Alcatraz Cruise Tour

September 18, 2010

While we were in Pasadena, we finally had the weekend to visit Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, CA. And from there, we bought our tickets for Alcatraz Cruise. (Escape From The Rock"). I was thinking we can go down to the island to actually visit it, but it was just a cruise tour, where we sailed passing by the Alcatraz Island, and the Golden Gate bridge.

We boarded the Blue Gold Fleet at Pier 39. It was fun seeing a group of sea lions along the bay...no wonder why that "fishy" smell! lol.

Anyway, it was fun cruising the bay while a tour guide is telling the story about famous landmarks being seen from the bay. It was windy and cold, but bearable.

The cruise was an hour or so, and it was a good experience.

Home for Thanksgiving

Guest post written by Brandi Cook

It's been tough living three states away from my home, friends and family but I'm going home for Thanksgiving and I've really been looking forward to this for a really long time. I'm also looking forward to getting my hands dirty and cooking in the kitchen with my mom beause my kitchenette in my tiny apartment barely has enough room for my coffee pot to sit on my counter, much less enough room to prepare a good meal.

I decided to make sure that I got to contribute some, so I used my Clear TV Bundle to find some really great recipes.

I was really looking for dessert recipes so I could really flex my sweet tooth, which I've been repressing because I've been trying ot lose some weight here lately. But I found this really great different green beans recipe so I think that IÕm going to have to whip that up too. That doesnÕt mean though that I canÕt fix some kind of dessert too. I might try making some pumpkin spice mousse.

Belize Trip Essentials

Going to Belize City? belize is located in Central America, a small country that has the longest barrier reef in the Western hemisphere.

If you're wondering what and how your packing should be, you should pack light for island hopping, - shorts, T-shirts and bathing suits.
Restaurants are mostly fairly casual:-light dresses for women and nice shorts and T-shirts for men. Bring lightweight rain jacket for splashy boat rides and some occasional showers.

U.S. dollar is widely accepted in Belize which is the only English-speaking country in Central America.

Don't bother packing make up and hair-styling products. Climate is hot and windy.

Pack lots of SPF30+, lip balm with sunscreen, and a wide brim hat. Pack aloe for those spots you miss.

Bring an underwater camera even if it's just disposable.

Doctors usually recommend hepatitis A, typhoid vaccines and malaria pills. A tetanus booster is also recommended.

Make sure your water is safe before drinking - many hotels and resorts use rainwater or seawater for plumbing, including the bathroom sink.

Food is mostly traditional, like rice and beans, fresh veggies, pork, chicken, lots of seafood and tropical fruits. Restaurants like Ambergris Caye offers variety of international dishes.

Belize produces good beer. Belikin's a local fave and it's what you get when you simply order a "beer", which comes in regular, stout and premium.

Wine is less prevalent but fairly easy to obtain, especially those from Chile or Argentina.

Going to the Largest Aquarium in Kansas

Thanks for the post, Jennifer Mcconnell

My family loves going to the Aquarium. Our favorite aquarium is actually at a mall. It is the largest standing aquarium in Kansas. It's a free aquarium at the Central Mall in Salina KS. We grab our cameras, set our home security alarm)CLICK for more info) and out the door we go!

My entire family likes to visit the Aquarium. I guess since it's in the mall because can combine a shopping trip and aquarium trip. If one of them gets bored they can go shop for awhile and come back. We try to get there around 4:00 P.M. because that is when they feed the fish in the aquarium. Feeding time is frenzy time and it's a lot of fun to watch. The aquarium is 15,000 gallons so it holds a lot of fish. There is every kind of fish imaginable in the aquarium, blue gills, crappie, largemouth bass, white bass etc. It is a lot of fun to sit and watch the different types of fish and they way they interact. Sometimes you may even see a fish fight. There are benches to sit on so you don't have to worry about getting tired standing. It's a lot of family fun.

SEOUL-Infinite Offerings of a Modern Culture

If you're visiting Seoul, South Korea, you can experience a neighborhood teeming with exotic dining and shopping variety.
Seoul has an abundant, enticing attractions and many tourists have come to witness the city's legendary history, its thriving culture and the numerous exhilarating spots on both sides of the Hangang River showcasing the youthful, dynamic side of Seoul.

Seoul is alive with energy, day and night. The Hongdae District exemplifies art, culture and style mixed with youth, creativity and passion.
Hongdae's nightlife flaunts Seoul's flourishing clubbing scene, and also a home to indi rock band concerts, live music bars, jazz and dance clubs.
Club Day, the last Friday of every month is a terrific time for club shopping.

Seoul is also a festive city. The biggest festival is called Hi Seoul Festival which is held in Seoul every year in early May for 7-10 days, featuring a wide array of fun and exciting events revolving around both traditional and new cultural themes as well as eco-friendly ideas.

The Lotus Lantern Festival (April 25-26) is another festival wherein you can see an ocean of light floating along downtown Seoul's Jongno Street, with over 100,000 lanterns of all sizes and shapes shining at the same time. This festival celebrates the Buddha's birthday.

Another traditional experience of festival is the annual Seoul Drum Festival which captures the nation's rich musical culture.

Other notable performances you shouldn't miss are the annual Hangang High-Wire World Championships and pantomime stage shows.

LA Dodgers

Thanks for the post from Lynn Guy

I am a devoted fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers and naturally Major League Baseball too. This is why I am so sad that we are not in the pennant race this year, as I have been spoiled by continuous Dodger success. It pains me even more so that the Giants are in the playoffs and doing so with a much more likable cast. While my team features a lazy bum like Manny Ramirez and guys like Casey Blake and Matt Kemp, plus a bunch of overweight slobs like Chad Billingsley and Jonathan Broxton, being a Los Angeles Dodger fan is truly the lowest form of existence in the world.

It was especially painful the way we got beat by the Giants in epic fashion this season. While earlier in the year we came back to beat Barry Zito, later we just got crushed by Juan Uribe's game-winning home run and never recovered. It was a disheartening loss that our weak-willed team could not recover from. Truly Vin Scully was rolling over in his grave after that loss, and I began to wonder if I should just give up on the boys in blue and start rooting for whatever team was playing the hated Giants. Thankfully I can do just that as I watch every baseball game of this pennant race on my satellite TV package from tvbydirect.com.

The Canyons: Perfect Playground for Mastering Skills

The Canyons Resort in Utah which is at 6,800 feet offers more than 3,700 skiable acres that ripples across eight mountains.
This resort village is framed by a crescent-shaped arm of the Wasatch Range. Being one of the 5 largest ski and snowboard resorts in the country, it offers a landscape of peaks; dizzying chutes; powder-clutching bowls; quiet glades where all you can hear is your breath and "whoosh" turns; and long white stretches that weave, dip and roll down the resort's nearly 3,200 feet vertical fall.

The resort's self-contained village has shops, eateries and hotels. The Grand Summit Hotel, the Escala Lodges or the Dakota Mountain Lodge are newly debuted Waldorf Astoria property which are just all minutes away from the lifts and shops, - a closeness that reinforces the charm of the mountains.

Sesame Street is Best

Posted by Winford Tillman

Can there be any doubt that Sesame Street is the best children's program? Sesame Street went in 1968 and was from the very beginning the standard of excellence by which all other children's programs measured themselves.

Sesame Street was not set in a rural or fantasy setting, but on a city street where most kids lived. A controversial choice, the setting proved to be a source of identification with most viewers. Sesame Street looked a lot like the street where they lived. The show featured short skits, songs and animated vignettes. Numbers, letters and words were repeated in fun ways to help kids learn.

Sesame Street taught good moral lessons like honesty, hard work, sharing and helping. It even taught kids about death. The episode, 'Farewell, Mr. Hooper' was quickly named one of the most influential moments in television history.

Sesame Street's excellence is proven in its longevity. Not just in its years on the air, but in its longevity in the hearts of the adults who grew up watching it on bestchoicetv. Almost every adult age 48 or younger can sing a favorite song from Sesame Street. They can recite their favorite skits and imitate their favorite characters. Without a doubt Sesame Street is my favorite children's show because I am one of those adults and I know all the words to the 'Ladybugs' picnic.'

Deer Valley Resort

Just 36 miles away from Salt Lake City International Airport lies the historic mining town of Park City and Deer Valley Resort. It is the premier ski destination even long before the 2002 Olympic Winter Games was held.

Deer Valley is long renowned for its superb on-mountain details and continues to be the epitome of winter's grace and customer satisfaction.

Where you make that run could be the most difficult decision of your vacation, as there are six mountains, and 100 runs that create the Deer Valley experience.

Late Visit To Cousin's House

September 10, 2010

I got the chance to visit and meet my cousin whom I haven't even met since she was born! Now, she has 3 cute daughters to whom I have met all of them for the first time. It was such an overwhelming experience seeing them and I was glad I was able to see them. Another reason why there was a planned family mini-reunion the next day!

My family in CA is quite big as my husband would always say which is true. My husband is a family oriented guy and he enjoys a lot talking and mingling with them, which I am so greatful of.

This was a late visit, almost sleeping time for the kids, so we had to go. It was nice bonding with the kids even if it was only for a short time.

One-Stop Shop For All Kinds of Sinks

Looking for sinks for your home? Don't waste your time driving from store to store because you can do it all conveniently online getting the choice you've always wanted. If you're specifically looking for undermount kitchen sink, there are a lot to choose from, and yet they are affordable too. For sure with their huge inventory of sink products, there's always one in store for you ;).

Most undermount kitchen sinks comes in premium quality at warehouse prices and by ordering online, your order comes with the same day shipping! Of course, you'll be guaranteed with superior quality products, so check the site.

Ten Romantic Hotspots in Japan

1. Big O, Tokyo - Enjoy the views as you snuggle up downtown Tokyo while riding on the world's first centerless Ferris Wheel. The 15-minute ride is as exhilirating as it is romantic which is located in the middle of downtown Tokyo at La Qua, - the city's premier entertainment and shopping center.
   
   
2. Enoden Railway (Kamakura-Fujisawa) - you will enjoy beautiful beach and ocean views as you climb aboard the Enoshima Dentetsu (Enoden) on one side of the train, and the historic neighborhoods on the other.
   
   
3. Fujiya Hotel, Hakone - Spend a quiet day at this charming historic hotel where views of Mt. Fiji are simply unparalleled. The surrounding Hakone resort area offers some of the country's best thermal waters, plus countless other romantic retreats.
   
   
4. Hyobaku Ice Festival, Hokkaido - witness yourself the fantasy world of illuminated ice sculptures, frozen waterfalls and colorful fireworks at this magical winter festival (Feb.-March) held in Sounkyo Onsen, a hot springs resort town on the edge of Daisetsuzan National Park.
   
   
5. Kamigamo Shrine, Kyoto - enjoy an enchanting afternoon on the vast grounds of this World Cultural heritage site with more than 34 structures, that includes the famous Honden and Gonden. Close by is the Moidoro-ike Pond where you can relax, bird watch or enjoy a quiet ramble.
   
   
6. Meiji Jingue Shrine, Tokyo - Take a stroll unto the peaceful gardens and woods of this shrine which honors the spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. If you're lucky, you can even witness a traditional Japanese Shinto wedding ceremony.
   
   
7. Restaurant Luke, Tokyo - savor a romantic dinner amidst Tokyo's most dramatic views. This elegant, modern French restaurant is at the top of St. Luke's Tower, a high-rise overlooking the Sunida River that hovers above the expanse of Tokyo Bay and metropolitan skyline.
   
   
8. Rokko Cable Car, Kobe - get a nostalgic ride aboard a restored cable car to the summit of Mt. Rokko in Kobe. The view of the glittering Osaka Bay from the top is considered one of Japan's most awe-inspiring sights.
   
   
9. Sunset Dinner Cruise, Tokyo - capture the romantic views of downtown Tokyo as you sail the Sumida River aboard a traditional Japanese houseboat. Savor the authentic local dishes prepared with fresh seafood and veggies as the sights of the city float gracefully by. You can arrange a private cocktail cruise for an extra special evening.
   
   
10. Tsurunoyu Onsen (Hot Spring Resort), Akita - a historic spa with natural hot springs nestled in the beautiful mountains of northern Honshu. You can also reserve a room at the authentic ryokan (Japanese style Inn) onsite to experience a traditional dinner and overnight stay.
    
    
    

A Trip to Camden Yards

Guest post written by Florence Bloomberg

A few weeks ago, before the regular season ended, my husband and I got our first opportunity to finally see our favorite team Ð the Baltimore Oriolestake the mound. We love seeing them play, since theyÕre our home team. WeÕve lived in Maryland for quite some time now, so the entire roster almost feels like family! (And definitely welcome over for dinner any night-ha!)

It was a great gameÉup until the 8th inning, when the other teamÕs star player hit a grand slam and tied the score like that. I canÕt believe our 4-run lead was blown so quickly!

Well, even though the Orioles lost, the game we went to was a great experience. Bill and I had our new hearing aids in that we found at MiracleEarHearingAids.net and we both had our binoculars. We heard everything so clearly that it was just like watching baseball on television, but even more exciting!

The Griffith Observatory

Overlooking the city of LA

September 11, 2010

This is where we were during the 9/11 commemoration. With my uncle and cousin as tour guides, my husband and I had the opportunity to see the entire view of the city of Los Angeles, plus the famous Hollywood sign close to it.

From the Griffith Park, there was a shuttle bus who took us to the Observatory up way the hill (or mountain?). It was nice up there feeling the cooler breeze without the smug, lol!
We missed the scheduled show at 12 noon! But there were other things to see there, mostly about astronomy and other interesting information and astronomical gadgets.

High up there is 1, 134 feet above sea level located on the south portion slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park.

Depuy Hip Replacement Lawsuit

It's time to start fighting for your right if you are one of those who suffered personal injury, particularly if you are one of those who suffered from the hip replacement surgery done by Depuy Orthopedics.
Take note that Depuy Orthopedics which is owned by Johnson & Johnson has recently recalled their hip replacement systems last August 26, 2010 due to numerous patient complaints experiencing pain and swelling.
Being said, you can file for a liability claim through a reputable Depuy recall attorney who is willing to fight for your right and to those who have undergone accidents of personal injury at the hands of others.

Once your case has been fully evaluated and confirmed, you're all set to go for the claim fight.

O’Hanlon, McCollom & Demerath – Personal Injury Lawyers – 808 West Avenue, Austin, TX. 78701 – 512-494-9949

Visit To Staples Center

This should have been posted earlier, but what can I do? I always end up being tangled into many things, lol!

Anyway, better late than never so here it is.

September 10, 2010

After checking in at our hotel, we hardly had enough time to rest before my uncle had picked us up to visit the Staples Center, the home of the NBA Lakers! They say this is a world class arena for special events and performances.
We arrived at the place around 5pm that day, and unluckily we were not able to go inside because they won't allow any camera which we were carrying that time. Besides, there was a long line going inside although it seems there was no special event that day. Other buildings surrounding it were all closed, so we didn't have any chance to go around and explore, plus we were scheduled for our dinner at 5:30pm at Ichiban Restaurant in Glendale, CA...a chance to meet another uncle and auntie I haven't seen for 30 years!
Boy! it was overwhelming to see a part of my family once again.

Quick Winter Getaway

Escape the daily grind without spending a fortune. Plan a quick winter getaway.

Save your money by traveling to where the dollar is strong.

Go off season. Consider jetting off to Europe - less winter tourism means there are great deals now. You aren't going to Paris to lie by the pool anyway ;).

Go last minute. Sites like lastminutetravel.com and travelzoo.com bundle cheap 11th-hour packages, which includes airfare, hotel and rental cars.

Dead Leaves

I appreciate the guest post, Jamie Guy

My favorite animated movie to watch is Dead Leaves, because it is full of the kind of nonsensical mayhem that I find stimulating. While some people think animation is only for saliva filled children, that is utterly untrue. Animation that originates in the east has been long geared toward adults, adults who still read comic books on the train. Dead Leaves is full of guns and guts and a main protagonist who has a television for a head, so that I can watch a television in my television on TV, and that alone makes the movie totally awesome.

The plot centers around two Bonnie and Clyde like characters trapped in a prison for their various shenanigans, which then leads to a marauding break out not unlike the one in the conventional movies you see on television except for a ton of guns and security guards whose weapons are as impotent as them. Next to the television headed man is a sassy woman with her own crazy style, which makes me feel as if I am watching some a hipster would watch and raising my overall intelligent quotient. This is primarily why I watch Japanese animation, to feel as if I am part of a club or unique subculture that watches things that the mainstream are not cool enough to. I watch Dead Leaves on the SyFy channel on satellite TV from http://www.directstartv.com/directv/directv_faq.html.

Avoiding The Risk of a Flight Delay

Delays will only create more delays, so dodge the domino effect. Choose to fly early in the day at most airports and avoid the late afternoon and evening rush hours.

Be sure to check at a particular flight before you book a ticket.

Try opting for nonstop flights. If it's impossible, allow enough time to make connections. In a volatile weather, even a leg of a direct flight can be delayed or cancelled, and when many planes are now flying at nearly 100% capacity, it becomes difficult to rebook on another flight.

Sign up for updates at flightstats.com which tracks, analyzes and predicts the performances of flights worldwide. It can also send alerts on your cell phones for particular flights, so you'll know right away if yours is late, cancelled or diverted.

A Walk in the Park

Guest post written by Jillian Matthews

It’s very important to me that my husband and I stay fit, especially since we live in Manhattan where you pretty much have to walk everywhere.

After all these years of working hard in the city, we’re really enjoying the luxury that comes with living in beautiful Fifth Avenue apartment, since we’re literally steps from Central Park .

Every night after dinner we take a quick walk to the main reservoir in the park and stroll around it. The view is always spectacular. As we walk, we can see portions of the magnificent New York skyline over the trees and on all sides of the water—it’s utterly breathtaking, even for Manhattan-ites like us. Aside from the view, we always enjoy the time to talk and reflect on a variety of things. My husband has been bringing his Miracle-Ear hearing aids aids so that we can really turn our exercise time into quality conversation time, as well.

It’s been wonderful having the park as a backyard, and we anticipate enjoying these walks for many years to come.