Ancient Backgammon History A Game With A Rich Past

Backgammon is the oldest known board game in the world. It has a history dating back nearly 5,000 years into the ancient civilizations of Egypt and Mesopotamia, where the original concept of the Backgammon game was established. Throughout the millennium, Backgammon has not only survived, but thrived. Today, Backgammon remains one of the most popular games in the world, played by fans from all corners of the Earth. Through the power of the internet, online Backgammon has allowed anyone with an internet connection to learn how to play Backgammon. To understand how Backgammon evolved from its early roots as an upper-class game of ancient civilizations to the commonly played Backgammon software we are familiar with today, let's take a look at the ancient history of this legendary game.

The first of what is generally considered the family of Backgammon archetypes is known as the Royal Game of Ur. The game originated in ancient Mesopotamia, which is today the area of Iraq and Iran, as early as 3,000 BC. In the tombs of Ur al Chaldees, several wooden playing boards and dice were discovered. They are believed to be the oldest remnants of a game that would eventually produce today's Backgammon. Similar to the Royal Game of Ur is the ancient Egyptian game Senat.

After these civilizations collapsed, an even closer ancestor of today's Backgammon called Ludus Duodicem Scriptorum (The Game with 12 Lines) arose in the Roman Empire. Like Egyptian Senat, this game also used 30 markers, 15 carved from ebony and 15 from ivory. Originally, this game was played on a board of three rows of 12 points each; by the 1st century AD, the board had been modified to two rows of 12 points each, bringing it closer to the Backgammon board game in use today.

Tabula is the next known version of the game, supposedly played by Rome's Emperor Claudius, who wrote a now lost guide to the game in 50 AD. The game was extremely popular before being prohibited by the Empire in an attempt to control widespread Backgammon gambling. Tabula play is recorded in the annals of the Byzantine Emperor Zeno as being a game that included the present-day Backgammon strategy of bearing off checkers.

From here, Backgammon spread to Asia, including India, China and Japan, as the Persian game Nard, which is how Persian Backgammon is still known in Persia today. It is believed that the Nard version of the game is responsible for inspiring a symbolic and poetic explanation of the Backgammon set up which reveals that the game is designed to represent the natural cycle of time where the Backgammon board stands for one year. The 12 points on each side of the board represents the 12 months of the year; the 30 checkers are the 30 days in the month. The total number of points is 24, symbolizing the hours of the day, and the 15 light and 15 dark checkers are day and night.

Gene Marshall specializes in articles about online backgammon and backgammon board set up. Supplementary readings and articles that were written by Gene Marshall on the topic of backgammon can be accessed online. Internet backgammon authority Gene Marshall writes for a few different distinguished backgammon web sites.

By Gene Marshall

Children's Books How to Add More Style to Your Writing Part 2

Baby Stroller Reviews

One way of deciding if a particular stroller is right for you
and your baby is to test it out. Another way is to look at
reviews of the baby stroller to see how it stands with those
who have already used the same model you are looking
at. The reviews of four different stroller types will address
the pros and cons of each particular stroller.

The Graco Duo-glider - Metropolitan Standard Stroller is a
multiple stroller and definitely has more pros than cons
however, the decision is strictly yours to make. The seat of
this stroller lies flat, it has a great price and great
accessories, and it folds small for its size. The extras are
nice, there is a five-point harness, and it strolls nicely.
There is a huge storage basket under the seat, it is easy to
open and easy to get in the car.

The cons of the Graco Duo-Glider is that the basket cannot
be reached when the seat is lying flat. The seat sides
need more support. The cup holder on the front seat must
be removed to shut the trunk of the car.

The Per Prego Duette MT - Black Sable Twin Seat
Standard Stroller is durable, has full suspension, and
reclining seats. This is an easy to push stroller and it has a
smooth ride. The seats can face each other and they both
recline. It is narrow for shopping. It??s design is high quality
with lots of leg room and a five-point harness. There is a
roomy seat area.

The complaints about the Per Prego Duette MT are that it
is large and heavy. It is expensive. it is hard to fold. It takes
up a lot of room. There is no storage basket and this
stroller does not collapse all the way.

The Evenflo Cititour Silver Star Twin Seat Standard Stroller
has a comfortable rear seat. This stroller can handle up to
forty pounds in each seat. It has soft and padded material.
There is a toddler drink and snack tray. This stroller steers
rather easily and there is easy access to the basket.

Complaints about this stroller include the fact that the
parent tray falls down. The front wheels squeak and
wobble after about two weeks of usage The front canopy is
too small for a toddler. It is difficult to open and close. The
fabric has a tendency to catch in the joints of the frame.

Let??s take a look at the Graco Quattro Tour 7411 LV -
Travel System Stroller is said to be sturdy. It is easy to
clean and use. It has great features. This is a very safe
stroller. It is a complete traveling system which includes a
stay in the car base. The car safety seat detaches from the
base and is attached to the stroller frame. The car safety
seat also can be an infant carrier. It is an excellent snug-
ride infant seat with a useful base. It has a large storage
basket. It requires only one hand to fold it.

The complaints about this particular stroller are that the
company needs to produce more girl colors. This stroller is
very bulky and heavy. It is a pricey model. It is oversized
and again very heavy.

The only positive statement about the Combi Tetra TS
Crimson Standard Stroller is that it has cool colors. The
wheels don??t turn properly and the basket is inaccessible
when the seat is recline. There are three reclining
positions only two of which work. It unfolds but doesn??t lock
which poses a serious risk to you and your baby and the
frame is made of cheap plastic.

About the Author

Martin Smith is a successful freelance writer providing advice for consumers on purchasing a variety of baby cribs, His numerous articles provide a wonderfully researched resource of interesting and relevant information. http://www.1st-babies.com

London Is Gearing Up For Land Prices Boom

London land for sale prices are set for quantum leap on the back of rising demand due to upcoming London Olympics.

Many land agents have suggested that the price of land in London could rise soon. According to Dan McLeod of estate agency Atkinson McLeod Almost overnight any land that can be developed will go. This is the best news for the property market in this area for years, he added.

This price rise in consonance with rise in land for sale prices during Olympics in cities which have hosted this game earlier.

According to BBC Barcelona, Sydney and Athens all saw house prices rise by more than 50% in the five years before the games but as UK property market is already suffering from severe housing shortage thus trend is expected to be more marked in London.

Investment in land for sale market in and around London is thus becoming an increasingly lucrative option for common investors.

Following types of plots of land for sale are available across London -

Brownfield Land: Brownfield Land is the common term used for previously developed land i.e. land that is or was occupied by a permanent structure. This land is often smaller, resulting in High Rise Development e.g. old petrol station and factories.

Greenfield Land: Greenfield Land simply refers to land that has never been used for development eg Farmland.

Greenbelt Land: Greenbelt Land is largely undeveloped or sparsely occupied land, which historically has been set aside to contain development, prevent towns merging and provide open space. Greenbelt boundaries can change in response to the requirements for additional housing in a controlled manner.

There are a number of companies serving smaller investors select plots of land to buy, and investments typically start at about $10,000.

While there is some opposition against moves to grant planning permission to builders on greenbelt and greenfield land but keeping in view the acute mismatch between expected demand for housing and the amount of land available for planned development these moves are unlikely to succeed. Government is implementing housing development programs which will effectively force local authorities to meet strict new housing targets.

Thus it is high time for any enterprising investors to start thinking about investing in property in and around London.

Stephen Brewood
Land For Sale in the UK

Choosing the Right San Diego Realtor for YOU!

Whether buying or selling a home, it is one of the largest financial events that happens only a few times within your life. That makes choosing a realtor just as important and a crucial decision that can add to the stressful event or make it smoother and easier. So, choose your realtor as carefully as you would choose your doctor or attorney.

The first step in choosing the RIGHT realtor is to ask your friends, neighbors, acquaintances and business associates for recommendations. Ask them why they liked the realtor, what kind of service he/she provided, and would they use him/her again? Do not consider recommendations of their relatives ? it is doubtful that you are getting an accurate perspective on the realtor.

If you did not get several truly exemplary recommendations, then drive throughout your neighborhood and check the ?for sale? signs, especially those with ?Sold? stuck across them. Note the realtor names. Also, check out real estate, display and classified advertising in your newspaper and local neighborhood paper. Which realtors have the most listings? Which have the largest or most display ads with photos of the homes? Note the realtor names.

By now, you should have a good list of potential realtors. It is time to check them out. Attend at least one open house for each realtor you are considering. Observe them in action and judge their expertise. Are they professional ? or do they come across as a ?used car salesman?? How familiar is the realtor with the property he/she is selling? After you leave, make detailed notes of your observations and how you felt about the realtor.

If you only used the recommendations of others, now check the advertising in the newspaper and neighborhood media for the realtors in which you are interested. Do the drive through of your neighborhood to see how many sold signs these realtors have. Make notes of how visible these realtors are and their marketing efforts.

Next, choose your top three realtor selections. It is better if they are from different companies, ensuring they will work harder for your business. Call all three and set appointments. For sellers, make the appointment in your home and let them know you would like an estimate of your home?s market value. For buyers, let them know you would like them to determine how much you can afford to pay for a home. Be sure they know that you are meeting with two other realtors and will not make your decision until you have met with all three.

During each interview, take detailed notes on the realtors? presentations. Note any thoughts you have. Ask the following questions, along with any you may have:

?For sellers

oHow will they sell your home? What are their marketing plans? Are they customized to your listing?

oHow many years have they been a full-time realtor? In your area? You want someone with experience, who will be giving your listing his/her full attention.

oWhat is their sales record? This includes their production level, rating, closed rate, expired rate on listings, and average time listings have been on the market before selling within the last year.

oAre they single-proprietorship realtors, work as a team, or part of a company? What prominent company are they associated with, and what resources does the firm provide the realtor that helps him/her do a better job for you?

oWhat level of technology will they use to promote your listing ? web sites, virtual tours, online photo galleries, and so on?

oWhat services do they provide from the time of listing your home to the end of the closing?

oWhat are their communication procedures with you from listing through closing?

oDo they provide working relationships with local inspectors, appraisers, and real estate attorneys?

oWill they help you ?stage? you home for showing. This is a walk-through of the property, suggesting things that should be repaired, renovated or changed to improve your pricing for the home. It also includes things that would ?show? the home better. For example, too much furniture adds a clutter affect, making rooms look smaller. The realtor may suggest storing some of your furniture until after the sale.

oHow did they arrive at the results of their marketing analysis? Ask for the actual addresses of any homes they used for comparison.

?For buyers

oWhat services do they provide from the time you contract with them through the closing?

oHow many years have they been a full-time agent? In your area? You want someone with experience, who will give his/her full attention to finding you a home.

oAre they single-proprietorship realtors, work as a team, or part of a company? What prominent company are they associated with, and what resources does the firm provide the realtor that helps him/her do a better job for you?

oWhat are their communication procedures with you during your search for a home through closing?

oWhat level of technology and research methods will they use to locate potential homes for you to view?

oWhat is their production level and rating? How many satisfied buyers in the past 12 months?

oDo they provide working relationships with inspectors, appraisers, title search companies/attorneys, and real estate attorneys for contracting and the closing? Can they suggest mortgage lenders, if you need one?

oDo they network with other realtors in the area? Sometimes, such relationships may afford you a viewing before a property is ?officially? listed, giving your first view.

Tell the realtors that you will make a decision and contact them in the next day or two.

After all interviews are completed, note the following:

?Who gave you the most usable information?

?For sellers, the market value for your home should be in similar ranges for all three realtors Note if someone is unusually high. They may be only trying to get your listing with the idea of talking your price down later. Also, drive by the homes they used for market value comparison. Which realtors compared apples to apples, and which compared apples to oranges?

?For buyers, your buying potential (what you can afford to pay for a new home) should be in the same range for all three realtors. If a realtor is much higher or lower than the others, note this. You may even call him/her to inquire about the difference and how they arrived at the amount?

?Who answered your questions with genuine sincerity?

?Who genuinely appeared most excited about your home and its sale?

?Who truly listened, and who did not?

?Which realtor seemed to be the best fit for you?

Choosing a poor realtor can turn an already stressful event into a nightmare with ramifications that you must live with for years to come. Choosing the right realtor can make the experience a dream come true and a totally satisfying event. Selling or buying a home is stressful enough. Be sure you do not choose a realtor that is going to add to that stress.

John Harris is an expert researcher and writer on real estate topics such as economics, credit improvement tips, home selling advice and home buying preparations. For more on San Diego Homes for Sale visit http://www.twtrealestate.com

Iowa Mortgage What to Expect When Buying a Home in Iowa

Maybe you?re buying your first home in Iowa, or perhaps you?re relocating to Iowa from another state. Either way, it?s important that you educate yourself on Iowa home loans before shopping for a home and mortgage. This article explains what you?ll need to know before buying a home in Iowa:

The median home value in the state of Iowa is $82,500. Current interest rates in Iowa are above the national average, and job growth rates are below the national average.

In the state of Iowa, purchase transactions on sub-prime loans are subject to a $30,000 minimum. Additionally, if you live in Iowa and file bankruptcy, you do not necessarily have to forfeit your home. If you have been current on your payments and continue to be, state law does not require you to surrender your home.

If you?re buying a home in southern Iowa, you qualify for state FHA loans through the Southern Iowa Home Ownership Program. First-time home buyers qualify for loans with below-market interest rates and down payment assistance. Borrowers must meet certain income requirements and specific guidelines, and must purchase a home in a southern Iowa county: Appanoose, Davis, Jefferson, Keokuk, Lucas, Mahaska, Monroe, Van Buren Wapello, or Wayne.

These loans are revolving, so there are only a specific number that can be given out at any period of time. When a person with a FHA loan through this program sells their home or refinances it, then their loan is made available to another qualified applicant.

Jessica Elliott recommends that you visit Mortgage Lenders Plus.com for more information about Iowa Mortgage Rates and Loans .

Consumer Reports Baby Swings

Designed for indoor use, baby swings typically consist of a seat suspended by a pair of arms attached to a frame with wide-standing, tubular-metal legs. Swings come in windup and battery-operated models. To make a windup model swing, you crank a handle at the top or side of the frame, which provides 20 to 30 minutes of movement. Battery-operated swings are driven by a motor that generally uses four D batteries. Such models emit a low churning noise with each passage of the swing. Most of the swings on the market today are battery-operated.

With either a windup or battery-powered mechanism, swings are lightweight and can be easily moved from room to room, although some are more maneuverable than others. Standard-size swings eat up a fair amount of room, so they may not be for you if floor space is scarce.

Some parents of colicky babies swear by swings. Other parents say they get by just fine without one. You may find that a swing comes in handy if your baby needs to sleep in a semi-upright position due to a cold or stuffy nose (although a bouncer seat may do the trick as well).

SHOPPING SECRETS

Decide whether you want a windup or battery-operated swing.
A windup model may be perfectly adequate as long as it's stable and has a well-padded, reclining seat that affords easy access. Battery-operated models usually have a sleeker design plus more features, such as speed controls, baby-sound activation, and toys attached to a front play tray. However, many parents find the motors noisy. If possible, try display models in the store (with batteries) or double-check the store's return policy. Then, test the swing as soon as you get home so you'll have the option of taking it back within the time allowed.

Try your baby out in a friend's swing or bring baby to the store with you for test runs when you're shopping. Keep in mind that your baby may not like the motion of a swing at first, although that could change after a few tries. Your baby's reactions may help you decide on one brand over another, or whether you're even a candidate for a swing in the first place.

WHAT'S AVAILABLE

The major brands of baby swings are, in alphabetical order: Fisher-Price, Graco, J. Mason, and Kolcraft. Prices for windup swings range from $40 to $65. The price range for battery-operated swings is $70 to $100.

FEATURES TO CONSIDER

Crotch post. A built-in crotch post prevents a baby from sliding out of the seat--an extra safety measure. There should also be a safety belt, which most models have.

Frames. Swings without a top crossbar make it easier to put your baby in and take him or her out again. At the very least, look for a swing that has a wide, sturdy stance and folds or dismantles for storage.

Seat cover. Look for plush padding that's machine-washable.

Seat settings. Multiple reclining positions can help you find the most soothing posture for your baby, which is especially important if baby likes to nap while swinging (a common combo).

Speeds. Some battery-operated swings give you up to eight speeds, but more than four is overkill. The faster speeds may annoy rather than relax your baby.

Swinging motion. Some swings have two swinging motions: side to side and front to back. That's nice but not essential.

Timer. Some models feature a time-remaining indicator that can help you keep tabs on the action.

Toys. Many swings come equipped with toy bars or trays, which is an option your baby may enjoy. But make sure they're within reach so your baby can actually touch them. Also check that they're safely attached and have no small parts that might cause choking.

Nice but not necessary extras include a front tray, with or without attached toys; sound (classical music and lullabies), which may or may not be soothing to little ones and grown-ups; a light display; storage baskets on the side to hold toys and accessories; and a remote control to activate the swinging action, music, or both. Some swings try to sense when baby needs comforting and respond automatically. A built-in sound sensor hears baby's sounds and responds by swinging and/or playing music.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Look for a swing that has a sturdy, stable frame with strong posts and legs as well as a wide stance to prevent tipping. The bottom of the legs or frame should not protrude so far that you're likely to trip over them, however. Examine the seat. It should be well padded and have a crotch post (if it's not a travel version) to prevent your baby from sliding out. It should also offer a partially reclined position for snoozing. You'll also want a secure safety belt.

If you buy a model with a cradle or bassinet attachment, make sure it's well mounted underneath, with no potential for breaking loose. If you opt for a battery-operated swing, come equipped with four C or D cell batteries to test products in the store and hear the sound of the motor (a deal-killer for many parents). As a rule, swings don't come with batteries included.

Copyright ? 2002-2006 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.

For the latest information on this and many other products and services, visit www.ConsumerReports.org.

Find More
Baby Swings with Easy Deal at
ShopNdeal.com

About the Author

Drawbacks Of Double Baby Jogging Stroller

One drawback that many women face when they have children is weight gain. It's an inevitable part of becoming pregnant and

for a lot of women, the extra pounds stick around long after the baby is born. Getting back to working-out can be a challenge, especially if you don't have someone who can watch your children for you. With a double baby jogging stroller you can simply take the kids with you. They get to enjoy the view while you get to enjoy a nice, brisk jog.

The age of your children will be one of the factors you'll want to carefully consider before choosing a model. Some double jogger strollers are fashioned so the children sit next to one another, while others accommodate two children, one behind the

other.

If your kids are the same age, the side-by-side design might be most appropriate. This allows the children the chance to interact and it also distributes the weight very evenly. Many people who have twins decide to purchase this type of double baby jogging stroller. They are designed to accommodate children from birth through five years of age, so you can expect to get lots of use out of them.

A traditional tandem stroller is often a better choice if your children are a couple of years apart in age. The older child can sit in the front of the double baby jogging stroller while the back is best suited for a baby. In some double jogger strollers, the back seat can even be reclined so that a small baby can be placed flat for comfort.

Many moms and dads who use these as part of their work-out routine look for a model that can hold a few essentials including

water bottles, snacks for the kids and a cell phone. A double baby jogging stroller with a pouch in the back is a great choice. Some even come equipped with a special holder designed for either a water bottle or a baby's bottle.

Long jogs will obviously require some extras including items for changing a baby or toddler. If this is a consideration for you, a double baby jogging stroller with a basket underneath that can

accommodate these things will work well. As the children grow you can use this space for snacks, sunscreen and picture books.

There's no reason for a parent to not get out and walk or run, even if they have small children to tend to. The fresh air will be good for everyone and you'll love getting in shape while sharing time with your kids.

About the Author

AllHealthCareArticles.Com provides readers with the latest reviews,

articles,commentaries and write-ups on all double baby jogging stroller, distributes the weight, brisk jog

Save Money on Student Property Investment

Share the Risk of Purchasing Student Property and reduce the costs

As students eagerly await exam results parents are seriously considering how they will help their children to cover the costs of a university education. With property prices rising all over the country many parents who had previously thought about buying a property for their children are now wondering if this is a viable option. Rent differs between different university sites but most students can expect to pay ?2,000 to ?3,000 per year on rent whether in the Halls or through a ?bedsit?. With the maximum student loan (outside of London) being ?4,195 most parents can expect to be asked to help out with some of the costs.

Many parents can no longer afford to take on a full mortgage in a University town (the average cost of a property close to the University of Sheffield, for example, has increased by 133% over the last four years) yet are loathed to ?waste? rent money for the three or four years their children are at University.

Could the new era of ?a co-buying network? be the answer to the student property quandary?

A co-buying network involves people from different areas, different backgrounds and different socio-economic levels jointly taking on a mortgage. Owning a property with other parents is a very real solution to the ?rental trap? problem and is becoming an increasingly popular approach.

How Does It Work?

Parents interested in co-buying property should register with UK?s foremost and most experienced co-buying network - www.youtoshare.co.uk. Within their membership profile they would make it clear that they are looking to invest in a property while their child lives in it. They would then specify the area they are looking to buy in and search for other potential co-buyers. Membership of the ?You to Share? co-buying network provides access to a ?Deed of Trust? which is a legal document specifying who is responsible for what payments and provides a ?get out clause? for each party.

This document, typically, will cost between ?350 and ?500 and is provided free through our preferred solicitor(s). Many mortgage lenders are happy to divide a mortgage between three or four individuals which means three or four sets of parents could benefit from their offspring?s time within higher education.

Example Scenario

Mr Smith?s son is going to study Engineering at the University of Leicester. It is a 4 year degree and if renting Mr Smith would be looking at paying approximately ?20,000 in rent over that period. The average price of a four double bedroom terrace house close to the Leicester University campus is ?160 000 as advertised through Keywest Estate Agents in July 2006.

Mr Smith registers with ?You to Share? co-buying network and learns that Mrs Andrews and Mr Ryan also have children about to start at the University and are interested in co-buying a property in the area. The three (or four) parents contact each other via the You to Share co-buying network and arrange to have financial and police checks conducted on themselves so that they can then share this information with each other. They, with their children, search for a property that will meet the needs of each of the students. In certain areas, council tax for students is either very low or zero rated.

You to Share would introduce the potential mortgagees to recommended professional independent brokers who would provide/arrange the most suitable finance deal within this structure. Based on 6% interest rates, the parents will be looking at a monthly interest repayment of ?800.00 which is equivalent to ?12,800 over four years. This compares with up to ?16,800 for deluxe rooms in Halls for four years, if available. (Current rates vary between ?96 and ?116 per week for up to 42 week contracts)

You to Share would arrange also for the parents to meet with a preferred solicitor to complete the formalities and also agree the necessary Deed of Trust, a binding legal document specifying what each co-buyer is responsible for and specifying how the agreement can be terminated. The You to Share co-buying network provides access to specially negotiated reduced conveyancing fees which can incorporate the Deed of Trust, free, within the package.

Following the completion of their degrees the students/parents will be the proud owners of a property that will have increased in value (currently at a rate in excess of 40%). They can decide between them whether to keep or sell it the property. Whatever their decision, each parent can secure a financial return on their investment during their child?s time at university as opposed to having ?given away? four years of rent. The profit on the property would then enable the newly qualified graduate to stay on the property ladder by using the ?profit? as a deposit for their first solo property purchase. A win-win situation.

?I wish the (?You to Share?) co-buying service had been available when I was at University,? says Julia Smart, mother of a soon to be University student. ?My parents

paid out so much on rent which they could have easily paid into a shared mortgage. I have joined the ?You to Share? co-buying network to try to invest in a small property

in Cardiff where my daughter is going to study ? it makes sense to me.?

Naturally there are compromises to be made when co-buying but many of these involve the actual living day to day with your co-buyer. Parents investing in student property are able to act as absentee landlords, secure in the knowledge that their children are coping with home sharing exactly as they would if their parents were paying rent for them.

Essex based PR consultant

Visit http://www.youtoshare.co.uk/ for more information.

Futuristic Web Design: What Does The Future Hold

It?s taken a decade of baby steps, but the Web is finally starting to grow up. We've banished the bleak days of brochureware back when companies thought that scanning their annual reports page by page into half megabyte GIFs was the way to build an online presence. We've woken up from the nightmare of building sites from nested tables that wouldn't make the IKEA reject bin, thanks to browsers that (mostly) handle style sheets without leaving coders compromised. And, thankfully, most people have got over their infatuation with Flash for its own sake, realising that two minutes of whirling geometrics is the closest thing to turning your entire front page into a Back button.

Call it a Renaissance if you like but the only way is up, no matter what you want to bring to the Web. Design mavens can now stretch CSS, JavaScript and even Flash to their limits, while maintaining clean, lightweight, elegant sites that embrace different platforms and even shrink to suit the mobile Web. At the same time, those more interested in content don't have to sacrifice good looks for textual brilliance, and can draw upon publishing tools that make it easy for others to comment, contribute and collaborate online. Today's bleeding edge sites are driven by the wishes and wills of both their creators and their visitors: they're flexible, accessible and open to customisation. Most of all, they're user driven: while it's always been true that as much ego goes into building sites as HTML, we're starting to see grassroots projects that offer distinctive personal visions, while embracing what their audiences expect from the Web and what they bring to the Web. The portal builders' vision of the 'Daily Me' is evolving into the Webloggers' 'Daily Us' and there's plenty to like about it.

From interactive to inclusive

One of the earliest goals of site builders, back in what you might call the Web's Stone Age, was to put a bit of life into static, read only sites. The arcane world of CGI was (and still is) beyond the reach of most HTML jockeys, meaning that any browser based techniques to add interactivity tended to be pretty lame. Reading back a visitor's IP address or building a scripted form to pop up 'Hello Dave!' when you enter your name isn't really the height of technology.

Even until recently, there's been a digital divide between the bargain basement interactivity available to most site builders, and the customisation of higher end sites backed by dynamic servers and databases. Now, though, with the advent of smart site publishing tools, that sort of dead end ?interactivity' can be tossed in the bit-bucket. Ironically, though, much of the personalisation offered by big portal sites has also proved to be a false dawn. While being able to pick and choose news stories or multimedia streams seemed a big thing in the Nineties, in hindsight it seems shackled by 'old media' expectations too much like buying a newspaper for the sports section or wielding the TV remote control. What's emerged in the last few years, then, is a redefinition of what interactivity should mean for the Web, which draws upon the various forms of online interaction that already thrive, i.e. email, newsgroups, chat rooms and instant messaging. So it's time to put aside notions of dumb push button Interactivity' that cast the Web as some giant videogame, and instead embrace a new era of ?inclusivity', in which sites are built to enable complex interactions but on a very human scale.

Navigating into the future

Just over a century ago, designers created innovative 'navigation' schemes that proved potentially deadly for users; that's because they were designing the controls for the first generation of cars. it took years of competition, countless accidents and plenty of bruised egos before a standardised layout emerged. Trying to visit Web sites with funky navigation isn't as dangerous as driving with the pedals back to front, but the same principle applies: people come to expect stability from technologies as they mature, even if the right way isn't always the best way. So while there's still tremendous freedom to come up with radical approaches to Web based navigation, forward thinking site builders tend to focus more on refining the well worn models of operating Systems and popular sites sidebar menus, horizontal tabs and clickable 'breadcrumb' trails so they work better, cleaner and more efficiently.

If you've kept away from the more arcane aspects of CSS, you'll be amazed at the power and flexibility now available to create stylish navigation elements, complete with tabs, rollovers and submenus, without recourse to image files, complex scripting, Java or Flash. That's not to say that Flash should be entirely off limits just be careful that you don't sacrifice basic usability, such as the ability to bookmark deep links of use the browser's back and forward buttons to cycle between pages. And remember that users with disabilities or behind proxies may be denied access. In short, it's best to avoid using Flash for primary navigation, and save it for special occasions.

While the look and feel of Web navigation may be stabilising, it's certainly not stagnating. That's thanks to the growth of user centred architecture, which tries to avoid the old habit of dividing sites into layer upon layer of sub directories. Whether mimicking a corporate hierarchy or the folders on a typical coder's hard drive, the multi layered approach too often leaves visitors not knowing where to look for information, of frustrated at having to dig so deep. Instead, user centred site building tries to anticipate the needs and questions of visitors, whether new to the site or familiar with its workings.

Plug-in participation

There are plenty of dynamic components freely available for personal and small scale sites, which can add some all-important stickiness that mysterious quality that encourages visitors to return for future visits. A simple way to get started is to add an opinion poll to your site. Another popular way to attract visitors is to include Flash or Shockwave games, puzzles and quizzes on your pages.

Care in the community

While you can take advantage of other people's generosity to add some sparkle to your own site, that should only be a starting point. After all, the stickiest thing of all is the promise of regularly updated original content. If visitors can't go anywhere else to get their daily fix of your wit, wisdom and creative sparkle, you can guarantee they'll come back for more! The ability to update sites on a regular basis, without elite design or programming skills, has transformed the Web in recent years. Allowing visitors to comment and contribute takes things a step further, creating a truly inclusive online environment. We're talking weblogs of course.

Many coders complain that the profusion of blogs has lowered the standards of Web design, creating a divide between those who care about the look of their sites, and those simply interested in knocking out a dozen posts a day and it's true that most blogs follow familiar multi-column layouts built on standard templates.

What's undeniable is that blogs are tuned to the way most people browse the Web these days: by putting the latest content up front and being simple to navigate, they're especially easy to track and bookmark. They also work especially well with Google by being rich in text based content one reason why Google bought Blogger. And there are enough examples of beautifully designed blogs, such as Loobylu to prove that you don't have to sacrifice graphical and coding skills to create a site with rich, original content that people want to visit again and again. If it's stickiness you're after, the world of blogging is like a giant vat of honey.

The biggest advantage of building sites around the blogging model is that they come with a vibrant Community waiting in the wings. This is most obvious with sites that make it easy for users to add pictures, mood icons and the all important commenting facility to their entries, and allow users to join 'communities' based upon common interests. Admittedly, many sites look a bit like your eccentric uncle's DIY projects, but there's plenty of room to tart up your design, and the site's publishing tools make it incredibly easy to become part of a community, or for other users to keep track of your individual posts and add their own comments.

The most vibrant community orientated sites right now tend to combine original content, collaborative authorship, user comments and plenty of external links, all wrapped up in clean, up front designs. While many community driven sites are backed by Weblogging tools, the old style bulletin board is still worth a look.

Building for broadband

Getting more adventurous, building for users with higher bandwidth allows you to offer background music and Flashheavy interfaces that capture the distinctive identity and purpose of your site. Right now, the best examples of this are on sites where 'old media' producers radio, TV and the music industry have adapted their work for the Web.

The blue-sky future

So, where does the future lie for the Web, as broadband becomes the norm and community driven sites become increasingly prominent? Is it to be found in the text rich world of blog based sites, or in sites that bring ever more layers of rich media to the Web? Well, it's safe to say that both will have their place. While Google remains the primary tool for most users in digging out the information that matters to them, the pre eminence it gives to blogs and similar content heavy sites will keep them popular. At least it will until Flash designers have the technology at hand to build sites that are as easily incorporated into Google's rankings as those working with simple HTML, or until Google or another search engine becomes sophisticated enough to classify and index the growing amount of Web content that's in audio and video format. That day may not be too far away. As the tools to create rich media content cease to be the privileged domain of top end professionals, thanks to the growing consumer market for sound and video editing tools, there's likely to be sufficient demand (and smart enough programmers) to start remapping the Web as something more than a world of text heavy pages. Instead, look for the capacity and influence of CSS to increase, as it provides both Google friendly simplicity and the potential for graphically rich user interfaces.

Looking back at the predictions made at the end of the Nineties, it's fair to say that the Web has developed less radically in the past five years than most designers expected. Many hyped technologies, such as XML and scalable vector graphics, have yet to catch on in a big way. This is due in part to the stuttering development of browser technology to adopt new standards, and in part because consolidation replaced innovation in the years following the dotcom crash. Now, however, with new attitudes developing towards site design and the technologies in place to implement them, we're likely to see a new creative spirit embrace the Web in which both the inclusive spirit of blogging and the convergence of rich media have a part to play, together with other interactive tools such as instant messaging.

Is this likely to mean that site builders in five years' time will need to be smarter and more creative than today? Perhaps. But the tools at their disposal and the space they'll have to work in will also have been transformed to make it easier to get their creative visions online. It?s already possible to update and contribute to sites through your mobile phone. We are now looking at uploading and accessing high resolution streaming video, or dictating and receiving site updates while on the move. Site interfaces will evolve to reflect that the Web is bursting out from being 'something that's on our computers', and becoming part of our everyday lives. Designing for that sort of online experience is going to be light years away from knocking together a menu bar for your personal Web site. Just don't be worried about being left behind. It?s the ambition, skill and imagination of site builders that has got us to where we are today, and it's those qualities that will transform the Web in the years to come.

About: www.magneticcode.co.uk is a small web design company based in Rochester, Kent, UK. Magnetic Code uses clean HTML and CSS to create sleek, and usuable websites. See www.expertfound.com for an example, including this page on computers and internet products.

Cheers to Housing Correction

Slowly the housing market is becoming a buyer's venue. Prices have been sliding downward. Finally it appears people are getting tapped out. Cancellation rates on contracts and price concessions have become an increasing pattern. Housing depreciation has hit for several straight months. Many will say this is a bad thing since the less people buy the less will be built and the less economic activity and all the rest. Well, good. It appears much of this market boom was built on a shaky foundation ready to come tumbling down. It was basically built on credit, credit, credit. The average American salary is roughly $40,000. Even with the wife working the cost of a house is a severe strain along with all the usual things to go along with it. Thus, all sorts of financial schemes have been thought of- along with low interest rates- to make an unaffordable house, well, affordable. Be it adjustable rate mortgages or virtually no money down risks, the housing market became a gamble.

As usual, many people keep betting their houses will just keep going up in value. In places like New York, California and South Florida, the price increases have been utterly outrageous. Some of the air is starting to come out of the fat balloon. The average price for a house is now about $225,000.

Predictably we see the old pig-out. People get a sense something is booming and then grossly overreact. Thus, we have around 4 million units of housing just sitting around due to over building. Buyers will just keep on waiting for things to come down a bit more.

States like Indiana and Ohio have seen their foreclosure rates go up since the auto industry did its workers in thanks to the joys of free trade. If you have no job or no decent paying job, well, no house to purchase. That is the heart of the problem, of course.

If there is no real money then the house of cards has to come crashing down the way it did during the internet boom. Shaky deals, weird lending policies, etc. can go on for awhile but like the old Wendy's commercial of Where's the beef? the money must be there. No beef equals a housing disruption. Really just common sense.

Most economists agree there is more shaking out to do. Good. If you don't have the money then you really have no business owning homes. Painful but true. If you have to get a deal where you put no money down or very little for a house that is too expensive for your budget and then you hope you can get the money back due to housing appreciation, well, good luck. Some get lucky on that one. But for the average person that is a stressful gamble. Better to pay what you can afford on traditional mortgages.

Of course, some people are gamblers by nature. But do not be shocked when your gamble turns to dust. That is nice if you are one of the big boys like Donald Trump or Steve Wynn or lesser known individuals with the financial means.

In the end it is very simple: Do you have the money or not?

Robert Carberry is a writer from New York

Dealing With the Insanity January 2007 Newsletter

The world has not gotten any saner in the last year. If anything, it has gotten more insane. That makes what you do here even more important, from many different perspectives.

Obviously, self defense can be a very useful aspect of what we do. No matter how good you get at self defense there are times when nothing can save you. That is part of our training too. Losing. Losing is not a bad thing, it just is. More important than losing is how you do it. What do you learn from it. All of us make mistakes. The whole point of losing is to learn to do things differently. Doing things the same way leads to the same results. If a way of doing things leads to a result you don't like, don't repeat that way of doing things. But even doing things perfectly can get you killed.

Which leads to my second point. In the end all of us will die. Death is not an issue. When and how is an issue. Most of us want to prolong it as long as possible and make it as pain free as possible. Preferably a death we don't see coming and one that we don't notice till we are through it. It doesn't always work out that way. As a matter of fact, it very seldom works out that way. Most of us will die with a great deal of pain and the knowledge that death is near. Historically, most of us have died with fear too. Fear of that impending death.

Dying is very important, but not something we can avoid. Sometimes perfect action still leads to death. Under those conditions it seems to me the important thing is the manner of our death. Did we die with fear? If we did die with fear, did we do the ight thing in spite of our fear? Did we face our fear and go through it? Did we die doing our absolute best to be and do whatever it was that we found necessary at that time? Did we die with honesty to ourselves?

Then again, when people die from violence they very seldom accept that they are dying. It just happens. They spend the last moments of their lives in great fear trying to avoid the dying. Trying to avoid pain. Most of them would do anything to avoid what is happening, including selling their conscience and morals. Try not to judge those folks as failures, it's our nature to try to stay alive. They are living and dying from their own particular space and perspective and it is not our place to judge them as failures. Only they and the creator know for sure.
Other than training in the physical means of self defense what are we doing here that would serve you well in those conditions? That is my third point.

We are trying to train ourselves to respond in an appropriate fashion to attacks. We use physical attacks by other persons for our training. In the Aikido classes, we try to respond to attacks without injuring the attacker. In the aikijutsu, injury is not avoided. In the weapons classes, injury is a given were the conditions real. All of them are dealing with attacks. And all of them are only dealing with you and your perceptions.

Sounds strange I know, but there ya go. All we are really doing is training to deal with situations that cause you stress and/or fear. We are using attacks and simulated violence to accomplish that goal. To deal with multiple roundhouse punches coming fast and hard induces stress and fear in most of us. And the same thing with a knife attack. And with jiyu waza, where we have no idea what will be coming.

None of what we do is attacking other people or imposing our beliefs on them. That is the way to the insanity that the world seems to be indulging in. None of that is conducive to having a world without that insanity. One of the phrases we use in the Aikido classes is that we are trying to deal with violence without adding to the violence. In our training here we don't want to add to the insanity.

So what are we doing that carries over into the world at large? Am I saying our training is to change the world? No, I have no messiah complex. What we are doing is trying to send each of the people who train here out into the world at large with tools to deal with the insanity. Both the insanity in the world around them and the insanity within them. Because we all have some in us you know. And the world that is so insane has sanity in it too.

Should you find yourself in a position during the coming year to be faced with that insanity on a personal level it is my hope that you have trained enough to be able to deal with it without becoming insane yourself. And if you face that insanity and it leads to your death or the death of your loved ones it is my deepest hope that you deal with it calmly and with adherence to your internal convictions. It is my hope that all of us have the courage to face our own fears and live free of them.

We can only be free of the insanity if we follow our moral convictions no matter what happens and allow others to do the same. And remember: life is not a dress rehearsal.

www.rosscroft.com

About the Author

ThermalformTM Breast Gel Pack Helps Women Overcome Breastfeeding Problems Quickly and Comfortably.

LG Medical Technology (www.lgmed.com), a Washington based firm that develops new and innovative health-care products, announced it has released the Thermalform Breast Gel Pack in select retail locations throughout the U.S. A warm and cool gel pack designed specifically for a woman's breast and the crucial areas surrounding a women's breast, the Thermalform Breast Gel Pack provides comfortable and soothing therapeutic treatment for conditions such as mastitis, plugged milk ducts, engorgement and general breast pain.

Results of the study titled Why Do Women Stop Breastfeeding? Findings From the Pregnancy Risk Assessment and Monitoring System, published in the December 2005 issue of Pediatrics: The Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics indicate that nearly half of all women who begin breastfeeding their infants discontinue within four weeks. The study reports, The most common reasons for breastfeeding cessation during the early postnatal period had to do with the physical discomforts of breastfeeding and women's uncertainty about the adequacy of their milk production and the satisfaction of their infant.

Doctors and nurses have long recommended warm and cool therapy as the most effective treatment for common breastfeeding problems that cause the physical discomforts that force many women to quit breastfeeding. In fact, it was a nurse, Milene Hanner, who understood from firsthand experience that there was a need for a better method of treating the common breastfeeding challenges that millions of women face. Until the release of the Thermalform Breast Gel Pack, women were forced to use less sanitary methods of therapy, such as bags of peas, ice or warm washcloths--none of which provide complete coverage of the entire breast, which is crucial to effectively treat breastfeeding ailments.

Hanner partnered with LG Medical Technology to develop the Thermalform Breast Gel Pack, and the product has received accolades from doctors, nurses and mothers across the country. Hanner was also given the prestigious Innovator of the Year award by Maryland's Department of Business and Economic Development in 2002.

The Thermalform Breast Gel Pack is ergonomically designed to conform to the entire breast while leaving the sensitive nipple area exposed. The packs are filled with a proprietary gel that retains both its warm and cool temperatures for much longer than other methods of therapy and can be quickly warmed in the microwave or cooled in the refrigerator. In addition, the packs are made from a sanitary hypoallergenic, latex-free, medical-grade PVC vinyl that can be hand-washed with mild soap and warm water.

New mother and Thermalform Breast Gel Pack success story Melissa Hunter, of Mason, Ohio, writes, The Breast Gel Pack was such a comfort after I had my daughter. Nothing else was able to encompass my entire breast the way it did, which helped with both breastfeeding and with the aching I experienced when I stopped. I've kept the Gel Pack for other purposes as well, such as my migraine headaches. It's been wonderful and pliable, good for many uses!

Previously only available from hospitals and medical centers, the Thermalform Breast Gel Pack is now available for purchase in specialty retail locations. To find a location or to order the Thermalform Breast Gel Pack online visit www.breastgelpack.com.

Government, hospitals, medical professionals, women's groups and retailers interested in bulk purchasing can contact LG Medical Technology at 800-641-8070 or through their Web site at www.lgmed.com.

LG Medical Technology, LLC
1-800-641-8070
www.lgmed.com
www.breastgelpack.com
About the Author

Is It Time To Move On: Evaluating Your Tempe Home

Tempe is a community that presents great options for home owners. Because it's a rapidly growing part of the Phoenix metropolitan area there is an interesting mix of homes,older homes and new housing developments.

As much as we'd like to believe we can find the perfect home, there really isn't such a thing. Every home has some flaws, and some have great features. The choice for many buyers is whether to fix the flaws of a home, find another older home that has fewer problems, or move into a new home that has the features they like.

The great thing about Tempe is a community with its own unique culture. Of course that overall feeling is an important part of whether you want to stay in a home. The neighborhood and community are some of the driving factors for keeping home owners in their home and contemplating making renovations or remodel plans.

So what should you consider when it comes time to make the decision about moving to a new home in Tempe or remodeling your existing home? There are several key factors.

Can you afford to remodel? Depending on what type of modifications you are planning, it can be quite expensive. Whether it's remodeling kitchens or baths, you can plan to easily spend tens of thousands of dollars, if not more. If you are planning major remodeling such as adding a family room, building a master bedroom suite, or expanding outwards, you can easily expect to spend close to a hundred thousand dollars. You also have to have a reserve budget for when the project goes over the estimated cost, as it certainly will.

What do love about your current home? Do you love the neighborhood, the schools, or the convenience of where you live? If you do, and you are certain you can't find something you love just as much in another location, then remodeling may make sense for you.

Have you considered what you'll lose or gain by selling? Sometimes you know that if you move to another neighborhood your property will appreciate at a higher level than your previous home. It's a no brainer, your house is an important part of your investment portfolio, then it makes sense to move. Of course, there are costs associated with selling your home and buying another: you can expect to pay 7% of the sales price of your home in fees and closing costs. You also have to consider that you will be stepping back in terms of your mortgage. You will be adding more time to your mortgage repayment, so you'll be paying less principle and more interest.

Tempe has lots of opportunities to find a great home, one that can work for you now and in the future.

Reg Gustin is a senior loan officer with Sun American Mortgage and specializes in helping families and their financial lending needs.

Get a FREE mortgage rate quote from a reputable Arizona mortgage company at http://www.arizona-homes-store.com/arizona-mortgages.html

Search the Arizona MLS at http://www.arizona-homes-store.com/arizona-mls.html

Click here: http://www.arizona-homes-store.com/arizona-real-estate-appreciation-report.htmland get a FREE copy of The Greater Phoenix Area Housing Appreciation Report, as compiled by Arizona State University with your free subscription to his monthly ezine, MARKET NEWS.

Double Strollers: What Do You Really Need?

A double stroller is a necessity if you have twins or two young children of similar ages. By quickly answering eight important questions that help you determine the needs of your particular lifestyle, you will save yourself time and effort in your search for the best double stroller for your family.

Is baby number two on the way or are you expecting twins? Then you definitely need a double stroller. Before you begin your search among the countless models that are available, you need to determine what your stroller needs are for your particular lifestyle. For example, it doesn't make sense to purchase the same double stroller your best friend raves about if you're an avid jogger and her favorite hobby is shopping. To help you narrow down the possibilities, answer the eight following questions.

1. What activities do you need a double stroller for?

 Do you do most of your shopping in malls? Do you like to jog or take long walks around the neighborhood in all types of weather? Are you a freqyuent traveler? The activities you do most often will decide what type of double stroller you should choose, whether it be a regular double mall stroller, a lightweight (ex. umbrella) double stroller, a double jogging stroller or a double all-terrain stroller.

2. Which seating design would best suit your needs?

Double strollers come in two seating designs: tandem (one seat in front of the other) or side-by-side. Both designs have their advantages and disadvantages, so it's important for you to think carefully about what your lifestyle will be like with twins or two children of different ages (although this is not easy to do before actually living through it!).

3. What are the ages and temperaments of your children?

Your double stroller needs will be slightly different if you're the parents of twins than if you have a baby and an older child. Some double strollers are true twin strollers, meaning they have features that are meant to accommodate two children of the same age, such as the ability to clip in two infant car seats. There are also double strollers that are designed so that a toddler can sit in the front seat where he can have a better view and more legroom while baby brother or sister sleeps comfortably in the fully reclining rear seat.

Many parents find that side-by-side double strollers help keep the peace between children because they prevent arguments about who gets to sit in the front seat. On the other hand, being side-by-side can also create other problems with the two children sitting in such close proximity.

4. How often are you going to use the double stroller?

If you're only planning on using a stroller for quick errands to the mall a couple times a week, you don't need to purchase a heavy-duty, high-end double stroller with all the bells and whistles. However, if you like going for walks or runs on a daily basis, or if you go out with your children often and for long periods of time, you should consider getting something that is comfortable and durable, since double strollers take twice the abuse of single strollers.

5. Who will be using the stroller?

Keep in mind the height and stride of the person or persons who will be using the double stroller the most, as well as their physical strength. It's no fun pushing a stroller with a handle that is too low or too high for comfort and neither is folding and picking up one that is cumbersome. It's true that double strollers are heavier and bulkier than single strollers due to their very nature, but there are models on the market that are easier to handle than others.

6. What features are you looking for?

Do you want a simple, no frills double stroller, or something with lots of comfort, durability and storage space? This brings us back to the types of activities you do most often. It's very disappointing to purchase a stroller and then realize that its features don't meet your needs as well as they could have.

7. How much space do you have for transporting and storing it?

With a few exceptions, double strollers take up a lot of room. The size of your vehicle may be a big deciding factor when choosing a double model. Make sure it fits! Also, take into account where you will store the stroller at home.

8. What can you afford?

This is probably the most important question of all. Think carefully of your present and future stroller needs with your two children. What is the minimum you are willing to live with? Can you afford to pay for a higher quality double stroller that will make your life easier in the long run, or are you willing to take your chances with a budget stroller that may break down before you're done using it? For twins, a double universal car seat carrier (stroller frame) is an inexpensive alternative to buying an actual stroller during the infant stage if you're yet not sure what you'll need later on.

Once you've determined what you really need, then you can begin researching the various brands and models that are on the market. You will be able to quickly eliminate double strollers that don't fit your criteria, making the whole process a lot easier and less time-consuming.

Copyright 2006 by Anik Gigu?re-Biollo. Permission is granted to reproduce this article in electronic newsletters
or on websites provided that it is not edited in any way, all the links are left active, and that neither the copyright declaration nor this license are removed. This article was originally published at http://www.stroller-advisor.com/double-stroller-needs.html .

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Anik Gigu?re-Biollo is the mother of a three year-old girl and one year-old twin boys and has owned a total of eight baby strollers of different types. She offers a great deal of detailed information about choosing and purchasing double strollers and twin strollers (see http://www.stroller-advisor.com/double-strollers.html), as well as all other types of strollers, on her website. You can visit her site by going to http://www.Stroller-Advisor.com.

Booking An Alicante Car Rental

An Alicante car rental is the most convenient way to travel around the Costa Blanca. Nine rental companies operate at the Alicante airport: Altesa, Aruiga, Avis, Centauro, Europa, Euopcar, Hertz, Record and Solmar. Compare deals and availability with several different companies to get the best rate.

The companies are located just outside the arrival area. They are grouped together and are easy to find when you arrive at the airport. Spend some time getting the feel of the car in the airport before you venture out onto the main roads.

Booking an Alicante Car Rental

Book your car hire before you leave home to be sure you get the best deal on the car you want. Consider reserving a vehicle around the time you book your flight. The summer is the busy season on the Costa Blanca and rentals at this time tend to fill up fast. Also, the earlier you start looking, the better deal you are likely to find.

You can reserve your vehicle directly with the company, through a travel agent or on the internet. In some cases, travel agents offer deals with vacation packages. These packages can include flights, hotel and car rental. Compare the overall cost of packages with the cost of reserving each part of your trip separately.

The internet is a great resource for finding a car rental. In many cases, better deals can be found online. Finding the best price will require you to spend some time researching and comparing deals through each company. Some websites allow you to compare rental companies to find the best price.

Consider where you will pick up and drop off your rental. In many cases, there isn?t a big difference in cost between renting at the airport or in cities, such as Benidorm or Torrevieja. Check the cost of airport rentals or in town rentals. In some cases, it is cheaper to rent in town. In this case, most companies will provide transportation to and from the airport.

Alicante Car Rental Extras

There are certain extras that you may be interested in having with your Alicante car hire. Some may be included in the package, but many are available for an additional charge. Become familiar with the typical extras to get what you want in your rental.

Additional drivers on the car may cost extra. If you won?t be the only person driving the vehicle, ask about this. You may have to pay more. Some companies do include one extra driver. Be sure all drivers are listed on the rental agreement. Each driver must sign papers when the car is picked up.

Infant or child safety seats are the law in Spain. You can rent these with your car. Reserve a seat when you book the vehicle. Otherwise, they may run out of seats. Be sure the seat you reserve is appropriate for the age and weight of your child. You will pay an additional fee for this service.

Another option is to bring your car seat from home. It?s a bit more of a hassle to carry the seat with you. However, you will be sure the seat fits and is comfortable for your child, and you won?t need to pay additional fees. This may be worth the added inconvenience of carrying the seat with you on your trip.

Air conditioning may not be available in all vehicles. If you are renting a car in the summer, you will want air conditioning. It gets very hot in the Alicante area in the summer. Air in the car will make a big difference in comfort.

About the Author:

Robert Carlton published primarily for http://www.alicante-spain.com , a website on the topic of Costa Blanca . You can discover his publications on car rental in Alicante over at http://www.alicante-spain.com .

Great Golf Destinations in the Hunter Valley NSW Australia

If you're looking to play golf in the NSW Hunter Valley, here's our recommendations for 2 of the best Golf spots in the region. These places aren't just golf courses - they're a true destination for the avid golf nut who also wants to enjoy the ambience of a quality luxury accommodation venue.

1. Cypress Lakes Golf & Country Club

The Cypress Lakes Golf & Country Club boasts of an 18-hole championship golf course that is consistently rated among the best resort courses in Australia. Designed by Florida?s Steve Smyers and inaugurated in 1992, the par-72 course has a total length of 6,359 meters from the blue championship markers. From the men?s tees, the length is reduced to 5,975 meters, while the ladies? tees face a distance of 5,107 meters.

Playing this golf course will challenge both professional and amateur golfers in a variety of ways. Trees abound in the front nine along with sloping fairways while the back nine is styled in a links layout. The greens are elevated and shaped dramatically. There are as many as 60 huge bunkers. From each tee and from some of the greens, golfers can enjoy the breath-taking view of the mountains surrounding the valley as well as the valley?s famous vineyards.

About the venue: Cypress Lakes Resort offers the luxurious accommodations of a first class villa. It is located on a terraced hillside that provides breath-taking views of Hunter Valley?s lush vineyards and the picturesque Brokenback Ranges. There are 205 rooms in all, each one a 5-star standard decked with spacious interiors and impressive balconies. There are also three bars and two restaurants: Pipette, which offers modern Australian cuisine, and Mulligans, which offers informal all-day dining and classic brasserie fare.

2. The Dinks

The Dinks is the on-site golf course of Tower Lodge. It is an 18-hole short putting course that is par 52 and quite challenging. Designed by the Chairman of Tower Lodge, Len Evans, who is also Australia?s preeminent ambassador of wine, the golf course is part of the resort?s recreational facility, which also includes a gym, sauna, massage treatment room, a heated pool and a 1.6 km walking track.

The course comes with its own golf buggy. In addition, there are also two international standard golf courses within a four km radius of the Lodge: The Vintage and Cypress Lakes. They are just a few minutes away by car.

About the venue: Located among the tranquil vineyards of the Hunter Valley wine region, Tower Lodge is an exquisite retreat for the favored few who can afford the luxury. It is part of the Tower Estate, a mammoth enclave that also includes two restaurants and the Tower Winery. Many guests refer to Tower Lodge as Australia at its best, in terms of food, wine and accommodations. The 6-star standard Oriental Room and the Chairman?s Suite are the best of the lot and have their own huge fireplace, outdoor balcony and marble bathrooms with an elevated spa.

Venue awards: The Tower Lodge has received the following awards and distinctions: ?Top 10 List - Hotels in Australia? from Small Luxury Hotels of the World, 2003; ?Winner - Best Restaurant - Northern Region NSW? from American Express Awards, 2001; and ?Winner - Best Fine Dining Restaurant - Regional NSW? from Restaurant & Catering Association's Awards, 2001.

If you're visiting the NSW Hunter Valley region (for golf or otherwise) and want somewhere luxurious and stylish to stay, drop by the Simply Lush website at http://www.SimplyLush.com - This free travel resource website offers a comprehensive range of luxury accommodation reviews for every state and major city in Australia.

If you are a lover of fine Australian wines, great food and a great game of golf, then come visit the Hunter Valley. While you're there, consider staying at Tower Lodge or Cypress Lakes in Pokolbin - both of these spots get our top rating. To review the rest of our luxurious Hunter Valley accommodation recommendations, visit our site.

Huddersfield A Concise Tourist Guide

The town of Huddersfield lies among hills, moorland and 300 million year old river valleys carved out by ancient tropical river deltas and glaciers. The steep green uplands skirting it to the South continue further on to become the Peak District while the coal rich land to the East tilts gently away towards the sea. Much of the land around Huddersfield rises to between 200 and 400m above mean sea level and the hills around the Holme Valley to the South and West of Huddersfield are among the prettiest to be seen in England.

Huddersfield is situated equidistantly between the cities of Manchester to the West, Leeds to the North and Sheffield to the South and is easily accessible from the M62 or the M1 motorways making it a great strategic stopover. However, the town and surrounding area has much to recommend it and is well worth a few days exploration.

History
Huddersfield gets a mention in the Doomsday book (Oderesfelt). Before the Norman invasion it was a small Saxon market town and the area is thought to have been continuously settled for at least 4,000 years. One place to view the full story of Huddersfield?s evolution from the Neolithic to the modern past is at the Tolson Museum just outside the town centre.

At Almondbury, a mile to the South East of the town are situated the remains of one of England?s most important Iron Age settlements, sharing a hill with the town?s most recognisable landmark, the Victoria Tower at Castle Hill - built to mark the late queen?s 60th year of ascendancy. The hill is an important historical focus for Huddersfield. The Saxons had a royal court in Almondbury and in the reign of King Stephen a castle was built there (hence Castle Hill) but this was demolished in the 14th century. The hill has the status of Scheduled Ancient Monument and from its summit can be gained fine views of the surrounding countryside.

Architecture
Huddersfield is famous for both the number and quality of its listed buildings and has some truly outstanding examples of Georgian and Victorian architecture. Its railway fa?ade has been described by architectural historian Nicolas Pevsner as ?the best neoclassical station fa?ade in Europe?. At Horbury, some 9 miles outside Huddersfield lies the 18th century church of St Peter and St Leonard ? recognised as being the finest Georgian church in West Yorkshire.

Even some of the town?s more modern and controversial buildings have their fans: Adrian Evans, Architect and lecturer at Leeds Metropolitan University believes the modern Market Hall, built in the late 1960?s, to be at least as significant architecturally as the station. Be warned though, others have called it plain, shabby and unexciting.

Industrial Heritage
The industrial revolution initiated Huddersfield?s transformation into a textile powerhouse, and that Georgian and Victorian legacy is still very evident today in the buildings, canals and old workings that make the town such a valuable historical resource. The Colne Valley Museum in Golcar, just outside Huddersfield is worth a visit to get a flavour of what life was like in the early Victorian, industrial heartlands of Northern Britain.

One industrial heritage must-see during your stay in Huddersfield is the 18/19th century Standedge canal tunnel near Marsden, some 7 miles outside the town centre. This tunnel, completed by Thomas Telford in 1811, is the highest (645 feet above sea level), deepest (638 feet under the surface) and longest (three and a quarter miles) canal tunnel in the country. It took 16 years to build, claiming many lives in the process. There is a full visitor centre there and from April to October you can experience the tunnel for yourself in a glass topped boat. The tunnel was reopened in 2001 after 50 years of neglect.

At Overton, some 7 miles outside Huddersfield, you can visit the National Coal Mining Museum, built around the former Caphouse Colliery which closed in 1985 and was superbly restored with heritage funding. There you can descend 450 feet into a real mine or discover the restored mining buildings, and the museum proper. The National Coal Mining museum will give you a real insight into Britain?s recent industrial heritage and the working lives of those who mined for coal here.

The Holme Valley
Some 6 miles South of the centre lies Holmfirth, the picturesque heart of the Holme Valley and stunning backdrop to the much loved television series ?Last of the Summer Wine?. The BBC still films the series around the town and tour buses running out of Holmfirth can take you on an intimate journey around some of the best known locations from the series.

From Holmfirth and surrounding villages you can walk out onto the Moors or traverse the many trails that criss cross the area. Huddersfield is a veritable Mecca for walkers.

Country Parks and Houses
For those who prefer the relaxation offered by country parks and houses, the area around Huddersfield has an abundance. Try the 16th century Oakwell Hall and its 100 acre country park at Birstall, some 8 miles outside the town and a favourite haunt of Charlotte Bronte; or Longley Old Hall near the town centre, an architectural treasure trove of 14th century origins and later Elizabethan addtions.

How about another of Charlotte Bronte?s favourite places ? the Red House at Gomersal, some 7 miles from Huddersfield; or the ancient Shibden Hall and its 90 acre park near Halifax built in the early 15th century and featuring rooms furnished from the 17th to 19th centuries. Other places guaranteed to excite you are the Georgian Cannon Hall & Country Park at Cawthorne featuring fantastic 18th century walled gardens, a museum and a wonderful farm where you are free to feed the many animals; and the Yorkshire Sculpture Park and visitor centre in West Bretton with 500 acres of lush parkland featuring figures by Henry Moore, Anthony Gormley and others.

Nights Out
For nights out in Huddersfield, how about the modern Lawrence Batley Theatre in Queens Square or the Cragrats Theatre in Holmfirth. Near the home of Huddersfield football and rugby teams, the Galpharm Stadium, you can find a multiplex cinema and ten pin bowling alley.

If clubbing is your scene then check out the many great clubs in Huddersfield including the Camel Club, Tokyo, Livingstones and Billie Rox.

Dining Out
There are many places to go for a fine dining experience in Huddersfield and the surrounding area. Try the contemporary Vanilla V1 Restaurant in Lindley or the CragRats Brasserie in Holmfirth. Book in advance for a treat at the Three Acres at Roydhouse near Shelley or try the wonderful Olive Branch in Marsden. How about the award winning Weavers Shed in Golcar? For great Yorkshire food you might also visit the Woodman Inn at Thunderbridge. However, don?t stop there, in Huddersfield town there are many other restaurants and bars to choose from. Those mentioned are just some of the best.

Whatever you decide to do in Huddersfield you?ll be glad you came.

About the Author:

Paul Theato runs and manages The Business Directory for HuddersfieldHuddersfield Huddersfield Business Directory

BMW M3 Four Generations Of Monsters

Originally, the goal, for designers and engineers of the BMW M3, was to build a powerful and yet lightweight automobile derived from the BMW 3 series. The resulting 5000 examples hand -built by BMW Motorsport culminated with the introduction of the first series, which was based on the E30 platform in 1986 in Europe. The E30 M3 remained in production until 1990 and was replaced in 1992 with the next generation E36 M3.

The E30 M3 quickly became one of the most successful touring cars in history. Equipped with a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine with a twin-cam-four valve head with Bosch fuel injection, the E30 M3 hit a top speed of 140 miles per hour and hit zero to sixty in less than 7 seconds. The vehicle weighed only 2850 pounds and had a 5-speed manual transmission.

The E36 M3 was introduced in 1992 in Paris. The engine, known as the S50, was based on the M50TU. Changes included enlarging the bore and stroke, modifying the intake to include individual throttle bodies and adapting a new variable valve timing system on the intake camshaft to the engine. With these modifications, the S50 produced over 280 horsepower. The E36 M3 had a few distinctions from the regular three series including larger anti-roll bars, firmer springs and shocks, 12-inch vented disc brakes and the M-tuned variable-ration steering. The exterior of the E36 M3 varied slightly from the regular three series with a front air dam, deeper side valance panels and aerodynamic side mirrors. When the automobile was introduced in the United States in 1994, it had been modified with what was then known as the S50 B30 USA engine. While the cost had dropped, the US model was only capable of producing 240 horsepower instead of the original 280.

In 1995, BMW offered the M3 offered an automatic transmission and also introduced a Lightweight M3. This model was actually manufactured as a competition vehicle and weighed in 200 pounds less than the original E36 M3. Stripped of it's air conditioning, radio and rear seat, the 1995 M3 Lightweight only sold 85 models in the United States.

The 1996 model, however, underwent a few radical changes with the addition of a new engine called the S50 B32. Although the European version engine was capable of producing over 320 horsepower, the US version still remained at 240. The transmission was a Getrag six-speed manual that was matted to the engine. Acceleration increased to zero to sixty mph in 5.6 seconds. The model years for the E36 M3 ran from 1992-1999.

Billed as the hird generation M3, the 2001 M3 Convertible was a four-seater that was identical to the M3 coupe with an automatic soft top. Equipped with a new 333 horsepower engine and a new 6 speed transmission, the 2001 M3 accelerated from zero to 62 mph in 5 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph. It wasn't until this year that US sport car enthusiasts were able to experience the full power of the BMW as the models sold in the US sported the same horsepower as those sold abroad.

While the BMW M3 has continued to evolve on the same previous generation platform with no significant changes, the 2006 model was available as either a coupe or convertible.

Standard features on the coupe include:

• ? 18-inch wheels with Z-rated rubber
• ? Automatic climate control
• ? 10-way adjustable sport seats
• ? Leather and cloth upholstery
• ? One-touch power windows
• ? Heated power mirrors
• ? CD player
• ? Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• ? Automatic headlights,
• ? Rain-sensing wipers
• ? Keyless entry.

Recently introduced at the 77th Geneva Motor Show, the much anticipated 2007 BMW M3 Concept Car is truly geared up to represent the newest generation of the M3. BMW fans ... start your engines!

About the Author Jonathan Blaze is a BMW enthusiast and entrepreneur. His website http://www.bimmerfreak.com/ has many BMW parts for every generation M3.

Plan Early for Retirement by Joining an Active Adult Retirement Community Now

Old age is like everything else. To make a success at it, you've got to start young.

.. Theodore Roosevelt.

Retirement communities are popping up all over the place like dandelions in spring. It's a trend in real estate. At 55 you can qualify for these communities referred to as active adult retirement communities and maybe you should look into it. These active adult communities offer a lot of good living. You've heard you should get started while you are young planning for your retirement and that's what Roosevelt said, too.

Retirement used to mean retiring from work -- but today more people are seeing retirement as an active time in their lives. People are living longer. When they reach 65 years, they can still look forward to at least 15 to 20 years of retirement and life expectancy is supposed to continue to grow. That is a long time so preparing early for that time of life makes sense.

Due to the things retirement communities offer you, they may even help to keep you healthier in retirement. You may be doing yourself a favor to start earlier on nutrition programs, fitness programs, cultural and social programs--all designed to help seniors stay healthier. So why wait!

There are some reasons for waiting and one of them might be if you still have younger children at home--maybe in college but still at home. However, most communities even make allowances for visiting children who are in college by allowing them to stay with their families for 3 months out of the year. Each community has different policies about this so check carefully.

By downsizing and selling your current home now, you can use your equity for your new home and other things. Also, some financial experts are saying it may be advisable to not buy your retirement home with all cash as used to be advised, due to a greater life expectancy, but to have a small mortgage. But, of course, we recommend you check this out thoroughly with a financial adviser.

If your children are grown, then buying into an active adult retirement community at an earlier age than you might originally have thought of, might afford you these outstanding benefits:

-Getting started early on a retirement plan.

-Getting started early on a Fitness program for retirement.

-Getting started early on nutritional fitness. Seniors do have special

nutritional requirements.

-You can continue to work and add to your savings.

-As your current neighborhood changes, and your old

neighborhood friends move, you will make new friends in a retirement community.

-Your easier life will free up your time for things you really want to do like travel.

-You will have less stress, more security, available clubs and activities.

Sometimes you aren't sure where you want to retire to. This shouldn't be such a problem since you can always move again. Warm weather, cold weather, being close to your kids or moving to that desirable southern town--hard decisions but life is always changing. As you change you may also change where you want to live. Statistics show that as people age they tend to move back to cities and closer to family after having lived many years somewhere else. That's okay. Check out what is right for you at that time. I hope you will look at these fabulous new active adult retirement communities popping up and probably some near you. To get started, visit my website as a way to find these properties at www.bestguide-retirementcommunities.com.

Carol Fena - After many years of real estate, Carol lives in an active adult retirement community and enjoys writing articles about them for her website http://www.bestguide-retirementcommunities.com

UK Land for Sale Market All Set for a Shakeup

UK land for sale market has witnessed exponential growth in last few years with value of properties showing manifold increase.

It has resulted in rapid expansion of the land banking industry and sprouting up of numerous firms selling land in UK , but all this is about to change with a perceptible slowdown in world economy and a dip in customer confidence levels which threatens to cause a pause in money spending decisions.

A shakeup in UK Land Banking industry is thus on cards which could result in the way this business have been conducted as well as closing down or mergers of many small firms with larger players.

In recent times there have been complaints about unscrupulous players selling land in UK to unsuspecting populace without adequately informing them of pros and cons of such decisions and willfully withholding certain important information. This has led to a renewed thrust by both UK Government as well as established players in the industry for fixing certain guidelines which could ensure that only genuine players are allowed in players are allowed in UK Land for Sale business.

Liberal Democrat MP George Mulholland recently raised this question in the parliament. Excerpts of his speech can be seen at: http://www.libdems.org.uk/community/house-of-commons-westminster-hall-land-banking120706.html

FSA have been active in trying to root out rouge players which are not only trying to swindle general public by promising them guaranteed planning permission but also damaging the reputation of this nascent industry.

Thus a combination of gradual tightening of laws as well as tightening of easy money available for investments in UK land for sale markets is sure to drive out non-serious players.

While investing in UK Land for sale is surely a highly attractive investment avenue but owing to above mentioned factors it is surely advisable for common investors to practice discretion and using only established players for such investments.

Stephen Brewood
Land For Sale in the UK

A Mindful Road Trip: The NoGoal Vacation

It's the beginning of spring break, and we're heading south. That's all we know.

Our family is greatly anticipating what may be our last road trip for a long, long time. There's a lot of
excitement in our house right now as we are shifting into a whole new phase for each of us.

My husband is launching a new business. I am writing a book. Our 17-year-old daughter is preparing for college in Nova Scotia in September. Our 16-year-old daughter is heading to Brazil for a year-long Rotary Exchange in July. Our 14-year-old daughter is playing a sport for the first time in her life. Our 13-year-old daughter is considering transferring to an arts magnet school in order to immerse herself in her passiondance.

This is the end of an era. In a few months, we will never have all four of them living at home again. The
next year will bring all kinds of changes, and we feel we need to grab this chance to hit the road together in our trusty, dusty minivan.

It's time for our favorite kind of vacationthe make-it-up-as-you-go meander through undiscovered (to us, anyway) territory. We'll get up really early, jump in the van, and just go. No reservations. No schedule. No destination in mind.

We love this no-goal travel. We learned years ago that the happiest times we spend together are those in
which we are free to experience each moment as it comes without planning the next.

Back in 1998, we decided in one day to pack up the kids and take off to India and Nepal for three months. It's not as though we simply quit our jobs and left. That would have been far easier.

We had plenty of responsibilitieswe owned two small retail businesses, an import/export company, an old
commercial building with a leaky roof, and a house we had just finished remodeling.

We felt restless and ready for adventure, and making the choice to go was instantaneous and unanimous.

We sold one business, liquidated another, put the third in a coma. We found someone to take care of the
leaky roof, and another to stay in our house. We yanked the kids out of school and within six weeks of
making our decision boarded a planesix excited travelers carrying six small backpacks.

The girls were 7, 8, 10 and 11. People thought we were insane.

The first two months we spent in India visiting the former host families my husband had lived with during
his own Rotary Exchange when he was 16. The third month we had reserved for Nepal. We planned to fly into Kathmandu and spend four weeks on our own. We had no agenda, no reservations, no contacts. We weren't the least bit concerned about it.

From the very first day, it was clear this was going to be a really special experience for our family. We found
a clean, friendly hotel, the Red Planet, with a room big enough for six of us. It was $15 a night. Our window
faced the rear of a nightclub, and we giggled ourselves to sleep as Pink Floyd and Michael Jackson were
blasted from the speakers outside. One of our daughters became quite adept at unclogging the toilet and bathtub drain.

We wandered the curving streets, marveling at the sights and sounds. Each meal was an adventure as we
made it a point to invite single diners to join us. We met fascinating people of all ages from around the world.

Highlights include dashing into a tiny Italian restaurant during our first two hours in Kathmandu as we were
caught in a torrential downpourour first rain since leaving Oregon. A hilarious but fairly sleepless night
sharing a tea house room with rats. Children, especially young boys, trailing us everywhere we trekked. Breakfast on our roof with a breathtaking view of the Annapurnas. Ducking to avoid spider webs dripping with dew while riding elephants in the early morning. Exploring richly scented temples. Spontaneous dancing
in the streets.

We have never, ever laughed more than we did on that trip. I had to use an asthma inhalernot for any allergies, but because I laughed so hard that I started wheezing! Every single day was full of absolute joy and discovery. It didn't matter in the slightest what we were doing. We were together, we were exploring, and we were having the time of our lives.

Granted, a road trip to southern Oregon isn't nearly as exotic. Still, what we learned in Nepal is the magic of being in the moment. Our kids discovered the power of being present and open to whatever the day may bring.

It's a priceless lesson we feel fortunate to have learned
early. That trip was a gift that keeps on giving. It provided a shining example of true mindfulness for our growing daughters.

We're heading south. Our intention? To be together. To explore. And to laugh our heads off.

I'll bring my inhaler.

Our family is greatly anticipating what may be our last road trip for a long, long time. There's a lot of
excitement in our house right now as we are shifting into a whole new phase for each of us.

My husband is launching a new business. I am writing a book. Our 17-year-old daughter is preparing for college in Nova Scotia in September. Our 16-year-old daughter is heading to Brazil for a year-long Rotary Exchange in July. Our 14-year-old daughter is playing a sport for the first time in her life. Our 13-year-old daughter is considering transferring to an arts magnet school in order to immerse herself in her passiondance.

This is the end of an era. In a few months, we will never have all four of them living at home again. The
next year will bring all kinds of changes, and we feel we need to grab this chance to hit the road together in our trusty, dusty minivan.

It's time for our favorite kind of vacationthe make-it-up-as-you-go meander through undiscovered (to us, anyway) territory. We'll get up really early, jump in the van, and just go. No reservations. No schedule. No destination in mind.

We love this no-goal travel. We learned years ago that the happiest times we spend together are those in
which we are free to experience each moment as it comes without planning the next.

Back in 1998, we decided in one day to pack up the kids and take off to India and Nepal for three months. It's not as though we simply quit our jobs and left. That would have been far easier.

We had plenty of responsibilitieswe owned two small retail businesses, an import/export company, an old
commercial building with a leaky roof, and a house we had just finished remodeling.

We felt restless and ready for adventure, and making the choice to go was instantaneous and unanimous.

We sold one business, liquidated another, put the third in a coma. We found someone to take care of the
leaky roof, and another to stay in our house. We yanked the kids out of school and within six weeks of
making our decision boarded a planesix excited travelers carrying six small backpacks.

The girls were 7, 8, 10 and 11. People thought we were insane.

The first two months we spent in India visiting the former host families my husband had lived with during
his own Rotary Exchange when he was 16. The third month we had reserved for Nepal. We planned to fly into Kathmandu and spend four weeks on our own. We had no agenda, no reservations, no contacts. We weren't the least bit concerned about it.

From the very first day, it was clear this was going to be a really special experience for our family. We found
a clean, friendly hotel, the Red Planet, with a room big enough for six of us. It was $15 a night. Our window
faced the rear of a nightclub, and we giggled ourselves to sleep as Pink Floyd and Michael Jackson were
blasted from the speakers outside. One of our daughters became quite adept at unclogging the toilet and bathtub drain.

We wandered the curving streets, marveling at the sights and sounds. Each meal was an adventure as we
made it a point to invite single diners to join us. We met fascinating people of all ages from around the world.

Highlights include dashing into a tiny Italian restaurant during our first two hours in Kathmandu as we were
caught in a torrential downpourour first rain since leaving Oregon. A hilarious but fairly sleepless night
sharing a tea house room with rats. Children, especially young boys, trailing us everywhere we trekked. Breakfast on our roof with a breathtaking view of the Annapurnas. Ducking to avoid spider webs dripping with dew while riding elephants in the early morning. Exploring richly scented temples. Spontaneous dancing
in the streets.

We have never, ever laughed more than we did on that trip. I had to use an asthma inhalernot for any allergies, but because I laughed so hard that I started wheezing! Every single day was full of absolute joy and discovery. It didn't matter in the slightest what we were doing. We were together, we were exploring, and we were having the time of our lives.

Granted, a road trip to southern Oregon isn't nearly as exotic. Still, what we learned in Nepal is the magic of being in the moment. Our kids discovered the power of being present and open to whatever the day may bring.

It's a priceless lesson we feel fortunate to have learned
early. That trip was a gift that keeps on giving. It provided a shining example of true mindfulness for our growing daughters.

We're heading south. Our intention? To be together. To explore. And to laugh our heads off.

I'll bring my inhaler.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Maya Talisman Frost is a mind masseuse. Her work has inspired thinkers in over 80 countries. She serves up a satisfying blend of clarity, comfort and comic relief in her free weekly ezine, the Friday Mind Massage. To subscribe, visit http://www.massageyourmind.com.