Open Journalism For All - News, Documentaries And Information Services

The year 2005 is drawing near to its end, which means that the holiday season is approaching once again. And that means lots of shopping– at least for most people.

Regardless of whether one looks for the perfect gift for a spouse, girl/boyfriend, mother, father, son, daughter, cat, et cetera, every year has its trends, especially among children — Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, He-Man, Cabbage Patch Dolls, Furbies, Tickle-Me Elmos, Giga Pets, Beanie Babies, the list goes on and on. In times more recent, of course, and with the older set, Apple iPods have been, and continue to be, quite popular.
But whether you are the type to give your loved one a paper clip, or an SUV, the following list is an attempt to sort of ease the stress of Christmas time shopping for the typical American. The suggestions are quite random, as a matter of fact; some are popular, “trendy”, even; others simply aren’t. Either way, happy holidaysand shop safely.

1. Shopping for a bookworm? Carter Beats the Devil by Glen David Gold is certainly a worthy choice. It’s a critically-acclaimed piece of workand for good reason. It’s a novel about the life and adventures of a vaudeville-era magician, Charles Carter, otherwise known as Carter the Great. A sizeable volume, it is full to the brim with an assortment of three-dimensional characters, fictional as well as real; the incorporation of historical figures into the prose (think Harry Houdini and even President Warren G. Harding) serves only to tighten the book’s grip on the reader’s attention-span. “One of the best seasonal reads in the past decade…a single-read wonder, closer in tone to an intellectualized Indiana Jones adventure, but far more satisfying.”Austin Chronicle

2. Give Ali G a chance! Perhaps you are shopping for a young oneone who happens to be over 18, preferably, just to be safe. If that be the case, and you don’t mind subjecting other people to a bit of profanity, then you might at least want to consider purchasing Da Ali G Show: The Complete Seasons, 1 and 2 on DVD. Arguably one of the funniest television programs to come out of the United Kingdom and HBO in recent years, it involves actor Sacha Baron Cohen and the trio of characters he portrays, most especially the character Ali Ga Caucasian “gangsta” wannabe type from England who travels to the U.S.A. in order to conduct interviews with celebrities and politicians (among them: Ralph Nader, Newt Gingrich, and Pat Buchanan). Ali G asks some of the dumbest questions you will ever have heard coming from anyone’s mouthand the DVD itself contains some hilarious extras, like a “glossary of Ali G jargon” (Wot is yous banging on about?= What are you talking about?). The whole thing has to be seen to be believed.

3. One of the most popular, hence obvious, gift ideas for any age group: an apple iPod. Unfortunately, though, iPods tend to cost around $250, depending on where they are being sold, and that can be unaffordable for some families. The good news is that for half the cost you can purchase what is called an iPod Shuffle. Sure, it doesn’t hold as many songs as the regular device (240 tracks for the Shuffle, 5,000 for the Apple 20 GB iPod M9282LL/A) but it’s still a worthy investment or gift, and you save a lot of money, too.

4. Give your grandmother the gift that keeps on giving…the bad guys more than they bargained for. Especially during the holidays, it isn’t uncommon to hear of an increase in robberies, muggings, purse snatchings, etc. Maybe you have a friend or relative who might benefit from a gift that will come in handy in the event of a criminal attack. There are many examples, ranging from a Panther 100,000-volt stun gun for just under $20, to the Advanced Taser with Laser available for about $600.

5. As for the kids, the much-anticipated film adaptation of C.S. Lewis’s The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe has just arrived in theaters all over the country. And while it won’t be coming to DVD any time soon, the entire Narnia series is available in audio book format– unabridged. The Chronicles of Narnia CD Box Set can be found in bookshops for around $75. And for those of you who have a certain fondness for the actor Kenneth Branagh, well, the entire set is narrated by Kenneth Branagh. If your child enjoys this audio book, why not get an audio book rental subscription from a service like JiggerBug.com. It’s an easy way to get your child away from the television and into some books.

Random, indeed. Even if those suggestions really didn’t tickle your fancy at all, it is desired that they at least served as inspiration for some gift ideas of your own. Shopping for Christmas presents ought to be funand with a little imagination it can be.

Grandma’s Pepper Spray
Audio Book Rental
Ali G DVD

As winter approaches in the northern hemisphere, summer beckons in the south. This is the time to take a few days off and follow the sun! The best place to catch the sun in the end of year holiday season is without doubt Cape Town. Cape Town’s claim to being the most beautiful city in South Africa is undisputed. And seasoned travel writers readily accept the merit of Cape Town’s claim that is indeed one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

The city is blessed with unrivalled gifts of nature. The mighty kilometer high flat top Table Mountain dwarfs even the most ambitious skyscrapers in the business district. The city is surrounded by glorious landscapes, stunning beaches and a bounty of unique vegetation. Where else do you have a choice of the cool Atlantic Ocean and the warmer Indian Ocean?

But Cape Town offers much more. It is reputed to be the most open-minded and relaxed city in South Africa and is one of the safest cities in Africa for visitors. Action hero Jean-Claude Van Damme visited the city in 2003 to shoot an action thriller and declared: “I love waking up in this city with the sea around me and the fresh air. The people are young with fresh and warm personalities and are friendly and it’s a country full of hope.”

The movie was shot in the city and around the harbour and some local funs got to see Van Damme at the waterfront. This is the same country that has produced some of the most inspiring people of our times. Desmond Tutu - the Nobel Peace Prize winner and past leader of the Anglican flock in Cape Town, for example. And of course Nelson Mandela.

Take a boat trip to Robben Island, one of the hottest destinations for overseas visitors. This is where Nelson Mandela nearly lost his sight quarrying lime during his long imprisonment. Make sure to get to the summit of Table Mountain by cable where you will enjoy some unforgettable views.

Northwards of the city center is the Victoria and Albert waterfront- a trendy shopping and entertainment complex. It is packed with art galleries, art and craft shops, restaurants, taverns, cinemas, theatres and an aquarium. It is easy to see why many beautiful people converge here. It is when in Cape Town that you will understand why Desmond Tutu named the country as the “Rainbow Nation”. The peoples here have roots in the four corners of the planet and together give the city its vivid colours.

Cape Town is well connected to one of the most popular travel destinations in South Africa: the Garden Route. The Garden Route is the southern coastal area starting west of Cape Town at Swellendam and ending at Humansdorp just before Port Elizabeth. The Garden Route is probably the most scenic journey you will ever make. You encounter soaring cliffs, wide beaches, semi desert, rocky coves, rain forests, tranquil lakes and rugged mountains.

The area is good for watersports and the weather allows this year round. A visit to the wine producing regions can also be staged from Cape Town. If you are short of time, head for picturesque Stellenbosch just a 45-minute drive away.

The Garden Route tour usually starts from Cape Town with a stop at Mossel Bay. This otherwise uninspiring town is famous for its Post Office Tree, where sailors would leave letters hanging in a boot to be picked up by those headed towards the country where the letters were addressed. Then to Oudtshoorn and George, a transport hub for the area.

Afterwards, Wilderness National Park a good place for birding and canoeing on your way to the artist colony of Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. Plettenberg Bay, the “millionaires’ playground” is South Africa’s trendiest resort. Then to Tsitsikamma National Park known for its nature trails, giant trees and caves. A little ahead of Humansdorp is Jeffrey’s Bay, reputed to have one of the world’s best surfing beaches.

Water sports are big in South Africa. Whale watching and shark-cage diving (with great white sharks) is possible in the Cape area. The best time to spot these sea giants is from June to September. In the last week of September the annual Whale Festival is held at Walker Bay. Diving facilities are good in the area and wreck diving in particular is widespread around the Cape. For fishing enthusiasts, the Cape of Good Hope has one the world’s richest fishing grounds.

At the confluence of the Atlantic and Indian Ocean currents is to be found large shoals of tuna and swordfish. For those brave souls seeking hair-raising adventure, there is an excellent opportunity for bungee jumping at the bridge over Blaukrans River. This has one of the world’s highest drops.

There are also many beautiful golf courses in the Cape Town and Garden Route area. The best time to play is the cooler months of May to September. The President’s Cup of 2003 was held at the Fancourt Hotel and Country Club at George right on the Garden Route. This event is a match play competition with the world’s best international players.

The best period to visit the Cape region is over the summer months November-February. The rest of the year is usually cool, rainy and windy. Most people then find it quite challenging to engage in swimming and water sports. There is a wide range of hotels in Cape Town and the Garden Route area. Top range 5 star hotels and other rated hotels are found throughout the region. Top range 5 star hotels and other rated hotels are found throughout the region.

Other accommodation options include motels, guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, farm holidays, beach cottages, holiday flats and bungalows. The Cape region is now a much sought after destination and advance booking is necessary during the summer season (October-April). With prior planning it is possible to get good value and affordable holiday stay.

Copyright © Africa Point

About the Author

Andrew Muigai is the editor of AfricaPoint Insider online newsletter. It is part of AfricaPoint.com- the Africa travel website that has helped thousands of travelers discover Africa. You can view more info on South Africa safari and tours at the website.

Indeed, a lot has been said in literature about the mysteries of the sea. While Henry Longfellow has discovered its weird ways as “…foreshadowing and foreseeing/of things beyond our reason or control” (”The Sound of the Sea”), isn’t it a mystery that the nautical world, especially that of the east, continues to enthrall tourists across the globe? With the growing number of niche global travelers, adventure voyagers and adventure sport enthusiasts flocking to various Asian sea hotspots, the Asian cruises, scuba diving and deep-sea fishing activities are making for truly idyllic island hopping experience for many.

Have you ever tasted the pleasures of luxury Asian cruises, or looking out for hiring them for a remarkable adventure trail to the tropical islands of Malaysia, Thailand or Singapore? Each island of Southeast Asia, including the Phuket Islands, Phi Phi Islands or the idyllic islands of Malaysia, speaks of the rich, vibrant history of the coast and its various cultures. Probably every adventure traveler out on a tropical trail would want to explore it along with the luxury and style offered by these cruises. Yes, Asian cruises have always had an unmistaken charm, and today, with luxury charter companies in Asia like the ‘Tawan cruises’ offering brand new Riviera motor yachts imported directly from Australia, the Asian tourism industry is roping in valued international tourists to explore the exotic lands of the orient.

Take any premiere luxury boating and sailing magazine published from Asia, and you will find insightful news on cruises, yachts, wonderful marinas, exotic cruising destinations and international regattas meant for yacht enthusiasts/tropical adventure travelers. Spectacular nautical events, including the BMW Royal Langkawi International Regatta, the Raja Muda International Regatta, Malaysia, the Singapore yacht race or the grand Phuket King’s Club Regatta have been able to capture the core boating as well as the lifestyle market, comprising of wealthy yacht owners and global yachting enthusiasts.
With yachting in Southeast Asia emerging as a booming industry, the Southeast Asia being looked upon in recent times as a haven of fabulous nautical events roping in the “nouveaux riches”. On the whole, such international adventure tourists are keen on discovering the following:

Air-conditioned charter yachts, sailing/diving vacations with deep sea fishing

Exclusive marinas, cruising destinations and yacht clubs for enjoyable holidays

Spectacular sailing and yachting events amidst the coastal locales of Phuket Islands (Thailand), Malaysia, Singapore, among others.

Today there are Asian cruises with all facilities, including day trips, overnight stay and extended cruising, which means you can double the pleasures of your cruising adventures. Besides, for the leisure, lifestyle and business travelers, there is the tranquility and signature treatments offered in world-class Asian resort spas, which means a tropical adventure traveler can double his/her pleasures of these fabulous vacation getaways. Moreover, with state-of-the-art luxury boating magazines focusing on boating, spectacular sailing/yachting events and other nautical activities in the Asia Pacific, you can now plan for fabulous itineraries in the Southeast Asia within no time.

Lopa Bhattacharya is a content writer/developer working for various overseas corporate website projects, CD-Rom presentations, brochures, flyers and other communication materials). Has worked on numerous SEO copywriting projects on varied themes ranging from travel, hotel industry, photography, web design and software development to US-based clubs and network communities. Was previously an editorial associate for the news, culture and entertainment portal based on the life and times of Kolkata.

Since London is the capital city it is consistently going to be a trying choice to resolve where abouts to eat out or what tavern to stop at. There is nothing worse than when one’s organising something with someone, whether it’s a loved one or just your buddy, only to find out the spot you have chosen is ghastly. So why not save yourself the hassle and pick up an issue of Time Out.

Bars inside the capital come in numerous flavours. Is one trying to find a cocktail lounge or a pub? If, like masses of Londoners nowdays, you now have an unquenchable yearning for drinks then perhaps you will always be vigilant in looking for the latest cocktail bars. What Time Out does is construct a catalogue of cocktail bars within the capital, whether you’re looking out for an aprs work cocktail bar, a marvellous place to score brownie points with a soulmate, a dash of old hat social grace or just a local taproom to chill out in, Time Out will push you in the right direction. Time Out have a great section on London music.

One of the choicest places nowadays is called Asia De Cuba and can be found in Covent Garden - Asia De Cuba is renowned for the cocktails & first rate food. With this bar you have the very best of both worlds - first rate fare and amazing drinks. Then there is of course Apartment-195 which is based on the Kings Road, an uncommonly high-class bit of the capital and so the appearance of the place communicates this. You might often have to be on Apartment 195’s guest list to enter & there can be a bit of a weird vibe but surprisingly this can make for a great ambiance.

Bargain hunters don’t only go to Chinatown for knock off designer handbags, they also look there to find the best prices on bus tours of America. Travelers in east and west coast US cities have come to love the “Chinatown Bus” for their no-frills service and rock bottom prices. However, the bargains do not stop there. If you want to find the cheapest way to see the most popular tourist attractions in the US, try a Chinatown tour operator.

Just as Chinatown bus service began by catering to the recent immigrant community, for years these tour operators have targeting their tours only to the Chinese speaking community. However, more recently they have been discovered by the broader market and are increasingly popular for visitors to the US and residents alike.

Sayaka Singh who lives in New York said that any time she has family visiting from India they inevitably want to take a trip to Niagara Falls. She discovered several Chinatown tour companies online and has since sent many family members to the Falls with them. She said, “You can’t beat it, for less than a hundred dollars they get transportation in a nice motorcoach, hotel accommodations, a tour of the Falls area, and several other stops along the way. They loved it.” Several of her relatives then booked a tour to Washington DC.

What to expect

These are definitely budget tours, but the value they deliver is truly unbeatable. Hotels are usually 2-star level but they tend to be national chains and are quite adequate. Plan on something equivalent to a Travelodge, however many times the hotel quality is higher. Hotels are commonly not situated in the downtown core of the city or right near an attraction.

In a style typical of tours throughout Asia, the tour itinerary is usually quite full. The pace of these tours is very rapid. You will see as many attractions as possible but will not stay at any one attraction for very long. This can be frustrating for people who like to linger or have time to explore. It is perfect for travelers who want to see a lot in a short period of time.

People from all over the world go on these tours and it is impossible to predict the demographic makeup of a group. However, do not expect an “all-American” crowd. You should expect multilingual tour guide and many non-English speakers on the tour. Many people cite the mix of people as their favorite aspect of the tours (”I felt like I was part of a UN delegation, it was great!”). The tour guide will not give an in-depth narrated tour and will speak in both Chinese and English. The tour guide will also arrange for the group to stop for meals. This is usually simple fare such as a rest stop food court or a Chinese restaurant.

How do they do it?

$99 for a 3-day tour from Los Angeles to Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon; $85 for a 2-day tour from NYC to Washington DC, Baltimore, and Philadelphiait is hard to fathom how they can offer such low fares.

These companies run very streamlined operations and work on slim margins. The key to their model is that the tour buses are full. They tend to operate tours only to the most popular destinations (ie. Grand Canyon, San Francisco, Niagara Falls, Washington DC), and they sometimes cancel a tour if not enough people book it. Often these tour companies use charter buses and therefore do not have the expense of maintaining and operating a fleet of buses, something that may not really be their area of expertise.

Since the tour companies run tours on a regular schedule, they are able to negotiate very good room rates with hotels. Therefore they can still offer low rates even during a busy time of year. They also save money by paying their tour guides very little. Customers are expected to tip the tour guides and this really their main source of compensation.

What exactly is included?

All tours include hotel, tour guide and transportation. Most include entrance fees to any national parks when applicable. Some also include admission to attractions. Read the tour details carefully or inquire before you book if you are not sure. Optional tours can add to the cost of your tour and you should budget accordingly. Usually the tour guide will organize the optional tours for the group and you will pay the guide directly.

How do I find these tours?

Almost any city that has a sizable Asian population will most likely have a tour operator specializing in multi-day budget tours. New York, Boston, San Francisco, Vancouver, and Los Angeles have dozens of tour operators. Most likely they will not advertise in the same places that traditional tour companies do. Your best bet is to look online.

These tours are a terrific option for travelers who want to see some of America’s most popular sights but do not have a lot of time and want a great value. For far less than you would pay if you went on your own, you can sit back and have someone else make all the arrangements for you. As an added bonus you will also get to experience a great diversity of cultures along the way.

Violet Sorenson works for GotoBus.com, the leading online marketplace for bus tickets and tours in the USA. You can find out more information about the company at: www.gotobus.com/. The author can be reached at marketing at gotobus.com.

COMPETENCY-BASED

Finding the right medical transcription school may be the most important decision you will make in your career. This may seem like a bold statement - especially since, at first glance all medical transcription schools look pretty much the same. But nothing could be further from the truth. There are really only a few medical transcription schools that are truly competency-based. That is, schools that prepare you to get a job upon graduation.

DIPLOMA MILLS

Oh, don’t worry, there are plenty of “diploma mills” out there. The problem is that in this business, a diploma is not what matters. The only thing that matters is whether you can perform the work. And the only way to learn to do the work is to enroll in a top-flight medical transcription school. Taking shortcuts on a fast track to a diploma is a total waste of time and money. Too many people find this out the hard way and it is a very costly mistake, indeed.

MYTH OF NO OPPORTUNITY

Unfortunately, most people who make that mistake become completely discouraged and disillusioned and just give up, assuming that there is no real opportunity for a career in medical transcription. When the reality is that there are hundreds of unfilled medical transcription job vacancies every day of the year. Right now the medical transcription industry is literally begging for new talent. But medical transcription companies need people that can produce, not people that require a lot of handholding and mentoring.

CONVENIENCE

One aspect you will want to consider in finding the right MTS for you is convenience. Some vocational and community colleges offer MT programs. The obvious challenge there is travel time and arranging your schedule to fit theirs. One great benefit for going the home-study route is that you can study whenever YOUR schedule allows. For many stay-at-home moms, this is a very, very big advantage.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Chris Dunn has created a website to help stay-at-home moms (and others) pick a good medical transcription school.

NOTE: This article is copyrighted 2006 by Chris Dunn but may be reproduced only in its entirety including the Author bio information and link.

Sew a gift for the person who has everything!

Are you frantic looking for last minute gift ideas? Here is
one for you. It only takes a little fabric, a few minutes
of your time and a little stitching at the sewing machine.

Sew a paperback book cover to give to your reader friends,
family, teachers, pastor, etc. They will treasure it. Make
one for yourself, too.

The cover is 5″ x 8″ when closed and has an attached
bookmark.

A great fabric to use is fake suede, but you can use
whatever you want. Use old “jeans” to make the kids some
bookcovers. Create your own fabric out of scraps. How
about a patchwork book cover? Make the inside different
from the outside. You are the designer!

Cutting Instructions

1. Cut 1 piece of fabric 11″ x 9″ for the outside cover.

2. Cut 2 pieces of fabric 4-1/2″ x 9″ for the inside pockets of the cover.

3. Cut 1 piece of fabric 1/2″ x 9″ for the bookmark or use ribbon.

4. Cut 2 pieces of firm cardboard 3-1/2″ x 7-1/2″

Decide On Your Design

Before you make the bookcover, give some thought to personalizing your bookcover by adding monograms, other
embroidery, decorative stitching, appliques, fabric paint,
etc., to your bookcover.

Sewing Instructions

Note: If your fabric will fray, finish one of the 9″ edges
on both of the smaller inside pocket pieces. You can zigzag,
serge finish, bind, or turn under 1/4″ and stitch.

1. Lay the large piece of fabric out flat with the right side up.

2. Lay the smaller pieces of fabric with the right side down on the larger fabric and the unfinished 9″ edges together.

3. Stitch a 1/2″ seam around all of the outside edges.

4. Press the seam allowances open.

5. Grade the seam allowances. (Trim a little off of the seam allowance that is closer to the inside of the cover.)

6. Trim the corners off at an angle to reduce bulk.

7. Turn right side out.

8. Press.

9. Turn under the 1/2″ of the single layer of fabric to the inside at the top and bottom in the center of the cover. You may want to finish this edge if your fabric frays.

10. Center the bookmark at the top center inside under the 1/2″ turned down seam allowance.

11. Glue baste or fuse to hold the seam and bookmark in place.

12. Glue baste or fuse the bottom 1/2″ single layer seam allowance.

13. With the right side up at the sewing machine, topstitch 1/4″ around all of the edges.

14. Insert the cardboard into each side pocket having the seam allowances toward the inside.

Insert a favorite paperback book! That’s a cool gift for anyone at any age!

These bookcovers make great bazaar gift items too.

Be creative and have fun making and giving your unique bookcovers.

You can make bookcovers for any size book. Just change your
dimensions to be a little larger than your book.

Enjoy your bookcovers! It just makes sense!

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

©2005 Marian Lewis - All Rights Reserved

1st Step To Sewing Success

Marian Lewis is a sewing instructor and the creator of an amazing new fitting method for hard-to-fit sewing folks.

In her ebook, “Common Sense Fitting Method For Hard-To-Fit Sewing Folks Who Want Great Fitting Skirts And Pants”, find out step-by-step WHAT you really need, WHERE you really need it and HOW to apply that to a commercial sewing pattern.

For more information, go to => http://www.1ststeptosewingsuccess.com/fitting.html

Marian is also the author of other eBooks related to sewing including, “Sew A Tee Pee And Accessories For Your Tribe Of Kids” where she teaches basic sewing techniques while you have fun doing it!

To learn more, go to: => http://www.1ststeptosewingsuccess.com/sewing.html

To discover sewing and fitting secrets to achieve sewing success, follow the link: => http://www.1ststeptosewingsuccess.com

Berlin, quite surprisingly, has more water surfaces and bridges
(650 approx) than Venice, Amsterdam and Stockholm put together!
This beautiful capital city and heartbeat of Germany, Berlin is
a fascinating place year round with a vast array of attractions
to entice all visitors to it again and again especially in the
Winter months when its 7 Christmas Markets are out in full
force. From traditional markets selling Christmas arts and
crafts including hand-blown glass objects, jewellery to mulled
wine and cinnamon buns, visiting these markets is a fantastic
and fun lead up to Christmas for all the family.

Sightseeing is intense in Berlin…from the remnants of the
former Wall to the Brandenburg Gate to Checkpoint Charlie, there
is a lot to see in Berlin. A short city break is usually not
enough to take in all the historical sights of this legendary
city and a second visit is usually imminent on any first-time
traveller’s agenda. The transport system in Berlin is,
justifiably, known as one of the most efficient in Europe and
connects Berlin with the rest of Germany and European countries.

With so many airlines operating routes to Berlin’s main
international Tegel airport and a whole crop of low cost
carriers now flying to Schonefeld Airport too, it’s never been
easier to visit Berlin. Berlin specialists, www.myberlin.co.uk offer
fantastic, low prices for a city break to Berlin. They combine
cheap flight and discounted hotel packages at top quality
hotels including the 5 star Westin Grand Hotel. Check out the
offers now as these prices are unbelievably excellent value for
money and are not going to be around forever!

As Berlin is just an hour’s flying time from the UK, it makes
for the perfect city break, both midweek and weekend.
Whether for shopping, sightseeing or for the Christmas Markets,
Berlin also makes a great culinary break for food lovers. Try
authentic sauerkraut, spicy sausages, schnitzels and pretzels
washed down with one of the 800 varieties of beers found in the
Bavarian region of Germany. I would recommend you visit Berlin
at any time of the year but more so at Christmas when the city
is lit up by thousands of twinkling lights and the air is crisp
with a hint of snowfall beginning to cloak the city with its
velvety texture - that’s the best time to go to Berlin!

Plan your next holiday tour to the fascinating place Berlin. In
winter 7 Christmas Markets are out in full force. For more visit
www.myberli
n.co.uk

Have you ever wondered why we decorate a tree for Christmas? What sense does it make? We cut down a perfectly good tree, bring it in the house, decorate it with glass balls, twinkle lights, embarrassing arts and crafts from our youth and put a big star on top - why? No one knows for sure. But the Christmas tree does have a long, if not mythological, history.

Get beyond the commercialism and secular nature Christmas has become and get down to the symbolism Christmas trees represent and you will get closer to the actual truth. The fir tree, the first tree widely used throughout Europe as a Christmas tree, was originally chopped down and placed indoors in an effort to promote good cheer and hope. When everything else on the horizon is dead and covered with mountains of snow, the Evergreen color reminded us of good things to come?the rebirth of the Earth at springtime.

In 1882 however, Thomas Edison’s assistant decided to use his boss’s invention to add a more “twinkly” effect to the Christmas tree - lights that ran on electricity. This innovation made outdoor Christmas lights possible as far back as the early 1900s. And don’t you just know, even then, there was that one annoying neighbor down the street who refused to take his Christmas lights down until long past Easter.

But what about the tradition of the ornaments we decorated the tree with? You know what I am talking about… all the little doodads, candy canes, and the embarrassing arts and crafts your parents “insist” on putting on the tree every year - where did that tradition originate. Simple - all of those ornaments morphed from eight distinct decorations.

• The Star - symbolically means, “The shining hope for all mankind.”
• The color red - red is used not just on trees, but also on nearly every other piece of Christmas decoration to come down the pike since the beginning of time. Red symbolizes Jesus Christ’s sacrifice for all.
• The Fir Tree - green, the second color of Christmas symbolizing everlasting light and life. The needles point up to Heaven.
• The Bell - actually symbolizes the ringing of a bell more than the bell itself. The bell rings out to guide lost sheep back home.
• The Candle (and later electric lights) - symbolizes our thanks to the star of Bethlehem.
• The Bow - is tied as we should all be tied together in the bonds of goodwill forever.
• The Candy Cane - symbolizes the shape of the Shepard’s crook, used to bring lost lambs back to the fold.
• The Wreath - symbolizes everlasting love with no beginning and no end.

But that still doesn’t explain the embarrassing decorations we are forced to look at year in and year out. Where did that tradition come from? Simple - parents have been embarrassing their kids for generations - why should Christmas be any different.

Allen Shaw is a successful author who provides information on Christmas and Christmas trees. “I am the news director at USA News Network and have been working as freelance writer for 2 years. I’ve been published in a few magazines, newspapers and websites and my specialty up to this point has been movie and music reviews.”

The Spanish package holiday, consists of sand, sea and sun.
Holiday reps escort people from the airport to a three or four
star hotel with half board accommodation, they offer trips and
fix any problems. Going to amusement parks, having a large drink
or mingling with the opposite sex is everyone’s idea of a good
time. This type of holiday will always be the heart of Spain’s
tourist industry but it has now peaked.

The Spanish holiday market is now segmented, firstly into
different types of accommodation such as hotels, timeshare and
holiday homes, and secondly for special interest groups looking
for a cultural, rural, walking or adventure holiday.

The new tourist concept is to develop Rural or Green Spain. It
can be seen in national newspaper advertising and in promotional
literature. The aim is to encourage tourists away from the
Costa’s to rural areas without ruining the environment. If
successful it spreads revenue more equally across the country
preventing the depopulation of rural areas.

Rural or Green tourism goes hand in hand with rural
accommodation, developing local crafts, initiatives such as
reopening abandoned railway lines and old stations, enhancing
the facilities at the Nature Reserves and promoting the
mountains for recreation. Yet another goal lies in the
development of spas. While there are over 300, many going back
to Roman times, the majority of them aren’t being used.