Guide to United States of America

SOHO cast iron historic district NY

2009-09-26T09:29:00.007+08:00

If not for someone drawing my attention to The Soho Experience: What Is There to Do?, I would never have know about the existence of the SOHO cast iron historic district in New York.

Cast iron? A district full of factories producing cast iron products or workshops turning out cast iron sculptures? No, neither. It is a roughly rectangular district in New York comprising 26 blocks and about 500 buildings bounded by West Houston on the north, Crosby Street on the east, Canal Street on the south and West Broadway on the west. The name SoHo is an abbreviation of South of Houston.

Location map of SOHO

View Larger Map

The reason why it is called the Cast Iron District many buildings incorporated cast iron architectural elements into its buildings. Here is a photo from Wikipedia:

Source: Wikipedia: SoHo Cast Iron Historic District

Here is a photo of the cast iron roving bridge at Rotton Park Junction (fabricated by Thomas Asbury & Co, Smethwick):

Photo of cast iron roving bridge courtesy of Ted and Jen

And a photo of a cast iron stairs in SOHO

Photo of cast iron stairs courtesy of Julia Manzerova

Here are more photos from Flickr using the Creative Commons copyright license:

Photo of "The Queen of Greene Street" courtesy of Michael

Photo of E.V. Haughwout Building courtesy of Michael

Photo of SOHO cast iron buildings courtesy of John Weiss

Alaska Denali National Park

2009-06-24T09:32:00.005+08:00

Alaska is the northernmost and largest (by area) state of the United States of America. It is separated from mainland US by Canada. It is also the least densely populated state of the United States of America with half of its 700,000 residents concentrated within the Anchorage metropolitan area, Alaska largest city. Because of its isolation and harsh weather, Alaska is about the most pristine state of USA. If you want to experience nature at its best, visit Alaska.

Photo of Denali courtesy of Nic McPhee

The highest point of Alaska and of Northern America is Mount McKinley, better known as just Denali which means "the great one" in the Athabaskan language. Denali (Mount McKinley) is located within the famous six million acres Denali Park. The nature you can enjoy in the Denali National Park includes deciduous tiaga (cold conifer forests) at the lower elevations, tundra at the middle elevations, and glaciers and snow at the higher elevations. Activities you can enjoy includes wildlife viewing, backpacking and mountain climbing. During winter, you can go dog-sledding, skiing and in certain designated area, snowmobiling.

If you intend to travel Alaskayou may be interested to know that Alaska Travel (Alaska Denali Tours), says that they have their own lodges and tour buses plus have operates their own motorcoach between Alsaka's largest city Anchorage and Denali National Park.

USA and New Zealand

2009-06-18T16:30:00.004+08:00

The distance from the United States of America to New Zealand is only about 7,000 miles or 12,000 kilometers. The flight time from the west coast of the United States of America is about 12 hours. One New Zealand Dollar (NZD) is at the current rate of exchange is only USD 0.63 and if we use the BigMac Index to compare prices of things in New Zealand and USA, the price of Big Mac in US is USD$3.57 while a Big Mac in New Zealand is only USD$3.09.

New Zealand is an insular country isolated from the rest of the world for centuries by wide and deep oceans and so have developed many amazing and unique culture and living things found nowhere in the world. Among them are moa, kiwi, tuatara and giant snails, earthworms and weta. The kauri tree, the largest tree in the world by volume, is endemic to New Zealand and found nowhere else in the world.

American should try to make a trip to visit New Zealand at least once in a lifetime to observed these amazing and unique flora and fauna in New Zealand. If you fly there, your likely landing place will probably be Auckland or Christchurch. With the horrid economies we have now, for accommodation, it is probably better to stay in cheap hotels in Auckland or cheap Christchurch hotels.

Camping in Pennsylvania

2009-06-06T13:05:00.005+08:00

Pennsylvania is a state located in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. Pennsylvania has 2 monikers - Keystone State and Quaker State. It is called Keystone state because of its central location among the original Thirteen Colonies forming the United States. The moniker Quaker State is in recognition of Quaker William Penn's First Frame of Government constitution for Pennsylvania that guaranteed liberty of conscience.

Gettysburg is a borough (a borough is a form of a local government, a subdivision of a county) in the county seat of Adams County, Pennsylvania, United States with a population of 7,490 as per the 2000 census. Its main attraction is its proximity to the famous Gettysburg Battlefield fought in 1863. If you are a history buff, Gettysburg is an ideal place to visit.

A great way to enjoy Pennsylvania is is to go pa rv camping, especially Gettysburg camping. If you have a recreational vehicle, then go rv camping gettysburg.

North Carolina RV parks

2009-06-06T11:22:00.003+08:00

Location map of North Carolina courtesy of Wikipedia

North Carolina is a state located on the east coast of United States along the Atlantic Ocean seashore with most of the state falling in the humid subtropical zone. This state is the sixth most visited state of United States with nice amusement parks, golf courses, wineries, beautiful beaches. Popular too are meetings and conventions as well as sports venues.

A good way enjoy North Carolina is tour with recreational vehicle and camp at one of the numerous NC rv parks and enjoy nature as only North Carolina can offer. Even if you don't have a recreational vehicle you can still stay at a rv park NC as there are nice cabins which are ideal for family to stay in.

RV park North Carolina may, by its name, be meant for recreational vehicles, but including staying in cabins, one may bring tents and camp there.

Last minute traveling

2009-06-02T19:00:00.002+08:00

It is said that doing thing at the last minute is human nature, especially if it involves something unpleasant. . Take filing income tax return for example. Tell me how many people enjoy filling in the annual income tax return form. Those filing their income tax return forms earlier are a rare minority. Pay a visit to the Inland Revenue Department on the last day for submitting the income tax return form and you will be greeted by a huge crowd all scrambling to submit their income tax return form in time to avoid getting fined for being late.

Traveling is another matter. One may travel for business or leisure. Most people plan their travels well in advanced of the day of departure. There are some who do not like to plan but may travel on impulse at the last minute. Businessmen may be suddenly faced with some critical situations which necessitate travel at the last minute. Traveling at the last minute can be really stressful.

However we are lucky that there are websites which can assist with booking last minute flights and last minute accommodation.

Now if you ask me which airline is the best in the world, I will tell you that it is the Singapore Airlines. Perhaps I am a bit biased as the CEO of Singapore Airlines was DR. CK Cheong (Dr. Cheong Choong Kong, now retired) was my Statistics lecturer. Dr. CK Cheong led Singapore Airlines (SIA) to become one of the best in the world. No, I don't think I am biased. SIA have received many international awards.

Washington State Auto Insurance Requirement

2009-03-04T10:25:00.002+08:00

The United States of America is a federation of fifty states and a federal district. ach state or district have its own laws or requirements as regard motor insurance. A driver in Washington must have either insurance liability policy, a certificate of deposit, or a liability bond to the required limits. For auto insurance in Washington, one must have minimum liability insurance as follows:

$25,000 for injury to another person
$50,000 for injuries to all other persons
$10,000 for damage to another’s property

A driver in Washington you must carry a proof of auto insurance at all times. Thus to drive in Washington, you must carry an identification card from a motor insurance company which must bear the name of the insurance company, a policy number, effective and expiry date of the insurance policy, description of the insured vehicle and name of the insured driver. Any driver when asked by a law enforcement officer for proof of auto insurance but failed to show proof of insurance will be considered to have committed a traffic violation and liable to a fine of $450 in addition to whatever fines imposed by the courts. This traffic violation may also be added to your driving record.

The above requirements also apply to non-resident visitors to Washington state.

Denver Church in Movie Theater

2008-12-16T07:21:00.004+08:00

Movie theaters faces great competition from videos and broadband movies you can watch in the comfort of your home. In Malaysia, a number of movie theaters had been converted into full time churches, that is, no movie except perhaps church related movies, are shown in the converted theater.

Here is a creative use of relatively idle movie theaters - New City Church Denver. The New City Church meets every Sunday in a Movie Theater at 3635 South Monaco Parkway, Denver, CO 80237. On weekdays, the theater shows movies just like any other normal theaters. This is a cost effective and efficient utilization of space and New City Church should be congratulated for it.

The hub of the Church I had been told is centered upon city groups which meet separately in homes, but which are brought together for corporate worship on Sunday. The New City Church seems quite innovative. They even have provisions for sermons by podcasting which means you can listen to the sermons 24 hours a day 7 days in a week. The site looks relatively new though as these digital sermons are "sermons MP3's coming soon".

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

2008-12-11T08:06:00.008+08:00

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Hilton Head Island is an island located in Beaufort County, South Carolina and boast of a pristine beachfront of 19 kilometers. It is a very popular tourist destination with Wikipedia estimating 2.25 million visitors pumped more than $1.5 billion into the local economy in 2004.

Activities on Hilton Head Island

Visitors can enjoy various activities on Hilton Head Island including sunbathing:

Cycling through green fresh forest:

horseback riding:

or perhaps go yatching:

Shopping in Hilton Head

The main town on Hilton Head Island is Hilton Head but scattered around are quaint old towns like Old Town Bluffton. Here you can enjoy shopping in quaint shops like the one shown in the photo below:

Attributions: Photos of Hilton Head Island are courtesy of www.hiltonhead.tv

Barack Hussein Obama helped stranger in need

2008-11-15T17:50:00.006+08:00

Barack Hussein Obama deserved to be elected President of the United States of America. Obama helped a total stranger 20 years ago. And this was during a time Obama was just holding a low salary job and when USD100 was still a lot of money. Here is the story which I obtained from a email forward:

It was 1988, and Mary Andersen was in line at the Miami airport checking in for a long flight to Norway to be with her husband. When it was finally Mary's turn, she got the message that would crush her bubbling feeling of happiness.

"You'll have to pay a 103 dollar surcharge if you want to bring both those suitcases to Norway," the man behind the counter said.

Mary had no money. Her new husband had travelled ahead of her to Norway, and she had no one else to call.

"I was completely desperate and tried to think which of my things I could manage without. But I had already made such a careful selection of my most prized possessions," says Mary.

As tears streamed down her face, she heard a 'gentle and friendly voice' behind her saying, "That's okay, I'll pay for her."

Mary turned around to see a tall man whom she had never seen before. He had a gentle and kind voice that was still firm and decisive. "The first thing I thought was, Who is this man?"

Although this happened 20 years ago, Mary still remembers the authority that radiated from the man. He was nicely dressed, with brown leather shoes, a cotton shirt open at the throat and khaki pants, says Mary.

She was thrilled to be able to bring both her suitcases to Norway and assured the stranger that he would get his money back. The man wrote his name and address on a piece of paper that he gave to Mary. She thanked him repeatedly. When she finally walked off towards the security checkpoint, he waved goodbye to her.

Who was the man?

Barack Obama.

Twenty years later, she is thrilled that the friendly stranger at the airport may be the next President and has voted for him already and donated 100 dollars to his campaign:

"He was my knight in shining armor," says Mary, smiling.

She paid the 103 dollars back to Obama the day after she arrived in Norway. At that time he had just finished his job as a poorly paid community worker in Chicago, and had started his law studies at prestigious Harvard university.

Mary even convinced her parents to vote for him: In the spring of 2006 Mary's parents had heard that Obama was considering a run for president, but that he had still not decided. They chose to write a letter in which they told him that he would receive their votes. At the same time, they thanked Obama for helping their daughter 18 years earlier.

And Obama replied. In a letter to Mary's parents dated May 4th 2006 and stamped "United States Senate, Washington DC' Barack Obama writes:

'I want to thank you for the lovely things you wrote about me and for reminding me of what happened at Miami airport. I'm happy I could help back then, and I'm delighted to hear that your daughter is happy in Norway. Please send her my best wishes. Sincerely, Barack Obama, United States Senator'.

The parents sent the letter on to Mary.

Mary says that when her friends and associates talk about the election, especially when race relations is the heated subject, she relates the story of the kind man who helped out a stranger-in-need over twenty years ago, years before he had even thought about running for high office.

UPDATE: Also, remember this was 1988, when 100 dollars was quite a bit of money, compared to today's value.

Truly a wonderful story, and something that needs to be passed along in the maelstorm of fear-and-smear politics we are being subjected to right now.

This is the stranger that Barack Hussein Obama helped

Garage Sales Galore in USA

2008-10-25T18:00:00.004+08:00

Photo of garage sale belong to John Beagle

It is garage sales galore in the United States of America now. With many hit by falling house prices, falling wages or worst, joblessness and a need to feed the family or to service the monthly installments, many Americans are turning to garage sales to raise some cash.

Three-year-old Marita is a victim of the economic malaise. She had to watched as her family sold possessions, including her tricycle, at a recent garage sale in Manteca, California. The tricycle was sold even while she was riding on it. Beatriz, her mother, had lost her job as a floral designer two months ago. The family were forced to celebrate Marita’s third birthday without presents last week. There was only a small cake with Cinderella on the vanilla frosting to mark her birthday. The family have more pressing problems to worry about. They are forced to move from their present residence. They will be moving into a rental apartment next month.

Marita and Beatriz are not the only one suffering and forced to resort to garage sales to raise cash. A sign on Klondike Way: “Tools, various household items, & much more!” And at Virginia Street: “Moving Sale! Fridge, washer & dryer, men’s clothing, bike, BBQ, dinette, dresser, fans, microwaves, recliner, DVD player. Everything must go!”

Constantino Gonzalez lost his construction job and was forced to economize by disconnecting the Internet and long-distance telephone service and cut down use of the family truck and jeep. Gonzalez is now picking up his children on his bicycle. Gonzalez now carry his 6 year old son Daniel on the handlebar of the bicycle with the jolts cushioned by a terry-cloth towel. They also very reluctantly sold their children’s favorite toy, an inflatable bounce house for US$650, with pump.

On Chenin Blanc Drive, Robert Dadey, a car salesman, was holding his 20th garage sale. He is forced to sell the Oakland Raiders memorabilia, teddy bears and US$40 brown ultrasuede recliner in his midst on the lawn because of the bad times.

Manteca, population 67,700 with a 32.7 percent Hispanic, and other towns in the northern San Joaquin Valley were thriving growth centers, with stucco subdivisions carved out of almond orchards. Now with the sub-prime and credit squeeze crisis, 1,500 to 2,000 homes in Manteca are in various stages of foreclosure. House prices have fallen drastically. Farnsworth's house was previously valued at US$375,000 three years ago. It is now only worth US$200,000 today.

Source: Garage sales on the rise with economic downturn

Health Insurance

2008-10-12T10:45:00.004+08:00

Insurance 101

Human have to face all kind of misfortunes or perils. For example, a breadwinner may fall sick and become unable to earn an income or even lose his life. Dependents will be faced with both emotional and financial loss. While emotional loses cannot be compensated, financial loss can be compensated if the breadwinner had bought health insurance (medical insurance) or life insurance. Insurance, as I see it, is almost as essential as the other must have - oxygen, water, food, shelter and clothings. Among a large pool of people, there will be a majority who are fortunate and not suffer any losses, but a small minority who suffered losses are compensated from the pool of money contributed to all who subscribed to insurance. Insurance is thus shared or pooled risks.

Types of insurance

Insurance can be divided into 2 main class - life insurance and general insurance.

Life Insurance

Life insurance is an insurance coverage that pays out a certain amount of money to the insured or their specified beneficiaries upon a certain event:

Premature death
Provide for Income during retirement
Illness

The main classes of life insurance are:

Whole life
Endowment
Term
Investment-linked
Life annuity plan
Medical and health

General Insurance

General insurance can be described simply as those classes of insurance that do not fall into the class of life insurance. General insurance protects you against losses and damages not covered by life insurance such as property losses, accidental death and injuries and liability to third parties caused by negligence, etc.

The main classes of general insurance are:

Motor insurance
Fire/ Houseowners/ Householders insurance
Personal accident insurance
Medical and health insurance
Travel insurance

Health Insurance in North and South Carolina

Insurance do not come free. Those who wants to be protected by insurance against losses have to pay a certain sum of money to the insurance company that provides the insurance protection. These sum of money is referred to as insurance premium.

If you are located in North Carolina, you can find out more about insurance and get a quotation for North Carolina health insurance. For those resident in South Carolina, you can get more information and a quotation from South Carolina Health Insurance.

Floods in Iowa - crops damaged and evacuation mandatory

2008-06-15T13:16:00.002+08:00

Iowa, the main corn producing state of United States of America, is flooded. The crops had been damaged severely and thousands of people were forced to evacuate to safer grounds. Mandatory evacuation orders had been issued for residents of Cedar Rapids, Des Moines and other unnamed Iowa cities. The floods were caused by storms.

Other states including South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Illinois and Indiana were also affected by floods. Authorities are predicting record water levels there in the coming days. Are these disasters caused by the environmental problem of the century - global warming? If so, President George Bush has much to answer for it for not cooperating with the rest of the world in fighting this looming environmental disaster.

Floods Iowa danaged crops evacuation

2008-06-15T13:04:00.001+08:00

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Wedding Photographers in Pennsylvania

2008-05-15T06:21:00.003+08:00

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is, of course, a component state of the United States of America, often simply referred to as Pa. Another name bandied around for Pennsylvanian is Quaker State as the Quaker help precedence in Pennsylvania when William Penn's Government help drafted the First Frame of Government constitution for Pennsylvania where the liberty of conscience is guaranteed. Its largest city is Philadelphia.

Weddings in Pennsylvania

Weddings in Pennsylvania are conducted pretty much the same way as elsewhere in the United States of America. They send wedding invitations, they have bridal showers, they hold wedding receptions and also not forgetting the irreplaceable wedding photography, done professionally, of course by Pennsylvania wedding photographer.

Frequently, these wedding photographers in Pennsylvania will also probably throw in a presentation with slides of wedding photos during the wedding reception. At the end of the wedding reception, there will be the usual wedding favors.

Green (environmentally friendly) sport club - Boston Red Sox

2008-04-20T03:52:00.003+08:00

Green (environmentally friendly) sport club, Boston Red Sox

Here is one sport club that will have a tough time deciding whether to wear red or green jerseys. Name of the sport club is Boston Red Sox, but they are one of the few sport clubs who are adopting environmentally friendly practices, so should they wear green jerseys instead?

A previous Google Blogger blogger and a reader of my Blogger related blogs who (sigh!!!) have moved to Wordpress alerted me about Red Sox because she is both a gourmet enthusiast as well as a great supporter of sustainable seafood choices. It seems Boston Red Sox is managed by ARAMARK which is in turn a partner of Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch program whose team owners and members are conscious of their role in encouraging good environmental awareness and good environmental stewardship. She would like to spread the message around.

Her message resonates with this blogger's aspiration for he (nickname Enviroman) too have a few environmental blogs, among which is Enviroman Says, and environmental blog and Enviroman intend to do exactly that, help spread the message around.

Well, here is the link to Can Fenway Park Get Any Greener?.

I will probably publish another post about sport clubs going environmentally friendly at Enviroman Says, and environmental blog when I find the time.

Las Vegas, Nevada, Entertainment Capital of the World

2008-02-28T05:24:00.004+08:00

I flew to United States of America (Los Angeles) on a sponsored ticket (free), but internal transport I had to pay my own. That only mean one choice, Greyhound buses, and season ticket. With that, I traveled around California, Arizona and Nevada. For Nevada, one cannot but visit Las Vegas.

Las Vegas is not nicknamed the "Entertainment Capital of the World". There you can find posh casinos and Vegas Hotels, entertainment shows often featuring famous celebrities and often free to lure the gamblers, free flowing alcoholic beverages, bright blinking neon lights. If you count instant weddings with the most liberal wedding requirements in the world, include that as entertainment as well.

If you have deep pockets or willing to splurge on a luxurious Las Vegas Hotel, expect to be pampered like a VIP for hotels in Las Vegas go to extra length to make their guests comfortable, feel important and enjoy their stay. Now if only I can make my latest venture lucrative enough to splurge a return trip to Las Vegas.

Baltimore: Carb Cake Capital of the World

2008-01-04T13:15:00.000+08:00

Baltimore is the largest city in the state of Maryland, part of the Chesapeake Bay region of the United States.of America It is a major seaport. Baltimore is famous for its crab cakes, claimed to be the best in the world. You can have steamed crabs and broiled crab cakes. Only question visitors ask is, where can I get the best Baltimore crab cake? That is a pretty tough question to answer, as it will depend on who you ask.

Here are some suggestions: ask for jumbo-lump blue crab meat which the Baltimore residents claimed is the best crab meat. It is the best and biggest part of the crab meat and very tasty. A restaurant in Baltimore serves the Chesapeake Crab Cake Platter.

Baltimore is also the birthplace of the Old Bay Seasoning, a blend of herbs and spices. Old Bay Seasoning was invented by German immigrant Gustav Brunn in the 1940s and it has been very popular till today, not only for crab cakes, but also to season shrimps and as a topping on fried chicken, popcorn, corn on the cob, salads, eggs, french fries and potato chips. Its ingredients include bay leaf, cinnamon, celery salt, mustard seed, black and red pepper, and ginger.

Gustav Brunn formed a company called Old Bay Company to producing crab seasonings which are packed in the unique yellow can container. Around 1990, Old Bay Company was bought over by McCormick and Company which continued the tradition of packing the around 1990. McCormick continues to pack the Old Bay Season in the classic yellow can. It is distributed world wide by McCormick and Company.

San Diego and South Mission Beach

2007-10-21T17:29:00.000+08:00

I visited San Diego, California, sometime back in the 80's. San Diego is located by the coast of the Pacific Ocean in Southern California, the second largest city in California and the eighth largest city in the United States. It is a pleasant city with access to some beautiful beaches, the largest of which is Mission Beach. It has a pleasant, mild and sunny weather throughout the year with average monthly temperatures of about 14°C in January to 22°C in July.

San Diego is very near the Mexican border with the United States sharing a border with Mexico at Tijuana, just approximately 16 miles or 25 kilometers south of San Diego. Americans and tourists go to Tijuana to buy prescription drugs, fake brand-name clothing and accessories plus for entertainment. There are many night clubs at Tijuana. I went there, but didn't buy anything.

The residents of neighbouring states of Arizona and Nevada flock to San Diego in the Summer when temperatures reaches into the 100s. They would seek San Diego Beach Rentals for their sojourn there. Mission Beach Rentals are popular with the beach lovers. Mission Beach is a stretch of sandbar along the Pacific Ocean east of San Diego. There are many well-known bars in Mission Beach which are relaxed, beach-style gathering places for residents as well as visitors. The more popular one are The Sandbar Sports Grill, The Beachcomber and The Pennant.

If you are going to San Diego with a large of extended family, a great option would be Togethering, vacations with extended families. You can get accommodation for groups of approximately 12 to 27 people. You can then spend a relaxing time with the uncles and aunties or nephews and nieces, etc.

Wedding Photographers Directory by States

2007-10-04T14:19:00.000+08:00

I am old enough to have memories of weddings of long ago. The family will just get a relative or friend who has a camera and some skills to help. Today's generation is different. They have different expectations for their (hopefully) once a lifetime event. They want something more professional. I know because I have married off 2 daughters, and both of them engaged professional photographers. I have to admit that they did a much better job at what used to pass off as wedding photographs. Not only did they produced beautiful photographs to keep memories alive, the professional photographers even produced impressive slide shows for the wedding receptions. Reluctant to admit it, but it was much better than the weddings of the past. Was nice to see myself on the screen at the wedding reception too, as the brides' father.

But how do you go about getting a professional photographer for your wedding? Some get them by word of mouth. With the ubiquitous Internet, you can now search for the perfect wedding photographer for your wedding. One way is to go to find wedding photographers. There you will find all the states of the United States of America listed. If you are looking for wedding photographers in California, go to California wedding photographers. Happened to be in Texas? There is Texas wedding photographers.

If you happen to be a professional photographer, there is a provision for you to list on that site. Unfortunately, when you click "Add listing", at the time of publishing, I got a message "Details soon....". Perhaps by the time you read this post, they will have the details up. Clicking on "Contact" produced the same "Details soon...." message. I am no professional photographer, so you may ask why I am so interested. The reason is I have a friend who is a professional photographer who do wedding photographs, and she is a member of WPPI (Wedding and Portrait Photographers International). See Mana Photo Graphics for your wedding photos, I would like to let her know about this site. Perhaps I will try again later.

Waterfalls location map for United States of America

2007-09-10T18:32:00.000+08:00

Waterfalls are great places to visit. They give a sense of peace and serenity. The sound of falling water can be considered white noise which promotes relaxation. It will lull your babies to sleep. Negative ions are also aplenty at waterfall. As the falling water breaks up into small droplets, electrons are knocked loose from the water atoms and combine with oxygen atoms in the air to create negative air ions. Many believe negative ions promotes good health, mood, and energy and also affecting serotonin levels in the brain. Negative ions also bond with impurities in the air and remove them. Air around waterfalls are thus purer.

There are lots of waterfalls around the United States of America. And if you believe visiting waterfalls is good for you, here is help - Waterfalls By Location. With that aid, you can easily locate waterfalls plus nearby lodging options. For example, if you want to look for waterfalls plus nearby lodging options in California, click on "California" at the side of that location map and you get to California Waterfalls and Hotels By Location. Click on one of those numerous pins, and you will see a tool tip like for example "Huntington Falls", and below that is a link "Search hotels nearest to this waterfall. Click on that and you will be taken to a list of Hotels near Huntington Falls.

What a tool if you are a waterfall lover!!!!!

Siesta Key, Florida

2007-09-07T20:59:00.000+08:00

While there is the word "Key" in it, Siesta Key actually is not located in Florida Keys, but is a barrier island off of the central western coast of Florida between Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, just below Tampa, coordinates 27°16′31″N, 82°33′9″W. Portion of it lies within the city boundary of Sarasota. Siesta Key is best known for its beaches, especially Siesta Beach. There are a few beaches in Siesta Key, all comprising 99% pure white quartz sand with a texture like refined sugar. Visitors says the sand never feels hot. Beaches include Crescent Beach, Siesta Beach and Turtle beach, but the most well known is Siesta Beach. The beach has won for itself numerous awards including being named the “Best Overall” in the "1987 International Sand Contest", the “Best Sand Beach in America 2004” by the Travel Channel, rated one of the best for walking by National Geographic Traveler, ranked third in the Top 10 US beaches in a poll by USA Today.com reader poll ranked and voted Number 3 in its list of Top 10 U.S. beaches Best Beach 2000 by Florida Living Magazine.

Other beaches in Siesta Keys include Crescent Beach and Turtle beach, but they are not as well know or popular as Siesta Beach. Further, there are lifeguards on Siesta Beach all year round, but Turtle Beach has no lifeguard. However, parking is often full in Siesta beach, but you can be sure of find a parking space at Turtle Beach. The sand is also more coarse in Turtle Beach with more shells which may attract beach combers and shell collectors. You may also find petrified sharks' teeth to take home and treasure, especially after a storm. Crescent Beach is harder to access and is more quite and secluded.

Crystal lovers has called beaches on Siesta Key as crystal beaches because the beaches
consists of quartz crystals. These crystal lovers believe that quartz crystals have physical, mental or emotional healing properties. However, these claims are not backed by any scientific studies, so you will have to take it with a pinch of salt.

You can find numerous wild life in Siesta Key with its lush tropical forest and sparkling ocean which is inhabited by wild rabbits, herons, wild parrots and other native birds, gulls, terns, plovers, pelicans, egrets, herons, ibis, spoonbills, storks, cranes, manatees, dolphins and a large varieties of fish species in the Gulf, bays, lakes, rivers and streams.

Getting accommodation for your vacation in Siesta Key is no problem as there are many types of accommodations there, including hotels, motels, apartments, condominiums, beach resorts, houses, cottages and suites.

Florida for Nature and Beach Lovers

2007-09-03T14:25:00.000+08:00

The United States of America is a huge federation of 50 states covering an area of 3.7 million square miles which put it as the third largest country in the world in terms of land area. Its climate ranges from severe cold polar in Alaska to warm tropical in South Florida and Hawaii. It is not uncommon for residents in the cold north to escape to the warmer weather in the south in winter. It is also not uncommon for retired residents in the north to move south to spend their retirement years in warmer weather. Many also journey to the south for their vacation

A prime candidate for such move is peaceful Kissimmee, Florida. Kissimmee is a peaceful town boasting of a few resorts, museums and art galleries. Nature lovers will love Kissimmee for there are some a wide expense of wetlands. Those who are interested in conservation of the environment may be interested in how Kissimmee restored the Kissimmee River. For the majority, probably the reason they go to Kissimmee is because it is very near to Orlando, the world capital of theme parks. The world famous Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Studios, etc., are located in Orlando. Orlando is an easy drive from Kissimmee. There are hotels here that provides shuttle bus services to the resorts in Orlando. Plus you probably can get cheaper accommodation here than in Orlando. For accommodations, try Kissimmee vacation rentals.

Beach lovers can check out Panama City Beach with its 27 miles of beautiful white sandy beach. They call it sugar sand. The sand is white because quartz crystals were washed down from the Appalachian Mountains centuries ago. The ocean water crystal clear and great for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving. You may also be interested in skiing, parasailing, diving or fishing. College students and other youngsters will love the annual Panama City Spring Break with its concerts, contests, giveaways and beach parties.

You will love Panama City Beach if you are a golf enthusiast because there are plenty of golf courses.

Panama City Beach lay claim to the title of "Seafood Capital of the World" and you can actually find a wide array of seafood restaurants in Panama City Beach where you can enjoy fresh seafood newly harvested from the ocean.

Other attractions in Panama City Beach includes theme parks. Shipwreck Island is the largest water park around. From Panama City Beach, you can also join cruises of every kind, enjoy the beautiful scenery visit the Zoo World Zoological and Botanical Park which features a wide variety of animals, including rare and endangered species.

There is also St. Andrews State Park adjacent to Panama City Beach. St. Andrews has more than 1,000 acres of spotless sugar white sand, dunes, and emerald waters. You can snorkel, swim and do other things you normally do on a beach. You may be lucky and catch a glimpse of some wildlife like foxes, deer, coyotes, and other animals. There are two fishing piers and jetties which provide excellent vantage points year-round for casting your lines if you are interested in fishing. You may get spanish mackerel, red fish, flounder, sea trout, bonito, cobia and bluefish.

Remember to book your accommodation at Panama City beach vacation homes.

Another interesting place to visit for family vacation, nature and beach lovers in the Florida Panhandle is Fort Myers Beach. You can escape the crowd here. Watching loggerhead turtles laying eggs at the Lovers Key State Park during the nesting season (Spring and Summer). Bottlenose dolphins, West Indian manatees, marsh rabbits, roseate spoonbills, and bald eagles also make their home here.

Matanzas Pass Preserve is a wetland eco-systems containing one of the last maritime oak hammocks in the area. There is 1.25 miles of trails that wind through the canopies of mangroves and the oak hammock for your hiking pleasure while you enjoy a nice view of the Estero Bay. You will probably spot plenty of wildlife ranging from dolphins, manatees, herons, egrets, pelicans and snowbirds, and also the native plants.

An unique place to visit is the Mound Key, constructed with shells left by the Caloosa Indians over 1,000 years ago. However, it is accessible by boat only.

Or visit the Thomas Edison and Henry Ford winter homes for a glimpse into the life of these 2 great personalities. Or take a stroll on the Fort Myers Beach Pier, which reaches about 600 feet into the gulf. Cast a line here and get a catch you can take a photograph with to boast about at home.

For accommodation, chose and book yours online via Fort Myers Beach vacation rentals.

Accommodation for students of University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

2007-08-28T17:01:00.000+08:00

One of the 16 public state in the state of North Carolina is the Universities of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill which specializing in medicine and law. If you happen to have children taking their tertiary studies at UNC Chapel Hill, you will be worried about getting affordable and safe accommodation for your children. If so, it looks like you are in luck because there seem to be a charitable person or group of persons who have set up a website to help in this respect. I am referring to UNC Chapel Hill student apartments or UNCLiving, and it says "For the students, by the students" on that site. I don't see any advertisements which means some kindly soul or souls are financing the site. On my part, I wouldn't mind seeing a couple of ads, as it is only fair to try to recover some of your cost, if only to try to cover for hosting fees, etc, but no, not a single ad on their site other than the free classified ads.

OK, I found some information on how the above site came about. UNCLiving.com was founded by Sir Joe and Sir Billy (not even their full name is revealed, shows how humble they are) sometime late in the fall of 2006 (obtained from About Us). After creating NCSULiving and getting such good feedback, the two could not help themselves to continue to expand. The basic idea is that students need a way to search for living accomodations without driving from place to place or being at the mercy of a property manager. To that I would say a big AYE because I have an environmental site Enviroman Says and I know very well the wastage in time, precious fossil fuel, and increment to the green house gasses that driving from place to place to hunt for accommodation will involve.

And at their Site Map, I saw a link The Warehouse (this don't seem to be a part of UNCLiving site, and the term Warehouse don't convey an idea of condusive living) where for a total cost per month is just $595.00, you get water, electricity, T-1 internet access, cable TV, fire safety features, locked main entrance with intercom and remote lock, key card access, guard on duty every night, fitness center, large capacity, stackable, GE washer and dryer in every apartment, located just three blocks west of the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill so it is not necessary to drive or even take the bus (another plus for the environmentally and fitness concious) and is located in the heart of downtown Chapel Hill within easy walk to more than fifty restaurants.

Some of the sites listed in their Site Map even have the blueprints (plans) of their apartments published. An example is Autumn Woods Blueprints so you will know exactly what you will be getting.

Looks like a really interesting and environmentally friendly site to me, something I myself will like to create if I have the ability.

Help for US immigration law related problems

2007-07-09T20:03:00.000+08:00

United States of America is a country of immigrants and descendants of immigrants. Unfortunately this does not necessarily mean that immigration to the United States is a straight forward process or immigrants would not have difficulties to comply with the complicated immigration laws. You may have to deal with temporary (non-immigrant) visas, permanent (immigrant) visas, maintenance of lawful permanent residence, complying with registration requirements for aliens in the United States, citizenship and naturalization, etc.

There is now a "Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001" or more easily referred to as the USA PATRIOT Act after 9/11. There is also the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (IIRIRA) and possible deportation related to these 2 Acts or others mentioned above.

When dealing with such complicated matters, it is best to employ professional and experienced help, particularly lawyers who deal exclusively with immigration laws. The Root Law Group is an exclusive Immigration Law Practice should be able to provide such help. According to them they serve the immigrant community and represent individuals, small businesses, and large multi-national corporations in all aspects related to U.S. immigration law. They say they have great success in all employment-based and family-based petitions and if one reads their Clients' Testimonials which also include clients' rating them, you would tend to agree.

They also claim that they are different from many other firms by providing personalized attention to solving their clients' problems and make efforts to provide each client with successful results by considering all appropriate and creative options.

They can be contacted by email or phone, including toll free calls and have offices spread around California. You can view their offices, addresses and telephones by going to Root Law Group's list of offices and contacts. You can also call them toll-free at (888) Root-Law (888) 766-8529 for a free initial consultation.

Maui Island, Hawaii

2007-06-16T06:41:00.000+08:00

Hawaii is the 50th state of the United States of America and is one of two states which do not have a common boundary with Continental United States of America. The other state is Alaska. However, there is a world of difference between Hawaii and Alaska. Alaska has a long cold winter and a short, cool summer. Hawaii is warm all year round and is ideal for tourism. In fact, people from Continental United States of America plus people from other parts of the world find it a conducive and pleasant place to spen their vacations. Some even retire there.

Hawaii consists of 6 main islands (some says eight) in the Pacific ocean, of which Maui is the second largest. Maui was formed from the eruption of 2 adjacent volcanoes, with an isthmus connecting them. It is popular with people from mainland America. Makena, a small residential area is closely related to Wailea which is just a few miles north of Makena. Often, the two are lumped together. You can get more information about Makena from Information for Makena, Maui, Hawaii. The Makena beach, which some call the Big Beach has been touted as one of the best beachs on Maui Island and is a good place to spend your vacation by the seaside.

Hawaiian Beach Rental is a site that offers convenient choices of vacation rentals, condominiums and hotels which you can book online. Among the choices they offer are Wailea Makena Condos. However, if condominiums are not what you are looking for, they also have Maui Vacation Rentals (at time of publishing, there are 157 of them for you to chose from) and Maui Hotels (270 of them).

And if you are travelling from Continental United States, you can also take advantages of attractive prices on airfare, hotel and rental car from Hawaiian Vacation Packages.

Pasadena California Dining

2007-06-11T09:48:00.000+08:00

Pasadena California Dining
by: David G. Hallstrom, Sr.

According to the latest U.S Government census the city of Pasadena, California has a population of just under 140,000, however the city boasts in excess of 500 dining establishments.

Pasadena has a wealth of shopping centers, stores, boutiques, movie theaters, art galleries, museums and of course it is the host of the Rose Parade and the Rose Bowl and because it is situated on the edge of the San Fernando Valley, at the start of the San Gabriel Valley and just nine miles north of downtown Los Angeles it draws on a large area population. According to the Pasadena Visitors Bureau the city employes in excess of 100,000 people.

Due to the foregoing the city hosts an inordinantly large number of restaurants, coffee shops, fast food places and specialty restaurants. Whether you are looking for a cheap, mid priced or expensive dining establishment, if you are hankering for central or south American, Chinese, French, Indian, Italian, Japanese, Mexican, Thai food, a hamburger joint, a steak house, indoor dining, outdoor dining or a drive thru, you will find what you are searching for in Pasadena.

Old Town Pasadena is fast becoming one of Los Angeles County's largest attractions. Old Town has several restaurants on every block, many with patio or sidewalk seating where you can take a break from shopping, movie going, visiting art galleries or museums and have a leisurely lunch, dinner or cup of coffee while people watching.

Everywhere you go in Pasadena you will find places eat and have fun. Have some of the best hamburgers in California at Original Tommy's or In-N-Out, have good traditional Mexican food while listening to live music at places like Mijares Mexican Restaurant, have a prime cut of beef at the Parkway Grill or the Beckham Grill, dine while enjoying stand up comics at the Ice House, dine dance and drink at Moose Mcgillicuddy's, have sushi at places like Zono Shushi or have great Italian dishes at any number of fine Italian restaurants. Whatever you are searching for in a restaurant you will find it in Pasadena.

For more information about the city of Pasadena, California and a directory of Pasadena restaurants and restaurant reviews visit Pasadena City Guides And Directories

Permission is given to reprint this article providing credit is given to the author, David G. Hallstrom,Sr., and a link is listed to USA City Directories the owner of this article. Anyone or any company reprinting this article without giving proper credit and the correct link, is doing so without permission and will be subject to legal action.

About The Author

David G. Hallstrom, Sr. is a retired private investigator and is currently the publisher of several internet directories, including United States Guides And Directories a directory of national, state, county and city guides and directories listing local guides, directories, web sites and web pages providing resources, services and information about things to do and places to go.

dh@usacitydirectories.com

Vacations in Manhattan

2007-06-10T10:56:00.000+08:00

Vacations in Manhattan
by: David Chandler

Some people think that Manhattan and New York City are synonymous, but they are not. Everyone should get to see New York City in his or her lifetime, but this network of neighborhoods can be intimidating without guidance. Manhattan is only one of the five boroughs that make up New York City.

There is much to see and do in Manhattan that it could take weeks to visit everything. First, familiarize yourself with the best ways to get around the city. Since you will probably be spending most of your time outdoors, check the weather and plan accordingly.

Manhattan is the home of the Empire State Building, Time Square, Central Park, Greenwich Village, China Town, the former site of the World Trade Center, Brooklyn Bridge, Battery Park and the Statue of Liberty, and much more.

Let us not forget some activities that you can do while in the Manhattan, you can see a Broadway show, check out the wineries. Taking a self-guided tour of Rockefeller Center to discover the art-deco masterpieces that this 19-building complex contains. Check out the sober grandeur of Grant's Tomb National Monument near Riverside Church, hey and while you are there go ahead and climb the Church bell tower to see the fabulous city views.

Want more ways to watch your wallet? Museum of Modern Art-, which hosts Target Free Fridays from 4-8pm, or Staten Island Ferry- where you can enjoy the skyline views, plus a trip to Staten, The Cathedral of St. John and tour the world's largest Gothic cathedral, Central Park - where nature never charges a fee.

Be aware of the major events planned year-round, this will give you an opportunity to choose a time that has more activities for you and your family. From somber reflection at Ground Zero to the exuberant performances on Broadway to our excellent dining, NYC provides an experience for any taste.

The Manhattan skyline consists of some of the tallest buildings built in the United States.

About The Author

For more information, visit the Manhattan Info Center at Manhattan Info Center

David Chandler
Stock Market Genie
Stock Market Genie

Experience The Magic Of Disneyworld

2007-06-09T10:00:00.000+08:00

Experience The Magic Of Disneyworld
by: Clinton Douglas IV

Sunny Florida's own Disneyworld is an enchanted kingdom able to bring out the kid in all of us. Who can resist a day or more among your favorite Disney characters within an unspoiled, fairytale land? Set among four awe-inspiring theme parks, Epcot® Center, Magic Kingdom® Park, Animal Kingdom® Park and Disney MGM Studios, visitors engulf themselves in 30,000 acres of rides, thrills, attractions, tours, shopping, wondrous entertainment, sports, resorts and lodging. You’ll find Disney water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, are two of the most invigorating water adventures in the nation.

Surround yourself in the delightful Disney theme by staying at nearby resorts. Patrons gain access to the convenient ground travel service of Disney’s Magical Express, so you bypass airport baggage claims and arrive quickly and safely in your room. Many resorts include character breakfasts, in-room refrigerators, quick service dining, pizza delivery, playgrounds, plush suites, themed swimming pools as well as walking and jogging paths. Disney’s value resorts start at less than $100 per night, while deluxe resorts begin at $200. You can even experience the great outdoors while visiting Disneyworld, with cabins and campsites starting at just $39 per night.

Spend your day whizzing and whirling through thrill rides like Space Mountain®, Splash Mountain®, Expedition Everest or Mission: SPACE, or please your little ones with Kidcot Fun Stops, the Honey I Shrunk The Kids movie set and the Wildlife Express Train. Hold onto your hats, mate, because Disney is celebrating the new Pirates of the Caribbean movie. You may find Jack Sparrow lurking in Adventureland® or the ride itself.

Meals are just as adventurous, with cuisines ranging from American to French, German, Mexican and Italian. Within the park, you can choose from character, casual or fast dining, dinner shows, lounges and special themed restaurants like 1900 Park Fare where you’ll dine with a magical English nanny, a princess or one of the many characters from the rabbit hole. You can also stop in at Backlot Express to dine among movie studio props or visit Beaches & Creme Soda Shop for a real Rock ‘n Roll escapade and a taste of the famous “Kitchen Sink Sundae”.

Complete your sun-drenched, action-packed day with one of the most sophisticated fireworks displays you’ll ever witness. Wishes™ Nighttime Spectacular lights up the warm evening sky as your favorite Disney characters – from Cinderella to Ariel, Jiminy Cricket and Peter Pan – sing, dance and tell an unforgettable tale. You’ll see that dreams really can come true.

Plan your magical Disneyworld vacation, from air travel to lodging and more today.

About The Author
By Clinton Douglas IV of www.vasrue.com who provides free, quality articles for your newsletter, website or publication on topics such as Disneyland: www.vasrue.com vacations. Please link to this site when using this article.

Beyond the Strip: Great Las Vegas Outdoor Activities

2007-06-08T10:13:00.000+08:00

Beyond the Strip: Great Las Vegas Outdoor Activities
by: Jillian Scheeler

Las Vegas parks and recreation and Nevada National Parks

Las Vegas is known for its casinos, wild nightlife, gambling, girls and shows; but the greater Las Vegas area offers much more. From hiking, biking and horseback riding to amazing Nevada National Parks, lakes and canyons, the Las Vegas area is a recreational playground. Whether you have an afternoon to spare or a weekend, there are plenty of Las Vegas outdoor activities for everyone. After spending the week drinking and gambling in dark casinos, a little exercise and sunshine can do you some good and Nevada National Parks will offer just that.

Red Rock Canyon

Only 20 miles from downtown Las Vegas, the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area covers nearly 200,000 acres of multicolored sandstone and limestone, canyons, mountains, washes and waterfalls, a variety of desert flora and fauna, and wildlife, including bobcats, desert bighorn sheep and wild burros. I don't know how "wild" the burros actually are though. While hiking, biking, rock climbing and seasonal camping is offered, the most popular choice is the 13-mile scenic drive through the park. Whether you spend the afternoon or weekend, Red Rock Canyon offers up natural scenic beauty and is worth the visit.

Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam

Lake Mead is the perfect place to cool off from the summer heat. Located 25 miles east of Vegas, the Lake Mead National Recreation Area has about 1.5 million acres of desert land and clear water, with 550 miles of shoreline for swimming, boating, sunbathing, water skiing and fishing. Other activities include hiking, camping, horseback riding, roadside sightseeing and wildlife photography. Lake Mead wildlife include bighorn sheep, mule deer, coyotes, kit foxes, bobcats, ringtail cats, jack rabbits and the endangered desert tortoise and peregrine falcons. The amazing Hoover Dam is also nearby with daily tours.

Valley of Fire

Located only six miles from Lake Mead and 55 miles from Las Vegas, the Valley of Fire is Nevada's first state park and its largest. This Nevada National Park is named for its fiery sandstone formations of reds, purples, tans, whites, oranges and yellows, which were formed from shifting sand dunes, years of erosion, wind and climate. Although the geology is similar to Red Rock, the park also offers early Native American culture and their rock art and petroglyphs are found throughout the area. The area was frequently visited by the ancient Basket Makers and Anasazi, who used the area for hunting and religious ceremonies. A popular scenic drive is around the "White Domes." For recreational activities there is climbing, picnicking, camping and rock scrambling.

Mount Charleston

Get away from the slots and visit Mt. Charleston for fresh air, amazing views and majestic mountain scenery and wildlife.

Only 35 miles from Vegas, Mt. Charleston Recreation Area is a welcome relief from not only the city bustle, but the stifling desert heat during the summer. At an elevation of 11,918 feet, Mount Charleston is the third highest peak in Nevada.

The recreation area offers 180 campsites, 150 picnic sites, hiking, biking, picnicking, horseback riding, skiing and snowboarding.

Zion and Bryce Canyons

If you're feeling a bit adventurous, cross the border to Utah and visit Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park.

Zion has everything from amazing river carved canyons to scenic waterfalls. The area also has amazing wildlife consisting of 75 mammal species, including mountain lions and mule deer to hundreds of bird varieties and 32 reptiles and amphibians. An hour further away from the 2 ? hour drive to Zion, Bryce Canyon is a geologic wonder of colorful limestone, with thousands of arches, spires and mazes. Don't miss the Grand Staircase, which is a series of colored sandstone cliffs, stretching from Bryce Canyons to the Grand Canyon.

Recreational opportunities include camping, biking, backpacking, cayoneering, climbing, swimming and tubing.

Grand Canyon

Depending on which rim of the Grand Canyon you venture to, it will be a good day's drive from Las Vegas, but well worth the visit. Carved over millennia through the rocks of the Colorado Plateau, the Grand Canyon never ceases to be awe- inspiring, with its beauty and size. If the scenic views aren't enough, there's hiking, backpacking, biking, bird watching, boating, camping, cross country skiing, fishing, horseback riding, nature walks and more.

About The Author
Jillian Scheeler is a spontaneous road-tripper and avid writer working on assignment for Travel Post - The Premier Source for Unbiased Hotel Reviews and Ratings. This article can be reprinted freely as long as all links remain active.

New Jersey Camping & You: Perfect Together

2007-06-07T10:49:00.000+08:00

New Jersey Camping & You: Perfect Together
by: Eric Stephenson

Why the heck would I want to go camping in New Jersey?

I get asked that question just about every single day and I'm pretty tired of it after all these years. So I'm going to answer that question right here for the last time.

There are literally hundreds of reasons to go camping in New Jersey, but there is one large, and I mean really large, reason:

Where else in the country can you drive less then 3 hours and go from the mountains, to the shore, to the marshlands, to 3 different major metropolitan areas to several major lakes and everywhere in between?

Camping in New Jersey is literally the best of all worlds. There is just about nothing you cannot do while you camp in New Jersey. You have your choice of over 120 campgrounds and State Park facilities to choose from not to mention thousands of acres of public land to explore.

Just about every one of the privates campgrounds in the state have craft activities, pools, fishing ponds, sports activities and so many other amenities I can't even count. Most of them are clean, modern and well suited to just about any type of camping. They are all within a decent driving distance of dozens of cultural, sports, historical, recreational and children related attractions.

Canoeing, hiking, biking, birding and unlimited recreation activities can also be found at campgrounds around the state and many sites are within a short drive of some of the state's premium attractions and fabulous Atlantic Ocean beaches and boardwalks.

New Jersey is literally a kaleidoscope of natural, picturesque landscapes filled with some of the best and exciting camping experiences anywhere in the Northeast part of the country. Personally I think camping here in New Jersey is as good, if not better, then just about anywhere in the country.

More than 25,000 sites/cabins/yurts/rental trailers await your visit, sites of all shapes and sizes that can accommodate campers with everything from tent sites to pop-ups to fully equipped RVs.

From the Delaware Water Gap to a view of the Statue of Liberty to wooded campgrounds in the Pine Barrens to the sandy beaches of the Jersey Shore, the ideal camping experience is close at hand.

No matter what type of camping you choose, tenting, RVing or cabin rentals, New Jersey has something for you. Pick a region to begin investigating where you want to camp:

Atlantic - It's no wonder the Atlantic Region is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations. Atlantic City and its world-famous beach and boardwalk, luxurious casino, non-stop gaming action, the hottest entertainers, the best in dining, and quality sporting events. New Jersey Camping in the Atlantic Region gives you access to this great area!

Delaware - It's where history was made. And where nature rules. It's where the arts come alive and stately mansions reign. New Jersey's Delaware River Region is all of these and more. It's a unique region that can provide you with many things to do and see on your next vacation. New Jersey Camping and you, perfect together!

Gateway - Live with action, the Gateway Region has everything for your perfect vacation including New Jersey Camping activities, New Jersey State Parks and New Jersey Campgrounds.

Shore - Mention the Shore Region, and certain images immediately come to mind: more than 60 miles of pristine beaches from Sandy Hook down to Holgate; surfcasting off Seaside Park; perhaps some bodysurfing off Bay Head; or maybe a moonlit walk in Surf City. Anything you want can be found in New Jersey Camping.

Skylands - Gentle mountains. Skiing. Rock climbing. Horseback riding.Would you believe you're in New Jersey? New Jersey Camping and you, perfect together!

Southern Shore - Walk along 30 miles of wide sandy beaches. Experience the warmth of a Victorian inn. Take a stroll through history or enjoy the fresh bounty of the sea at a gourmet restaurant. New Jersey Camping offers a wide variety of ways to take advantage of this area.

So, whether it's a cabin by a lakeshore, an RV minutes from the Statue of Liberty or just a sleeping bag amidst the rugged mountain wilderness, New Jersey Camping is perfect for you.

About The Author

Eric Stephenson is an avid camper and publisher of New Jersey Camping Information where you can get all the information you will ever need about camping in New Jersey as well as information about camping and the latest technologies and products related to camping. This article is copyrighted. It may be reproduced only if the hyperlinks here are left intact.

Orlando, Florida - Golf's Ultimate Theme Park

2007-06-06T09:57:00.000+08:00

Orlando, Florida - Golf's Ultimate Theme Park
by: Susanne Pacher

My husband loves playing golf and I am myself am pretty decent at the sport. So it was a given that we would be playing a few rounds in Orlando. We had a chance to sample a number of golf courses first-hand and got a personal appreciation of the great number and variety of golf courses in the Orlando area.

I had a chance to talk with Mike Jamison from Golf Orlando to get a better overview of the extensive golf facilities that the Orlando area has to offer.

1. Orlando is not only the world's No. 1 vacation destination, but it is also called "Golf's Ultimate Theme Park". Please tell us more about that.

Isn’t it interesting how sometimes the most obvious answer to a tough question is sitting right before your eyes, yet it takes you days, months, even years to see it?

Officials of the marketing co-op GolfOrlando realized that recently when they finally nailed the perfect marketing tag line for their 25-course organization.

For years the group had wrestled with various themes that might set Orlando apart from its competition in the golf destination wars. Then one day a member asked a question – “What is Orlando known for?”

The obvious answer? Theme parks. Orlando is the world’s No. 1 vacation destination, and the incredible collection of theme parks plays the leading role.

It was at that moment that the perfect theme line crystallized – “GolfOrlando – Golf’s Ultimate Theme Park.”

It is a nice fit not only because of the foundation of Orlando’s vacation pitch – theme parks - but also because it reflects the incredible diversity of the Central Florida golf landscape. Golf in Orlando provides its own type of outdoor adventure.

2. Please tell us about the types of golf courses that are available in the Orlando area.

Looking for a taste of the U.K.? How about Royal St. Cloud, where every hole transfers you to the fabled courses of the British Isles, and where the 2004 and 2005 British Junior Amateur was conducted? Try a couple of very popular Ron Garl designs for a Scottish touch. Eagle Creek, located near the Orlando International Airport, offers open, rolling fairways, large, undulating greens and those dangerous revetted bunkers that dot the landscape in Scotland. Eagle Creek was recently ranked among the top 10 new courses of the decade in Florida by Golf Travel & Leisure, and is the first par 73 course in Orlando and the first to use Mini Verde greens.

On the north side of Orlando is Timacuan Golf & Country Club, ranked as high as No. 14 in Florida by one statewide publication. Its front side offers up a true taste of Scotland, while the back 9 takes on a more Carolinas low Country feel. Hole 2, a long water-dominated par 4, was recently named the 2nd most difficult hole in Central Florida by an area publication. Timacuan is a locals’ favorite.

A very similar routing by Arnold Palmer awaits you on the south side of town. The Legends at Orange Lake opened in 1998 and features a Scottish style front nine (The Links) and a tree-lined back nine (The Pines). The feature holes are the 610-yard 4th on the Links nine and the 432-yard 13th, called the Island Oak.

In need of drama? How about Diamond Players Club in Clermont, where the elevation changes are so spectacular that the track is often referred to as “Florida’s mountain course.” You’ll need to buckle up when tackling Mystic Dunes’ green complexes. They offer up slopes that drop as much as 10 feet, and you might find an elephant’s trunk poking out of a few serious mounds. Also, several of the fairways feature whiskey barrel bunkers as guideposts. This Gary Koch-designed course personifies the word “adventure,” as does Highlands Reserve, a roller coaster-like golf experience with elevation changes of 120 feet and dramatic scenery. Further south on Highway 27 is Steve Smyers’ Southern Dunes, another course that features elevation change uncommon in Central Florida. Combined with the abundance and creativity of the bunkering, it is easy to understand while Southern Dunes is ranked among the To 100 Modern Day Courses” by Golfweek.

Excitement? Falcon’s Fire by Rees Jones has a couple of thrillers, especially its cape hole, the par 4 13th. This one dares you to bite off more than you can chew, and while it is tempting to rip a big tee shot toward the green, the money play is to safely land your ball into the slender fairway utilizing a more forgiving angle and a fairway wood.

If you are a traditionalist, the options are boundless. Shingle Creek is the newest of the traditional Florida layouts, bordered by dense oaks and pines in a backdrop along historic Shingle Creek. Location is another benefit as it rests near the major tourist areas. Harmony is a Johnny Miller design that falls into this category. Its’ strength lies in the greens complexes that feature angular bunkering creating a variety of challenging pin placements. Ridgewood Lakes provides a beautiful cruise through the hardwoods off Highway 27, and tops off the journey with an awesome finishing hole.

How about a stroll though nature? Stonegate Golf Club, designed by Ron Garl, rests upon 3,300 acres of pristine wetlands, woodlands and 100-year-old oak hammocks, and places the emphasis on the short game. Mike Dasher’s North Shore looks as if it should be located deep in the country as it sits comfortably amidst lush surroundings, yet it is conveniently located seven miles from Orlando International Airport. Diamondback, a Joe Lee design located in Haines City, was carved from 240 acres of virgin forest and offers dramatically rolling fairways bordered by dense trees, pristine natural wetlands, and well-positioned water hazards.

If convenience is important, MetroWest could be the perfect choice, as it is located near Universal Studios and the International Drive tourist section. It is a Robert Trent Jones Jr. masterpiece that features wide fairways and challenging approach shots. Nearby just off International Drive next to Sea World is Grande Pines, a recently renovated Smyers design that features a number of outstanding risk/reward holes. Celebration Golf Club, located near Walt Disney World, was designed by father Robert Trent Jones Sr. and son Robert Trent Jones Jr. and places emphasis on approach shots.

Is notoriety important to you? ChampionGate’s two courses play host annually to the Office Depot Father/Son Classic, a favorite among dozens of PGA and Senior PGA Tour players. Orange County National has twice hosted the PGA Tour Qualifying School Finals on its two tracks, Panther Lake and Crooked Cat, They offer diverse tests that are good enough to challenge and determine tomorrow’s professional stars.

Some folks enjoy walking out their hotel door straight to the first tee. Orlando offers several choices for stay-and-play buffs, including Hawk’s Landing. Attached to the spectacular Marriott World Center, Hawk’s Landing recently underwent a complete renovation by Robert Cupp. It has water on 15 of the 18 holes and it features its own version of “Amen Corner” – holes 12, 13 and 14.

That small taste gives you an idea of the diversity available through GolfOrlando, truly “Golf’s Ultimate Theme Park.”

3. Please inform us about the golf practice facilities and the teaching professionals that are available in the Orlando area.

Some of the game's most respected teachers - David Leadbetter, Mike Bender, Rina Ritson, Bill Madonna, Brad Brewer and Fred Griffin to name a few - do their magic in Central Florida.

Orlando is home to some of the nation's finest practice facilities. The Faldo Institute and Orange County National offer more than just practice tees and greens. The landing areas on their driving ranges resemble true targets and hazards that are found on courses. Tremendous short-game practice areas help better players fine-tune that key part of their games. But the crowning jewel in Orlando are the courses. From top to bottom, Orlando offers the best quality golf of any destination in the world. Nearly every exit off I-4 leads directly to a memorable golf experience, regardless of which side of Orlando you are on.

4. Some of the Orlando area golf courses have achieved top ratings from various golf publications. Please tell us more about that.

Orange County National, host of the 2003 & 2005 PGA TOUR Q-School Finals, was the recipient of Golf Digest's 4 1/2 Stars for 2000 to 2005. Southern Dunes is rated among the top 100 contemporary courses in America by Golfweek. Orange County National's Panther Lake is rated 4 1/2 stars by Golf Digest. Award-winning Southern Dunes was voted "Top 100 courses in America" by Golfweek 1997 - 2001. Celebration Golf Club was rated 4 1/2 stars and in the top three in Central Florida for service and in the top two for course conditioning by Golf Digest's "Best Places to Play" 2004 - 2005.

Diamondback Golf Club was recently awarded four stars by Golf Digest's "Places To Play". Victoria Hills Golf Cub open end in 2002, and was recently named by Golf Magazine as a "Top 10 You Can Play." Royal St. Cloud Golf Links was rated in the Top 5 Most Underrated Golf Courses in the Orlando area and hosted the 2004 and 2005 British Junior Amateur. Eagle Creek Golf Club was recently named among the Top 10 New Courses since 2000 by Travel & Leisure Magazine.

5. What major golfing events are held in the Orlando area?

The region hosts its share of major competitions – two PGA Tour stops annually (the Bay Hill Invitational in March, hosted by Arnold Palmer; and the Disney Classic at Walt Disney World in October), one LPGA Tour tournament, the PGA Tour Qualifying School Finals, the Buick Scramble National Finals, The Office Depot Father/Son, and a variety of mini tours. A

6. Please tell us about some of the famous golf architects that have put their mark on Orlando golf courses.

The group’s 25 layouts boast the names of a majority of the world’s leading architects – Tom Fazio, Rees and Robert Trent Jones, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, Ron Garl, Steve Smyers.

7. What about affordable golf in Orlando?

8. Who are some of the famous golf professionals who have made the Orlando area their home?

Tiger Woods, Ernie Els, Annika Sorenstam, Sergio Garcia, Se Ri Pak, Arnold Palmer, Jim Thorpe, Chris Di Marco, Mark O'Meara, Scott Hoch, Nick Faldo, John Cook, Stuart Appleby, Charles Howell III and dozens of others have planted their roots in Central Florida. There is a reason for that, beyond tax implications.

9. In addition to golf, what else does the Orlando area have to offer?

Let’s face it – no region in the country does adventure as well and with as much diversity as Orlando, the world’s No. 1 vacation destination. Theme parks, theme parks and more theme parks. Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World, Kennedy Space Center and others have created the face that smiles upon the vacationing world from Central Florida.

The nightlife and restaurants rival those of any other region in the country. Tourists gather at various pockets around Orlando – Universal City Walk, Pleasure Island and International Drive among them. But if you want a feel for how the locals entertain themselves, take a trip to Winter Park Village on the north side of town, where terrific restaurants and clubs will fill your tummy and your night.

10. What about the weather year-round? What about getting to Orlando?

The weather is conducive to golf year-round. Average high daytime temperatures range from 72 in January to 89 in July. Golf can be played and practiced 365 days a year, many of those days featuring clear blue skies, lazy breezes and cool, comfortable nights.

Another significant reason is the ease of travel. Orlando International Airport welcomes direct flights from most major airports around this country and the world. And it is quite simple to drive to Orlando from in or out of state, thanks to a well-planned series of major highways.

11. What accommodation options do golfers have in Orlando?

12. Please tell us a bit more about the golf vacation packages that are offered in Orlando.

13. Some key golf organizations make Orlando their home, please tell us more about that.

The one and only television network devoted 100% to the sport - The Golf Channel - is based in Orlando. Golfweek, a leading trade publication, moved to Orlando about 11 years ago. Meadowbrook Golf, one of the largest golf course management companies, is located here, as is the industry's leading golf travel company, Golfpac. The industry's only media/ business networking organization, the International Network of Golf, is also based in Orlando.

Thank you, Mike, for providing a great practical overview of Orlando as a first-rate golf destination.

About The Author

Susanne Pacher is the publisher of a website called Travel and Transitions (www.travelandtransitions.com). Travel and Transitions deals with unconventional travel and is chock full of advice, tips, real life travel experiences, interviews with travellers and travel experts, insights and reflections, cross-cultural issues, contests and many other features. You will also find stories about life and the transitions that we face as we go through our own personal life-long journeys.

Submit your own travel stories in our first travel story contest (http://www.travelandtransitions.com/contests.htm) and have a chance to win an amazing adventure cruise on the Amazon River.

"Life is a Journey Explore New Horizons".

The story with photos is published at Stories and Photos (Orlando Regional History Center)

Susanne Pacher sq@travelandtransitions.com

Weekend Escapes in New Hampshire

2007-06-04T10:46:00.000+08:00

Weekend Escapes in New Hampshire
by: Richard Rspad

A weekend escape is a great way to simply catch your breath or perhaps put a spark back into a romance. Here are some ideas for a escaping in New Hampshire.

Weekend Escapes in New Hampshire

New Hampshire is a great place for your next short trip. Nestled between the more touristy states of Vermont and Maine, New Hampshire offers the same great New England atmosphere that the other states do, but with a quieter feel. Experience the beauty of autumn or the warm charm of a summer day, or maybe even do some skiing, all available in the Granite State. A weekend escape in New Hampshire can be a fun and romantic experience for any couple.

When planning your escape to New Hampshire, it is a good idea to decide what sort of weather you like. If you would love to see the colorful fall leaves, plan to visit New Hampshire between the middle of September and the end of October before it gets too cold. The White Mountains region of New Hampshire offers visitors mountain views with beautiful streams and lakes to sit by and enjoy nature.

If you are looking for the perfect place to stay, we have just the recommendation. Located in Jackson, the Inn at Ellis River offers couples the ultimate escape weekend in New Hampshire. The Inn at Ellis River was voted one of the “Best in the East” by Inn Traveler magazine, as well as the “Best Mountain Retreat”. This inn, with its 20 gorgeously appointed rooms and one guest cottage, offer couples who are looking for romance a great stay. Many of the rooms have Jacuzzis or hot tubs, as well as fireplaces, making them cozy and perfect for some alone time. A gourmet country breakfast is offered each morning, along with coffee, tea and a view of the beautiful White Mountains.

While here, be sure to enjoy New Hampshire's 100 most scenic miles, either by hiking, biking or simply walking around and taking in the beauty of New Hampshire. In the winter, skiing and snowshoeing is available on the Inn's property and nearby making it an excellent spot for a romantic snow trip. A heated outdoor pool is available for summer trips, and a game room stocked with darts, billiards and other games is a great place to unwind after hiking or skiing.

Choosing a weekend escape in New Hampshire is a great way to rejuvenate and experience the beauty of New England without the expense of staying in the more popular states of Vermont, Maine or Massachusetts. A trip here can be a romantic and meaningful experience for any couple, and it's definitely a destination you'll want to keep returning to year after year.

About The Author
Richard Rspad is with http://www.resortspadestinations.com - information on spa resorts.

A Walk Through St. Augustine - The Oldest Continuously Inhabited City in the United States

2007-06-03T09:42:00.000+08:00

A Walk Through St. Augustine - The Oldest Continuously Inhabited City in the United States
by: Susanne Pacher

On our way home from Orlando, a little more than an hour into our 20+ hour road trip back to Toronto, we stopped in St. Augustine, "the nation's oldest city", just north of Jacksonville - indeed the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the United States, having been founded by the Spanish in 1565.

St. Augustin's founder, Don Pedro Menendez, came ashore on September 8, 1565, and chose to name the settlement after the patron saint whose feast day coincided with the day of landing. Of course, before the Spanish ever set foot on Florida soil, the Timacuan Indians had already been here and they watched Menendez and the roughly 1500 colonists and soldiers settle here. Over the last few centuries the city experienced governments from different countries, including Spain, Britain, and since 1821, the United States.

The real rise of this community came in the late 1800s when Henry Flagler (1830 to 1913) built two hotels and took over a third as part of the Flagler hotel chain. Flagler was the co-founder of Standard Oil, and although not as well known as some of the other early magnates of capitalism, he was one of the wealthiest individuals of his time. Flagler had a major impact on Florida: he founded the Florida East Coast Railway as a means of transporting guests to and from the north to his hotels in St. Augustine, Palm Beach, and Miami. A honeymoon visit to St. Augustine in 1881 with his second wife inspired Flagler's vision to transform this sleepy town into a winter playground for the rich.

Three of Flagler's former St. Augustine hotels are still in use today: Flagler College (the former Hotel Ponce de Leon), the Lightner Building - St. Augustine's City Hall (the former Alcazar) and Casa Monica, redone as a county courthouse in the 1960s, and reopened in 1990 as the restored Casa Monica Hotel. During the late 19th and early 20th century Flagler also developed a residential neighbourhood called the Model Land Company tract.

Within a few short years Flagler's dream of a resort town for northerners faded and he, and the wealthy northern visitors, moved further south. He continued to develop the Florida East Coast Railroad down the peninsula, into and across the Florida Keys, creating hotels and communities along the way.

St. Augustine is centered around the Plaza de la Constitucion, which anchors the Lightner Museum / City Hall, Casa Monica and Flagler College, three stunningly beautiful structures. Located in the former Alcazar Hotel, the Lightner Museum houses collections of legendary hobbyist and antiques collector Otis Lightner.

St. Augustine has a wealth of other historic and architecturally interesting structures. The most historically significant structure in St. Augustine is the Castillo de San Marcos, built by the Spanish between 1672 and 1695. The 19th century Lighthouse Museum is located in the St. Augustine Lighthouse on Anastasia Island east of town across the Bridge of Lions. St. Augustine also houses the oldest store in town dating to the turn of the last century. Talking about old buildings, St. Augustine is home to the Gonzalez-Alvarez House, dating back to 1727, known as the "Oldest House Complex", a National Historic Landmark.

The Mission of Nombre de Dios is located on the west bank of Matanzas Bay, and it is said to have been the site of the first Catholic Mass in what is today the United States. The Spanish Quarter Village is a living history museum composed of a collection of colonial period houses where guides recreate the dress and lifestyle as seen in 1740.

Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth National Archaeological Park exhibits foundations and artifacts of the first St. Augustine mission and colony. It also houses the Landmark Spring, Explorers Globe and Navigators' Planetarium. St. Augustine also houses the Oldest Drug Store and the nation's Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse, built more than 200 years ago while Florida was under Spain's rule.

Unfortunately we did not have a chance to explore St. Augustine in detail, but our brief excursion into this historic city quickly proved what a unique destination St. Augustine really is. As a matter of fact, the city welcomes around 2 million visitors every year who come to discover a unique historic part of America. A settlement with authentic Spanish roots, complete with Castillo and all, is a truly unique sight in the U.S. and it was definitely worth the detour.

About The Author

Susanne Pacher is the publisher of a website called Travel and Transitions (www.travelandtransitions.com). Travel and Transitions deals with unconventional travel and is chock full of advice, tips, real life travel experiences, interviews with travellers and travel experts, insights and reflections, cross-cultural issues, contests and many other features. You will also find stories about life and the transitions that we face as we go through our own personal life-long journeys.

Submit your own travel stories in our first travel story contest (http://www.travelandtransitions.com/contests.htm) and have a chance to win an amazing adventure cruise on the Amazon River.

"Life is a Journey Explore New Horizons".

The story with photos is published at Stories and Photos (Orlando Regional History Center)

Susanne Pacher sq@travelandtransitions.com

What Is A Green Card And How Do I Get One?

2007-06-02T09:33:00.000+08:00

What Is A Green Card And How Do I Get One?
by: Jody Ehrhardt

Green card is the term used to describe a document that gives a person born in another country the right to live and work in the United States. A green card is usually issued to those people who are permanent resident aliens and who wish to eventually become a United States citizen. Once a person has held a green card for almost five years with no legal problems, they are eligible to apply for citizenship or naturalization.

There are two main ways to be deemed eligible for a green card. The first way is through your employment in the United States. In this case, the employer of the foreign individual must agree to sponsor that individual. Once sponsored the individual may make application for a green card. This application is usually a much faster process for those individuals with more education or specialized job skills. Those individuals that have common job skills or less education may have to wait for a longer period of time before their application is reviewed and accepted.

The second way that an individual may become eligible for a green card is through their immediate family. In this case, if a foreign individual has a family member such as a child, parent or sibling that is an American citizen, then they may apply for a green card. If a parent of a foreign minor child is an American citizen then that child is automatically and immediately eligible for a visa.

Another way that a foreign person can qualify for a green card is through marriage to an American citizen, however, the American citizen must reside in the United States. Once the person has obtained their green card they can apply for permanent residency but the laws controlling this process are very stiff. In this case, the married parties must prove that their relationship is legitimate.

In addition to the above options for obtaining a green card, there are special circumstances that allow certain individuals who do not meet the above criteria to obtain a green card in a timely manner. These special circumstances include the following:

Asylum. This special circumstance applies to any foreign individual who is in the United States and fears returning to their country of origin. This fear can be brought about by any persecution that is based on a person's race, political views or religion.

Labor. Individuals that posses a special skill that is desperately needed in the United States can obtain a green card in exchange for their willingness to perform the job and skill set at a specific job in a specific region assigned to them.

National Interest Wavier. If an individual possesses the professional skills to be of service to the national interest of America then that person can be granted a green card without employer sponsorship.

Researchers. For academic researchers who are internationally recognized for their achievements, there are special circumstances that allow that individual to receive a green card in exchange for sharing their information and knowledge.

Specialized Skills. Individuals that possess specialized skills and that are experts at the top pf their field may apply for and be granted a green card. These individuals are usually exempt from the labor certification process.

Although special circumstances do exist, the normal application process for and the granting of a green card usually take many months and is a very complicated and exhaustive system. If you are contemplating applying for a green card, it is advisable to speak with an attorney before hand.

About The Author

Jody Ehrhardt writes for Lawyer Vista, a website where you can find a lawyer in your city or state, including New Mexico Immigration Lawyer New Mexico immigration lawyers and Kansas Immigration Lawyer Kansas immigration lawyers

Permanent Residency & The Green Card

2007-05-12T08:57:00.000+08:00

Permanent Residency & The Green Card
by: Maury D. Beaulier

Permanent Residency. Permanent residency is often referred to as having a Green Card. There are two primary categories of immigration: Immigrant status and Non-immigrant status. Immigrant status allows permanent residency in the United States. Non-immigrant status provides an authorization to aliens for temporary residency that expires upon the occurrence of a specific event.

A Permanent Resident is commonly referred to as a "Green Card" holder. Permanent residents have many rights which include the following:

The right to live in the United States permanently;

The right to reenter the United States after traveling out of the country abroad;

The right to apply for U.S. Citizenship after continuously living as a Permanent Resident in the United States for five (5) years

The right to employment in any work that is legal;

There are four main categories for green card permanent residency and even more subcategories under each main category. The main green card categories include Family Sponsored Immigration, Employment Immigration, DV Lottery, and Asylum and Refugee status.

Family Sponsored Immigration Green Card. Foreign family members of U.S. citizens and permanent residents may qualify for an immigrant visa. However, the United States sets strict limitations on the number of immigrant visas allowed each year. The closer the relative is the higher that person falls on the priority scale for obtaining an immigrant visa. Immediate family members of U.S. citizens are given the highest priority. Foreign parents, children under the age of 18, and spouses fall outside of the quota system and usually qualify quickly for an immigrant visa. Extended family members of United States citizens and family members of permanent residents may also qualify. However, the waiting period may be much longer. In some cases, the wait for a visa may exceed 10 years. The priority list for family sponsored immigration is as follows: (1) F-1 - Unmarried Sons or Daughters of U.S. Citizens over the age of 21; (2) F2-A -Spouses and unmarried Children of Permanent Residents under the age of 21; (3) F2-B -Unmarried Sons or Daughters of Permanent Residents over the age of 21; (4) F-3 -Married Sons or Daughters of U.S. Citizens over the age of 21; (5) F-4 - Brothers and Sisters of U.S. Citizens.

The relationship is only one criteria in determining preference. A second criteria includes the country of the relative’s origin. Economically poor countries such as China and India tend to have the longest waiting periods.

Employment Immigration Green Card. Aliens seeking permanent residency in the United States for employment purposes must fit into one of five categories. The first category is "Priority Workers" which includes Intra-Company Transferees of Managers and Executives, Outstanding Professors and Researchers and Aliens of Extraordinary Ability in the Sciences, Arts, Education, Business and Athletics. The second employment category is "Aliens of Exceptional Ability in the Sciences, Arts or Business" which includes Professionals with advanced degrees. The third category includes "Professionals with Bachelors Degrees not qualifying in the 2nd Preference, skilled workers, and unskilled workers in special needs professions. The fourth category is very narrow encompassing "Religious Workers" who are here to carrying out their religious mission. Finally, the last category is based on economic development and includes individuals who invest one million dollars ($1,000,000.00)in a new "commercial enterprise" or in a "troubled business" or those who invest Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00) in a "new commercial enterprise" or "troubled business" in a "targeted employment area."

DV Lottery Green Card. 55,000 immigrant visas each year are available to those winning a Visa Lottery. The number of lottery visas are apportioned to countries that have fewer visa applicants. To apply, an immigrant must fill out a number of forms detailing their background with the INS. Each year lottery contestants are drawn and notified if they have won. A winning alien may make application for an immigrant visa.

Refugee/Asylum Status. Refugee and Asylum status allows foreigners fearing persecution to seek refugee status in this country. Foreigners outside of the United States may seek refugee status. Foreigners already in the United States may seek asylum to prevent deportation. After approval of Refugee or asylum status, the alien is allowed to enter or remain in the United States and may seek an adjustment of their status to one of permanent residency after one year.

For legal assistance Call (952) 746-2153.

About The Author

Maury D. Beaulier is part of a 29 attorney immigration law firm handling cases for clients across the United States and abroad. The firm and its members are recognized leaders in the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization process including asylum cases, work visas, investor visas and family based immigration. You may reach Mr. Beaulier at (952) 746-2153 or thorugh his immigration website located at Work Visa Lawyers.

Why Was My Travel Visa Denied?

2007-05-11T09:04:00.000+08:00

Why Was My Travel Visa Denied?
by: Maury D. Beaulier

Why was my Travel Visa denied and what can I do now?

Hearing a consular officer say, “Your application for a temporary travel visa is denied. You are not qualified under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act,” can cause great disappointment and sometimes embarrassment. Here is what a 214(b) visa refusal means and what applicants and friends can do to prepare for a visa reapplication.

What is Section 214(b)?

Section 214(b) is part of the Immigration and Nationality Act (“INA”). It states:

Every alien shall be presumed to be an immigrant until he establishes to the satisfaction of the consular officer, at the time of application for admission, that he is entitled to a nonimmigrant status . .

To qualify for a visitor or student visa, an applicant must meet the requirements of sections 101(a)(15)(B) or (F) of the INA respectively. Failure to do so will result in a refusal of a visa under INA 214(b). The most frequent basis for such a refusal concerns the requirement that the prospective visitor or student possess a residence abroad he/she has no intention of abandoning. Applicants prove the existence of such residence by demonstrating that they have ties abroad that would compel them to leave the United States at the end of the temporary stay. The law places this burden of proof on the applicant.

Consular officers must decide in a very short time if someone is qualified to receive a temporary visa. Most cases are decided after a brief interview and review of whatever evidence of ties an applicant presents.

What constitutes strong ties?

Strong ties differ from country to country, city to city, individual to individual. Some examples of ties can be a job, a house, a family, a bank account. “Ties” are the various aspects of your life that bind you to your country of residence, your possessions, employment, social and family relationships.

Consular officers are aware of this diversity. During the visa interview they look at each application individually and consider professional, social, cultural and other factors. In cases of younger applicants who may not have had an opportunity to form many ties, consular officers may look at the applicants specific intentions, family situations, and long-range plans and prospects within his or her country of residence. Each case is examined individually and is supposed to be accorded every consideration under the law.

Is a denial under Section 214(B) permanent?

No. The consular officer will reconsider a case, if an applicant can show further convincing evidence of ties outside the United States. However, due to a person’s particular situation, some applicants will not qualify for a nonimmigrant visa, regardless of how many times they reapply, until their personal, professional and financial circumstances change considerably.

Invitation Letter

A letter of invitation or support from a United States citizen may help. However, this does not guarantee visa issuance. Visa applicants must qualify for the visa according to their own circumstances, not on the basis of an American sponsor’s assurance.

Practical Tips

Review your situation and evaluate your ties. Make a note to yourself about what qualifying ties you think you have which may not have been evaluated at the time of the interview with the consular officer. You should review the documents that were submitted for the consul to consider. Although applicants may reapply for a visa, they will have to show further evidence of their ties or how their circumstances have changed since the time of the original application. It may help to answer the following questions before reapplying: 1) Did I explain my situation accurately; 2) Did the consular officer overlook something; and 3) Is there any additional information I can present to establish my residence and strong ties abroad?

Keep in mind that you will be charged a nonrefundable application fee each time you apply for a visa, regardless of whether a visa is issued.

Can anybody influence the Consular Officer to reverse a decision?

Immigration law delegates the responsibility for issuance or refusal of visas to consular officers overseas. They have the final say on all visa cases. By regulation, the United States Department of State has authority to review consular decisions, but this authority is limited to the interpretation of law as contrasted to determinations of facts. The question at issue in such denials, whether an applicant possesses the required residence abroad, is a factual one. Therefore, it falls exclusively within the authority of consular officers at the Foreign Service posts to resolve. An applicant can influence the post to change a prior visa denial only through the presentation of new, convincing evidence of strong ties. Nevertheless, an Immigration Lawyer may be able to help you present your case in the best possible light.

About The Author

Maury D. Beaulier is part of a 29 attorney immigration law firm handling cases for clients across the United States and abroad. The firm and its members are recognized leaders in the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization process including asylum cases, work visas, investor visas and family based immigration. You may reach Mr. Beaulier at (952) 746-2153 or through his immigration website located at Work Visa Lawyers.

Visit Extreme Rugged Remote Parashant Canyon National Monument

2007-04-09T10:43:00.000+08:00

Visit Extreme Rugged Remote Parashant Canyon National Monument
by: Bob Therrien

Grand Canyon Parashant Canyon National Monument is not as well known as it’s bigger sister next door. On January 11, 2000, President Bill Clinton established the 1.1-million-acre Monument. This vast monument protects much of the Shivwits Plateau. The Shivwits is ecologically unique because it's where the Sonoran, Great Basin, and Mojave Deserts intersect. This region is a wildlife habitat for several endangered or threatened species. California condors, desert tortoises, willow flycatchers, bighorn sheep, and pronghorn antelope call this area home.

This is a very remote and undeveloped Monument. Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument is located in northwest Arizona, bordered by the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon National Park to the south and east, Nevada and Lake Mead to the west. Many people fly into Las Vegas as a Hub, and plan their visit from there.

The Monument information center is located in the lobby of the BLM Office in St. George, Utah. The address is 345 E. Riverside Drive, St. George, Utah, 84790. There you will find maps, field guides, books, and other items. Staff members are available to answer questions and provide safety information.

If you decide to add this to your adventure tours, here is the mileage from closest major cities: To Saint George from Las Vegas 118 miles, 190 km, From Phoenix 435 miles, 700 km, From Denver 631 miles, 1015 km.

There are only two semi-maintained trails in the Monument – Mt. Trumbull and Mt. Dellenbaugh. All other hiking is on unmarked routes or requires bushwhacking through dense brush or rugged terrain. Grand Canyon Parashant provides a sense of solitude to those who trek into its isolated areas. Located on the edge of the Grand Canyon, the Monument's expansive landscape showcases both natural and cultural history.

Of the points of interest in the Monument, here are the ones that the Bureau of Land Management point out:

• Virgin River Gorge Campground
• Condor Release Viewing Site
• Pakoon Springs
• Mt Trumbull Schoolhouse
• Sawmill Historic Site
• Witch’s Point
• Uinkaret Pueblo
• Nampaweap Petroglyph Site
• Tuweep Ranger Station
• Toroweap Campground
• Toroweap Overlook
• Tassi Spring
• Pearce Ferry Campground
• Pearce Ferry

To travel here, you must use caution, as it is off the beaten track. You must have the appropriate maps to find your way to and around the Monument. There are entry roads from Nevada, Utah, and Arizona. Plan your entrance point by your travel route. There are no paved roads or visitor services within the Monument's million-plus acres, so visitors need to be prepared by traveling with an appropriate high-clearance vehicle equipped with two full-sized spare tires. Some content provided by The National Park Service and AZ BLM.

About The Author
Bob Therrien is a travel writer and has traveled all over North America. He currently operates the website at Parashant Canyon.

Fiance Visas - U.S. Immigration

2007-04-02T09:29:00.000+08:00

Fiance Visas - U.S. Immigration
by: Maury D. Beaulier

Overview

We have successfully obtained thousands of fiancee and marriage visas. These include visas for wives and husbands in all countries including Latin America (Mexico, Honduras, Costa Rica, Panama), asian countries (China, Viet Nam, Thailand, Korea, Taiwan, Japan, China), the former USSR (Russia, the Ukraine, Czechoslovakia), the Phillipeans, Europe Canada and more.

The length of time it takes us to obtain a fiancee visa depends on the state in which you reside, the country in which your fiancee lives and the immigration processing center where the application is processed. We will do all of the work and provide you with a realistic time estimate based upon your situation. We obtain fiancee visas for clients from every state in the U.S. Call us at (952) 746-2153.

Whether you met that special someone on a trip overseas or while she/he was visiting the United States or even in an online chat-room, if you’re ready to join as husband and wife, or at least fiances, you may be eligible to bring your fiancé(e) to the U.S. to finalize your union in marriage.

If you are a U.S. citizen and your fiancé(e) lives abroad, the Fiancé Visa may be just what you’ve been looking for. The Fiancé Visa is a relatively fast process that allows your fiancé to enter the U.S. to marry you and then adjust his/her status to lawful permanent resident based on the marriage (without having to leave the U.S.). Compared to other types of permanent status visas like the Family Based Petition, Employment Based Petition, or the Diversity Lottery program, the Fiancé Visa has a relatively fast processing time and when done properly, can reunite you and your fiancé(e) in the United States.

Procedure

The first step is to file the Fiancé Visa Petition with the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), with supporting documents. It is very important to submit the necessary supporting documents; failure to do so can result in long delays or even denial of the petition.

Once the petition is approved, the INS will forward the petition to the U.S. Embassy or consulate where your fiancé(e) resides. Your fiancé(e) would then be contacted by the embassy or consulate for an interview. Some of the documents that your fiancé(e) may need to present at the interview include: a valid passport, evidence of support, birth certificate, medical examination report, divorce decree or death certificate of any previous spouse, police certificates from all places lived since age sixteen (16), evidence of the validity of your relationship; and passports and medical examinations for any accompanying children.

Upon issuance of the visa, your fiancé(e) would be allowed into the U.S. to marry you; however, the marriage must take place within 90 days of your fiancé(e) entering the United States. If you do not marry your fiancé(e) within 90 days or your fiancé(e) marries someone other than you (the U.S. citizen filing the Petition for Alien Fiancé), your fiancé(e) will be required to leave the United States. In addition, your fiancé(e) may not obtain an extension of the 90-day original admission. Therefore, it is very important to marry during the 90 admission period. If your fiancé(e) does not marry you and stays beyond the 90 days, he/she will be subject to deportation as well as possible bars from returning to the United States for specified periods of time.

Permanent Residence (Green Card)

After you marry, your fiancé(e) may apply to become a permanent resident (Green Card). Your fiancé(e), now spouse, will receive conditional permanent residence status because the status is based on a marriage that was less than two years old on the day he/she was given permanent residence. The status is conditional because you and your new spouse must prove that you did not get married to evade the immigration laws of the United States. The conditional status will last for two years, at which point you must apply for removal of the conditions on the status.

Employment Authorization

Although it may take months or longer for approval of the green card, your new spouse may apply for employment authorization while the green card application is pending. Employment authorization would allow your new spouse to work legally while waiting for permanent residence.

Reminder

An important reminder is that only U.S. citizens may take advantage of the Fiancé Petition. Presently, there is no provision that allows lawful permanent residents to use the Fiancé Petition.

If there is someone special in your life whom you are considering to be your husband or wife, we have been very successful in assisting our clients with Fiancé(e) Visas and would gladly assist you with yours. Call (952) 746-2153 or visit www.workvisalawyers.com.

About The Author

Maury D. Beaulier is part of a 29 attorney immigration law firm handling cases for clients across the United States and abroad. The firm and its members are recognized leaders in the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization process including asylum cases, work visas, investor visas and family based immigration. You may reach Mr. Beaulier at (952) 746-2153 or through his immigration website located at Work Visa Lawyers.

Working in America. The H1B Visa

2007-03-12T09:26:00.000+08:00

Working in America. The H1B Visa
by: Maury D. Beaulier

What is a Visa?

A "Visa" is simply a stamp in a passport that gives the passport holder authorization to enter the United States. The INS (Immigration and Naturalization Service) handles most matters involving visas. You may find an immigration lawyer to help you with your H1 visa or any other visa on this site.

What is the H1-B Visa?

The H1-B visa is also commonly called a "work visa" or "work permit." This is the most common form of temporary work visa. It enables the foreign worker to enter the United States to work temporarily in a professional capacity. H1B Employment opportunities in the state of Minnesota, which reflect the national trend, are abundant, so abundant that employers are seeking out the assistance of foreign workers to fill the gaps in the workplace. To locate an H1B job in the U.S. use the links at the right to draft and post your resume.

The government requires at least five agencies to certify a foreign employee for H1B work in the United States, often a long process in itself. But the government recently made this process even more arduous by reducing its funding to one key player in the certification process, the State Economic Security Department. This cut in funding has had a grave impact on this state’s, as well as this country’s, ability to recruit and retain foreign professionals for employment, especially those H1B professionals with technical experience and in the field of health care.

How Do I Qualify?

To qualify for an H1-B foreign workers must fit into a category of "priority workers" which include:

H1B workers with advanced degrees or exceptional ability;

H1B professionals (Bachelor's Degree or the equivalent);

H1B skilled workers and others.

Generally, foreign workers must also demonstrate that the occupation sought is of a special nature that cannot be easily filled with the workforce available in the United States. Oftentimes demonstrating the special nature of a position requires a statement by the sponsoring employer. The applicant should also be able to demonstrate advanced education skills either through a degree from a foreign university or equivalent employment history. Within each of these three main categories, there are H1B sub-groups, all with their own requirements. It should be noted that there is typically a backlog for H1B workers from China and India in the second and third H1B preference category. To qualify as a H1B "professional" under U.S. immigration laws, you must have at least a bachelor's degree or its equivalent. Work experience may satisfy this prerequisite if the work was in a field that generally requires a bachelor's degree. Additionally, the foreign worker must be employed in a "professional capacity." This means that the employment must be a legitimate professional job requiring a professional education and paying a commensurate salary. The foreign worker cannot simply be engaged in the employment as a hobby or for religious purposes.

Click Here To View an Employer/Employee Checklist for the H1-B.

The H1-B visa is not only for those attempting to gain entry into the United States, but also for those already in this country, for example, an individual in the United States on a student visa may seek an H1-B visa to remain in this country after their student visa expires. Requirements for foreign nationals already in the U.S. is similar to the requirements for non-resident aliens. They must also demonstrate their specialty and credentials just as if applying from abroad.

The H1-B visa is also linked to the particular employer sponsoring the foreign worker. Not only must you have a sponsoring employer to apply, but the H1-B cannot be transferred for employment with any other employer. In other words, if you seek to change jobs, you must re-qualify and reapply with the new employer.

In today's employment market, professionals in the areas of software development, informational systems, nurses and other health care professionals are in short supply and high demand. As a result, numerous H1-B visas are issued in these fields each year. However, the number of H1-B visas issues each year is strictly limited and is reached earlier and earlier each year. The application process for H1-B visas begins in October. In 2000, the H1-B quota was reached by mid-March.

Even after the limit of H1-B visas is reached each year, demand for professional workers remains high. It is for that reason that the U.S. legislature has debated increasing the number of H1-B visas for these particular professions. Despite these efforts, to date, no additional visa categories have been authorized.

REQUIREMENTS:

U.S. Bachelors Degree or foreign equivalent (if degree is foreign) analysis by independent credentials evaluations service attesting that foreign degree is equivalent to U.S. Bachelors Degree; or

Professional job offer which closely parallels the training and background of the particular employee; and

Filing of a Labor Condition Attestation with the U.S. Department of Labor;

Prevailing wage survey conducting by the local state employment agency to protect the employer

I-129H petition approved by INS.

Must I Leave my Family?

No.

A professional worker's spouse and any unmarried children under the age of twenty-one (21) are also allowed to reside in the United States for the same period of time as the H1-B remains in effect. The spouse and minor children must complete a H4 visa application before residency is allowed.

How Long May I Remain in The United States on the H1-B Visa?

Generally, the H1-B visa is valid for three years. However, it may also be extended for an additional three years resulting in a six-year maximum. If you seek a second H1-B because you changed employers, this will not extend your stay under the H1-B for another six years. The absolute maximum duration for a visa under the "H" category is six years.

What Happens when my H1-B expires?

After your H1-B visa expires, you must leave the country for no less than one year. After the one year period has elapsed, you may once again reapply for the H1-B. However, one of the greatest advantages to the H1-B visa is that it allows the professional worker to seek permanent residency, or a "Green Card" for the worker and his/her entire nuclear family while working in the United States.

Given the complexities of the system, professional representation for those seeking employment in the United States is well advised. Often, mitigating circumstances may be overlooked by those unfamiliar with the system. Language barriers often lead to even more difficulties and frustration.

FOR A CONSULTATION, CONTACT US AT 952.746.2153 or visit Work Visa Lawyers.

About The Author

Maury D. Beaulier is part of a 29 attorney immigration law firm handling cases for clients across the United States and abroad. The firm and its members are recognized leaders in the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization process including asylum cases, work visas, investor visas and family based immigration. You may reach Mr. Beaulier at (952) 746-2153 or thorugh his immigration website located at Work Visa Lawyers.

Tropical New England

2007-03-02T12:00:00.000+08:00

Tropical New England
by: Nate Soule

For New Englanders a tropical island seems about as remote as the Pyramids. A summer getaway to the beach usually means a trip to the Cape or to Maine where while the rocky shores may look beautiful, the water is somewhat less than welcoming. Few could imagine that just off the shores of Rhode Island near Narragansett Bay lies Block Island the closest thing to a Caribbean escape that one could dream of finding in the North East.

More than ten thousand years ago the glaciers left behind a piece of land that today stands as a refuge from busy city life, or the harsh New England weather. As you arrive via a ferry from Point Judith, New London, or Montauk you are immediately immersed in a world quite separate from the one you left on the mainland. The beats and rhythms from Ballard’s Inn and club greet all arrivals, and the site of fellow travelers sipping drinks as they lie in the sand makes it difficult for anyone to continue on to their original destination. A boat half way up the beach which has been converted to a bar sits just next to the stage where live beach music forces one to question just how far that ferry took you.

The center of town is right off the ferry landing and provides numerous restaurants, shops, boutiques, clubs, pubs, and more. Many of the hotels and inns are within walking distance, but taxis await to take you any farther, and moped rentals offer a fun alternative. You won’t find a Marriott, Hilton, or any other corporate style accommodations on the island. What you will find is everything from small cozy inns to large manor like hotels, all providing some sort of island getaway mystique. Most places serve wine and cheese around 5:00, which acts as a great way to meet your fellow travelers, or to just enjoy a nice drink in a rocking chair overlooking the ocean.

If you came to relax by the water you certainly won’t have a hard time finding an open spot. With 17 miles of beaches there’s more than enough room for everyone. Thanks to the island’s natural springs there are also 365 freshwater ponds, and the 32 miles of trails will let you visit almost all of them. If you would prefer a faster paced tour a quick bike or moped ride will take you past beautiful rolling hills and beaches to both of the islands historic lighthouses. For those with more of a hunger for adventure you can get a great glimpse of it all in just one sitting while parasailing high above the waters.

After a nice day in the sun a nice night out is easy to find. There are many delicious restaurants, and just as many fun clubs and pubs. From the rocking live bands at McGovern's Yellow Kittens Tavern, to martini night at the Spring House there’s something for every night life seeker. Don’t worry too much about staying out late, as the biggest decision of the next morning is often which beach to enjoy.

Perhaps so few people know about Block Island because it’s hard to believe that such a place exists in the north. Perhaps it’s because those who visit are reluctant to share their tales, worrisome that too many visitors may change the atmosphere of their private paradise. Whatever it is, there’s something special, and something not to be missed about this unique island where New England meets the Caribbean.

About The Author

Nate Soule is a travel enthusiast and helps maintain the travel website AcrossDistance.com (Across Distance).

Marriage to a Foreigner Made Possible with a K1 Fiancee Visa

2007-02-13T10:20:00.000+08:00

Marriage to a Foreigner Made Possible with a K1 Fiancee Visa
by: Abe Rothstein

Saying "I do" to your foreign bride is a dream that can be made a reality. While the process of bringing your fiancée to your home country can be complicated and lengthy, it is not an impossible task. There are several stages in the application process and each step must be handled with an uncompromised degree of detail and thoroughness. Failing to complete all forms or providing inaccurate information will delay the process and cause you unnecessary stress. Before you forge ahead with your goal of bringing your dream fiancée home, take the time to inform yourself on which visa you need, whether or not your cause qualifies, and what the application process entails.

Before you can have your fiancée enter the United States and officially marry her, she must have the k1 fiancee visa. Although there are other types of visas, the k1 visa is the only accepted form of documentation that will allow you to legally marry your partner in the US. If, for example, you decide to marry your fiancée while she only has a tourist, student or business visa, her legal status will become questionable and potentially serious problems can result. To ensure that your fiancée is not refused permanent resident status, or that she is not deported back to her home country, you must obtain a k1 fiancee visa.

Before you can obtain a k1 visa, there are several eligibility conditions that must be met. First, you and your fiancée must be free to marry each other. This means that both partners must be unmarried, or that any ended marriages have been finalized with divorce, annulment or death. Secondly, you must have met with your fiancée in person within the last two years before filing for the visa. There are some exceptions to this rule including the clause that traveling to her home country would violate long-established and legitimate customs, or that it would be impossible for you to physically make the trip. Lastly, you and your fiancée must marry within 90 days of her entrance to the United States. Note that you can also apply to bring your fiancée’s children to the country if they are less than 21 years of age and unmarried.

The first stage in the application process begins when you receive your complete application package. It will provide an interview date for the applicant and details of the visa. It will instruct you that several documents are required including a valid passport, birth certificate, divorce or death certificate if needed, marriage certificate, police certificate from all places of residence since age 16, proof of medical examination, evidence of financial support (form I-864), affidavit of support from petitioner or sponsor, application for immigrant visa and alien registration (form DS-230 part I & II completed), and two immigrant visa photos. Failure to produce any of these required documents will render your application status incomplete and will slow down the process and potentially jeopardize your chances of obtaining the visa.

Marriage to a foreigner is made possible by obtaining a K1 fiancee visa. Not only will it legally bring your fiancée into the United States, but it will also be necessary if she hopes to find legal work in the future. The whole process may seem complicated, but taking the time to inform yourself and understand the various required stages will better your chances of success.

About The Author
Abe Rothstein is the content manager for Abe's INS Fiancée Visa Help Site at (www.ins-fiance-visa.com). He offers immigration solutions to help you get into the country legally. Visit his site for a full detailed walkthough of the fiancée visa process.

Top United States Rose Gardens

2007-02-12T10:18:00.000+08:00

Top United States Rose Gardens
by: Jillian Scheeler

Top rose gardens to visit in the United States
Take a day trip to a rose garden

Roses have always been valued for their stunning beauty and intoxicating scent. They also have a long history of symbolism and meaning and are ancient symbols of beauty and love. In fact the rose was sacred to several goddesses such as Aphrodite and is commonly used as a symbol for the Virgin Mary. The rose also is the national flower for both England and the United States.

Many of the below listed rose gardens are only a day trip away and the majority of them are public rose gardens which are free to the public. So, take time to stop and smell the roses and visit one of these beautiful rose gardens located around the world.

International Rose Test Garden Washington Park
Portland, Oregon

Portland is known as the "Rose City" and has several public rose gardens; however, the International Rose Test Garden in Portland is the most well-known. It was founded in 1917 and is the oldest official, continuously operated public rose test garden in the United States.

Rose Garden in Woodland Park Zoo
Seattle, Washington

The Woodland Park Zoo Rose Garden was planted originally to provide a free, public display of roses. Currently, the garden houses 280 rose varieties.

Lyndale Park Rose Garden
Minneapolis, Minnesota

Located in Minneapolis, the Lyndale Park Rose Garden is the second oldest public rose garden in the U.S. With over 3,000 roses of 250 varieties, the layout of the garden has not been changed since it was planted by Theodore Wirth in 1908.

McKinley Park Rose Garden
Sacramento, California

A popular setting for weddings and day trips, this Sacramento Rose Garden is home to over 1,200 roses of all different varieties. The garden is free to the public during daylight hours.

The Centennial Rose Garden, Schmidt Mansion
Tumwater, Washington

Planted on the grounds of the Schmidt Mansion, the Centennial Rose Garden is maintained by the Olympia Rose Society for the enjoyment of the public. The garden was designed to display a plethora of rose varieties and within historical context. The garden documents the development of roses from ancient times to present day.

Elizabeth Park Rose Garden
Hartford, Connecticut

The Elizabeth Park Rose Garden is the oldest municipally operated rose garden in the country. With over 800 rose varieties which amounts to 15,000 plants total, this rose garden packs a lot in on two and a half acres.

Mesa Community College Rose Garden
Mesa, Arizona

This Mesa, Arizona rose garden is a unique and important part of the city's community. The garden serves as an iatrical part of education, allowing students from kindergarten through high school and community college and universities use the gardens as botanical laboratories and study areas.

Chicago Botanic Gardens
Glencoe, Illinios - north of Chicago, Illinois

The Chicago Botanic Gardens is home to 26 distinct gardens, one of them being a beautiful rose garden that houses 5,000 colorful rose bushes.

The John E. Voight Trial Garden
Hales Corners, Wisconsin

Part of the Boerner Botanical Gardens, the Voight Trial Garden was opened in 1939 and was traditionally designed with gravel walks around the garden and grass walks through the rose beds. The garden also follows the traditional European design with two circular pools and a rectangular pool filled with water lilies and other plant life on the grounds.

Tyler Rose Garden
Tyler, Texas

As part of a 14 acre park, the Tyler Municipal Rose Garden is the nations largest rose garden and admission to the park is free seven days a week from dawn to dusk. This breathtaking rose garden is also host to the annual Texas Rose Festival held in mid-October.

Jillian Scheeler makes it easy to provide a list of top rose gardens in united states. visit the top ten rose gardens of United States. To recieve free part mini-course visit the Travel Post

About The Author
Jillian Scheeler is a spontaneous road-tripper and avid writer working on assignment for Travel Post - The Premier Source for Unbiased Hotel Reviews and Ratings. This article can be reprinted freely as long as all links remain active.

United States Visa Information

2007-01-12T10:11:00.000+08:00

United States Visa Information
by: Manu Goel

The United States provides different types of visas to foreigners those who want to live permanently in the country and those who intend to visit temporarily for some purpose. For temporary visitors or non-immigrants, there is student visa, business visa, tourist visa, special visa for dignitaries and journalists, etc. People who want to live permanently in the country can avail immigrant visa or green card.

Foreigners who wish to work in the US on a temporary basis can also apply for H-1B visa. To be eligible for H-1B visa, a job offer from a US employer is essential. Unlike a student, tourist visa, the foreigners cannot directly apply for this visa. The prospective employer has to file a petition with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If the USCIS approves the petition then the foreign worker can be hired on H-1B visa.

Otherwise, foreigners can apply for other visas at the US embassy and consulate in their native country. It is very easy to get a tourist or business visa and it is issued in a few weeks. But there is no certainty that you will be provided the non-immigrant visa. Due to security reasons, your applications can be cancelled or process of issuing visa can be deferred. Hence, you may be called for another round of interview or provide additional information

For immigrants, the US State Department conducts a lottery in which it randomly selects 50,000 applicants from across the world to provide permanent residency visas or green cards. The administration will hold such lottery in 2007, for which it has short listed 82,000 people out of more than 5.5 million applicants. US government website www.UnitedStatesVisas.gov provides information on visa policies and procedure.

It is also important that you need to fill in your application form properly as many visa seekers get rejected due to improper filling up application forms.

About The Author
Manu Goel site My US Greencard, The website helps in filling-out the application forms for US green cards and helps in ensuring that the forms are complete in all respects.

The Most Popular Sports In The United States

2007-01-02T10:15:00.000+08:00

The Most Popular Sports In The United States
by: Sintilia Miecevole

All around the globe, on any given day, you will find some sort of sports event on your local television station or on cable. With networks dedicated solely to sports, you can find things like boxing, bowling, fishing, basketball, football, baseball and soccer on 24 hours a day! Most days you will be able to see sports live, either by watching pee-wee, high school, college and even professional sports events. Most ticket prices for local sports are reasonable and you and your whole family can enjoy the excitement of the game!

When you look at the citizens of the United States, there are several sports that seem to be much more popular than others. They, of course, will cost you a bit more to attend, but the thrill of being there will make the price well worth it. The most popular sports in the United States today, being watched live and on screens, are:

1. Baseball is one of the top sports being played in the United States. Having been played in the United States the longest, baseball attracts millions of fans to ball fields every year. There isn’t just professional baseball to keep many Americans busy, though. Proud parents everywhere enjoy watching their children learn and play the game. What a great feeling when you see your child hit the ball or score a run! As the old song goes, “Take me out to the ball game!”. When it comes to sports, professional and amateur, baseball is ranked right up there at the top.

2. Football began as a college sport in the United States in the mid 1800s. Football is truly the “American Sport”, since it is played in the United States exclusively. It has grown from being played only in college to having professional teams and being played by students in both elementary and high schools. The Super Bowl is one of the most watched television events when it comes to sports, and it determines which one of the many professional football teams will be considered the best for that year!

3. Basketball is a popular sport worldwide. The number of people around the world playing basketball can reach a staggering 300 million! Basketball is one of the only professional sports in the United States to welcome foreign players onto teams, with many players of professional basketball being recruited from other countries and brought to the United States to play.

4. Hockey is one of the newer sports gaining popularity with the American public. It did not originate in the United States, but it has found its way into our sporting life and become one of the fastest growing sports. Ice hockey is the most popular form of this sport, with street hockey being popular with older kids everywhere.

You may be asking “Where is golf and soccer on this list?” Well, although both sports are gaining in popularity, neither one meets the level of fans of the sports listed above.

About The Author

Sintilia Miecevole

Click on Far Sport with your favorite host Sintilia Miecevole and enjoy all of the action on sports. The information is all there for you including memorbilia, apparel, nutrition, medicine and more. Be sure to visit Far Sport for your sports roundup information.

U.S. Immigration THrough Investment

2006-12-12T10:07:00.000+08:00

U.S. Immigration THrough Investment
by: Maury D. Beaulier

Approximately 10,000 immigrant visas per year are available to qualified individuals seeking permanent resident status on the basis of their engagement in a new commercial enterprise. Statistics on the EB-5 program show, however, that actual usage of this preference category has never come near the annual allotment of 10,000 visas for the program.

Eligibility Requirements

Foreign investors seeking permanent residence in the United States fall under the EB-5 immigrant visa category. Generally, investors must demonstrate that a "qualified investment" is being made in a new commercial enterprise. They must also show that 10 or more jobs are actually created either directly or indirectly by the new commercial enterprise.

In general, eligible individuals include those:

Who establish a new commercial enterprise by:

· creating an original business;

· purchasing an existing business and simultaneously or subsequently restructuring or reorganizing the business such that a new commercial enterprise results; or

· expanding an existing business by 140 percent of the pre-investment number of jobs or net worth, or retaining all existing jobs in a troubled business that has lost 20 percent of its net worth over the past 12 to 24 months; and

Who have invested -- or who are actively in the process of investing -- in a new commercial enterprise:

· at least $1,000,000 (or more in high employment areas), or

· at least $500,000 where the investment is being made in a "targeted employment area," which is an area that has experienced unemployment of at least 150 per cent of the national average rate or a rural area as designated by OMB; and

Whose engagement in a new commercial enterprise will benefit theUnited States economy and:

· create full-time employment for not fewer than 10qualified individuals; or

· maintain the number of existing employees at no less than the pre-investment level for a period of at least two years, where the capital investment is being made in a "troubled business," which is a business that has been in existence for at least two years and that has lost 20 percent of its net worth over the past 12 to 24 months.

* Keep in mind that the investor must also establish that the required amount of capital has been placed at risk for the purpose of generating a return on that capital. A mere intent to invest, or prospective investment arrangements entailing no present commitment will not suffice to establish that the petitioner is actively in the process of investing.

Procedure

INS Form I-526, Immigrant Petition by Alien Entrepreneur, is the form used to apply for investment-based immigrant status. The Form I-526 must be filed with supporting documentation which clearly demonstrates that the individual’s investment meets all requirements, such as:

· establishing a new commercial enterprise,

· investing the requisite capital amount,

· proving the investment comes from a lawful source of funds,

· creating the requisite number of jobs,

· demonstrating that the investor is actively participating in the business; and, where applicable,

· creating employment within a targeted employment area.

*Labor Certification by the Department of Labor is not required.

You can find the Form I-526 on our web site at by clicking on the Immigration Forms link.

Conditional Permanent Residence

Once the Form I-526 is approved, immigrant investors may obtain status as a conditional resident by:

· Filing INS Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, if residing within the United States; or,

· Applying for an immigrant visa at a U.S. Consulate abroad, if residing outside the United States.

Removing Conditions on Residence

90 days before the second anniversary of your admission to the United States as a conditional resident, you must file INS Form I-829,Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions.

Keep in mind that U.S. immigration laws are based on federal statutes; therefore, we can assist you with your immigration needs no matter where you are located.

Our lawyers have assisted many entrepreneurs in purchasing businesses and investing in U.S. Business operations to qualify for an EB visa.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON U.S. IMMIGRATION OR ASSISTANCE WITH YOUR IMMIGRATION NEEDS, PLEASE CONTACT: 952.746.2153 or visit Work Visa Lawyers.

About The Author

Maury D. Beaulier is part of a 29 attorney immigration law firm handling cases for clients across the United States and abroad. The firm and its members are recognized leaders in the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization process including asylum cases, work visas, investor visas and family based immigration. You may reach Mr. Beaulier at (952) 746-2153 or thorugh his immigration website located at Work Visa Lawyers.