Take A Winter Escape

During arctic wintry months, anybody could conceive of packing a speedy traveling bag and stimulating a wild bolt to any hot and sunshiny place. Crisp, soaked, breezy wintertime months can turn irksome and could get an individual down as well as make them blue. When you are blue and down, it is difficult to focus as well as difficult to complete your work tasks properly (if at all).

So what is the cure for the winter time blues? It must be a nice quick getaway to some warm and sunny place. It could be the beach or an island or really anywhere warm and sunny. It should preferably be somewhere with lots of sunshine and lots of water to cool off. Pack your sun block and your vintage Wayfarer sunglasses and get ready to relax and have some fun in the sun. Just remember to take it easy on your getaway; you don’t want to come home more exhausted than when you left.

A great guideline is to grant yourself an additional day once you come back to town, that way you get an entire day to acclimate yourself back to conventional living. The impact of getting back to work as well as school the day after your return from an amazing trip might be a bit much for some individuals; it may make you feel more terrible than prior to your vacation.

So when the winter weather is getting you down the first thing you need to do is jump onto the computer and start looking into destinations and travel arrangements. A great site to do this at is Expedia.com. Expedia makes it simple for you to book your entire vacation, on one site, while saying yourself some money. When making arrangements on the internet you also will save the time of making hundreds of calls checking airlines and hotel availability and prices. You can make all your plans without even having to change out of your pajamas!

The Keys in Florida is one of the many wonderful destinations that will assist you in overcoming your winter blues. Another great destination is Acapulco, Mexico. Where ever you decide to go you want to make sure to remember to pack your sunblock, your skin probably has not seen the sun in a while, therefore you can burn up fairly quickly.

Cheap Flights from www.expedia.com make traveling during the holiday season to visit friends much simplier. You can just look on the internet and check out their great deals and even international flights.

The Mapes Hotel: Lost Landmark Of Northern Nevada History

On January 31, 2000, the historic Mapes Hotel in Reno was imploded by 75 pounds of explosives tucked into the art-deco structures support columns. The destruction of the Mapes put an end to years of efforts to preserve the building via lawsuits, redevelopment proposals, and grass roots action. The National Trust for Historic Preservation took up the cause of the Mapes, and challenged the destruction in a suit that eventually reached the Nevada Supreme Court.

While the logic and necessity of demolishing the Mapes is very questionable, one thing that is certain is that the hotel was an important part of Northern Nevada history. The Mapes opened in’47 and with it ushered in a new era for casino gambling and the state of Nevada. Despite some historical revisionism that suggests that the modern era began in Las Vegas with Bugsy Siegel’s famed Flamingo, the Mapes was actually the first building in America to have a hotel, casino and live entertainment under the same roof. The Mapes attracted countless celebrities who’d make it their home when business brought them to Northern Nevada–this included movie stars like Clark Gable, TV stars like the cast of ‘Bonanza’ and political power brokers like infamous anti-Communist crusader Joseph McCarthy.

During the ‘Rat Pack’ era of the 50’s and 60’s it became along with the Cal-Neva Lodge in Lake Tahoe the place to be seen in Northern Nevada. The 11th floor, window walled Sky Room Lounge hosted performances by a roster of entertainment legends including Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr., Dean Martin, Louis Prima, Keely Smith, Milton Berle and Mae West. Downtown Reno struggled during the’60’s and 70’s but the Mapes continued to prosper. The hotel finally closed in’82, due to financial problems experienced by the Mapes Family brought about by their other Northern Nevada casino holdings.

While the last twenty years brought an amazing boom in the population and economy of Southern Nevada, the Northern part of the state didn’t see much of it at all. For that reason, the urgency of destroying the Mapes is even more questionable. In the Las Vegas area, its easy to justify the demolition of older hotels with simple economics–the older properties simply can’t compete in the current mega-resort dominated marketplace. Furthermore, the insane valuation of the land on which they sit makes it financially unfeasible to preserve them as pop culture museums.

This is not the case in Reno, where land and buildings for development in virtually every casino area are abundant. The official reason that the Mapes had to come down was that the city needed the land–which sits along the banks of the Truckee River–to expand its riverside district of art galleries, restaurants and shops. The revitalization of downtown Reno is definitely needed and a legitimate goal, but at the same time it is hard to think that the Mapes was a barrier to this. Indeed, a number of proposals for redevelopment including office space, artists lofts and upscale senior housing would have probably served to enhance the livability of the downtown area. For whatever reason, the City Redevelopment Authority wouldn’t approve any of the proposals and the fate of the Mapes was sealed.

The behavior of the City Redevelopment Authority throughout the process has come into question. Overlooking the Truckee River, the hotel was perfectly placed between the downtown casino area and the riverfront district. In’96, the city purchased the htoel and began accepting proposals for redevelopment. Despite receiving a number of proposals that made sense both in terms of their financial workability and positive impact on the downtown area, the City Redevelopment Authority nixed all of them and insisted that the hotel be razed.

Following the 2000 demolition, the lot remained vacant for over a year until a temporary ice skating rink was hastily constructed the following winter. The property has been improved and the rink is now permanent which, while not in itself a bad use for the land, further calls into question the efficacy of demolishing the structure. It would appear that the city had no clue what to do with the land, but for whatever reason wanted the building brought down. This has led to all sorts of conspiracy theories, from the City Development Agency having financial incentive to raze the hotel to rumors that the building was haunted and was destroyed to keep the Reno area from being overrun with paranormal activity. Whatever the reason for the decision, the city of Reno has lost a beautiful art deco treasure that played a significant part in the economic growth of the state.

Ross Everett is a freelance writer and respected sports betting expert. He is also a staff handicapper for Sports-1 Sportsbook and is in charge of setting NFL lines. He has written extensively on sports handicapping theory along with a wide range of other topics including fencing, self defense and falconry.

Planning Gay Vacations To Greece

Greece offers a wide variety of options for a memorable gay vacation. Naturally, gay travel in this area is usually full of spectacular sunrises, romantic strolls along pristine beaches, exploring ancient architecture and traveling by boat between some of the many Greek islands. Whether your vacation plans include a fun-filled family holiday exploring museums, learning how to make olive oil and traveling to see historic landmarks, a romantic beachside retreat with your partner, or a week of partying and taking in the lively Athens nightlife with friends, Greece is sure to deliver and provides a perfect setting for gay travel.

Athens has much to offer to those on a gay vacation, including an enticing array of gay clubs and bars, gay-friendly and gay-owned coffee shops and cafs and a variety of welcoming lodging options. There are also two saunas for gay men who would like to partake in Greeces bathhouse culture, including Athens Relax, which is right across the road from a popular gay club and has a clientele of mixed ages, and Hera, a smaller sauna with a mostly mature clientele. There is also a beach area south of Athens called Limanakia, which is a great place for gay men to meet new people and explore the rocky shores.

Mykonos is one of the most welcoming Greek islands for gay vacations and has long been a popular gay travel destination. With exquisite beaches, spectacular scenery, a vibrant nightlife, welcoming locals and a cosmopolitan air, Mykonos is a must-see stop on any Greek gay vacation. Gay-friendly lodgings abound on Mykonos, including an adults only lodging option that is gay-owned and caters exclusively to gay travelers. Crete is another vastly popular Greek island for gay travel. While there is no definable gay scene on Crete, there is a bed and breakfast that is gay-owned, a few gay bars and businesses, gay beaches and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, which makes Crete a natural choice for any gay vacation to Greece.

Of course, lesbian travelers will not want to miss Lesvos and the opportunity to explore Sapphos native hometown, Eressos. Lesbian travelers can stroll along beautiful beaches, experience luxurious spa treatments, people watch from romantic cafes and indulge in a delightfully women-centered nightlife while visiting this haven for lesbian travel.

As a country, Greece is rather traditional and religious; however, Greece is a hotspot for gay holidays and travelers will find a warm, welcoming atmosphere in most parts of the country. Visiting Greece as part of an organized gay travel group is a wonderful way to take in all that Greece has to offer and to experience gay life in Greece while on your gay vacation. If traveling separate from a group, it is good idea to enlist the assistance of a travel agency that is well-versed in arranging gay vacations to Greece to help you organize a gay vacation you will never forget.

Howie Holben also runs Spirit Journeys, a spiritual gay travel organization. Spirit Journeys is renown for providing special gay holidays. Learn more about conscious gay retreats at www.SpiritJourneys.com.

Planning Gay Vacations To Peru

Gay travel usually is used to take time away from the worries at home. They also give us chance to be adventuresome and active, or to just lay on the beach and sleep the day away. However, some people expect more from their vacation or travel experience.

Some people want to move toward more balance in their life. They want more than just a quick, temporary release from life’s stresses. They want to be more in touch with their spirit and their heart. If this is what you seek, try a spiritual gay travel tour to magical Peru’s Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu for your next vacation.

Nestled in the shadows of the astounding Andes Mountains, The Sacred Valley of the Incas is considered the heart of the ancient Inca Empire and is comprised of many towns that are known for their ruins. The Sacred Valley is truly a spiritual place and for those who wish to not only shed their day-to-day stresses but spend some serious quality time in reflection of their lives, this is the place to be.

The Kamaquen Retreat Center is known to be wonderful place to stay while visiting the Sacred Valley. The staff at Kamaquen is adept at brining their guests close to the Andean people, spirit and culture. The center’s goal is to their guests find a bit of themselves while exploring the Sacred Valley.

Visiting Machu Picchu while in Peru is a must! It’s only a short distance to Machu Picchu from the Sacred Valley. From the moment you enter Machu Picchu, the energy of the site embraces you. You cannot be there and not have your spirit be touched.

Just wandering around Machu Picchu, you become filled with a sense of wonder and awe. The energy of the place just fills you. You will never be the same after a visit to this magical place. A spiritual gay holiday of Peru can lead to changes in your life back home.

Gay travel article by Howie Holben, ownerof Spirit Journeys, an organization that provides spiritual gay vacation options. Find out more about a gay holiday, Spirit Journeys and Howie at http://www.SpiritJourneys.com.

Get Resorts at the Price Of Hotels

Before you book your hotel for your next vacation, don’t settle for second best. In this age of technology, it is possible to find a resort hotel, with all the comforts and amenities, that you know in heart of hearts, you are dreaming of. Have a look, you know you want the best accommodation that your money can get you!

Yes it is true, that resort hotels do not differ much from regular ones, if all you need is a roof, bed and bath. However, if you want excellent service, thoughtful comforts and facilities, you will have to look for a resort hotel. Your stay will be much more pleasant. Consider why you will - love - staying in style and luxury on your next vacation.

There are a number of reasons that you will find that you prefer a resort hotel to a regular one. Especially for the same price. The service and amenities can make all the difference to the success of your vacation. To start with, it is wonderful to have a larger room. Things like concierge service can take all the stress out of planning excursions, and a spa can leave you feel relaxed and pampered.

As well as the services and amenities, your will find your condo style rooms in your resort hotel, spacious, and with one, two, or three bedrooms - your family will have more than enough room. There is a full kitchen as well, which is a wonderful convenience with children, or even a romantic evening in. You will find the accommodations perfect!

The more comfortable rooms are not the only reason, that you will greatly prefer a resort hotel. As well as swimming pools, you can usually find tennis and basketball courts, as well as a gym. There are often game rooms for the children and shopping centers and casinos for the adults. There will be a wide range of relaxing and fun activities to choose from every day. Even free internet.

Don’t worry about the extra cost, it is possible to have an exclusive vacation for the price of regular accommodation. You will be so happy that you choose a resort hotel for your family vacation or romantic get way. Give it a try, you will be very happy you did, and come back year after year, and never run out of things to do and see.

You can get 40% off a hotel, that is what we call Great Hotel Rates, it’s easy just visit Chris Linch’s homeshophotels.com.

Legal Matters Regarding The Use Of Paper Lanterns In The United States

There are three elements of paper lanterns that can be customized: their size, colour and shape. Originating in Asia, especially countries such as China and Japan, paper lanterns have made it big throughout the world, reaching all continents. Their colour is a strong visual attribute, as are the shapes they can take; with paper lanterns, any room decor is bound to become more interesting. Should we be concerned about paper lanterns not being legal on the territory of the United States? As luck would have it, this is not an issue worth worrying about.

Even when their light is given out by burning candles, paper lanterns pose little threat. Caution is recommended to those decorating their homes with candle-lit paper lanterns; however, recent trends favour LED/light bulbs paper lanterns. This way, we no longer have to worry about a fire hazard. Used as sky lanterns or water lanterns (the famous tealights), these objects are often found at popular festivals. Powerful air currents increase the risk of fire when using paper lanterns, so it is important to pay close attention. Apart from this, we all have to admit that paper lanterns are eco-friendly, unlike other sources of light.

Imagine the night sky when suddenly several paper lanterns float up into the air, spreading their light all around. The truth is that people have found numerous uses for paper lanterns, decorating their homes with such objects, making them common items in festivals and putting all their trust into them to bring the peace they need. Businessmen have started to rely on paper lanterns as well, using them to present their line of work and draw attention to products available for sale.

There are not many lamps in the world that can create the same lighting and atmosphere as paper lanterns. It’s no wonder that so many cultures prefer to use them rather than traditional lighting methods. Paper lanterns are tasteful decorations which come in impressive forms, making everything look even more refined. A lovely setting becomes even lovelier with paper lanterns ‘thrown’ around.

Despite what many people think, paper lanterns can also be used as genuine light sources, and not just for decoration. They have a light that is not too tiring for the eye, instead having a calming effect. People often choose them for bedrooms or other spaces designed for relaxation, preferring paper lanterns as opposed to other sources of light.

What would you choose, especially now that you know that paper lanterns are legal?

Cody Scholberg, a lighting expert, writes about hanging paper lanterns. Check out this post on using asian paper lanterns !