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

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Painless Weekend Trips

By Laurence D. Xavier


Everybody loves going on vacation. You leave work knowing that you won't be back for a while, and that in a few hours you'll be hanging out on some beach somewhere. Some vacations are fairly long, up to two weeks, while others are pretty short. In this article, you'll learn about some great places to go on vacation that you can do in a weekend. These are perfect if you don't any vacation days saved up at work.

One popular place if you live in the Southern California area is San Diego. This city has undergone some significant renovation in recent years, and it has attracted quite a number of tourists. There are plenty of reasons people keep coming back again and again to this city.

San Diego is known for it's amazing beaches, which are easily accessible all year round. Since the weather is always sunny and warm, you'll never have trouble finding things to do at the beach. If you like animals, you can pay a visit to the San Diego Zoo, where you'll be able to see some amazing creatures from all over the world.

If you like foreign lands, then you could try hopping over to Mexico for the weekend. The flights are short and cheap, as are the hotels. You can eat some tacos, listen to some authentic Mexican music and relax on the beach.

One popular place that has been getting some attention lately is San Francisco. If you like seafood, then you must check out Fisherman's Wharf. And if you are interested in famous architecture, you'll love the Golden Gate Bridge. And of course, there's always the world famous Alcatraz.

Of course, the perfect weekend holiday trip is to Sin City itself, Las Vegas, Nevada. There are plenty of casinos, golf courses, amazing restaurants and fascinating shows to see. Many people make it a yearly habit to come to Vegas at least once. You can easily have a ball there.

No matter where you go, taking small trips now and then is important in keeping your sanity. You will recharge your mind, get rid of some stress, and have some good fun.




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Seven Recycling Ideas For Personalized Socks For Earth Day

By Neela Vazzana


Recycling is one of the acts that are being promoted yearly during Earth Day commemoration. This year the grand gathering of people with the congruous endeavor toward the welfare of the Earth will fall on the twenty second day of April. If you think that recycling would be distressing, you are definitely wrong about it. Well, you can clearly recreate anything that you think is trash and present it another chance to be used. Don't you know that there is a million dollar industry of just recycled materials? Yes, there is. That only means that you can actually earn money even from those old promotional socks that you might want to throw to rot.

If you are greatly eagers to learn the meansof recycling 101, you can perpetually search the internet and look for instructions that you think are elementary to comprehend. At this point, let us focus in recreating or recycling old promotional socks. Here are ten things that you can do to make it instrumental one more time.

Pin Cushion - Old socks can be turned into pin cushions. You can naturally fill it up with fabric from old t-shirts or even an old sock itself. And you can simply have it in round shape or any shape that you want.

Cat Toy - Do the congruent procedure as what you did with the pin cushion. Just fill it up with any soft object, lock it and your pet cat will absolutely fondle and coddle your custom printed sock cat toy.

Puppet - Teaching the essence of why we should recognize Earth Day and why we should take good care of the Earth can be creatively done through a mini puppet show. You can create cute puppets out of your old socks and you'll have instants stars on your mini Earth Day show.

Christmas stocking - Simply redecorate it to fit the Christmas feel and your Christmas stocking out of a customized sock is ready to receive gifts from Santa.

Coin Purse - You can commonly cut the old sock to your desired shape and settle a zipper on it. Certainly, you'll have a really stylish sock purse that is easy to draft and really affordable.

Seedling Sock - Instead of exhausting the traditional plastic soil containers, you can exhaust old socks to plant seedlings of your plants. Aside from the fact that you can still capitalize on it after planting one seedling, you also have a stylish and colorful garden that is really eye catching.

Sock Doll - Instead of procuring plush dolls in the market and great toy stores, why don't you create your own? Yes, you can design a cute little doll out of old socks.

Beyond doubt, recycling is a skill that will not just hone your creative skills; it also proves that everyone can show their support for Earth Day even in their own little ways. Go ahead and recycle some of your old stuff. You might not know that this hobby would turn out to be a good money making strategy.




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Save Big With Great Car Rental Rates

By Adriana Noton


Most people take advantage of good car rental services whenever they want a temporary car replacement or an exotic vehicle to celebrate a special occasion. Renting a vehicle is also a most popular and used way to serve many business needs and long term renting transportation. It is the easier and affordable way to get a luxury car or a family or compact car, truck, mini vans and sports vehicles. Booking a dream car to drive in beautiful Australia is just a click away with really good online services.

Leading auto rent companies provide 24X7 hours online services to book a car. It is simple and quick way to book a vehicle of a person's choice as and when they want. They can offer car renting prices from number of companies, so a customer can compare all of them simultaneously and then choose the best option for him. It saves time and money to get a cheapest car hiring option with a best available vehicle.

They offer easy to understand quotes, with all inclusive price for a car booking. A customer can see what will be insurance charge, tax and stamping duties or any other charges in a quote. There are no hidden costs and the driver has to pay only the price stated in the quote.

They do not ask for pre-payment while booking a car. The client can hold a vehicle by booking and is rest assured to get his vehicle delivery on time. He will pay his payment when he shows up to pick up the vehicle. There are no fees for not showing up and they do not charge for cancellation or modification of the booking.

They include full insurance details on the auto hire charge to cover most common accidental damages. In some cases, they may give extra options for special types of coverages. A driver can decide what he needs for any extra insurance. Most drivers have personal accident insurance, and they do not need to buy any extra plans, other than basic one included in the charge.

The renting staff is happy to provide a specific make and model when a driver asks for it. However, it is good to know that they can provide a particular car on availability basis only. It is necessary to show a person's driving license and a credit card when he goes to hire a vehicle. If he is travelling to other country, he needs to show additional documents like his passport and overseas driving license.

To get the best booking prices, people need to check and compare many details. It is important to check that the low price on Internet is including taxes and insurance. A customer should check for his extra options when renting a luxury car. It is good to know what type of car will better suit for a particular trip. Sometimes, it is better to take with own special things like a child seat as their provisions might different from what a person is used to.

With online car rental services, car booking has been simpler and faster. Most drivers get great prices whenever they want for a vehicle of their choices. They are provided great services to happily drive away a dream car.




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5 Ways to Negotiate Auto Accident Claims

By Asif L Shaikh


A lot of people find that it's extremely hard to negotiate their car accident injury claims. The main reason is that you are dealing with a tough and properly trained negotiator; the auto claims adjuster. However, you can still increase your personal injury settlements through using 5 key negotiation tactics.

The first thing you should do is...

1. Figure Out Your Minimum Car Accident Injury Settlement

Before you begin negotiating with the auto insurance adjuster, choose what's the the bare minimum settlement offer you're willing to approve. This is something you should keep to yourself and not reveal with the car insurance adjuster.

Anytime you negotiate with someone, you should know what is your bottom line figure. By already having a minimum amount, the adjuster won't be able to bully or pressure you into a "take it or leave it" option. Having a minimum figure will reduce the chances of you from making a rash decision that you may feel sorry about later.

Bear in mind, this doesn't mean you should just accept your minimum settlement amount. To avoid getting a low car accident injury settlement you should...

2. Never Accept the First Car Accident Settlement Offer

Auto insurance adjusters are well known to give their smallest auto accident settlement offer first.

The adjusters intentionally give you a low settlement offer to see how you react. They want to see

a) Do you fully realize how much your car accident claim may be worth? b) How desperate and unsure are you to settle your claim as soon as possible?

The first offer is certainly not the last offer. It is essentially an attempt by the insurance companies to pay you as little as possible. And since a lot of people are unaware of these negotiation tactics, many people unfortunately accept the low first offer. Not understanding that there was more money still left to work with .

When you are given an a really low offer by the insurance company, ask yourself the following question:

Is this settlement offer unreasonably low?

If you believe that the car accident settlement offer is unreasonably low, you should .

3. Demand a Reason for the Low Settlement

When you are given a really low auto accident claims settlement, the auto insurance adjuster is examining how persistent you are to negotiate a higher settlement.

At this point, you should ask the claims adjuster to explain their points for such a low settlement.

Make sure you take notes for these answers. You'll use these notes to assess each point and afterwards write up a response letter.

However , if the adjuster made some good points that you over looked, then you should slightly lower your claim. For example, perhaps the adjuster pointed a traffic violation that made your more liable for the car accident. This would make you more responsible for the accident and justifiably lower your final settlement amount.

However, if the adjuster's explanation offers nothing that makes you more responsible for the car accident, then this is just a bluff. You should write a response letter where you address each point that the adjuster specifically made as being valid or invalid. Finish off of the letter, ask for a new settlement or restate your original demand. Once you have sent the response letter, wait for the adjuster to give their counter points before adjusting your final demand.

When you are adjusting your final settlement demand, it is important that you...

4. Gradually Decrease Your Settlement

At several points during the negotiations you'll need to lower your initial settlement demand in order to move forward. A good range to lower you settlement is between 10%-20%. This is a nice range because a) It isn't really significantly lower than your original demand b) It's significant enough to show you are prepared to negotiate

Since the adjuster will continue to lower you settlement, its best to decrease your demand in small increments. This protects you and also helps move the negotiations forward.

The final thing you need to know is that you shouldn't...

5. Do Not Keep Cutting Your Settlement Demand

As you try to negotiate your car accident claims, the adjuster will try to lessen your initial demand. Negotiations only work if both parties are willing to budge from their initial demands. However, when you finally slightly lower claim, it's essential to wait for the claims adjuster to offer you a slightly better offer as well. You should not lower your car accident claim again until the adjuster increases their original offer.

If you keep reducing your car accident claim without receiving a better offer, your claim look weak. This makes it look like your just guessing and unsure of how much your claim is worth. The insurance adjuster will keep pushing your claim further down until you give up and accept a low settlement.




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Trick or treat Entertainment at Atlanta's Major Children's Destinations

By Steven Jorgensenn


Four of Atlanta's most well-known attractions for kids will offer unique Halloween activities during October. Locals and guests to Atlanta will be able to appreciate these fun Halloween celebrations on many upcoming weekends.

Zoo Atlanta, positioned in Grant Park, offers Boo at the Zoo on October 23, 24, 30, and 31. This family event is geared toward young kids, who are asked to wear their costumes. They will be able to meet the characters from Zoo Boo Town, explore the magical path through the zoo, and enjoy some special Halloween treats. Kids ages six and older may enjoy the Boo at the Zoo NightCrawler on October 23. Come spend the night at the zoo and find out what goes on behind the scenes after hours, while participating in some unique seasonal activities. Zoo Atlanta is 1 of Atlanta's favorite destinations for families.

The Georgia Aquarium, located within the heart of downtown Atlanta, turns into the Georgia A-Scary Um! for Halloween weekend, October 29-31. The Aquarium will be decorated in a Halloween theme, and candy stations will be scattered all through the facility for kids to Trick or Treat. Young visitors will be able to partake in the Halloween crafts and activities, while also enjoying the regular exhibits at the Aquarium.

Located just a block from the Aquarium is Atlanta's Imagine It! Children's Museum. This museum is geared for kids ages 8 and under. On Saturday evening October 23 the museum will open from 6:30 to 8:30 for a Halloween party. The activities provided will consist of crafts, games, and fun surprises. There will be special shows by the Imaginators, the museum's professional troupe of performers.

The Fernbank Museum of Natural History, located east of midtown, will host a Halloween Sleepover on the night of October 30. This program is readily available for kids ages 7-12 years. Participants will spend the night at the museum and appreciate lots of fun, hands on activities led by museum staff. Kids will look for clues to help them discover a unique artifact hidden somewhere in the museum. The evening will conclude with a Dinosaur Dance Party.

All of these Atlanta children's spots will offer entertaining and safe seasonal activities for their young guests. These activities are becoming well-known options to traditional Trick or Treating. Parents can be assured that their children will appreciate plenty of fun at any of these attractions.




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Obtain Your Life Application Study Bible With The NIV

By Martin Paul


In this these present days, the majority of people spend much time doing their work. This is the common reason why many of these people forget to spare time to enhance their spiritual aspect of life. But this time, spiritual nourishment can be done easily with a life application study bible through NIV.

With this kind of bible, a person will have the knowledge why the words of God were written and what their purpose is to mankind as well.

With the significant features that come with this bible, a person can easily understand its contents. There are also application notes, character studies, maps, charts, and detailed book guides. All of these things work together in creating a whole new you.

With this kind of bible, you will also have the opportunity to ponder on the things that you have learned from it and apply it into your life.

The NIV life application study bible is so great that the application feature allows you to understand the whole content of this exclusive book.

This book can be a good companion on your everyday life because it will help you understand the words of God to its maximum level. And of course, with these words, you will surely become better person than ever before.

There is nothing to worry about the credibility of this book because before it was published, it has been under the rigid scrutiny, tests, and screening from bible scholars and experts. The translations have been made clear for the purpose of thorough understanding of the readers. And since the theologians would want the readers to have a better understanding of the Holy Scriptures, they have formulated another translation that will make bible reading a comprehensive one - the use of New International Version or NIV bible.

So that the individually reading the words of God, the NIV life application study bible has been designed under strict expertise and precision making it easier for the individual to study the words of God.




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Buying Chocolate: The Effect On Workers

By Tom Doerr


The fair trade system was implemented to ensure that foreign workers would receive a legitimate wage, compared to their counterparts who instead were getting a subsidised amount for there efforts. The fair trade idea appears to be a friendly solution to the pricing struggles between exporters and workers, but what really is the difference between a normal piece of chocolate and a 'fair trade' variety?

The main aspect of the fair trade model is to ensure all their products are certified with the label that outlines the objectives and aims to make a difference for many 'enslaved' workers. It is a complete change to the current policies that are present within the chocolate industry.

A general synopsis of the current 'normal chocolate' situation may help to form an adverse opinion against the practices and conditions they permit - which in some circles, they are viewed as slaves. These opinions are voiced as a result of the limited monetary returns which are so insignificant and minor that they are unable to support their families who live in desolate concrete block houses. Further evidence indicates suggests that at least 40% of coca farmed is in fact slave laboured.

However, the fair trade alternative provides workers with prices that are appropriate and fair in relation to the work they are undertaking. It's a simple human right, remember. Anyway, aside from the clear human positives, the environment and the quality of chocolate are further aspects will hopefully provoke a change of opinion.

Usually, to further ensure this quality, the method by which it is grown is a shelter in the form of a canopy. Pesticides therefore are unable to effect any growth, meaning the farmers won't risk any crop failures which would be incredibly detrimental to their welfare.

The chocolate industry is so diverse and extensive that the mark up on revenues distributed towards that worker should be significantly greater than it currently is. Effectively, this is a minor alternative to the UK problem whereby supermarkets are giving farmers inadequate returns on their produce. This is certainly a collective and universal problem; however, if people alter their buying stance, improvements can happen.




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How To Start Running

By Brian Q. Xavier


It's been well known for years that running is a fantastic exercise that brings with it plenty of benefits. More and more people are starting to run on a regular basis every day, and for good reason. Running is good for your body and your mind. If you are interested in running, but aren't sure how to get started, then this article is for you. By the time you finish reading this, you'll know exactly what to do to make running a permanent part of your lifestyle for life long benefit.

Of primary importance is the proper pair of shoes. With the right shoes, it will be much easier to face the road those first few days when you are building your new habit. With the wrong pair of shoes, it can be disastrous, as foot pain and other joint pain can easily stem from improperly fitting shoes or even shoes that are not designed for your running style. For best results, consult a store that specializes only in running equipment, so you can be sure to get the right pair of shoes.

Another vital factor is to consider your goals. Many people begin a running program with visions of running three or four miles every day, despite not having exercised in many years. After the first few runs and the soreness that follows, it can be tough to stick to it. Choosing much smaller, and achievable goals is much better in the long run. As you achieve them, set them higher and higher. Remember, you are developing a life long habit, not trying to lose ten pounds as fast as you can.

Another thing to realize is that once you start any exercise program, your appetite will increase significantly. Don't be surprised if you are much hungrier than usual. This is normal and don't try to limit calories to speed up any weight loss you are trying to achieve. It's more important to firmly establish a solid running habit. Once running regularly comes natural, then you can worry about what kinds of food you eat.

Once you start running on a regular basis, you'll really notice an improvement in many aspects of your life. Your health will improve, your sleep will improve, and you'll naturally start getting slimmer. So long as you start slow, and are consistent, running can easily become a permanent part of your life.




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