Top Holiday Destinations in the Winter Season

When it comes to the wintertime, most people tend to head south for the holiday. You will find that there are little piles of snow. You have getaway destinations that will allow you to have hot and dry weather. You will also find that there are some sandy beaches involved in these destinations.

You will find that there are Antiqua or Barbuda beaches that you will be able to visit. You will also find that there are plenty of places where you can get in those favorite water sports. You will find that when you head south for Christmas you will be able to sunbath in 80 degree weather. You will be able to trade in your snow shovel and replace it with a sand shovel and bucket. You won?t be making snowmen, but sandcastles. There are plenty of destinations that you can go to and have some good celebrating times. You will be able to have some drinks on the beach. You will be able to watch the sun deep down and listen to the rhythm of the steel drums. You will also find that the only sounds you will hear are the birds flying ahead. You don?t have to listen to the rushing traffic and you don?t have to deal with hundreds of people getting ready for the next storm or buying Christmas gifts.

You will be able to make memories when you take your time making memories in these islands and exotic locations. You will find that there are many destinations that you will love in the South American region. You will love lying on the beach and soaking up the sun, while others find snow on their cars. You will want to make sure that you do everything you can to enjoy the beautiful skies and seas of the tropics.

During the day, you will have fun during all of the activities that the islands provide, but then you can mix things up at night in the many clubs. You will be able to dance the entire night way and then come back to the hotel and do it all over again the next day. You will find that there is all different kinds of fun when you go away for the holiday. It?s also a great place to take the entire family. There are sites like the Rio?s statue of liberty or swim with dolphins at Monkey Mia. There are plenty of things to do and it?ll never be dull.

When you take your time to explore areas like Singapore, you will find that there is a cultural melting pot. You will find that it has four languages including Chinese, Malay, Tamil, and English. You will find the best foods in Singapore and you will be able to enjoy drinking tea in Chinatown or have a ball in Little India. There are tons of things that you can do in the modern city of Singapore.

There are many areas of the exotic that you can take your family for the holiday, but you will also find that there are many places that you can go to forget about the cold weather and the snow in your drive way. Everyone needs to get away in the winter months, but it?s just to get back to remembering how spring is. Winter is so draining, but with a vacation to a warm and exotic place, you?ll be able to come back and finish out the season.

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5 Simple Ways To Win The Game Of Backgammon

The best way to play backgammon is similar to tennis: it should be played in games, points, sets, matches and tournaments. A player wins one or more points by winning a game, and wins a set by winning a predetermined number of points. The recommended set size is seven points. The first player who obtains seven or more points wins the set. This allows a match to consist of several sets, increase strategy and reduces the element of luck and impact of an unfortunate game. Whether played for money, glory, or love of the game, all of the elements and strategy of backgammon come into play and are important, including the doubling cube and roll over. If the game is played for a given amount of money for each point, most of the strategy will come into play.

There are a wide variety of strategies that you can use in a game of backgammon. Over here, I will provide 5 simple and effective ways for you to win your first game of backgammon.

Be able to play at a rapid pace, but do not rush

The game is most enjoyable when it's played at a steady pace. A typical game should take about 7 to 10 minutes. Games will be shorter or longer depending on whether and when a player is doubled out. A rapid pace allows a few sets to be played in a reasonable amount of time. Calculators should not be used to make calculations during a backgammon session or game. Calculations should be done manually and quickly to keep the game moving at a steady pace. Play with deliberate haste, but don't rush to the point that you make a mistake. You need to become fluent with the different strategies so that you can play at a rapid pace without making mistakes. You need to constantly assess the situation while your opponent is moving, so that you can make most moves quickly.

Become equally comfortable playing with either color pieces

You will have to learn to play your best from both sides of the board and with both colors of pieces. Though you are used to practicing with the white pieces with your inner board to your right, mix it up when you are playing so that it doesn't matter which combination you have in a given game, set or match.

Insist on not using any of the variants except the roll over

Familiarize yourself with the backgammon variants, because some players may suggest that one or more of the variants be used. Strongly encourage the use of the roll over, but be reluctant to use any other variant or optional rule. This is because the optional rules generally increase the element of luck and are not compatible with playing backgammon in sets and matches.

Do not let your opponent know he made a mistake; that is, do not help him adjust or improve his game

Don't let your expressions tell your opponent that he has made a good or bad roll, move, double or roll-over. Play with serious deliberation regardless of whether your decisions are easy or difficult.

Never give up, even if it appears that you are hopelessly behind

A player's fortune can change suddenly in backgammon, particularly when he uses the correct strategy. Never lose your concentration, get reckless or give up hope. Keep using the preferred strategy to the end. Though it doesn't happen often, players can and have come back to win from what happened to be a hopeless situation. The game is not over till it's over.

For more information on how to play backgammon, playing backgammon online, backgammon boards or backgammon tournaments, please visit the following website: http://backgammon.mygeneralknowledge.com/Articles/BackgammonDirections.php

About the Author

Diamonds are Forever

In October 2005, Egg asked the Social Issues Research Centre to investigate the trends that would define the ?Noughties?. They found that many people thought of the period as the ?Decade of Fear?, due to the immense media coverage of 9/11, the tsunami and the War on Terror. As a result, people are increasingly likely to stay at home, to indulge themselves and to demand everything on their own terms. One great way to combine all three is to treat yourself to gorgeous jewellery, ordered from the comfort of your own computer desk, and delivered straight to your door within days.





The big surprise for online jewellery retailers is that diamonds sell remarkably well through websites. The range available is incredible, with everyone from top-end specialists such as Blue Nile through to familiar high street names such as H.Samuel selling diamond jewellery online. Consumers are now confident that buying online is secure, and the quality and design of websites makes the decision easy. For example, some jewellers? sites feature zoom and 360 degree views of their products so you can see exactly what you?re getting. Blue Nile even offers an online design service ? you can ?build? a diamond ring by choosing the stone shape, selecting the perfect band to complement it, and setting the budget.





How to Wear Diamonds:





Diamond Earrings


Diamond jewellery is more affordable than ever, so now is the time to buy something special. For true self-indulgence, treat yourself to a pair of diamond earrings to wear every day. There?s no point saving special jewellery for special occasions ? if you buy something because you like it, then why not wear it? Diamond earrings come in all shapes and sizes, and the glittering stones are so versatile that you can wear them with anything. For adding discreet sparkle to any ensemble, a little pair of diamond studs is probably the safest option; however, there are some gorgeous drop and hoop earrings around that look fantastic with a strapless little black dress.





Diamond Bracelets


Tennis bracelets are a favourite accessory, although they are possibly a little over the top for everyday wear. They have a classic appeal akin to that of pearls or solitaire rings, so are perfect 18th or 21st birthday presents. For something a little more subtle but just as stylish, try a delicate bangle in ultra-fashionable white gold, pav?-set with a sweep of gems. The beauty of diamond bangles and bracelets is that whenever you move your arm, at least one of the stones will catch the light, and sparkle in that magical way that diamonds have. If you are looking for a stunning accessory that won?t date over the decades, diamond bracelets are definitely worth a look.





Diamond Rings


And finally we come to rings. Diamonds no longer have to be restricted to a timeless solitaire engagement ring. Confident, successful women are beginning to regard right-hand rings as the ultimate expression of self. Wearing a fashionable diamond dress ring to the office every day is a subtle statement, but it will definitely get you noticed at the boring weekly meeting. Make a statement with a ?what, this old thing?? attitude to your diamonds.





Diamond Watches


If you?re a bit strapped for cash, but can?t resist the appeal of the little sparklers, why not try a diamond-set watch? It?s far easier to justify to your other half than a dazzling diamond pendant, however gorgeous it may be, because you really need a watch anyway, don?t you?





Diamond Celebrities


Catherine Zeta Jones is famed for her stellar ascent from Swansea mini-series girl to A list silver screen goddess. Her red carpet outfits always play to her strengths ? she has a stunning, hourglass figure, and knows that sumptuous satiny gowns with structured bodices and flowing skirts look fab on her. Catherine accessorises with the kind of jewellery you?d expect from someone married to an elder statesman of Hollywood; old-fashioned jewellery, set with obscenely large diamonds.





Jennifer Lopez has a very different attitude to her rocks. Like Destiny?s Child, she buys her own. She may have once been Jenny from the block, but she is now queen of a multi-million dollar empire, which allows her to buy herself a new set of diamonds to perfectly accessorize each of her fabulous reinventions. J.Lo no longer has the stunning six carat pink diamond ring that Ben Affleck proposed with, so for her 36th birthday, she bought herself a gorgeously indulgent ?2.5 million diamond-encrusted ring.





Guys would do well to take a leaf out of David Beckham?s book. He treated wife Victoria to a pink diamond even bigger than J.Lo?s, but he?s no stranger to bling himself. The London-born footballer has become an international style icon thanks to his sharp tailoring and immaculate grooming. David likes to wear a huge single stud earring, set with a sparkling square-cut diamond, with a sharp suit and no other jewellery. Herein lies the secret to men?s jewellery ? one piece at a time is usually enough, especially if it?s diamond-set.





In recent years, ice has become the jewel of choice for rappers such as Fifty Cent, who choose it as a visible display of their wealth and success. The subject of conflict diamonds has hit the headlines of late, thanks to Kanye West?s ?Diamonds from Sierra Leone?, which directly refers to the ongoing civil war in that country, financed by the sale of diamonds mined in the warzone. Jay-Z, another Roc-A-Fella artist known for his appetite for bling, is shown using a ?diamond cutting? gesture on the front cover of his album ?The Dynasty: Roc La Familia?. These rappers have now, rightly or wrongly, become role models, and to get the look of any of these hip-hop stars, a chunky, expensive diamond-encrusted crucifix is a good start.

Lotus Elise A supreme sportscar

Lotus Elise is a good looking and high performance sports car developed by the Lotus Company. When the first Lotus Elise was released, it received a lot of attention for its remarkably low weight and striking design. The first Lotus Elise hit the marked in September 1995. Today, there are two main types Lotus Elise available for the car enthusiast: Lotus Elise Series 1 cars and Lotus Elise series 2 cars.

The creator of the first Lotus Elise was named Max David and worked from London. The founder of the Lotus Company, Colin Chapman, had always dreamed about a car that combined extremely light weight with superb performance, and Max David took these dreams to heart. The remarkably low weight of the Lotus Elise is what makes fantastic performance possible even with a modest engine. The shape of the Lotus Elise has been created with dynamics and driving purity in focus.

The first Lotus Elise weighed no more than 1500 lb (680 kg). Driving this car is amazing, due to its remarkable ability to accelerate, brake and corner. The weight of the first Lotus Elise can be compared to the Porsche Boxter, which is considered a low-weight sports car and still weigh almost as much as two Lotus Elise cars - 2756 lb (1250 kg). This means that while the 1997 Porsche Boxter requires and engine output of 201 bhp (149 kW), the Lotus Elise works brilliant with only 120 bhp (89 kW).

As mentioned above, the first Lotus Elise was released in September 1995. The year after the Lotus Company released an even lighter Lotus Elise that weighed an astonishingly low 1488 lb (675 kg). This car was followed by the Lotus Elise 111S three years later. The Lotus Elise 111S is faster than the preceding Lotus Elise cars and is fitted with a Variable Valve Control (VVC) engine. This engine has been developed from the Rover K series and equipped with Variable valve timing (VVT). You will also find more comfortable seats in the Lotus Elise 111S, since some customers found the first two Elise versions uncomfortable. The new seats are filled with more padding.

The next step for the Lotus Elise developers was the roofless Lotus Elise 340R. This cabriolet version of the Elise car was released in a limited edition in 2000 and was equipped with a 177 bhp (131 kW) engine. The name 340R was derived from the first prototype; it had a 340 bhp/ton power to weight ratio. The prototype had a 170 bhp engine, and weighed no more than 500 kg. In accordance with this, the limited edition consisted of exactly 340 cars. Later in the year 2000, the Lotus Company released the Exige. The Exige was similar to the Lotus Elise 340R, but had a hardtop. The engine was exactly the same; 177 bhp (131 kW).

The next step for the Lotus Company was to embark on the construction of the Series 2 Lotus Elise car. The first of the Series 2 Lotus Elise cars was actually announced the same year as the Lotus Elise 340R and the Exige was released. The car from the Series 2 was designed directly on the computer, which was a totally new way of working for the Lotus Company.
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Bridesmaid Jewelry

The selection of your bridesmaid jewelry is as important as the selection of your bridal jewelry. Finding the perfect bridesmaid necklace, earrings and bracelets is essential to finishing off your bridesmaids ansamble. With trends changing on a regular basis, selecting your bridesmaid jewelry at BonitaJ.com is more than a wise decision. We offer all of the latest styles of jewelry as well as many timeless pieces of bridesmaid jewelry that will be cherished by your closest friends for a lifetime.

When selecting the bridesmaid jewelry your maids will wear consider the style of bridesmaid gowns they will be wearing as well as the colors in your wedding party. If your bridesmaids are wearing a strapless dress, then a bridesmaid jewelry choker would be perfect, as well as a single or double strand necklace. If your bridesmaids are wearing a gown that the neckline plunges, then a y-drop or pendant necklace looks amazing. Whatever your bridesmaid selection, choose jewelry that will enhance the bridesmaid gown they are wearing.

Your friends are not the same people and their bridesmaid jewelry does not have to be either. More and more brides are opting for the same color of jewelry in each piece of bridesmaid jewelry, but different styles and types of bridesmaid necklaces, bracelets and earrings. For instance, if your wedding colors and bridesmaid gown colors are burgundy, and you have three bridesmaids with very different tastes try mixing the necklaces they wear, but give them all the same style bracelet. This is a great way to keep consistency but change the overall appearance of each individual bridesmaid.

If you are a more traditional bride and want all of your bridesmaids to wear the same exact jewelry you will have no problem finding the perfect bridesmaid jewelry at Bonitaj.com. We offer a complete crystal color and pearl color chart so you will be sure to match your colors exactly.

No matter what bridesmaid jewelry you choose to give your bridesmaids, they will cherish the jewelry you purchase for them because it is a key to the special memory they were a part of in your life. The best part about giving bridesmaid jewelry as a gift, is that it is a gift that keeps on giving. The bridesmaid jewelry you give your maids will be worn time and time again for special occasions. Let's face it if a dog is a man's best friend, jewelry is a girl's best friend. You cannot go wrong with the gift of bridesmaid jewelry!
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Appreciation

I feel very appreciative of my website visitors and feel certain that they feel appreciation that they have found this FREE and informative site. However, neither of those feelings are what this little article is about. I want to reassure you that there is every reason imaginable* to feel sure that the value of your home will indeed go up.

You have surely read learned articles by so-called experts that solemnly predict that the real estate bubble is about to burst. Balderdash!! You must remember this: (no, not that famous old love song) all real estate is local. There is no doubt that some properties somewhere have sold for inflated prices. Perhaps this has even happened in your target neighborhood, but the vast majority of these overvalued pieces of real estate are located elsewhere.

If you buy a well-constructed home in a good neighborhood for a fair price, you won't need to worry about bursting bubbles. This is true because overpriced/overvalued homes located out of your area do not have any direct effect on prices/values in your locality. It bols (my wife's pronunciation of boil) down to this: if you are careful not to pay top dollar for your home, and avoid owning the most expensive home in the neighborhood, you will not lose by buying your home.

I am always reluctant to quote statistics (...liars, damn liars, and statisticians) but I found this little tidbit from the US Census Bureau to be comforting - since 1940 (when they first started asking about home values) property values have risen IN DOUBLE FIGURES in every decade except in the 1980's, when they only rose 9%.

Just buy your home, and don't worry about the appreciation aspect of home ownership.

*well, there are apocalyptic visions one could have that would preclude real estate appreciation. But if the Apocalypse occurs, it won't hardly matter if you own or rent, will it?

Paul Anderberg
http://www.first-time-home-buying.net

Mr Anderberg is the author of many helpful articles about home buying. Visit his website to read more. Several others are also available on this site.

Buying Real Estate: Understand Landfill Gas Risks before Buying Land Near a Landfill

The ability of landfill sites to emit methane has been recognised for very many years by site operators who appeared until the mid-seventies to accept small fires, caused by ignition of methane, as one of the minor problems associated with waste disposal. Methane problems were of little consequence when sites were small and situated outside the boundaries of towns or villages.

However in recent years there has been great pressure to acquire land for building so that in many instances real estate has been developed close to old, and not so old, filled and disused landfill sites (tips).

All real estate buyers are recommended to take great care when considering purchases close to landfills, or land which may have once been landfilled. These landfills can continue to generate methane for very many years.

Many old landfills have been restored and their sites have been incorporated into urban areas. Often such sites have been levelled and grassed over to be used for recreational purposes, and indeed this can be a very satisfactory end-use especially as any settlement which occurs can be filled in.

However, problems can arise if the landfill gas migrates sideways or upwards, as in the case studies which follow. These examples are quite old ? newer ones are hard to come by as no-one likes to admit such problems, or risk publicity. Although implementation of preventative measures is much better nowadays and pretty much the norm, all those in real estate should be aware that landfill gas fire and explosion risks can still exist today.

Case Histories from the USA

Case A

One of the first explosions thought to involve landfill gas in a building occurred in Atlanta, Georgia in December 1967. Originally the building was constructed with one storey and a basement and the latter was eventually bricked off thus isolating it. The only connecting passage from the basement to the upper storey was a 6 inch diameter pipe through which a 3 inch gas pipe ran. The gap between the pipes was not sealed, landfill gas escaping through the gap was ignited by a cigarette which resulted in an explosion. This completely demolished the building with two people being killed and two suffering serious injury.

Case B

In 1962 an armoury was built close to an operating landfill in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The landfill was from 3-13 m deep and during the mid-60's combustible gases accumulated in nearby sewers and minor fires/ explosions occurred. In September 1969 an explosion, thought to be caused by smoking, occurred in the building in which 25 people were injured and 3 died. Migration of landfill gas into the building may have been encouraged by the placement of additional cover material on the fill about a week before the incident. The building was abandoned and the site used for the evaluation of various designs of gas migration prevention systems.

Case C

In Los Angeles, at the Branford landfill, which was situated in a gravel pit concentrations of methane well above the lower explosive limit were found up to about 150 m from the edge of the fill. Initial attempts to control migration by installation of standpipes and trenches were unsuccessful. The reason for the failure is not clear but is probably due to the depth of the site being considerable.

Case D

Also in Los Angeles, at the Sheldon-Arleta landfill, similar gas migration problems were encountered to those in case 11. Since the Sheldon-Arleta site is in a residential neighbourhood it was essential to take rapid remedial action. A series of wells 8 m deep, spaced on 50 m centres were-installed just within the landfill boundary. Each well had a designed withdrawal rate of 200 cubic ft/min each and were linked together with the landfill gas being flared off.

This site is of particular interest since it demonstrates that the need to install a gas migration control system can give rise to a vigorous industry based on extraction of landfill gas with subsequent utilisation. This experience in California gave impetus to the new technology of landfill gas utilisation for power generation, which is noteworthy for the real estate buyer as it shows just how much energy is present in the landfill gas.

CONTROL OF LANDFILL GAS MIGRATION

The most important step is to recognise that if any development is to take place either on or near to a landfill site then problems can occur. Planners, architects and developers are normally aware of these risks and take measures to overcome potential hazards. Special features have usually been incorporated into building designs to reduce this risks to acceptably low levels before these buildings are put up for sale, nevertheless, real estate buyers should carry out their own independent checks.

If development has taken place in close proximity to landfill then a survey of methane concentrations on the site is recommended.

This can be done by drilling boreholes and fitting these with perforated liners and measuring methane concentrations after a few days. A cheaper but in many instances equally satisfactory option, is to dig pits with a mechanical excavator to a depth of 3-4 m, install perforated pipe, back-fill and again measure methane after several days. Measurements of gas concentrations can be made either on site using commercially available instruments such as a Gas Tec or Gas Scope and must be assessed by suitably qualified experts.

The astute real estate buyer will ensure that by understanding landfill gas aspects when buying property near landfills to avoid losses later.

Steve Last is an environmental engineer who is also a Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv), and lives in the county of Shropshire, UK. CEnv is a new and growing academic discipline created in the last two years. All Chartered Environmentalists further the principles of sustainability.

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