writerrighter

Summer Family Reunion Scrapbook

writerrighter — Fri, 22 May 2009 21:21:22 GMT

Summer Family Reunion Scrapbook

Documenting the events, familiar faces and special moments that are all a part of your next summer family BBQ is a great way to get your loved ones involved in a lasting project! All of your various relatives taking various snapshots can contribute to the building of a scrapbook--an "all dressed up" photo album that celebrates this event. But this won't be the old dime-store album of plain, clear vinyl pockets in a grid where you insert your 4X6's. If you're the "lucky" one who gets to amass this family treasure I can help you get started.

Here's How "Scrappers" Do It

During the summer family picnic festivities, or shortly thereafter, ask--beg if you have to--grandma or grandpa to write a handwritten reflection of the day's events. If they can jot down things family members mention that are going on in their lives at the time it adds a nice, newsy touch. Keep a copy of the invitation to the reunion showing where it took place. Keep artwork the kids created. Be sure to include a group photo since it shows the size of the family. To add journaling you can record some fun facts to your scrapbook memories. Some ideas: What games and sports were played? Who traveled the furthest? Who makes the most popular dessert? Who grew the most since last year (taller that is!). Who's the "sore loser" at card games? Who's the biggest "ham"? Who sneaked in a nap? Are we having fun yet??

The photo collection you pick keepers from could be sent to you or emailed as files for you to print yourself. The advantage here would be your ability to print them at a size best suited for your "creative genius". Often a somewhat small size works for a number of the photos as there may be a lot of them. It depends on whether or not you receive vast numbers of pictures. The group photo should be at least 8 x10" in size. There is plenty of space for it as long as you get a 12 x 12" scrapbook. You could get a smaller size book but the large size lets you place numerous photos on a page with enough room for photo captions. To arrange photos on a page you can place them at various angles and overlap them a little. This adds a casual feel, lets you pack more onto a page and avoids the monotony of a traditional album.

Don't be afraid to trim around some of the people in photos. You can trim using small scissors around their outline; or even hire a freelance graphic artist to do it digitally. Say your special group photo requires 1 figure to be removed while keeping a fairly natural look. A graphic artist can remove a portion of the photo while retaining background. At an event like this many of the photos will have similar backgrounds or contain undesirable objects like a cluttered table or people with their backs to you. Cropping captures what is important since page space is limited. Believe me you’ll notice when you go to layout each page! Then you can place the cropped shape on a pretty or bright background. One method uses a large stamp punch that mimics the shape of a postage stamp. You place a small photo in it and use it like a photo matte. Little secret here...if that fiancé keeps showing up in photos, you can crop said newcomer and include on the page. Removal later on is easy if they don't become a husband or wife after all. Gosh...had to say it though!

If your family is very large commit a pagespread to each individual family to make it clear which kids are offspring of whom! It may seem obvious now, but wait until children change, babies are born and the years pass. Any members of your clan who didn't make the reunion can send current photos to contribute. Also, note the ages of each child so you can get that perspective of how they've changed years later. The backs of photos won't work since they will be glued down. Make a pocket and place the "Li'l Ones Facts" in it or enter as "Emily at 4." by their pictures. . Identify them with any nickname they’ve acquired too. If you really want to show what a journal wiz you are, have the kids write a little about something they like such as their pet, school or pastime. If you ask them in the form of a specific question, they write the answer for you. As a side note, take care if you ever write on photo backs as a slight indentation may be seen from the front where the writing is on the reverse.

Family Scrapbooking Pics

Black and White Photo Layout.	Photo Layout.
Photo Layout.	Summer Family Together.

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The Whole Story ... Page by Page

A theme for this memory book is a given—celebrating togetherness. A good color scheme would be the bright, cheerful hues of summer. I would not use pastels as they denote newborn babies. Instead, the natural brights of fruits and vegetables, pools and green lawns would be the way to go. Patterns on papers you incorporate could be red-check tablecloth, linen textured or wicker basket patterned. Adornments you add can run the gamut from grass and trees to apples and watermelon to baseball, volleyball, soccer or beach toys. Handwritten labeling may be appropriate for much of it to keep it informal. The title of the scrapbook should be in die-cut, stenciled or stick on lettering.

Embellish to Your Heart's Content ....

Wire can be bent to connect letterforms to make a cursive word. To tack these down use soft flex wire stitched from the paper over the wire.

Decorative eyelets are set in holes. These eyelets splay out like flower petals on the back to secure without glue. They are handy to string fibers through. First you need to make a precise hole with tools such as a hole punch or grommet setter to set the eyelet in.

Photo corners or anchorettes add a traditional touch. Place underneath photos double-sided 3D adhesive foam to raise them off the surface slightly to highlight them. Right?!

Brads are metal embellishments that function to fasten photos or papers to pages without glue.

Punches are precut forms rounded, concave or more complex for shaping edges of paper layered over another for dimension. Stringy, green fibers add texture and adding them vertical would mimic grass. Also, acrylic strings are used for tags. There are punches that create holes in shapes as simple as slits to run ribbon through to cutouts that emboss as they create punches, such as an embossed (raised) snowflake with several holes in its design.

There are foam stamps and woodblock stamps with rubber to transfer inks onto paper. You could stamp a monogram onto a page—hey, if they’re embroidered on handtowels, they’re sure good enough for you! You could give your hand a try at clear stamps of autumn leaves that are black outline drawings you can place partially over images since the stamps have transparent backgrounds. Relevant images for soda drinkers might be the Coke and Sprite 3D stickers in little bottles, cans and bottle caps. If your taste runs more toward lemonade get those instead. Lemonade lovers represent!!

You could make good use of a fabric sheet called Magic Mesh that reminds me of volleyball or soccer netting of these sports. Let me coach you on one technique for it: Place a band of it across the center of a page. Above it, place little headshots of members of one volleyball or tennis team. Below it place the headshots of the opposing team. All on a grass green background.

Chalklets--not chocolates!--are a set of 8 triangular chalks that give you the ability to draw freeform fat shapes. Available also are earth color pencils that are photo safe in 12 earthy colors.

Glue that is acid free is easy to find. In instances where you want precise glue placement there are glue dispensers that have a fine tip. They now make ribbons with adhesive on one side so blotches of glue don’t show through as happens sometimes when you do it yourself!

At last, I’ll close with the scrapbook cover itself. Making Memories has a Postbound Leather Album with a window in its front cover for insertion of a photo or illustration. Archival safe with top-loading sheet protectors and takes refills. Sheet protectors are good if the album is heavily used or passed around. An add-on for the outside of your scrapbook could be a fashionable book-clip to label the outside spine of your binder. I’ll leave the reminiscing to you all in the years to come!

The End.

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Scrapbook How-To Videos

Ribbons used in scrapbooks.

Some ideas to inspire you.

Learn Tennis!

writerrighter — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 18:51:23 GMT

Learn Tennis!

Some would say the aim of the game is to win a match. But others would say the real aim of this game is to get in some intense physical activity! Physical activity—it does a body good. Become a spectator or a talented player and you can't lose. Once immersed in this popular sport you may learn to love this game!. I do! My aim here is to serve up the basics in an easily digestible form if it’s new to you.

Playing Tennis For Fun.

Alert player.	Tennis court.
Is this Mick Jagger?	Angst on the court.

Fundamentally Speaking

Locations for play and diligent practice are often found at local parks, high schools, college campuses or exclusive tennis clubs for the country club set. And, with a minimum of two players needed to get a game going, you're all set. Speaking of sets—those are what you need to win the match. The match is the ultimate goal in terms of winning here. It’s determined by who wins the most sets.

Once your happy feet are on the court you'll want to hit the ball into your opponent's court until they cannot return it (as you've probably surmised). But to win a game you must outscore them by two points. This makes for no such thing as a really close game. Luckily, picking up a racquet, a can of balls and a pair of tennis shoes (without dark soles that tend to mark the concrete surface) are all you need to take a shot at it. Pay attention to the numbers here. The player winning the first 2 sets takes the match. Or the player winning 2 of 3 sets will take the match. Did I mention the player winning 6 games in a set takes that set? Nobody said winning comes quick or easy. After all, a Wimbledon final isn't afternoon tea and crumpets!

Thankfully, serious injury during play is almost nonexistent. However, hurt feelings reported by those playing against John McEnroe have been par for the course. Tennis elbow—or lateral epicondylitis if you prefer the dry description—happens to some players; but most who suffer from it are not tennis players at all. Defying all logic! A warm-up and stretching routine as a regular course often prevents this ailment.

There are two main aspects of hitting the ball—called a stroke or swing. Note for you baseball fans, this one's for you: Bunting is not an option. Up and over the net is a must, okay?

1. Rally using a groundstroke. It's common practice to improve your skill at this by using drills, no matter what your level. The challenge for you when using your groundstroke is to place the ball toward the back of the court—that is where the baseline is—without overhitting the shot. Equally as challenging is placing your shot in the forecourt—closer to the net. The forehand and backhand are the two different groundstrokes. As you perform these swings you develop the habit of rotating back your shoulder that holds the racquet; so the racquet’s position is well behind you before you contact the ball. Just as important is to keep pushing your racquet forward after making contact with the ball.

2. Landing a serve into the crosscourt service box within two attempts is the goal of serving. It’s an important part of your skill set because it starts every point. Receiving serves with panache against an unholy bomb dropped in your service box (i.e., tennis ball) involves strategy too. You'll learn to hit full swing, a full circle that is, with the proper grip, the best stance, and topped off using the right toss. The punition of not gaining some mastery over this will be giving up opening points in games!

No matter where the ball lands on your side of the net you need cover it. This, at times, provides spontaneous comic relief for your ever-watchful opponent as you spring, hop, trip or even hurdle the net. Footwork and the ability to stay alert and move in to the net, quickly come into play here. As a beginner you won't concern yourself with spin or playing the net or winning a tournament. You're doing well if you acquire some directional control, placing the ball in a certain part of the court—you know, that sweet place where your opponent is not!

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Bio-mechanically Speaking

As far as pen-and-ink information goes I will use it to its utmost…wait a minute, this is digital. Excuse me! But you will catch on better if you get a feel for the moves I'm writing about by doing them. So practice with a racquet then re-read this so you get it.

To develop a reliable topspin serve you’ll need to know a few key differences between this and a flat serve. The flat serve is a basic serve where your preparation for the serve is less sideways. The contact point for a flat serve is more in front and slightly to the right, and the contact point is higher than with a topspin serve.

First, your stance behind the baseline should be positioned sideways to the court. Toss the ball high directly above you, even slightly behind you is good. In order to make your serve speedy and earn the respect of your opponent you need to contact that ball as high as possible. Not only that, hitting it high gives you a better chance of clearing that pesky net. Now, with your racquet held in front of you take a backswing. Bend both knees, rotating your body throw your weight into the ball. It’s a similar motion to how you would throw a ball hard and far, as in baseball. Feel the move, rather than thinking it through too much. In addition, there is a movement performed with your arm called pronation (not political, I promise) where you rotate your forearm counter-clockwise and contact the ball by brushing (hitting upward) up on it. This creates spin on the ball—topspin; which causes it to be pushed down as it speeds (emphasis speeds) to the service box--not beyond it!

Using forehand and backhand swings allows you to control ball flight by controlling it--even pounding it if you're the aggressive type--with the angle and force of the racquet. Remember your racquet is not only your friend, but your best buddy. Your hitting arm should always be bent in the elbow. Pay attention to the position of your legs when hitting groundstrokes--but don't look down. You may adopt in a closed stance, where legs are one after another, or an open stance where they are parallel. Both are legitimate. For a one-handed backhand the body needs to remain sideways. Preparing for your shot has the butt of the racquet pointed towards the ball. Then to put spin on the ball the racquet needs to brush up from under going upwards. Complete the swing by pushing the racquet through the ball, if you will.

When you stand up close in to the net you have much less time to react, other than to look on in disbelief at a ball whizzing by! So, a full swing back to prepare for the shot is mission impossible. In this situation you will impart what's called a slice. Guide the racquet face in straight toward your target with a short backswing to provide more control over it by sending it back over with the same spin it had coming your direction. This is known as the volley technique.

Get A Grip!

The continental grip is the most common way to grip your racquet, commonly for serving and volleying. Place your racquet perpendicular to the ground. Wrap your fingers around the handle so that the base knuckle of your index finger will be on the top right bevel (of the 4 beveled sides around the handle). Your thumb will rest on the other side of the grip. Of course, lefties can do this in the opposite direction. I, in no way disparage lefties, John McEnroe is a leftie! Keep a firm wrist throughout your strokes. Some people find that they need to strengthen their wrists and hands to improve their swinging and serving abilities. Or, instead, you could blame your opponent for hitting too hard! Unsportsmanlike attitude eh???

The Language of Love, 15, 30 ...

A rundown of 7 basic terms in English:

Game To win, a player must score at least 4 points. If their opponent scores as well the game must eventually be won by a 2-point difference.
Serve Two attempts to land the ball square in the service box are given. There is, however, no penalty in using both attempts to serve it successfully. The point is lost if unsuccessful. You get my point (sideways wink).
Let Okay, so it rhymes with net and just as well with set. Confusing? Don’t let it be! This happens only during a serve when the ball touches the net, but still lands in the service box. The serve is repeated.
Out A ball landing outside the court boundaries scoring a point for the receiving player--the lucky player! Sort of like a foul in baseball. If it happens on the serve, it's a ball outside the service box only.
Love Means nothing. Oh no, I'm not speaking as a broken-hearted philosophizer! It does mean a score of zero. It originates from the French word l'oeuf.
Deuce A tied game score at 40-40. A tense time for players; especially if you exhibit the intensity of Jimmy Connors! In a sport populated by sullen serve-and-volley machines, he added zest and juiced up these turning points.
Alley The court has two lines forming two left boundaries. The other side of the court has two lines forming two right boundaries. Each inside line is the boundary for singles play. Each outside line is the boundary for doubles play. The space between inside and outside lines is called an alley because it is long and narrow. Boy, sure would be nice to have a graphic here!

When the ball lands in your court it can bounce only once. That's why you see players rushing madly to hit the ball, so they don’t lose a single point. Calling the lines is your responsibility when the ball is in your court. Touching a boundary line makes the ball good. Scoring proceeds like this: All games start out love - love; the next point is 15; next is 30; next is 40; next is game won or add for the player ahead by only 1 point.

When you take lessons you will learn by demonstration and practice. You will also get acquainted with insider lingo such as: "Put away a lob", "slice serve" and "racquet high in the sky". A knowledgeable instructor or pro can teach you many sound techniques and impart advice such as how to choose a racquet. Remember to win with class and lose with dignity...I had to toss that in there too!

Game. Set. Match.

Got Game? Get Gear!

Guys and Gals both like to play the game....especially when the weather warms up.

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Tennis On The Tube!

"Heads Up" viewers!

The forehand swing.

Learning to serve and toss.

Hitting the forehand correctly.

Visit Yellowstone and Grand Tetons

writerrighter — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 13:45:16 GMT

Visit Yellowstone and Grand Tetons

Can't get enough mountain majesty? Then set your sights on a combined vacation in Yellowstone National Park and neighboring Grand Teton National Park. Yellowstone would be a short drive along a flat and scenic highway north of Grand Teton. By visiting both parks you get to take in several peaks topping 13,000 feet and remote areas that show you what the west was like before pioneers arrived on scene. The Teton range is especially dramatic as it juts out of a flat valley that contains a serpentine river aptly called The Snake by locals.

Sight, Sounds, Experiences

Your first day could be well spent in Jackson, WY, on the southern edge of Grand Teton National Park. It's known now as a new west town with swanky restaurants and boutique shops. Have a seat at The Million Dollar Bar on barstools lining the bar as real saddles….giddy up!! After quenching your thirst at this historic landmark step outside to see four large arches cornering the town square, each constructed of hundreds of elk antlers! Don't be startled if a loud and rowdy shootout staged by cowboys happens when you're there in town. Arm yourself with local tourist information from the Wyoming State Information Center downtown. Only a hop and a skip away is The Museum of Wildlife Art, a newer museum with a variety of forms of western and wildlife art worth browsing.

Like a swiss army knife of travel journals I have a number of options for a variety of needs. In Yellowstone itself the largest log structure of its kind welcomes you in all its rustic beauty—Old Faithful Inn. From it you can watch Old Faithful geyser erupt about every 90 minutes. For many Americans this is the traditional heart of the famed park. One thing that has changed is its famous grand staircase. Visitors are no longer allowed to climb all the way to its top, which would have you on a high roof balcony (yes, outside), due to destabilizing effects of an earthquake years ago. There are dozens of geysers and hot springs close by accessible via boardwalks. A good source to get your guide to this park is at eBooks.com where you earn 4% cash back right off the bat!

A natural phenomenon to take in is Fountain Paint Pot, an area with active mud pots that look like giant bowls of boiling mud, fumaroles that spray steam from the ground, naturally bright blue thermal pools (my favorite) and vertically spewing geysers. Mammoth Hot Springs is an unusual formation of a series of terraces down which mineral-laden water trickles. Even the elk have been known to enjoy the warm water encased in these terraces. They appear chalky white and constantly changing due to the minerals surfacing from underground. A variety of colors are created from the colorful bacteria living in the acidic and alkaline waters. Great Fountain Geyser is a spectacular geyser that spews from a crater inside a set of sinter terraces over 100 feet wide. It erupts only once every 8-12 hours in dramatic fashion! Yellowstone Lake is stunning in its magnitude and contains very changeable waters dangerous to canoes or small boats and whoever is in them of course.

There are enough miles of winding roads to just tool around by car throughout the backcountry; and many visitors don’t go more than 100 yards from their cars or RV’s at the many stopping-off points. Before you go though make your first stop Camping World to stock up on RV supplies for your comfort and safety! You can see a lot by taking The Teton Park Road or Jenny Lake Scenic Drive or take The Summit Road 5 miles winding to the top of a mountain above a valley with panoramic views. If you come to Yellowstone by way of Grand Teton National Park or the town of Jackson you would take the 82-mile scenic corridor linking the parks. You’ll notice expanses of burned lodgepole pine trunks still standing tall after the infamous forest fire in 1988. Most of these areas now appear to be enriched with new tree growth at ground level measuring at least several feet tall. Backcountry trails are worth finding in order to pass by waterfalls and thermal features among the rich mix of woods and meadow.

Make your exciting travel plans to Wyoming on Kayak.com to search for cheap fares! You can join scheduled backpacking trips that vary in difficulty. I’ll mention one place to pass right on by—the odd scattering of buildings known as Grant Village—no charm there. Explore or simply view the Absaroka, Beartooth and Washburn ranges and expansive Bechler Meadows. Nearby is the Bechler-Falls River basin with abundant falls and cascades. The mighty Yellowstone River is an undisturbed wilderness river (i.e. clean and filled with fish) that flows through the dark walls that rise over 1,000 feet to become The Black Canyon. The yellow-banded bluffs along the river's edge near the confluence with the Missouri River inspired the name of the park. If remote exploration is on your mind make your way to the area at the mouth of the Thorofare River. Why, because it's notable as being the most distant point from a road in the lower 48 states (so have those topo maps and don’t find yourself lost)! My last bit of advice: always be prepared to point and shoot, a camera that is. You never know what may cross your path or what wildflowers are in bloom. Be on the lookout for larkspur, baneberry, sagebrush buttercup and marshmarigold to mention a few native plants responsible for pretty color. And you’ll want to record a portion of the 10,000 thermal features they say exist! I need to count myself to believe them...I'll get on that shortly!

Abundance Every Season

The epic scenery in northwestern Wyoming inside this park roughly the size of the state of Connecticut makes for a great summer trip. If you're the active type there is a lot of fun to partake in. I already know you're the adventurous type if you are, right now, even considering tent camping in a spot of your own choosing versus lodging motel-style in this awesome mountain getaway. There are vast tracts of high country here as the continental divide cuts across some of it. This vast and varied ecosystem accounts for so much thriving wildlife. Living here are bison (that's the correct term I learned--not buffalo), elk, moose (not meese), black bear, grizzlies, coyotes, pronghorn antelope, cougar, eagles, osprey, trumpeter swans and gray wolves. Wolf packs living there, however, are a rare site since they’ve made their territory the northern wilds of Yellowstone where it's more remote. Your odds of hearing their howls are better than siting any of these timid creatures. But it's always good to have a powerful pair of binoculars hanging around your neck when in the wilds. A store specializing in them is Binoculars.com. The large herds of elk are most exciting to encounter in autumn when the sounds of bugling of bull elk in the rut can be heard even from a distance. They number about 4,000 in Grand Teton National Park where they spend summers. Is that enough for ya?? Don't be fooled into getting a close-up photo of a grazing elk--as I've seen some Park Paparazzi do--as an elk may charge. Be mindful, but not fearful of the 25 yard distance advised between you and any elk you encounter.

Summer months are the best as it is warm and relatively dry. You can join a raft trip or kayak or canoe down The Snake River as it is relatively wide and swift throughout its course. It has placid sections and rapids in its upper sections. Fishing is popular in this river for a reason as some of the finest dry fly fishing begins at its headwaters deep in Yellowstone and on down south from that point. Several rivers have achieved high status among fly fishers. If you are skilled you can catch the indigenous subspecies Fine Spotted Snake River Cutthroat, Brook Trout, Mackinaw, and Brown Trout. But this river is generally regarded as good for beginners as technical fishery is not required to successfully fish in these waters. The best trout fishing is had from August to October. The human crowds lessen a lot in September and October…but animals and turning leaves are abundant for your enjoyment!

There is horseback riding or wagon rides for those wanting to take it easier. Joining an overnight horseback excursion led by experienced outfitters or packing with burros is safer than going it alone with your own steed. Bicycles can be rented at several locations. Backpacking on the shorter (the term short is relative here) trails is a good way to get a real feel for the wild country. Outfit yourself with just the backpack to suit your packing needs at Mountain Gear. Backcountry use permits are required if you stay overnight, and maybe bug repellent should be required too as the flying critters can be thick. Hiking around the Tetons is good as it’s known mostly for its views and its most-loved lake, Jenny Lake. The high peaks of the Tetons are climbed by dedicated rockclimbers as there are many climbs in that range. Even the north face of Grand Teton is summited by the most ambitious.

Don’t go during winter as the snow is typically deep, unless you enjoy travel by snowmobile as the park is always open to oversnow vehicles powered by people who understand winter conditions. Skiers find this a heavenly haven for cross country skiing as well. Be wary of low temps that occur at Old Faithful hovering around – 40°. There are guided multi-day tours offered where you overnight in lodges. The only road open in winter is the Mammoth Hot Springs-Cook City Road. There are a couple of lodges that remain open and you can take advantage of miles of cross-country ski trails or hop on a snowcoach tour.

See Real Beauty

Moose in a lake by the Grand Tetons.	Old Faithful geyser.
Bison.	Looking up the open floors inside Old Faithful Inn.
Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces.

Stores for the Outdoors

	Bass Pro Shops Bass Pro Shops is America's premier destination for outdoor gear. Bass Pro Shops offers a wide selection of boats, camping equipment, climbing equipment, hunting and fishing equipment and much more. Bass Pro Shops also carries the best in apparel and footwear, plus great gifts and home products. Bass Pro Shops has everything an outdoor enthusiast could need or want ---- from the best of the national brands, to local favorites, to a large offering of quality "house-brand" specialties designed by ...
	Binoculars.com Binoculars.com provides the world’s largest selection of quality Binoculars and other exciting products. Binoculars.com offers an amazing variety of merchandise some of which includes Binoculars, Telescopes, Opera Glasses, Riflescopes, Monoculars, Rangefinders, Night Vision, Spotting Scopes and much more. Binoculars.com has the products you need whether you’re a backyard astronomer, a bird watcher, golfer, hunter, or even a sports fan. To receive your automatic cash rebate from Binocular...
	Camping World Camping World: Gear up at your RV and camping superstore! Products include: recreational vehicles, trailers, accessories, parts, and supplies.
	Eastern Mountain Sports Eastern Mountain Sports offers the best outdoor gear and clothing for the active outdoor enthusiast. Eastern Mountain Sports carries a complete inventory of camping and climbing equipment, backpacks, and cycling gear, to insulated parkas and summer shorts. Eastern Mountain Sports customers can choose from the very best name brands in the outdoor industry, including The North Face, Mountain Hardwear, Teva, Kelty, and many others. The backcountry veterans who staff Eastern Mountain Sports product ...
	Sahalie by Early Winters Sahalie by Early Winters by is a leading retailer of outdoor gear and apparel for outdoors enthusiasts of all ages. Sahalie by Early Winters specializes in selling top of the line camping and hiking gear, tents, men and women's outdoor apparel, shoes, adventure gear, and more. Sahalie by Early Winters is a year-round outfitter of outdoor clothing and gear which helps you escape the "daily grind" and get back into nature. Sahalie by Early Winters features amazing tent designs including the “Omnip...

Adventure Supplies!

Pack light or pack heavy. No matter what, pack with products like the ones featured below!

	Black Ultimate Survival Knife 15" W/ Compass (Sports) This is the ultimate knife to own, designed for utility, and built for survival. The black stainless steel blade is razor sharp and dual-edged, one blade for cutting and the other...more Average Customer Rating: 4.0 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $39.99 Lowest New Price: $12.95 (as of 7/2/2009@12:13 PM)
	Coleman 2-Person Sit-On-Top Deluxe Touring Kayak with Paddles (Sports) Portable, comfortable, stable, and durable--Coleman Inflatable Kayaks are a great choice for navigating your favorite waters and exploring new ones. The Coleman 2-Person Sit-on-to...more Average Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $119.99
	Plano 3334 Guide Series Hiker Bag with 2-3750's storage boxes (Sports) The hikers satchel is perfect for a run to the lake or the boat when your hands are full. It features nylon shoulder straps so you can wear it like a back pack. Average Customer Rating: 2.0 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $41.99
	Coleman Hot Water-On-Demand Portable Water Heater (Sports) Hot Water on Demand Portable Water Heater Average Customer Rating: 3.5 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $249.99 Lowest New Price: $185.30 (as of 7/2/2009@12:13 PM)

Videos of Surrounding Area

Beautiful Scenes of Country Around Jackson, Wyoming.

Easy River Raft Float on The Snake River.

Travel Twists!

	Our National Parks by KCan
	Holiday Travel: Over the River and Thru the Interstate by KCan
	Temple Lights by KCan
	Let's Hit The Mall by KCan
	Tree Hugging Heaven in No-NoCal! by KCan

Travelers Love to Save!

Our Mighty Seas

writerrighter — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 21:38:32 GMT

Our Mighty Seas

Ever dreamed of exploring down deep…like a marine biologist? Get a glimpse into a vast undersea world; from the tiniest bottom-dwelling invertebrate to the enormous 100 ton blue whale; from explosive surf to still and silent ice-covered seas. The Blue Planet: Seas of Life pays tribute it all. This narrated DVD explores from the depths on up to coastline populations and follows sea mammals onto land. It shows tidal and climatic influences of oceans that produce 70% of earth’s oxygen and drives the chemistry of the planet. Discover a complete biological system relying on and revolving around the world's oceans.

From the High Seas to the Depths of the Deep

Some mysteries of the depths are finally unearthed for you in the chronicle, The Blue Planet: Seas of Life. It captures on film many amazing creatures under the surface…some very strange! They’ve got to be odd with names like: Clownfish, Blowfish, Electric Eel and Jellyfish to out a few who’ve got the looks to match their names. Getting my drift? Submerge yourself in beautiful cinematography providing a unique view of a world that has until now remained hidden. This world exists so deep that its depth can be measured as roughly equivalent to the height of Mount Fuji.

With a deeper understanding of the waters covering our planet you come to a critical realization that they support life all over the planet; giving us oxygen, minerals for mining, source for rain, a variety of food and nutrition, enabling transportation and exciting recreation and inspiring wonder. Shallow ocean waters help to buffer severe weather that approaches our population-filled coasts and help regulate global temperature, all while managing vast amounts of our pollutants.

Remember the Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau? The man behind the name was a nautical Frenchman who sailed a ship he named Calypso. The most famous oceanographer ever, he became a cultural icon whose research gleaned tons of information on marine life and allowed landlubbers to get their feet wet in a new frontier via his TV programs. Not to forget the intrepid Croc Hunter, a.k.a. the late Steve Irwin, whose life mission promoted wildlife conservation. He was an enthusiastic voice—with a memorable Aussie accent!—for the marine animals he featured surviving in their natural habitat on the popular series Animal Planet.

Take A Look At All These!

You choose which edition you want, from the Special Collector's Edition to low, low prices on individual DVD's!

	Planet Earth & The Blue Planet Seas of Life (Special Collector's Edition) (DVD) BBC natural history producer Alastair Fothergill spent the last ten years producing two of the most stunningly beautiful series ever created, The Blue Planet: Seas of Life and Pla...more Average Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $119.98 Lowest Used Price: $44.99 (as of 7/3/2009@1:34 AM) Lowest New Price: $46.97 (as of 7/3/2009@1:34 AM)
	The Blue Planet - Seas of Life (Part 1) (DVD) See over 120 minutes of some of the most startling wildlife photography ever to have been shown on television! The Blue Planet: Seas of Life features amazing new discoveries and p...more Average Customer Rating: 5.0 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $14.98 Lowest Used Price: $3.43 (as of 7/3/2009@1:34 AM) Lowest New Price: $5.69 (as of 7/3/2009@1:34 AM)
	The Blue Planet - Seas Of Life (Part 3) (DVD) See some of the most startling wildlife photography ever to have been shown on television! The Blue Planet: Seas of Life features amazing new discoveries and photographic breakthr...more Average Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $14.98 Lowest Used Price: $2.33 (as of 7/3/2009@1:34 AM) Lowest New Price: $5.32 (as of 7/3/2009@1:34 AM)
	The Blue Planet - Seas of Life (Part 2) (DVD) See over 90 minutes of some of the most startling wildlife photography ever to have been shown on television! The Blue Planet: Seas of Life features amazing new discoveries and ph...more Average Customer Rating: 5.0 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $14.98 Lowest Used Price: $4.00 (as of 7/3/2009@1:34 AM) Lowest New Price: $5.17 (as of 7/3/2009@1:34 AM)
	The Blue Planet - Seas Of Life (Part 4) (DVD) See some of the most startling wildlife photography ever to have been shown on television! The Blue Planet: Seas of Life features amazing new discoveries and photographic breakthr...more Average Customer Rating: 5.0 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $14.98 Lowest Used Price: $3.96 (as of 7/3/2009@1:34 AM) Lowest New Price: $4.60 (as of 7/3/2009@1:34 AM)
	The Blue Planet - Seas of Life 2 Pack (Parts 1 & 2) (DVD) See over 240 minutes of some of the most startling wildlife photography ever to have been shown on television! The Blue Planet: Seas of Life features amazing new discoveries and p...more Average Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $29.98 Lowest New Price: $116.00 (as of 7/3/2009@1:34 AM)
	The Blue Planet: Seas of Life, Vols. 3 & 4 (DVD) See some of the most startling wildlife photography ever to have been shown on television! The Blue Planet: Seas of Life features amazing new discoveries and photographic breakthr...more Average Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $29.98 Lowest New Price: $22.49 (as of 7/3/2009@1:34 AM)

The Sun's Mighty Influence

The annual cycle of the solar system influences the cycle of life in the ocean. However, the tides of the great oceans are influenced by our moon primarily, and our sun secondarily. Most parts of the world at shoreline experience 2 tidal cycles each day. Well, not precisely each 24-hour day; since the tides are influenced by the moon they are on moontime, which is a 25-hour period. So high and low tides will not occur during the same time each day. They run about an hour later each following day. Tides reach different vertical levels as well, depending on the cycle of the moon. For example, the vertical tidal range of the Bay of Fundy on Canada’s east coast is the greatest in the world—at times the range is 50 feet from high tide to low tide near the head of the bay!

As tidal water recedes most fish go with it, but some small marine creatures get trapped and are left to the elements in tide pools. These pools are created frequently as the tide ebbs, exposing rock formations that trap water in rock basins. This aspect of life is easily investigated by the curious walking along a beachfront—human and animal alike.

Just as the waters far exceed that of land on our planet, marine life far exceeds that of life on land. Currents, such as the Gulf Stream, control distribution of nutrients in the sea; living nutrients such as plankton. Plankton may not be canned and stocked at the local grocer like Chicken of the Sea, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t popular with fish of the sea. A staple needed for the survival of other fish species, these free-floating plants inhabit the top layer of ocean waters soaking up sunshine and nutrients. In warmer waters they serve as the base of the aquatic food web resulting in an amazing phenomenon where many millions of silvery sardines off South Africa migrate enmasse.

They’re having a feasting frenzy following the plankton bloom. Similar to an all-you-can-eat buffet at the local pancake house! The migration is so dense and giant it is visible even from satellite! In contrast, in the frigid waters of the Antarctic, krill is the mainstay of the food chain where giant swarms stretching for miles of this shrimplike crustacean can cause the surface of the water to appear pinkish in color. Female Ridley Turtles all emerge under the cover of night during the half moon phase on the coast of Costa Rica to lay their eggs—an almost unbelievable 400,000 over a week’s time on one beach. Another nighttime occurrence happens at the bottom of the ocean where tiny sea creatures that appear alien ascend from the depths to feed, luminescing—emitting light from their own bodies, much like fireflies. Even Dolphins have been seen traveling great numbers—in schools of about 1,000—though this is a rare sight. As is commonly known, dolphins cannot breathe underwater. About 15 minutes is the longest they can stay under. However, this species usually surfaces much more frequently. It’s believed the reason they surface, jumping out of the water as they move along is because it saves energy—air is easier to move through than water. A shark named for its smooth hide, the Silky Shark, has been seen gathering in huge groups of 500 strong in the eastern Pacific—menacing. One’s enough for me!Hammerhead Sharks can number in the 1,000’s over a single underwater sea mount. They eat other sharks as well and are known to be cannibalistic. Like all sharks, Hammerheads have electrolocation—not electrocution folks—just seeing if you’re paying attention!. This means they use electrical fields to locate objects. Since their sensory pores have receptors over a wide area on their head they sweep for prey effectively. To give these sharks full credit, they have been able to detect an electrical signal of ½ a billionth of a volt!No bird has longer wings than a Southern Royal Albatross. Measuring over 11 feet tip-to-tip, they whoosh like small jets with narrow wings. Further, they often spend months out of sight of land as they routinely wander miles upon miles out over the ocean, masterfully gliding using the great force of winds. The world’s largest Albatross colony is nearly half a million pairs located on the end of the Hawaiian archipelago. Awe inspiring in a number of respects, our oceans—from The Great Barrier Reef to the Great White Shark to the great wings of the Albatross—instigate exploration and an appreciation for a new frontier.

Coastal Coral

It’s a technicolor world beneath the surface in the coastal waters. Bright colors and patterns are always in flux with living creatures adding to the display. Great diversity is seen in coral reef ecosystems across the planet. The number of life forms rivals that even of the tropical rainforests. We continue to discover new species here amongst reefs that began growing as long as 25 million years ago. Like a rich bank of genetic resources it is buried treasure in and of itself. From the Florida Keys to the barrier reef along the Australian coast these reefs protect coastal lands from wave erosion. But the reef itself is a fragile ecosystem that responds to climate change. What is termed coral bleaching occurs when there is a slight rise in water temperature stressing the coral. Damage occurs faster than it can be regrown. There have been a quite a number of bleaching events already worldwide due to warmer and more acidic waters, concerning scientists about the survival of coral reefs the world over. Cousteau was convinced that our survival is dependent on the oceans of the world and its many creatures, whether they swim, crawl, dive or fly. I’m convinced that it’s a very fertile element of our planet—our blue planet.

Mighty Fine Stores

Get the DVD set I've been bragging about and suit up for swimming and surfing!

	A&E Shop At A&E you can shop for episodes of your favorite A&E shows & movies. A&E has DVDs from their hit shows like Criss Angel Mindfreak, Dog the Bounty Hunter, Gene Simmons Family Jewels, Inked, Intervention & the Paul McCartney DVD. A&E box sets include Baseball, Crime & Justice series. Other A&E DVDs are sold by categories like original movies, Real Life Series, Mysteries, Religion, Ancient Civilization, Biographies, Science & Tech, Children & Family, Wars & Warfare, World History, Drama, & Comedy.... Anonymous's Comments: You earn 3% cash back at this online store!
	National Geographic Store National Geographic Store is full of worldly treasures for those of you with an adventurous spirit or a penchant for history. Science and space are right alongside culture and nature. Travelers will be well-equipped for exploration with travelwear and cameras. Giftgivers can find magazines, posters, calendars, DVDs and books too. All merchandise is chosen with an eye for class and quality. Would you expect anything less from National Geographic??, To receive your automatic cash rebate fro... Anonymous's Comments: Shop and earn 6% cash back .... what a bonus!
	Swim Outlet SwimOutlet.com is the web’s most popular swim shop. SwimOutlet.com offers a wide variety of products some of which include swimwear, apparel, backpacks, books, kid’s swimwear, water shoes, sandals, scuba gear, lifeguard gear, wetsuits, personal care items and much more. Visit SwimOutlet.com for the best selection of fresh new styles, and anything else you need for the water. To receive your automatic cash rebate from SwimOutlet.com, simply click on our SHOP NOW button shown above. SwimO... Anonymous's Comments: 3% Cash Back.
	Swell Swell is committed to keeping its focus on the cutting edge of surfing and the surf lifestyle by bringing you the best products the surf industry has to offer. From the necessities to the lifestyle, Swell gets out there to find you the raddest and highest quality products available. Whether it’s wetsuits, rashguards, leashes, boardbags, boardshorts or bikinis, you should feel 100% confident that Swell offers the very best. To receive your automatic cash rebate from Swell, simply click on... Anonymous's Comments: 4% Cash Back.... sweet surf stuff "Dude"!
	Cabela's “The worlds foremost outfitter” Cabela's is the leading retailer of some of the world's finest hunting, fishing and camping gear, as well as both men's and women's outdoor apparel. The leader in the outdoor equipment business has survived, grown and prospered from simple beginnings to become the largest mail-order, retail and Internet outdoor outfitter in the world. From canoes, kayaks, fishing rods, tents, outerwear, footwear, home décor items and so much more, Cabela's offers an immense select... Anonymous's Comments: The largest internet outfitter on the planet...supplies that go beyond bait-and-tackle!

If You're Fishing For More Info!

Underwater Enchantment	A fine introduction for those of you enchanted by the idea of delving deep!
Alaskan King Crab!	Get a taste of the sea with Alaskan King Crab...King of the sea...not Chicken of the sea!
Cooking Wild Alaskan Salmon	This taste of the sea has a healthy benefit!

Fishing For Savings

Go for the gear that serves you well as a modern open water adventurer....such as tide watches, marine electronics and sea kayaks for the sporting types!

Eco Friendly Online Stores

writerrighter — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 23:01:15 GMT

Eco Friendly Online Stores

It’s hard not to think green in the spring! After all there are a few dates on the calendar as a friendly reminder for you! Catch a bit o’ the Emerald Isle by celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. But I’m not talking green beer here or dying the mighty Chicago River bright green like they’ve done since 2005—hmmm, maybe not exactly earth friendly. Next up is the 1^stday of spring on March 20—more earth friendly. Then the global observance of Earth Day on April 22; made for tree huggers and seedling planters. You know Mother Earth is feeling pretty honored these days!

Environmental-Speak

You may have heard a lot of eco-terms thrown around in the last couple of decades. To give you a clearer understanding of what some of these terms are I’ll explain. When clothing is labeled natural fiber it is made from fibers harvested from nature, such as cotton, wool, ramie, linen, silk or hemp grown or raised under conditions that allow them to be certified as organic. Certified organic tells you the food or fiber source was grown under strict uniform standards that are verified by independent organizations. This commonly denotes without pesticides, artificial fertilizers, antibiotics, ionizing radiation or growth hormones.

Gray water is wastewater from sinks, showers, or clothes washers that can be recycled for irrigation in areas setup for recycling. Getting down and dirty connotes composting. I don't mean to talk dirty or anything. I'm not even speaking about the birds and the bees! Compost is nature’s best mulch. Your part in the process of making it happen is using kitchen table scraps mixed with organic matter allowed over time to become mulch chock full of plant nutrients and soil conditioners. It's something like a backyard mini graveyard that will in time revitalize a new garden--a reincarnation, if you will. Nature started this phenomenon millions of years ago. Mimic nature’s example with your own backyard compost bin at one of our Eco-Friendly Online Stores--Gardeners Supply--where you earn 4% cash back! They’ve got a variety of bins and supplies for you to transform those dinnertime leftovers into rich and crumbly black soil. You know you’re an expert—or earth’s best bud—when you use vermiculture (composting with worms—don’t fret, they don’t bite!) Browsing ShopAtHome is an efficient and cash-conserving way to access stores like Gardeners Supply and Yardiac.

Ozone depletion is caused by high levels of chemical compounds in the stratosphere from sources such as refrigerants, aerosol propellants, and halons used in fire extinguishers—to name a few. Off-gassing refers to compounds that vaporize (become a gas) at room temperature. The guilty sources include the popular solvent-based finishes, adhesives, carpeting and particleboard. Many building products release formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air.

Doing Your Part!

Your well-being is an outgrowth of following an eco-friendly lifestyle. As you shop you can be environmentally mindful by the choices you make. It’s fun really! Just go to an Eco-Friendly Online Store. The choices available these days from socially responsible merchants provide you a wide array of outfitting options to cover "what your mama gave ya." Take for example L.L. Bean and their organic cotton tees. Wearing these summertime staples makes it a snap to be green; a simple, straight-ahead way to improve on a fabric we're already comfortable with--cotton. Another adventure and everyday wear store, Sahalie, has a selection of new women’s ballerina styled shoes of organic cotton uppers, linings of bamboo, natural latex and recycled tire outsoles. Ecologically correct. Even the dye they use for their clothing is natural clay that imparts a long-lasting color.

From the farmer's field, to the sewing shop, to the fashion runway; then unceremoniously dropped off at the local dry cleaner. The life cycle of your favorite dress goes round. But, conventional dry-cleaning uses very toxic chemicals; definitely not ecologically correct. You can make a positive change, however, by wet-cleaning instead. This is done by professionals using specially formulated eco-friendly biodegradable soaps with special techniques that require a thorough understanding of fabrics and their care.

For your home you can shop Newport News for a decorative organic cotton bedskirt among other green home decor products. When adventuring in the great outdoors venture over to Brigade Quartermasters to stock up on Java Juice Original Black Gold organic liquid coffee extract. That mouthful translated to a small morsel is coffee concentrate. Take advantage of their free shipping at Discounts.ShopAtHome.com for treating yourself or someone else get organic teas in a natural fiber basket at Stash Tea.

Taking good care of your beloved pets also embodies taking care of our beloved planet. Savings are offered at ZooPlusUK Coupons where they sell wholesome pet foods, such as Forza Bio Everyday Dog Food. It contains organic dried meat and fish from organic aquacultures. Mommies-to-be can even be mindful of Mother Earth by using Palmers Organic Massage Lotion found at the Motherhood Maternity site. Jewelry lovers can buy fine jewelry from makers who source gold and precious metals from sustainable mining coops that employ smart ecological mining practices. Boscov’s and Zales are two jewelry retailers that fit this mold! For fast, free shipping make tracks to Discounts.ShopAtHome.com.

Remember that all this socially responsible shopping saves you valuable greenbacks when spent through ShopAtHome!

Stores That Support Your Green Efforts!

	Sahalie by Early Winters Sahalie by Early Winters by is a leading retailer of outdoor gear and apparel for outdoors enthusiasts of all ages. Sahalie by Early Winters specializes in selling top of the line camping and hiking gear, tents, men and women's outdoor apparel, shoes, adventure gear, and more. Sahalie by Early Winters is a year-round outfitter of outdoor clothing and gear which helps you escape the "daily grind" and get back into nature. Sahalie by Early Winters features amazing tent designs including the “Omnip...
	Boscov's Boscov's is a family owned department store that offers a broad selection of merchandise some of which includes apparel, cosmetics, jewelry, shoes, small appliances, cookware, dinnerware, toys, and much more.At Boscov’s you will find quality merchandise from top brands such as Liz Claiborne, Tommy Hilfiger, Champion, Calvin Klein, Jockey, Waterford, Pfaltzgraff, Whirlpool, Panasonic, Elizabeth Arden, Clinique, Estee Lauder, Lancome and many others. Boscov's also provides additional services to ...
	Motherhood Maternity Motherhood Maternity is a specialty store that provides maternity clothing, online and in stores. Motherhood Maternity offers mid-priced to high-end career, casual, intimates, sleepwear, swimwear and special occasion apparel. You’ll find everything you need from jackets, dresses, pants, tops, and capris to denim, skirts, sweaters, shorts, swimwear and more. Visit Motherhood Maternity, for a great selection of fashionable maternity apparel. To receive your automatic cash rebate from Mothe...
	Yardiac.com Yardiac.com: Working hard to be the world's Ultimate Garden Store! Products include: garden supplies, garden goods, garden stuff, house warming gifts, yardiac products, lyme disease products, garden materials and garden storage.
	Figleaves.com At Figleaves.com you can buy Bras, Panties, DD+ Bras, Lingerie, Swimwear, Sleep, Fullfigure, Shapewear & men’s items. Figleaves bras include sizes from A to DD+ in padded, push up, balcony, sports, strapless, t-shirt bras and full coverage styles. Figleaves.com panty styles are bikini, boy shorts, thongs, low rise, maternity, control, multipacks, seamless & hosiery. For men Figleaves.com has briefs, boxer briefs, boxer shorts, thongs, multipacks, t-shirts, tanks, sleepwear, socks & swimwear. Anonymous's Comments: They have a dedicated department on their site called Greenleaves!
	Kalyx Kalyx: Your one stop shop for herbs, health foods, supplements, bath, body & aromatherapy! Products include: foods, spices, coffees, teas, medicinal herbs, aromatherapy, essential, oils, incense, and diffusers.

$$ Friendly Coupons!

Green Practices!

Watch these videos to be up on the latest ways we can benefit our planet. Get involved!!

Edoardo Ballerini on Green Practices

Green Practices

Another Twist!

Remanufacturing and the Environment

Create A Costume

writerrighter — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 19:56:42 GMT

Create A Costume

Halloween Party Costumes

On the last day of October you’ll likely be sporting a very spooky persona for a long night of partying. Don't be afraid, however, to don a different guise--less ghoulish, more foolish! Chew over various costuming options I’ve conjured up for your next Halloween party ensemble. These costumes can be worn by adults (who are acting like kids!). Part of the fun is gathering up the pieces and parts to make an outfit; instead of a store-bought get-up that contains too many cheap, plastic parts for my taste. You could end up looking like a clone of some fellow party-goers. That’s just grotesque!

(Un) Creepy Costumes

I have just the outfit for you if you wish to remain invisible at the next party. You could be like a fly on the wall that nobody could ever swat. First off, know that once in this costume you will find it nearly impossible to eat or drink. Bonus if you have a drinking issue. This one is called the Invisible Man. I like it because it’s totally outta sight! This one you'll have to purchase unless you are a costume engineer of sorts. You wear a tall overcoat with a white mesh dress shirt underneath. Both fit all the way over your head so you see and talk through the mesh-front shirt. They're fitted over a harness. A clear inflatable ball sits on the shirt collar. The ball wears sunglasses and a men’s hat. The sleeves of the overcoat extend over your hands so no hands are visible either. It tends to work best for a short person since much of the costume is overhead.

On the other hand, you may want to flaunt your bling in The Billionaire costume. Suit up in a conservative suit and accessorize with a giant, replica Rolex. Hey, you're dirty rich, so wear one on each wrist! Stuff handfulls of play money in all your pockets. Master your Donald Trump expressions and top it all in his oversized strawberry blond rug (wig). Maybe you do Bill Gates better with a pale face and plain spectacles.

A sensational blast from the past takes form in 50’s Style to give yourself an excuse to tote around the classic pink poodle purse—handles attach to its back. Wear a tight striped knit top with a wide poodle skirt. Wrap around a shiny, colorful vinyl belt. Put black and white saddle shoes on and horn-rimmed rhinestone glasses. You’ve got to see the oversized bob woman’s wig. It looks like it could hold a soccer ball underneath! Finish off with red lipstick and chomp away on bubble gum all night. Greasers will take notice.

Flash forward to the 70’s. Guys can dream big as Elvis. Practice some dance moves and carry a plastic microphone. If you’re brave you can karaoke like this. Select a black greaser wig. Fit it on tight; worst case, it could sail off when you perform those karaoke stage moves! Then you stick rock-'n-roll sideburns on your cheeks. You know, the wide, long ones in the spirit of The King—God rest his soul. Get celebrity sunglasses with heavy gold frames. You’ll need to buy a white jumpsuit studded with studly rhinestones. Get some white boots somewhere as well…surely you don’t own a pair already. Viva Las Vegas!

“Greetings earthlings.” is your script for Halloween night as you morph into a Martian Man or Martian Woman. But what if martians are unisex or real or here among us...I digress. I don’t know. This is a simple costume to put together. Wear a gray or green bodysuit unitard. You can wear a camo canvas belt, military web belt or marine pistol belt. Wrap some green duct tape around your legs and arms. Wear a glow-necklace and gray or green greasepaint and wiggly martian antennas on your head. Moonboots would be good footwear. Take along an alien inflatable.

Try On These Looks!

Take a look...right here!

	Ladies White Swashbuckler Costume Pirate Shirt (Apparel) Makes a great Halloween costume Costume comes with character white long sleeved pirate shirt Also lace up V-neck with exaggerated collar Over sized baggy sleeves and black viny...more List Price: N/A Lowest New Price: $36.99 (as of 7/3/2009@4:08 PM)
	Complete Body Unitard - 8999 (Apparel) Bal Togs complete body unitard is the perfect costume for stage, screen or TV. Unitard features an attached hood, full foot and fingers, and back zipper. Perfect for men too! U...more Average Customer Rating: 3.5 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: N/A
	Casual Canine Dog Tuxedo - Dog Costume - Small (Kitchen) Perfect for the holidays, parties, and special occasions. Made of 100% polyester satin, the tux features double-breasted styling, detailed lapels, a bow tie and tails. Velcro® clo...more Average Customer Rating: 5.0 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: N/A Lowest New Price: $9.49 (as of 7/3/2009@4:08 PM)
	Stainless Steel Silver X-Claw w/ Stand (Sports) Hey bub, I go where I wanna go, and Get outta my way, are all things you'll be able to say just like Wolverine when your wielding a Silver X-Claw. We don't recommend you take on a...more Average Customer Rating: 4.0 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $35.00

Pair Up

As a couple—a couple of what I cannot imagine—you can carry off a mini-theme with your costumes. Heck, take it on the road and become an act! Portray superheroes as Superman and Wonder Woman. Go as Spiderman and Catwoman. Okay, they may not exactly be pairs but they all wear tights or capes and get lots of respect don’t they?? As a woman you could be a Hula Girl. Bring some extra leis to hand out. Also, in Hawaii Hakus (headband lei) and anklet leis are popular. They are commonly made of orchids or fresh ti leaves. Fasten a Hibiscus flower hair clip above your ear. You can purchase real Hawaiian leis delivered direct to you. Bust a move in a coconut bra or soft foam seashell bra. Get an inexpensive, natural raffia hula skirt—not the plastic variety, please. All this effort gives you an excuse to accessorize with frozen Blue Hawaiian cocktails! Ukulele is optional.

As a man, you too can create a pretext for sipping lots of tropical drinks. Your pretext is in the form of the Macho Maui Man. He is the middle-aged tourist who aspires to sport the attire of the locals, yet cannot overcome his touristy demeanor. Break out your summer flip-flops and dress in a matching tropical print shirt and shorts. Spray on too much dark spray tan and smear red rouge on your face as your sunburn…I’m chuckling out loud already! Wear some dark shades and a men’s straw shade hat, or worse, a beachcomber hat. Wrap a Hibiscus print bandana around your head and carry an inflatable flamingo or beach ball. This should attract—or repel—the Honolulu honeys!

Who doesn’t love a Pirate? You have the opportunity to go all out in perfecting this costume. If you already have gold-plated teeth you’re ahead of the game. You must wear a tri-corner hat to pull this off. It's a black hat edged in gold or with red fur. Underneath it you wrap a silky red pirate scarf along with long, dark hair. Don’t forget an eye patch if you're a particularly tough buccaneer. Wear a white satin lace-up shirt with ruffles. Over this goes a black vest with gold embroidery or the knee-length frock coat. Either way you’ll look like Captain Jack, and the ladies love him! Striped breeches that fit loose and flowy are worn with brown or black pirate boots. Wear a suede pirate belt, which will hold your fancy Corsair sword with a basket hilt. Carry a pistol in a holster too. Adorn it all with Davy Jones skeleton keys and gold rings. Attach a bag for booty filled with gold coins and allow your stuffed parrot to sit proud on your shoulder.

Who loves Galley Wenches? Those swashbuckling sea dogs that’s who! A proper wench always has a head full of thick hair in tight curls. Nowadays it's called a tavern wench wig. Her skirt is just over knee-length and made of two independent layers hanging full and uneven at the bottom. You can wear a beautiful, velour lady pirate jacket in rich jewel colors. It has long sleeves and a formal, fitted style to it. Instead, you can wear a corset with boning for shape or a bodice with a ruffled chemise shirt or peasant blouse. Add a satin sash or head bandana. Black high-heeled boots with brass buckles would look authentic. Last, carry around a pewter tankard full of brew. I endorse it!

Costume Shops on The Web

Costumes from spooky to scandalous at these shops.

	Costume Supercenter If you're searching for a great costume idea visit CostumeSuperCenter.com. CostumeSuperCenter.com provides costumes and accessories for adults, children, babies, and toddlers. CostumeSuperCenter.com offers a fun and exciting selection of costumes, some of which include Halloween, Easter, Mardi Gras, Historical, Valentines, Mascot and much more. Visit CostumeSuperCenter.com, for a great selection of costumes that fit your taste and budget. To receive your automatic cash rebate from Costum...
	Costume Craze Costume Craze is one of the world's largest online costume retailers. CostumeCraze.com offers a huge selection featuring animal costumes, baby costumes, cartoon character costumes, child playtime outfits, couples costumes, famous people costumes, history costumes, holiday costumes, movie costumes, superhero costumes, teen costumes, theater costumes, traditional costumes, and many more. Costume Craze will bring you thousands of costumes and millions of smiles. To receive your automatic cas...
	Costumes by ShindigZ

Ready To Party

I don't care what time of year it is ...these are pretty funny !!

Exhibit C : Hula Girl Shows You How It's Done.

Exhibit B : Macho Maui Man / Hula Girl

Exhibit A : Macho Maui Man

Costuming on Video ...

Halloween Animal Costumes	Halloween Costumes
Oh My God! Dogs in Halloween Costumes. Get Your Puppy Website.

Save Yourself at Halloween

Why Do Container Gardening?

writerrighter — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 14:57:25 GMT

Why Do Container Gardening?

I cannot contain my enthusiasm for growing greenery and florals in pretty pots! But there's a lot to know to keep your thumb green with this type of gardening From doting on a fussy specimen to holding sway over a contingent of plants with container planting. Practically speaking, you can move plants indoors in cold weather.

The Ground Rules Explained

Container planting allows you to decorate--liven up--your open patio, front porch and poolside concrete expanses and window boxes. An advantage of this variety of gardening is your ability to move these containers around as weather dictates. Bury them in the ground, put them in a greenhouse or even gift some for you givers out there. Get creative with sources of containers--everything from small buckets to old wooden rowboats! You can go formal with manicured topiary or casual with a dense mix of annuals and grasses in a whiskey barrel half. Lifting a container off the ground with a stand allows for eye level viewing for more shallow pots. Water flows more freely out if over watering could be an issue. Smaller pots can be hung from the ceiling or attached to a wall as a half-basket. This way you keep them out from underfoot. Handy and eye-catching!

You should take a look at the Easter gift baskets at BloomingBulb. These holiday baskets are pre-planted with bulbs primed to grow upon arrival! There are porous and non-porous containers. Porous containers like terra cotta and wood will dry faster and cool by evaporation and allow roots to breath. Mulch is useful on top of the soil to slow evaporation on hot days. Non-porous pots like glazed pottery and metal boxes retain water. They can smother roots; so make sure there is a drain hole in a pot like this. Low containers that are lightweight are for shallow rooted plants such as azaleas, bulbs and bonsai. Awww, cute little bonsai! Use a large pot for permanent plants like a Japanese maple or conifer, as they need room for 2 years of growth.

Year-round container planting is common for mild climates. Only plants that can tolerate the warmest temperatures your climate dishes out should you grow. In cold climates you will have more success (and a greener thumb) if you pot up annuals for the summer and over winter perennials. On freezing days you can always move them in if there is enough sun or artificial light. You need to do this because the small amount of soil in a pot does not insulate the plant very well. Mantis has a no-crack rubber 4" pot. Get several to have longlasting pots on hand. You get to have 100% control with the soil mix, unlike with traditional ground planting. So, get happy control freaks! This allows you to provide precise conditions for specific plants and better pest managment since different bugs attack different species. The science of soil mixes get pretty involved. In short, you can buy good packaged soil or sterile soil-less mixes. You cannot dig up the same from the ground, as there may be harmful organisms in it. When caring for plants you ought to play it safe submit to their demands for shade, sun, temperature, water, and soil type.

Gardens Are For Viewing

Be creative with containers and decorating ideas.	Small plants in a large pot.
Decorating with container plants.	Tree in a container.
Tomatoes grown in containers.	Healthy herb garden in a low container.

From the Pots to the Plants

Annuals are suited well to containers as they can be crowded in and seedlings can be started inside to extend the growing season. They tolerate a small pot chock-full of plants for a season. Here's a general rule: Plant in container 6 to 8" apart if ground planting specifies 10 to 12" apart. For an annual that will grow 3 feet tall get a pot 24" in diameter. For an annual that will grow up to 1 foot tall get a pot 8" in diameter. To keep your working hands clean try these hi-tech Nitrile Gloves that make your hobby easier! They're from Gardener's Supply.

Perennials can be grown in containers despite the fact they tend to grow slower and larger. If they outgrow the pot then remove them when they are most dormant. Some bulbs can be dug up in the fall and stored till planted for an early spring bloom. These plants can be relegated to an insulated garage before cold weather hits. Generally, you prune a plant when it goes dormant and cover its roots since they are still alive. Wrap chicken wire loosely around the pot and pack in straw for insulation and water some in the winter. Plants in this category that bloom for a long time include Lily of the Nile, Peruvian Lily, Asparagus Fern, Coral Bell, Coreopsis, Primrose species and Delphiniums.

Trees, shrubs and vines make you think big, in terms of deep containers, and take on a commitment. These are not a short-term love affair like an annual. They don't need the heavy watering that an annual does. Consider the climate you live in as these plants will have to weather it. The payoff--a small terrace is fashioned with a comfy chair in the shade of a blossoming potted tree. How about those winter berries too? They don't require a lot of feeding, but require the right kind of pruning and watering. Here are a few hardy candidates.

Boxwood: Evergreens that you trim into geometric shapes or use as a backdrop to other plantings. Its roots are shallow and it grows to up to 10 feet.

Camellia: These ornamental trees sprout big, bodacious flowers. They thrive in western and southern states and grow slowly up to 7 feet.

Harry Lauder's Walking Stick: Its height is 4 to 6 feet and needs soil that drains. Its trademark contorted branches can be pruned if you are going after a specific shape. But who would want to interfere with its own creative branching?

Redwood: Yes, I said redwood to prove to you that growing trees in pots is more than you would think! It will grow in a large box of 24" wide for a few years "leaving the nest". Prune it to control its height and make it bushier.

English Laurel: This make a dense screen of big leaves pretty quickly. It grows very tall and wide. A longtime favorite often seen as hedges.

Clematis: These vines really like containers but must be moved to a well-protected spot in a frigid winter. It needs a deep pot, but those spectacular blue and purple blooms make its demands worthwhile.

You can harvest many varieties of vegetables and herbs from a large wooden trough as they grow well together. They tend to be sun worshippers. Some herbs put off potent scents; so locating them by doorways and in window boxes would maximize their value to your home.

Dig Up Some Savings!

Plants & Garden Supply Stores

	bloomingbulb.com Looking to start your own flower garden? Let bloomingbulb.com be there to help! Bloomingbulb.com offers market top quality flower bulbs, perennial plants and other horticultural products exclusively over the internet, at the most economical prices for you the consumer. Bloomingbulb.com has created some unique bulb collections to fill entire flower beds - and at great prices! You will find bulbs from Tulips, Daffodils, Sage, Scilla and more! Visit Bloomingbulb.com today and start planting bulb th...
	Gardens Alive At Gardens alive you will find all your lawn care & gardening needs. Gardens alive offers lawn care, soil care, plant care, insect pest control, animal pest control, disease control & weed control. At Gardens alive learn about vegetable & flower gardening, home orchard, backyard birding, organic pot care & tools needed. Garden’s alive also has tips on water conservation, pest control for deer & gophers & insect control for slugs, snails & mosquitoes. . To receive your automatic cash reba...
	Dutch Gardens For nearly a century, Dutch Gardens has been supplying Holland's finest bulbs and plants to beautify gardens throughout the U.S. Their gardening experts come from families who have long been leading Dutch horticulturists. When you order from Dutch Gardens, you'll receive the best quality bulbs and plants at great prices. All orders are individually packed in climate-controlled warehouses and shipped to the States in climate-controlled containers. This assures you receive the freshest, healthiest...
	Wayside Gardens Wayside Gardens is an online nursery offering a large and diverse selection of products to help you create a legacy of garden beauty. Create a beautiful outdoor living space by choosing from a selection of plants, bulbs, perennials, roses, trees, shrubs or unique ironwork and ceramic pieces. Visit waysidegardens.com for quality products, true to type, shipped properly, and to perform as advertised. To receive your automatic cash rebate from Wayside Gardens, simply click on our SHOP NOW b...
	Mantis Garden Products Mantis brings high quality, innovative and dependable products to the home and garden marketplace. Mantis has built their reputation through lasting products, highly responsive customer service and industry-leading warranties and guarantees. Mantis provides millions of customers worldwide with quality products such as the Tiller/Cultivator, Swift Split, Compost-Twin, Mantis E-System, Loadumper6 Cart, OXO Garden Tools and much more. Mantis makes gardening easier and enjoyable with quality product...

Beautify with Plants.

Starting herbs in a container.

Many interesting containers and pots to choose from.

Tips for planting in pots.

Products To Make Your Hobby More Fun

	Meyer Lemon Tree One Gallon (Kitchen) Fragrant flowers produce thin skinned, juicy lemons year round. Different than conventional lemons in that the taste is more sweeter, and less acid. Rind is thinner and more orang...more Average Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $32.98 Lowest New Price: $32.98 (as of 7/4/2009@1:40 AM)
	Metal Planter - Glamour the Cat Planter (Kitchen) These planters were created from a love of nature and whimsy. The designers 25 years of experience producing consumer products and 30 years experience as an arborist and naturali...more Average Customer Rating: 3.5 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $45.00 Lowest New Price: $33.99 (as of 7/4/2009@1:40 AM)
	Exotic Market Planter Set - Set of Three (Kitchen) List Price: N/A
	Felknor Ventures 82506 Topsy Turvy Upside-Down Tomato Planter (Lawn & Patio) Topsy-Turvy Planter makes it easy to grow tomatoes and vegetables because it eliminates the need for a backyard garden plot, stakes or cages, weeding, soil prep, hole digging, cut...more Average Customer Rating: 3.5 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $20.00 Lowest Used Price: $4.99 (as of 7/4/2009@1:40 AM) Lowest New Price: $8.94 (as of 7/4/2009@1:40 AM)
	MOSS PEAT 1 CU FT SUNSHINE (Home Improvement) List Price: N/A

Springtime Twist!

How to: Water Your Lawn Efficiently by LordZuzza

March Hoops

writerrighter — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 01:30:35 GMT

March Hoops

Are you starting to hear the distant, random pitch of abruptly squeaking sneakers? Are you clearly recognizing the rhythmic bounce of leather balls off hardwood floors? I am! It all means orderly practice drills are going on under the blaring whistle blows of a determined coach. The reason is it's the season for the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament!!

Tourney Talk!

Let's get it started...Yea! Let's talk tourney, not trash! Before you turn on the tube to watch all the action, you should turn your attention to grabbing all the terrific gear for you to cheer on your favorite team. An option for the lucky, hardcore fans who want to get immersed in the yearly ritual of paying homage to the NCAA, there is a pilgrimage of sorts to Las Vegas! Yes, you can combine the basketball tournament, sportsbooks and golf packages for the best of times in Vegas! You can "bet" it's a whole different experience. It's now being called the “Big Dance”, a very exciting time for people looking to make a March Madness bet. It's a party atmosphere here people, so pick up some tickets while you can at Orbitz Air!!

Make your way with fervor to San Antonio as this year's mecca holding the championship. We have some handy online sources where you can get your hands on some hot little tickets at Ticket America and Tickets Now!

First things first however. If you're looking for a bracket sheet I've got your link right here >>> Printable Tournament Bracket!!

Show Your Spirit With Pride!

Pick your team...and support your team! That's what it's all about.

You've got 19 days in 13 cities to watch the games to the Final Four!

	Florida Gators Rocks Glass (Set of 4) (Sports) Pour your favorite beverage into our 11 oz. double rocks glass featuring a colorful Florida Gators pewter logo applique.Applique is approximately 1 1/2'' high, rocks glass is appr...more List Price: N/A Lowest New Price: $44.08 (as of 7/3/2009@8:38 PM)
	Gator Growl 1996 (Video) University of Florida, Gainesvile, FL's annual Gator Growl. Held prior to the Homecoming Football Game, it combines high tech light shows, animation, fireworks with UF marching ba...more List Price: N/A
	Florida Gators - Back 2 Back National Champions 2006 - 2007 (DVD) Studio: Arts Alliance America Release Date: 04/08/2008 Average Customer Rating: 5.0 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $7.95 Lowest Used Price: $4.53 (as of 7/3/2009@8:38 PM) Lowest New Price: $2.99 (as of 7/3/2009@8:38 PM)

Team Talk!

Last year it was the awesome Florida Gators who earned the title. Early in March this season the #1 seeds are the Memphis Tigers, North Carolina Tar Heels, Tennessee Volunteers and UCLA Bruins. You'll want to be sure to enter in your picks on your 1st set of NCAA Printable Tournament Bracket sheets from ShopAtHome!

Sporting your home team's colors and logos is the best way to get into the spirit with some jerseys caps at Eastbay and College Gear. ...so check out them out! Get hip on hoops with your own game. Sears carries the name brand basketballs you know! Get giant-sized logos to put on your bedroom or dormroom wall at Fathead. There will be no disputing where your allegiances lie!!

At my office there has been a tradition started about the time the cold-and-flu season subsides from those cold winter days and Hoop Fever sets in. You know it's here when talk turns to teams and stats and rankings and the finer points of filling out a bracket sheet is discussed. Get in on the action with your Printable Tournament Bracket from this link!

Lineup of Coupons

Win Big with Savings!

Lids-Hat World

20% OFF when you spend $75 or more plus FREE ground shipping! Use sales code JULY09LIDS20. Free shipping on U.S. orders only..

Expires: 07/31/2009

Who Are Your Picks?

Who will make it to the Final Four? Tell other fans your opinions and picks!!

A Lesson On Hi-Tech Gifts

writerrighter — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 15:01:54 GMT

A Lesson On Hi-Tech Gifts

DATELINE: DEC 2007: Time for a timely report on the state of hi-tech fun and techy devices filling store shelves this holiday season. Don’t worry. I won’t talk too technical. I’ll help you navigate the ever-changing waters of the mystery world of techy gadgets and gizmos. You’ve got some things to look forward to giving, or getting, this holiday season—some functional some frivolous!

6 Hi-Tech Blunders

These tech gadgets get the ol’ thumbs-down. I’m not about to glorify them here, more like malign them because that’s the kind of mood I’m in. Your curiosity will encourage you to read on.

Faucet light – This idiot invention makes water flowing from your bath faucet glow a cool blue plasma stream. Not cool. It reminds me of the blue sanitized water in a toilet bowl, frankly.

Antquarium – An ant colony lives in a space age environment developed from technology by space cadets at NASA. It’s a cleaner lifestyle for the ants as they are crawling and tunneling in transparent and highly nutritious gel. But how does it taste?

Glow crystals – They are solar powered Led’s shifting color from green to red to blue. They glow at night—all night long. Nonstop. You can’t turn them off. No matter how embarrassing it gets—out there on your front lawn like happy, otherworldly floating orbs. Freaky. Beam me up Scotty!

Levitating golf ball – Picture this: a 7" stand with a golf ball stuck in an electromagnetic field over a cheesy looking mini putting green to let every passerby know you are a golfer and a geek. Hmmm, does anybody recall the health risk advisory of microwave radiation spewing from microwaves? Scarily close in nature to this electromagnetic field. I’d rate this one a fore out of a hundred. About as bad as a bunker shot!

Spy ear – If espionage is your thing there is a SIM-card bug that’s about the size of a deck of cards; not real easily concealed. You listen to every sound it hears from you cell phone. It can get you on the wrong side of the law all while it wastes tons of ~~minutes~~ hours of your cell phone plan listening to people saying not-so-nice things about you. Ear plugs please!

Dog washing machine – This giant gadget is for the un-lucky dog that gets hosed down and air-dried in minutes. Sure to make your favorite pooch sorry he ever willfully splashed through a muddy puddle earlier! For the insensitive and lazy owner, may I say in a firm, authoritative tone, "Shame, shame baaad owner."

Fresh Picks From Apple Store

Keep current with the new iPod touch from $299. You might call this electronic device the bigscreen tv of portable media players and the mini micro of portable laptops since it’s geared up to surf the web wherever there’s a Wi-Fi hotspot*. It’s flashy alright with a lot of functionality to boot. Might as well get used to this one as you control it right on it multi-touch screen, and zoom in on a photo by pinching in on the screen--if you follow me. ~~Cool~~. Way cool.

Next up, the iPhone for $399. Wanna make a phone call? Tap a number on its hi resolution screen to place your call…or text message…or surf the web…or scroll through songs. Oh, you’re not done yet! View and send emails (even your spam!), catch up on the latest YouTube videos all while you are well on your way to the nearest café using Google Maps. The iPhone’s design is called buttonless (not bottomless) design since you use the screen instead of buttons. This nifty little number is less than 1/2" thick. Sleek.

To use the iPhone you sign up for a 2-year service agreement with AT&T. To make this gift extra special Apple Store can ship your new phone in an origami-style gift box. The lucky receiver may be under the misconception that they’re getting a jewelry of some sort. But no, they’re getting something better.

Rock your tween's Christmas with an iTunes gift card. Gotta keep them up with the latest music. Gotta get them an iPod to make those tunes happen! Read on to make your choices to complete your Christmas list.

Wear your tunes on your jacket, t-shirt or belt and represent your passion for rock 'n roll 'n hip hop 'n soul!! This little bitty player packs 240 songs for nonstop sound 'round the clock. It clips on or slips in a coin pocket in your jeans. Tight! It only costs a few coins too. At $79 it's a great pick. The iPod shuffle—pick your color.

Watch your tunes with the iPod nano. Watch movies and tv shows. Now this is tech gone mini where a 2" display shows album art you flip through. With all that viewing don’t forget to tune in to the 2,000 songs you can store inside! Go out and get it all from only $149.

Purchase a bit more viewing real estate with a roomy 2 1/2" display. Then grab yourself a whopping 40,000 songs…if you’ve got that kind of time to download! It's in the form of the new iPod classic in classic colors of silver or black. Now showing movies, tv shows, videos, audiobooks, podcasts, photo slideshows and games wherever you are. Starts at only $249 with free engraving.

Get down and get loud with a so-stylish-it-hurts iPod speaker system called Zeppelin. Guys and gals, this one's shaped like a zeppelin...for real. Outside its stylish good looks are sound acoustic principles on its inside or in its inside...WhatEVER! Groovy.

* Wi-Fi definition: geographical area around a place that has set up wireless internet access.

Apple--Need I Say More?

Apple Store
For the most recent technology in computers go to Apple.com. At the Apple Store you can find the best in Mac computers and software at great prices. The Apple Store has all your iPod and iPhone products. At Apple.com you can download your favorite iTunes. If you need any assistance with your Apple products, the Apple Store will give you answers. Find the best deals on Apple products through ShopAtHome.com. ShopAt Home.com will pass on great savings to you and even give you cash back rebates....

Apple Store Canada
Innovative, approachable, and designed like no place else Apple Store Canada is the best place to learn everything there is to know about the Mac, iPod, and iBooks or Mac minis. Apple Store Canada’s knowledgeable staff can answer all your questions and help select the products that are best for you. Apple Store Canada discounts are updated daily at ShopAtHome, the second we receive notice from Apple Store Canada.

To receive your automatic cash rebate from Apple Store Canada, simply click...

Spread Cheer the Hi-Tech Way

Hit the road with a MacBook. This one’s tough—built Mac tough with a polycarbonate case and tons of storage capacity supporting up to 4GB main memory and 250GB is optional. This allows your growing media collection to continue growing to ghastly proportions. It’s got a built-in camera for a cozy video chat with your best buddies via its 13" screen. Cupholders not included. Get it now from a very reasonable $1,099.

For those ambitious, creative types with a little more cash to splurge there’s the iMac for a home office for $1,199. Appealing to your rebel side is its laptopish keyboard—a dwarfed version of the traditional workstation desktop-hogging, oblong unit you know too well. iMac serves up vivid, rich colors on a 24" widescreen display for you to feast you eyes on. Such a showoff! So show off your photos, movies, games and digital artwork. Not only does it display images, it will take yours too with its built-in iSight camera. Smile! And, looking to the future, iLife ’08 is made up of new versions of iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, iWeb and GarageBand—teens dig this music making program!

iThink i’M interested...

There’s a new operating system in town. It’s the OS X Leopard, grrrrrrr. All Mac computers ship with it. Here’s my big chance to show my techy side here as I ramble on about its feature attractions. Sexy. Or not. She’s got some fine features, that OS X Leopard, though. I’ll gloss over them and hope by the end of this list your eyes aren’t glossing over.

Quick Look – Get a sneak peek of files without opening them. Appeals to my impatient side, and to my peeping-tom side—if I had one.
Time Machine – This is a backup system. But it makes incremental backups for you; so that you can go back to a day in time and see what your files were like that day.
Mail – There are over 30 stationery templates for writing emails that now have drag-and-drop photo placement. Sincerely!
iChat – Imagine sitting on a tropical beach chatting live with your amigos and associates—it will appear that way with a backdrop you create. Present a slideshow too. If your mother taught you how to share, then sharing your desktop amicably is a cinch! If your mother taught you to be a saver, then you’ll be able to with recording and saving video and audio chats.
Spaces – A lack of space is a common complaint for many of us; but this feature is all about making the most of yours by organizing.
Safari – If you feel the need for speed then you’ll appreciate the way this web browser gets you up to speed. Another innovation lets you clip out any part of a web page and make it a widget on the dashboard…by the way a dashboard is where mini applications give you fast access to info. It’s kind of like your car’s dashboard with gages that give info. about your car.
Parental controls - Leopard keeps an eye out for websites while it keeps another eye on the clock to set time limits. Okay, now it's your turn Mom!
Boot camp - For diehard Windows users not quite ready to dive deep into the world of Mac, there is the option to install Windows while still retaining full access to Mac features. Mac's gentle way of letting you just get your feet wet first.

Then there’s the trusty, tried and true gift of money that doesn’t look like money. Apple has a gift card that represents hi tech…and hip…and progressive. Most of all it represents the spirit of Christmas or Hanukkah. I could say Knock their stockings off. But that would be more or less a knockoff of what Apple said first. So here’s what I’ll say, Mac’s are the MacDaddy of home electronics! Ugh, that’s sooo 1980’s.

Loooooong story short: Give apples. Have Mry X-mas. Hpy New Yr!

It's Purse Mania!

writerrighter — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 20:26:54 GMT

It's Purse Mania!

The world of fine handbags probably began in Italy which is known for its incredibly high-quality leather for shoes, purses and gloves by famous designers. You will never beat the French for their design and artistic sense. If you invest in a purse from a designer such as Chanel it will still be relevant and beautiful many years later. If you're a teen girl you're likely to go for the latest trends and vivid colors. You tend to have something of fetish for flash!! As you the girl becomes the older, more distinguished woman you tend to elect a style that you know fits your indviduality.

Are you familiar with the genre, vintage purses? This genre is defined by a bag featuring a style decidedly different from what's in. Vintage dates back as recently as the 1980's and as far back as the 1880's. A super store onlie, Blair, carries purses brandishing a distinctive vintage look! Read on for a primer on various interpretations on todays and yesterday's purses that have accompanied women through the decades!

Getting A Handle On It All

As a shopper I look for the functionality a purse can dish up as much as its outer beauty. First, because it’s foremost in my mind, is an interior of adequate size. My version of adequate; it holds all the following contents: wallet, comb and brush, makeup, lotion, sunglasses, cell phone and address book, checkbook, MP3 player, keys and a rolled up magazine. No, I for one don’t care if it holds a chihuahua or a teacup poodle or whatever the latest trend in take-along pets is!

So much for the inside. Now we get to the outside–how it looks on you. Buy a variety of styles of handbags as well as a few different colors. The style should match your level of dressing up vs. dressing down (going casual or bumming it). The color range is important to match or complement whatever coat, jacket or shoes you are wearing on a particular day. The more you dress up the more closely your bag should match your outfit and shoes. There's a store that carries the most creative designs in purses I've ever seen. So swing by LittleEarth!

Purse Pains

Okay, now let's get this over with....the expensive and the ugly. This fall some handbag designers decided that more was better. Not! In the $2,000 to $3,000 range is a Prada leather handbag with 3 1/2 lbs. of hardware featuring 3 rows of zippers. Gucci has a rabbit hair bag with studded metallic fringe. Does it shed hair? Does it shed fringe? Rumor has it Versace made a huge handbag with lots of metal and a very tiny handle. Jimmy Choo has a pony hair bag with a non-functioning strap across the top. Say "no more" to "more is better"!

Health Advisory

Extra stress can result in the shoulder area by wearing a purse too heavy. The wearer unconsciously lifts the shoulder to keep the purse from slipping. The good news is that experts in anatomy and chiropractic say to switch sides when carrrying a heavy bag. That way you'll give each shoulder a workout. The threshold for serious damage is 50 lbs. Make an effort to square your shoulders as you carry a purse. You will minimize your risk for always standing with one shoulder higher than the other. Consider weekly chair massages to ease muscle aches. Lighten your load by clearing out unneeded items so that the bag doesn't weigh more than 10% of your body weight.

Petite Purses To Big Bags

The range of styles....

Barrel - This comes in a long cylinder shape.
Belt Bag - This small purse hangs around your waist and may detach from the belt part of it.
Box Handbag - Guess what? It's box shaped and typically a material such as plastic or wood and has latching hardware.
Bucket Bag - Yep, shaped like a bucket with a round bottom. It is a soft-sided handbag.
Camera Bag - This one is more of utility-type bag with many zippered compartments for storing camera gear. Terrific for your next safari.
Convertible - Describes a bag that converts from one function to another. An example would be a purse that is a belt bag detaches and becomes a clutch you carry.
Crescent - A half-moon shape often with a single shoulder strap.
Demi-Bag - A small handbag. There, that's all.
Duffel - Originally designed for military use, it is large and made of cloth.
Envelope - It is slim and shaped something like an envelope. Don't mail it.
Feed Bag - It has a drawstring closure and is roomy. Feed not included.
Flap Bag - It has a big fold-over flap.
Hobo - A slouchy, crescent-shaped bag that is usually worn over the shoulder. Popular from the 60's.
Kelly Bag - This was named after Grace Kelly. It is hard-sided with a triangular profile and a hinged metal latch top.
Messenger Bag - A unisex shoulder bag with a structure that allows it to be worn across the shoulders. While now a fashion accessory, designed to have the functionality of a backpack.
Minaudiere - I can't pronounce it but I can describe it as an evening clutch with a hard case; usually covered with Swarovski crystals.
Muff - A furry handbag designed to keep hands warm too. Muffs are usually cylinder shaped. Cute!
Satchel - This one has a wide, flat bottom and two straps. Inspiration came from the utility of luggage.
Shopper - A carryall that is predictably rectangular. Also called a tote.
Shoulder - A bag designed specifically to be worn from your shoulder...either one will do.
Sling Bag - A soft shoulder bag that has one end of the shoulder strap attached to the top of the bag, and the other end attached to the bottom of the bag.
Straw - Classic straw purses are made of willow, rattan or corn husk.
Wristlet - A clutch with a bracelet-like wrist strap so that it can hang from your wrist. This little number requires you to pack light!

See These Purses

	Brown 18" Leopard Canvas Bags (CE) A ''must'' for any girl who fights her way through the concrete jungle daily! List Price: $35.99 Lowest New Price: $30.03 (as of 7/3/2009@2:06 AM)
	Sumo ME-SUMO88731 13-Inch Womens Laptop Purse (Red Leather/Red Nylon) (CE) Sumo has finally delivered the laptop carrying case that does NOT look like a laptop carrying case The Sumo Laptop Purse is the perfect solution for today's mobile female executi...more List Price: $119.99 Lowest New Price: $119.95 (as of 7/3/2009@2:06 AM)
	Prada Women's MV519 Mini Nylon Hobo, Lavanda Cream (Apparel) Made of nylon Measures 7.75'' wide by 6'' tall by 2.75'' deep at base Zip top closure Fully lined interior Made in Italy. Includes certificate of authenticity Average Customer Rating: 3.0 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $250.00
	Rothco Stonewashed OD Classic Messenger Bag (Apparel) This Rothco Stonewashed Classic Messenger Bag hold all your daily necessities. Average Customer Rating: 4.0 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $26.95
	Prada Women's MV633 Mini Nylon Handbag, Blue (Apparel) Made of nylon Measures 9'' wide by 4.5'' tall by 2.5'' deep at base Zip top closure Fully lined interior Made in Italy. Includes certificate of authenticity Average Customer Rating: 4.0 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $250.00
	Tommy Hilfiger Jackson Large Shopper (Shoes) Comfortable, roomy, and a pleasure to carry, the Jackson shopper bag from Tommy Hilfiger is designed for the woman who wants her bag to reflect her personal style. Featuring a hid...more Average Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $78.95

Anatomy Of A Purse

Technical specs here ladies....

Bottom Feet - 4 knobs attached to the bottom of a stiff-sided handbag that it stands on. They protect the contents--all those credit cards--from getting wet from water on the ground soaking through. Plus, they help keep the bag from undue wear and soiling along the bottom surface and edges.
Bracelet Handle - This handle is like the circular shape of a giant bracelet.
Brocade - Within the weave of the fabric designs or patterns are raised.
Buckle - This makes a shoulder strap adjustable in length.
Canvas - Durable fabric used that is often chemically treated to make it repel moisture and resist stains.
Clasp - Shoulder straps sometimes have these so that they can be removed from the bag.
Closure - A general term meaning a clasp, latch or snap or a method such as a drawstring used to open and close parts of the bag.
East/West - Term that refers to a bag that is longer than it is tall.
Embossed Leather - When leather is imprinted to simulate an exotic skin such as snakeskin.
Fabrics - The basic building blocks of many purses that usually will be bengaline, burlap, canvas, crepe, denim, duck, cotton twill, faille, knit, linen, tapestry, moire, needlepoint, petit point, satin or silk brocade.
Frame - A strong, inflexible structure that was first popular in the 50's.
Gusset - The triangular end piece of a handbag to give depth and roominess to the shape.
Handtag - A metal or leather tag with the designer's name on it.
Nameplate - This metal plate is usually fastened to the interior with the designer name or logo.
North/South - Term that refers to a bag that is taller than it is wide.
Open Pocket - A pocket that has no closure at its top.
Piping - Decorative trim along exterior edges that also helps keep the exterior shape.
Pouch - Refers to handbags with a framed closure.
Pulltie - Aka. drawstring.
PVC - Manmade vinyl material.
Rhinestones -Imitation gem stones made of glass, quartz or paste.
Serial Number - A unique identifying number assigned by the bag's designer that proves authenticity.
Shoulder Guard - The flat piece on a shoulder strap that distributes the weight of the bag.
Tassel - A decorative or useful attachment that can be used as a zip pull.
Top Handle - The type of handle designed to only be carried in your hands--won't fit over your shoulder. Often paired with frame bags.
Zipper Pull - Much like what you have on your jackets, but many are a signature to a particular designer.
Zipper Top - A handbag or a part of the bag like the compartment or side pocket that zips close at the top.

Buy Online ... 1 Size Fits All

Browse to your heart's content!

	Bags Direct UK
	BagsBuy.com BagsBuy.com is a leading provider for all bag purchases. Everything from backpacks to luggage, briefcases and laptop bags, to handbags for all occasions, BagsBuy has a bag to suit your every need! BagsBuy offers products from over 75 top brands including Adrienne Vittadini, Atlantic Luggage, Clava, Eagle Creek, and many more. Whether you are looking for the perfect handbag, luggage, backpacks or daypacks, Bagsbuy is the one-stop shopping place for all your bag buying needs. Bagsbuy is committed ...
	ESPRIT Esprit.com is an international youthful lifestyle brand offering smart, affordable luxury, and bringing newness and style to life. Esprit.com offers 11 product lines encompassing women’s wear, men’s wear, kid’s wear as well as shoes and accessories through over 630 directly managed retail stores and over 9,700 wholesale point-of-sales worldwide. Shop at Esprit.com for colorful, vibrant clothing for colorful, vibrant lifestyles! To receive your automatic cash rebate from Esprit, simply cl...
	Milan Clothing Milan Clothing has exciting mens clothing designs such as Elvis jesus. It pushes the boundaries of mens clothing by incorporating iconic imagery with designer clothing. This site gets to boast loads of cool new brands that include Evisu, D&G, Modern Amusement, Penguin, Paul Smith Jeans, Electronic Poet, Belstaff, Victorinox, Tough Jeansmith and others. They have really cool jackets, holdalls, polo shirts, track suit tops, boots and trainers, eyewear, t-shirts, sweatshirts and more. Be the hippes...
	Oscar de la Renta
	Wet Seal Wet Seal, Inc. is a leading specialty retailer of fashionable, contemporary apparel and accessory items. Wet Seal offers young women’s clothing and fashion that is trendy, sexy, and fun. Wet Seal provides the hottest selection of dresses, tops, bottoms, shoes, intimates, accessories and more. For the latest styles and the hottest fashions, visit wetseal.com today! To receive your automatic cash rebate from Wet Seal, simply click on our SHOP NOW button shown above. Wet Seal will recogniz...

Coupon Mania!

Topiary

writerrighter — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 19:53:48 GMT

Topiary

Topiary is a longstanding art of creating sculptures out of live greenery. Keep the tradition alive by acquiring some skill and making it one of your own hobbies! It's fairly easy to perform, and rewards handsomely, those with an innate knack for gardening and a penchant for precision. Your labors will be rewarded many seasons over with enchanting plants, trees and shrubs that reflect your artistic style of choice!

Puttin On The Ritz!

Envision twin tall obelisks carved out of evergreens marking the entrance to your private estate,or...er, humble bungalow fronting a quiet city street. Many centuries back topiary was an important element of classical design for the privileged set. Sculpted shrubbery and trees bestowed richness to an outdoor garden environment in much the same way as fountains and sculpture added beauty. The most majestic Italian gardens would show off a parade of sorts. A planned assortment of three-dimensional animal figures like bear, sheep and peacocks stood motionless but grand in scale--the more a behemoth the better! More subdued application of topiary techniques included circular holes cut through a peripheral hedge allowing in sunlight and moonlight, something for every hour of the day. An oval or diamond shape sized just right frames a prized view of a distant landscape and architecture surrounding. Shrubs clipped according to straight horizontal and vertical lines were considered elegant. Imagine perfecting a low-growing shrub into a flat rounded mound like a slab of Brie cheese. Gardeners of the past were proud of these creations that were maintained with relative ease once the sought for size was achieved. Did they not show a touch of bravura in molding a new classial aesthetic?

It's A Classic!

Green Thumb Topics...

	Why Do Container Gardening? by writerrighter
	floriography: symbolic flowers by CUbuff11
	How to Grow Vegetables in a Garden by marcb

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Your garden should grow according to plan--your plan. Don't allow a disparate display of greenery and flowers to grow unchecked. You get to rule this plant kingdom! As you seed you shall sow; and as you snip you shall shape. These beloved plants could well become your crowning achievement. Impose some order to reflect a conscious pattern etched into your landscape or in container-grown plants. Then watch your green thumb show right through! Geometric shapes are heavily involved here. A quick geometry review features spheres, cubes, rounded pyramids, 3-sided pyramids and spirals; but, thankfully, no Pythagorean theorum to comprehend. Comprende??

Topiary comes in as a handy solution if your front or backyards are a little out of shape or some bushes have simply become too massive to fit in your size space. So get them in shape--whatever shape you have in mind and are willing to tackle, Edward Scissorhands-style, in pursuit of perfection.

The tools you'll need are few: Garden Scissors and quality Pruning Shears. Garden scissors are more general-purpose. They cut twine and fabric as well as floral stems and leaves. Use the stronger shears to cut hard branches of saplings and shrubs. A larger version of pruning shears called Loppers require you to use both hands.

Wire forms are required if you shape your creation into a whimsical character. These are available at a topiary supplier or good garden supplier. A purpose-made wire frame provides the structure and size for your plant to be trained on. It also serves as a frame for leafy vines that encircle a hollow center. Understand that in topiary a frame works like a skeleton inside the leafy form, rather than surrounding it like a frame holds a painting. Comprende?? It's best to get one of simple construction. I emphasize simple to lessen any frustration experienced when training your plant to keep its shape. A simpler shape is also faster to achieve and easier for a plant to live with (i.e., remain vital and healthy). Now the good part....some common animal forms used successfully range from a hen, squirrel, dog or teddy bear to open hearts and open circles. All these can thrive in large or small sizes. Fun, huh?

Topiary Friendly Plants

Pick your plants wisely--as you pick your friends--because you want them to last year to year; even as you configure their growth! Low maintenance plants are a smart choice since their likelihood of survival is greater. And you Control Freaks out there get to take command of the shape of your garden as your plants morph into a predefined shape over time. If you take advantage of containers for smaller, more manageable topiary, go with a showy or tasteful pot. No branches will be allowed to hang down over the sides of its container to hide it at all. A simple shape that harmonizes with the formality topiary is important too. Traditionally, the finished size of your lovely topiary creation measures about 1/3 of the height of the pot. The flexibility you have to turn the pot occasionally gives you an edge over topiary rooted in the ground--as shoots growing toward the sun threaten to compromise your vision.

You can raise cuttings from a parent plant. Box is a fine example that generally prospers easily after cutting. See the close-up photo above. Gardeners have trained shrubs and trees into a variety of symmetrical shapes and creative shapes with funky names.....this is where I get to tell you about my favorite one, deadheading. Do you dig it like I do?? It's the end result of a tree's close encounter with pruning shears! The gardener takes those pruning shears and removes all unwanted branches on the lower part, leaving the longest branches to droop downward at the top or crown of the poor, unsuspecting sapling. The branches hang in an arc shape since they are not thick enough to extend up and out.

It can prove to be a time-consuming pasttime as some larger specimens are slow growing. So any lack in virtuoso talent can be counteracted with the virtue of patience, thank you very much! Engineered forms that are fabricated into whimsical live characters are the reward for sculpting evergreens that have many, many small leaves. For a simpler shape try a topiary cube. It requires precise trimming and dense foliage achieved by maintenance over a few seasons to flesh out the plant and hide inner stems.

A spiral is an elaborate variaton on the basic pyramid or cone shape. Start with a healthy plant with even growth all around. Trim with shears twice yearly. It needs one strong central stem. When it has reached the right height nip the topmost shoot to prevent further growth. A pom-pom can be cut from an established topiary cone. Make 2-3 tiers with the largest at the base. It's a showstopper! Ideally an evergreen with neat, small leaves is your subject here.

An animal shape such as a peacock can be created with a surprisingly effective, realistic look if you follow the normal growth pattern of that particular plant. If you must train elongated stems it will take much longer. A purpose made wire frame is a must, along with a mature plant with a number of good branches to form the fanned-out tail.

A standard is a neat ball of foliage, wonderful flowers or even tasty fruit topping a center stem. Happily, many plants are god candidates for a standard. It adds height to a group of potted plants. As matched pairs they beautify a front entry. Garnish them further with an underplanting of low-growing seasonal flowers. Take care to echo its simplicity of form to harmonize the design. Plants most agreeable to this type of treatment include floriferous shrubs such as Roses and Fuschia. Small-leaved evergreens with glossy foliage can be clipped to a precise ball for you Perfectionistas out there! Other members of this exclusive list are: Bay, Myrtle and Viburnum with its scented flowers. Not to exclude Common Box with its fancy Latin name, B. sempervirens. It is easy to grow; reaching about 4 feet, and sports small, evergreen leaves.

Representing the west coast is the California Lilac. It is fairly hardy and ascends to 10 feet tall. Not to be outdone is the Leyland Cypress with needlelike, glossy greenery standing up to 10 feet. Let me introduce Laurel, known for its dense long and narrow leaves with little red fruit. It looks its best styled as a mop-head standard, since this charmer has thin stems that dangle down. And meet Creeping Willow, S. repens. It appears rather dwarf-like with attractive slender branches. If it doesn't have a very straight, strong trunk then you can graft a stem onto it. Rounding out this list is Rosemary. An aromatic evergreen shrub that I like to keep close. This little gem with pale blue blooms fits right on my windowsill. But would do just as well lining a well-used path where you can breath in its strong scent frequently....aahhhh!

I want to make special mention of quick-growing climbers such as Ivies. These can be trained to cover wire forms. In a single season they can blanket a wire form in a mass of leaves. Of the different species and cultivars, one of the most vigorous is Erecta and Oro di Bogliasco. It even thrives under shade and roots readily whenever it touches soil.

An eye-catching display along a windowsill or a long rectangular planter put to specific use setting the stage for a small geometric, manicured topiary shape as the center point flanked by a supporting cast of 2 identical plants on each side. The plants on either side don't have to be topiary at all. Therefore, you have a wide choice; and I would choose blooming plants. All the while you are retaining that essential symmetry and balance so characteristic of topiary. Freshen up your scheme from time to time by changing out the flanking bloomers each season with those of another color.

Try these atop a pair of gateposts--false topiary globes. It begins with a globe frame made up of 2 circles of wire that creat a globe rather than a mere circle. I do hope I'm not talking in circles here! Place young Ivy plants around the perimeter of the pot. Suitable Ivies would be Pedata, Conglomerata or Goldheart (which produces an attractive effect). As the stems on these small plants grow, twist every stem around the wire supports until they are entirely concealed. An alternative to a globe would be an open heart shape most appropriate for small pots that may not hold the number of plants needed to make a globe. A heart shape is endearing and lovely for wedding displays I say!

An offshoot of classical topiary originates from the Orient--bonsai. These fussed-over trained trees and shrubs are kept forever miniature by ensuring their roots don't grow. A respected art form in Japan that's evident in these inimitable displays on tabletops and balconies in many traditional homes of their culture.

Lots of Luck....I'm rooting for you!!

Gardening Stores

	Greenfingers Greenfingers is one of the UK's leading internet and mail order garden companies, offering a broad range of inspiring products and gifts for garden lovers. Greenfingers provides gardeners with information, advice and the products they need, to help them achieve inspiration in their gardens. Greenfingers features a vast selection of products some of which include: water butts, garden sheds, garden & indoor furniture, garden lighting, water features, gardening tools, fencing and much more. Greenfi...
	Wayside Gardens Wayside Gardens is an online nursery offering a large and diverse selection of products to help you create a legacy of garden beauty. Create a beautiful outdoor living space by choosing from a selection of plants, bulbs, perennials, roses, trees, shrubs or unique ironwork and ceramic pieces. Visit waysidegardens.com for quality products, true to type, shipped properly, and to perform as advertised. To receive your automatic cash rebate from Wayside Gardens, simply click on our SHOP NOW b...
	Gardener's Supply Company Gardener's Supply Company serves millions of gardeners nationwide, offering everything from seedstarting supplies and garden furniture to flower supports and greenhouses. Gardener’s Supply Company is committed to providing garden-tested, earth-friendly products that will help their customers have more fun and success in their gardens. Gardener’s Supply has designed and introduced dozens of innovative, exclusive gardening products, including self-watering planters, a complete line of flower suppo...

Changing Times

writerrighter — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 02:48:58 GMT

Changing Times

It's about that time again! When I say again I mean the scheduled twice-yearly occurrence that we are then forced to live by in our culture as well as other cultures throughout the world. That of resetting our clocks (unless, of course, they reset themselves like they do on our computers.) See what I mean by "forced to live by!!" Nowadays, thanks to computers, it's a done deal. So you had better get with the program!

Looking Back

Ever since Benjamin Franklin conceived the idea of daylight saving there has been controversy over it. Shifting time forward and backward has engendered hostilty. Now this was a man and brilliant scientist who valued daylight to the nth degree; but he probably never foresaw that it would one day affect daytime only radio stations. AM radio signs propagate much further at night, interfering with neighboring broadcasts. When these stations lose their license to broadcast during the early morning drive-time, they lose profit. When clocks fall back in the fall, trains on timetables cannot leave the station at the wrong time, so passengers find that they are at a dead stop for an hour in the middle of the night...eerie!

Some states, such as Indiana and Arizona can't agree on whether or not to observe daylight saving time. Some of their counties observe it while some follow year-round standard time. In 2006 Indiana finally got in sync with the rest of the nation. It was about time!

This year DST ends one week later than usual. It ends the first Sunday in November--at 2:00 AM, Nov. 2nd. The next time shift, thanks to DST, begins three weeks earlier than usual in March. The DST time shift varies between countries and continents. And the southern hemisphere is opposite the northern hemisphere. DST begins in October and ends in March or April. It is generally not observed at any time in Asia, Africa and portions of South America. I will keep you updated on any changes that may happen as laws do change regarding this issue.

Save Time and Save Your Change!

Time For A New Timepiece?

Looking ahead to Christmas and to memorable gifts you can give to loved ones. See this ladies watch offered at great deal! Julie Leah Sterling Silver Watch with Oval Lapis ICE.com price is $95 or 4 Payments of $23.75. For a limited time!
There are more beautiful timekeepers with mother-of-pearl dials or embellished with colored gemstones or crystals.

In addition to stye, consider the quality of the timepiece you choose, since a watch is typically worn frequently and suffers occasional bumps as it is on your wrist. Accuracy in timekeeping is vey important. In this vein a quartz crystal is recommended as the price of these watches has decreased dramatically from the 1970's. A scratch-resistant face is an excellent feature to retain a new look to your watch. Also, water-resistance is helpful if you wear your watch during outdoor activites or sports. You may want to have an hour and minute hand display to show an elegant, timeless style. Or, a digital display may work for you if you tend to glance quickly at your watch for the time.

Best Buy Coupons

writerrighter — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 19:22:19 GMT

Best Buy Coupons

Thinking of shopping. Think no farther than Best Buy with BIG refrigerators, washers and dryers, BIG screen tv’s and Great BIG memory (120GB) in small packages such as the Microsoft Zune. They carry a wide range of products for you to watch, such as tv’s and audio, and to hear, such as audio and car audio. Using Best Buy coupons saves you with cash back and free shipping offers that add up when you make a BIG purchase! So here you have a wide range of electronics with little prices.

Everything For Everyone

They have cameras and camcorders for you to keep memories of events. They have up to 12.8 megapixels these days! Take memorable photos with the Canon Powershot 10.0 megapixel camera. It’s a point-and-shoot model with a nice slim design for $350. Ideal for the casual shutterbug that we’ve all been at one time or another! Or record live with the Logitech deluxe PC Webcam with microphone. This one’s got good reviews from customers who like its motion sensing capabilities and sound and image quality. Click here for Best Buy coupons where you can easily go to sale events Getting down to business is easier when you have computing via desktops, laptops, pda’s, networking and high-speed internet. Best Buy keeps your communications open with cell phones, VOIP and 2-way radios!

They keep you on-the-go and entertained with fun mobile content. Personalize your smart phone with cool apps. Find ringtones, fun applications and games such as Poker, Sudoku and BrainTeaser. When you are on-the-go out in the backcountry they’ve got you covered. Did you know that GPS receivers come in a variety of types for different users?

Here’s the rundown:
Handheld GPS for hikers is weather resistant.
Portable GPS goes with you in any situation.
InDash GPS for security for drivers.
Marine GPS guides boaters navigating waters…and pinpoints good fishing spots!
Fitness GPS for joggers and bikers who wear it on their wrist.

When it's time to get down with music downloads or arm yourself with musical instruments to round out your musical aspirations they are the one-stop store. Check out new releases of DVD’s. Goof around in your free time with Xbox, PlayStation, Wii and Nintendo. Create your happy home with all the standard kitchen appliances, air conditioners and home automation. Humidifiers are just the cure for that indoor dry air that ails you in upcoming winter months. Honeywell has a new Hydrapure Air Washer. It humidifies and purifies your air for $300. Go to Best Buy to see all your options.

Gear up for football season with a complete HD system. You will see the games and players like never before from a tv set—crisp, lifelike images for realism—supported by surround sound that adds the dimension of sound that would immerse you from all directions if you were at the game. Try the riveting 1200W 5.1 channel Dolby Digital surround sound home theater system by Samsung that encircles you. You can read its outstanding reviews! Then sign up with Directv with its special offers for new customers through Best Buy.

Accessorize with other electronics such as remote controls, batteries, antennas, cables and connectors for picture and sound performance. Headphones now fit you in a variety of ways. They fit you in-ear, clip-on, behind-the-neck and over-the-head. Don’t get in over your head wondering what accessories to get. Best Buy makes it easy by organizing and describing them all. I’ll mention that you can save on select tv stands as well with free coupons.

Strong On Service

Best Buy is strong on technology and just as strong on customer service! They offer affordable installation and computer upgrades you can access online. They have teamed up with Geek Squad Black Tie Protection. These pros are ready to take the hassle out of your computer or network solution. Online you can take advantage of their Recommendation Center to helps you make a smart, economical choice for the right digital camera or home theater or computer and PC components. That way you buy electronics with the features you really need! I’ll bet you didn’t know Best Buy can do what’s called Digital Copy. It’s free and provides you a specially formatted digital version of your DVD, so you can transfer to a portable device at your convenience.

The Near Future of Broadcasting

The plans have already been laid and legislated by the powers that be. What am I talking about?? The day, February 17 of next year when analog broadcasting will cease to exist. So get ready for the transition to DTV broadcasting! It’s inevitable. But Best Buy even helps you determine if you can transition by an online quiz. Installation help is also provided for a Converter Box for DTV if your set will need one.

Specials

Video For Electronics Buffs

Is Garmin GPS King? - 2008 GPS Navigation Comparison Video	Tom Tom One XL GPS Navigation System	Building of a Home Theater
How to Set Up a Home Theater System : Guide to Speakers for a Home Theater

Circuit City Coupons

writerrighter — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 17:13:02 GMT

Circuit City Coupons

Are you a high-tech aficionado or does high-tech scare you?? Maybe you are somewhere in-between, taking advantage of the ease it brings to your working life and new experiences it brings to your life of leisure. Circuit City eases the transition on your way to becoming an aficionado. Don’t be afraid to buy high-tech gadgets online. Circuit City brings it all to you in one store made for the masses—the teeming masses of those in need of electronics. You can’t do without them! They stock items from home entertainment to home office. Shop Circuit City; they make it simple and offer great prices! Plus, when you use Circuit City coupons you know you are getting the best deals around.

Tips On Tech

Circuit City has familiar categories: video gaming, movies, music, DVD players, stereo systems and satellite radio. They carry the latest in take-it-with-you electronics, including cameras and their fancy counterparts--camcorders, MP-3 players, GPS and car electronics. Office goes high-tech with many thanks to the sleek laptops that seem to be lowering in price steadily. The free coupons page at ShopAtHome.com is a useful source for getting special deal on one of these hard-working desktops, reliable printers, the latest software, phones, shredders and other staples of any functioning office. For current Circuit City coupons, look on the internet regularly!

A much-debated topic at dinner parties has been about the newer flat screen televisions—which is better, an LCD or plasma television? The upside to both of these is that they each have bright, crystal-clear images and super color-filled pictures inside a space-saving flat screen. With NFL season and colder temps arriving soon you'll likely be spending more sofa time in front of your tv set—am I right about that??

The plasma screen is the best for viewing video games that have intense light and dark images. It also gives a fast playback for moving video with no lag. If it is viewed from the side it has a wider angle than does the LCD screen—including if you are viewing up at it or down on it. An LCD screen cannot show blacks as black as a plasma can, but displays a brighter picture suited for a room with rather bright outdoor ambient lighting. LCD screens used for a computer monitor display nicely with no flicker and no screen burn-in.

DVD Players are advancing technologically since high definition Blu-ray players for all you happy HDTV owners have arrived on-scene! Blu-ray players can also play standard DVD discs so your existing collection is still playable. I hear a collective “wheww!” It will cost you more $$, of course, but it is the wave of the future. And well, the future is now. One tip: it must be hooked up to a compatible HDTV to get the full benefit here. Circuit City has some popular models online now. Sony PlayStation 3 gets the highest marks for its abilities as a Blu-ray player and as a gaming console. On the other hand, the Phillips DVP3140/37 gets nods from users who like its performance and ease-of-use in the low-price range. See these now at Circuit City!

Hot Picks You Can Get Now!

I checked out some interesting items that can be yours for a price—a low price. A very timely product I like is the Atomic Digital Clock by Sangean for under $60. Customers have rated it 5 out of 5 stars! Kudos! It’s loaded with features in addition to giving you accurate time. If time and temperature are important to you than add the Oregon Scientific Public Alert Weather Station to your shopping cart. It gives up-to-the-minute forecasts and invaluable weather alerts for severe weather in your area. What with all the hurricane and flooding in North America recently it could be an important addition to your household. I spotted a retro music player—the Sony Xplod CD Boombox. This looker also sports a cassette deck. If you don’t know what a cassette is then you were born well after my generation!! This boombox rings up the register at about $100 right now at Circuit City. Don't forget to save more on shipping by visiting by using the Circuit City coupons you can find.

Speaking of ringing up the register. By the way, that’s how sales used to happen in the olden days before silent store registers with digital displays! Online at Circuit City you can “Buy here, pay here!” or “Buy here, pickup there!” That’s my smooth sales pitch for a handy feature that Circuit City offers where you can purchase online and get your ShopAtHome 2% cash back and save money by going to your local store to pick up your merchandise. The best part, you can pick it up within 24 minutes…yes, minutes not hours!

They also will beat any competitor's price on merchandise you bought from Circuit City. They do this by refunding the difference if you find a lower price within 30 days of your purchase at a local competitor store. Your next stop is at your local Circuit City store where you get this refund. That’s how sure they are of their competitive pricing. And the free coupons you can find on sites like ShopAtHome.com help ensure you are getting the absolute best deals around.

Watch These

The Gadget Show - The Critical List: Mp3 Players

Cool laptops!

HDTV 101

Current Savings!

Art Appreciation

writerrighter — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 16:26:12 GMT

Art Appreciation

Is it time for you to decorate? Redecorate? Renew your environment this spring with fine taste. Like a fine wine, great art seems to only get better with time. All the rooms in your home as well as your office walls will thank you for the added touch of class. Remember to save on art and art supplies at ShopAtHome!

A New Style Emerges!

Back in the 19th century a loosely based association of artists based in Paris, led by painter Claude Monet, began an art movement. We call it Impressionism This name was derived from the title of a Monet piece, Impression: Sunrise. Impressionists were the rule breakers of academic painting. At least the style dictated by the French Academy of Fine Arts. The Academy placed esteem on portraits dedicated to both historical and religious themes. These works intensely mimicked reality while adding some drama. The Impressionists innovated and perfected clashing techniques. These included visible brushstrokes and open air composition called still today by its French term—en plein aire. The emphasis on the play of natural light made it notably different as well. The now-famous members of this prestigious group are Claude Monet, Pierre Auguste Renoir, Berthe Morisot, Edgar Degas, and Mary Cassat.

In Impressionist painting short, thick strokes of paint capture the principle of the subject, on canvas rather than honing in on intricate details. Colors are applied side-by-side, and intermingled with soft edges. This is accomplished by placing wet paint onto wet paint. The use of sea sponges because of their variegated form and texture and various artist brushes along with vibrant and unmixed paint enhances texture and effect. Some of these methods had been used previously, the Impressionists were used many of them all together to create a distinct style of art.

As a ShopAtHome shopper you can begin a decorating project with your end vision as a distinct style. Purchasing just the right objects is vital. Equally as vital is saving on them by going to our coupon page at ShopAtHome...it's impressive!

Objects Reflecting Beauty!

Impressionist Paintings: 16 Art Stickers (Dover Fine Art Stickers) (Book)
Among the best-loved paintings are those by the Impressionists. This collection of beautiful art stickers evokes that period with 16 lovely reproductions of masterpieces by Degas,...more
Average Customer Rating: 5.0 out of 5 (See the reviews)
List Price: $1.50
Lowest Used Price: $1.39 (as of 7/3/2009@9:00 PM)
Lowest New Price: $1.39 (as of 7/3/2009@9:00 PM)

Mary Cassatt Breakfast in Bed Framed Print (Kitchen)
Breakfast in Bed by Mary Cassatt Born into a wealthy family, American artist Mary Cassatt traveled to Europe to study art after attending the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in...more
List Price: N/A

Evolving Art, Evolving Technology

It was a technological invention that, during the Industrial Revolution, singlehandedly influenced Impressionism. Portable cameras enabled artists to capture spontaneity in composition and the natural and changing sunlight falling on landscapes.

Monet observed that light alone has the power of unifying a figure with the landscape. So he experimented by painting Women in the Garden outdoors when the sun was shining through the trees. This was the first picture to faithfully record the effect of outdoor light on the figure in sparkling color and deft brush work; something art aficionados take for granted in the 21st century! ArtSelect carries prints like this of his art. He was particularly talented at catching the reflection of the sun’s rays reflected on the surface of water and snow. He noticed that shadows always carried color in them—they were not in fact brown or gray. He wanted to convey the feeling of moving or quivering light, so his technique of handling paints became very free and loose.

So unconventional compositions were created that looked at nature and people in normal, everyday situations without the frills and structure dictated of academic painting. Imagine the main subject of a painting not necessarily commanding the viewer's eye, but instead blurring into a sometimes candidly larger reality. Does this not evoke a subdued image of a simple moment in someone’s life? The innovation of photography was accepted by the masses to undermine the importance of painting in modern society. Taking a family photograph was, and still is, of course, faster and more cost-effective than having a family portrait commissioned. The face of art is always changing and unpredictable, and always exciting to follow the trends.

A Portrait of 2 Artists

A famous Frenchman, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, painted impressionistic art that is likely the most reproduced images in the history of art. He had a predilection for light-hearted themes and flowers and later in his career painted many portraits of lovely women. Many of his works present a vision of a forgotten (or maybe more accurately, imagined) world, full of sparkling color and light. The general air of delight and gaiety that surrounds much Impressionist painting is due in large measure to Renoir. Allposters and Overstock.Com are great stores that have prints or books about Renoir.

An interesting life story about Renoir involves the tragic arthritis that nearly struck him down in his later days. His hampered his movement forced him to paint by strapping a brush to his arm, and creating sculptures by directing an assistant who worked the clay. In all, his painting was always beautiful and optimistic like his view of life and his painful condition. His words were "The pain passes, but the beauty remains".

Mary Cassat is another great talent to note. Her subjects inclined toward the domestic and the intimate rather than the social and the urban of other famous artists. She supported the movement by promoting the works of Impressionists and encouraging friends to build their collections with it in the USA. Since her art was largely favorably received by critics she is credited with her contributions. Her earlier works were marked by gentle, golden lighting. But as a consequence of an exhibition of Japanese prints, her draftsmanship became more emphatic, her colors clearer and more boldly defined. Such is the way of the life of art! An unique aspect of her commitment print-making techniques that allowed her to become expert at it.

She admired the talent of Edgar Degas. Although he painted many other subjects, it was the ballet dancers, in both oil and pastel, that Degas would devote himself to. He appreciated the gracefulness of the female form. He enjoyed painting historical subjects and faithfully copied the old masters in the Louvre—yes, there were masters that dated back even before him! Throughout his life he would make over 700 copies of famous classical paintings. He took pride in his ability to work in a number of styles, including classical and realist styles, as well as romanticism. Being labeled as an Impressionist, as he often was, may not have been considered by him to be the highest compliment!

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Creating Murals For A Baby Or Child's Room

This is a how-to for you to get your feet wet...and your paintbrush too in painting.

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