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

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Will Jet Lag Ruin The Start Of Your Holiday?

By Donald Saunders

This year many thousands of people will be jetting off to the four corners of the globe to lie on a tropical beach and soak up the sun, to backpack through some of the most beautiful of the world's wilderness areas, to explore some of the architectural wonders of our planet or to merely explore new cultures and countries. And, regrettably, many thousands of us are also going to find that the first one or two days of our vacation will be taken up with trying to get over the effects of jet lag.

But is jet lag an inescapable part of long-haul travel?

The answer to this question is very much dependent upon where you are flying from and to. For instance, if you begin your journey in Brisbane, Australia and fly to Sapporo, Japan then you will not experience any jet lag at all because, even though you are traveling thousands of miles, your flight essentially takes you due north so that both your departure point and destination lie in the same time zone. If however you travel from Brisbane to London, England then you will fly east to west over ten time zones and you will undoubtedly suffer from jet lag.

Jet lag is really nothing more than a consequence of your body clock being out of step with local time and, while your body clock will adjust itself to come into line with local time, this adjustment takes a bit of time.

If you travel across just two or three time zones then the time difference experienced will be small and you probably will not notice it greatly and your body clock will adjust quite quickly. If however you travel across more than four time zones then the difference will be noticeable and your body clock will need more and more time to adjust as you fly across more and more time zones.

In our previous example of traveling from Australia to London your internal clock will need a few days to adjust itself fully and, while it is doing so, you are very likely to find that you suffer from insomnia, finding it hard to fall asleep at night and to wake up in the morning, feeling tired during the day, possibly experiencing difficulty in eating with nausea, stomach upset, a feeling of dehydration, a headache, and much more.

So just what can be done to tackle the problem of jet lag?

There are many 'traditional' jet lag remedies including diets, formulas, sleeping pills, over-the-counter medicines, melatonin and others and each of these has both its supporters and critics, but do these so-called cures actually work?

In simple terms the answer to this question is no. These 'traditional' remedies do not work and, in many cases, will actually make your jet lag worse.

Coping with jet lag is not a question of turning to formulas and pills, but requires you to devise a plan focusing on your particular travel plans and lifestyle which allows you to assist your body's natural process of adjusting its own internal clock. This involves taking a number of steps in preparation for your departure, as well as during your flight and at your destination. Sometimes these steps will be sufficient for you to avoid jet lag altogether while, in others, they will undoubtedly reduce the effects of jet lag considerably.

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On Your Holiday, Go Rock Climbing!

By Ted Ibougen

Many times when people start planning vacations, they dream of many things. However, many people have images of pitons, ropes, and other gear when they see rocks! Therefore, many people spend their holiday climbing rocks!

What a climber wears during climbing is the most important thing he/she can do! In fact, during climbing clothes are not meant to be stylish, they are to be protective. When it comes to climbing clothes, it starts form the skin. By that, in rock climbing it is essential to have good "breathing" clothes that allow the sweat to move outward and to let air to flow. The bottom layer is usually thermal clothing.

The second layer is more for movement. You definitely not want a shirt that is constricting as it may become annoying and a hazard. Most often vests or jackets are preferred for the outer layer. You must remember that keeping the elbows, shoulders, and wrists free is very critical. The outer layer pants can also be in different forms, as well. In fact, some climbers prefer to wear shorts. There are also different types of shorts for different climbs, as well! Some of the shorts are just as ordinary as the ones you would wear to the beach; if not more! No matter what, good climbing shorts should have the ability to stretch without sticking. Also, they will be very durable and be able to go through a lot! Pants also must have that same quality; being tough and durable. Most importantly, the knees have to be strong and flexible. Many pants are now insulated and waterproof, as well.

Alike other clothing, there are many different types of jackets, as well. In fact, they make jackets to do everything from keeping cold winds off, to protecting from damaging sun rays, to keeping you dry. If not properly dressed, you may get life-threatening viruses.

One of the most important items to a climber is the helmet. However, if you fall from a great distant no helmet will save you; but for the smaller ones it will make a considerable difference! Not only that, but it is very common to have rock fragments to fall upon you when climbing the rocks! This is true if you're climbing the Alps or in Tuscany. The bottom layer is usually thermal clothing.

When planning your vacation, it is crucial that you think of every accommodation that you need. Even if you have to make a list, it will be well worth it; even life saving!

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Plasma TV Stands . Quality definitely Reflected By Price.

By Ron macfairnlaine

It's certainly not an easy decision to make when you are out buying your plasma TV stand. The selection to choose from is growing every day. As more and more TV designs hit the market place the market place , there are sure to be more plasma TV stands to compare with also.

If you are having some difficulty trying to find your ideal plasma TV stand then you have already figured out that the quality is invariably reflected by the price. If you search hard enough you might find a real bargain somewhere at some point. In the meantime if your plasma television is already fired up and ready to go then you are possibly missing out on some serious family home entertainment.

Plasma TV stands vary from the basic to the ultra modern to the original classic design.There are some very diverse materials used to make them these days. You can buy wood TV stands , metal, glass TV stands and extremely strong plastic. Whatever type of material you choose, from the basic to the ultra modern, you should find a suitable model to suit your tastes. Its generally a question of how much you want to spend.

The sleek modern look seems to be all the rage at the moment. There are some incredible plasma TV stands for sale in attractive contemporary modern designs, with fantastic color variations. The more mature generation seem to like the classic design. The best classic style are definitely the wood TV stands.

When purchasing plasma TV stands remember that quality and toughness are crucial .You need to understand that you are purchasing a TV stand that can support the weight of your television for the full period of it's lifetime. A general rule of thumb is that high quality plasma TV stands are made out of more expensive materials such as metal,tempered glass, or hardwood , they are therefore that much heavier in weight.

The less expensive items are made of laminates,wood veneers,composites and medium density fiberboard, you can generally tell by looking if they are durable or not. Just test the weight if you are out on the high street, try to lift one. If you can lift it very easy then you can be sure it's probably not going to carry the weight of a heavy television on top of it.

When buying an item like this online always check the weight you can then compare it with the price and weight of other items. To conclude the amount you spend is generally going to be relative to how much you have invested on your plasma TV. You can't always go by the bottom line but it's definitely a good indicator. As the folk in my village used to say in years gone by." You get what you pay For!

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What You Should Know Before You Buy an Unlocked iPhone 3G

By Antonio B.

Have you ever wondered if there's a place where you can buy an unlocked iPhone 3G without having to worry about legal impediments? That place actually exists. In Hong Kong, buying unlocked cell phones is perfectly normal. In fact, they don't do it any other way. There, when you buy a phone, it's not locked to any carrier. Instead, you pick a carrier to connect to yourself.

Unlocked cellphones explained

First of all, what is an unlocked iPhone 3G, or an unlocked cell phone for that matter? A locked cell phone is one wherein you can only insert one type of SIM card; the one connected to exactly the same carrier as the cell phone. If you insert another SIM card, you won't get any signal.

A typical example is an iPhone 3G. When you buy it, presumably from AT&T, then you can only use the iPhone 3G within the AT&T network. Even if you replace the AT&T SIM with one belonging to a different network, your iPhone 3G will not be usable.

Within the law

When you buy an unlocked iPhone 3G in Hong Kong, you don't have to be worried that the authorities will put you in jail because they won't. This whole set up is so legitimate in that region that Apple itself has started distributing unlocked iPhone 3G phones in that area.

Price to pay

There's always a catch when something seems too good to be true. In this case, it's the price. When you buy an unlocked 3G iPhone in Hong Kong, you'll have to contend with the higher price. When carriers in the US offer phones at a cheaper price, they do so by paying for the extra cost. They do this in order to attract customers into their locked-in arrangement. That way, they earn from your usage during the locked-in period.

Buy an iPhone 3G unlocked

There are those who are simply fanatics of a certain kind of phone or brand. And when it comes to the word fanatic, that word can never be more appropriate to any other group of people than the fans of Steve Jobs, and hence the iPhone 3G. If you are one of them, then you wouldn't mind paying the extra buck to buy an unlocked iPhone 3G? even if it were in Hong Kong.

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Manchester Airport Parking and what you need to know

By Craig Walker

Getting the right parking at Manchester Airport is as important as getting the right flight from Manchester. You can pay more than you need to and be inconvenienced more than necessary. There are ways to get the best parking prices at the airport and know that your car is secure.

It is usually better to pre-book you car parking at one of the car parks before you leave as the online and pre-booking rates are better than if you just turn up on the day. The car parks do fill up at certain times of the year.

Choosing the most suitable car park could depend on which one is nearest to you depending in what direction you approach Manchester Airport from and also which one has availability. Prices tend not to vary a lot between the car parks usually just by a pound or so per day.

If you are more concerned with comfort and not the cost there is an excellent chauffeur service such as Meteor which offers a meet and greet service for you and your party and you don't have to wait on the last person to come out with their luggage. There is no waiting and you get to travel in a bit of style and you are taken straight to your car.

You can treat your car whilst you are away as most of the car parks can arrange to have your car washed or even a full valet. If some instances you can have your car fully serviced whilst you are away. Simply ask about the services before you arrive as you may have to book in advance.

There are of course car parks next to the airport and these can also be booked online prior to your arrival. This also makes sure you get a parking space during busy periods but also the best prices. You can usually get to the terminal within a few minutes and the journey is all under cover so you will not get wet if it is raining.

Generally you will be asked to leave your car keys so that they can move your car out of the way whilst you are away and have it ready for you upon your return. If you are worried about leaving your house keys don't, simply give them your car key.

A bit of pre-planning should enable you to make some savings and you can generally book you car parking space in a few clicks. Just remember to leave enough time to get a shuttle bus to the airport and enough time to get to the car par itself don't forget to book a valet for your car.

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Rebel Chic Cool Ts

By James Gilbert Pynn

And now a question for the cool ages: can a T-shirt by any other name still smell as sweet? Am I odd? Am I obsessed, to a fault, with comfort? Have I gone off the deep end with my single-minded, heated obsession with the glorious, humble T-shirt? Perhaps. I have a problem, I can admit that. But if you grew up watching James Dean, Marlon Brando, and Monty Clift slouching about, screaming in the rain, and looking fragile, youd have a fixed obsession with this piece of clothing too.

In the entirety of human history, by which I mean the last 60 years, there are only a handful of iconic pieces of clothing. You can count them on one had " maybe two. Theres the Schott biker jacket, Levis jeans, Members Only windbreakers, Converse All Stars, and then " drum roll, please " the glorious T. Now, Im sure some of you fashionistas could expand my list " more power to you. You could twist my arm and add Doc Martens, pea coats, and even the trusty wing tip, but my aim here is to make it very clear how much I love the simplest of garments, this under-vest, this T-shirt.

The rightful definition of a T-shirt is very specific. Dont let the big guys fool you (read as Hanes or FTL) into thinking anything thats not a button-down Oxford qualifies as a training shirt. It doesnt. A tank top is just that " not a T-shirt! A long-sleeved T-shirt is not a T-shirt; its a knit shirt. Or something like that. There is no such thing as a short or long or collar T! Anything longer or shorter than the classic crew neck (I will give you the V neck) is something else.

Most T-shirts are made of cotton and polyester (and sometimes both) knitted together with a jersey stitch, which gives this godly garment its distinct, unrivaled texture. Ah, the sweet relief of sliding on a fresh clean T " you would be hard pressed to find such a singular sensation. I dare you! It is the ultimate in comfort, despite some formalists who decry the T as some kind of symbol of the degradation of the Western world. The fall of Rome, signified by the proliferation of the lowly T-shirt. Madness.

Sweet T-shirt, my love, my life! These ingenious garments create what people in ad agencies call human billboards. Yes, the corporate grubs love to silkscreen their logos and slogans on finely knitted T-shirts, but lets not forget how the T can be the most powerful grass roots tool. All you need is a felt-tip pen (I suggest a Sharpie) and your Philosophy 101 book thats been collecting dust in the basement. Presto-bingo: instant slogan and social relevance. Hopefully. Cool T-shirts are whim away. Get whimsical!

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Important Supplies for Your Faux Wall Finish Project

By Debra That Painter Lady Conrad

The great thing about faux painting is that it's a decorating technique that won't break the bank - especially in these recessionary times. If you've ever painted your home, you probably already have many of the necessary materials and tools. You don't need fancy accessories (except maybe stencils for some finishes). Your main expenditure will be the good quality paints that produce the best results.

Use this checklist to make sure you have everything you need before you start. Running out is frustrating and some paint finishes need to be completed in one session.

Before You Start

What to Wear: Paint can be messy, so wear old clothes that permit stretching. Some kind of hat will keep your hair paint-free and make sure your shoes are non-slip - you don't want to fall off your ladder.

Surface Protection: You can't beat a proper close-weave canvas drop cloth to protect floors and carpets. Old sheets and curtains are a cheap alternative, but a proper drop cloth will prevent paint seeping through in case of a spill and, since they can be endlessly reused, are truly worthwhile investments. Spilled paint on plastic sheeting invites slipping and newspaper tends to move around and stick to shoes.

Spackling Compound/ Putty / Filler: To plug holes and smooth out cracks or other imperfections, Go for a quick-drying kind. Apply with a putty or palette knife and smooth off with different grades of sandpaper.

Masking Tape: This sticky paper tape is handy for protecting areas from paint and for making sure you get a good clean, straight line (vital if you're painting stripes).

Tools & Accessories

Ladder: A light ladder is essential for high walls and ceilings. If you're buying one, go for one with a shelf to put your paint tin or tray on. You might also consider a 'painter's assistant' - a gadget that allows you to hook your tin to your ladder. (If the tin is big and full, decant before painting. Top-heaviness can topple the ladder.)

Stir Sticks: If not supplied with the paint, avoid garden sticks unless you want bits of twig and bark in your paint finish.

Bucket: If you have to mix paints, a bucket can be useful. Alternatively, it's a useful container for bits and pieces, instead of having your workspace strewn with items you might trip over.

Paints: Probably your most important purchase if you are embarking on a faux painting project. Buy the right paint for the job and go for the best you can afford for maximum results.

Paint Applicators: You may need different brushes for different tasks, but a good multi-purpose brush is one with 6mm (2") angled bristles. Bristles shed from cheap brushes so this is another area where you shouldn't skimp. Other applicators are necessary for some techniques. Sponges are used for color washing. Car washing sponges are ideal for this task. Paint rollers, with the nap matched to the task in hand, help you cover large surfaces quickly. Skins - liners for your paint tray - are disposable and will save you cleaning time.

Misc. Accessories

A general purpose knife and a blade will be useful for various tasks, from cutting masking tape to removing unwanted paint from windows. You may need to remove wall fittings so have a screwdriver to hand (also useful for opening paint tins).

Cleaning It Up

Rags: Scraps of colorfast fabric are useful for mopping up accidental spills and splashes and are necessary for cleaning your brushes. You can buy special brush-cleaning products but dishwashing liquid will be adequate for most tasks, and will even clean brushes used for some oil-based paints, such as cream stencils.

You may have one or two additional requirements, such as stencils, depending on the particulars of your project, but you do not need fancy equipment to achieve your aims. Resist the gadgets and gimmicks and keep it simple.

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Facts About Aluminium Briefcase

By Ferdinand Mekinsy

For those who want style and protection, aluminum briefcases are the perfect option to the classic leather briefcase. Aluminum is a rugged, lightweight metal most commonly associated with soda cans. However, this metal is strong and long lasting when crafted for the purpose of briefcases, protecting your belongings from impact damage as well as from the weather.

Aluminum briefcases are also a good substitute for those who do not want to spend too much on a leather case, but still want to have the benefit of exclusive brands and a professional look. On the cutting edge of fashion and style, well maintained aluminum briefcases are thin, stylish and can be used professionally or casually free of the fear of reducing first impressions with an important client. As they are lightweight, they are great for travel, as the metal is more resistant to damage than traditional leather cases.

When you are purchasing aluminum briefcases, there are many things that you need to keep in mind. First, you need to make sure that you have a kit to preserve the metal. Even though aluminum is more durable than leather, it needs to be cleaned and polished to preserve its look. Aluminum can grow dull with age and lack of care, which can speed up the appearance of scuffs and scratches. Second, these cases take longer to pass airport security checks, as they are crafted of metal. If you travel a lot, you will want to keep this in mind.

Like their leather counterparts, aluminum briefcases can be purchased designed for laptops. These cases are normally heavier than those designed for general purposes, and have more pockets and straps in their inside. Most of these cases also include a layer of protective material to pad the laptop against impact damage. This can limit how many papers and supplies you can fit into the briefcase. As aluminum cases normally do not contain outside pockets, space may become an issue.

Aluminum briefcases can be purchased with a high shine or with a more matte appearance. Usually, their color is left with the classical silver expected of aluminum, although some manufacturers do offer these cases in many colours. Steel edges are not uncommon, which add an elegant two toned appearance. Chrome and other metals are usually used to accent aluminum cases, although these styles of cases tend to be more costly.

Not all aluminum briefcases are made equal. When you are shopping for a good case, you should keep an eye for the heaviness of the metal. A good case will be thick enough to resist abuse. The cheaper the case, the thinner the metal. Thin metal will scratch and be broken more easily, so this should be in the forefront of your thoughts as you purchase your case.

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