Football equals Party, no other sport is so related to a party. Superbowl weekend attracts no American like any other sport event can. So its no wonder that many people don’t care if they don’t even get inside the stadium, having a tailgate party would be enough. A TV showing the action could spark the emotions in people just like watching the game itself.

When you say tailgate party the first thing that comes to mind is football and beer. But anyone could do that. To make a party that everyone remembers is to make a party that’s a cut above the rest. The first thing to consider is having a party that’s extremely comfortable. That includes having a party that’s insect free.

Insects can be a nuisance when your having fun, its not enough that they’re irritating, they have to get into the food.

There’s no other party spoiler as devastating as the invasion of insects. They get into the food and ruin everything else

This is a party buster that can ruin a heck of a good time.

There are certain measures that a good tailgate host can do to make a party error and pest free.

One of the most reliable insect control innovations is having the electronic insect zapper. They emit a sound and light that’s attuned to the insects and diverts its attention to the device and away from the party.

Usually, this is battery powered and emits a light that’s virtually extremely attractive to insects. Once they get near, they get zapped with a small electrical discharge that eliminates the insects and pests.

There are also some innovative scientific insect control gadgets that rely on sound waves that deflect the incoming wave of ants. Ants can be the bane of any outdoor party. Just leave a dish uncovered and you could find a swarm of ants covering it.

Fight fire with fire. Innovative small spurting canisters emit controlled fire to eliminate pests and insects. Take out your mini tank and extinguish the insects and pests that can eventually ruin your party. Just do this before your guests arrive.

But most importantly, keep your food properly enclosed. Closing it eliminates the escape of scent, which attracts the insects and pests. If they don’t know there’s a treat for them, they wont bother you. Prevention is still the best control over pests and insects.

The next time you plan a party or picnic, make use of odor-free, no leakage food containers. Also keep that insect at a distance and away from the food. Don’t let your parties ruined by a bunch of insects.

The internet is still your best source for the newest insect control innovation.

Posted by admin as University of Leisure at 8:06 AM CDT

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Dolphins hold a very special place in peoples hearts and most people find swimming with a dolphin a very moving experience and cannot wait to do it again, despite the price. Florida offers many opportunities to swim with dolphins no matter where you are staying.

If you are staying in Central Florida near Orlando then you can simply head over to SeaWorld and watch the dolphin shows or visit the next door Discovery Cove where you can spend 30 minutes in the water in a controlled environment with an Atlantic bottle-nosed dolphin. Even if you are staying in Orlando and do not have a car, you can take a two day bus trip to the Florida Keys including a dolphin swim.

Alternatively you can head for the coast to one of a number of companies offering dolphin swims and dolphin encounters. Note that some companies offer therapeutic programs for special needs children.

Wild dolphin swim/encounter

It is illegal to harass, feed, chase or touch marine mammals in the wild and so a wild encounter is a different kind of experience to the controlled encounters that take part in marine parks. All reputable companies will take time to teach the participants the correct way to deal with wild dolphins in their environment.

Typically you are taken out by boat into the open ocean to meet wild dolphins in their natural habitat. Once the dolphins are found, you can either just watch them from the boat or go over the side and snorkel with them; you must be a confident swimmer to swim in the sea like this.

Obviously there is no guarantee that the weather will be suitable, that you will meet any dolphins or that they will want to spend time with you but if you want to experience as natural an encounter as possible then this is the sort of trip for you. It is worth checking if the company offers any form of ‘no show’ guarantee if no dolphins are found.

As well as a one day trip, some companies also offer extended programmes/workshops of anything from 2 days to 7 days if you want to spend more time with the dolphins.

Special Tip

Before making your visit check with the operator exactly what gear you need to provide yourself and what is supplied or can be hired; for example, snorkel, fins, towels etc.

Controlled dolphin swim/wade

If you do not want to go out into the ocean, then you can still either swim with a dolphin or even wade with a dolphin in captivity.

There are really two kinds of controlled swim, the natural swim where you typically free swim using a snorkel with captive dolphins and the structured swim where you are one on one with a trainer (much like the swim with dolphins experience at Discovery Cove, Orlando).

Generally you need to be a good swimmer, comfortable in water 10-15 feet (3-5 metres) deep without using any flotation device. If you do not like getting out of your depth then some companies offer a wade with a dolphin programme where you can still cuddle and touch a dolphin whilst standing in shallow water (up to your waist) or at places like Discovery Cove you can wear a flotation device for the actual swim.

Copyright 2005(c) Stephen Downs, the Florida Review and Travel Guide.

This article can be reprinted freely online, as long as the entire article and this resource box (with a live link) are included and the article is not changed in any way (apart from grammatical corrections).

Stephen Downs is the publisher of the Florida Review and Travel Guide (found at http://www.floridareview.co.uk/) which provides independent advice, tips and information for anyone planning a vacation in Florida. Let the Florida Review and Travel Guide help you to make it a holiday to remember.

Subscribe to the free monthly newsletter by signing up at http://www.floridareview.co.uk/news/newsletter.asp and get news and updates every month on new attractions, weather forecasts, events and guide book and hotel reviews.

Posted by admin as University of Leisure at 11:04 AM CDT

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I bet you’re wondering where the heck this articles going. After all what could cowboys-n-campfires have in common? Well lots actually!

Cowboys are full of wonderful tales from their travels and their work. Campfires are a wonderful place to listen to tales whether from a cowboy or shared among a group of friends over an ice cold beer and a star filled sky.

There’s another commonality. In earlier times cowboys spent a great deal of time sleeping under the clear star filled skies. They enjoyed the peace and tranquility of the universe as they stopped to rest for their night from a long day of moving cattle across the country.

Today campfires are one of the few times we get to appreciate the dark night skies with the twinkling stars. It’s one of the few times we stop and appreciate what a wonderful universe we live in. In the city most of the beauty of the night sky is washed out by the ambient light.

Cowboys-n-campfires share something else - the big C. Now I bet your wondering what the heck the big C is? The big C stands for a few things Character, Charm, Cause, Caution, Cheerful, and Chatting.

Both a cowboy and a campfire have character and charm. Depending on the mood of both determines what part of their character we see. A cowboy can be angry but so can a campfire. I’m sure you’ve heard your fire sizzling and popping. A cowboy can be charming and so can your campfire. Remember sitting beside it watching the gentle orange and red flames flutter - so charming.

A cowboy and a campfire both have a cause. The cowboys job is to herd the cattle from point a to point b. The campfires job is to help you relax and to keep you warm. It’s also their to cook a meal, prepare a pot of coffee, or enjoy a marshmallow or two.

A cowboy and campfire share caution. A cowboy needs to exercise caution when he herds the cattle. There are many dangers he will face. A campfire requires your attention and caution as there are many dangers it can cause. A fire can burn someone, and it can spread and cause a forest fire if not properly put out.

A cowboy and campfire are both cheerful. A cowboy can be heard whistling a happy tune as he carries out his duties. He always seems to have a smile on his face. Next time you go by a campfire take note of the mood of the people around it. Cheerful of course! As they all relax and share good conversation and good friends.

Cowboys and campfires share chatting. Cowboys chat among themselves as they carry out their duties. They even chat with their old friend their dog, and now and then you’ll hear them chatting to the herd. The campfire is the ultimate place to relax and chat with both old and new friends. It’s a place to enjoy great conversation.

So you see cowboys-n-campfires have a lot in common! Be sure to check them both out sometime soon!

Tom Strayhorn is one of the few real cowboys left so why not saddle up and come visit him at Cowboys-n-Campfires

Posted by admin as University of Leisure at 1:34 AM CDT

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This article is designed to help Buckingham Pa. residents select plants and shrubs for hedges. Not all plants that are suitable are listed here but most common and easy to raise ones are listed.

Hedges are one of the major components of your landscape. Hedges define the limits of your landscape and thus should be the starting point in your landscape design. Before selecting plants, you should carefully consider their landscape requirements and the characteristics of the plants. For example, deciduous plants drop their leaves in the fall and are effective screens mainly during the growing season. Evergreens provide good screening all year. Gardeners considering a sheared, formal hedge should realize that they may need to be pruned (sheared) several times a year to remain attractive. In comparison, an informal, natural hedge is relatively low maintenance. Select shrubs that grow to the desired height. Planting a tall-maturing shrub where a short, informal hedge is desired creates work. Many landscaping problems are prevented by selecting the correct planting material.

Our plants are well suited for many hedge plantings. We sell many types of plants and shrubs which can work well as a natural privacy boarder. Bare-root material is the most economical type of nursery stock when planting a hedge. However, bare-root plants are rather small. For the beginner, bare root is the hardest type of plant to grow out. Container-grown and balled and burlapped plants are larger, but are more expensive. You will have better luck with potted and B&B stock…The added cost will be worth it. Most B&B and potted stock can be planted whenever the ground is not frozen as long as you have the knowledge to help the plants along.

Plant spacing is determined by the plant species and hedge type. Most plantings will range from a spacing of a foot or two to a couple of feet. Many people will plant the shrubs and fail to prune them back hard. Pruning generally will make the shrubs more dense and compact.

The following is a list of shrubs suitable for hedges that we sell:

Amur maple Acer ginnala 15 to 18 feet natural Barberries Berberis species 1 to 5 feet natural or sheared Boxwood Species 2 to 4 feet natural or sheared Redosier dogwood (D) Cornus sericea 8 to 10 feet natural Burning bush (D) Euonymus alatus 6 to 15 feet natural Junipers (E) 8 to 15 feet natural Beautybush (D) Kolkwitzia amabilis 8 to 10 feet natural Spirea VanHoutte (D) 6 to 8 feet natural Lilacs (D) 4 to 15 feet natural Yews (E) Taxus species 2 to 10 feet natural or sheared Arborvitae (E) 3 to 15+ feet natural or sheared Arrowwood viburnum (D) Viburnum dentatum 6 to 8 feet natural American Cranberry (D) 8 to 12 feet natural

When you visit Highland Hill Farm at 5275 W Swamp Rd. (rt. 313) Fountainville Pa. we will be happy to show you these plants. You can also go to our web site http://www.seedlingsrus.com

Posted by admin as University of Leisure at 10:15 PM CDT

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Manhattan represents the heart of New York City and has become synonymous with the city as a whole. The island of Manhattan itself is home to Grand Central Station, as well as a number of artistic and cultural centers. The Island can be roughly divided into Downtown, Midtown and Uptown areas, each of which include a number of outstanding attractions.

Positioned to the south of 14th Street, Downtown Manhattan is the home of the Financial District which runs along Wall Street, including the rebuilt World Trade Center and Battery Park, from which you can access the Statue of Liberty by boat. Numerous trendy cultural areas downtown, including Greenwich Village Tribeca and Soho feature historic architecture, trendy food and plenty of shopping. Another admired destination downtown is Manhattan, which runs along Canal Street.

The Midtown area is located between 14th Street and Central Park, and the location of a outstanding arts scene. The center|core|axis|hub|heart} of arts life in the metropolitan area is the Theater District which contains Broadway, Times Square and Hell’s Kitchen, as well as the Air & Space Museum. The Midtown area is a popular location for people traveling to stay as there are various Midtown Manhattan hotels in the district. Other popular sections comprise Gramercy Flat Iron, a hip residential district, as well as the fashion centerpoint Chelsea District.

Large amounts of real estate controlled by Central Park, Upper Manhattan contains the City Zoo, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and a number of museums throughout the Upper East and West side. Moreover, the section is thesite of Columbia University in Morningside Heights, the significant Harlem area and Washington Heights.

Each one of the Island’s irreplaceable sections maintain their own sense of history, as well as trendy selling points from first-class arts to cuisine. A trip to New York is not complete without a thorough tour of Manhattan’s excellent spots. There is an excellent reason that the island has come to define the public face of New York. Manhattan is one of the world’s foremost cultural capitals and continues to set the standard in commercial and metropolitan trends.

Posted by admin as Traveling at 3:33 PM CDT

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Having traveled from state to state and every city in the United States over 10,000 population occasionally staying at motor home camp grounds it seems that a few new ideas might be worthy of mention. Motor home campgrounds generally consist of a cement parking stall, which is level and then hook ups for electricity, water, waste and Cable TV if you so need it. Often there is grass in between stalls and sometimes grass between the centers of the cement area you park on, probably to add ambiance for stalls with no motor homes parked there and/or to save the cost of the concrete during construction of the camp ground?

All this is very nice and makes sense however, the closest areas to the motor homes themselves ought to paved with Astroturf not actual sod. There are many reasons for this. Quite often there are localized weeds growing in the camp ground and the seeds from these weeds get caught in the undercarriage of the motorhome or a trailer they are towing. If the motor home is there for a month the weeds have time to grow underneath and close to the motorhomes guaranteeing that they will in fact get caught in the undercarriage.

In most states the USDA Forest Service is careful to maintain a noxious weed program to prevent the transfer of local indigenous weeds to other places where those weeds might interfere with the local eco-system and cause a take-over or add new insects to the area. If campers have animals they move fleas as well to other areas. Mosquitoes too can hitch a ride. Properly maintained camp grounds are important and the use of Astroturf which properly drains prevents freestanding water for Mosquitoes to breed and possible hitch a ride after wards, as West Nile Virus seems to be killing more and more people each year.

Dried brush underneath a vehicle can cause a fire hazard from the tail pipes and dead grass growth under the motorhome is unsafe after the vehicle departs. Additionally with the Western States at a drought crisis the water can be saved without sacrificing the ambiance. Also realize that the older folks who drive motorhomes have weakened immune systems due to age and are more susceptible to catching a virus or disease. Perhaps more camp grounds should look into these things to prevent the spread of noxious weeds, the breeding of mosquitoes and decreasing the fire hazard risks? Think about it.

“Lance Winslow” - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/

Posted by admin as University of Leisure at 11:18 AM CDT

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Thousands of golfers flock to the Carolinas each spring and fall to enjoy some of the greatest golf courses in the country, and booking a golf package in Myrtle Beach is one of the best ways to experience what the area has to offer to devoted fans of the sport.

Purchasing a golf package in Myrtle Beach not only provides visitors with great opportunities for golfing but can also make available the finest in first-class accommodations, great meals, and a chance to hear some of the area’s best entertainment.

A number of golf packages may be booked through the town’s many resorts. While some resorts limit the number of area courses from which visitors can choose, many offer the full gamut of nearly 100 courses in the Myrtle Beach area, in conjunction with accommodations at the resort and the other amenities and activities available on the premises. Such resort-based Myrtle Beach golf packages often include reduced-rate accommodations and meals as compared to the cost of booking only a room at that particular resort during a golf vacation in Myrtle Beach.

Many golfers choose to book their golf package in Myrtle Beach through companies that are experts in the area’s golfing resources. Such companies usually offer packages at any of the areas fine courses so there are plenty of choices and visitors needn’t repeat the same courses year after year, if they so choose.

Golfers may want to play on the courses of North Myrtle Beach during one season, come back and experience the links of the south part of the Grand Strand the following season, and return the next year to enjoy the courses on South Carolina’s Brunswick Isles like Bald Head Island. The choices are plentiful and experts can help golfers choose the courses that are right for their skill level, ensuring an enjoyable game.

Packages such as these may include beachfront accommodations but quite often offer lodging at golf villas, condos, or hotels located on the grounds of a chosen golf course. Such accommodations offer close proximity to the golfer’s favorite activity, meaning that they’ll be able to take advantage of each and every moment on the links without having to travel a distance to play each day.

Many golf package accommodations include fully-equipped kitchens and visitors may also take advantage of the other activities and amenities available onsite, such as tennis, swimming, fitness centers, and fine restaurant meals.

When visitors book a golf package in Myrtle Beach, they’ll have the opportunity to choose all features that will make their golf vacation the perfect one for them, whether they’ve been playing the sport for years or are new at the game, having just recognized the tons of fun involved in being a golfer.

Gregg Gillies is a freelance writer and long time Myrtle Beach lover. Check out his new site, the Myrtle Beach Guide

Posted by admin as University of Leisure at 3:44 AM CDT

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Twenty years ago I nearly set the Grand Canyon National Park on fire. I was young, stupid and lucky. Unfortunately, young, stupid and lucky also seems to characterize a whole host of latter day Grand Canyon backpackers. Hikers die in there, every year in greater numbers than one would at first imagine … at least six during the summer of 2005.

Accidents and heat-related illnesses are the leading causes of death in the Canyon. What is striking is how easy it is to avoid either through proper preparation and common sense. What does this mean?

Be in Good Physical Shape.

A descent into the Grand Canyon is not a walk in the park. It will tax your body and, if you’re out of shape, chances of a heat related affliction are magnified. Know your physical limits and respect them.

Be Hydrated. Bring Provisions to Stay Hydrated.

120 degrees is hot! Your body needs fluid. Hikers can lose one to two liters of water per hour. Rangers at both Phantom Ranch and Indian Garden treat as many as 20 cases of heat exhaustion a day.

Know Where You Are Going.

It’s odd to have to say it, but in this day and age of easily available topo-maps and hand-held GPS units, hikers still get lost and still die because of it. Why!!!? It doesn’t take a lot of advance effort to ensure your safe return. Really, the only excuse to get lost is because you are young or stupid. Hopefully you are lucky. Really.

Prepare for Self-Rescue.

Knowledge, my friends. Go out and get some. Knowing how to get out of a jam comes with experience. To a certain degree however, it also comes from a store. A whistle, solar-still, 1st aid kit, and reflecting signal are the bare essentials …

Common Sense.

Hmmm … either you’ve got it, or you don’t. If you’ve got it, you won’t chase your water bottle over the edge of a cliff; you won’t attempt a mid-afternoon ascent in July; and you won’t build a fire where you shouldn’t. You will let people know where you are, and when you plan to return. Yes, hikers make mistakes … those with common sense make fewer.

Just in case I haven’t made my point, I’ll let the National Park Service make their’s. The following is from their web-site.

There are no easy trails into or out of the Grand Canyon!

Grand Canyon’s Inner Canyon (below the rim) is a place of extremes. Hiking below the rim requires preparation. Each season brings its own hazards, and all trails below the rim are steep and precipitous. Over 250 people are rescued from the Canyon each year. The difference between a great adventure in Grand Canyon and a trip to the hospital (or worse) is up to YOU.

Got it?! People die down there.

Here, by-the-way, are the abbreviated facts of my own moments of stupidity.

During the late spring of 1981 I lit an illegal cook-fire on sandy soil, which in turn lit a root, and travelled underground to a fallen log. Smoke tendrils gave away the momentous stupidity of the act and I spent the entire night digging and waiting, digging and waiting, digging and waiting. By the time I was confident that the fire was out, I was dehydrated, my back and arms ached from the digging, and I was thouroughly chastened. What made it worse was the walk out, and the knowledge that I had to tell somebody. The tongue-lashing I received from the Service Ranger almost seemed like a relief, tempered as it was by the water he passed me from the jug he had stored in his truck. It turned out fine, but another 8 hours without water, or a different sort of luck with the fire, and I or somebody else could easily have been a pile of bones.

Posted by admin as University of Leisure at 4:22 PM CDT

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Hotel Vannucci was constructed in 1887 by the illegitimate daughter of King Vittorio Emanuele II, Vittoria Guerrieri di Mirafiori, and was given the name Villa Mirafiori. Its ornate iron gates open into private landscaped gardens overlooking medieval churches and verdant Umbrian countryside.

With attentive and individualized service we aim to make every guest feel immediately at home. Following extensive restoration (completed Spring 2005), Hotel Vannucci offers 30 delightful bedrooms, a choice of formal and casual dining, a cosy bar, and a fitness centre with sauna and Jacuzzi. The hotel’s charming décor celebrates Umbria’s artisan traditions with wrought iron, hand-crafted furniture and attractive artwork throughout. Weekly markets, shops, restaurants, biking and hiking trails, and stables are on the hotel’s doorstep. Swimming, water sports, golf and tennis are within a 15-20 minute drive.

Hotel Vannucci’s two restaurants specialise in Umbrian/Tuscan cuisine with its sumptuous truffles, wines, cheeses, and cured and fresh meats. We use only the freshest, seasonal ingredients, supplied by local producers. There is a choice between gourmet and casual dining both indoors and al fresco.

Hotel Vannucci’s 30 luxury bedrooms are uniquely styled with rich fabrics, hand-crafted furniture and personal touches to make you feel at home. The hotel offers 2 Classic Singles, 19 Superior Doubles and 9 Deluxe Suites (Luxury Triples). Selected rooms enjoy private balcony access and views over the hotel’s internal courtyard or garden.

Following our recent restoration, all rooms offer an exceptional range of conveniences, including:

National parks and reserves, although blessed with all the beauty and exciting locations for great memorable adventures, can be very rugged places as well ,with no consideration for man kind.Conditions may change from good to bad in a short time If you intend to visit these locations it is important to be prepared and also to act in a responsible manner to sustain this great ecosystem for your own well being and generations to come. .Some ideas would be; have an experienced person/guide as part of the party and possibly no less than three people so one can stay and one can go for help if one of the party gets into trouble. don’t plan activities beyond the physical capacity of the “weakest link” with activities such as hiking/mountain biking/,canoeing/climbing etc if available ,contact the park office regarding the condition of tracks and roads , the levels of the rivers,fire bans,landslides etc [ if there is a fire ban you may need to take a small gas stove or carry pre cooked foods ] allow sufficient time to do every thing you set out to do so you can get back before nightfall; [some days are longer than others at different times of the year] before departure , make sure somebody not going with you knows where / when , you plan to return and where you are going in case things go wrong ; and don’t forget to tell them all is good upon your safe return. Carry extra food / water in case the excursion takes longer than expected. Carry at least; torches plenty lightweight food plastic bags for rubbish water plus warmweather for the worst weather possible rain coats/ poncho’s first aid / insect repellent / sunscreen space blanket compass/ map / gps matches / lighter

The weather may change dramatically in a short time especially in the alpine areas, so carry warm clothes even if it is nice and sunny when you start off.

Should you choose to carry your mobile check to see if your provider has coverage in the area otherwise this would be a waste of time.

Supervise children closely for loose rocks,cliffs,dangerous animals/plants,slippery rocks etc

Any fires should be completely extinguished to prevent a fire outbreak that you or anybody else may not outrun……severe penalties apply .

Keep to established tracks and respect fences and handrails

Don’t encourage the local wildlife especially the bears;- in case they make a late night gourmet rendezvous through your tent ; don’t bury the food scraps as they will only dig them up again.

If you decide to go swimming , never dive straight in , and check for submerged rocks and logs and keep an eye out for broken glass because if somebody cuts their foot open that will be the end of your adventure

So there you have a rough guideline for a successful day trip; so off you go and enjoy the great land that has been preserved for you and generations to come !

Posted by admin as University of Leisure at 8:04 AM CDT

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