the time between work, running the business and family may or may not be worth the extra income from a home business.

In some cases, there are home business opportunities that require little time and enable it to be run at the convenience of the owner. With these jobs time can be arranged in which to run the business without losing time with family and friends, although sacrificing sleep or relaxation time may be necessary. Overall, there will be some sacrifice of time and personal involvement when running a business and working full time outside the home.

Time management will be essential in creating work-life balance as well as remaining organized so as not to allow important aspects of work, home business operation and family slip through the cracks. A single schedule guiding the commitments for all obligations will be needed in order to accomplish everything that needs done and to stay ahead of the work.

Michael LaleyeRandie Blog66536
Perle Blog58777

Email Travel Secrets

Why email certain things to yourself when you travel? More on that in a moment.

You may already use email when you travel. With an email account, wherever you are in the world, your friends and family have a way to contact you and you have a way to contact them. Interestingly, even though the internet largely operates by way of the same phone lines, it's more reliable than the phone service in many countries. In other words, even if the phone connection is bad, you may be able to send an email.

If it's a matter of expense that is stopping you, check around. Hotmail, Yahoo and others still offer free e-mail accounts. Why not sign up now, if you haven't already.

How will you access your email? Virtually every public library in the United States now has internet access, and it is almost always free to use. When traveling the country, we often stop in small towns at libraries. We not only check our e-mail, but our bank accounts as well.

When you are in other countries, finding internet access is even easier. Anywhere that computers are too expensive for most people to buy, there's demand for cheap public internet access. The result is that, in many cities of the world, there are internet cafes on almost every corner. How much will it cost? A dollar per hour is not uncommon.

What To Email To Yourself When You Travel

Savvy travelers have been using this trick for a decade now.

Before you travel, email yourself a list of important information and numbers. This should include the number to call if your credit card is stolen, and the number of the U.S. Embassy where you'll be. Just stop and think about what information you would need or want if you lost your luggage and wallet and everything else. This will give you an idea of what to send to yourself.

Email yourself a copy of your passport, for example, and other important documents. You might even want to email yourself a photocopy of your drivers license. I send myself work that I can do, in case I have nothing better to do than sit in front of a computer for hours (Fortunately this hasn't happened yet). Whenever you need these things, they'll be available in any internet cafe in the world.

Copyright Steve Gillman. For travel stories, tips and a free Travel Secrets e-book, visit: http://www.EverythingAboutTravel.comRafaela Blog33755
Randene Blog59210

Germanys Top Tourist Attractions

Millions of visitors flock to Germany each year, and as each year passes that number grows larger. The United States alone accounts for almost 3 million visitors each year. Visitors to Germany come for the welcoming and friendly nature of the people, the breathtaking landscapes and natural beauty, and the world-class accommodations available for every one from the budget-minded traveler to the jet-setting celebrity. Here is a list of some of the top attractions that are considered must-see in Germany, in no particular order.

The Black Forest

Secluded pine-laden woodlands located in southwestern Germany, the Black Forest is famous for being the origin of cuckoo clocks. The area gets its name from the dark shadows of the fir and pine trees that grow very thick there. The black forest offers first rate hiking, camping, and some skiing. Travelers on a budget can find great deals on lodging and accommodations in the towns that surround the Black Forest.

The Frisian Islands

These islands actually span along the coastlines of three countries: Germany, Denmark, and The Netherlands. Sylt is the largest and most populated of the islands and is a known destination for Europes jet-set as well as nudists. Amrum is also a hot tourist spot but less crowded. The pristine beaches, panoramic views, and relative seclusion continue to draw in visitors looking to escape the bustle of more traditional destinations.

Oktoberfest

Munich makes that claim that it is the home of beer and if 6 million visitors is any indication, that claim seems to be valid. Oktoberfest is known worldwide as a celebration of Bavarian beer and lasts several weeks long, from mid-September to early October. The 200 year old festival includes events such as parades, beer tents, music features, feasts of authentic German cuisine, and exhibits.

City of Berlin

Berlin is Germanys largest city and is the countrys capital. Since the fall of the Berlin Wall almost two decades ago, the city has grown and evolved into a modern, bustling metropolis that prides itself on looking to the future while preserving the past. There are landmarks to remind visitors of the strains that history has put on the city, but much of Berlin now has an unmistakable American feel to it. Berlin should be on every German visitors list to visit.

Neuschwanstein Castle

Located near the Austrian border, Neuschwanstein Castle has the title of the most photographed building in Germany. It is also the most famous of all of the German castles and was the inspiration for Disneys Sleeping Beauty Castle located in Disneyland. Neuschwanstein Castle was built in the 19th century by King Ludwig II. Photography of the interior of the castle is strictly prohibited, as it is copyright-protected.

Lake Constance

Lake Constance lies between Germany, Austria, and Switzerland and is fed by the Rhine River, one of the longest in Europe. It is a freshwater lake that is relied upon for water consumption by nearby cities and towns. Recreation draws many tourists from across Europe and beyond each year.

Puripong Koomsin is the owner of http://www.europepathway.com http://www.europepathway.com/germany-travel-guide/germany%e2%80%99s-top-tourist-attractions.html is one of useful articles.Ollie Blog3079
Oralie Blog91224

Freeport, Bahamas

Freeport, Bahamas

History
The Bahamas were discovered by Christopher Columbus during his first voyage. He called the area "baja mar", which means low or shallow sea, and the name stayed to this day. The British arrived in the 1600s after the Spaniards had left in search of gold, and many British fleeing the American Revolution settled there, along with southerners during the American Civil War. The Bahamas became an independent member of the British Commonwealth in 1973.

Freeport, and the nearby resort area of Port Lucaya, are located on Grand Bahama Island, which is the fourth largest island of the Bahamas. They were developed over the past 50 years to be resort areas, as opposed to other Caribbean towns which grew out of a historic area.

Things to Do

While docked in Freeport/Port Lucaya, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy, including golf, shopping, snorkeling, boating, and visiting the beaches and casinos. There are also beautiful natural wonders to explore at the Lucayan National Park, the Rand Nature Center and the Garden of the Groves. UNEXSO - which stands for Underwater Exploration Society - offers some of the best snorkel, scuba and dolphin encounter experiences anywhere.

Getting Around

Both Freeport and Port Lucaya are a bit of a hike from the cruise terminal, so if you aren't part of a shore excursion - which includes transportation - you'll need to take a taxi or scooter rental to get around.

Weather

They say that it's 'better in the Bahamas', and concerning the weather - they are generally correct! Temperatures in this subtropical area range from about 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit, with warm ocean breezes.

Stephanie Larkin is the editor of http://www.WaltDisneyCruise.net, as well as http://www.CruiseNewsOnline.info. She and her family love to cruise - her 3 children especially love the towel animals and chocolates left on the beds at night!Peggi Blog7500
Perrine Blog89102

Your Travel and Holiday Money Options

With summer finally getting into full swing, many of us will be looking forward to travelling abroad for a well earned holiday. Of course, you'll need access to cash while you're away, so what are the best and safest ways of arranging your travel money?

1) Local Currency

It's a good idea to take a small amount of local currency with you whenever you travel, if only enough to last you for your first few hours. You'll probably need to arrange travel from the airport to your hotel for example, and local currency is the easiest way to pay for these initial expenses. The exchange rates charged at airports are notoriously expensive, so buy some currency before you leave and you'll get a much better deal.

The drawback to carrying currency is that if it gets lost or stolen, it can't be replaced. For this reason it's best to use another form of travel money for most of your funds.

2) Travellers Cheques

These are the traditional way of carrying money abroad. When you buy the cheques, which can be in Sterling, Euros or US Dollars, you have to sign the stub of each cheque in the presence of the teller. Once abroad, you can convert the cheques into local currency by signing the other half of the cheque at a currency exchange, where the teller will compare the two signatures and also inspect your passport.

This system is more secure than cash as each cheque is uniquely numbered, so if a cheque goes missing it can be quickly cancelled and replaced by the cheque issuer. There is a drawback in that you have to cash the cheques at a currency exchange, and you might not find one offering a good exchange rate.

3) Credit Cards

Credit cards are accepted virtually the world over, and may seem a good way of paying your way while abroad. As well as using them for shopping, they can be used to pay restaurant bills and even to withdraw cash. Before choosing this as your travel money option though, check your card's small print to see what interest rate is charged on overseas use - it will probably be higher than the standard rate of your card, and you'll probably have to pay exchange charges too.

4) Cash Machines

There are now several international cash machine networks in operation, for example the Cirrus network, and it's likely that your cash card can be used internationally, especially in Europe and the USA. This is a good way of financing your holiday spending, as you can draw out what you need while keeping the rest of your money safe in your normal bank account. The downside is that you may have to pay a fee for each withdrawal, and the exchange rate you're charged may not be the best available.

5) Prepaid Cards

These are a relatively new kind of plastic card, which are used in much the same way as credit or debit cards, with the big difference that you have to 'load' the card with funds before you can spend with it. They are a secure way of carrying money, as the card is replaceable if lost, and as it can only be used in conjunction with a PIN number then even if stolen it's difficult for a thief to make use of it. There will, however, still be exchange commissions payable when you use the card, and also usually a flat fee for cash withdrawals.

The main thing to bear in mind with travel money is that while each of the above options is useful, not all are suitable for use everywhere in the world. The best advice is not to rely on a single kind of travel money, but to take a sensible mixture of cash, local currency, and plastic or cheques, to make sure you can always get local currency when you need it. Enjoy your holiday!

Nicholas Hunt is an experienced author on financial issues, and currently writes for http://www.1stop-finance.co.ukwhere you can read more about travel insurance at http://www.1stop-finance.co.uk/insurance/travel_insurance/.Renata Blog99925
Rachel Blog32614

Cruise Ships - Then And Now

When you think of taking a trip to another country, there is no doubt you immediately consider airline ticket prices. But, that was not always the most popular mode of travel. Before there were 747 jetliners to ferry people across oceans, the way to travel was by cruise ship. But when it came to the masses, they were not necessarily the luxury vessels we are used to seeing today.

Everyone has seen the blockbuster movie, Titanic. It tells a story about a couple that fell in love on the fateful ship before her sinking. While it may just be a story of fiction, it also gave you a little glimpse into what it was really like to be aboard this method of transportation years ago. As you saw in the movie, not everyone was treated equally aboard the cruise ship. There were the very elite customers who were served everything on a silver platter, but on the lower decks were those who were just hoping to get from one place to another and were forced to scrape by in an area where they were packed as tightly as a can of sardines. If you wanted to enjoy your trip, you had to be filthy rich.

Back in those days, there were not quite as many cruise liners as there are today. Those that were in existence were names that everyone knew. Some of the names you may recognize are the Lusitania and the Queen Mary.

For a while, the popularity of luxury cruise travel waned, but it had resurgence in the 1970s. It was all thanks to a television show, The Love Boat. The staff on the television sitcom showed how great of a time passengers were having. They showed passengers relaxing, playing a number of fun games, meeting new friends over great meals, and getting to see new places. People started booking holiday cruises again hoping to cash in on some of the excitement. And for the most part the cruise lines delivered. They offered people a chance to stand on the deck and watch as they headed to new worlds, unexplored to them. In one trip they would allow those on board to see a lot of places they had never been before, and give them a great setting to talk about it at the end of the day. Some cruises didnt even have an end destination, they merely were cruises to nowhere, a chance to experience cruise ship life for a few days. The trend never really died and has been popular ever since.

What is involved in a cruise has changed from the early years. While you can still take a transatlantic cruise, that is not the most popular choice. There are now a number of 3, 4, 7, and 10 days cruises to a variety of destinations. The accommodations are no longer just lush or poor, but instead a number of different cabin choices at a wide array of prices. Because of the variety, anyone today can enjoy a cruise, no matter what his or her budget.

Focusing recent findings in Spain, Clinton Maxwell publishes at large for http://www.alicante-spain.com . His publications on Costa Blanca are published on http://www.alicante-spain.com/costa-blanca.html and also other online publications.Rebe Blog70929
Peggi Blog52695

National Wrestling Hall Of Fame And Museum In Oklahoma City, Oklahoma - A Great Vacation And Travel Destination

All you wrestling fans out there who aren't quite sure what to do for their next vacation should plan a visit to Oklahoma City. That's because the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum is located in Oklahoma City and it is a must see for anyone who enjoys wrestling. Here you will learn about wrestling's past, its present, and the plans for the future.

It is such an educational trip not to mention enjoyable that individuals who aren't that big on wrestling will probably even enjoy it. There really is a lot to learn because the sport of wrestling did not begin with the WWF - WWE. Instead, the sport had a much more modest beginning and the museum celebrates this as well as all the leaps and bounds the sport has made in popularity since.

When you head to the museum make sure you plan on arriving Monday through Friday 9 am until 4:30 pm or else by appointment on the weekends. Within the Museum you will see the Paul K. Scott Museum of Wrestling History, the John T. Vaughan Hall of Honors, Gable/Smith Room, FILA International Hall of Fame, William S. Heins Jr. Library, Cliff Keen Theater, as well as others. You will learn so much about wrestling that you never knew before when you visit the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

When you visit Oklahoma City you will also find many other things to enjoy. You can play golf, go shopping, enjoy seeing professional sports games, and even more. Oklahoma City is the most populous city in the state of Oklahoma so there are lots of things for tourists to do and see here. You will love the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum as well as everything else there is to see and do.

There is a website that has great information on USA Vacations and Unique Travel Spots Listed State By State and Season, the website is called: Seasonal Vacation Spots, and can be found at this url:

http://www.seasonalvacationspots.com

By Robert W. Benjamin

Copyright © 2007

You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter, or on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and without modification except for formatting needs or grammar corrections.

Robert W. Benjamin has been in the software business on the internet for over 6 years, and has been producing low-cost software for the past 25+ years. He first released products on the AMIGA and C64 computer systems in the late 1970's-80's.Priscella Blog53647
Phyllys Blog28982

Friends (Season 2) DVD Review

Along with Seinfeld and Frasier, Friends dominated the must-see TV of the 1990's. Winner of innumerable television awards, the show features the lives of six friends in their late-twenties/early-thirties living in New York City - Monica Geller (Courteney Cox), Phoebe Buffay (Lisa Kudrow), Rachel Green (Jennifer Aniston), Ross Geller (David Schwimmer), Joey Tribbiani (Matt LeBlanc), and Chandler Bing (Matthew Perry). The six friends spend the majority of their time in a coffee house named "Central Perk" or in either Monica's apartment or Joey and Chandler's apartment.

The Friends (Season 2) DVD offers a number of hilarious episodes including the season premiere which begins with Rachel anxiously waiting for Ross at the airport so she can tell him about her feelings. But when Ross exits the plane with his new girlfriend Julie (Lauren Tom) on his arm, Rachel struggles with what she should do. The first several episodes of the season are dominated by this storyline until (in episode #31) a drunken Rachel phones Ross and leaves a message on his answering machine revealing the truth. Forced to decide between Julie and Rachel, Ross constructs a list of pros and cons (episode #32) that Rachel inevitably finds. The incident threatens to destroy their relationship before they finally come together. Meanwhile, Joey lands a part on Days Of Our Lives as Dr. Drake Ramoray, but seals his own fate when his hubris steps on the toes of the show's writers

Below is a list of episodes included on the Friends (Season 2) DVD:

Episode 25 (The One with Ross's New Girlfriend) Air Date: 09-21-1995
Episode 26 (The One with the Breast Milk) Air Date: 09-28-1995
Episode 27 (The One Where Heckles Dies) Air Date: 10-05-1995
Episode 28 (The One with Phoebe's Husband) Air Date: 10-12-1995
Episode 29 (The One with Five Steaks and an Eggplant) Air Date: 10-19-1995
Episode 30 (The One with the Baby on the Bus) Air Date: 11-02-1995
Episode 31 (The One Where Ross Finds Out) Air Date: 11-09-1995
Episode 32 (The One with the List) Air Date: 11-16-1995
Episode 33 (The One with Phoebe's Dad) Air Date: 12-14-1995
Episode 34 (The One with Russ) Air Date: 01-04-1996
Episode 35 (The One with the Lesbian Wedding) Air Date: 01-18-1996
Episode 36 (The One After the Superbowl: Part 1) Air Date: 01-28-1996
Episode 37 (The One After the Superbowl: Part 2) Air Date: 01-28-1996
Episode 38 (The One with the Prom Video) Air Date: 02-01-1996
Episode 39 (The One Where Ross and Rachel You Know) Air Date: 02-08-1996
Episode 40 (The One Where Joey Moves Out) Air Date: 02-15-1996
Episode 41 (The One Where Eddie Moves In) Air Date: 02-22-1996
Episode 42 (The One Where Dr. Ramoray Dies) Air Date: 03-21-1996
Episode 43 (The One Where Eddie Won't Go) Air Date: 03-28-1996
Episode 44 (The One Where Old Yeller Dies) Air Date: 04-04-1996
Episode 45 (The One with the Bullies) Air Date: 04-25-1996
Episode 46 (The One with the Two Parties) Air Date: 05-02-1996
Episode 47 (The One with the Chicken Pox) Air Date: 05-09-1996
Episode 48 (The One with Barry and Mindy's Wedding) Air Date: 05-16-1996

Britt Gillette is author of The DVD Report, a blog where you can find where you can find more reviews of movies and TV series. Source: http://thedvdreport.blogspot.com/2006/02/friends-season-2-dvd.html.Raina Blog77467
Penelopa Blog1719

The Bora Bora Lagoon Resort and Spa

When you hear Bora Bora, you immediately think of wonderful, native huts over a crystal clear lagoon and some of the most beautiful beaches and scenery in the world. Bora Bora has been called the most romantic island in the world, and for good reason. With two black rock peaks that dominate the skyline on one side and some of the most beautiful ocean views on the other, who wouldn't feel like the only two people on Earth while staying in your own private lagoon hut?

But, where do you stay on Bora Bora to find the best possible accommodations for you and your family? The Bora Bora Lagoon Resort and Spa is the place to stay on the beautiful island. No matter what kind of room you want, you'll find it here. From over the water bungalows to beautiful rooms in the resort itself, there are the perfect accommodations for everyone here. There are over 40 bungalows that sit over the warm, tropical waters of the lagoon on Bora Bora, each with a private deck to enjoy the scenery or the sun, and each bungalow comes with a unique back-lit, glass coffee table where you can watch or feed the marine life that live below you. The rooms in the resort are nothing short of relaxing and wonderful either. There are guest rooms and suites that you can choose from when you stay at the Bora Bora Lagoon Resort and Spa, and each room offers guests a private balcony, housekeeping service, telephones, satellite TV, radios, and many other amenities. You can also inquire about the private, two-bedroom villa that sits right on the beach.

The Bora Bora Lagoon Resort and Spa offers guest some of the most beautiful rooms anywhere in the world, and it also offers some of the best activities in the world as well. You can take a swim in the beautiful tropical lagoon right outside your door, or you can take a dip in the freshwater pool that sits in the middle of the lush gardens. The pool is designed to help those who are learning to dive and snorkel before the hit the warm lagoon waters. You will also find diving and snorkeling lessons as well right at the resort. You can also find guided tours of the ocean waters in glass bottom boats, guided deep sea fishing, water skiing, boating, and many other water activities for the whole family to enjoy.

But water sports aren't the only things to do here at the Bora Bora Lagoon Resort and Spa. You can enjoy their fitness center, which has the top of the line fitness and cardio equipment, from 6 am to 11 pm. You can also book a session with one of the personal trainers on staff to help you with their equipment or help you create a workout while you are staying at the resort. The resort also has tennis courts, basketball courts, volleyball, as well as other sports that are offered at different times throughout the year. Be sure to check with the resort to see which sports are available when you book your stay.

Of course, no resort is complete without great food, and the Bora Bora Lagoon Resort and Spa doesn't lack here either. You can enjoy meals from any of the three restaurants while staying here. There is formal dining, deck-side dining, indoor or outdoor dining, and a more laid-back atmosphere at the bar, where you can eat, drink, and dance the night away. There are also wonderful traditional Tahitian shows that you can enjoy with your dining experience each evening, so be sure to enjoy this treat while you are here.

There are also several activities that the resort can help you book with tours and guides around the island, such as circle island tours, rainforest tours, mountain safaris, and many others! Bora Bora has many wonderful cities and villages for you to visit, enjoy, and shop while you are staying here as well, so don't forget to enjoy some of the local flair. Bora Bora has it all, and when you book your stay at the Bora Bora Lagoon Resort and Spa, you will never want to head back home!

WarmIslands.com provides information on all types of tropical vacations and Caribbean cruises. Reviews include Hawaii, the Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Southern Pacific, and many more travel destinations. Enroll for a free membership at their cruise forums and participate with other cruise vacation lovers. Whether you want a tropical vacation on a cruise or are looking for a secluded stay in a villa or resort on the island of your choice, we can help you. Just imagine yourself on a warm and sandy beach enjoying your favorite tropical drink.Phillis Blog72105
Phyllys Blog97517

Maldives Holidays Important Facts

Before booking a luxury holidays in the Maldives, or a cheap holiday in the Maldives, any hotel in the Maldives, or you might just be looking for any island hideaway in the Maldives, it is important that you know where you are going to, and what you will find when you get there.

Too many people arrive at their holiday destination having chosen it only for the price, and a dubious guarantee of sunshine, and have never investigated their destination for its suitability for themselves and their family. A disastrous vacation can often be rescued by the surrounding countryside, but this wont be possible in the Maldives, because you are probably going to be trapped on an island, and that hotel in the Maldives may be on an island you can walk round in a few minutes. So you need to know something about where you are going at the very outset.

The Maldives are in fact an archipelago consisting of 1190 low lying coral islands scattered across the equator, in groups of 26 naturally occurring atolls. The Maldives is 45 minutes from Colombo, 3 hours from Dubai, 4 hours from Singapore, and 13 hours from London.

On the map it is in the Indian Ocean just south west from Sri Lanka, and you dont need a visa.

The Maldives literally sits on top of the Equator so it is a year round 25-30 degrees Celsius, and has frequently been described as paradise on earth.

If your idea of paradise is is a pristine tropical island with swaying palm trees with a pure white sand beach all the way round and then a limpid blue and turquoise sea, then the Maldives is just exactly that.

It is sunny, quite unique, and almost totally unspoiled.

The hotels range from the top of the range giving you the perfect luxury holiday in the Maldives to the other end where there are plenty cheap Maldives Holidays, as well as the total hideaway Maldive islands. They all have one thing in common and that is they are perfect for people who are looking for peace and tranquillity, a chance to rejuvenate and relax. This is not the place to go if you have to spend your holiday visiting places. This is however the place to go if snorkelling or diving are your thing.

It is little wonder that a huge proportion of tourists in the Maldives are returning for a second or third time, simply the place is addictive, with its sun kissed white sand beaches, crystal clear warm lagoons, and multi coloured coral and incredibly exotic marine life. When you consider out of all of the islands only about 200 are inhabited., and of the remaining islands around 100 have become island hotels, there will be more beautiful deserted atolls than you know what to do with.

For more about the Maldives visit http://www.worldwidevacationspots.com/categories/Indian-Ocean-Hideways/The-Maldives/

Peter Stewart writes exclusively for http://www.in-kenyasafari.com as well as http://www.worldwidevacationspots.com and he has in depth knowledge of the places he writes about.Patricia Blog90047
Philomena Blog8656

Chichen Itza Chosen as One of the New Seven Wonders of the World

The list of new world wonders includes The Great Wall of China, Petra, Christ the Redeemer, Machu Picchu, The Colisseum, and Taj Mahal

The Mayan city of Chichen Itza, located in the Mexican state of Yucatan, was chosen as one of the Seven New Wonders of the World by approximately 100 million people around the globe, who cast their ballots by phone and Internet.

The selection of Chichen Itza is recognition of the extremely vast and ancient historical and cultural heritage of Mexico, of which very few countries in the world can boast, said Francisco Lopez Mena, CEO of the Mexico Tourism Board.

The announcement of Chichen Itzas selection by the New7Wonders Foundation was made during a spectacular ceremony at Lisbons Stadium of Light.

The archaeological center of Chichen Itza, the most important Maya capital at the end of the classic period (750 to 1200 A.D.), was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.

Chichen Itza, which in the Mayan language means at the mouth of the well of the Itza, was one of the most important Mayan political, commercial and religious centers of the classic period, but it fell into decline after the emergence of Mayapan as the new focal point of regional power in the Yucatan Peninsula.

The city is home to several buildings that are remarkable both for their architectural design and their religious and scientific significance. Among these are the Temple of Kukulkan (Feathered Serpent), the Observatory, the Temple of the Warriors and the Sacred Cenote (Well of Sacrifice).

The Temple of Kukulkan, one of the tallest and most notable structures in Mayan architecture sits on a 55.5-meter wide rectangular platform and rises to a height of 24 meters. Each of its four sides has 91 steps and the platform that crowns the pyramid is considered the 365th step, meaning there is one for each day of the solar calendar.

During the spring and fall equinox (March and September), visitors can enjoy a breathtaking spectacle: a corner of the Temple of Kukulkan casts a shadow in the shape of a giant feathered serpent that appears to slither its way down the side of the North staircase with the suns movement. This natural phenomenon of light and shadow is a unique experience that attracts visitors from all parts of the world.

The Observatory, also known as El Caracol (The Snail) for its stone spiral interior staircase, is a cylindrical building with a dome that was used as an astronomical observatory, with its doors aligned to view the spring equinox, the declinations of the Moon and other astronomical events that helped determine the complex but extremely exact Mayan calendar.

Other popular sites at Chichen Itza are the Great Ballcourt which, measuring 168 meters long and 70 meters wide, is the largest that has been discovered in the region known as Mesoamerica and the Sacred Cenote, a large sinkhole 60 meters in diameter from which great treasures have been recovered: rings, necklaces and objects of gold and jade.

Thanks to all the people who voted, Chichen Itza today is a new wonder of the world, considered an icon of universal importance for humanity. As a result of this global and democratic selection process, the world will know Mexico for one of its 173 archaeological jewels, tangible evidence of the plurality and ethnic richness of the countrys past.

We invite the world to visit and enjoy this impressive treasure, a symbol of the archaeological wealth of the Mayan world.

About the Mexico Tourism Board

The Mexico Tourism Board (MTB) brings together the resources of federal and state governments, municipalities and private companies to promote Mexico's tourism attractions and destinations internationally. Created in 1999, the MTB is Mexicos tourism promotion agency, and its participants include members of both the private and public sectors. The MTB has offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America.

# # #

Erick Laseca
Mexico Tourism Board
312-228-0517 ext.14
erick.laseca@newlinkcorp.com
http://www.visitmexico.com
http://www.new7wonders.com

Erick Laseca works for Newlink Communications as public relations liaison for the Mexico Tourism Board in Chicago. Raina Blog76994
Phillis Blog72105

Why You Should be Writing to More Than One Russian Woman

My recommendation is for you to write to as many women as you possibly can. The reason for this simple: How many Russian women have you met? Probably none. What do you know about them? Probably nothing.

How much are you going to learn from one woman? You are going to learn a lot about her particular peccadilloes, her preferences, her likes and dislikes, her behavior, et cetera. But what do you have to compare it against -- your experience with American women?

By widening your choice to the maximum amount you can handle from a time and energy standpoint, you will get to meet a wide cross section of women. It will help you to hone your own ideas about the kind of woman you want for a wife.

I guarantee you that when you start to meet a number of women, the cream will rise to the top. You will develop personal preferences for them. I can almost assure you that, after a while, you will know which one is the one.

You will be thinking only of her. You will want to spend all your time with her. When you think of her, your heart will leap. Hey, youre in love!

I will give two examples of why you want to meet more than one woman. The first example is from a man who corresponded with a woman for about six months. He went to meet her in her home country and scheduled two weeks to be with her.

After a few days, the woman was no longer interested in him and broke off their relationship. He now had the balance of two weeks in a city where he didnt know anyone. He had paid for the airline tickets and the hotel for two weeks so he was committed to being there.

Eventually, a day or two later, he broke out of his depression, and with the help of the local marriage agency, met a number of women. One of the women later became his wife.

Another Example:

The second example is from a man who corresponded with one woman for over a year. Finally, he got on an airplane and went to meet her. She had not made arrangements to take time off work, so he could only meet her in the evening and on weekends.

Ten days later he was on his way home. He made another trip a few months later with the same result. Finally, after two more trips, he realized that she wasnt that interested in him and gradually their relationship stalled.

If he had met other Russian women along the way, he may have had something to compare her reactions to him with and he may have figured out earlier that things werent working out as planned.

On the other hand, I know of a number of men who have been one woman men and their relationships have worked out fine.

My personal feeling is that the more women you meet in the beginning stages, the more experience you have to gauge your relationships with the women you meet, the more likely you are to meet the one, and the more likely you are to realize she is the one when you do meet her.

Were not talking about being unfaithful to someone you have established a formal relationship with. We are talking about the letter writing and casual dating stage at the beginning.

John Kunkle has been married to a Russian women for over five years. He has travelled the path from finding her, to traveling to Russia, to bring his wife to America, and adjusting to married life. He will show you step by step how to do this yourself. Piper Blog44371
Rhona Blog42087

Cutting Energy Bills with Roof Replacement

Its that time of year again - the weather is getting a bit cooler as the fall and winter seasons begin. The dropping temperatures will inevitably affect energy costs, and as you look at ways to keep your energy bill down by winterizing your home, remember to consider the roof.

Taking steps to keep your energy bill under control, such as finding drafts and sealing them, replacing old insulation, and checking your vinyl siding and windows for wear and tear are all futile efforts with an old, battered roof.

The Cost of Your Old Roof

Just as a hat keeps you warm in the winter, your roof functions in a similar way for your home it holds the heat in. But if your roof is old and worn, if your home has no hat, your efforts to heat your home could literally be going through the roof. In addition, an old roof is often leaky, contributing to mold and bacteria overgrowth in your home.

The end result can be chronic allergy problems and even respiratory infections for you and your family, because you are breathing in contaminated air.

A trained professional roofing contractor is best-equipped to identify problem areas on your roof and let you know whether minor repairs need to be done, or if there is enough damage, wear and tear to warrant a roof replacement instead.

The Value of a New Roof

Replacing your roof is an investment, helping to cut your energy costs and increase the value of your home. A 2005 annual report by Remodeling Online Magazine reported the average cost of replacing a roof can range anywhere from about $11,500 to $17,000, depending on where you live in the United States.

And your new roof can prove to be a lucrative investment if you ever decide to move. GAF Materials Corp., (a manufacturer of residential and commercial building supplies including roofing materials) reports that, according to a group of realtors surveyed, up to 40 percent of your homes curb appeal is your roof. Though its impact is more subtle, the appearance of your roof can attract buyers to your home and increase the resale value of your home when youre ready to sell.

Before You Shop

Often, a poor-quality roofing job does not show any signs of a problem for years. Getting a new roof is a major investment in your home, so be very careful when you begin to look for a contractor. In addition to making sure you see a portfolio of their previous work, ask for references and make sure you call them.

When looking for a roofing contractor, you want a qualified professional who will use the best materials and back up their work with a good warranty that doesnt just cover the roofing materials, but also covers the labor to repair those roofing materials should you need repairs done.

If you have a roofing contractor in your local area that is a Certified Master Elite Roofer only 2% of all roofers in the U.S. carry this distinction you can rest assured that the work done on your home is excellent quality and is covered under a strong warranty.

Roofing Accessories to Consider

As you talk with contractors, keep in mind that the installation of a new roof involves more than just nailing in your shingles. A good roofing job will include at least a waterproof leak barrier, and ideally an additional layer of protection from the elements, sometimes called roof deck protection. Once this foundation is laid, then your shingles will be laid down.

Also discuss attic ventilation with your roofing contractor without it, in the summer, your attic can get so hot that it actually bakes your shingles. And in the winter, the hot moist air heating your home can get trapped in your attic, soak and diminish the effectiveness of your insulation, and increase your energy bill.

Lastly, if you were ever thinking of getting skylights for your home, now is the best time to plan for them.

Many homeowners wait until their roof is leaking, there is major, visible damage or there is a complete catastrophe before replacing their roof. What these homeowners dont realize is they are wasting money on their energy bills in the meantime. A new roof will increase the beauty of your home, cut your energy bills, and play a major role in your ability to sell your home at your asking price. Find out the condition of your roof before the winter weather sets in so that you can be aware of its condition and avoid the headaches that come when catastrophe pushes you into the emergency purchase of a new roof.

Michael Clem is Operations Manager of Creative Energy of Richmond, Virginia, a home improvement expert in Central Virginia. A Certified Master Elite Roofer, the company is a roofing contractor and also specializes in vinyl siding and vinyl replacement windows. Learn more at: http://www.creativeenergyexteriors.com/roofing.htm.Rakel Blog66919
Revkah Blog92636