So This Is Christmas

Merry Christmas is such an infectious feeling I like to feel that way all year around.

So if you are visiting just before Christmas, just after Christmas or even here on Christmas day I am sure you will find something of interest for you and in the spirit of Christmas.

It may be said that Christmas is no longer a celebration but this must be spoken by people that have never had trouble closing their eyes on Christmas Eve in an expectation of what maybe left for them on the carpet under the tree.

I continue to look forward to the surprise on my Grandchild's faces to this day at Christmas events.

Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Don't Shoot Your Eye Out - Airsoft Guns And Safety Rules

By Anthony Carter

As we write this article, we would like to let you in on some of the excitement of these airsoft guns. You see, for many years, these guns have been very popular. We got into them about a year ago and ever since then, we have been interested in the different types. Our friends even come over from time to time to play with these guns. Why? Well, because they are so much fun. As we write this article, we would like to not only tell you how much fun they are, but we would like to tell you about some safety rules behind them. Almost everyone remembers the famous line in A Christmas Story: "You'll shoot your eye out with a BB gun!" Although we tend to laugh at this line, airsoft guns can be dangerous, and it's important to know some basic safety rules.

If you have a pre-teen or teenage boy, chances are that he's already asked you for an airsoft gun for Christmas or his birthday. These guns are perfectly safe, but it's important to you know and enforce some basic safety rules.

Children under' are not allowed to use these guns without adult supervision. That's not just your rule; it's the law. If your child cannot accept this, he is not ready to own one of these guns. The law is there because these guns are weapons, not toys, and can cause injury if not used properly.

First, promise your parents that you will never take your gun to school or show it off in public. Doing these things can be very dangerous; you can get kicked out of school or shot by a police officer if you break this rule. In fact, you should always carry your gun in a gun case and never use it other than on an airsoft range.

While airsoft pellets are not lethal, shooting at close range can cause eye damage or loss of teeth. Your child can avoid this kind of accident in two ways. First, he should never point his gun at anyone, even as a joke, because it is too easy to accidentally shoot. Secondly, he should always wear goggles on the airsoft range in order to protect his eyes. It is wise for your child to wear other protective gear, such as bulletproof vests, guards, and steel toe combat boots. Proper gear covers his skin so that he is less likely to be hurt by a stray bullet.

Finally, your child needs to pay attention while on the range. When shooting, he should first check to make sure there are no other people within range of the target. It is a good idea in general to be aware of one's surroundings when shooting in order to minimize accidents.

There are some games that do allow shooting at human targets. It is up to you whether or not to allow your child to participate. These games require the protective gear described above.

If you supervise your child and teach him to use his new gun safely, there is no reason not to allow him to have one. Only you know, however, if your child is mature enough to have an airsoft gun.

About the Author:

The Cathedral in Cartagena-Murcia is an attraction

By Greg Hansward

Murcia is both the name of the area and the capital city of this district. The city is situated in the southeast region of Spain on the Segura River. It was built near an area that is recognized as the marketplace of Murcia. The region consists of dells bounded by mountains and there is a lot to see and do in this Murcia.

Sights to See The Cathedral in Cartagena-Murcia is an attraction. The bulk of the work on the building was completed in the fifteenth century. The rise was finished in the seventeenth century. The Cathedral included a mix of architectural fashion as well as Renaissance, Gothic, Baroque and Rococo.

The Bishop's palace is situated near the House of Worship. This is the home of the local bishop. The palace was constructed in the eighteenth century. Locally the citadel is called the Palacia Episcopal.

The Museum of Science and Water is a collaborative gallery. The visitor appeal is about the water theme, and its importance to life. There are research findings and information kiosks about water. The kids will enjoy the planetarium at the museum.

As with many regions in Costa Blanca Spain, water is the attraction. There are gorgeous beaches and the preponderance of the days are warm and sunny. The climate is perfect for enjoying the water. The Mar Menor is a sheltered tiny sea divided from the Mediterranean with narrow piece of beach.

The Glorieta is a remodeled square that is next to the river and this quadrangle is a terrific place to stopover when in the heart of town. City hall has its offices in this quadrangle. There are numerous pedestrian spots located throughout the city. These are friendly for walking and taking in the sights. The market square is a great place to shop.

Festivals There are several fiestas in Murcia all through the year. They possess spiritual importance and overlap with religious holy days. The holy pageants are the most celebrated in this city. Throughout this parade, large figurines are taken from the museums and marched through the city. The statues used in the pageants show the life of Christ up until the time of the crucifixion. There are candlelight parades at night as well as daylight pageants.

Travelling The Murcia airport lies between three places, Murcia, Cartagena, and Torrevieja. This airport is located about forty-five kilometers from the city. This comparatively tiny airport has been developing over time. There are many major airlines that land here.

Evaluate cost of airlines landing at each aero port. The Internet is a great source for locating air travel. You may calculate schedules and fares quoted from a few travel websites at once. Not all discount airlines however are listed on travel websites. You will need to call some airlines directly to find a flight on many of these.

About the Author:

What Use Are Shower Water Filters?

By Peter Abertoning

Shower water filters. Clearly we need to filter our drinking water, but why in the world would you bother to filter your shower water?

After all, you don't drink out of the shower do you? You only wash.

But even so there are excellent reasons to use a shower water filter. Here's 4 good reasons in support of using a shower water filter every time you shower.

1. Chlorine. Now we all know that you shouldn't drink chlorine, and that the best water filters filter out chlorine. There's no doubt that drinking chlorine isn't good for you and some consider it very likely that drinking chlorine causes cancer.

But showering in water with added chlorine isn't good either. It has several problems. Firstly when you take a hot shower your pores open up and let more water in, and as the water penetrates your skin the chlorine gets in too. So you have really just, in effect, drunk chlorinated water.

2. As you shower the hot water releases chlorine gas into the air in the shower, and it stays in the shower as it cant get out, so you're breathing it.

A recent report in the American Journal of Public Health linked chlorine ingestion to cancer stating that up to 2/3rds of the ingestion was due to skin absorption and breathing chlorine gas during showering.

And when this gas escapes into the home, as it must, it contaminates the air in your home.

And there's more nasty effects to chlorine in your shower water. It dries out and damages your hair. Just think back to what your hair felt like after a swim in a pool. That's chlorine. And chlorine can dry out the natural oils in your skin and make your skin itchy. Shower filtration is especially useful to anyone with excema.

3. And this all applies to more than just chlorine. According to the Ralph Nader Institute there are up to 2100 toxic chemicals in our water, like antibiotics, lead, heavy metals and pesticides and much more.

Many of these are volatile and like chlorine will vaporize in the hotter water of the shower, forming a gas. And you breathe that gas. So you're breathing the very chemicals you've filtered from your tap water so you aren't drinking them.

4. And the best shower water filters both make your skin feel and look softer and make your hair look and feel healthier. Hair color doesn't seem to fade like it used to.

But fortunately the best shower water filters will remove up to 99.99% of chlorine, and those 2100 other toxic chemicals that the Ralph Nader Institute tells us about.

And it is way cheaper than you'd imagine too. The best shower water filters cost less than $70, and that's cheap compared to the grief and cost of, say, cancer. Even including replacement filters it's really inexpensive.

There's 4 good reasons to get yourself a shower water filter. Or even better get a whole house water filtration system, and filter every single ounce of water you drink, bathe in and wash in. But if you're thinking of just getting a shower water filter make sure you buy a good drinking water filter as well.

Head over to my website to find out where you source the worlds best drinking water and shower water filters as well as whole house filters.

About the Author:

Every little Girl Wants A Charm Bracelet

By Bart Forcey

Charm jewelry as a part of a fashion statement is one item that never loses its appeal. You can be fashionable with charm jewelry in just about any situation or occasion. Regardless of who the person is or what age he or she may be, a few charms on a bracelet can look great. It also comes in many forms and allows you to express your individuality.

If you're creative and want your own unique charm jewelry, consider making your own. One of the most intricate ways of making charms is through a process called lost wax casting. This is one of the best methods for creating fine charms or other jewelry items. Go to the Internet and research on how to make a piece with this method.

There are numerous ways that are available when it comes to making charm jewelry. Almost all of those different ways are relatively inexpensive and fairly easy to do. Just use an assortment of beads and other items and you can make almost anything a piece of jewelry. If you need beads, chains or other pieces, a number of different wholesale or outlet stores exist. And don't forget to get a "how to" manual.

You can also take an existing bracelet and create something more stylish or funky by adding individual charms to it. Most of the time, it only involves the use of a couple of pairs of pliers and a few charms. It's done by creating ab opening in a small loop, or ring. You do this with the two pliers. After that, you add the charm to that loop or ring. Once that's done, thread the ring through a link in the bracelet and then close it back up. It's all as simple as that!

There are a lot of different techniques for making charm jewelry. You can also create it from many kinds of materials, with buttons being a popular item. The first thing you need to do is go out and find buttons with unique designs or that have a bit of character. Then, just take some clasps, the 20-guage wire and cutters and use the pliers to fasten all of it to a bracelet or necklace.

You can go to the Internet for any sort of guidebook you might need about the very-simple processes behind making or crafting basic pieces of charm jewelry. More complex or expensive pieces are always done after gaining skill and appreciation for the art.

You shouldn't hesitate to experiment, though. Pretty soon, you may find yourself able to make some fine charm jewelry in no time at all. Just remember to allow your creative side to emerge and have a bit of fun with it!

About the Author:

Tips On Finding Cheap Family Holidays

By Wayne Bayles

So what are cheap family holidays really all about? The following report includes some fascinating information about cheap last minute holidays--info you can use, not just the old stuff they used to tell you.

By doing your research you could save yourself a packet, giving you more holiday spending money. Travelling has become the part of life that is a good way to relax body as well as mind! Nowadays, people plan their holidays from time to time and thus, they think of cheap holidays that can help them enjoy holidays without disturbing their budgets.

Cheap holidays in Spain are available all throughout the winter period, apart from at Christmas, New Year and February half term when the kids are off school. To get the cheap Spain holidays price possible, you'll be looking at a time outside of the peak periods, although you can still pick up a cheap Spain holiday in early May and late October when the temperatures aren't quite so hot. Cheap holidays to Australia will provide just that opportunity. You never lived in underwater exploration that Australia had no other place.

It's really a good idea to probe a little deeper into the subject of cheap last minute holidays. What you learn may give you the confidence you need to venture into new areas.

A cheap last minute holiday to Iceland could include anything from shopping in Rekjavik, bathing in hot springs, driving across the ice flats or being at one with the wildlife! Cheap holidays are easy to find with Travel Agents 2U! They might be low cost holidays, but you do not need to scrimp on quality.

Cheap holidays in Kenya can offer you a once in a lifetime memorable holiday. If you are interested in the outdoors and wildlife then it is definitely one of the best places in the world to be. Cheap holidays to Iceland are also readily available, at ludicrously cheap price tags, yet one of the most fascinating places on the planet! A cheap last minute holiday to Iceland could include anything from shopping in Rekjavik, bathing in hot springs, driving across the ice flats or being at one with the wildlife!

Cheap holidays are not always a bargain. A cheap last minute holiday is undoubtedly one of the best ways to get value for money; but only if the hotel is up to a reasonable standard. Cheap holidays to Iceland are also readily available, at ludicrously cheap price tags, yet one of the most fascinating places on the planet!

Those who only know one or two facts about cheap family holidays can be confused by misleading information. The best way to help those who are misled is to gently correct them with the truths you're learning here.

About the Author:

Digital Photography Basics

By Jason Myers

You've finally bought your first digital camera. At this time you're ready to find out some digital photography essentials so you can start taking the kind of photos you've always wished for. Once you learn a number of basic digital photography methods you'll be taking better pictures right away.

This article will tell you what you need to concentrate on to take great photos.

Probably you have a new camera or probably you just wish to get more serious about the one you previously have. No matter what the situation, you need to understand your camera really well. Read the camera manual inside out to learn what features your camera has. Knowing how to do simple things like turn the flash on and off, set your camera to macro mode, and switching your camera to manual mode will provide you more power over how your pictures transpire and help you take better pictures. Now that you know what your camera can do, begin experimenting. Use different shutter speeds and ISO settings. Try setting your white balance manually. All of these things affect your photo. Experiment with taking the same photo using different setting so you can see the effects. All of these will assist you get to understand what your camera does better.

For you to get the best photos you need to think about the composition of your picture. Composition is a part of digital photography basics that you can't disregard. It's one of the most important elements.

Even if you have a perfect knowledge of your camera if your pictures are badly done it just doesn't count. Take some thought about where subjects will land in your picture. What's your colour palette? What is the most vital thing in the photo? Where do you wish the spectator's eye to focus? Try putting the focal point of the picture of center. This will create attention to the composition.

About the Author:

Why Not Make Your Own Christmas Greeting Cards?

By Candace Martin

During the holiday season, you will see plenty of cards that are filled with best wishes for family and loved ones. But, if you want to give your friends a Christmas greeting card they'll never forget, why not try creating them on your own? Here are some tips on sending a Christmas greeting that will help you to be a little more crafty this season.

You can get some of your inspiration from the cards that you see in the shops, by looking at the pictures that are utilized for the covers, or by reading the funny or sincere sentiments and tag lines that make that card unique. For instance, if you come upon some cards with animals sporting holiday accessories, you may want to take some pictures of your own pets decked out with bows and bells. Or, if you enjoy nature and know that your loved ones do as well, take a picture of a forest of evergreens loaded with snow, or a floral display of poinsettias.

Choosing the most suitable things to say in your Christmas greeting card can be a little challenging, however you can make the message more personal when you are giving the card to a special person, so it's best to simply speak from your heart, while still being imaginative. You may want to include your loved one's preferred Christmas-themed Bible verse, or a quote from a holiday movie that your family watches each year. Use these things as the foundation for your greeting cards, then add a personal message of your own to make the card even more special.

If you're out of ideas, try something like: " always happier when you're here. I love it when you come to see us" or "You're always there for me, all throughout the year. I hope this card shows you how much I am grateful for your caring and kindheartedness." Don't worry about attempting to rhyme or sound impressive - a sincere, warm message is exactly what your loved one wants to hear.

Of course, it is always good to pair your Christmas greeting card with a gift - one that you purchased with your friend in mind, or one that you made yourself. You can bake fresh bread to accompany your Christmas card, or you can wrap a tin of cookies or popcorn to serve as an added treat for a special person, or even a co-worker. You can even make a 'designer' Christmas decoration, with a picture or meaningful family symbol to put on the tree in addition to your card, for a gift your loved one will never forget. As well, don't forget that you can send e-cards and include animation, slide shows and music in your cards. These are especially popular for families who cannot always get together for the holidays.

About the Author:

Vines And Hanging Plants Design

By Kent Higgins

Every variety of plant used in a design fits inside an imaginary line that defines the limits of the plant material pertinent to the kind of indoor and outdoor decorating where it will be used. Strictly speaking, vines are plants that cling to, or twine around, something that supports them as they grow upright. Their natural habit is vertical.

Turn the pot upside down, and the pliable stems will turn back and up toward overhead light. But there are hundreds of hanging or trailing plants - not true vines - that serve the same or similar decorative purposes because their long, arching stems either hang down or will grow upright when tied to a support. These are included because the picture would be incomplete without them.

An imaginary line gives a basis for excluding some borderline cases, like the orchids, bromeliads, and other plants that are effective in hanging baskets but do not have "viny" habits. It also excludes any creeping or trailing plants useful only as ground covers, but includes any that serve at least one additional decorative purpose.

It is fascinating to discover the ingenious appendages or characteristics nature gives plants to help them climb, cling, creep, or dangle. It is also important to distinguish between the different climbing and hanging habits, because they often determine the decorative use of the plant or the support that should be provided for it. All the plants described fit into one or more of the following categories.

Vines that climb by twining their stems usually require a thin support, like wire or cord, to twine around. They also have definite ideas about which way they will twine. The familiar bittersweet is one of many that insist on twining from left to right, or counterclockwise; Hall's honeysuckle twines from right to left, clockwise; and neither will change its habit, no matter what you do.

Vines that climb by twining tendrils (leaflike appendages, or modified leaves or flower stalks) are not usually so particular about which way they go so long as it is up. The tendrils of the passionflower vine form tight, wiry coils like bedsprings; some tendrils branch (the cissus tribe); some have blunt ends that curl into a hook; some are hooked and needle-sharp, like the doxantha.

Vines that climb by clinging with tendril discs actually combine two climbing tools - tendrils, and small adhesive discs at the tips. For example, when the center branch of the forked tendril of the Virginia creeper touches a surface, it gets busy twisting, turning, maneuvering to bring the other branches into contact too. Then the tip of each tendril develops a disc and seeps out an adhesive resin to hold it tight to its flat support.

Vines that climb by twining leaf-stems (sometimes flower-stems), like clematis, elongate the stems and curl them around a thin support.

Vines that climb by a modification of the leaf itself are fewer, but intriguing. The tapering tip of the gloriosa lily leaf, for example, looks much like a coiling tendril as it circles its support.

Vines that climb by clinging with rootlets from the stem, or sinking them into some porous surface, need no other support to help them climb a stone or brick wall. The ivies are of this type. Indoors, the climbing philodendrons attach themselves to bark or a moss pole in the same manner.

Hanging plants with long, lax, or arching stems make magnificent basket specimens if they are in proper scale. The variegated flowering maple is a fine example. For larger containers or for tying or training upright, vine-wise, in the garden or landscape, there are many semishrubs like jasmines and climbing roses. The latter, of course, help themselves along somewhat with thorns.

Plants that produce, runners - long, lax, stemlike extensions with new plants appearing at the ends - will hang gracefully from pots or baskets. The runners usually strike roots and establish themselves wherever they touch soil. Examples are the episcias and saxifragas.

Prostrate plants with creeping or trailing stems include a number of outdoor ground covers like pothos plants that root at intervals as they move over the soil, and some indoor gems like selaginellas and pileas.

Vining and other plants are classified as annuals, which flower the first season from seed; biennials, which flower the second season after sowing seed; and perennials, which live on from year to year. Perennials that will flower the first year from seed are often grown as annuals.

Perennials may be herbaceous, dying back to the ground in winter, or woody, with top growth persisting and growing on the following year. And woody perennials may be deciduous and drop their leaves in winter, or evergreen. The evergreens are further divided into types with needle like leaves (conifers) or broad-leaved.

About the Author:

If You Are Unable To Be There But Want To Show You Love Them Then Send -