Archive for: February 2013

Newt Gingrich Puts a Price on His Family Values: He sheltered his $4-million book bonanza from his struggling, non-trophy ex-wife. “She’s not young enough or pretty enough to be the wife of the President. And besides, she has cancer.”

Feb. 23 Politics no comments

The news that Newt Gingrich will receive $4 million from Rupert Murdoch’s publishing house must have been greeted with dismay by his former wife, Jacqueline, down in Carroll County, Ga. Newt had pulled a fast one. It was only nine months ago that she consented to the congressman’s request for an amendment to their divorce decree that bars her from claiming additional funds due to an increase in his earnings.

Not to be too harsh on Newt, it must be terribly difficult balancing pro-family values with a commitment to a Darwinian survival of the fittest in the marketplace. Newt the congressman-author is a winner in life’s sweepstakes, Jacqueline the schoolteacher-mother is a loser, and that must be the way God and/or Adam Smith intended it.Newt-Gingrich_lightbox

She had free will. Nobody forced her to marry someone eight years younger. The man is supposed to marry someone younger, and Newt corrected that the second time around after divorcing Jacqueline in 1980 for “irreconcilable differences,” which he said had been the case through the 1970s, despite counseling.

But did he have to be so mean about it? As reported by L.H. Carter, his campaign treasurer, Newt said of Jacqueline: “She’s not young enough or pretty enough to be the wife of the President. And besides, she has cancer.” Hard to believe, although according to the New Yorker, his wife did tell the congregation of her Baptist church: “The devil has taken his heart.” Maybe she was referring to his being so miserly in the matter of child support and alimony, but as Newt points out, we do have a safety net of private charity, and the congregants chipped in to help pay the utility bills.

The man has chutzpah. In his 1974 campaign, he ran on the slogan, “Newt’s family is like your family.” A sad but perhaps accurate commentary on life in suburban Georgia. In 1978, he ran an ad blasting his opponent, Virginia Shapard, saying, “If elected, Virginia will move to Washington, but her husband and her children will remain in Griffin.” Under Gingrich’s photo, it said: “When elected, Newt will keep his family together.”

And he did, until he filed for divorce 16 months later. His wife told the court she wanted to stay married although she had “ample grounds” for divorce herself. But she complained bitterly that he failed to support the family. As her petition stated:

“Despite repeated notices . . . plaintiff has failed and refused to voluntarily provide reasonable support sufficient to include payment of usual and normal living expenses, including drugs, water, sewage, garbage, gas, electric and telephone service for defendant and the minor children. As a result, many of such accounts are two or three months past due with notices of intent to cut off service . . . . ”

Picky, picky. True, Newt was not broke, he was a sitting congressman with a substantial salary, but he had to maintain another residence in Washington and was about to remarry. How many garbage bills could he be expected to pay?

Newt argued that the mother of his two children could always go back to teaching, demonstrating his respect for women in the workforce. But the judge disagreed and ordered Newt to pay the utility bills, as well as $400 a month in child support and $1,300 in alimony. He also ordered that if Newt’s income ever rose over $100,000 a year, the court could modify payment.

Fast-forward 12 years to 1993 and back to court, where Jacqueline Gingrich pleaded that Newt had failed to obey the divorce decree from the day it was issued. She asked that “this court issue an order directing the sheriff of Carroll County, state of Georgia, to arrest and seize the defendant and incarcerate him in the common jail until said individual complies fully and completely with this court’s final judgment.”

That got the congressman’s attention. Accounts were quickly brought to order. But then Newt made a move that, in light of the $4 million book deal, would put Donald Trump to shame. He negotiated a new settlement last March in which he conceded that his income had increased and offered to pay his ex-wife an additional $350 a month. But there was a big catch. She had to give up her right to ask for an increase in alimony no matter what happened to his income. She naively accepted.

Well, Newt now has a chance to make amends. The Democrats are beating him up for accepting all that money from Murdoch at a time when the Australian magnate has controversial matters before Congress. Why not silence those carping critics by turning over the $4 million to the long-suffering ex-wife and children or, if that’s a sore point, just give it to some charities that support abandoned mothers.

Overview of Common STDs: Gonorrhea

Feb. 23 Health, Sex no comments

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It is the second most prevalent STD in the United States.

The rate of gonorrhea among African Americans was 20.5 times greater than among whites in 2009 according to the CDC. American Indians and Hispanics are also disproportionately affected. Worldwide figures for gonorrhea infections stands at an estimate 62 million new occurrences each year. The United States alone contributes over 300,000 to that number.

Gonorrhea Symptoms

The symptoms of gonorrhea appear relatively quickly, usually within 1 to 14 days of infection. Like many other STDs, it’s possible to have gonorrhea without knowing it. Many cases are asymptomatic and display no outward symptoms at all.

Gonorrhea Symptoms in women include:

  • Yellow or greenish vaginal discharge, it may include strong smell.gonoeye
  • A burning sensation or pain whileurinating
  • Irritation and/or discharge from the anus

Gonorrhea Symptoms in men are similar:

  • A white or yellow discharge from the penis.
  • A burning sensation or pain while urinating
  • Irritation and/or discharge from the anus.

Transmission and Treatment

Gonorrhea is an STD, so it’s primarily transmitted during sex. Unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex can pass on the infection relatively quickly.

Testing is straightforward. A physician will examine the genital area and samples will be taken using a cotton wool swab or sponge. This will happen in each infected area. They will mainly be the cervix, urethra, anus and throat. Women will also be given an internal pelvic examination. On occasion, a sample of urine may also be taken.

Treatment of gonorrhea is also straightforward. A course of drugs will be prescribed which will kill off the infection. The course must be completed, and the individual must then return for a further test to ensure the condition has been effectively eradicated.

Once treated, gonorrhea will only return if the individual becomes reinfected. The drug therapy is very effective at wiping out the infection.

Complications

Leaving any STD untreated isn’t a good idea. It’s important to have gonorrhea treated as soon as it’s presence makes itself known. Failure to do so can lead to serious complications.

In women:gonorrhea

  • Gonorrhea can cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), which is an inflammation of the fallopian tubes. This increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy or premature birth.
  • ·
  • If a woman has gonorrhea when she gives birth, it’s likely the infection will be passed on to the child. The child could have agonoccocal eye infection, which must be treated with antibiotics as it can cause blindness. Ideally treatment would be given before birth.

In men:

  • Gonorrhea can cause painful inflammation of the testicles and the prostate gland, potentially leading to epididymitus, which can cause infertility.
  • It can also cause a narrowing of the urethra. This causes considerable pain urinating.

Like any STD, prompt identification and treatment is essential. The sooner the infection is brought under control, the less chance the patient has for developing complications.

A regular visit to a physician or sexual health clinic is advisable for those who have regular unprotected sex with people they aren’t sure of, or faithful to. A screen can test for most STDs in one visit, and results can be ready in days.

Vacation homes at Zion National Park? A great trip you need to make if you can.

Feb. 23 Real Estate, Travel, Vacation no comments

So Much to See, So Much to do!

zion park (2)

Zion National Park Vacation Homes – Lodging for multiple nights.

East Zion National Park, Utah is strategically the most central point from which to base, as you explore the world-class scenery found in southern Utah and northern Arizona. To view a detailed area map – click here. When you stay at Zion Canyon Vacation Homes you are in the geographic center of Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Lake Powell (Glen Canyon), Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument and the Grand Canyon North Rim. You’ll also be close to other attractions such as Coral Pink Sand Dunes, Duck Creek, Navajo Lake, Cedar Breaks National Monument, Panguitch Lake, Red Canyon, Kodachrome Basin State Park and the list goes on. There just isn’t a better place to stay! Many people come to this area and stay for one or more weeks just to see and experience this region. A hotel just is not sufficient when you can have the comforts of our beautiful cabins or our Family Suites.

The Zion Vacation Homes are just a minute
away from the East entrance of Zion National Park.
For suggested Itineraries for Zion, Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Grand Staircase

Zion is an ancient Hebrew word that means place of peace and refuge. As you visit the silent grandeur of Zion’s beautifully sculptured canyons, soaring cliffs and breathtaking landscapes you will agree that Zion National Park certainly lives up to its name. The Parks earliest inhabitants were the Anasazi who lived in the area about 2000 years ago. Around 800 years ago the Paiutes began to inhabit Zion, then in the 1860′s the first group of Mormon Pioneers arrived to settle the area. In 1909 the park was established as Mukutuweap National Monument and was later expanded to its present day size of 229 square miles and renamed Zion National Park. Zion, with its endless opportunities for enjoying and exploring nature, receives around three million visitors each year.

Zion is best known for its stunning rock formations and is home to Kolob Arch, which spans 310 ft. and is the world’s largest arch. Zion is also famous for its incredible slot canyons such as The Narrows, which attracts hikers form all around the world. Zion National Park’s elevation ranges between 3,666 ft. at Coal Pits Wash in the southwest corner to 8,726 ft. at Horse Ranch Mountain in the Kolob Canyons. The Park is located at the junction of the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin and Mojave Desert. This unique geography creates a variety of life zones within the Park and provides Zion with an unusual diversity of plant and animal life. Zion boasts the richest diversity of plants in all of Utah, with over 800 native species.

Zion National Park is also close to these other destinations: Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Grand Staircase.

Zion National Park Entrance Fees
All passes can be obtained at the entrance stations:

  • Entrance $20 per vehicle, good for 7 days at Zion National Park only.Autumn colors in Zion National Park, Utah.
  • Individual $10 per person, not to exceed $20 per family, good for 7 days at Zion National Park only.
  • Annual Pass $40 good for one year at Zion National Park only.
  • National Parks Pass $50, good for entrance for one year to all units of the National Park System.
  • Golden Eagle $65, good for entrance for one year in all federal fee areas.
  • Golden Age $10 lifetieme pass for US citizens 62 or older.
  • Golden Access Free lifetime pass for US citizens who are permanently disabled.

Commercial Tour Vehicle Fees
There is a fee for comercial tours. Operators should contact the park at (435) 772-3256 for specific information on rates. Commercial tour operator’s fee is based on bus capacity and ranges from $35 to $190.

Tunnel
The Zion – Mt. Carmel tunnel runs between the East Entrance to the park and Zion Canyon. Vehicles 7’10″ (2.4m) wide or 11’4″ (3.4m) high, or larger, are required to have an escort through the tunnel. (Mostl RV’s, buses, trailers, 5th wheels, boats, as well as some camper shells will require an escort.) The escort fee is $10 per vehicle. You will not actually follow an escort, rather, the oncoming traffic will be stopped, allowing you to drive through the middle of the tunnel. Vehicles over 13’1″ tall, semitrucks, vehicles weighting more than 50,000 lbs or measuring over 40 ft., bicycles and pedestrians are prohibited in the tunnel.

Shuttle
Because more than 2 million people visit Zion Canyon each year, the shuttle system was established to help eliminate traffic and to restore tranquility to the park. Riding the shuttle is a free and fun way of visiting the sights of Zion Canyon. Shuttles operate from late March through October, during this time private cars are not allowed to drive through Zion Canyon (other roads of the park remain open to private vehicles). Shuttles operate daily from 6:30 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. A complete round trip along Zion Canyon will take a minimum of 90 minutes, but you can get on and off as often as you like, to take pictures and enjoy the views. For a day trip on the shuttle, take with you water, snacks, sunscreen and/or sunglasses, wear good walking shoes, and don’t forget your camera!

Local Activities

Zion Canyon Horse Riding:
There is no better way to experience the west than to go on a trail ride! Guests over the age of 6 can enjoy a guided horseback ride. The trail leads through the buffalo preserve and overlooks Meadow Creek Canyon.		 ATV Riding: In the areas surrounding Zion National Park you’ll find some spectacular back country. Gguided tour operators will show you how to operate the machines and then lead you on your adventure. – More Info – Click Here Hiking: Zion National Park offers many trails ranging from short “leg-stretcher” walks to strenuous adventures. For guided hiking or trail information you may see some information by clicking here. Bicycling: The Pa’rus Trail offers a paved, carefree alternative for bicyclists to connect with the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Shuttle buses are equipped with bike racks. Bike Rentals – Two Options:
Bike Zion
Springdale Cycles
At the resort
• Horseback riding
• Dutch oven dinner’s
• Private hikes
• Shopping
• Campfires
• Star gazing
• Horseshoes
• Soak up panoramic views off your front porch
• Buffalo Grill Restaurant
• Observe Wildlife		 Off the resort
• Golf & Mount Carmel Junction and Kanab
• Ghost towns
• Old movie sets
• Frontier Movie Town
• Indian ruins
• ATV Rides *
• 4×4 adventures*
• 4×4 rides*
• Mountain biking*
• Hiking for all skill levels and ages
  * Must have your own equipment.
Concierge can help you reserve this activity – must be booked in advance.
Concierge can help you reserve equipment.

Entertainment

Zion Canyon Giant Screen Theater O.C. Tanner Amphitheater Bumblebery Playhouse

Other National Parks

Zion National Park 5 min. drive
Bryce Canyon National Park 1.5 hour drive
Grand Canyon National Park 2 hour drive
Lake Powell* 2 hour drive
Navajo Lake 45 min. drive 		 Pipe Spring National Monument 45 min. drive
Cedar Breaks National Monument 60 min. drive
Grand Staircase Escalante NM 60 min. drive
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park 30 min. drive

Day One: Zion National Park: We are located just a couple of miles from the East gate of Zion National Park so your adventure easily begins here. Drive the winding scenic roads of the park and enjoy taking photos or shooting video at many of the pullouts. You are near the top of Zion National Park and this upper end has a very different terrain than the lower areas. Stop at such view areas as Checkerboard Mesa and then park near the entrance of the Zion Tunnel and take a leisurely walk to the Blind Arch overlook. The mile-long tunnel in Zion goes right through the side of the mountain. You’ll enjoy driving slowly through the tunnel because there are windows in several intervals that look out onto Zion National Park. Once you exit the tunnel you will follow a very scenic drive down into the valley of Zion National Park where your elevation will be approximately 4,000 feet. From April to October a shuttle runs from the town of Springdale and takes you into the main canyon. This shuttle is your only access into the canyon during these months, so park your car in Springdale and jump on the shuttle. This will take you to any number of scenic stops. You may wish to take walks to Emerald Pools, Weeping Rock and the “Narrows” via the trail that begins at the Temple of Sinewava. Also stop at the turnout to shoot photos of the park’s most famous formation “The Great White Throne.” For more adventurous hikers we can tell you more about “Angel’s Landing” and other backcountry adventures. We can pack lunches and drinks for your day in Zion National Park. If you’d like to make a loop out of your trip, you can venture off the road at the town of Rockville and venture to the old Ghost Town of Grafton. Here you’ll see an old school house and other buildings from the early settlers of this community. It is also the location of a famous movie scene from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. From here you’ll follow the well-graded dirt road up the hill and around toward the community of Apple Valley. You’ll pass the Smith’s Mesa and circle onto highway 59 and drive through Hildale on to Pipe Spring National Monument, a fort constructed for protection from the Indians along the Arizona Strip. You’ll circle through Kanab and back to us near the end of a great day. Return to us in the afternoon or evening for a relaxing tub or Jacuzzi and dinner at the Buffalo Grill.

Day Two: Grand Canyon North Rim: We are a great jumping off point for many of the regions National Parks. The North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park is just two hours drive to the south. The drive is spectacular as you pass by zion park (3)Coral Pink Sand Dunes, the western town of Kanab and then make your way up onto the Kaibab Plateau and through the dense forest of Ponderosa Pines. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way. Coral Pink Sand Dunes is just a short drive off Highway 89 (7 miles) and offers beautiful views of reddish colored sand dunes. The north rim of the Grand Canyon is higher than the south rim and it is said that the views are more spectacular. This is different than Zion National Park where you are looking up at formations, at Grand you are on top looking down at it all. Have lunch at the cabins or we’ll be happy to provide you with a lunch for the day. There are many trails that you can venture on across the rim or even down into the canyon. Just remember that wherever you go down, you’ll need to hike back up. Take a water bottle in any case. You’ll need your camera and plenty of film or disk space on your new digital camera. The drive back from the north Rim is spectacular, as you’ll be treated to views of the Grand Staircase. Vermilion Cliffs, White Cliffs and Pink Cliffs will be visible in the distance, each one stair-stepping up and above the other. Click here for an Arizona Map

Day Three: Bryce Canyon National Park: Bryce is just an hour to the North. At the gate you will be given a map of the park. Just past the main gate you can stop at the visitor center and view the various displays on the geology and other information about the park. Drive to some of the overlooks. The main road in Bryce Canyon goes from the Gate on the North for 20 miles to the South end of the park. There are many places to stop and take photos in Bryce Canyon National Park. If you enjoy walking then there are many trails that lead from the top of the park down in and among the formations. Use the map given you at the gate. As you stop at the overlooks you will be looking to the East into the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument and across the Bryce Valley toward Powell Point which rises to over 10,000 feet. Depending on the season you can enjoy many activities near the park – such as rodeos, chuck wagon rides and entertainment, horseback riding, helicopter rides, etc. If you have time you can go further venture past Bryce Canyon to Kodachrome Basin State Park for the afternoon. This is a magical place with unique formations. There are also opportunities to see wildlife at the Bryce Canyon Animal Safari ( www.brycecanyonanimalsafari.com ) Call ahead for reservations.

Day Four: Panguitch Lake / Cedar Breaks National Monument / Duck Creek Circle north again to the quaint town of Panguitch (just 40 minutes away) and then go south and climb the mountain on a beautifully paved road to Panguitch Lake (the word Panguitch means – “Big Fish”). Here you can rent boats and gear for fishing or bring your own. There are stores and restaurants for lunch or dinner and supplies. When you’re finished viewing this sparkling large lake in the mountains, continue south and West to Cedar Breaks National Monument. You’ll be close to Brian Head Resort if you want to drop down into the town. Here you can rent Mountain Bikes and ride a large network of trails. In summer you can even put your bike on a ski lift to the top of a mountain and ride downhill through the forest. At Cedar Breaks you can view the formations of the Markagaunt Plateau. It is much like Bryce Canyon. From here you can circle south and then east on highway 14 to see overlooks toward Zion National Park. You’ll pass Navajo Lake, which sits like a jewel in a mountain valley. You can take an easy walk to Cascade Falls and see where water seeps from the side of the mountain and literally cascades into the upper Virgin River. The Virgin is the river that has carved Zion National Park. Venture further East on highway 14 and stop at Duck Creek Village. From here circle back to us just 40 minutes for a relaxing evening.

Day Five: East Side of Zion – Walks / Hikes / Rappelling: The East side of Zion National Park offers some excellent short walks, ½ day or full day hikes and several excellent technical hikes that include rappelling in slot canyon areas. Walks to the Blind Arch Overlook and around Checkerboard Mesa are easily accessible and there are many pull-outs throughout Zion National Park where you can easily venture off for a short walk in a side canyon. In all areas use good judgment and caution about where you walk or hike. The Blind Arch Overlook walk begins on the east side of the road at the top of the main tunnel. This walk offers views into the Pine Creek area which is adjacent to the tunnel and then takes you out to an overlook into the main Zion basin. The view is spectacular and the walk will take between 1 and 1.5 hours depending on how much time you spend shooting photos, viewing foliage and enjoying the scenic overlook. The Checkerboard walk goes around to the back of the mesa and begins and ends at the parking lot just to the North of the mesa. This walk is slightly strenuous and will take approximately 1 ½ hours depending on your ability. Technical Hikes with Rappels: This includes hikes to places such as the Zion Narrows, Orderville Canyon, Englestead Canyon, Mystery Canyon, Spry Canyon, Keyhole Canyon, Pine Creek and Fat Man’s Misery. These are all spectacular but should be attempted only with the right equipment and experience.

Day Six: Grand Staircase National Monument: The Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument is one of the most recently created national monuments in the United States. If you are one of those who likes to go to out-of-the-way places and see things that few others have ever seen, then this may be the day trip you’ve been looking for. Today the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument is an area for exploration by car, horse, bike, ATV and on foot. It encompasses an area that is the last explored portion of the United States and is a maze of canyons, rivers and drainage’s that was once the hide-out of many a western outlaw. Butch Cassidy and his wild bunch once roamed the area and used the secretive canyon systems as a way to avoid the law. Many a lawman became lost trying to find those he pursued. Trails are constantly being created or designated for various uses. From our location the easiest access points into the monument are from nearby Glendale or Kanab. Johnson Canyon/Skutumpah Road: Running for 46 miles between Johnson Canyon and Kodachrome Basin, this paved and graded/dirt surface road traverses some remarkable territory cut by streams and canyons. The upper 22-mile section can become impassable when wet. The route provides access to Bull Valley Gorge and some steps and terraces of the Grand Staircase. This road can be accessed from Glendale. Click on this link to see a very good map of the monument and its road systems. Grand Staircase Map • Sectional map of Utah Remember to take food and water with you as there are no services inside the monument. Roads are dirt but are generally well graded and passable as long as they are not wet. Rare rain or snowy weather can make roads impassable so use good judgment.

Day Seven: Lake Powell National Recreation Area: For many people there is no better place in the world than Lake Powell. You just can’t find an area that is more breathtaking or awe-inspiring. Lake Powell is approximately 1.5 hours from our resort. There are several ways to experience the lake. If you want a very basic experience in late spring, summer or early fall, then take your swimsuit and go swimming. Be sure to visit the Glen Canyon Dam and take a tour. Nearby Page, Arizona offers restaurants and some shopping. If you have the time there are several ways to experience the lake. Rent a boat, small watercraft or take a cruise up the river in the day, or an evening cruise. The day cruise can take you to Rainbow Bridge – the largest natural rock-bridge in the world. Anytime of year (weather permitting) you may rent your own boat and cruise the many side canyons of Lake Powell. There are over 2,000 miles of coastline so one day on the lake will allow you to see a small portion. This is a great day tour – just ask us for more details on how best to experience this area during the season you are staying with us. Click here for more details on lake activities: http://www.lakepowell.com/

We are now open with our brand new Cabin Suites. The Zion Canyon Vacation Homes are located on Scenic Highway 9, which leads directly to the east entrance of Zion National Park. Our first phase cabins are located on the north side of the road at the base of a hill and the views are toward the White Cliffs of the Grand Staircase on the east and toward the Grand Canyon and on the south. You may wake up frequently with deer outside your window and views of our rolling hills of wild-grass.

Our cabin suites are built into a Juniper Tree covered hillside and are part of our Buffalo habitat area. That means that Buffalo are free to roam and you may wake up to find them grazing by your balcony or out your window. These suites offer various amenities including Jacuzzi tubs, elegant bathrooms, dining areas, excellent beds and great balconies for watching the sun set, viewing wildlife such as buffalo, deer, rabbits, coyotes, wild turkeys and many other birds.

 

 

Marco Island Florida

Feb. 15 Geography, Information no comments

Marco Island is located off the coast of Naples, Florida and offers a multitude of living options. Spread over an area of 17.1 square miles, Marco Island offers modern living standards combined with old-world charms of Floridian lifestyle.

If you’re a fan of golf, then this place will be perfect for you. It is populated by a number of championship golf courses that offer international standards and training facilities. Hotels, resorts, spas, shopping malls, cinemas, theaters, and night clubs are also aplenty, offering endless entertainment and fun options.marco island

The island is home to luxury villas, single family homes, and condominiums. Beachfront locations offer the most luxurious living standards with spacious villas dotting the beach. There are private beaches on the island including the famous South Beach, which has been converted into a resort area.

Marriott Group maintains a large resort and spa in close vicinity of the beach. There is a golf course attached to the resort where you can play to your heart’s content, perfecting your tee and putt. Other resorts are maintained by Hilton and other famous chains.

Single family homes are aplenty on Marco Island with enough variations in prices to offer you an affordable home. A three bedroom single family house in Marco Island is available for an average price of $150,000. Construction style varies from contemporary to archetypal Florida beach homes.

Cottage style homes are also available with lavish woodwork and other niceties. You can find more compatible prices for a two-bedroom where it is available at an average price of $100,000. Location plays a great role in prices as you will find higher prices for homes closer to the beach and other notable landmarks.

Villas offer a more luxurious living standard than single family homes. You will find Jacuzzi, swimming pools, and other amenities in some of these villas. Prices and luxury are directly proportional to each other in Florida real estate. This offers greater flexibility when you will purchase a house or a villa. You can compromise on certain additional features such as swimming pools to ensure affordable price. You can later add these amenities if you have time and resources.

The best residential facility in Marco Island is the beachfront property. You will find a mix of single family homes, villas, and condos but each of them offers an eclectic mix of style and luxury. A contemporary Spanish Villa with six bedrooms, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, spa, dual garages, and other amenities can be had for an average price of $5 million.

Condominiums can be a little cheaper at $3 million for a four bedroom penthouse with stunning views of the bay. Jacuzzi and spa are included in most of these properties.

Architectural designs vary from Spanish and Moorish villas to post-modern condos, from East Coast beach houses to contemporary American townhouses. This diversity of design, accommodation, floor plans, and location will enable you to make the right choice.

Chat Rooms: The Next Generation

Feb. 15 Chat & Video, Tech no comments

We all remember the old AOL and Yahoo chatrooms right? Sure they might still be around, but does anyone use them anymore? Not really, and with good reason. While it might have been fun for a while, the inability to see who you were chatting with ultimately ended in frustration. After all, the possibility that it was a 50 year old bald man in Nebraska was a threat all too real for most users. That being the case, a new way of chatting had to emerge soon, otherwise the concept of internet chatting was simply going to go down the toilet! Enter video chat.chatting-websites

What is a video chat room? It is a type of chatroom that will not only permit you to chat with people all over the world, but also to see their faces while you are chatting. In other words you know exactly who you are talking to, and the veil of secrecy is finally gone. What does this mean for you? Well it does mean you can chat safely, or at least safely knowing that the person you are talking to really is who they say they are.

Acessing these rooms is actually quite easy. All you will really need to do is have a webcam and a computer, though there are actually some websites that will allow you to connect using your iPhone. No matter which way you choose to connect, there is always a strong chance that you will meet someone interesting. Keep in mind that if you choose to use an iphone to connect, you will need to find a website that supports it, and this is not always incredibly easy. With the way technology is marching forward however, it it won’t be long until all devices are integrated.

With video chat you will be able to show others a number of different aspects of your life. Instead of simply telling them, you can show them! Isn’t that amazing? For those who do not remember the chatrooms of the 90′s, it may be hard to understand just how limited they actually were. That being the case, this is a huge technological leap forward.

So what do you need to get started in this amazing world of video chat? It’s actually pretty simple! All you will really need is a computer, a microphone, speakers, and a webcam. Note that the microphone and speakers should only be needed if the website supports audio chat, and the majority of them do. That being said, you are more than ready to embark on your first video chat adventure in cyberspace, and there is no telling just what you might find on that adventure!

Avoid Over-Improving Your Home

Feb. 15 Home Improvement no comments

When you first buy a home you may be excited about all the changes you are going to make and how much you are going to customize, improve and make the space your own. If you plan for this home to be your lifelong home and never intend on moving, you may very well be in a great position to do that. However, if you do believe that you may someday need to sell this home, make sure that you are not over-improving your home.home-improvement

Over-improving your home means that you are adding expensive additions or features that you will not see a return on and that may even inhibit the sale of your home. This can happen when you do not take into account the value of the homes around you or the economic breakdown of your region. Few people are going to want to buy a million dollar home in a neighborhood of $500,000 homes, they would rather just live in corporate housing instead.

When making improvements to your home, compare the features with those of other houses in your neighborhood. Make sure that the investments you are making on your home will see a return when you decide to sell. Consulting a Realtor or other professional in the field can help in making these decisions.

Though improving your home is one of the most fulfilling ways of making your house truly feel like your own, be sure to do so in ways that do not alienate prospective buyers. Installing things that require lots of maintenance or additional expenses may quickly drive a potential buyer away. Find less permanent ways to customize your space so that when it does come time to sell, you will be able to do so with confidence and see a good financial return that reflects your hard work.

OMG my grandfather fell into his bidet!!!

Feb. 15 Funny, Personal no comments

A bidet seat is one of the essentials of a hygienic lifestyle. If you are in the market for one of your own, then you must be aware of the number of units available in stores. You may have also seen everything that you need to know about them including how the massage cleaning operates. You think you have the exact model in mind? Think again. Do you really believe that that toilet seat will fit on your toilet?medium_bidet

Before buying a bidet seat, you need to be aware of a few essential points. Imagine the horror you will face and the money you’ll end up wasting if the seat doesn’t fit! For one thing, they may not fit your two-piece toilet or one-piece ones either if they are not the right size.

Particular bidet seats are available for both of these types. A two piece toilet is one in which the water tank and toilet bowl are installed as separate pieces while in a one-piece, both are joined together.

That Perfect Fit

Many bidet seat makers claim that their product will fit easily on all two piece toilets. However, the other type will not accommodate them as easily, since such seats are hard to fit on them. A bidet seat won’t fit if there is not enough space between the seat and the water tank.

A one piece toilet usually cannot accommodate such seats since the tank is too curved to enable them to fit easily. To make sure your bidet fits properly, there is a rule you need to follow that is applicable to both kinds of toilets.

The rule lies in the way your toilet is made. You will see two holes behind the bowl which are actually mounting holes. You need to find out the distance from the center of them to the water tank after that.

Be sure to take into account any curves the tank may have when you are measuring, by taking the closest part the tank is to the holes into account. There must be at least 1.5 inches of space in the back for the bidet seat to be set in place properly.

Don’t worry if you do not have this much space in the back of your water tank. There are bidet seats available that can fit over irregular toilet bowls with ease. Blooming’s 1060 and/or BL 17 bidet seats are especially manufactured for this purpose.

The next step would be for you to figure out whether you should go for a round or longer seat for your toilet. You’ll need to take another measurement to determine this. Take your measuring tape and start counting from the middle of the holes mentioned above to the far end of the bowl. If the distance between them is approximately 17 inches, a round seat will be appropriate. If it’s more than that, then go for a bigger one to fit on your toilet.

These simple tips and tricks can help you get the bidet perfect seat for your toilet in no time!

From The “You Can Sell Anything” File

Feb. 15 Business no comments

Artist Serena Brewer works with dead things. She creates entirely new creatures out of the parts of old ones and sells them! Will wonders never cease? These aren’t really my thing (as my generation says) but it just shows you can sell anything.

The “artist” says, “I consider myself an artist first and a taxidermist second,” says Brewer. “When people ask me what I do, I say sculpture. It’s taxidermy sculpture, it’s just I’m using feather and fur rather than clay or steel.” (weird. makes me think this gal grew up in the Addams Family)A1ORK

Brewer’s been supporting herself with this work for the past five years (see? there is a market for almost everything. you just have to find it). People fascinated by sideshow art are big fans of hers, she has a list of regular buyers, and she’s quite popular with tattoo parlors (no surprise there).

While the art has a core group of dedicated fans, it has yet to appeal to a broader audience (definitely a niche player). Marbury says many people have a hard time taking humorous art seriously. And many people just aren’t comfortable looking at dead things (no kidding!). The artists say, in a country where the majority of people eat dead things, they find that ironic. (I personally don’t like the head left on my fish at a restaurant)

Your marketing lesson? Anything sells once you find your audience. Have you clearly defined your audience and positioned your product specifically for them?

Work in a Cube, Play in a Cube?

Meet Bob, Joe, Ted and Ann. They work in a cube (maybe like you?) They have little square heads to fit in their little square cubicles and have meaningless titles like “Junior Accounting Analyst”. They capture the drudgery of corporate life but put you in charge. They’re The Cubes!

Made by Washington-based Accoutrements, this new corporate game is only $12.95 a set! Buy one for all your friends! That’s the beauty of this product. When you are selling a product with no major value except humor, price it right for no-brainer decisions by customers. We waste $12.95 pretty easily and for a laugh? Why not?

Is your product priced correctly? Is it competitive? Better make certain for increased sales!

Labor Day Has A Bad Publicist!

I was struck with a thought the other day. (Yes, it did hurt but I survived) We know what most of our welcome holidays stand for. The stories of Memorial Day, Christmas, Easter are all well known to us but what about poor Labor Day?

Labor Day obviously has a bad publicist. Where all the other holidays have a multitude of stories, movies, and websites, it doesn’t! Time to get a publicist who can remind us what we should be celebrating when we take the day off.

In the words of Ronald Reagan, “On this Labor Day, I proudly join my fellow citizens in saluting our Nation’s working men and women. As we celebrate the historic role of our nation’s free labor movement, we are reminded that workers have contributed as much to America’s social greatness as they have to our economic strength… Because of the quality of the goods and services they produce, we enjoy one of the highest standards of living in the world… By shaping a better future for our workers, we can and will assure continued progress and even greater opportunity for all Americans.”

How well are you getting the word out about your company and its stories?

Fast & Easy Sells

Jiffy Lube services over 23 million vehicles a year in their 2200 fast lube oil change stores nationwide. What more can you say? Success or failure is the final judge of your marketing efforts.

Look at your product. Can you make it faster and easier for your customers to do business with you? Does your website have a shopping cart? Do you deliver from your store? Are products bundled and prepackaged for fast access? Do you prompt your customers to reorder on regular purchases?

Time to think like your customer!

Chico’s: Selling Clothes & A Lifestyle

Chico’s ads and their catalogs are things of beauty! Their ads are shot in nature with streams, mountains, expensive log cabins. A lifestyle is being sold along with their clothes. You can “feel” the experience of their clothing.

They have definitely targeted their market. It appears their clothes and marketing are designed to appeal to women of style, who love the outdoors and don’t follow the crowd. Independent women of means permeate their ads.

Their catalog is as much about nature (the photography could win prizes) as it is about the clothes. It is a mini-magazine. It is an excellent example of selling the sizzle, not just the bacon. They create a lifestyle picture and use women of distinction as their models. They definitely appeal to me! (A baby-boomer woman with disposable income who loves traveling in the natural world.) Kudos to Chico’s!

J C Penney: Back To School Without A Clue

Have you seen the back to school ads from JC Penney? They are rappin their little hearts out for sales. So, why isn’t this smart?

First, they haven’t identified their customer. Is their customer really the eight to twelve year old they are targeting with their ad, or their parent you will pay for the clothes?

Second, once the ad motivates the kids to bug the heck out of their parent to take them to JC Penneys, doesn’t the store fall way short of expectations? It is, after all, a store my grandmother would love (and I’m old myself!)

Marketing Déjà Vu: Decide who your paying customer is. Then direct every ad and the look of your store (website) to that customer. It isn’t that hard people!

Diet Pepsi Lime: Weapon of Mass Destruction?

Feb. 15 Food & Drinks no comments

For years I’ve purchased large bottles of Diet Pepsi and Diet Coke (depending on my mood). Little did I know what kind of destruction one could cause. And, you think I’m kidding! I’m not!diet_pepsi_lime

Last night while my husband and I were watching the Eagles Farewell One Tour on TV (Yes, we’ve already established I’m old. And, yes, the Eagles are the best band ever…but I digress) we heard a LOUD explosion. My husband assumed it was a shotgun blast (We do live in the boonies) but it was a Diet Pepsi Lime bottle! The entire bottom blew out of it!

What a joy to see two liters of Diet Pepsi Lime all over the wall, ceiling and floor. Thank goodness, it was in the laundry room/pantry! Don’t you think if a product can explode on your shelf, the manufacturer should provide a warning label? I can’t be the only one this has ever happened to, can I?

Marketing Tip: Warn your customers about the adverse effects of your product before they learn the hard way. I now store the Diet Pepsi under a pine tree outside until it’s time for the refrigerator.

Thought I’d drop in and post since I haven’t for a while now…

Feb. 15 General, Personal no comments

I know there are a lot of amazingly talented young people out there. My own daughter draws cartoons of a character she created…just for fun! She didn’t get that talent from me, since my own drawings resemble something you’d find in a hellocave…prehistoric style.

The Gallery Collection, which is a major publisher of Christmas cards for business use, as well as other professional cards, is running a great contest for talented young artists. To enter, you must be an artist in high school or college. You can submit your original artwork, photo, or computer graphic online, and if selected, it will be made into a greeting card available for purchase at the site. In return, the artist will win a $10,000 scholarship! Wouldn’t it be amazing to send our professional Christmas cards with artwork that your child created on it? The contest runs until January 15th, 2008, so budding artists have plenty of time to wait to be struck by inspiration.

I’ll have to check back to see when the winner is announced – I order Christmas cards like this to send to my business contacts, and I’d love to support the winner of the contest by sending that card out to my associates.

We had to go to Wal-Mart today. I hate that store! My husband needed new tires for his car though, and they were the cheapest in town, and the only place that could do the job tonight. After waiting way too long in line, we finally dropped off his vehicle at 5pm, and it was only after we got back on the road that it occurred to us to find out what time we should come back to pick the car up. It was then that they said, oh, we close at 7pm! They’d have the vehicle done, but it sure would have been nice to know that going into the deal. We had to race through dinner to get back there in time, but Jim is now the proud owner of 4 new, shiny, lots of tread left on ‘em tires. Thanks to Doug from CNN for the awesome hook-up.

My girls are getting older, and the older girls get, the harder it becomes to shop for them. It used to be that I could buy them clothes, or a new doll, and they’d be pleased as punch. Now that my daughters are 10 and 11, they’ve got their own taste in clothes, and they don’t want anything to do with dolls. I came across this site with Message Jewelry and it’s a unique gift idea for someone who can be tricky to buy for. You can choose any word…a name…even a motto or a short saying with special meaning. These aren’t costume pieces – they’re made out of platinum, gold, or silver! It’s the kind of thing that can be worn for a lifetime. If you can’t decide on a saying or message, their Chinese symbol jewelry line offers over 160 Chinese characters on a pendant or charm.