http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for square kilometers Copyright 2008 Sun, 07 Sep 2008 12:02:18 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/square+kilometers http://www.artwoo.com/article/trivia-teaser-online-free-online-trivia-game http://www.artwoo.com/article/trivia-teaser-online-free-online-trivia-game#comments Thu, 23 Aug 2007 09:15:01 +0000 trivia questionwater triviaminute triviacontinental drift theoryturkey buzzardsturkey buzzardmesozoic era http://www.artwoo.com/article/trivia-teaser-online-free-online-trivia-game Trivia Question: How far does human blood travel during one day?

Trivia Answer: 12,000 miles

Trivia Teaser: On average the blood fully circulates in the human body some seven to eight times per minute.

Trivia Question: What bird is the longest lived?

Trivia Answer: Turkey buzzard

Trivia Teaser: Turkey buzzards have a long life span compared to most other birds; they can live up to 30 years in captivity.

Trivia Question: What continent has the most countries?

Trivia Answer: Africa

Trivia Teaser: Africa is home to 53 independent countries, representing more than 25 percent of the countries of the world. There are 47 countries on mainland Africa and six nearby island countries.

Trivia Question: What mammal is the longest lived?

Trivia Answer: Human

Trivia Teaser: The mammal with the longest recorded life is man. Some human beings live more than 110 years. After humans, the Asiatic elephant lives the longest; one elephant lived to be 78 years old.

Trivia Question: What is the largest continent on earth?

Trivia Answer: Asia

Trivia Teaser: Currently, Asia is Earth's largest continent at approximately 17,300,000 square miles (44,806,812 square kilometers). Africa comes in second at about 11,700,000 square miles (30,300,000 square kilometers). However, Continental Drift Theory suggests that the continents have moved over the years through the process of plate tectonics. Many geologists believe that, during the Mesozoic era, all of the continents combined to form a supercontinent known as Pangaea which would have dwarfed the largest continent today. It is believed that Pangaea began to break up about 200 million years ago.

Trivia Question: What percentage of the earth is covered by water?

Trivia Answer: 70 percent

Trivia Teaser: Seventy percent of the Earth's surface is covered by water. The remaining 30 percent is covered by mountains, volcanoes, deserts, plains, and valleys. Only 3 percent of that water is fresh or drinking water. Earth is the only planet that can have water in liquid form on the surface. If you enjoy a Free Online Trivia Game you should visit the Trivia Teaser Online Contest at http://TriviaTeaserOnline.com ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/free-online-trivia-game-questions http://www.artwoo.com/article/free-online-trivia-game-questions#comments Thu, 15 Mar 2007 13:21:41 +0000 blue whaleinternational olympic gamesmodern olympic gameslargest mammalsquare kilometerstallest mountain in the worldteaser http://www.artwoo.com/article/free-online-trivia-game-questions tallest mountain in the world?

Answer: Everest

Trivia Teaser: Mt. Everest, on the border of Nepal and Tibet, China, is the world's tallest mountain and highest elevation with a peak at 29,035 feet (8850 meters).

Question: What language is the most spoken in the world?

Answer: Mandarin Chinese

Trivia Teaser: Chinese (Mandarin) is the most spoken with approximately 1,075,000,000 speakers followed by English with 514,000,000 speakers.

Question: When were the first international Olympic games held? Answer: 1896

Trivia Teaser: The 1896 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the I Olympiad, were held in 1896 in Athens, Greece. These games were the first modern Olympic Games and the first Games since Roman emperor Theodosius I banned the Ancient Olympic Games in 393. They were held between Monday, April 6 and Wednesday, April 15, 1896.

Question: What is the largest mammal to ever live?

Answer: Blue whale

Trivia Teaser: The Blue Whale, Balaenoptera musculus, is the largest mammal living today and is also the largest mammal to have ever lived. In fact, the Blue whale is the largest animal ever to have lived on the planet as far as we know; bigger by far than even the largest Dinosaur. The longest Blue Whale ever measured was a female, 33.58 meters or 110 feet long. The heaviest weighed an estimated 190+ tons.

Question: What is the largest country in the world?

Answer: Russian Federation

Trivia Teaser: Russia covers 17,075,400 square kilometers. Prior to its dissolution in 1991, the Soviet Union had an area of 22,402,200 square kilometers. Canada is the second largest country with 9,970,610 square kilometers.

Question: How many planets are there in our solar system?

Answer: Nine

Trivia Teaser: Our solar system officially has nine planets and one star: the Sun. In order from the Sun out, the planets are: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto. The discovery of an object larger than Pluto in 2005 rekindled the debate over whether such objects, belonging to the andquot;Kuiper Beltandquot; -- a collection of icy bodies located beyond Neptune-- should be called planets. Pluto itself belongs to the Kuiper Belt. If you enjoy Free Online Trivia Game and Free Trivia Questions and Answers you should visit the Trivia Teaser Online Contest at http://TriviaTeaserOnline.com ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/central-america-commercial-real-estate http://www.artwoo.com/article/central-america-commercial-real-estate#comments Tue, 11 Dec 2007 02:35:02 +0000 honduras central americabelize guatemalagorgeous beachessquare kilometersnecessary paperworksuchitotocolonial towns http://www.artwoo.com/article/central-america-commercial-real-estate square kilometers in total land area. Central America links Northern and Southern America, and is actually part of the former. It is composed of several countries, including El Salvador, Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua, Belize, Guatemala, Panama and certain areas of Mexico.

There are a number of popular tourist destinations in Central America. The tropical weather and the gorgeous beaches in Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica and Nicaragua are attracting thousands of beach lovers and surfers every year. Natural parks are also quite popular, specifically in Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Mayan ruins, which can be found in El Salvador, Honduras, Belize ad Guatemala, are also hotspots. So are colonial towns, including Quetzaltenango, Antigua, Gracias, Leon and Suchitoto, to name a few.

A trip to Central America will not be complete until one experiences the unique food that the region has to offer. Favorite dishes in the region include rellenitos, tamales, gallo pinto, chicharron con yucca and pupusas. Meanwhile, popular drinks include pi=F1a colada, horchata, and a variety of alcoholic beverages, such as rum and tequila.

The real estate market in Central America is quite different from the real estate markets in other countries. Although there are similarities in some aspects, such as the necessary paperwork and the taxes, there are also several important differences. One of these is that every country in Central America has a specific rule regarding the places where foreigners are allowed to buy property. A specific example is in Mexico and in Honduras. An individual or a company hoping to invest in a beachfront property will not be allowed to do so in Mexico, as it is against their regulations to buy any property, both land or building, lying within 100 kilometers from the border or 50 kilometers from the coast. On the other hand, one is allowed to buy a beachfront property in Honduras.

Central America is becoming an increasingly popular choice for commercial real estate properties. This is because, compared to commercial property in the United States, commercial real estate property in Central America is relatively more affordable. For this reason, numerous investors are opting to buy property on the Mexico side of the border instead of on United States ground. There are several large cities in Central America where investors can buy hot commercial real estate properties. These include Panama City, Guatemala City, San Jose, Managua and San Salvador, among others.

Another reason for the popularity of commercial property in Central America is the presence of a huge market. This is because the countries of Central America, specifically Mexico, Belize and Honduras, are popular tourist destinations.

The continuing availability of affordable property, combined with a huge market, is enticing even more investors to spend on commercial real estate property in Central America. This is fueling the commercial real estate boom in the area.

If you're searching for valuable property at an affordable price, search for real estate in Central America! Seth Willis Jr. is the webmaster for http://www.mybizfootprint.com and a savvy real estate investor. His focus for MyBizFootPrint is to allow users to showcase their Commercial real estate from all over the world .Users can browse , rentals,retail, Office space and commercial buildings, commercial properties for sale or lease, from every corner of the globe. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/hezbollah-weapons-systems http://www.artwoo.com/article/hezbollah-weapons-systems#comments Mon, 20 Aug 2007 02:30:01 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/article/hezbollah-weapons-systems Iranian-Hezbollah-Rocket

More than 200 hundred rockets were fired from south Lebanon into Israel on Friday and Saturday adding up to over 1,000 over the past two weeks. The latest news on Hezbollah launched rockets is the use of a Khaibar-1 rocket, which hit on Saturday an open field near the town of Afulla in the Valley of Izrael. Hezbollah propaganda named the rocket "Khaibar," a historic-religious name deriving from the Battle of Khaibar in the Arabian Peninsula in the early years of Islam. The battle, was against a Jewish fortification, has become a symbol of resilience and of the superiority of Islam over Judaism. The Khaibar-1 is apparently one of the Iranian Fadjr family of artillery missiles.

Iranian 240mm Rocket Launcher M 1985

It is important to analyze the basic characteristics of these weapon systems. The main factor related to the present conflict regards the rocket's maximum range and the type of warhead used. So far the Hezbollah have been using mainly short range rockets, fired either from a single launcher, often with an improvised timer enabling to aim the rocket towards a general direction and flight angle and then walk away from the launch site.

Iranian 122mm-mrl-iran

Various types of electronic timers, often with a simple modified alarm clock, do the rest. These rockets are an Iranian version, called Haseb, of the Russian 107mm Katyusha with a range of up to nine kilometers. Another way to launch the rockets is by using multiple launchers to create a salvo effect. Such launchers can be towed or mounted on jeeps, trucks etc. The war head (explosives) weighs eight kilograms.

Iranian FADJR-2

Another artillery rocket type is the Arash 1 and 2, both based on Russian and Chinese models. This 122mm rocket has a range of 18 kilometers with a warhead weighing 18 kilograms. Here too the rocket can be launched from a single launch pad or in salvos from a multiple rocket launcher. Hezbollah uses this system mainly with a single launcher.

Iranian FADJR-5 missile

The second set of Iranian made rockets, believed to have been delivered to the Hezbollah in smaller numbers, is the Oghab, a 230mm rocket with a range of 45 kilometers and a warhead weighing 70 kilograms. Originally this rocket was designed to be carried and fired from special vehicles. However, they can also be fired from a single launching tube. In the same category is the Fadjr-3 230mm with a range of 45 kilometers and a warhead weighing 45 kilograms. It is believed that the simpler and lighter Fadjr-3 is the one used by the Hezbollah. It too can be mounted on a vehicle to be used as a multiple rocket launcher. The Oghab and the Fadjr-3 can cover northern Israel, including Haifa and Tiberias. To launch them the Hezbollah have to be as close as possible to the Israeli-Lebanese border.

Iranian MRLS. missile-rockets

The conflict will escalate if the Hezbollah have in their arsenal heavier rockets capable of covering a distance of 75 kilometers, carrying 190 kilograms of explosives; this rocket is the Fadjr-5 333mm. It is a larger rocket and therefore more difficult to move around. Originally it was designed for multiple rocket launchers. The last two heavy rockets are the Shahin-1 333mm with a range of 13 kilometers and a warhead of 190 kilograms and the Shahin-2 333mm with a 20-kilometer range and also a 190-kilogram warhead.

Experts on artillery rockets note that to launch the long range and heavier rockets the Hezbollah would need an elaborate technical and logistical capability. If these rockets are launched it will almost certainly mean Iranian experts and their equipment are active in Lebanon. Y. Y. East G2 Analyst http://www.g2analyst.com ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-disneyfication-of-times-square-in-nyc http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-disneyfication-of-times-square-in-nyc#comments Wed, 05 Sep 2007 03:20:01 +0000 times square new yorkmore than thirty yearsgaiety theatreestablishmentsporn shopsdisney namecrime rate http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-disneyfication-of-times-square-in-nyc
Times Square, New York at one time was littered with sex clubs and porn shops. One of the most notorious establishments in Times Square could be considered the Gaiety Theatre. This was a male strip club that operated in Times Square for more than thirty years. When they officially closed their doors recently, the Disneyfication of Times Square was considered to be nearly complete.

The decline of Times Square began with the Great Depression, however the original opening of The Gaiety Theatre ushered in hustlers, tourists and individuals of the gay variety. With them, sex clubs opened up and porn movies became popular in this section of New York. Once these establishments took hold in Times Square, the crime rate skyrocketed and people began to avoid this area. After a bit, it began to be considered one of the seedier places to be in New York.

This was presenting a very bad image for New York. With the newly formed Giuliani administration, they swooped in and began enforcing laws that encouraged a higher quality of life for people. By doing this they were able to begin shutting down many of the sex themed establishments. They worked to drive out the people who encouraged sex solicitation and shops. The only drawback was that in people's minds, it still had a reputation of being a place to avoid. So the biggest hurdle New York had was to show the world that Times Square had indeed changed for the better. Police worked to clean up the streets and brought the crime rate down dramatically.

It wasn't until the Amsterdam Theatre was closed and transformed into the Disney Theatre that Times Square began to share the Disney name synonymously, then people started to associate Times Square with the "family oriented theme park" kind of mentality. With that association they began to feel that Times Square would also be subject to the Disney type of regulations as they have in their parks.

With the gradual closings of the gay clubs, porn shops and sex establishments, Time Square began to build up a more wholesome image but it took time. These shops weren't eliminated immediately, it took time and a lot of effort on the parts of many individuals. The upgrading of Times Square was considered a complete success once the last remaining establishment that had such a stronghold on this New York crossroads was officially closed. Johnny Moon recommends using http://www.NewYorkHotelDeals.us for all of your NYC hotel reservation needs. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/where-is-spain-on-the-map http://www.artwoo.com/article/where-is-spain-on-the-map#comments Sun, 25 Feb 2007 08:27:14 +0000 detailed map of spainmap of spainmediterranean seaeastern coastlinestraight of gibraltarbalearic islandspenon de velez de la gomera http://www.artwoo.com/article/where-is-spain-on-the-map detailed map of Spain provides the viewer with a quick image of where Spain lies in relation to the region and the entire world. Spain is part of Europe and is located in the southwestern part of the continent at forty degrees north and four degrees west. It is not a large country totaling 504,782 square kilometers. Comparing it to the United States, it is only a little more than twice the size of Oregon. Spain also includes the two autonomous cities of Melilla and Ceuta as well as a couple of island chains. Located off the coast of Morroco are the Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, Penon de Alhucemas, Penon de Velez de la Gomera and Islas Charfarinas.

Spain's borders include France, Gibraltar, Portugal and two communities of Morroco, but one of its most popular borders is its eastern border along the along the Mediterranean Sea. This beautiful coastline has turned this region of the country into a big tourist destination. Its near 5,000 kilometers of beaches and coastline are a big boost to the country's tourist economy. The area's climate also adds to the high tourism in the area. Generally, the weather on the coastline is moderate while the inland areas can get much colder in the winter and hotter in the summer.

The Straight of Gibraltar is at the most southern tip of Spain and is an important passage from the Mediterranean Sea into the Atlantic Ocean. The city of Algecrias is nearby and watches over the tourist and merchant trade passing through the area. The Alicante region along the eastern coastline by the Mediterranean Sea is very popular with tourists from all over the world, but particularly from Europe and Spain. Madrid, the capital of Spain, is located in the center of the country near the Tagus River. The city of Seville is located in the southwestern part of Spain and is known for its Spanish culture and art. Seville is also known as being a financial center. Barcelona and Cartegena are also important cities in Spain. Barcelona is located on the Balearic Sea and Cartegena along the Mediterranean Sea. Cities in the northern part of the country in the Bay of Biscay include the coastal cities of Gijon, Santander, Coruna and Vigo.

With so many cities located near or along a coastline, it should be no surprise that fishing and salt production are two of its major industries. However, despite its easy access to the water and history in the salt trade, there is still a fairly high rate of unemployment. For visitors to the area, though, many of these cities can offer a good taste of local life and the Spanish culture. Peter J. Wilson wrote first and foremost for http://www.alicante-spain.com , a web page on the topic of Spain and spanish culture. Working on his writings (for instance http://www.alicante-spain.com/spain.html on detailed map of Spain ) he affirmed his experience in the field. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/san-francisco-union-square-hotels http://www.artwoo.com/article/san-francisco-union-square-hotels#comments Thu, 06 Dec 2007 01:20:02 +0000 san francisco chroniclesan francisco peninsulagolden gate bridgeherb caencosmopolitan placegreat architecturemesmerizing http://www.artwoo.com/article/san-francisco-union-square-hotels great architecture which is engulfed by beautiful fog. San Francisco is located on the west coast of the U.S. at the tip of the San Francisco Peninsula and includes significant stretches of the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay within its boundaries. Several islands are part of the city, notably Alcatraz, Treasure Island, and the adjacent Yerba Buena Island. It is also well known for the mesmerizing architecture the Golden Gate Bridge.

This particular city is all about life. This city has got it all and is well depicted by the words of Herb Caen, columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle, "One day if I do go to heaven...I'll look around and say, 'It ain't bad, but it ain't San Francisco.'" This is the city for you. The city has its roots in its rich traditional culture and with that it is finding its future with the gigantic growth in terms of business and commerce and other such areas.

While in the city you will never think of what to do. With so much attractions like the Alcatraz, the Golden Gate bridge, Almo Square. Te Bay Bridge, beautiful beaches, fisherman' wharf and the never ending nightlife and events in the city will keep you well occupied throughout the day. If that's not all, you can stroll through the famous union square doing nothing.

Union Square is the central shopping, hotel and theatre district in this city of California. Its name is derived from the one-block park situated between Post, Geary, Powell and Stockton Streets, but its importance as the largest collection of large department stores, swank boutiques, tourist trinket shops and salons in the Western United States continues to make Union Square a major visitor draw and downtown San Francisco a vital, cosmopolitan place. Grand hotels and small inns, and repertory, off-Broadway and single-act theaters contribute to the area's dynamic, 24-hour character.

If you are a visitor and want to stay in the Union Square then make prior reservations as this place is having a large number of Grand Hotels and small Inns but they are always flooded with tourists and finding a place at the last minute might be a problem.

The famous hotels in Union Square are Hotel Union Square, Inn at Union Square, Handlery Union Square Hotel, Chancellor Hotel On Union Square, Union Square Plaza Hotel, Union Square Association: Clift Hotel, Hotel Palomar, Maxwell Hotel, Cartwright Hotel, Villa Florence Hotel etc. Apart from the luxury hotels in Union Square you can find a small number of inns which can suit every budget.

The hotels here provide excellent service with delicious food. You can always count on its rich sea food apart from the world's delicacies which the restaurants here serve. Stay in any hotel in the city would be greatly comfortable and pleasant and the hotels here provide numerous services like airport pickup and drop facilities, swimming pools, spas, health clubs, fine restaurants, and air conditioned rooms. With the mesmerizing city in the background, the hotels here definitely cerate an impression that is equally fascinating. For more informatio visit our website http://www.sanfrancisco-hotels.org ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/dubai-waterfront-a-dubai-property-development-guide http://www.artwoo.com/article/dubai-waterfront-a-dubai-property-development-guide#comments Wed, 19 Mar 2008 16:14:58 +0000 tallest skyscrapersmaster planned communitiesbarren desertworld dubaifeasibility studieswork sessionsal burj http://www.artwoo.com/article/dubai-waterfront-a-dubai-property-development-guide
-- Dubai Waterfront: The Dream

Slated to be larger than Manhattan and offering investors over 250 master-planned communities, Dubai Waterfront comprises of a conglomeration of islands and canals studded with luxury homes and hotels. This unprecedented property development will transform 1.4 billion square feet of barren desert into an international community of an estimated 1.5 million people. It is an ambitious project by all means, and one that will extend the Dubai coastline by an astounding 800kms, which by itself is 12 times the length of the existing Dubai coastline.

The sheer scale of this property development has already earned it a place in history as the largest man-made property development in the world.

Dubai Waterfront is the successful outcome of two years of stringent feasibility studies and meticulous work sessions by a consortium of world-renowned engineers, architects, consultants, planners and urban developers.

-- Dubai Waterfront: The Master Plan

The Dubai Waterfront is designed as a series of ten mixed-use zones, each of which is designated for a different purpose ranging from commercial and retail space to schools and residential as well as recreational areas. It will consist of 10 kms of canal, 7.5 miles or 12 kilometers of natural beachfront and a 2 km wide harbor.

This colossal property development will encompass a new city center, anchored by Al Burj, one of the world's tallest skyscrapers; exclusive luxury hotels and resorts; an underwater hotel, Hydropolis, and a wide array of shopping centers, cultural arenas and entertainment venues.

Besides the high-end residential and business properties, the development will also offer a wide range of affordable housing options and a variety of accommodation for Dubai's working community. All of these come complete with a whole range of state-of-the-art amenities and services.

Additionally, the Waterfront project is also committed to setting up 5 square kilometers of coral reef and constructing multiple waterways and roads.

-- Dubai Waterfront: Minimizing Ecological impact

Minimizing ecological impact is of prime concern and this can be seen in every detail of the city's construction, design and operation. Resource efficiency combined with social equity and economic prosperity are the foundation upon which the Waterfront has been designed.

Water and energy conservation goals have been achieved through a nifty integration of utilities in specially designed dedicated utility centers where the various process streams are interconnected and waste is converted into energy, which then powers the city.

-- Dubai Waterfront: The Location

Located on the western shores of Dubai, with the commercial hub of Dubai to its east and Abu Dhabi to its west, Waterfront is in close proximity to prime international commercial and industrial hubs, the Jebel Ali Free Zone, World Central airport and Jebel Ali Port. Its strategic location makes it easily accessible for local, regional and international trade purposes.

-- Dubai Waterfront: The Future

Right now just a vacant beachfront strewn with cranes, but when it is complete Dubai Waterfront will be a self-contained, self-sufficient community that is larger than Manhattan and capable of housing 700,000 people.

Will it, like other property developments in Dubai, be visible from space? It promises to be. One thing is for sure, the Dubai Waterfront property development is destined to claim a place among the other famous landmarks of the world. Sandcastles offers for sale a wide range of Dubai property for sale [ http://www.sandcastles-property.com/property/sale/dubai.html ] including Dubai Waterfront. Dubai property is becoming some of the most sought after investment property to buy in the world. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/3-highlights-of-kvarner http://www.artwoo.com/article/3-highlights-of-kvarner#comments Wed, 07 Mar 2007 16:27:02 +0000 island of krkkvarner bayopatijarabbreathtaking beacheslandscapetravelers http://www.artwoo.com/article/3-highlights-of-kvarner travelers. Located in the Mediterranean, Kvarner has been able to expand its tourism base while maintaining a solid industry to support the economy. If you plan on taking a trip to Kvarner, here are three places that you should make sure you don't miss out on:

Krk: Krk is an island located in Kvarner bay. It is one of the biggest islands in this area, being at a size of approximately four hundred and nine square kilometers. One interesting fact about Krk is that it receives over twenty-five hundred hours of sun every year. If you are able to make it to Krk, make sure to visit Cave Biserujka, Bay Soline and Kosljun. Popular activities on the island of Krk include diving, walking, various sports and a variety of adventure activities including mountain biking, sea kayaking and trekking.

Rab: Rab features an extremely unique landscape. On the northeastern side of the island, the landscape is mostly bare. However, on the southwestern side of the island, the landscape is covered with green pine forests. Rab has become an extremely popular location for travelers because of its breathtaking beaches and many events, which include the Rab Medieval festival and Rab arbalest tournament.

Opatija: Opatija, which is known as the Pearl of the Adriatic Sea, is located below a mountain and next to a nature park. Regardless of whether you want to vacation in the summer or winter, Opatija has a lot of excellent things to offer. Opatija is well-known for its parks, beaches, rustic Austrian villas, seaside promenade and of course, its natural beauty. If you enjoy cultural activities, Opatija offers many one of a kind cultural events like exhibits, festivals and indoor and outdoor concerts. Visit http://explorecroatia.net/ for more information on visiting Kvarner and Croatia. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/mauritius-casinos http://www.artwoo.com/article/mauritius-casinos#comments Sat, 03 Feb 2007 04:27:21 +0000 trou aux bichesamerican rouletteflic en flacoasis pokermauritiussuez canalgrand casino http://www.artwoo.com/article/mauritius-casinos Mauritius, an island in the Indian Ocean, is located 855 kilometers east of Madagascar and 1800 kilometers from the African continent. Before the building of the Suez Canal, Mauritius was called the andquot;Star and Key of the Indian Ocean,andquot; basing its name on the bustling activity of the capital city of Port-Louis.

The climate is pleasant and tropical year round and the island is a popular vacation spot, with a variety of activities and several casinos. The Meridien Paradis Hotel and Casino is in Riviere Noire in Riviere du Rampart. There are 18 slots, five table games, three of American Roulette and two Blackjack, one restaurant, and the casino with the 185-room hotel.

The State Investment Corporation (SIC) manages five casinos on Mauritius including the Grand Casino du Domaine, Flic en Flac, Casino de Maurice, Le Caudan Waterfront, and Trou-aux-Biches. The Grand Casino is located on a private estate below the Moka Mountain near Port Louis. In addition to this elegant casino, there are three luxury restaurants of European, Oriental, and Indian cuisine, horseback riding, and organized tours on the estate. The Grand Casino has slots, American Roulette, Blackjack, and Oasis Poker. The Flic en Flac is a less formal casino, known for its friendly staff and casual atmosphere. It has the same table games of American Roulette, Blackjack, and Oasis Poker as the other casinos on Mauritius.

Curepipe, a residential town of colonial houses, public gardens, and a vegetable market, is located on the historic site of the extinct volcano, Trou aux Cerfs. Visitors frequent Curepipe for its botanical gardens, the cooler higher climate, and its spectacular views. The Casino de Maurice, about 20 kilometers from Port-Louis in Curepipe, is a lively entertainment spot. The Maurice has the same gambling hours and table games, as well as ten touch bet roulette machines. At the north end of the island, a fairly new casino, Trou-aux-Biches, features a wide range of leisure activities on the complex such as golf, deep-sea fishing, and scuba diving. There is an excellent seafood restaurant and wonderful beaches near the casino, as well.

In the middle of the busy waterfront area of Port-Louis is the Le Caudan Waterfront Casino, with table games, slots, and island jackpots. This is a highly visible gathering spot because of its great location, organized family activities, and an abundance of fine restaurants and duty free shopping. This article is the property of http://www.mauritius-casinos.com ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-to-do-and-see-in-murcia-spain http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-to-do-and-see-in-murcia-spain#comments Sun, 04 Feb 2007 04:27:04 +0000 sunny weathermediterraneanmuseumsmuseum of sciencebaroque and rocococartagena murciareligious holidays http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-to-do-and-see-in-murcia-spain
There is so much to see and do in this city, that we can only touch upon a few here. One of its most famous landmarks is the Cathedral of the Diocese of Cartagena-Murcia. Although most of the construction of this cathedral was done between 1394 and 1465, it was only completed in 1792. The cathedral is an interesting mix of architectural styles: Renaissance, Gothic, Baroque and Rococo.

The Palacia Episcopal, or Bishop's Palace was constructed during the 18th century and is located near the Cathedral and is the home of the bishop of the diocese.

One of the most interesting museums is the the Museum of Science and Water. Here you can watch demonstrations or conduct experiments, all dealing with water. The shows and exhibits change constantly, so there is always something new to see. The kids will enjoy this museum's planetarium.

But despite all of the museums and other attractions of Murcia, the real draw for most people is the sea. Since the city is located on the Costa Blanca, you can be sure of soft white sand beaches and lovely sunny weather to enjoy them in. Besides the Mediterranean, you can enjoy the Mar Menor, a small sea just inland from the Mediterranean.

One of the most popular gathering spots in the city is Glorieta Square. Located in the center of town, alongside the river, it is the location of city hall and a great place to visit. There are many such areas to stroll through and shop in, including market square.

Murcia holds a number of festivals during the year, mostly with religious themes, so they take place on the major religious holidays. Christmas, Easter and Three Kings Day inspire the most elaborate and beautiful ones.

And one of the most popular and dramatic events in the city of Murcia is the Holy Week Processions. Sculptures are actually removed from museums and paraded through town to replicate the walk that Christ took on his way to the Cross. These processions continue night and day, with the night time processions accompanied by candlelight.

Getting to Murcia couldn't be easier, since there is an airport located only 45 kilometers away, offering flights to an from most major cities. As with travel to any destination, you should compare airfares. You are sure to find great bargains on the Internet, but many times discount airlines do not advertise on the Internet, and you will need to contact a travel agent. It's always a good idea to shop both and compare rates. Johnathan Bakers frequently creates informative papers on subjects similar to Spain and Torrevieja. Sharing his passion in detailed publications (e.g. http://www.alicante-spain.com/murcia.html on Murcia ) he expressed his expertise on the subject. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/times-square-new-york-city http://www.artwoo.com/article/times-square-new-york-city#comments Wed, 20 Jun 2007 16:34:53 +0000 times square new yearcoincidentallynew york timesx rated moviesbroadway7th avenueslow decline http://www.artwoo.com/article/times-square-new-york-city Broadway and 27th Street and from West 42nd Street to West 47th Street. It occupies the blocks between 6th and 8th Avenues from east to west, and West 40th and West 53rd Streets from north to south. Times Square was "christened" in 1904; not coincidentally, so were neon lights and the city's first subway line. New Yorkers wasted no time in starting the Times Square New Year's Eve celebration tradition: they began ringing in the new year at Times Square in 1904 as well.

Previously, the area that has been called "Times Square" for over 100 years was known as The Longacre. On April 8, 1904, the name was changed to Times Square to commemorate the official opening of the brand new New York Times Building located on the triangle of land at the intersection of Broadway, 42nd Street, and 7th Avenue. The building was the tallest in Manhattan at the time. In 1913, the New York Times moved to a larger facility across Broadway and the New York Times Building was renamed the Allied Chemical Building. Today, it is known simply as One Times Square.

During the First World War, Broadway became known as one of the world's premier theatre districts. The Great Depression hit New York City hard, and many theatres had to close or offer less discriminating fare to attract more theatre-goers. Thus began a slow decline that reached its lowest point in the 1960s and 1970s. At this time, Times Square had become (in)famous for erotic bookstores, live nude shows, X-rated movies, and other adult fare. By 1975, many people considered Times Square to be the epitome of urban and moral decay.

In the 1980s and early 1990s, city and state officials began serious efforts to reverse the decline of Times Square. Today, Times Square has been restored to its former glory and boasts over 27,000 residents and over 26 million visitors each year, and makes a serious contribution to New York City's economy=97the annual total output is comparable to the economies of Bolivia and Panama, and far exceeds that of small countries.

New Year's Eve at Times Square is now a global tradition. Approximately 1 million people gather there each year; additionally, millions across the United States and about 1 billion people all over the world tune into the New Year's Eve celebration. The famous ball (currently made of Waterford Crystal) drops from One Times Square, a tradition that began on December 31, 1907 and has continued ever since, except during World War Two when a moment of silence was observed followed by the tolling of church bells, as the blackout restrictions prevented excessive New Year's Eve festivities.

Times Square has cemented its place in American popular culture. It has been featured in movies such as Vanilla Sky, King Kong, and Spider-Man. ABC's Good Morning America and MTV's Total Request Live are broadcast live from their studios at Times Square. Additionally, many exclusive, popular, and specialty retailers and restaurants have locations at Times Square, such as the Hard Rock Caf=E9, Virgin Records, Toys R Us, ESPN Zone, Sketchers, Planet Hollywood, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co, Ruby Foo's, and Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum. Today's Times Square is a perfect family destination. Johnny Moon recommends http://www.NewYorkHotelDeals.us for all of your NYC hotel reservation needs. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-geographic-standpoint-of-the-mississippi-river http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-geographic-standpoint-of-the-mississippi-river#comments Tue, 01 Jul 2008 11:15:26 +0000 mississippi river systemlake onalaskamississippi tributariesojibwe termlong mississippimississippi riverslake pepin http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-geographic-standpoint-of-the-mississippi-river Ojibwe term for it would be "Gichi-ziibi" which means "Big River". It is regarded as the United States' 2nd longest river.

The famous Mississippi River is regarded as the United States' 2nd longest river. It has a length of 3,734 kilometers coming from the Lake Itasca that is found in Minnesota, its source, going to the Gulf of Mexico, its mouth. The recognized longest would be the noted Missouri River, its tributary, which measures 3,767 kilometers.

The famous Mississippi River is actually a part of the so-called "Jefferson-Missouri-Mississippi River System", North America's largest recognized river system. It is also included amongst the worlds largest. With a length of 6,275 kilometers, it ranks as the 4th longest. With an average discharge amounting to 572,000 cubic feet, it ranks as the 10th largest.

Amongst the various long Mississippi tributaries, the longest is indicated as the popular Missouri River and followed by the documented Arkansas River. Thus, if according to water volume, it is the renowned Ohio River that ranks as the largest.

Mississippi's name was derived from the "misi-ziibi" Ojibwe word which means "Great River". Another Ojibwe term for it would be "Gichi-ziibi" which means "Big River".

Hence, Mississippi River's widest point is actually Lake Onalaska, which is beside La Crosse, Wisconsin. It is about 6.4 kilometers wide. Since the so-called Lock and Dam No. 7 created Lake Onalaska, it is indicated that the historically widest natural spot with over 2 miles and 3 kilometer wide measurement would be Lake Pepin. However, this area is more of a reservoir rather than a "free flowing river". As for the areas that feature the Mississippi River as a "real river", it is noted that they exceed a mile when it comes to their width and they are located in many places along the Mississippi River's lower course.

Moreover, the Mississippi River is divided into two parts, the "Upper Mississippi" and the "Lower Mississippi". For the Upper Mississippi, its source would come from the south towards the renowned Ohio River. The Lower Mississippi, on the other hand, its source would come from Ohio towards its mouth which is beside New Orleans, Louisiana.

Furthermore, the Upper Mississippi has a series composed of 29 dams and locks, which were mostly built during the 1930s. Their design is mainly maintaining a 9-feet deep channel meant for commercial barging of traffic. With regards to the formed lakes, these are being utilized for recreational fishing and boating. Although the dams actually make this river wider and deeper, it still doesn't stop it. In fact, flood control is not even one of its intentions. In the event of high flows, the gates, which are mostly submersible, are being completely opened. With this, the dams would basically cease its function. Thus, just beneath St. Louis, Missouri, you will find that the Mississippi River is already free flowing. This is amidst being constrained by several levees and generally directed by several wing dams.

On record, the famous Mississippi River runs throughout a total of 10 states. It is even utilized in order to define the portions of the borders of these states. Plus, during the time when these borders were being established, it is the middle part of the riverbed that acts as the line for defining the state's borders. Although the river has shifted since that time, there were no indicated changes with the lines of Iowa, Wisconsin, Missouri, Illinois, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi and Tennessee. Up to now, they still go after the Mississippi River's former bed.

When it comes to the Mississippi River's watershed, it is indicated also that it has the world's 3rd largest catchment or drainage basin. It follows the Congo River and Amazon River. Aside from this, it can drain about 41 percent of the total 48 US contiguous states. This basin can cover over 3,225,000 square kilometers, which also includes either parts or all of the 31 states as well as 2 Canadian provinces. Thus, this drainage basin is emptied at the actual Gulf of Mexico.

The Mississippi River's major tributaries are as follows:

1.Mississippi

•Yazoo River
•Big Black River

2.Louisiana

•Red River

3.Arkansas

•Arkansas River
•White River

4.Kentucky

•Ohio River

5.Illinois

•Kaskaskia River
•Big Muddy River
•Illinois River
•Rock River

6.Missouri

•Missouri River

7.Iowa

•Skunk River
•Des Moines River
•Maquoketa River

8.Wisconsin

•Chippewa River
•Wisconsin River

9.Minnesota

•Crow River
•Minnesota River

10.Wisconsin and Minnesota

•St. Croix River

When it comes to the drainage area of the Mississippi River, it actually drains the areas between the renowned Appalachian Mountains and Rocky Mountains. This is excluding the areas being drained by the Hudson Bay which is through the North's Red River, Rio Grande and the famous Great Lakes. It is also noted that the actual retention time from the popular Lake Itasca towards the Gulf would be around 90 days.

With regards to the Upper Mississippi River, it is further divided into 3 distinct sections:

1. The headwaters -- This is from the actual source towards Saint Anthony Falls.
2. A somewhat series of lakes that are man-made in between St Louis, Missouri and Minneapolis.
3. Middle Mississippi -- This is a "free flowing river" that runs downstream of the actual confluence with St. Louis' Missouri River.

The tributaries for the Upper Mississippi River would adjoin the:

• Minnesota River -- Twin Cities
• Des Moines River -- Keokuk, Iowa
• Wisconsin River -- Prairie du Chien
• Ohio River -- Cairo, Illinois
• Missouri River and Illinois River -- St. Louis, Missouri

With regards to the Lower Mississippi River, the sub-tributaries would include the:

• Platte River -- Missouri River's tributary
• Tennessee River -- Ohio River's tributary
• Arkansas River -- Arkansas
• Atchafalaya River -- Louisiana (Mississippi's major distributaries)

Thus, the fresh water that flows from the famous Mississippi River going towards the renowned Gulf of Mexico doesn't combine immediately with the salt water. It will stay intact while it flows towards the Gulf, and towards the regarded Straits of Florida. Then, it will enter the so-called Gulf Stream. After this, it will round Florida's tip and go up towards the southeastern coat towards Georgia's latitude. It is only after this that it will mix with the ocean thoroughly and will not be detected by the assigned MODIS anymore.

The average annual discharge of the famous Mississippi River is between 200,000 up to 700,000 cubic feet. Even if it is the world's fifth largest river by volume, this is only a fraction of what the Amazon River can do. It can move approximately seven million cubic feet during the wet seasons. At an average the famous Mississippi River can only stand with about a 1/11th fraction of the Amazon's capability. Thus, even so, it is still twice of the regarded Columbia River's and six times the popular Colorado River's volume.For more information on Mississippi River please visit our website.]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-lure-of-lucca-italy http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-lure-of-lucca-italy#comments Fri, 08 Sep 2006 02:27:23 +0000 romanesque architectureluccamedieval wallsmedieval walled citytuscanyhttpmichelangelo http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-lure-of-lucca-italy Tuscany is home to the town of Lucca, an exquisite example of Romanesque architecture displayed in all of its glory throughout the town. The cathedrals of San Michele and San Martino are two of the best examples of the Romanesque architecture to be seen in Lucca, or all of Northern Italy for that.

Lucca sits near the Serchio River, about 30 kilometers from Pisa and 80 kilometers from Florence. The town itself rests on a plateau under the watchful gaze of the Apuane Alps. The medieval walls, thick and strong, built in the sixteenth century still surround the town and the walkways present on the top of the walls offer an enjoyable opportunity for biking or walking to nearby sights.

The town is full of charming shops and antique markets that offer a variety of unique and interesting items. In fact, the town is sufficiently insulated from the hectic pace of city life, that it provides a restful and peaceful vacation spot.

The superb aromas wafting from the restaurants in Lucca tempt tourists and residents alike. Superb dining is at the end of their search for the perfect cuisine or culinary delight to feed their hunger. One of the best restaurants in Lucca is Ristorante Buca di Sant'Antonio. Make sure to try the faro soup. This is known to be one of the oldest dishes in Italy.

Large villas, nestled in the surrounding hillsides in all of their finery, and impressive gardens beckon too many tourists who visit the area. Some of Italy's finest beaches are less than a half an hour distance away. Nearby is the town of Barga. It is north of Lucca and is a wonderful medieval walled city that is not on the tourist path. Pietrasanta is another small town nearby that is known as the place which Michelangelo came for stone. Today, it remains a place where many artists reside and a continue to craft items from the stone. For more information about Tuscany and Lucca, please visit Lucca - A Tuscan Town ( http://www.oldandsold.com/articles08/tuscany-12.shtml ). ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/enjoy-a-cheap-holiday-destination http://www.artwoo.com/article/enjoy-a-cheap-holiday-destination#comments Sun, 06 Apr 2008 11:20:01 +0000 greek isles cruisearea in athensspectacular cruiseconstitution squarevenice italyathens greecespectacular place http://www.artwoo.com/article/enjoy-a-cheap-holiday-destination spectacular cruise with stops in Venice, Bari, Dubrovnik, Corfu, Athens, Katakolon and Santorini. Plan an eight-day cruise around a holiday and see what an amazing cheap holiday it will be for you and someone special. The Greek Isles are so beautiful any time of year, but if you go around Easter or Memorial Day, you can have a cheap holiday.

When you dock in Venice, Italy, you are going to need to see St Marks Square where the entire city is build around. It is a fascinating and spectacular place to spend the day. After you see St Marks Square, you can take a Venetian boat ride in the Grand Canal. It will be a fantastic day spent in Venice.

When you stop at Athens, Greece, you will want to enjoy a day looking at the Acropolis and then the Constitution Square also known as Syntagma Square. It is the largest open area in Athens where they have many different holiday events. You will have a great time in Athens before returning to the cruise ship.

Your cheap holiday destination vacation will be a memorable time that will leave you wanting to do it again. Because of the affordable price for the Greek Isles cruise, you can go back every year and visit a new area every time. The best thing is you never have to look for a hotel, you are all set on the ship. All you have left to do is enjoy yourself.

You can have some great times on the cruise as well. They have entertainment and some activities for everyone to do. You might even enjoy a day on deck with a warm sea breeze softly blowing across your face. Do not wait for the next cheap holiday vacation package, you will enjoy the Greek Isles so much and never regret your time spent touring the area. Are You looking for cheap holidays? then please visit http://www.cheapholidayspider.co.uk or http://www.lastminutespider.co.uk ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/budget-travel-in-new-york-city-5-tips-on-new-york-travel http://www.artwoo.com/article/budget-travel-in-new-york-city-5-tips-on-new-york-travel#comments Sun, 28 Jan 2007 14:27:02 +0000 new york citytimes squarecity comedycomedy clubsthings to do in new york citynew york travelwonderful city http://www.artwoo.com/article/budget-travel-in-new-york-city-5-tips-on-new-york-travel New York City alone and with less than 900 thousand kilometers squared radius, it is the densest city in all of North America! After a long anticipated debut we finally made our way to the Big Apple, and we were so excited we could barely contain ourselves. Going there has been a childhood dream for us ever since we decided to be world travelers and see everything this globe has to offer!

The people, lights, Times Square, Rockefeller, everything seems so exciting! This poised a big question though... What to do? What New York City event to pick? Well, I want to share with you some tips on New York travel that won't break the bank! These are all an incredible experience and I would suggest doing them all if you can. Keep in mind there is no shortage of things to do in New York City. You'll never get the chance to do everything, so do what you can, relax and enjoy what this wonderful city has to offer!

1) New York City comedy clubs: This is maybe the best thing I can suggest if you enjoy any sort of comedy at all. It works out really well because they have salesperson on the streets in the middle of Times Square, you don't even have to look or try to find tickets. They will literally just flag you down and give you a very good price (We only paid $20 for both of us) on the condition that you buy 2 beverages at the club. The nice thing about their special, for those who don't drink alcohol you can buy any drink of choice. Soft drinks and water were accepted as well so it really can appeal to everyone who enjoys this sort of thing and the cost is very low for the reward. It really was such a great time, the comedians were fantastic and we were very glad we decided to go. Highly Recommended!

2) Times Square: I realize this must be on everyone's "top of the list" but it really is an amazing sight to see. This experience is something that you will never forget. The lights, people, banners, you don't even realize how crazy it is until you are there. I must have seen Times Square on television a million times but honestly it really just is not the same. Spend a little time there to take in the atmosphere. There are plenty of very nice places to eat but the prices on their novelty restaurants (Hard Rock Café, ESPN Zone, etc) are very expensive. If you want something for a very good price, check out the side streets and look for the local pubs. I would really recommend going at night to see it lit up. A note to those who absolutely hate crowds of people, if you go to Times Square don't go on a Friday or Saturday evening when it is the most busiest. We went on both a Saturday and Sunday night... the Saturday was chaos, and the Sunday was very nice and calm in comparison :) All the same, I really enjoyed both of them in different ways.

3) Rockefeller Center: We had the pleasure of going during December month, so we got to experience the Christmas tree and Skating Rink all done up at Rockefeller center. This is also home of the famous NBC Studios (Costs $18.50 for the tour).

4) Central Park: One of the most famous parks in the world and the most visited park in the United States, Central Park is a wonderful place to go on a nice day. Central Park is actually bigger than 2 of the world's smallest nations; Monaco and Vatican City.

5) See a local New York City Event: Take in a ball game, a musical, or something at the theatre! New York really has everything to offer no matter what your hobbies or interests are! You can usually find something very reasonably priced as well, depending on what you are after.

I realize as most people do, New York tends to be quite expensive but with these travel ideas you can go out and have a really great time and still not spend too much money. There is plenty to see, even just going to see the landmarks and places like Rockefeller, Central Park and Times Square are well worthwhile! I really enjoyed my time just walking the streets and taking in the atmosphere.

If you are planning to stay in Manhattan for a week or so, I would really suggest picking up a copy of "The New York Pass", spend your week and do everything you can. These passes are actually very reasonably priced (Starting at $55.00 daily and only $139.99 for a 7 day period, per person) and you get FREE access to literally almost EVERYTHING you could want in New York City. Here is just a glimpse of what is here. Keep in mind these are only about a quarter of the free things you get, not even including the other discounted items and special offers.

* Central Park Zoo * CNN Studio Tour * Empire State Building * Madison Square Garden All Access Tour * NBC Studio Tour * New York Aquarium * New York Botanical Garden * Radio City Music Hall Stage Door Tour * Rockefeller Center Tour * Statue of Liberty / Ellis Island Ferry * Suede Lounge (VIP nightclub access) * The United Nations Tour

Well worth the money if you plan to do a lot of sightseeing, Museums and Tours.

Here's a link to the page directly for those who are interested: http://www.tropicalbeachdestinations.com/NewYorkPass.php

I absolutely loved my time in New York! I found it really offers you so much, no matter what month, or what day, there is always something for you to do that is interesting. How can you not like that about a city? It has everything and it is a great place to visit. I hope these tips on New York travel were helpful! I know I can't wait for our next adventure, here in the Big Apple!

Until next time, Best Wishes and Happy Travels! At Tropical Beach Destinations we share the secrets of http://www.tropicalbeachdestinations.com that your travel agents wish they knew. Learn exclusive travel tips, ideas and ways to save money from REAL experienced world travelers! ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-to-see-in-murcia-spain http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-to-see-in-murcia-spain#comments Fri, 10 Aug 2007 05:35:02 +0000 mediterranean seatorrevieja spaincathedralnearby beachesfestivalsinteractive museummuseum of science http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-to-see-in-murcia-spain Mediterranean Sea.



In addition to the nearby beaches, there is a lot to see and do while in Murcia such as museums, cathedrals and festivals, for example. The Museum of Science and Water is a hands-on, interactive museum. All of the displays, experiments and demonstrations center around the theme of water. Occasional shows and exhibitions also revolve around this water theme. There is also a planetarium which kids will surely enjoy. Another popular Murcia sight to visit is the Cathedral of the Dioceses of Cartegena-Murcia. This cathedral contains a combination of different architectural styles including Gothic, Renaissance, Rococo and Baroque. The majority of the construction was done between 1394 and 1465 and, ultimately, finished in 1972. The Bishop's palace, known as the Palacia Episcopal, is located near this cathedral. It was constructed during the eighteenth century and is home to the local bishop.

If you enjoy water, you will definitely not want to miss out on the beautiful beaches in the area. The climate is usually warm, sunny and perfect for an afternoon at the beach. The Mar Menor is a small sea separated from the Mediterranean Sea. Next to the river is a landscaped square called The Glorieta. This square is a great place to visit and enjoy a walk. It is also a great shopping area.

As with many areas on the Costa Blanca, several festivals are held in Murcia throughout the entire year. Most festivals and celebrations correspond with religious holidays, such as Christmas, the Festival of the Three Kings, Easter and many of the Catholic holy days. The Holy Week Processions are the most famous celebrations in the city of Murcia. Museum sculptures are paraded to represent the life of Christ through to the time of the crucifixion. Candle light processions are also popular at both the daytime and night processions.

Fortunately, there is an airport directly in the city providing for more convenient travel. The Murcia-San Javier airport is located approximately twenty-eight miles (45 kilometers) from Murcia. Though it is a smaller airport, most of the major carriers offer flights into Murcia from many European cities. When looking for a light, be sure to compare airfare prices for each carrier. The internet is a good place to search available flights, schedules and prices. It is a good idea to look at a few travel websites, as not all airlines are listed on all travel sites. You may also need to call some discount airlines directly to get the best deal possible. It may take some extra time, but the money saved may be worth it in the end. Robert Carlton usually edits short articles on areas associated to Spain and Torrevieja. His writings on Murcia can be found on http://www.alicante-spain.com/murcia.html and other online publications. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/house-plans-cost-per-square-foot-myth http://www.artwoo.com/article/house-plans-cost-per-square-foot-myth#comments Wed, 23 Aug 2006 08:27:24 +0000 granite counter topscost per square footstory house planshouse plancost of building a homeplumbing fixturesunfortunately http://www.artwoo.com/article/house-plans-cost-per-square-foot-myth cost per square foot calculator of some sort on a few house plan broker sites and home designer websites showing you the averages of building a particular home in the south, north, east, and west coast. Unfortunately, the cost per square foot method (CPSFM) tends to mislead unaware homebuyers. When calculating square foot cost of say a 2,000 square foot home, you are able to compare the numbers on home builders who use this method to quote you a price to build. As you will find, the estimates can be very different.

Here are several reasons why the CPSFM is ineffective:

(1) Home styles - A country house plan with wood siding and a traditional house plan with brick at the same square footage would not cost the same to build.

(2) Home type - One story house plans and two story house plans of the same square footage would not cost the same to build.

(3) Specifications - This is the true tale of why the CPSFM is unreliable. Take a 2,400 square foot house plan for example. Two different home owners, one who wants an all brick home with stainless steel appliances and plumbing fixtures, hardwood and marble floors, custom cabinets, and granite counter tops. The other homeowner would prefer only a brick front and siding on the sides and rear, the economy line appliances, chrome plumbing fixtures, carpet flooring, stock cabinets, and laminate counter tops. The difference in price would be several thousands of dollars.

As a rule, you should not rely on the CPSFM. The most effective way to narrow down the cost of building a home is to have your builder prepare a bid with a complete estimate done based on take-offs. Take-offs is a process by which homebuilders would disassemble a house plan (1 set of house plans such as a study set) and calculate the cost of seperate components of the entire home. Seperate components includes every item used in building the home. Some examples are lumber, concrete, masonry, windows, doors, appliances, drywall, finishes, mechanical and electrical systems. There is much more but these are a few of the items that would be included in a take-off.

Performing a take-off estimate is a lengthy task that can take a week or two depending on the builder. Some builders do it the old fashion way using a calculator, pencil, and paper. However, more builders are using computer software designed for take-off calculations in order to cut there bidding time in half, improve price accuracy, and present you with an easy to read cost breakdown of building your home. Kirya Duncan is a Professional Building Besigner and a member of AIBD (American Institute of Building Designers). He specialize in custom home design services and stock house plans. Visit his company website http://www.designevolutions.com to browse his house plan collection and access more house plan related information. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/burgandy-france-famous-for-its-wines http://www.artwoo.com/article/burgandy-france-famous-for-its-wines#comments Fri, 20 Oct 2006 20:27:07 +0000 pinot noir grapeschardonnay grapeswinesburgundyquality wineboeuf bourguignonpremier cru http://www.artwoo.com/article/burgandy-france-famous-for-its-wines Burgundy in France, is it held so fondly.

Burgundy is a region situated in central east France, which experiences bitter cold winters matched with beautiful warm summers. It is the home of 1.6 million inhabitants.

Burgundy (Bourgogne) is famous throughout the world for its wines. Spanning over 31,500 square kilometers (over 12,000 square miles), with a 360 km (225 mi) strip stretching 100km (60 mi) south of Paris, down from south of Dijon to north of Rhoône, houses 99 different wine appellations.

Ranging from the vibrant red Pommard and Corton to the medium Beaune -- to the sparkling whites, the dry Chablis or Chassagne Montrachet, over 180 million bottles of some of the fines wines are made in this region.

As an aftermath of the French revolution the vineyards belonging to the monasteries were broken down to smaller plots -- which exist even today.

The finest quality wine, designated as "Premier Cru" -- is available from 600 of the vineyards in the region while 33 of them is credit to produce the even more classy "Grand Cru" wines. Among these the most renowned are Montrachet, Chambertin and Clos Vougeot.

Made from the pinot noir grapes, the burgundy red wines taste best with Boeuf Bourguignon or pheasant. On the other hand a Chablis or their sparkling white wines go best with anything from shrimps to goat cheese.

The famous white wine called Chablis derives its name from a village of the same name. These are dry whites with an acidity that refreshes. The special Chardonnay grapes thrive in limestone that has been made richer with remains of fossils.

As an accompaniment to lamb or grilled chicken, the best choice is the fruity-flavored, world famous Beaujolais made from the Gamay grape. These grapes grow in granite limestone.

The ever-popular and delicious red is grown in Volnay for the last 8 centuries. The grapes are Pinot Noir grown across 600 acres which is responsible in producing 1.3 million bottles of this amazing wine which has the flavors of raspberries and violets.

And then there is Meursault, located close by, famous for its Premier Cru labels of finest white wines. 2.5 million bottles of the finest wine, Chardonnay, aged anywhere between 3 to 15 years is grown in just over 1000 acres. Fish in white sauce go extremely well with this fine wine with its almond and apple flavors.

But what still makes the headlines is the red Pommard with its tannic and manly flavor, staging a comeback after many years of decline. From just 780 acres of Pinot Noir grown in limestone and red clay are produced 1.8 million bottles of this wine with the flavors of black cherry and black currant. Goes excellent with game venison and roasted red meat with Livarot cheese, these can age from 5 to 15 years.

Whatever your taste buds need, there is very little chance of returning home disappointed with a Burgundy. Melinda Carnes is a staff writer at http://www.everything-gourmet.com and is an occasional ocntributor to several other websites, including http://www.coffee-enthusiast.com. ]]> http://www.artwoo.com/article/real-estate-news-from-austin-texas http://www.artwoo.com/article/real-estate-news-from-austin-texas#comments Sat, 03 Nov 2007 14:30:00 +0000 grubb ellissub prime mortgage marketsquare feetmedian pricesmedian pricevacancy ratessecond quarter http://www.artwoo.com/article/real-estate-news-from-austin-texas
In June 2007, over 9,000 homes were on the market. This represents an 8% rise over the same time last year. This number of homes on the market is the largest in a number of years. It looks as though the market is moving to a buyer's market, although median prices continue to increase, at least so far. In June 2007, the median price for homes in the area was $191,050 in June, which is a 7% rise over the same time last year.

In other market news, Grubb and Ellis' second quarter Industrial Market Trends survey is out and is showing that the net absorption in Austin's industrial rental market during the second quarter of 2007 was over 2.6 million square feet. Entrepreneurs and investors take note. Vacancy rates in the industrial sector were the lowest in seven years after dropping 90 basis points. The 68.4 million-square-foot sector is now at 7.3% and over 1.4 million square feet are still being constructed currently.

According to Grubb and Ellis' second quarter Industrial Market Trends survey, Austin has a low vacancy rate of only 3.7%, which is in the standard industrial product. The standard industrial product led all sectors in growth, with 1.8 million square feet. At the same time, rents increased $1.38 PSF compared to the same time last year. Asking rents rose from $0.66 to $7.75 triple-net per-square-foot-per-year (NNN PSF/YR). The survey reports that part of the growth comes from Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., which opened a 30 mm NAND flash memory wafer plant in the northeast. The 1.6 million-square-foot facility is one of the biggest such facilities in the country.

The Grubb and Ellis' second quarter Office Market Trends report further described the office leasing market in the city. According to the report, the market grew for the sixth consecutive quarter in the second part of 2007. The over 39.2 million square feet office leasing market now has an absorption level of 600,811 square feet. However, the vacancy rate overall in the city grew 20 basis points higher to 11.5 % by the end of the quarter. The highest vacancy rate was among Class-B office spaces, which had a 12.7% rate. Class-A office space had an 11.4 % vacancy rate. Class-C office spaces had a 6.8 % rate of vacancy. According to the report, rents rose from $1.25 to $25.88 per-square-foot-per-year as landlords increased rents over the previous records set in 2000." Kinan Beck is the Broker and co-owner of One Source Realty in Austin Texas. Visit Kinan's http://www.onesourceaustin.com Guide, visit his http://www.ericbramlett.com/ website. ]]>