Welcome To Virginia: 2010

June 11-They Will Eat Your Soul. Saturday, December 25, 2010

Almost used the title "Misquitos are Mating on my Legs" but thought better of it. Includes footage from Busch Gardens, Williamsburg and my backyard. Note to self: Do not exit the house without bug spray. Ever. Oh, and I forgot to mention- this summer I am volunteering at a nature center and possibly a nature camp. The Candy Striper thing was something I wanted to do but never did. Thought I'd clear that up =P

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAq_GcYtEGc&hl=en

The 1985 Chicago Bears Were Truly Amazing Thursday, December 23, 2010

The 1985 Super Bowl winning Chicago Bears were an amazing group of players that performed at a very high level of excellence. Some of the key players on the team are well known names, even today: Walter Payton, Mike Singletary, Jim McMahon, Willie Gault, Richard Dent, Dan Hampton, William "Refrigerator" Perry, and more. But, this team was more than the star players on the roster, coached by Mike Ditka, the Bears also featured quality role players like Dennis McKinnon, Gary Fencik, Matt Suhey, Dennis Gentry, Kevin Butler, Jay Hilgenberg, Steve McMichael, Otis Wilson, Wilber Marshall, and more.

Some interesting facts about the Super Bowl Champion 1985 Chicago Bears:

Regular season record: 15-1

Combined score of all three playoff games: 91-10

Individual Awards: Walter Payton (Offensive Player of the Year), Mike Singletary (Defensive Player of the Year), Mike Ditka (Coach of the Year)

The defense allowed a paltry 11.5 points per game throughout the regular season, then 3.3 points per game in the postseason.

In the Super Bowl, the Bears defense allowed the Patriots offense to only gain positive yardage on 4 of the 21 plays they ran during the first half, in fact the Patriots total yardage gained in the first half was negative 19 yards.

During the Super Bowl, the Bears held the Patriots starting running backs Craig James and Tony Franklin to minimal yards. James rushed the ball 5 times for 1 yard with 1 fumble, while Franklin gained 4 yards on 3 carries.

The Bears scored every way possible during their Super Bowl victory: Touchdown, Extra Point, Field Goal, and Safety (there was no two point conversion at this time).

In the 15 wins by the 1985 Bears, only four games were decided by less than ten points.

The 1985 Bears defense was the third highest rated defense against the pass and the #1 defense against the run.

The 1985 Bears sent nine players to the Pro Bowl, including five defensive players.

The 1985 Chicago Bears were an amazing team that performed at an amazing level for one season. The Bears would not return to this level of dominance, but the 1985 team will go down in history as one of the best - if not, the best - ever.

http://iqfb.com combines its passion for football with its love of trivia to bring you tons of "Hey, I didn't know that" type of information. IQFB.com - Get Football Smart!

LLC Registration - Forming an LLC Yourself Wednesday, December 22, 2010

The LLC (short for limited liability company) is a legal entity that is now the most common choice for small business operations. The reason for this is that it gives LLC owners limited liability protection and other benefits and advantages such as tax ones.

You can get overwhelmed with this topic because it is a creature of legal laws and the legalese and sometimes long Limited Liability Company Acts can get daunting. While structuring an LLC business, especially if you will have multiple owners, can be complex and should ideally required the services of a lawyer, the formation itself is not as complicated.

However, a proper LLC formation is essential to ensuring that you get the liability protection and other benefits. So, do not take this step lightly and get all the information you need to make sure you do it right. The most important thing you need to do is to get all the information, instructions, forms, documents and requirements needed. Here are the three places you need to go to in order to make sure you cover all your bases:

1. State Agency Website. Visit the website of the state agency in your state that will process your LLC registration. Find the section on limited liability companies and print out all the booklets and forms applicable to this process. Each state differs in how many forms and schedules are applicable so just research your state's site thoroughly.

2. State Limited Liability Company Act. Every state has an official LLC law which is generally called the Limited Liability Company Act in each state (for example, the Virginia Limited Liability Company Act). Some states like California have gotten fancy by using another name. Just Google the name of your state plus "limited liability company act" and you should be able to easily find the law for your state. Find the provisions relevant to LLC formation, name requirements, registered agent and articles of organization and review them to determine LLC registration requirements.

3. Call Your State Agency. Each state has its own set of processes that it follows when accepting filings and processing them. It is always recommended you call and speak to your state to find out their official message of what is required of you. You may be surprised to find additional intricacies or requirements that are not found in the form documents or the laws. Also, when you are speaking with them, get them to check if your desired LLC name is available. Name issues are one of the biggest reasons for rejected filings.

These three sources should provide all the information and requirements needed for you to prepare your own LLC registration.

For a step by step guide on what information you need to find, you can review an article which outlines the steps for LLC Registration. Expect to spend at least 2 to 4 hours doing the research to ensure you do everything properly. Or, if you prefer to save your time, you can use a reputable LLC formation service like The LLC Expert. It will only take 5 minutes of your time and more importantly, you get peace of mind knowing it is done correct so you can move on with the growing of your business. Click here for details: http://www.TheLLCExpert.com/formanllc.htm

2002 AirPower Over Hampton Roads - Shockwave Jet Truck Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Shockwave Jet Truck 2002AirPower Over Hampton Roads Langley AFB, Virginia Saturday June 22, 2002 IN THIS VIDEO, watch as Kent Shockley takes the Shockwave Jet Truck for a dry run on Langley AFB's Runway 26. If you are interested in purchasing DVDs of specific aircraft or of airshows, interested in everything related to airshows (where the jet teams will be, all airshow performers, airshow reports from airshows I have attended, previews of airshows I will be attending, etc.), and/or everything related to aviation - including spotting guides to my favorite airports and military bases and aircraft factfiles, please check out Steve's Airshow World at www.stevesairshow.com .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPfAArKdUoE&hl=en

Cheap Beach Vacations Sunday, December 19, 2010

How to have a great family beach adventure on a small vacation budget!

For many families the current economical climate means sacrifices when it comes to holidays and family vacations. However there are a few things you can do to save money and travel with your family. A great vacation alternative is to plan an inexpensive beach vacation. By staying closer to home your family can spend more time together without spending more money. The US has many ideal locations for cheap beach vacations such as Virginia, Myrtle and Huntington Beach. If you and your family are planning a beach get-away and are trying to explore on a budget here are a few tips to use;

Surf the Web before surfing the waves!

By having a look online you and your family could save big bucks while on vacation. From discounted airfare to children's meal vouchers, the web contains endless coupons and saving sites you can use. By simply searching the main website for your vacation location you could discover great discount deals and you will also be able to shop around, compare costs and ensure that you receive the lowest prices available for lodging, attractions and entertainment.

Book a kitchen!

Many beach vacation resorts offer fully furnished suites which include a completely functional kitchen. These lodging establishments may seem pricey compared to a regular hotel but they offer you the option to cook rather than eat out. By avoiding high restaurant prices and returning to your suite for major meals, your family can save money and possibly afford admissions to more amusement parks or you may want to purchase a few more sentimental souvenirs!

Bike or Hike!

One of the greatest ways to save money while on vacation is to pass on public transit and taxi services. Make sure when booking your hotel or resort to choose an establishment that is within walking distance to most of the attractions you want to see. Another great way to get around is to contact a local bicycle rental and tour company! Your family will love to explore and discover while on a two-wheeled tour!

Sand and Surf are Free!

Remember, you chose a beach vacation for a reason. To save money consider all of the advantage that a beach has to offer for free. For example, organize your own sandcastle competition, collect shells to bring home, watch the water for signs of whales and dolphins or go snorkeling. There are countless things to do while on the beach and you and your family can make the memories of a lifetime without spending a dime!

Di has been writing articles for more than 2 years. Her latest interest is camping. So come visit her latest website Stainless Steel Gas Grill which helps people find the very best Portable Gas Grills.

The DARPA Challenge for Driverless Cars Saturday, December 18, 2010

Why Driverless Cars?

A machine is anything that helps us simplify work. By that definition, a car is a machine that helps us simplify the work of locomotion. However, we do need to do some work when using a car - we need to drive it. Wouldn't life be easier if we could just get into the car, say where we want to go and doze off until the destination is reached? Fantastical as it may seem, it may be possible in near future if the innovations showcases in the DARPA Urban Challenge in 2007 are developed to their full potentials.

If you are a science-fiction fan, you must remember the taxi with the robot driver in "Total Recall" that Arnold Schwarzenegger dismantles violently when it refuses his order to "just drive" and insists on knowing the name of his destination. Although you may not see such autonomous cars on the roads anytime soon, the participants at the DARPA Urban Challenge give us cause for hope.

What is DARPA and how is it involved?

For those who don't know it yet, DARPA or the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, is the premier research body of the United States Department of Defense. With a total personnel strength of only 240, DARPA manages a $3.4 billion budget, aiming to develop new technology for use by the military. In this capacity, it has made significant contributions to several technologies we take for granted today, like the Internet and GPS.

DARPA is authorized by Congress to award cash prizes to encourage research with possible national security uses. In this regard, DARPA started an annual competition, called the Grand Challenge, for driverless or autonomous vehicles in 2004 that ran for three years (with a gap in 2006), with the final one in 2007 being designated the Urban Challenge. DARPA defines an autonomous vehicle as "a vehicle that navigates and drives entirely on its own with no human driver and no remote control. Through the use of various sensors and positioning systems, the vehicle determines all the characteristics of its environment required to enable it to carry out the task it has been assigned."

While the first two required driverless cars to negotiate roads, turns and tunnels in the desert without human intervention, the last one required the cars to follow traffic laws in a simulated urban environment. Therefore, while the first two challenges were more physically demanding but had little interaction between the vehicles, the Urban Challenge required the individual participants to make "intelligent" decisions in real time based on the actions of other vehicles.

Although the competitions were open to teams across the world, each team had to have at least one American citizen as a member. The reason behind these competitions was the ultimate goal of making one-third of US ground military forces autonomous by 2015.

DARPA Grand Challenge 2004 and 2005

The DARPA Grand Challenge 2004 was held in the Mojave Desert, where 25 teams fought it out for the grand prize of $1 million. Although none of the teams completed the 150-mile route, the car from Carnegie Mellon University traveled the furthest - 7.36 miles - and was declared the winner.

The next competition near the Lucy Gray Mountains, Nevada, in 2005 produced significantly better results. All but one of the 23 finalists surpassed the last year's best mark and five finished the 135-mile course. The team from Stanford University finished first, closely followed by two cars from Carnegie Mellon. The prize money was double that of the previous year.

DARPA Urban Challenge 2007

The third competition was the toughest of all and required "teams to build an autonomous vehicle capable of driving in traffic, performing complex maneuvers such as merging, passing, parking, and negotiating intersections." Development of such technology has potentially immense benefits not only for military purposes, but civilian uses as well. Besides the obvious advantage of ease of travel, this technology, when revised and popularized, can ease traffic congestion and prevent accidents, saving thousands of lives and billions of dollars every year in addition to reducing pollution and unproductive time.

In a nutshell, the participants were required to comply with the following rules:

• Vehicle must be stock or have a documented safety record.
• Vehicle must obey the California state driving laws.
• Vehicle must be entirely autonomous, using only the information it detects with its sensors and public signals such as GPS.
• DARPA will provide the route network 24 hours before the race starts.
• Vehicles must traverse the route by driving between specified checkpoints.
• DARPA will provide a file detailing the order the checkpoints must be driven to 5 minutes before the race start.
• Vehicles may "stop and stare" for 10 seconds maximum.
• Vehicles must operate in rain and fog, with GPS blocked.
• Vehicles must avoid collision with vehicles and other objects such as carts, bicycles, traffic barrels, and objects in the environment such as utility poles.
• Vehicles must be able to operate in parking areas and perform U-turns as required by the situation.

Of the 89 teams that applied, 53 were notified they had qualified for DARPA site visits based on their technical papers and videos. After actual testing of the vehicles, the list was whittled down to 35 who were invited to the National Qualification Event (NQE), a rigorous eight-day vehicle testing period. The NQE was held across three different test areas in the remodeled George Air Force Base (currently used as Southern California Logistics Airport), in Victorville, California. This was also the venue for the finals three months later to which 11 of the 35 at the NQE qualified.

These 11 finalists included a lot of collaborations between universities and their corporate partners - Carnegie Mellon with GM, Stanford with Volkswagen, Virginia Tech with TORC Technologies, etc. The final event consisted of three missions totaling around 55 miles, to be completed in six hours. Besides the competitors themselves, 30 Ford Tauruses driven by professional drivers were introduced into the course to increase complexity of traffic maneuvers.

While time to finish was a major factor in allocation of points, participants were penalized for violations, dangerous behavior, delays, etc. Thus, although the team from Stanford finished earliest with their vehicle "Junior," a Volkswagen Passat, the team from Tartan Racing, a collaboration between Carnegie Mellon and GM, with their Chevrolet Tahoe "Boss," were declared the winners after tabulating points. Of the 11 finalists, six finished the course within 6 hours, testimony to the tremendous improvements since the first Grand Challenge 3 years before where not a single vehicle finished the course.

In conclusion, all 11 finalists received DARPA funding for additional research and it is hoped that the lessons from these competitions have brought us nearer to a future of driverless cars.

Dale Milton writes articles for carbuyhelp.com, an online car buying and selling service. If you need help buying a new or used car or selling your vehicle, this site is the perfect tool!

Budapest, Hungary - The Castle District Monday, December 13, 2010

Towering a couple hundred feet above the Danube River, the Castle District in Budapest is a special place. Surrounded by gothic churches with stain glass, a visit to the Castle District is like stepping back into the renaissance.

Castle District

Situated in the Buda section of Budapest, the Castle District sits on the eastern side of the Danube. Positioned a couple hundred feet above the Danube, the entire city of Budapest can be seen from the numerous vantage points. The view is so amazing, the Italians coined a saying, "Europe has three gems - Venice on the water, Florence in the plains and Buda in the hills." The Italians definitely got it right.

Buda Castle

Visiting Buda Castle is like stepping back into the heights of the renaissance. The Castle is adorned with red marble stairways, gothic facades, bastions and epic statutes overlooking the Danube. The fountains around the Castle simply can't be described with words.

Holy Trinity Square

Just to the south of Buda Castle lies holy trinity square. The Church of the Holy Lady, which is also known as Matthias Church, dominates the square. The church has served as the location where Hungarian Kings undertook their rule and many famous figures are interred on the grounds.

Behind Matthias Church is the rather interesting Fishermen's Bastion. This Roman bastion has the appearance of a mini-castle at Disneyland. The views from the parapets are amazing as you take in the Danube River as it cuts through Budapest. Just outside of Bastion, however, you have to keep your eye out for something amazing.

Hungarians historically have been some of the best horsemen in the world. As part of the tradition, the horseman carried bullwhips instead of ropes. Big bull whips. And they like to crack them just outside of the bastion. If you aren't paying attention when this occurs, the world's loudest snap will send scare the "you know what" out of you. The only thing I can equate it to is the sound of rolling thunder, but without the rolling. When it happens, drinks, food and cameras go flying.

If you're visiting Budapest, the Castle District is definitely worth a visit. In fact, the District is a good reason to go to Budapest.

Rick Chapo is with NomadJournals.com - makers of travel journals. Visit NomadJournalTrips.com to read more articles about Hungary travel and Adventure Travel.

How To Start A Club, Group Or Organization Friday, December 10, 2010

Starting a Club

There are tens of millions of active clubs in the United States alone. There are as many club types are as there are mutual interests among people. There are clubs for socializing, advocacy, raising awareness, school activities, volunteering, information sharing, sports, professional development, religion, cultural, financial, etc. While the variety of clubs is nearly infinite, there is some commonality among clubs as to how to best create them and run them. Many clubs ideas never get started or never truly get off the ground because some common mistakes are made - mistakes made literally millions of times. While no two clubs are the same, we encapsulate many of the best tips and tricks in starting a club in this posting - so you can learn from the backs of others in forming your own successful club.

Realize the time commitment is always more than you think The excitement and fun of the idea of starting a club is always closely followed by the reality of the effort it will take to make it succeed. Just as in business or in any other venture, a great idea works as long as it can be executed well. Who wants to create a failed club no matter how great the idea? In nearly every club, the leaders, organizers and key participants need to "donate" their own spare time and effort to make the club carry out its mission. Limited time, limited resources, the overwhelming drag of inertia of making people take action are just some of the big reasons why clubs end up failing. Of course, clubs are often started because of a strong interest, and so you need to leverage the strong interest level into successful action for the group.

Define the mission and goal for the club

Most eyes roll when they hear they need to create a mission statement. Many have been involved in a corporate exercise in creating a mission statement where you often end up with a bunch of vacuous words that have no real meaning and everyone forgets about. Often people "feel" they know what the mission is but when they try to articulate it, they can't. That's not to say a group can't be successful without a mission statement - however, in coming up with the goals you can help clarify in your mind what the long term goal is and help communicate that to others. Your mission may be to advance a political agenda, or to raise environmental awareness, or it might simply be to socialize and find future dates - it may be all of those things -- whatever it is, the more clearly articulated the vision, the more that you direct your efforts towards reaching that vision.

Create the structure you need

Some groups are so well organized that they institute officers, create a constitution, even create processes for amending the constitution and nominating, electing and removing officers. These types of processes are useful, even critical when a group scales - otherwise anarchy ensues. However, most groups starting out don't necessarily need a mini-government in place. Many groups just start with a few lighter weight processes:

Officers: usually there's a president (the leader), vice president (2nd in command and often leader of several important initiatives), treasurer (who handles the funds), secretary (who takes care of meeting minutes, next steps, etc.). Depending upon your group's need, you may also institute a publicity officer, webmaster, historian, etc. It is very helpful to define the roles as well, especially who has the right to decide what. For instance, some groups will require the treasurer to co-sign any checks with the president. In this way there is a check and balance within the group on the money.

If you are fairly serious, you may consider incorporating oftentimes as a nonprofit. Incorporating has many benefits such as limiting liability of members from debts and responsibilities. Incorporation also provides increased levels of "permanency", and it may help you with funding.

Meetings: usually a periodic meeting or event helps to keep things going in the group and to increase activity. It's also a great way for group members to help participate in events and to get to know each other better and share information. If you are holding meetings, pay particular attention to how meetings are run which leads to the next section.

Run Effective Meetings

Poorly run meetings reflect poorly on the leaders and are a big waste of time for the participants. While there are whole books written on having successful meetings, here are a couple of tips to make sure you are getting the most out of any meeting you host. First, define and publish an agenda. The meeting needs to have a purpose and participants may need to prepare in advance. Very few meetings require a surprise to be effective. An agenda also helps prevent you from straying off course. Many groups have individuals who want to express their opinions - leading everyone down the proverbial "rathole". An agenda helps you enforce whether that meeting is the appropriate place to address those issues or if you need to "table it" to another meeting. Always have a desired outcome for the meeting (e.g. get agreement on a particular initiative, or brainstorm and come up with 3 ideas for next year's events). You'll be often surprised at how better prepared you make a meeting by simply thinking through what type of decision or outcome you want from the meeting. Understand who needs to be there and what the roles are for the participants. Start the meeting on-time.

Many groups have a designated secretary who is tracking the "minutes" of the meeting - what was discussed and in particular, any conclusions that were made and any items to be tabled for a future discussion. This can be published so that there is a historical archive so that members can always go back and track what happened.

When you finish the meeting make sure you capture what the "action items" are. What is the next step - who does what, and by when and who is responsible for following up. Oftentimes, spending a few minutes to plan the next meeting is useful to do.

Many groups start off with a kick-off meeting to discuss the club and how it will operate. This should be your first meeting.

Funding and Budget

Most clubs need to spend money in order to perform activities, print flyers, host a lecture, etc. In order to spend money the club needs to get money and there are a variety of ways to fund the club's activities. Funding can be accomplished from the members themselves through membership dues, activity fees, donations. Funding can be also obtained through a variety of fundraising activities such as a bake sale, garage sale, car wash.

Many corporations and government institutions also fund and sponsor groups. Grant applications can be filled out to see if you qualify for this type of funding. Not all funding needs to be cash. Some companies for instance might provide equipment, or a place to hold an event or practice. They may ask for some form of sponsorship, for instance, a banner displayed at an event.

In addition, you may wish to connect with national, state and regional chapters of similar interest groups. They can be good sources of funding themselves or provide you with valuable insights on how to improving the effectiveness of your club.

Get the nuts and bolts down

Every club has a basic set of operations that help it operate more efficiently. There's nothing more frustrating for leaders and members to be in a poorly run group. Membership, and more importantly, participation will begin to sag as a result. Here are a couple of basics:

Get an updated roster. It's important for you to know who is in the group, how you reach them and what roles they play, what their membership status is, etc.. There are several electronic and web tools to help you, such as spreadsheets, word processing documents etc.

Get an email list group created. Communicating with the group is important and doing so easily without having to type in 50 emails each time will save you a lot of time. Getting a self-managed email group list will save you countless hours.

Create a website. A website is important for messaging not only to the group but also to the broader community. It's a great way to let people know what's going on (future events, how to get involved, etc.), what the accomplishments are of the group so that you can strengthen the binds within the group and also to recruit more members. Again, try to stay away from solutions that require a webmaster to make any change. You may not have a webmaster in the group and plus, you don't want to bottleneck all of your activities through one person. Was it Worth It? Being a part of clubs is an important part of everyday life. Forming clubs does take effort but the payoff is clear. As an organizer, you might think it is a thankless job, but keep in mind, people wouldn't join and participate if they didn't see value in it.

I hope these tips help you to create the best clubs possible. In the next part, we'll examine how to manage clubs - a different 'beast' altogether to manage.

There are a lot of other best practices out there. If you have ideas and suggestions about starting clubs, please post your comments - we'd love to hear them and help make them available to all the other club organizers who are taking the time to follow their passions.

Andy Yang is an avid club organizer. He works at Qlubb http://www.qlubb.com a site specifically geared to help clubs and organizations get online and organized.

The Different Types of Treatment Centers Available For Your Addiction Monday, December 6, 2010

When it comes to treating your addiction, whether it is for alcohol addiction or drug addiction, one of the first steps is choosing an effective treatment center. There are various rehab clinics and treatment centers available that provide a variety of services. Here is a synopsis of the available treatment centers for your particular addiction.

Residential treatment centers allow for around the clock drug addiction treatment. The program provided by a residential treatment rehab center is typically more rigorous and intensive than outpatient treatment. The patient is required to stay on the grounds of the treatment facility anywhere from 30 days to several months until the addiction is healed.

Outpatient treatment centers offer limited, but thorough care for individuals who are not completely crippled by their addiction. They are required to seek group therapies and physicians care on a regular basis, but they are not required to remain on the grounds. These people have more control of their addiction and have the drive to treat it, but they may not have the resources to do so. Outpatient treatment centers provide the means to treat several addictions.

Rehab clinics are a great tool to help cure an addiction. Choosing the best clinic based on the care needed is the first step on the road to recovery.

Sarah Reece writes for Ciniva Systems, an award winning Virginia web design company. Ciniva specializes in web design and SEO. Sarah Reece is an SEO Specialist with Ciniva. Ciniva Systems is in charge of SEO for William J. Farley Center

Newport News Virginia Attractions and Recreation Sunday, December 5, 2010

Visitors to Newport News will find an excellent selection of things to do. This Virginia city lies along the banks of the James River and the port of Hampton Roads. Favorite attractions of the city include museums, theatres, parks, fishing piers, charter boats and other recreation.

Museums

The Mariners' Museum - USS Monitor Center

The Mariners' Museum has been designated by Congress as America's National Maritime Museum, The museum features maritime exhibits from around the world. The USS Monitor Center showcases the "Battle of the Ironclads" display and as well as a full-scale Monitor replica.

Virginia Living Museum

This attraction has nature-related exhibits where visitors learn about animals such as wolves, eagles, sea turtle, fish, frogs and more. Special sections encourage enthusiasts to touch live crabs and fossils and other forms of nature. Living exhibits depict Virginia's widely varying environments from the mountains to the coast including representations of the Chesapeake Bay and limestone caves. The museum also houses an observatory, state-of-the-art digital planetarium theater, live animals and native plant gardens. Shops include the Wild Wings Museum Store and the Wild Side Café.

Virginia War Museum

The Virginia War Museum has U.S. military displays including collections of personal artifacts, weapons, vehicles, uniforms, posters and more from 1775 through the present. Galleries include Women at War and Marches Toward Freedom which document the roles of women and African-Americans in the military. The Visions of War exhibit showcases the museum's outstanding propaganda poster collection. Gifts are offered for sale in The Duffle Bag gift shop.

Theatre

Several venues host theatrical events in or near Newport News. The Christopher Newport University's Ferguson Center for the Arts holds performances in its 1,700-seat concert hall, 500-seat music and theater hall, and 200-seat studio/children's theater. The Peninsula Community Theater, located in Newport News, offers several plays throughout the year. Their Children's Theatre also features productions. The Virginia Shakespeare Festival, held annually at the College of William and Mary, presents performances of Shakespeare.

City Parks

Newport News Park is one of the largest municipal parks in the country. This 8,000 acre park is occupied by wildlife including deer, foxes, otter, raccoon, beaver and more. The Newport News Park is a favorite destination for campers who find a natural setting while being so close to the activities and attractions of Hampton Roads. The park is located at 13564 Jefferson Avenue, just off I-64 (Exit 250B). Newport News Park events and festivals include the Newport News Children's Festival of Friends, the Newport News Fall Festival of Folklife and the Celebration in Lights.

Anderson Park, located at 16th Street and Oak Avenue features ball fields, basketball, beach, boat ramp, historical features, saltwater fishing, picnic shelters, playground, restrooms, and tennis.

Huntington Park is located at the intersection of Warwick Boulevard and Mercury Boulevard, near the James River Bridge. This 60-acre park is open sunrise to sunset daily and offers a public beach fronting the James River. A public boat ramp is open all year and accommodates boats with trailers up to 30-feet in length. Fort Fun, a 13,000-square foot playground, is located on a scenic bluff overlooking the James River. Fishing for brook, brown and rainbow trout is popular at Lake Biggins from November to March each year. Also located in Huntington Park is the Virginia War Museum which showcases America's military history from the Revolutionary War to the present day.

Deer Park is located on Jefferson Avenue in the center of the city. The name "Deer Park" originated because white-tailed deer were raised on a game preserve before the land was dedicated as a public park. Deer Park has a playground, ball fields, 13 acres of woodlands and hiking trails. Flowering plants of the park include camellias, azaleas and rhododendrons. The park is equipped with picnic shelters for parties, reunions, or picnics.

Fishing

Fishermen will find a variety of saltwater fishing opportunities in Newport News and the surrounding areas. There are fishing piers, head boats, fishing charter trips and other types of fishing. The time of year is very important when choosing your fishing trip.

You can learn about local fishing seasons by reading area fishing reports, newspaper articles and by calling local captains and talking to them about what fish generally are caught at any given time. If you are set in catching a certain species, the season may be critical. If the types of fish you catch are less important, it might be best to choose a fishing charter or head boat and let the captain choose what to fish for.

When fishing around Newport News its a good idea to carry a small cooler for drinks, and a mid-sized or large cooler iced down for storing the fish at the end of the day. For fishing charters, most boats allow you to bring a fish cooler along, but some will have a fish box on board to keep the fish cool until you return to port.

The crew of charter boats and head boats may offer fish cleaning or arrange for the catch to be cleaned at the marina. If you prefer to clean your own fish, discuss that in advance and be ready with a cooler when you return to port.

Newport News Farmers Market

The Newport News Farmers Market offers farmers, gardeners, seafood retailers and other select vendors the opportunity to market home-grown and crafted products. The open air market includes 10,000 feet of covered vending space. The market features fresh produce from local farmers and gardeners as well as fresh fish, fresh-frozen seafood, cheeses and meats. Other items include bedding plants, cut flowers, baked goods and hand made crafts. The market is open year-round.

The author writes for Virginia websites including Hampton Roads Virginia and Virginia Beach Virginia.

Tahiti Luxury Vacations on a Budget Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Tahiti is growing as one of the top luxury travel vacation destinations. From honeymooners wanting to experience the intimacy of these secluded islands, to active divers awaiting the colorful underwater displays, to families wishing for a unique experience; Tahiti has a lot to offer for travelers of all types. But, the number one drawback is the perceived cost of Tahitian travel. With such hotels as the St. Regis, the Le Méridien, and the Le Taha'a Private Island Resort, travel to Tahiti does not strike the experienced traveler as a "budget-friendly" destination. However, there are several ways to experience Tahiti on a budget.

Tahiti Club Med

The Bora Bora Club Med Resort has one of the most prime locations on the island. Situated on its own lagoon in the midst of coconut groves, this resort sports one of the few all-inclusive experiences in Tahiti. Though it is an older resort, it's well maintained and the price is right. The resort is made up of bungalows, although none of them are over the water. It is recommended that you spend the extra money to get an ocean view bungalow to enhance your experience and beat the Polynesian heat. For travelers who have their hearts set on Tahitian luxury vacations, Club Med Bora Bora is a great option to consider.

Privately Owned and Operated

There are a number of privately owned and operated inns, motels, bed and breakfasts and villas that are open for public business. These properties are usually run by a native family, and offer more modest accommodations. This also means less people and more privacy which is a unique way to experience Polynesian life up close and personal. You can explore on your own or enjoy the lagoon that the family has probably explored for generations. You will also be contributing to the wellbeing of a number of native Tahitian families who will welcome you to their homes with open arms. These privately owned and operated accommodations offer travelers interested in a luxury travel vacation a taste of rustic charm.

Tahitian Cruising

Now, more cruise ships than ever before are exploring the waters of Tahiti. From the most luxurious Paul Gauguin to the Tahitian Princess vessel, there are a number of options. The key is to find a cruise line that offers all the amenities you are interested in on a well-equipped boat for the most minimal price. Princess Cruise Line's Tahitian Princess does just that. Talk about a cheap luxury cruise! This ship, carrying only 700 passengers, offers some of the best and up to date amenities. Prices start at only $1,039.00 per person.

Tahiti has become such a popular destination that it's being added to the itineraries of luxury world cruises. But you do not have to be ultra rich to experience Tahiti. There are so many options for the cost conscious traveler. You could try the Club Med on Bora Bora. You can experience the rustic peace of a privately owned and operated resort. You can even find reasonably priced cruises to the Tahitian islands. Travelers have plenty of options. Imagine the breathtaking wonder and excitement you will feel when you discover that you too can experience the luxury of Tahiti...on a budget!

Virginia Morgan wrote this article for AMT American Express Travel . Virginia has been a travel writer for over five years and enjoys the outdoors. AMT American Express Travel is a popular Internet source for American Express Vacations.

The Story of Juan Valdez Monday, November 29, 2010

What do you suppose would happen if Canada had a minimum [hourly] wage of $100?-Barack Obama, discussing immigration.

I would like to tell you about Juan Valdez [not his real name], a poor farm boy from a Central American country who came to the United States, perhaps "illegally." This story can be accepted as written or dismissed as an urban legend, depending on your point of view. Perhaps it is has elements of both.

Juan grew up in the town where many of the homes lacked wooden floors, electric power and running water. Also, it was an area where there were few economic opportunities. At age 23, Juan decided he had enough of this way of life, so he decided he would go to the United States.

He crossed the border at a poorly patrolled location near Laredo, Texas. From there he hitch hiked north on U. S. rte. 59, then east on Interstate-10 to Jacksonville, Florida. He then went north on Interstate-95 and ended up in Northern Virginia. The trip took five days, during which time he slept under bridges and subsisted on cold sandwiches.

At his destination he had less then ten dollars in his pocket, but he was taken in by a church group that had many Hispanic parishioners. Eventually he found another place to stay and he mastered the art of finding work as a day laborer. Life for him was far from perfect, but at least his future was bright, or so he thought.

Juan did not have a car or a driver's license, so he got around on an old bicycle that had been given to him by a church member. One afternoon, as he was leaving the day laborer site for his residence, two blue-and-white police cars approached. One stopped in front of him, and the other stopped behind him, as if to block an escape route. The officers said they were arresting him for breaking a law that required protective headgear for bicyclists. Further, they said they also had "probable cause" to believe he was in the country illegally since he "was observed" at a day laborer site.

Juan's bicycle was confiscated, and he was taken to a detention center where officers took turns questioning him about his national origin. Juan insisted he had not broken any laws, but said little else. Finally, after 3 hours of questioning, Juan broke down. He said he would "tell everything."

In hesitant and broken English, Juan explained he was from the town of El Cobre, located in the Santiago de Cuba Province of Cuba. He said he earned a living by transporting bags of coffee beans on a mule from farming areas in the Sierra Maestra Mountains to collection points at lower levels. He said he went to Mexico in a boatlift from Cuba and from there traveled by foot into the United States.

The stunned officers glared at him and accused him of being a liar. Juan just looked at the officers and then calmly retrieved a crumpled map of Cuba with the town of El Cobre circled. Further, he produced a receipt from the El Cobre Farmacia (pharmacy) that showed a recent purchase. Finally, he produced a photograph of himself wearing a sombrero and a shoulder blanket, standing next to his beloved mule, Conchita, loaded with bags of coffee beans.

The officers again accused him of being a liar and threatened to turn him over to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) people for deportation to Cuba, if that is where he insisted he was from. At that point, Juan asked for a piece of paper, upon which he wrote four words: "wet-foot, dry-foot". The puzzled officers took the note to a superior but returned after just a few minutes. Juan was free to go.

For an explanation of wet-foot, dry-foot, go to: http://www.usimmigrationsupport.org/wetfoot-dryfoot.html

Author's URL: http://garyjacobsen.synthasite.com

2002 AirPower Over Hampton Roads - Red Devils Flag Jump Tuesday, November 23, 2010

British Army Red Devils Flag Jump & National Anthem 2002AirPower Over Hampton Roads Langley AFB, Virginia Saturday June 22, 2002 IN THIS VIDEO, watch as one member of the Red Devils exits from the C-130 at 2500 feet and descends earthward carrying the US flag. If you are interested in purchasing DVDs of specific aircraft or of airshows, interested in everything related to airshows (where the jet teams will be, all airshow performers, airshow reports from airshows I have attended, previews of airshows I will be attending, etc.), and/or everything related to aviation - including spotting guides to my favorite airports and military bases and aircraft factfiles, please check out Steve's Airshow World at www.stevesairshow.com .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oK-pvpMtyk&hl=en

Used 2008 Land Rover Range Rover Annapolis MD Thursday, November 18, 2010

We areproud to present this 2008 Land Rover Range Rover. Please visit our website at www.automotivedirectusa.com and if you have any questions you can always call us at (800) 501-2938. We've been honored to serve the Annapolis, MD area, we promise that your experience at our dealership will exceed your expectations! Year 2008 Make: Land Rover Model: Range Rover Engine: 4.4L V8 engine Trans.: Automatic Exterior: Other Miles: 19472 Interior: Other Automotive Direct USA (800) 501-2938 www.automotivedirectusa.com 240 West Street Annapolis, MD 21401 AUTOMOTIVE DIRECT USA, LLC. SELLS CARS, TRUCKS, and SUV'S... We are a WEB BASED INDEPENDENT DEALERSHIP, LOW IN OVERHEAD, LOWER IN COST!!!! We represent MULTIPLE DEALERSHIPS at several LOCATIONS in the WASHINGTON DC, NORTHERN VIRGINIA AND MARYLAND AREA!!!!! PLUS our NEWEST LOCATION in the SOUTHEAST located in BESSEMER AL. just outside of BIRMINGHAM. We have all TYPES of CARS. TRUCKS, and SUV'S ranging from CERTIFIED LUXURY to BASIC TRANSPORTATION and everything in BETWEEN!!!! The majority of our VEHICLES are PRICED somewhere between KELLEY BLUE BOOK TRADE-IN and KELLY BLUE BOOK PRIVATE PARTY. AUTOMOTIVE DIRECT USA, LLC. not only services our LOCAL COMMUNITIES but we have a VAST AMOUNT OF EXPERIENCE at SHIPPING both NATIONALLY and INTERNATIONALLY. OUR HOMEBASE LOCATION IS 240 WEST ST. ANNAPOLIS MD. 21401 in MARYLAND'S STATE CAPITAL and JUST 30 MINUTES FROM EITHER DOWNTOWN WASHINGTON DC. or BALTIMORE MD..... Should you decide to take ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzvyXMPpuPA&hl=en

Pitt Campus Celebrations after Backyard Brawl Win Sunday, November 14, 2010

FIRST FOOTAGE ONLINE... maybe not great footage, but first! Saturday 1 December 2007 Pitt's campus was filled with energy after the Panthers' upset victory of #2-ranked West Virginia in the 100th Backyard Brawl, Saturday 1 December 2007. If you don't like my little "comments" in the subtitles... tough. I stayed out until about midnight before heading to a friend's house, plus I had an inclination things would get too crazy for everyone's good. And as I hear, things did indeed get quite a bit more rowdy after I left, both on campus and in South Oakland. Still, this stuff's pretty exciting. My inital blog post: tjrandomness.blogspot.com - A better one to come. If you, like me, survived, join the Facebook group at pitt.facebook.com Please post additional footage as responses, or a link in the comments! LET'S GO PITT! ***16 JUNE 2008: Please keep all comments civil and constructive. While school spirit is encouraged, as that's what makes the rivalry so great, trash talk (from either side) will NOT be permitted in the comments. Repeat offenders will be blocked.*** --- Check me out at tjrandomness.blogspot.com ©2007, Timothy J. Parenti. All rights reserved. Contact me via YouTube messaging for licensing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6cT_Qq4gdE&hl=en

Smithers (Monster Stomp Revamped) Drummer Friday, November 12, 2010

Monster Stomp Revamped 2010, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Virginia.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QbUsCDxUv0&hl=en

Another Tragedy - NRA Blames Anti-Gun Advocates Wednesday, November 10, 2010

After hearing the news of the Virginia Tech shootings gun advocates immediately began promoting their theory that since these students and teachers were not armed, it was the fault of the anti-gun advocates that people were killed.

How convoluted is that thinking? Do you see a picture of an old-west shoot out on a college campus instead of the OK Corral?

The fault lies with those who are in denial about what causes people to resort to violence and our belief that corporal punishment does not harm children. The fault lies with those who think violence will create a path to non-violence. If we stopped using corporal punishment to create compliance with children we would stop creating violent adults.

U.S. laws and cultural values are unambiguous concerning adults who physically hit or verbally threaten adults. Such behavior is recognized as criminal, and we hold the perpetrators accountable. Why then when so much is at stake for society, do we accept the physical attack of children? The answer is not complicated. We cannot have empathy toward children until we can honestly acknowledge the mistreatment from our own childhood experiences and examine the shortcomings of our own parents.

To the extent we feel compelled to defend our parents and guard their secrets, we will do the same for others. We will condone corporal punishment and look the other way. By continually insisting that we "turned out okay," we are reassuring ourselves and diverting our attention from deeply hidden unpleasant memories.

Alice Miller, PhD, one of the most articulate children's advocates writing today, states:

o "Every smack is a humiliation."

o "Physical cruelty and emotional humiliation not only leave their marks on children, they also inflict a disastrous imprint of the future of our society. Information on the effects of the "well-meant smack" should therefore be part and parcel of courses for expectant mothers and of counseling for parents." The claim that mild punishments (slaps or smacks) have no detrimental effect is still widespread because we got this message very early from our parents who had taken it over from their own parents. Unfortunately, the main damage it causes is precisely the broad dissemination of this conviction. The result of which is that each successive generation is subjected to the tragic effects of so called physical "correction.""

Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD, author, "If I'd Only Known...Sexual Abuse in or Out of the Family: A Guide to Prevention, specializes in: Mind, Body, Spirit healing and Physical/Sexual Abuse Prevention and Recovery. As an inspirational leader, Dr. Neddermeyer empowers people to view life's challenges as an opportunity for Personal/Professional Growth and Spiritual Awakening. http://www.drdorothy.net

Essay by Hitchens: solipsistic infusion of meaning vs. real solidarity (read-slate) Monday, November 8, 2010

www.slate.com Solipsistic purpose and false sentiment that makes evil acts sacred-insult to injury. Yes to real solidarity that helps the victims and honors them and not the aggressors. Do not damn the victims of violence with an infusion of divine purpose that soothes and feeds egocentric narrow-minded solipsism. Stand with the victims do not damn their tragedy with false meaning or divine blessing. For example christians who say God allowed the holocaust so that the jews would return to Palestine. WTF? I believe it was Aristotle who stated that, luck is when the other person is getting hit with an arrow. This type of luck is a good description of the problem of human narcissism and the limits of human imagination due to self -preservation. face suffering head on and be wide awake and not filter it with false meaning that insults the victims. During the sniper shootings a reporter was interviewing a woman who had just escaped a bullet but a man next to her had been hit. Her response to the reporter was filled with a euphoric joy and she stated that her God had saved her and led her not to be shot. Humans have a hard time encompassing the reality of all human experience and instead focus on their own immediate experience. This womans miracle was the other mans murder. Aristotles luck. A woman named Ashley Smith was under the thumb of a fugitive killer and she explains how her faith and a book called The Purpose-Driven Life helped save her and lead the fugitive to justice ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6N8I07q504&hl=en

My Favorite Family Vacation Destinations Aren't Generally That Far From Home Saturday, November 6, 2010

We try to take a trip as a family at the least one per year and go to a place that we have never been before. Our family has seen almost all of the favorite vacation destinations, like the Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls and Washington, D.C., but some of my personal favorite places to visit have not been that far from home.

My family lives in North Texas, so one of the obvious options for a vacation is the Alamo. My family has been there on a couple of occasions, and whilst it truly is one of the more favorite family vacation destinations for persons from around the country, it takes on a unique meaning for men and women from Texas.

The excellent thing about visiting the Alamo is that my kids generally appreciate going, partly simply because we constantly go to SeaWorld too, and it's much less than 300 miles from our home. That means we can make it in a half of a day's drive and have most of our trip devoted to relaxing and sight-seeing as opposed to driving. There is certainly also some thing to be said about saving on the price of flying.

An additional of our favorite family vacation destinations is New Orleans, simply because there exists so much culture and entertainment there, and it really is hard to discover a spot on the planet that has much better food. We constantly make it a point to visit the French Quarter when we go down there, and our kids love to ride the Steamer Natchez out on the Mississippi River.

Our family can also be extremely huge into music, to ensure that often makes New Orleans a favorite position to visit, simply because you'll be able to hear all various sorts of music playing, practically all day long.

There's also a region in central Texas known as the Hill Country that, particularly over recent years, has become one of the family vacation destinations we most appreciate. Aside from the fact that the scenic beauty of the area is absolutely breathtaking, with the economy the way that it truly is, it truly is one of the most inexpensive vacations we can take.

It really is much less than 200 miles from our home, and you will discover all sorts of elements to try and do, from tours to shopping to children's activities, and it doesn't break the bank. Texas is often a large state, and one of the finest points about this specific family vacation destination is that it enables them to learn more about a region of the state about which they usually are not too familiar.

Family vacation destinations to try and do not have be high-priced or far away. There are numerous areas within driving distance of most Americans just to obtain away, relax and have a fantastic time, and still be much less than a day's travel from home.

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Adventures With Chris And Jo! Monday, November 1, 2010

Chris D'Elia and JoKoy in their first episode of "Adventures With Chris and Jo." Here Chris talks to Jo about how good of rapper he thinks he his. Ep. 1 was filmed in Richmond, Virginia.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIbS0gsh5jk&hl=en

Criminal Arrest Records Obtainable Via Internet

Police officers are usually the very first people that come to anyone's mind when it comes to getting information on criminal records. Likewise, in the state of Virginia, it is also the state police who are given the responsibility to process that Virginia Arrest Records that are maintained in the Central Criminal Records Exchange. According to these authorities, only those individuals who are seeking for their own records, law enforcement agencies, certain employers, state agencies, child or adult care institutions, child welfare agencies and schools are entitled to receive those records of criminal conviction.

It's so easy to obtain the said information in this state. All you have to do is go through some required procedures which include verifying the name, address and date of birth of the person that you're searching for. It is also important to check with your police departments and courts if they could provide you with any kind of information about that person. Sometimes, it is also possible that you won't find any record from them especially if the arrest did not result in a conviction.

Today's crime rate is already becoming alarming. Thus, it is very important that every person should perform all the necessary precautions so as to protect themselves from those undesirable individuals who are living behind that deceitful mask. If you're living in the state of Virginia and you have noticed a somewhat suspicious person, or neighbor, or a member of your household, then it would be a wise idea for you to start conducting your own search for that available Virginia Criminal Records now.

Excessive hospitality can sometimes put us into that harmful situation. Although it's not bad to treat everyone properly at all, it is not as well good to just allow anyone to enter your lives or your homes without even realizing that it's such a dangerous thing to do. Prior to trusting anyone, make sure to investigate on their possible criminal background so that you'll be able to confirm your suspicions and you'll soon have that peace of mind that you never had before.

Criminal Arrest Records are purposely made available for public consumption. This information has been a great help in providing warning for any individual to safeguard himself and his loved ones too. Generally, the state government offices are offering this said file to everyone without any cost at all. However, you have to be aware that this can be quite frustrating and tedious because of that long waiting time and more energy that is required for this process to be successfully done.

Despite the time, effort, and money that you've given up for this process, in the end, it pays a lot when you search for these Arrest Records. It makes you feel more secured than ever. As a matter of fact, the process is now made easier for you through the use of the Internet. Nowadays, those hard-to-get physical files are already transferred into those databases online for a faster and easier access. Therefore, you don't have to go through all those required procedures that those government offices imposed. Conducting the search online will provide you that most accurate, complete, and comprehensive type of report for just a minimal amount to pay.

We have information and insight on various sources of Virginia Arrest Records and other paid and free Criminal Arrest Records.

Steph and Mel Dancing Sunday, October 24, 2010

Two Kids fooling around at Busch Gardens Virginia

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDYjrWHvJYA&hl=en

Find Discount Hotels in Bali Friday, October 15, 2010

Visit : www.balicheaphotels.net Find discount hotels in Bali, Book hotels in Bali online Save up to 65% on 5 star Bali hotels, Selection of luxury & trendy hotels in Bali, Find the hotels you want now then make your online hotel reservation just by entering your check in and check out dates in www.balicheaphotels.net

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qhnj3itk_EM&hl=en

Hiring the Best Tax Attorney Saturday, October 9, 2010

There are many benefits to hiring a tax attorney. Some small business owners forego hiring one until they are faced with an IRS audit. Most of the time, it's already too late and the damage has already been done. The best tax attorney could not only save you in times of an IRS audit but can also prevent it from happening. They are experts and have advanced trainings and knowledge on tax laws. Businesses that retain the services of a tax attorney can minimize taxation while complying with the law in various complex financial situations.

Why hire a tax attorney

The most common reason why people hire one is when they have tax problems involving back taxes, tax returns that are delinquent or not properly reported, payroll taxes, and other tax and audit issues. How do you choose the best tax attorney?

Choosing the best tax attorney

The first consideration that you need to make is whether to get a tax attorney who specializes in a particular tax law or get the services from a law firm. If you want a more personalized service, hiring a small firm could work to your advantage. However, if you have a more complex tax issue hiring the best tax attorney from a big law firm has its advantages. Because they have more lawyers, paralegals and staff working for their firm, they can pool their expertise and resources to better manage your case. Most of the time this will give you leverage in your case.

Experience

When you are in need of the best tax attorney, it is not the best time to just go with any lawyer you find in the yellow pages or the internet. First you have to know the lawyer's or firm's experience in handling tax issues and what their success rates are. The longer and more experience they have in dealing with the IRS, the better your chances are for a speedy and favorable resolution. The best tax attorneys know the loopholes and the ins and outs of the industry so they are able to strategize an effective action plan for your case.

Fees

Attorney fees are always expensive. You want to know how much your lawyer is going to bill you and if there are any other fees that are on top of the attorney fees. You also have to be wary of lawyers or firms that would ask you to pay all the fees upfront. Although this does not apply to all, most of these firms and lawyers will not be willing to go above and beyond their duties to resolve your tax problem as they already have your payment. Respectively, good faith money is fine as this also serves as an assurance on the lawyer's part that you will not run away after your case is solved.

Finding the best tax attorney for your tax issue could save you from a great deal of stress of having to deal with the IRS so choose wisely and always consider the value for your money.

For more great information and resources on an IRS tax attorney and an income tax attorney visit our site today.

Latest Procedures For Obtaining A 2008 Tax Rebate If You Owe No Taxes Thursday, October 7, 2010

Are you confused about the rebates that the IRS plans to start mailing in May? You are not alone.

Most of the uncertainty is a result of the payments which will be made to those who pay no taxes, but qualify in other ways. Such taxpayers will receive $300 each instead of the $600 paid out to taxpayers. There are two ways to qualify. This was not clear to me until we started calculating rebates for clients who I initially thought had no right to them.

The first are those who have at least $3,000 of earned income, Social Security income, VA income or a combination of these. Although many of such taxpayers have not had a requirement to file, they need to do so this year. At first, the IRS was planning to create an online form, as they promised earlier. However, now they have stopped talking about that.

Instead, if you are in this position, you should obtain a 2007 form 1040A and write "Stimulus Payment" in big letters on the top of page one. Then, you will need to fill in the qualifying income that you earned this year. The amount of Social Security income should be shown on line 14a. In addition, you should fill in the routing and account numbers of your bank account on line 44, sign the return and mail it in. Don't worry about any other information or reporting all of your income, etc. You can go to WWW.IRS.GOV to find and print a blank form.

The second group that is entitled to a refund even if they do not owe taxes includes those who have any kind of gross income, which exceeds the total of personal exemptions plus the standard deduction. In other words, just about anybody who is required to file a return. Thus, even if all of your income is made up of interest, dividends or pensions, you will still get a $300 credit, along with a similar amount for your spouse and for every child under age 17.

Over 130 million households will receive payments. Among the few who are left out include those who make more than $75,000, or $150,000 if married, since the rebate starts to diminish as you make more than that. No surprise here, since such taxpayers bare the brunt of all income taxes. Another group includes those without Social Security incomes who survive on pension and investment income but do not show enough taxable income to qualify.

I am a CPA with the firm Vander Spek & Corsello, CPAs with offices in Escondido, CA - http://www.vanderspekcpas.com/

Historic Sites in Northern Virginia for Student Travel Tours to Washington DC Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Often when student travel groups decide upon Washington D.C. as their destination, the tour leaders have specific sites in mind for a visit. Many of the sites that student travel groups request the most are just outside Washington D.C., in Northern Virginia. In order to include these historic sites in a student travel tour, advanced planning is required. Usually, I advise educational travel groups to plan one year ahead for trips to the Washington D.C. area. Depending upon the site visited, special advance procedures to clear student visitors may be required.

An educational travel company needs to be retained to plan and execute an effective itinerary for Washington D.C. If popular historic or governmental sites in Northern Virginia are requested, the itinerary will accommodate these sites on one special day, or combine them effectively with other destinations on the student tour.

Here is an overview of some of the popular Northern Virginia sites for educational travel groups:

Pentagon Tour

The Pentagon is located just across the Potomac River from Washington D.C. in Arlington, Virginia. Many student travel groups are eager to see the headquarters for high-ranking officers of the U.S. Military and their aides. Because the Pentagon was attacked on September 11th, and it houses critical military personnel, it is a sensitive site. Despite the challenges to security, the U.S. government still provides student travel tours led by a uniformed and trained member of the U.S. Military. This tour has been provided to the public since 1976, when it was first initiated in celebration of our nation's 200th anniversary. With proper advance notification, an educational travel group may schedule a one-hour tour of the Pentagon that includes about one and one half miles of walking through Pentagon corridors and grounds and a view of the highlights.

Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery is another historic site that fascinates and intrigues educational tour groups. Arlington National Cemetery was dedicated as a military cemetery on June 15th 1854. Veterans from all of the wars, both foreign and domestic, are buried here and the gravesites number around 300,000. The National Park Service administers Arlington House and its immediate grounds. The U.S. Army oversees Arlington National Cemetery and Soldier's Home National Cemetery. Educational travel groups touring Arlington National Cemetery may have the opportunity to attend a Wreath Laying Ceremony or take a Tram tour, with advance planning.

Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens

Mount Vernon, the historic estate of George Washington lies just across the Potomac River from Washington D.C. a mere 16 miles distance from the nation's capital. Mount Vernon is exquisitely preserved. Educational travel groups will be greeted at a brand new building, the Ford Orientation Center, and will tour The Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center which houses 25 new theaters and galleries that narrate the entire story of George Washington's life. The Reynolds museum displays 500 original artifacts, and offers 11 videos and Immersion Theater as a way of learning about our founding father.

Student travel groups can experience living history by observing a working 18th Century farm and gristmill, as well as other educational programs. Student travel groups may tour the mansion, gardens, working farm, and more.

Educational travel to Washington D.C. is greatly enhanced by trips to Northern Virginia historical points of interest. Places like the Pentagon, Arlington National Cemetery, and Mount Vernon should not be ignored on a student travel tour of the Washington D.C. area. For more information on specific points of interest in the Washington D.C. area for student travel groups, visit educationaltravelconsultants.com

Howard Clemens founded Educational Travel Consultants in 1984. Over the last 24 years, Mr. Clemens has organized student travel tours for thousands of high schools, middle schools, and elementary schools. His company also specializes in performance tours to Washington D.C., New York City, and Orlando, Florida. Email him at info@educationaltravelconsultants.com or visit http://www.educationaltravelconsultants.com

Do Teen Brains Cause Reckless Behavior?

The latest issue of Scientific American Mind has a great article about the teen brain, challenging many of our current thoughts about our young adolescents. Many recent studies support the notion that teenagers' brains are somehow inept at dealing with challenges in the same way as adults, and that this underlies their often reckless behavior. I have written posts in the past summarizing some of this work.

The Myth of the Teen Brain

In his article, The Myth of the Teen Brain, Robert Epstein makes a compelling argument that the majority of these previous studies are all wet. Epstein is a psychologist who has studied this issue for many years, across hundreds of cultures.

He cites one study of 186 pre-industrial societies in which teens spend most of their time with adults and have few of the problem behaviors that we Americans associate with adolescence. In fact, the majority of these societies don't even have a word for adolescence - teens are not distinguished from adults.

The Battle between Hormones and Culture

Treating teens like adults makes a lot of sense from a biological perspective. Like it or not, teens are of reproductive age. If they lived a few hundred years ago, they would likely be parenting children of their own. If their brains were really 'programmed' for recklessness then it's unlikely that the human race would have survived. It is only the rules of our society that have made teen parenthood abnormal. This is, of course, not to condone teen pregnancy but to realize that the problem stems from man-made cultural issues, not from nature-made biological ones.

The Consequences of Restricting Behavior

Another statistic that Epstein points out is that American teens have 10 times as many restrictions as adults and twice as many restrictions as incarcerated felons! He points out that prior to 1800 there were really no laws restricting teen behavior; by 1900 there were about 20; and by the year 2000, there were over 140 laws defining what teens can and cannot do.

This, Epstein argues, is the real problem. He claims that we artificially extend teens childhood by treating them like children. We are also placing them in situations where they primarily only socialize with each other - when we should be socializing them to be adults.

He claims that all of the previous studies showing that teens' brains are 'inferior' to adults' brains is because the behaviors we impose on them make their brains different - and not that their brain differences cause their behaviors.

Anyone that went to college with someone who was a raised in a restricted environment knows how rebellious they can be. At the risk of offending readers, my Catholic School friends were the wildest kids around. Too strict or restrictive of an up-bringing pushes many teens to go hard the other way. Dr. Epstein suggests that our over-restrictive society may be behind tragedies like Littleton and Virginia Tech.

The question then, is 'Are all the restrictions on teens necessary in today's society or have we gone too far?' Do all the rules make matters better or worse?

Protection or Exposure?

Many Europeans laugh at us Americans for our protective attitudes, especially around alcohol and sex. We think little of exposing teens to violence on TV and in video games, but we cringe at letting them see a sex scene. What's worse, growing up to have sex or shooting someone?

Also in Europe, teens are exposed to alcohol for a couple of years before legally learning to drive. They don't have the taboo associated with a glass of beer or wine and don't have as many problems associated with alcohol abuse. In America, we make sure that they already have their car keys in hand when they go out for their first legal drinking binge. Seems a little backward to me.

Lighten Up?

There are good arguments on both sides of the debate. As parents, we need to take a hard look at the rules we impose on our own teens. Of course, we need to stay within the laws of our country. But we can ask ourselves if all our household rules are for their own long-term good. Do our rules protect them at the expense of delaying their abilities to become independent and think for themselves? Will you feel comfortable with your teen's ability to handle adversity when they step out of the protection of your home? Maybe if we stop treating them like children they will stop acting like them.

Train your Brain for total Brain Fitness. The Brain Code is the key to unlock your maximum potential. Dr. Simon Evans puts together the right ingredients in right amount to create the recipe for success. Visit us at http://www.thebraincode.com

2002 NAS Oceana Airshow - Beach Blast Parachute Jump Monday, October 4, 2010

US Army Golden Knights British Army Red Devils 2002 NASOceana Airshow NAS Oceana, Virginia Saturday September 21, 2002 IN THIS VIDEO, watch as members of the Golden Knights and the Red Devils exit from the C-31 Troopship and perform a nighttime jump onto the beach in Virginia Beach, in front of the 24th Street Park. If you are interested in purchasing DVDs of specific aircraft or of airshows, interested in everything related to airshows (where the jet teams will be, all airshow performers, airshow reports from airshows I have attended, previews of airshows I will be attending, etc.), and/or everything related to aviation - including spotting guides to my favorite airports and military bases and aircraft factfiles, please visit Steve's Airshow World at www.stevesairshow.com .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmUnLKuk9X8&hl=en

David Cook - I Did It For You - Williamsburg, VA - 08/07/10 Sunday, October 3, 2010

David Cook in Busch Gardens.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4PjqemyARo&hl=en

Pre-Owned 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK320 Coupe Annapolis MD Thursday, September 30, 2010

We are proud to present this 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK320. Please visit our website at www.automotivedirectusa.com and ifyou have any questions you can always call us at (800) 501-2938. We've been honored to serve the Annapolis, MD area, we promise that your experience at our dealership will exceed your expectations! Year 1998 Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: CLK320 Engine: 3.2L SOHC SFI 18-valve aluminum-alloy V6 engine Trans.: Automatic Exterior: Green Miles: 103042 Interior: Other Automotive Direct USA (800) 501-2938 www.automotivedirectusa.com 240 West Street Annapolis, MD 21401 AUTOMOTIVE DIRECT USA, LLC. SELLS CARS, TRUCKS, and SUV'S... We are a WEB BASED INDEPENDENT DEALERSHIP, LOW IN OVERHEAD, LOWER IN COST!!!! We represent MULTIPLE DEALERSHIPS at several LOCATIONS in the WASHINGTON DC, NORTHERN VIRGINIA AND MARYLAND AREA!!!!! PLUS our NEWEST LOCATION in the SOUTHEAST located in BESSEMER AL. just outside of BIRMINGHAM. We have all TYPES of CARS. TRUCKS, and SUV'S ranging from CERTIFIED LUXURY to BASIC TRANSPORTATION and everything in BETWEEN!!!! The majority of our VEHICLES are PRICED somewhere between KELLEY BLUE BOOK TRADE-IN and KELLY BLUE BOOK PRIVATE PARTY. AUTOMOTIVE DIRECT USA, LLC. not only services our LOCAL COMMUNITIES but we have a VAST AMOUNT OF EXPERIENCE at SHIPPING both NATIONALLY and INTERNATIONALLY. OUR HOMEBASE LOCATION IS 240 WEST ST. ANNAPOLIS MD. 21401 in MARYLAND'S STATE CAPITAL and JUST 30 MINUTES FROM EITHER DOWNTOWN WASHINGTON DC. or BALTIMORE MD ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEZFgJCwJcM&hl=en

Downtown St. Paul Minnesota - Fun Things to Do in Saint Paul MN

Visiting downtown St. Paul? If so, there are many fun things that you can do, no matter what season you decide to visit the area. You'll find that there are excellent St. Paul event no matter the time of year, and you'll be sure to find fun activities that the entire family can enjoy all year long. From the St. Paul Winter Carnival, going to see the Minnesota Wild, or even participating in Grand Old Days, in downtown St. Paul, MN there is no lack of great things to do. Here are just a few of the fun things to do in the city of St. Paul that you are sure to enjoy.

St. Paul Winter Carnival
If you happen to enjoy getting involved in winter events, St. Paul is the place to be. When it comes to St. Paul events, the St. Paul Winter Carnival is one of the most well known events. The very first Winter Carnival was held back in 1886, and since then they have had this celebration each year. At the first Carnival they had, there was a huge ice castle and they included ice horse racing and bobsledding as just a few of the fun activities that were held during the event. Today the St. Paul Winter Carnival is bigger and better than ever. A royal family is elected to be in the parade, and some of the great activities that are available for kids include the Grand Day Parade, the Royal Coronation, a Pow Wow, ice sculpture carving, and Klondike Kate Caberets to name a few. Since 1952, there has also been a Treasure Hunt held each year during the carnival as well. The search is for a medallion, and the ones who find it usually get a cash prize.

See the Minnesota Wild
In downtown St. Paul, you also have the option to go see the Minnesota Wild play when they are in season. They are the professional ice hockey team and they are based right out of St. Paul. The Minnesota Wild first began to play back in 2000 and since their beginning, every home game has been sold out at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. Just a few of the players on the team include Eric Belanger, Andrew Brunette, Marian Gaborik, Josh Harding, Kim Johnsson, Nick Schultz, Eric Reitz, Thomas Mojzis, and Marek Zidlicky.

Grand Old Days
When it comes to St. Paul events, another one that you won't want to miss is the Grand Old Days. The Grand Old Days event is an event that celebrates the first rites of spring in downtown St. Paul. There is a parade that occurs on Grand Avenue that is full of great floats and much more. You'll also find that there is live music during the event as well as art cars that you can enjoy seeing as well. Sporting events occur during this time as well dog competitions, competitions for the strongest woman and man, street performances, and many other great events as well. The restaurants and stores that are located on Grand Avenue are open during the big event, so you can do some shopping, and get food and drink if you need it as well. Parking can be difficult to find during the Grand Old Days, so you may want to park a ways away and then ride a bus into the city for the event.

Visit the Summit Brewery
The Summit Brewery is an excellent place to visit in downtown St. Paul, MN. For more than 150 years, there has always been some kind of a brewery in the city of St. Paul and today it is the Summer Beer Brewery that is there. The brewery is fully functional and you can easily get a free tour of the brewery. This is a great adventure for the entire family.

Check Out St. Paul Cathedral
You'll definitely want to check out the St. Paul Cathedral if you are visiting downtown st. Paul. Whether you are Catholic or not, you'll definitely want to take the time to see and explore the incredible architecture of this magnificent building. No doubt you'll appreciate and enjoy seeing the design of the building, especially the domes. One of the domes of the cathedral actually is covered with a variety of murals that were painted about 150+ years ago by hand. People from across the world have come to see this beautiful cathedral, and they have never been disappointed. Since the cathedral is also located on a high hill, it gives you a great view of the entire city. You won't have to pay a thing to tour the St. Paul Cathedral either, so it is a free place for you and the family to visit.

The Children's Museum
For those who have children, visiting the Children's Museum, located in downtown St. Paul, MN is an excellent idea. There are great activities for children available that help kids learn more about nature and science as well. One area of the museum even teaches kids about a variety of careers. The fee to visit the museum is reasonable, and it is a great outing for the entire family.

http://www.StPaulHomes.net is the place to start when beginning your home search for homes in Saint Paul Minnesota. John Mazzara is involved with financial services in the Twin Cities, MN. Officing out of Edina, Minnesota-John is centrally located within the 7 county MN metropolitan area. John owns three separate businesses-a licensed real estate broker associate selling Minnesota real estate since 1986-affiliated with RE/MAX Associates Plus http://www.MinneapolisStPaulHomes.com, an independent CFP-certified financial planner since 1989 with an independent Minnesota financial planning firm-Financial Planning Associates and the owner of a Minnesota mortgage broker firm-Venture Development Inc-specializing in residential, commercial and investment mortgages for purchases of single family homes, investment properties and commercial property. Venture brokers FHA, VA, Conventional loans and lines of credit. If you are looking for someone to help you in the areas of real estate sales/purchase, mortgages, or and/or financial planning and insurance you should call John for a free 1 hour consultation to see if he can meet your needs. 952-929-2577. RE/MAX Associates Plus and Venture Development are located at 7300 France Ave S, Suite 410, Edina, MN 55435

Sweet Escape - 5 Ideal Locations For the Perfect Caribbean Honeymoon - Part 4 Dominican Republic

Dominican Republic - A great place for a Caribbean honeymoon

One of the Caribbean's most entertaining, and all-encompassing islands, Dominican Republic is a great option for a Caribbean Honeymoon. Infused with a vivacious spirit that touches every visitor, this island is blessed with natural beauty. Emerald Water, palm shaded beaches, and resorts dedicated to luxurious indulgence.

Caribbean Honeymoon Vacations - Dominican Republic Resorts

4.5 star resort- Excellence Punta Cana, is an adults only all-inclusive resort surrounded by coconut palms, pristine beaches, and the Caribbean sea. Ideal for couples seeking a secluded romantic honeymoon. Coconut palm trees line the pastel Colonial style villas, and lagoon pool. The 452 suites are equipped with private balconies, and spa tubs. Enjoy a full-service spa, or lounge in the large pools with swim up bars.

4.5 star resort- Casa Colonial Beach & Spa is located directly on the water of Dominican republics north coast. A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the world, this colonial style mansion fuses both old world elegance, and contemporary style. This Intimate resort has 50 lavish suites with chic contemporary furnishings. Casa Colonial boasts of a secluded private beach, view of the mangrove jungle, Plush Bagua spa, and infinity rooftop pool.

4 star resort- Moon Palace Casino, Golf & Spa Resort, is a luxurious all inclusive beachfront resort perfect for an Amorous honeymoon. There are romantic balconies, double Jacuzzi's, and majestic rooms. Dine on the finest cuisine from Asian, Brazilian, Italian, Mexican, American, and authentic Caribbean. Receive extra pampering from one of the spa 54 treatment rooms.

3.5 star resort-Gran Ventana Beach Resort, is an all inclusive, picturesque resort is spread out among 247 acres. The spacious rooms with mahogany furnishings, and balconies with sea side views helps discover a new level of relaxation.

3 star resort- Bavaro Princess All Suites Resort & Spa, enjoy the view of the crystal blue ocean from your suites furnished balcony. A romantic stroll along the winding paths will lead you to a natural rainforest on the grounds. There is a nearby shopping center, a Nightclub, Lighted Tennis Courts, 6 pools, and 7 restaurants in this all inclusive resort.

Private Caribbean Villa - Dominican Republic Rentals

Dominican Republic has many diverse vacation rental options. Luxury Villas, Cottage Resorts, Condos.

For less than you would pay for a hotel you can enjoy the luxury of a beautiful private Caribbean villa with air-conditioned bedrooms, spacious living and dining areas with large terraces, a lush tropical garden with your own private swimming pool and full-time staff such as a well-trained cook, maids, spa therapists, gardeners, etc. to pamper you around the clock. Your mate will enjoy truly enjoy Dominican Republic villas.

How to find a perfect Dominican Republic villa? Well, first you have to decide what type of villa you want. You have to determine your desired location in Dominican Republic first, which depends on what type of activities you want to do while you are there. Once you have decided that, you determine how long your stay will be, and then how many bedrooms you will be needing. Then decide your budget. Once you have the specifics it is easier to look for your perfect villa. While searching the Internet is handy, you do not know if the picture shown is really what you will get. You should speak directly to the owner, so you can ask any question you might have. You should also take reviews into account

Dominican Republic Vacations - Local Attractions

-Sail aboard the Tropical Eden Catamaran for an enchanting ride to Saona Island, enjoy open bar cocktails, a buffet lunch, and dancing.

-Visit the expansive 600 acre Ecological park , Indigenous eyes. Explore the Natural wonders and enjoy twelve clear blue lagoons for a quick dip.

-Go Back in Time at the Altos de Chavon, a recreation of a 16 century Mediterranean village filled with restaurants, shops, museum, art gallery, and amphitheater.

If you find this information helpful, and you would like to read more, Visit http://www.destinationscaribbean.com. T. Sandy is an experienced Caribbean traveler with alot of knowledge to share.

Creating Photography Packages That Work Monday, September 27, 2010

In order to set your prices to provide value to the client and profit for your business you have to know what the collection will cost you to produce. I know most photographers do not enjoy doing the accounting work that comes with pricing so I will make this as simple as possible for you. I am asking you to answer two questions when choosing the price for your collection.

What's your package cost you?

To answer this question you will need to know the cost of the products. This includes anything that you outsource or purchase to complete the clients order. This is everything from the prints that you order all the way through the process to the packaging used to deliver the prints. If you leave anything out of this figure, the end result is lost profits.

In addition to knowing the monetary cost to produce the products in your collection you also need to know your time investment. Your time is more valuable than your money. You can make more money, but you'll never get more time. Unfortunate many small business owners do not pay as close attention to their time as they do their money. Your time investment is a critical factor to making your collection work. Each product you include comes with a time cost. You can estimate this cost but be warned, most task take longer than expected. Estimations are okay if you are careful and realistic. A better strategy is to time the actually process you go through for each product.

With an accurate idea of your time and money investment you are ready to tackle the next step.

How much profit do you need?

How much is too much? There is a multitude of ways to answer this question. You must figure what your cost should be for the collections you produce. If left up to chance or a wild guess, your clients will get less value and you lose profit.

Okay, let's get to it. Here is a formula you can use to figure the price the client should pay for the collection.

Your Collection Price = (Cost x 3) + Minutes

Let's walk through this formula. At this point you know how much your collection will cost you in dollars and time. We are going to use these two numbers to ensure that you are allowing for enough profit to keep your business in the black. Staying profitable is one thing that will always serve you well.

The formula is actually very simple. We are taking your production cost and multiplying this by 3 then adding a dollar per minute you are working. This will allow for enough profit to cover your cost, your paycheck, and your overhead. This number may be much higher or much lower than you originally intended, and it's okay if this number is a bit of a shock. It's okay, because it's probably not our final collection price.

Adjust the collection to add value

Now we need to add value to your collection. If you feel that your final price is much to high, then don't worry. We can lower the cost and provide additional value for your clients. High priced products are fine as long as they provide even higher value to the client. We are going to adjust the price by removing products that are too costly in time or money and adding products that are high in value.

Let's imagine that you are including the following framed 3 image panel that is intended to hang in the clients home.

The framed piece cost you $99 and 30 minutes of time to produce. This means that your package price raises $327 because of this one piece. If this price is too high, then you have three choices.

Remove the product - If we remove the product we will likely need to add an additional product to add value to the collection. This is the least desirable choice because the product was included because clients want the product.

Add low cost products - We can offset high cost products by adding other products that are seen as extremely valuable even though they have a low cost. An example of a high value, low cost product is digital images. The cost is basically nonexistent, while the value is extremely high.

Change the product - Our final option is to change the product to lower the cost. By choosing a slightly thinner frame and printing the mat & photographs as one print (instead of three prints and a mat) we are able to drop our time investment to 10 minutes and reduce the cost to $30. This keeps the perceived value high while lowering the price of the product from $327 to $100. With this drop in price, the product adds value to the package rather than taking it away from the package.

But do I even need packages?

Yes and no. Yes, you need packages. They will increase your sales and profit if they are properly created. However, if you are not putting your packages together in a strategic manner, they will cost you profit and keep your clients from being thrilled with the value they receive. A portrait package that's just thrown together is often worse that having no packages at all. Follow these steps and you can make your next package profitable.

What's next?

Next you need to take a long hard look at your products, cost and time investment. A realistic look at those numbers will be your starting point for successful packages that create happy clients and profitable photographers.

Jason H. Crowe is a MBA graduate from William Woods University, a small business owner, and the CEO of Photography Marketing Guide.

Visit http://www.photographymarketingguide.com for more photography business articles and tips.

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