Main Attractions of New York City

For many people, New York is like the most important or fun place to be. Because of its metropolitan nature, New York is where most suburban dwellers want to go visiting. Besides this, it is also a hub of business activities as you have the famed Wall Street located there, and the twin towers. Recent estimates have shown that New York generates more than some third world countries budget per year. It also has the highest number of skyscrapers concentrated in one territory.

Often dubbed an ‘urban jungle’, it is home to more than 20 million people and amazingly, the metropolitan state seems to have more room for visitors, business executives, vacationers and tourists. New York City has a lot of attractions. In fact, it is said that you could spend three years in New York doing nothing except sightseeing and still not see every vacation spot or attraction sites. Some of New Yorks main attractions are partly responsible for its global popularity and these include:

1. Statue of Liberty This statue represents or symbolizes democracy in the modern world. According to history, the statue signified hope for the immigrants who crossed through Ellis Island. A gift from the French government over a hundred years ago, it was meant to signify freedom which America stands for. Sculpted by the Frdric-Auguste Bartholdi, the steel Framework was built by the creator of the Eiffel tower, Gustav Eiffel and is about 305 ft altogether. To get to the top of the statue, a visitor would have to climb three hundred and fifty four steps. Tourists interested in getting into the monument can purchase one time tickets.

2. Empire State Building The empire state building is possibly the most popular building in New York. Once called the tallest building in the world -it is about one thousand, two hundred and fifty feet high -and named the 8th wonder of the world, many say it signifies or represents what was meant to be carried out when man decided to build the tower of Babel. The empire state building became extremely popular after the movie King Kong was shot in 1933. At the time, it was dubbed the tallest building. However, the mystery surrounding it still counts for visits from over two million visitors annually.

3. Central Park This major tourist centre occupies three hundred and forty one hectares of land is synonymous with its name in its location at the centre of Manhattan. Located between 5th and 8th avenue, central park consists of ice rinks for those who want to skate, theatres, baseball fields, fountains, lakes, a Zoo, a museum, tennis courts and a host of facilities. And the best part of central park is access to it is free of charge. A must see as part of a New York City vacation package.

4. Fifth Avenue For those who love shopping, 5th Ave is an awesome place to be. Located between the 49th and 59th streets, its like a concentration of designer stores such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Ferragamo, Prada and Versace. If you are looking for jewelleries, you will find Bulgari shops, Cartier and a host of other jewellers.

What is the History Behind the Winter Olympic Games?

The Nordic Games were the first iteration of winter Olympic games. Viktor Gustaf Balck first organized the Nordic Games in Sweden in 1901. This international mult-sport event that was designated specifically for winter sports was thereafter held regularly until 1926. In the meantime, Balck was rallying to have winter sports (starting with figure skating) included in the Olympic sport roster. He was unsuccessful until 1908, when four figure skating events were included in the 1908 Summer Olympics in London.

When planning the next summer Olympics (to be held in 1912), an Italian count named Eugenio Brunetto dUsseaux beseeched the International Olympic Committee to plan a week of winter sports as part of the 1912 games. The idea was not welcomed warmly, for a couple different reasons. First, the committee did not want to detract from the Nordic Games. Second, the committee was concerned about the lack of facilities for other winter sports.

More ground was gained in 1916, when the idea to include a week of winter sports was again proposed. The committee went as far as to plan the week of winter sports including figure skating, speed skating, ice hockey and Nordic skiing. Unfortunately, the 1916 games in Berlin were cancelled due to World War I.

Figure skating and ice hockey were featured in the first Olympic games after the war, held in Antwerp in 1920. Shortly thereafter the International Olympic Committee decided that the organizers of the next Olympics (to be held in 1924) would also host an International Winter Sports Week. The first Winter Sports Week took place in Chamonix in 1924 and actually lasted 11 days. The event was a huge success, drawing more than 200 athletes from 16 competing nations. In the first Winter Sports Week, women only competed in figure skating events.

In 1925, the International Olympic Committee created a separate event designated for these types of sports. The event was called the Olympic Winter Games, and at the same time, the 1924 Winter Sports Week in Chamonix was retroactively designated as the official first Winter Olympics. The second Olympic Winter Games were held in St. Moritz in February of 1928. The next Winter Olympic Games were held in North America for the first time. The location of the event was Lake Placid, New York. The turnout at the 1932 Winter Olympics was not impressive, however, partly due to the financial stress of the Great Depression. 1936 was the last year in which both summer and winter Olympics were held in the same country. Both the 1940 and the 1944 Winter Olympics were cancelled as a result of World War II. The 1956 Winter Olympics in Cortina dAmpezzo, Italy were the first to be televised.

The next Winter Olympics Games scheduled are to take place in 2010 in Vancouver, B.C. Below is a list of scheduled medal events:

- Alpine skiing – Biathlon – Bobsled – Cross-country skiing – Curling – Figure skating – Freestyle skiing – Ice hockey – Luge – Nordic combined – Short track speed skating – Skeleton – Ski jumping – Snowboarding – Speed skating

Expert Tips with Rolling Laptop Bags Shopping

What should you demand for with rolling laptop bags? As a matter of fact, there are some conditions that you should keep in mind aside from the bag’s price tag. After all, if a bag does not fit your wants, you will not certainly use it regardless of the price.

At any rate, high quality products constantly come at a premium today. With the recession, we want to have the best value from our money. And instead of just settling with the lesser quality with lower price, we need to check the bags we buy always because we might have a bargain as well.

Nothing is more unpleasant than having the wheels of your bag break off while at an important meeting. So here are some tips on selecting a great rolling laptop bag.

With wheels, ensure that these are reinforced by durable plastic or metal material so you can expect them to last for years to come. A rolling laptop bag must have a sturdy extendable handle too for more convenience.

In today’s market, most well-constructed bags have aluminum handles because of two-fold advantage with this material. Aluminum is very light as a material. Secondly, aluminum is an adaptable yet sturdy material. It can withstand much abuse without wearing. Moreover, it is perfect for storage functions because the handle is collapsible.

The bag must have a compartment that protects and divides the laptop. In addition, the laptop computer compartment should have adequate padding for protection. Some features to look for as well include storage for common computer supplies.

For more information, here is a recommended site to get tidbits of details on how to shop with a few bucks with Cheap Laptop Bags.

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Going to Mexico, Latin American or Spain? Need to learn Spanish?

My Story: I had a challenge. I needed to move to Mexico for my health and to retire, and I spoke English; I also knew a few words of French from high school, about 12 words of Spanish which could wind me up in fight or jail, yeah – mostly curse words.

I was in trouble and when I arrived I needed help. Luckily I met Reuben Varela, a well known Restauranteur at the Hot Springs in San Juan Cosala, Jalisco, Mexico and Gerardo Tolentino, an English teacher who was struggling with teaching English. Reuben pushed me to find ways of learning and practicing Spanish, and Gerardo worked with me to create the Gringo Guide.

Reuben pushed me to find ways of learning and practicing Spanish, and Gerardo worked with me to create the Gringo Guide. I’m the gringo — and I sure needed a guide to get me through the experience of living in Mexico.

We talked to them and asked them what they needed, and we listened to what they asked of the waiters, restaurant owners, etc. Later, then Gerardo accompanied me to doctors and we went to travel through Mexico.

We talked to them and asked them what they needed, and we listened to what they asked of the waiters, restaurant owners, etc. Later, then Gerardo accompanied me to doctors and we went to travel through Mexico.

By the time we were finished, so was the book and that I had part of it recorded so that pronunciation would be no problem for anyone to learn. The book was finished and put up on our educational site at …. speedread.org.

Now, everyone I know who visits Mexico, Spanish or anywhere else in Latin America – can speak like a expat that lives in Mexico. It’s that easy.

The electronic pdf will fit on pocket devices to help you communicate on the spot with electronic support. So, when someone says: Que quieres tomar?

So, when someone says: Que quieres tomar? You’ll immediately know the answer — una marguarita, por favor. Or, una coca, limonada, cerveza, or whatever you want!Fulfill all your needs to communicate in Spanish for Spain, Mexico or Latin America?

The book comes with a full guide, by sections to learn, use, and get answers to all your questions. It’s guaranteed to make your vacation — fantastic.

Use the Garmin Handheld GPS 72 Navigator on Land Or Water

The Garmin Handheld GPS 72 navigator is a very flexible gps receiver for outdoor use. It is not only moisture proof but floats in water as well. It is marine friendly with all the marine data preloaded. It likewise has preloaded land data loaded so it truly is a dual use navigator.

Being WAAS enabled allows the Garmin Handheld GPS 72 accuracy within 3 meters anywhere you choose to venture. WAAS is a system developed for the FAA to enable gps accuracy for airplane navigation.

With the Garmin GPS 72 Navigator’s preloaded world wide maps you can view all of a cities navigation aids, such as cities, streets, points of interest, or local terrain. It’s maps also include an area’s marine navigation aids, which include buoys, beacons, and other navigational aids, including tide information, sunrise and sunset times, as well as a calendar.

The Garmin Handheld GPS 72 is a lightweight unit and measures 2.7 inches x 6.2 inches x 1.2 inches and weighs less than 8 ounces with 2 AA batteries installed. Battery life is approximately 16 hours. This is usually plenty for any day outings. The GPS 72 has a generous display size of 1.6 x 2.2 inches. The display pixel size is 120 x 160 pixels and utilizes a level four gray LCD light.

You can program the Garmin GPS 72 with up to 500 points of interest, and 50 routes. You have a track log of 2,048 waypoints, so you can input and pinpoint locations such as stores, your campsite, and even your vehicles parking spot. These points of interest can be saved on up to 10 separate tracks.

As with all Garmin Handheld GPS receivers, accessories are available for the GPS 72. You can choose holsters, straps, or clips to use with the GPS 72 receiver. Antennas, adapters and cables are available for using the GPS in your car if you so desire also.

Each Garmin Handheld GPS 72 comes with a quick start guide and the Marine Point Database of the Americas. Also included with each unit is a wrist strap so you can attach the GPS to your wrist like a watch. The quick start quide explains all the functions of the GPS 72 receiver.

If you want a gps receiver you can depend on while on the water as well as on land then look no further than the Garmin Handheld GPS 72 navigator. It will serve you well on either and provide the data you need when you need it. It is dependable and you can expect a long service life for a modest price. Hunters as well as fisherman will love it as well as other outdoor adventurers.

Picking a Summer Camp: Some Tips from an Insider

Searching the internet for a “summer camp” can yield an overwhelming number of results. Unfortunately the best camp for you may not be anywhere near the top results; your perfect camp might be on page 10. Right at the top of the search results will be camp-directories. Directories appear here as they put the most money into their sites, into their web-ranking. A directory won’t know which camp is best for you.

Somewhere on the pages you will find individual camp-websites you can peruse as well as the aforementioned directories.

As long as you’re aware the directories are a resource and not an authority, they’re the most easily used resource you’ll find. To understand why they’re a resource and not an authority, you should understand how they exist. Directories charge the camps you find on their website for the services they provide. Most have a free listing but these are little one liners with limited information and often in black and white. To be noticed directories charge camps for top placement, for color, for logos, for video, for ads on the side of the page and ones at the top. Quotes to camps run into the thousands of dollars per year for a listing.

Since your time is valuable, here are some benefits of the directories: you can find camps broken down by religion, by activity, by geography, by residency or day camp.

Okay, so now you’re armed with a really good idea of what’s available in the summer camp world and what you’d like to experience. This is a good place to be, a place of empowerment. Now, you need to get in front of that computer and begin looking for the specific features you want: looking for THE summer camp for you.

For example, you’ve decided you want to go whitewater rafting, but you also want to visit a different part of the Country. At this point, you should hop onto a search engine and type in ‘whitewater rafting camp in California (or whatever area you want to visit)’. Look at each of the sites that come up and make contact with those camps. Find out if they offer shuttle service to and from the local airport (this is something our camp offers). By doing so, you might get to have your proverbial cake and eat it too!

You can add or remove questions from this list but these basic questions should aid you greatly in your search for the perfect summer camp:

1. Is a resident-summer-camp (one you stay at overnight for the length of camp) for you? If you haven’t spent much time away from home this can be a scary thought, being away from home. Feeling nervous is normal. It helps to know that no one is a “pro” at being a summer camp resident, everyone else is nervous too. So, if this is something that’s exciting, I encourage you to give it a try, you’ll probably love it! If not, if this is simply something you cannot get into, then you should look for a day camp. Day camps can run multiple days but you’re picked up and dropped off each day.

2. Is a church-focused camp a main factor? If yes, then you must make sure you’re searching with the specific church focus in your query. Even the most devout of campers can enjoy a non-church focused camp. Directors and counselors alike have great respect for people of all backgrounds, so don’t allow this factor to keep you away if the camp is perfect in all other respects.

3. Do you want the camp to be unisex or is CO-Ed acceptable? Either way, camp directors and counselors are aware, day and night. There are pros and cons to either camp scenario.

4. Decide what you want to do on your vacation. If you want an acting/drama-intense-camp, then choosing a camp focusing on water sports is not for you. This said it is important to look at what camps do offer because there are differences even in camps that appear similar. You may be able to do MORE and spend about the same. For example, in our area, the foothills of Northern California, there is a camp on a lake that has many water activities as well as hiking, crafts, ropes, etc. Just down the road is a camp that is based on a river. The camp on the river does everything the lake camp does as well as whitewater rafting, off site excursions to water-parks, pro-basketball games and visits an historic State Park. The costs between the two camps is nearly identical, in fact the river-based camp is even a little less expensive. Make sure you do your shopping. If you are debating between a few camps, email them, ask them questions and then compare their responses.

5. Do not exclude yourself before you make contact with a camp! For example, if you see the word “adventure” in the camp title, do not assume this is only for aggressive outdoor enthusiasts. Email and ask what, if any experience is necessary. Same goes for rafting or skydiving or surfing… well you get the idea. Most camps are geared for nearly everyone in the accepted age range. If they are worth their salt, they will have competent and positive staff to guide you along each adventure.

6. If you find a camp that really interests you but you don’t apply for the camp because you had questions, shame on you. You’ve got to reach out and make contact with these camps. You need to get answers to the things that make you pause. By reaching out you’ll also get an idea for how the camp is run by the way they respond to you. In fact, even if you don’t have questions, it might be good to think of one or two just to get a feel for their staff and what type of people they employ. Hey, it’s your experience, it’s your right to get an impression that makes you feel right.

I love watching the group of campers who arrived strangers, hardly looking at each other, leaving camp in long embraces, tears of happiness and pledges to see each other next year and to keep in touch. The impact your summer can have on you is tremendously positive. Above, you’ll find some pointers to help you get to the perfect camp for you. The prescription requires you to do some of the ground work, if you do, just like the test in school, you’ll ace the decision making process and have the summer of a lifetime! Happy summer camping.

Picking a Minnesota Summer Camp

So you are thinking about a Minnesota Summer Camp for your child. GREAT! Here are the top 10 questions to ask a summer camp director. This list was compiled by the American Camp Association.

What’s the camp’s ideology? Are you comfortable with this ? Is it a good fit for your child? Is competition or cooperation emphasized? What religious observances or practices are part of the program?

How does the Summer Camp get and train its staff? Do counselors have criminal background checks? First aid training? Drug Testing? What’s the training all about?

What about return rates? How many counselors are returning this year? The ACA says at most camps, 50 percent of the staff returns. If the number you’re given is lower, ask why. How many campers return? Fifty percent is good, and more is better. Still looking for that perfect camp Check out this Summer Camps Minnesota

What’s the ratio of counselors to campers? ACA guidelines for overnight camps call for a 1:6 ratio for ages 7 and 8, 1:8 for ages 9-14; and 1:10 for ages 15-18. Day camp guidelines call for 1:8 for children ages 6-8; 1:10 for children ages 9-14; and 1:12 for ages 15-18.

What’s the age of Staff ? Eighty percent of the staff be 18 or older and that all staffers be at least 16 and a minimum of two years older than the campers they supervise.

What medical staff work at the camp and what backup facilities are nearby? The ACA recommends that an overnight camp have a licensed physician or registered nurse on the site every day, and that day camps should have direct phone access. If your child takes medication, has food allergies or a chronic medical condition, be sure you are comfortable that the camp will be able to handle your child’s needs.

How does the camp Punish campers? Know what your summer camp’s rules and regulations. Be sure they match yur parental thoughts. Know what breaches would send a camper home.

What does a camp Day look like? This will help you decide if your child will be happy with the level of physical activity or the amount of time devoted to arts and crafts. Ask how much freedom a child has to choose activities.

How does the camp provide transportation? How often are the van inspected? Who is driving, what’s the training.

Get References and more References, Get the names of parents with children who have attended the camp. They will tell you what makes camp so special and why they want to return.

Still looking for that perfect camp Check out this Summer Camps Minnesota

Teenager Summer Camps

As parents we need to continually challenge our teens with new adventures. Summer opportunities for teen are nearly endless. As with any other summer programs, there are many advantages. One of the greatest for an adventure camp is to visit and explore new places and meet new people.Teen Summer Camp

Before you get down to choosing a program, you need to be sure that your child is ready for this type of program. You need to be realistic about your teens personality and readiness. There are five questions that you should ask yourself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_WLGdbj36U

* Does your teen want to go on this type of trip? If your teen is unsure, you may want to look for another activity. These trips are expensive and demanding. Though your teen may be apprehensive, you want to hear that she is looking forward to the challenge and is interested. You must find a trip that matches your child’s personality and interest.

* Is your teen flexible and willing to move with the punches? If your child takes a long time to adjust to new situations and people, then a teen adventure camp may be difficult and not so enjoyable. Shy type can enjoy a teen tour, it is best to discuss your child’s personality with the tour directors.

* Can your child meet the physical demands of the trip? Here you just need to be realistic. If the trip includes a lot of hiking, biking, mountain climbing or camping, your teen must be willing, eager, and in good enough shape to participate. If your child gets motion sickness easily, consider trips which involve long bus rides carefully.

* Mature and responsibility are a must. Can your teen handle the independence of a teen tour? Are they mature in their decision making? How do they do with peer pressure? Often, these programs give teens more freedom than they have at home. Be sure you know how your child will react to this kind of freedom and independence.

* Is your teen organized? Your teen will need to be be responsible for their stuff. They will ber packing and unpacking their belongings at several locations.

Swift Nature Camp is unique among teen summer camps in that we provide teens a special opportunity to make friends in a relaxed and fun-filled environment, to build self-esteem and independence, and to challenge themselves with new physical and creative activities. We realize teens want to do things for themselves and are bored by a “normal” camp. So we provide an Adventure Camp program with loads of opportunities for you and your cabin to leave camp and go out into the big open wild. Trips may include Appostle Islands, the International Wolf Center or find your way to the Mississippi River from Camp. Youth Summer Camp

Learn more about Adventure Camp Programs at Summer Camp Advice Summer Camp Guide

Summer Camp Questions

So you are thinking of sending your child to summer camp! Here are a few questions you need to ask that may affect your child’s stay at camp. If an area is really important for your child and you can not find the information be sure to call the camp Director and ask for more information.Summer Camp

Facilities Be careful to look at the condition of the facilities. Do the buildings well maintained,? Or do they show signs of neededf maintenance. Rustic buildings are perfectly ok, make sure that they are not being neglected. Specific things you’ll want to look for and ask about include:

Bunks: * Do children live in cabins, tents, or dorms? * How many beds are in each cabin? * Are they bunk beds or individual cots? * How do the campers choose which beds they want? * Where do the campers store their belongings? * Are the cabins to crowded? Is there enough storage space? Has the camp overbooked and crowded extra campers in? * Are the cabins clean? Are beds made by the campers and belongings stowed? * How many counselors sleep in each Cabin?

Bathrooms: *Does each bunk have it’s own toilets or is there a common bathhouse? How far away are the toilets? * Do children have to walk alone at night? Is the path lighted? * Where are the showers? * If the camp is coed, how separate are the shower and toilet facilities? * Who cleans the bathrooms, and how often?

Waterfront or Swimming Pool: *Can pool accommodate all of camps swimmers? * Is the waterfront areas for swimming, boating, water skiing and diving separate and clearly marked? * What waterfront equipment is provided? * What is the supervision and ratio of lifeguards to swimmers? * Are life jackets worn during water activities? * Is swimming areas marked? * How are swimmers counted and watched? Buddy board?

The Grounds: * Are playing fields freshly reseeded and mowed? * Are the trails clearly marked? * Is the equipment in good condition?

Dinning Hall: Believe it or not this one of the most important areas at camp. Nearly 25% of their day is spent in the Dinning Hall. So the Camp needs to understand this and work to make it a clean, exciting and nutritious experience Will the camp meet your dietary needs. Don’t be forget to make sure they can accommodate you Kids Summer Camp * Are there alternatives if your child does not like the offering? Is there a salad bar? * When, how and what Are the snacks? Is there a canteen/camp store? * What does a typical menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner look like?* Is there enough space for the whole camp to be served in one seating? * Do cabins eat together? This is your child’s friends. * Are meals buffet style or are campers served family style? If they are served, who serves the food? * Who is the kitchen director and what are his or their credentials? How long have they been at this camp? * What are the safety and cleanliness standards? Who inspectes the state and local codes?

Remember this article has to do with the comforts of camp and not with safety at camp. The American Camp Association has a certification program that looks at over 300 different aspects of camp. It is always best to select a camp that has been ACA Accredited. ACA CAMPS

You can learn more about selecting a wonderful Teen Summer Camp by visiting Summer Camp Advice Finding a Summer Camp

Tips on Selecting a Hotel

Everyone who travels wants their lodging to be comfortable and clean. Choosing the appropriate accommodations can be difficult. If you have never been to a particular hotel, you do not always know what to expect. The following tips can help you narrow down your choices and hopefully choose the best hotel to meet your needs.

Cleanliness: No one enjoys staying at a filthy hotel. When you enter the lobby, scan the area for dirt, garbage, and tidiness. When you meet the staff, check to see if their uniforms are clean and neat. It is important to check the room where you will be sleeping. Look at the floor and bathroom to see if they are clean. Check to see if the floor has been vacuumed. The bathrooms should have new shampoo and soaps. The towels and facecloths should be clean and placed in an orderly manner. Make sure the toilet is clean. Check to see if the bed has fresh sheets and is properly made. The sheets and blankets should be clean and free of bedbugs. Also, smell the room for any unusual odors. There should not be any dust or garbage.

Staff: When arriving, the hotel staff should be smiling and warmly greet you. Someone should take your bags and lead you to the check-in desk. Do they provide a concierge service? The concierge should be able to answer all of your questions and explain the other amenities the hotel offers. Do they offer information packets on activities and events in the area? This can include entertainment and other dining establishments in the area. A staff member should then take you to your room and explain the contents such as toiletries, mini bar, internet services,etc. They should also explain such services as laundry and room service.

Family Oriented Hotels: Many hotels provide activities for children. If you are traveling with children, you should ask a few questions before booking. Ask the staff about any special kids clubs. Does the hotel have a pool or recreational area for children? Are there staff member that monitor these area?

Smoking: Some ones may be smoke free or have certain smoking floors. If you smoke, ask if they provide smoking rooms. For non-smokers, make sure you get a room that is non-smoking. When examining the room, smell the room to see if it smells like smoke. Look fro ashtrays or reins such ashes or cigarette butts.

Business Accommodations: Make sure the hotel has enough rooms to accommodate everyone attending. If you require a convention room, make sure you ask before booking. You can also ask the following questions: How many occupants per room? Are there discounts for business events? Is there a business discount on meals or catering? Are there events in the area that the business guests could attend?

When choosing a hotel, there are many issues that you should consider. Check websites for discounts and packages that may not be offered over the phone. You should also be aware of the cancellation and refund policies in case you decide to go to airport hotel. If you have friends or family who stayed at a particular hotel, ask for their opinions. There are also online sites that post hotel reviews written by former guests. However, you should be aware that there are unsatisfied customers who exaggerate or are difficult to please. Most importantly, make sure you have all your questions answered before making a reservation. By doing your research and asking the right questions, you will be able to relax and enjoy your stay at a quality hotel that meets all of your expectations.

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