sunny palm springs http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for sunny palm springs Copyright 2008 Sat, 22 Nov 2008 02:20:37 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/sunny+palm+springs Discover Palm Springs In California http://www.artwoo.com/article/discover-palm-springs-in-california http://www.artwoo.com/article/discover-palm-springs-in-california#comments Mon, 14 May 2007 17:15:00 +0000 palm springs aerial tramwaymojave desertagua caliente band of cahuilla indiansheat of the desertdesert lifepalm springjoshua tree national park http://www.artwoo.com/article/discover-palm-springs-in-california Palm Spring is a famous oasis resort nestled between the mountains, not far from the in California. It is a great destination to visit on a California Holiday with its many fairways, spa resorts and great entertainment.

Palm Springs is the ancestral home of the . Their ancient healing mineral waters are still a part of the success story of Palm Springs. In the 1920s and 30s Palm Springs became known as the playground of the stars, and continued to be right through to the 1970s. During this period stars such as Steve McQueen, Clark Gable, Greta Garbo, Elvis, Frank Sinatra, Cary Grant and The Marx Brothers bought homes here.

A short ride on the will take you to the top of Mount Jacinto into the cool alpine forests. The air can be up to 25=B0C cooler than in the desert, and it's not unusual to be able to play in the snow in the winter months. The views from the top of the mountain are spectacular!

There are jeep tours that will take you out in the Mojave Desert. Here you can see up close, from the wildflowers of the desert, to the San Andreas Fault. After the refresh yourself at Knott's Soak City USA. This water park is fun filled with 18 wet and wild water rides!

If you are feeling brave, you might like to visit the ghost town of Calico. This was an old mining town abandoned in 1907. Some people believe that Calico is haunted by the spirits of the miners! Restoration started in the 1950s to bring it back to the condition it is in today =96 as a working museum. Attractions include staged gun fights, panning for gold and tours of the mines.

The straddles two deserts (Mojave and Colorado), and is a wondrous place filled with interesting rock formations and a wide variety of flora. It is worth hiking, or trekking it by horse.

If the outdoors aren't really your scene, then you can shop until you drop at El Paseo, or play a round of golf before unwinding at a spa resort.

All in all there is plenty to do for the whole family on a California holiday to Palm Springs! For more information about Palm Springs Holidays please visit http://www.vacationsgroup.co.uk/subregiondetail.aspx?qs=r_e_california_a_= srid_e_46976 ]]> The Most Popular Types Of Tropical Trees http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-most-popular-types-of-tropical-trees http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-most-popular-types-of-tropical-trees#comments Mon, 17 Sep 2007 10:25:00 +0000 types of palm treespalm treelady palmtropical treesthatch palmcabbage palmpalmetto palm http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-most-popular-types-of-tropical-trees palm tree. A palm tree is one of the most recognized . A tropical tree is very different in structure from a Northern tree. A tropical tree is usually long and skinny. Most tropical trees have green leaves that seem to hang from the tree much like a person's hair. If you are landscaping your yard nothing give s a "tropical" feel like a palm tree. Many beginners are bewildered about the proper care and maintenance that a palm tree requires. What type of tropical tree should you choose?

The above question can be answered in three separate parts. One of the factors you must consider is that palm trees cold hardiness, sunlight and height requirements. For example if you live in a very cold part of the country you would not be able to plant a tropical tree outdoors because the tree would not receive enough sunlight or warm temperatures. The cold will eventually kill the tropical tree. If you live in a colder environment you may want to consider investing in a tropical tree that can be grown indoors.

There are several different . Some of the most popular types of palm trees are trees, Puerto Rican trees and silver saw trees. Each of these types of palm trees has palmate leaves. A palmate leaf has lobes that fan out from one common point. The structure of the palmate leaf resembles an open hand. The leaves radiate from the Palm so to speak.

The other types of palm trees that are found in a tropical climate have pinnate leaves. The types of palm trees with pinnate leaves are mountain trees, queen palm trees and date palm trees. Now, there are certain tropical trees that can be kept indoors. Indoor tropical trees include the bamboo tree, lady palm tree and the Kentia tree.

A tropical tree tends to conjure images in ones head of sunny, bright blue skies, warm temperatures and a sandy beach. When one thinks of paradise an image of a tropical tree may appear. This is a false statement though. There are tropical trees that can grow beautifully under sunny skies or partial to full shade.

A taller tropical tree tends to be a sun lover while a shorter tropical tree can grow in the shade. If you want to plant both types of tropical trees in your backyard you may want to plant a taller tropical tree next to a shorter tropical tree. This way the taller tropical tree will provide adequate shade for the shorter tree.

A tropical tree is a symbol that we all recognize. Many of us who have fond memories of the Pacific Ocean remember the tall, skinny tropical trees that dotted the landscape. A tropical tree is a remembrance of warm weather, fun in the sun and a hint of paradise. A tropical tree is a great landscaping idea, outdoors and indoors, no matter where you live. Bring paradise to your home even in the winter months. http://www.mishobonsai.com ]]> Top 10 Reasons To Vacation At A Nudist Resort This Summer http://www.artwoo.com/article/top-10-reasons-to-vacation-at-a-nudist-resort-this-summer http://www.artwoo.com/article/top-10-reasons-to-vacation-at-a-nudist-resort-this-summer#comments Fri, 07 Jul 2006 18:27:05 +0000 clothing optional resortspalm springs caclothing optional resortnude sunbathingnude recreationjoshua tree national parkterra cotta inn http://www.artwoo.com/article/top-10-reasons-to-vacation-at-a-nudist-resort-this-summer Nude recreation is one of the fastest growing segments of the travel industry. It is a booming niche market with over $400 million in annual revenues. In a recent Roper poll, 25% of Americans have gone skinny dipping.

Historically, Americans had to travel to Europe or the Caribbean to find upscale nudist resorts and hotels. However, in the last 10 years, nude recreation in America has taken off. Now, the finest nudist and s in the world are found in the United States. The meccas for are Palm Springs, California and Florida. Palm Springs by far is the most popular as they have 350 days of sunshine per year, beautiful, warm weather, and no mosquitos (a big plus when you aren't wearing any clothes). Palm Springs http://palmsprings.com has world championship golf, casinos, shopping, theater, art galleries, museums, , hiking, and a host of other fun activities. Or, you just relax by the pool all day long sipping cool drinks, wonder why it took you so many years to work up the courage to consider vacationing at a clothing optional resort and get a great all over sun tan.

If you are tired of the same old boring vacations that you have been taking at chain hotels, now is the time to try something different and fun. Go ahead and call a clothing optional resort. The only thing you have to lose is your tan lines.

The top ten reasons are:

10) No funny tan lines 9) No need to take a vitamin D supplement 8) No Laundry when you return from vacation 7) Waves don't knock off swim suit top 6) The natural look takes on a whole new meaning 5) No luggage to check at airport 4) No shoes, no shirt, no problem 3) No sand in swimsuit 2) Everyday is really casual Friday 1) Clothing optional resorts are just plain fun! Tom with his wife own the popular Clothing Optional Resort andamp; Spa in Palm Springs, CA. http://sunnyfun.com Ranked as one of the 10 best clothing optional resorts in the world and considered the Best in the West, being very mainstream, they are perfect for couples trying nude sunbathing for the first time! Call 800-786-6938 for info. ]]> Everything You Need To Know About Sago Palm Care http://www.artwoo.com/article/everything-you-need-to-know-about-sago-palm-care http://www.artwoo.com/article/everything-you-need-to-know-about-sago-palm-care#comments Sat, 10 May 2008 22:15:36 +0000 sago palm treessago palm caresago plantmany different thingsbrown leavesnew leavesshady conditions http://www.artwoo.com/article/everything-you-need-to-know-about-sago-palm-care Sago palm care is essential in order to give it the best possible chance to grow and look beautiful in any garden. It adds a touch of sophistication and gives it a tropical look that can be treasured for years to come.

A lot of people out their take pride in keeping their garden prim and proper, using flowers and accessories to add character to it. There are that can be used and one of those things is .

The great thing about sago palm trees is that they are very adaptable and they can be used either in sunny conditions or in alike. They are also popular because of the dark green fronds that it has as well as having a tropical look to it. They really can help to add elegance and sophistication to the garden as well as being great to look at too.

How Can your Garden Benefit from a Sago Palm?

Some gardens tend to suffer and look bare as there is a lack of colour or life to it. If your garden is like this, you would not believe the impact of what a sago palm would do for the garden. It is a great feature to add to any garden and if looked after properly, it will repay you by bringing life and personality into the landscape.

Do you look after your Sago Palm the Way that you should?

Looking after a is vital to have it looking as beautiful as possible. So it is best to do your research into how to look after your sago palm, otherwise you risk it dieing or not growing like it should.

The way the sago propagates is by seed or by removal. It needs to be monitored regularly so it needs the flow of water and fertilizer needs to be controlled. When start to emerge, they need to be left alone and also they need to have a good source of light. The leaves are not allowed to dry out so this is when it needs to be watered; otherwise they will either turn yellow or die off. If you notice that the plant has yellow or , you should remove them as soon as possible. Also it is important to know when exactly to water them, but be careful not to over do it as it will damage the sago palm.

With a little bit of time and effort, you can help to keep the sago palm looking great and it will certainly compliment your garden. Why not give sago palm a go in your garden and you too can enjoy the great benefits that it can bring. Andrew Caxton is a syndicated editor of http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com . For additional information on ornametal plants have a look at his web http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com/sago-palm-care.html ]]> Nudist Resorts Celebrate 31st Aniversary Of Nude Recreation Week July 10th - 16th http://www.artwoo.com/article/nudist-resorts-celebrate-31st-aniversary-of-nude-recreation-week-july-10th-16th http://www.artwoo.com/article/nudist-resorts-celebrate-31st-aniversary-of-nude-recreation-week-july-10th-16th#comments Fri, 21 Jul 2006 20:27:05 +0000 palm springs chamber of commercepalm springs canude recreationnude sunbathingnude vacationssunny palm springsholland america http://www.artwoo.com/article/nudist-resorts-celebrate-31st-aniversary-of-nude-recreation-week-july-10th-16th Nude sunbathing and swimming have a long history in America. Some of the more famous early nudists were Presidents George Washington and John Quincy Adams. Ben Franklin took daily andquot;air bathsandquot; as he called them andquot;au naturel.andquot; Many more presidents such as FDR enjoyed skinny dipping. And Norman Rockwell's painting titled No Swimming showing skinny dipping at the local water hole, graced the front cover of The Saturday Evening Post on June 4, 1921.

This July, celebrate the 31st anniversary of Week from July 10th to 16th. The American Association for Nude Recreation is one of the major sponsors. The purpose of this week is to inform and educate people about all the fun they are missing out on by not taking .

According to a recent Wall Street Journal article, nude recreation is one of the fastest growing segments of the travel industry. Nude vacationers now have choices such as cruises (on such lines as , Carnival, and Star Flyer sponsored by Bare Necessities), upscale resorts, and rural campgrounds and clubs. Guests feel very safe and comfortable at nudist resorts as inappropriate behavior is not allowed. One upscale resort owner was even President of the .

As can be expected, the most popular clothing optional resorts are located in warm parts of the country. Most notably Palm Springs, CA and Florida.

Cypress Cove Nudist Resort located just outside of Orlando, FL in Kissimmee is Florida's most famous nudist destination. It is very popular especially because it is close to all the attractions of Orlando like Disney World.

In Palm Springs, the popular place is The Terra Cotta Inn Clothing Optional Resort and Spa. is a very popular nudist destination as it has the best weather in America. Averaging less than 3 inches of rainfall a year. there is no warmer, sunnier city in the U.S. Another very important reason that nudist love Palm Springs is there are no mosquitoes because it is a desert city. So save the bug spray for your Florida vacations.

The Terra Cotta Inn's popularity is also due to their catering to couples trying nude sunbathing for the first time. They don't require memberships or mandatory immediate nudity like many nudist resorts. A first timer could initially wear a bathing suit or beach wrap if they so desired. Guests from around the world stay with them. Mary Clare, the owner says, andquot;women are more intimidated by nude sunbathing at first, but ultimately they love it because they love the sense of freedom. You don't have to worry how you will look in a bathing suit as you aren't wearing one. Some women are nervous the first time they come here, and will go topless sunbathing at first. But usually, after maybe 30 minutes, they feel comfortable and will completely disrobe just like everyone else. Guests always ends up nude sunbathing here because of our safe environment. Woman really appreciate it that we think of their feelings and well being and allow them to go nude sunbathing when they are read! y.andquot; This technique of allowing women to to feel comfortable is very successful. Terra Cotta has one of the highest repeat guest rates in the travel industry at just over 75%.

Nude recreation week is to remind people that you don't have to settle for the same old boring chain hotel vacations this year. There really are fun places where you can relax and feel totally free. Isn't it time for a new, fun vacation? Give a clothing optional resort a call. Celebrate Nude Recreation Week this year in your birthday suit. Pack light, this is the year all of your friends will want to hear about your vacation. You will be glad that you went. Tom with his wife Mary Clare own The Terra Cotta Inn Clothing Optional Resort andamp; Spa in Palm Springs, CA. http://sunnyfun.com They are ranked as one of the 10 best clothing optional resorts in the world. The most mainstream nudist resort in America, they are perfect for people trying nude sunbathing for the 1st time. Call 1-800-786-6938 for info. ]]> Hot Springs In The United States -- Where To Find Them? http://www.artwoo.com/article/hot-springs-in-the-united-states-where-to-find-them http://www.artwoo.com/article/hot-springs-in-the-united-states-where-to-find-them#comments Wed, 18 Oct 2006 04:27:06 +0000 hoover damhot springsmanateescurative powersarizona borderarizona areapeace and tranquility http://www.artwoo.com/article/hot-springs-in-the-united-states-where-to-find-them hot springs to be a source of as those seeking to be cured would soak in the water. While the curatives of the water have been downplayed over the years, the springs are still a big attraction for those around the world. In the United States there are many states that feature hot springs. Some of these springs are now the site of huge hotel resorts while others remain largely undeveloped and untouched by man.

The area features several hot springs for you to visit. The main three are undeveloped but they are still very popular with tourists. If you happen to be in Las Vegas you can get to the springs in less than two hours and they are located just over the . The real downfall for these springs is the fact that they are nearly impossible to reach on foot. The best access is by boat but there are several places in the area that rent boats for the purpose of reaching the springs. Be sure to ask for a hot springs route map as they are provided by most of the boat rental places and they offer the best and shortest routes to find the springs.

El Dorado is the place where many have found the that they are seeking. No where is better for the out lands of hot springs like this . The hot springs themselves are in the center of a luxury resort, where spa treatments revolve around their existence. The springs are underground and feature true mineral water that is not only tasteless but also odorless as well. This site is considered to be one of the finest places for taking advantage of the hot springs in a true desert setting.

Florida is the state that boasts a good many hot springs. People the world over have flocked to the state to see and bath in the springs. The springs are located in secluded areas and are home to a whole host of wildlife which includes wild that will approach and frolic with the tourists. One of the more famous hot springs is located inside on the of the Florida State Parks. This area is protected from harm and the springs are available for dips throughout the year. Take your bathing suit along as they are required for entrance into the springs.

For those closer to Las Vegas there is the Rogers Warm Spring. On the site of the Lake Mead Recreation area, the Rogers warm springs are a huge draw for the tourist dollars. The water temperature stays at around ninety degrees year round. While the pool is not really deep it is very large and wide and is perfect for an afternoon of quiet soaking and contemplation. Like the rest of the state there are a good many amenities on site to make your stay even more comfortable. Read more from this author at: http://www.recreation-mag.com ]]> 8-8-08 Wedding Destinations http://www.artwoo.com/article/8-8-08-wedding-destinations http://www.artwoo.com/article/8-8-08-wedding-destinations#comments Thu, 03 Jan 2008 10:25:00 +0000 wedding chapels in las vegasadmiral fell innriverboat casinoschinese cultureschapels in las vegaswestern culturessouth broadway http://www.artwoo.com/article/8-8-08-wedding-destinations wedding to get married on that date because the number, 7-7-07 was considered a lucky date for many couples. But, if you and your fianc=E9 missed out on that date, don't despair, because on August 8, 2008 you will have another opportunity to get hitched on a "lucky" day.

While the number 7 is considered lucky in , the number 8 is considered very lucky in , and that lucky status will probably spill over into the non-Chinese wedding market as well, as couples seek a "lucky" day on which to start their new lives together.

While the number 8 is considered lucky in Chinese cultures, a wedding on 8-8-08 has another lucky element going for it: It's on a Friday, and Friday weddings are typically cheaper than weddings on the weekend. So, you will be able to get your lucky wedding date and save money at the same time.

8-8-08 Wedding Destinations:

Since 8-8-08 is considered a lucky number, it's almost certain that Las Vegas will be overrun with couples wanting an 8-8-08 wedding. There are numerous wedding chapels and drive-thru chapels where you can get married quickly and without much planning. To really highlight the luckiness of the day, you might want to tie the knot in a casino wedding chapel.

Of course, Las Vegas isn't the only place where Lady Luck resides. You might want to consider Monte Carlo, the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe, Atlantic City, or one of the along the Mississippi River.

Another creative 8-8-08 wedding option would be a wedding or honeymoon at a hotel residing at a "lucky 888" address. Two interesting options come to mind:

Historic Fell's Point 888 Baltimore MD 410-522-7380

The historic Admiral Fell Inn is located in Baltimore's most historic neighborhood, and not far from the Inner Harbor. Originally built in 1860, the Admiral Fell Inn has recently been renovated, and has been called the "Best Place to Stay in Baltimore by the Philadelphia Style Magazine and one of "20 Best Historic Hotels" by AirTran Airways Inflight Magazine.

A stay at the Admiral Fell Inn not only gives you an 888 address for your 8-8-08 wedding, but also includes some ghosts to liven up your wedding. You can learn about the ghosts of the Admiral Fell at the Admiral's Tea, or take a Ghost Tour of the Inn. On Friday's and Saturday's you can even take part in a Ghost Sing-a-Long.

For those couples choosing to have their 8-8-08 wedding at the Admiral Fell Inn, you will have your choice of many locations inside and outside of the Inn: The Admiral Ballroom, located on the top floor, offers views of Baltimore's Skyline and accommodates up to 150 guests; the Memory Garden, which is suited to more intimate weddings of up to 30 guests; or the Bond Street Pier at Fell's Point, which accommodates up to 150 guests.

Wyndham Palm Springs 888 East Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, CA 877-999-3223

Another "lucky" 888 venue for your wedding is the Wyndham Palm Springs, a desert resort offering spectacular views of the San Jacinto Mountains. The Wyndham is located just 3 blocks from Palm Canyon Drive, where you'll find great shopping and fine dining. Of course, one caveat is that 8-8-08 is a particularly hot time of year in Palm Springs, so you will have to be prepared for the heat. On the other hand, summer rates are usually much cheaper than other times of the year, so you may get even luckier and receive a great deal. Ceremonies are held in the courtyard by the Oasis Pool or in their Grand Ballroom.

One way to beat the heat of Palm Springs in August would be to take the nearby Palm Springs Aerial Tram 2-1/2 miles up to the San Jacinto Mountains overlooking Palm Springs, where you can enjoy 54 miles of hiking trails, as well as dinner at Peaks Restaurant, for fine food and a breathtaking view of the desert below.

For the more budget conscious, you might also consider an elopement ceremony followed by a honeymoon stay at the Super 8 Motel at 888 S. Main in Fort Bragg, California, or the Comfort Suites Marina, at 888 N. Coast Highway in Oceanside, California.

No matter your destination, whether it be a Las Vegas casino chapel, a venue located at an 888 address, or even your own backyard, those planning an August 8, 2008 wedding should remember to book venues and wedding services early, as 8-8-08 should be a very busy time for weddings. Shari Hearn is a writer and creator of http://www.locationweddings.net and http://www.weddingplanning411.com ]]> Palm Springs Vacation Rentals http://www.artwoo.com/article/palm-springs-vacation-rentals http://www.artwoo.com/article/palm-springs-vacation-rentals#comments Wed, 12 Jul 2006 12:27:37 +0000 palm springpalm springssan jacinto mountainsquality shoppingvacation rentalsaboundglamorous http://www.artwoo.com/article/palm-springs-vacation-rentals Palm Springs basks luxuriously in the warm California sun against a backdrop of majestic .

It's the quintessential American answer to European-style resorts where swimming, sunbathing, golfing and playing tennis are seriously luxurious pastimes.

Once notorious for its status as a winter retreat for Hollywood celebrities, today is a getaway not only for an eclectic mix of well-to-do retirees and raucous students on Spring Break, but also tourists seeking luxury and comfort at this oasis in the Californian desert.

World-class golf courses, very chic country clubs, casinos and residential communities with a touch of Spanish style . in Palm Spring range from stately homes in elegant gated communities to whimsical hillside mansions formerly owned by celebrities such as Frank Sinatra.

Even without considering their colorful histories, Palm Spring villas are certainly magnificent for many reasons - their grand architecture, sleek furnishings and spectacular views are among the finest anywhere.

The city itself offers many vacation activities including a plethora of sports, and a sophisticated night life; for more adventurous visitors, the nearby canyons, hiking trails and mountains are a fascinating reminder of the natural beauty of this sunny state. Whether seeking a relaxing and peaceful retreat or a glamorous hideaway (from paparazzi!), vacation rentals in Palm Springs will provide your a vacation in true star-quality style.

Renting a villa or a condo is easy especially thanks to the Internet. The policies for a vacation rental are in general the same for most agencies. Here is information about some of the policies.

Payment Policy

Reservations less than 30 days: A booking deposit of 20% is due upon booking and payment in full is due 30 days prior to arrival.

Reservations greater than 30 days: A booking deposit of 20% is due upon booking, first months rent due 30 days prior to arrival, balance due on arrival. A maximum of 30 days rent may be paid by credit card. Booking deposit may be negotiated on a case-by-case basis for frequent and repeat tenants.

Reservations greater than 90 days may make payment arrangements on a case-by-case basis for fourth month and beyond.

Refundable Security Deposit

Deposit must be paid by check, cashiers check, money order or cash. Deposit is normally due within 10 days of booking. Please speak with your reservation agent for special instructions if you book your reservation less than 10 days prior to arrival. Deposit is fully refundable 7 to 21 days after departure. Please review policies below for details.

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel within the time allotted, the minimum cancellation fee is $40.00 and maximum $100.00. Each cancellation is different and fees can differ. Cancellations should be made as far in advance as possible, but not less than 30 days or the number of days of your reservation, which ever is greater. Inadequate notice or no-shows forfeit all moneys paid.

If you do not cancel within the allotted time, you will usually be charged a 20% booking fee, plus all moneys paid to date will be forfeited unless the property is re-rented.

Occupancy

You must be at least 25 years of age to sign a vacation rental contract and to occupy said vacation rental property. Each property has a maximum occupancy, generally two per room. Undisclosed guests will result in loss of rental fees paid, complete forfeiture of security deposit, and all guests being evicted. Guests that disturb the peace and quiet of neighbors will be evicted with no refund of rental fees paid and may forfeit a portion or all of refundable deposit.

Utility Fees and Deposits

If staying in a home, or condo with its own private pool, for 28 days or more, the guest will be required to pay a utility processing fee of $25.00 and to put down a utility deposit of approximately $1000.00. This deposit will be used to pay monthly gas and electric bills that combined, exceed $200.00 per month. This deposit must be replenished each month as it is used.

Smoking in a villa or condo is generally not allowed. Also, if you want to bring pets you must have a permission. Keith George always writes about valuable news and reviews. A related resource is http://palmsprings-vacation-rentals.info/ Further information can be found at http://the-best-sports.info/ ]]> Garage Door Springs - Some Safety Concerns http://www.artwoo.com/article/garage-door-springs-some-safety-concerns http://www.artwoo.com/article/garage-door-springs-some-safety-concerns#comments Tue, 05 Sep 2006 18:27:06 +0000 door springfeetcablegarage door springsgarage doorsaddchinks http://www.artwoo.com/article/garage-door-springs-some-safety-concerns door spring that breaks or shatters can send sharp shrapnel flying in any direction of the garage. Anyone inside the garage if that happens is at serious risk of injury.

Modern roll up garage door styles pose little risk in the event of spring breakage or shattering. These kinds of springs are installed over a shaft that helps roll the door up to the open position. The shaft also acts as a retainer so that broken springs are not allowed to go ballistic.

On the other hand, the flip up style of can be a different situation. Old springs are subject to sending ballistic of steel flying around your garage in the event of a failure.

These old un-safe springs can be identified quite easily, because newer springs have a core rod that is retained inside the coil of the spring. This is a built-in safety feature, because the core rod will retain any chunks of spring in the event of breakage. Look at new springs in your local hardware store. You can easily see the core retaining rod running the length of the spring.

If your old flip up do not include any such rod, it's best to replace them. But replacing springs can cost upwards of $100 depending on locality. There is a simple way to make perfectly good old springs as safe as new ones with some 1/8 inch .

Close the door to extend the springs to their maximum position, and measure the length. Double it and two . For example, a spring, when extended measures 4.5 feet. Doubled is 9 feet, and add 2 feet for a total of 11 feet. You will need 11 feet of cable for each spring. Add one cable clamp per spring to your shopping list.

Thread the cable up the center of the spring, and back down outside the spring, forming a loop. Then use the cable clamps to clamp the ends together. Simple enough, you've just made a retainer to keep the spring safe should the spring shatter.

If your door uses two springs on each side, add another foot (12 feet) to the length, and run the cable up the center of one spring, and down the center of the other - there, you just cut the cost of this project in half, and your garage is much safer.

Your best bet is to just replace the springs with modern self-retaining ones, but this can be difficult and cost upwards of $100. Adjustments to the door might also be necessary, since the new springs will have different tension characteristics. Your garage door opener might not perform as well without adjustment too. You can always call a professional to replace springs and make adjustments, but that adds even more to the cost.

For only a few dollars and some clamps you can make older springs much safer. It takes only a few minutes, and prevents what could be a very scary incident should your old springs break and fly apart. Scott Hares writes for http://steel-garage-door.com A free informational resource for anyone considering a new roll up overhead garage door. ]]> Riverside County Real Estate http://www.artwoo.com/article/riverside-county-real-estate http://www.artwoo.com/article/riverside-county-real-estate#comments Mon, 24 Dec 2007 10:35:01 +0000 acute care hospitalssanta rosa indian reservationjoshua tree national parkcitrus state historic parkriverside community collegebeaumont canyonpalo verde college http://www.artwoo.com/article/riverside-county-real-estate Santa Rosa Indian Reservation, and the Agua Caliente Tribal Council, to name a few.

Situated in the county is the popular . The Riverside Municipal Museum can also be found in the area, where the history and culture of Native Americans are displayed. Other famous spots include the Heritage House, the Mission Inn Hotel and the California . Every April, Riverside County attracts numerous people the world over for the annual Sunkist Orange Bloom Festival.

Riverside County boasts of a complete set of amenities, including a number of airports, universities, hospitals and sports venues.

Riverside County is easily accessible, with approximately 15 airports all over the county, including the Palm Springs International Airport. This fact is also a reason for the growing population in the county, and supports the real estate industry in the area.

There are several universities and colleges serving Riverside County. The University of California Riverside is home to the famous Botanical Gardens and the Museum of Photography. Other universities include , and California School for the Deaf.

Keeping the residents of Riverside County healthy are the almost 20 General in the area. Most of these provide basic care in case of emergencies.

Riverside County is also a world-famous sports location. Various golf resorts are dotted across the county, including Palm Springs, La Quinta, Palm Desert and Indian Wells.

In recent times, there has been a surge in the real estate market in Riverside County. This is because of the continually increasing rates of real estate in nearby areas, such as Los Angeles and San Diego. More and more of the workforce in Los Angeles are moving to the less expensive Riverside County, and opting to commute to their workplaces instead.

At the same time, there is also an ongoing economic growth in the Riverside County. The labor force is expected to continue growing for the next few years, requiring even more workers and increasing employment rates. Real estate, specifically in commercial properties, in Riverside County appears to be a good investment at present. Commercial developments in the area and the presence of affordable housing and land are key factors in the healthy real estate industry in Riverside county.

The Palm Springs area, specifically, is experiencing a real estate boom. The attractive location and the affordability of the real estate in the area are the primary reasons for the continued growth of the real estate industry.

If you're searching for an affordable yet interesting place to invest in, look into Riverside County Real Estate! Seth Willis Jr. is the webmaster for http://www.calpads.com and a savvy real estate investor. His focus for CalPads is to allow users to showcase their real estate from all over the beautiful state of California .Users can browse properties , rentals , vacation homes and commercial properties from every corner of the state. ]]> Act! Software For Palm OS 2.0 http://www.artwoo.com/article/act-software-for-palm-os-20 http://www.artwoo.com/article/act-software-for-palm-os-20#comments Wed, 02 May 2007 04:05:02 +0000 palm desktop 4palm oscontactos 2hotsync managerinformation disseminationmemory http://www.artwoo.com/article/act-software-for-palm-os-20 contact and customer information from a or other hand held devices is now made possible through the new ACT! for Palm .0 and hand held devices. Coupled with its featured mobility, ACT! for Palm OS 2.0 delivers versatility through multiple tasks such as linked calendars, appointment and task lists, accessing customer records for scheduled appointments and power to access and view previous customer transactions and service history.

Through ACT! for Palm OS 2.0, users may access updated fields, notes, histories, sales prospects, calendar information and activities as well as send updated information to the ACT! server for . Old and new ACT! users can now experience the convenience and power of ACT! mobility via ACT! for Palm OS 2.0.

With ACT! for Palm OS 2.0, you may experience true and real time contact management information from a portable device. Performing data synchronization is made easy in order to have the correct information through information updates to and from the ACT! server.

Corporate information such as profiles, team and individual information may also be accessed through a device with ACT! Palm OS 2.0. ACT! for Palm OS also features a utility tool for better mobile sales management tasks. Customize ACT! for Palm OS to have a personalized, user friendly interface. Prioritize, track and record activities that are important to the business.

ACT! Palm OS requires a Palm OS 3.5 to 5.4 device, a minimum of 33 MHZ for processing power, 8 MB of , a free memory of %))K plus 1 K per contact, 3.5 and 4.1.0 and .1

In terms of software compatibility, ACT! for PALM OS is workable with ACT! 2006 and ACT! 2007. ACT! for Palm OS has a customizable color coding scheme for prioritizing stored items. Users have the ability to view, modify and add opportunities in the device. Users can access a consolidated list of opportunities for better action planning.

ACT! for Palm OS is also compatible with ACT! Premium for Workgroups 2006 and 2007. ACT! for Palm OS 2.0 is a stand alone program and does not serve as an upgrade for ACT! for Palm OS 2006. Sayed Ally, is the lead CRM Analyst. His company provides, http://www.cqsolutions.com/ ACT! Software Training. Sayed can be reached at Tel : (905) 815- 1995 ext 22, email:aSayed@cqsolutions.com. ]]> Iron Palm Part 7 http://www.artwoo.com/article/iron-palm-part-7 http://www.artwoo.com/article/iron-palm-part-7#comments Tue, 03 Jul 2007 06:30:01 +0000 iron palmbullet proof vestdim makcentral nervous systempadskill testsopponent http://www.artwoo.com/article/iron-palm-part-7 Iron Palm QandA With Sigung Richard Clear Part 6



Advanced methods include (but are not limited to) cotton palm, springy palm, fire hands (burning palm), Advanced No-distance hitting and universal energy palm. Also included are learning how to use a Yin palm to take energy out and the Yang palm to put negative energy in to someone. Also the delayed death touch and other advanced striking methods are in the advanced curriculum as well as more advanced methods of energy transference including being able to strike a person almost anywhere and have the strike travel through the 's body to an intended destination somewhere else inside them. Healing methods for many of the energetic strikes are included.





include being able to hold three boards and break them all or only break any one or two together of the boards as chosen by the instructor and being able to break bricks and get different effects with the brick breaks. There are other skill tests as well such as being able to lightly hit through a very thick force shield and have the person who is holding the pad feel the hit as if the pad is not there. I have some police officers for students and have demonstrated this hit through a .









I also have a method that is taught as part of our advanced Tai Chi curriculum that includes Internal Iron Body, Cotton Palm and high level including being able to hit anywhere on their body and have your blow go where you want it to as well as how to touch the opponent very lightly (or so it seems) and transmit a tremendous amount of damage to their spine and .



To be continued in "Iron Palm Part 8" Sigung Richard Clear has over 30 years of experience in Chinese Kun Tao and Indonesian Silat. http://www.clearsilat.com ]]> Palm Oil Is Another Healthy Oil! http://www.artwoo.com/article/palm-oil-is-another-healthy-oil http://www.artwoo.com/article/palm-oil-is-another-healthy-oil#comments Sun, 18 Jun 2006 18:32:09 +0000 palm oiltrans fatty acidsoil palmpalm treestaplescoconut oilcanola oil http://www.artwoo.com/article/palm-oil-is-another-healthy-oil
Undoubtedly, there will be ignorant people who will cry out that is an unhealthy saturated fat. Like , palm oil has been mislabeled as unhealthy for far too long, when it is actually is a very healthy saturated fat. Both oils have been in the diets of tropical people for thousands of years, and have helped people stay lean and healthy for centuries.

Like coconut oil, palm oil is great for baking and frying, and is very stable and solid at room temperature, so it does not require hydrogenation and contains no . (Trans fat is the bad stuff that you want to avoid like the plague!) According to authors and researchers Sally Fallon and Mary G. Enig, PhD, of the Weston A. Price Foundation, "palm oil is a stable, healthy, natural fat composed of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids." (http://www.westonaprice.org)

Palm oil is the second most used dietary oil in the world, behind soy oil, and much healthier for you than soy oil. It comes from a different than coconuts-- a palm tree in Africa that produces small fruits that contain the palm oil. Palm oil is redish orange colored in it's natural (unprocessed) state and a rich source of carotenes and and one of the best sources of vitamin E.

Unprocessed palm oil does have a bit of a strong taste that (for Americans) takes a little getting used to. (I use it when I cook fish, because my family doesn't notice the small flavor difference with the strong fish flavor covering it.) Processed palm oil has the flavor removed, but so are some of the nutrients. But even then, it is still much better for you than soy or .

I think it is high time Americans see what most of the rest of the world already knows, that switching to palm and coconut oil is definately a change for the better! So, look for products that contain non-hydrogenated coconut or palm oil, or better yet, make your own healthy snacks with these oils. Dianne's FREE ebook reveals the secrets of people who are losing weight and getting healthier with coconut oil at http://Coconut-Oil-Diet.com . Check it out today! Dianne is also now endorsing an exciting new healthy weight loss diet product. To learn more about it go to http://jenfe-diet-patch.com now! ]]> Iron Palm Part 3 http://www.artwoo.com/article/iron-palm-part-3 http://www.artwoo.com/article/iron-palm-part-3#comments Tue, 05 Jun 2007 04:24:53 +0000 iron palmclass matesdim makkung fu traininghave been fortunatesupport blocksdr wu http://www.artwoo.com/article/iron-palm-part-3 Iron Palm QandA With Sigung Richard Clear Part 2

I started studying 's system of Kung Fu in 1982 from one of Dr Wu's other senior students and then I began studying from Tyrone in 1984. As a result I began training Iron Palm in 1984.

I was not really seeking out Iron Palm. I had not heard enough about it to actively seek it. Iron Palm and were simply a part of the we received. Once I began training I was hooked on it for awhile and then when I saw the other skills that could be acquired I began to get more interested in Internal energy training and development and I have not looked back since.







Q. 4. From whom did you learn?

A. Over the years I and blessed to learn from quite a few teachers. However, my original and primary teacher for Iron Palm was Tyrone.



Q. 5. What kinds of advice did your iron palm sifu give you?

A. One of the interesting things about training with Tyrone was that he almost never had us break materials. About 1986 I decided on my own to break a center block. So, I put this patio block on top of two other strong and sturdy center blocks and proceeded to try to break it. I hit it multiple times and got nowhere. It felt like my hits were penetrating all of the way through but no break. Finally, after a few days of this I became very frustrated. One of my comes over to my house and looks at the 2 support bricks and moves the top brick off of them. Both of the had fractures lines running through them and when picked up they fell apart with a very light slap while we were holding them.

To be continued in "Iron Palm Part 4" Sigung Richard Clear has over 30 years of experience in Chinese Kun Tao and Indonesian Silat. http://www.clearsilat.com ]]> Palm Pilot - Boon Or Curse? http://www.artwoo.com/article/palm-pilot-boon-or-curse http://www.artwoo.com/article/palm-pilot-boon-or-curse#comments Wed, 26 Jul 2006 12:27:11 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/article/palm-pilot-boon-or-curse Palm-top computers or Personal Digital Assistants (PDA) have found their way into innumerable coat pockets across the country, having replaced the revered authority of the paper based agendas and index cards. The Palm Corporation produces a number of Personal Digital Assistants, which run the Palm operating system. Palm pilot was the name given to the first two generations of PDA manufactured by Palm Computing in 1996; which was then a division of US Robotics, then of 3Com and finally a standalone corporation.

Palm Pilot was the brainchild of Jeff Hawkins, Donna Dubinsky and Ed Colligan who were the founders of Palm Computing. The first machines were Palm Pilot 1000 (RAM size 128 K) and Palm Pilot 5000 (RAM size 512 K). Though provided with a serial port, they did not have infrared ports, backlights or flash memory. After the first two attempts, Palm Pilot Personal (RAM size 512 K) and Palm Pilot Professional (RAM size 1024 K) were introduced which had a backlight but no infrared ports or flash memory as yet. Meanwhile, Palm Computing, which was a subsidiary of 3Com, became upset on not having enough control over the palm pilot and founded Handspring in June 1998, which due to the efforts of Hawkins became the first Palm OS licensee.

Handspring later produced 'Handspring Visor', a clone of the Palm Pilot that included a hardware expansion slot. A standard feature of all Palm Pilots is to have 8 megabytes of memory and internal rechargeable batteries. Handspring merged with Palm to form palmOne in 2003. The whole idea of Palm Pilot had developed from Palm Computing's original ambition to create a handwriting recognition software for other devices; a process which convinced them that they could create better hardware as well. Toy Robots Initiative and Manipulative Lab created the design of the Palm Pilot with the purpose of enabling just about anyone to start building and programming mobile robot at a modest cost.

In 1998, when Pilot Pen Corporation brought on a trademark infringement lawsuit, handheld devices from Palm venue as Palm Connected Organizers officially and as 'Palms' more commonly. However palm pilot had entered the vernacular as a synonym for PDA. The Palm Pilot is bestowed with many advantages. It is small enough to be carried during just about every waking moment, so that useful bits of information may have no need to find place in your already cluttered brain. Also, it is a fully functioning computer where the contents can be searched, as you want. Turn it into what you like -- patient-tracking device, calculator, repository of information, built-in calendar, address book, to-do list, memo pad or almost anything else. What's more? This five inches, six ounces Palm Pilot is an easy fit in any shirt pocket and runs for weeks on two AAA batteries.

However, theoretical drawbacks like "the Palm Pilot traces you wherever you are" has not stopped it from being an enormous success. The latest entry, the Palm VII brings us a step closer to the 'Total Connectedness' scenario of the future. Tyson J Stevenson is a prolific writer of useful articles on a variety of topics. Related resources are: http://www.my-palm-pilot.info http://www.hubbuh.info http://www.buhhub.info ]]> More Vacations At Steamboat Springs CO http://www.artwoo.com/article/more-vacations-at-steamboat-springs-co http://www.artwoo.com/article/more-vacations-at-steamboat-springs-co#comments Tue, 11 Nov 2008 13:15:33 +0000 steamboat ski resortsteamboat springs coski town usaroutt county coloradowinter sports clubhowelsen ski areasteamboat spring http://www.artwoo.com/article/more-vacations-at-steamboat-springs-co s CO is also known as , and quite aptly. People flock into the city every year for more and more vacations! The city just has almost 10,000 residents; but is already regarded as the city with the most population in Routt County, Colorado. Steamboat Springs CO is an internationally renowned winter sports destination. Every year, there is a steady stream of visitors who come into the city for more vacations and the thrill of winter sports. The international standing of this winter resort town is made obvious in its unique traffic signs, where both miles and kilometer speed limits are displayed.

The premier spot for more vacations in Steamboat Springs CO is the city's . The resort if located within the park range of Mount Werner. Mount Werner is also site of the , which is a little bit small than the Steamboat Ski Resort.

There are a lot of premier skiing opportunities at Steamboat Springs CO. Skiing is the primary attraction of the place and has brought it people who enjoy the winter sports and are looking for more vacations, as well. Skiing in Steamboat Springs CO is considered world class. The city has been the venue of the Alpine Skiing World Cup in 1990. It is also the home of the Steamboat Springs .

Those longing for more vacations, and more activity options would not be disappointed with the other recreation facilities in Steamboat Springs CO.

As its name suggests, Steamboat Springs CO's Yampa Valley is the site of several geothermal hot springs. The city derived its name from one of the springs' name Steamboat Spring, which is near the local library. This particular spring gives off a steamboat-like sound in the past, before construction and blasting stopped the sounds in 1908.

Two of these hot springs have been converted into a resort and made accessible to the public. Old town Hot Springs is the largest of the two public springs. It has several pools and two water slides. The other one is called the Strawberry Park Hot Springs. This hot spring resort has two pools, landscaped with natural rocks. At the same time, clothing becomes optional in this hot spring resort at night.

Flowing through town, the Yampa River is also the venue of other water sports, like rafting, fishing, tubing, kayaking and rafting. There is a four-mile stretch of whitewater, graded between Grade II and III. The whitewater run ends in two holes, the d-Hole and Charlie's Hole (or C-Hole). The C-Hole was named after one of the city's popular kayaker Charlie Beaver, who kayaked through the stretch and had won several playboating competitions.

The river is the venue of the annual Yampa River Festival, which is held every June. The festival showcases playboating events, like kayak rodeo, downriver race and the state's only upstream slalom race, the Crazy River Dog race. This event has attracted several international and national playboaters, who eventually join the competitions regularly.Author Hugh Parker MoreVacationsTV is a blog about vacation destinations and a great way to get there. to find out the scoop on the buzz visit us by clicking mor vacations Thank you, Hugh Parker]]> Blue Springs Of Kansas City, Missouri : A Popular Location http://www.artwoo.com/article/blue-springs-of-kansas-city-missouri-a-popular-location http://www.artwoo.com/article/blue-springs-of-kansas-city-missouri-a-popular-location#comments Sun, 09 Mar 2008 19:25:00 +0000 kansas city metrokansas city missourikansas city regionmetro plexcontemporary propertiesmidwestern charmgreater kansas city http://www.artwoo.com/article/blue-springs-of-kansas-city-missouri-a-popular-location Kansas City metro-plex is Blue Springs. Located just east of Kansas City, Missouri, Blue Springs has become a favored location for growing, young families. Blue Springs offers to its residents many of the amenities that are highly prized by parents with children as well as people from other walks of life.

Currently, Blue Springs has a population of just under 50,000. While the city has been increasing in population, controlled growth has been a goal of the civic leaders. With more people locating to the community all of the time, a great deal of effort regularly is expended to ensure that the population increase does not negatively impact those elements of Blue Springs that make in an idyllic locale to call "home."

The neighborhoods that comprise Blue Springs are peaceful, quaint and safe. For people who work in either of the Kansas Cities =96 Missouri or Kansas =96 retreating to Blue Springs is a restorative experience. Many residents of the city feel that Blue Springs really does hearken back to another time in the Midwest when neighbors knew one another and when parents felt secure allowing their children to play in the community parks.

One of the reasons that Blue Springs has become such a draw in recent times (particularly to younger and growing families) rests in the fact that housing in the city is very affordable. When it comes to residential options in Blue Springs, a choice can be made from quaint, older homes that have an unmatched and stylish, innovative that are eye catching and interesting.

The schools that serve the young people of Blue Springs get high marks for academic excellence. Indeed, the city is home to some of the more highly regarded schools in operation in the today.

All of the major Kansas City area businesses, attractions and entertainment or recreational venues easily are accessible from Blue Springs. Indeed, one can get anywhere in the area with only a short drive from "the Springs." Downtown Kansas City, Missouri, can be reached from Blue Springs in a matter of minutes. Moreover, the iconic Country Club Plaza shopping and entertainment district is just a short jaunt from Blue Springs.

Blue Springs has become home to a number of different types of service oriented businesses in more recent times. For example, medical practices and health care services are a notable component of the Blue Springs economy in the 21st century. Along these lines, if an individual is interested in obtaining Botox cosmetic treatments, laser resurfacing, microdermabrasion or a similar type of service, that person need not venture beyond the boundaries of Blue Springs.

In addition to local centers that do provide sought after cosmetic services such as Botox cosmetic treatments, laser resurfacing or microdermabrasion, Blue Springs is also home to top notch hospitals and medical centers that address the entire spectrum of community health care needs. These full service facilities deal with all manners of medical needs with professional staffing and the latest technology. Visit http://www.bluespringsskincare.com for more information on skin care treatment or to find a local skin care treatment center. ]]> Go To Buffalo Springs Game Reserve On Your Kenyan Safari http://www.artwoo.com/article/go-to-buffalo-springs-game-reserve-on-your-kenyan-safari http://www.artwoo.com/article/go-to-buffalo-springs-game-reserve-on-your-kenyan-safari#comments Thu, 17 Jan 2008 08:25:00 +0000 northern frontier districtflights from nairobibeisa oryxbuffalo springskenyan safariadventure safarirough north http://www.artwoo.com/article/go-to-buffalo-springs-game-reserve-on-your-kenyan-safari adventure safari, and visiting perhaps just one game reserve or several.

Choosing a game reserve for any can be difficult especially with no experience to fall back on, so this article about may help you to make your mind up about where you want to go.

The name Buffalo Springs comes from an oasis which is to be found on the western edge of the game reserve.

The main reason for setting up Buffalo Springs was to protect the wildlife on the banks of the River Ewaso Ngiro.

Buffalo Springs is one of three reserves and the Buffalo and the Samburu are adjacent and only separated by river, and the third is the Shaba. The biggest is Buffalo Springs covering an area of over 130 square Kilometres, and was first opened in 1985. Buffalo and the Samburu should be considered one unit despite the river separating them.

To get to Buffalo Springs you can drive on good roads from Nairobi or fly in, and there are daily .

Within the game reserve there is a good network of roads easily passable by motor vehicle.

The main reason for visiting Buffalo Springs is the fact that with the other two reserves they make up one of the most interesting and unique places in Kenya to visit.

This is because they are all in the of the country at the edge of what was known as the , and whilst they are the most remote and inaccessible of Kenya's popular reserves they are the most accessible in the Northern Frontier District. These game reserves are about 200 miles north of Nairobi.

The remoteness of Buffalo Springs, Samburu and Shaba means you will see species that are rare in Kenya, and almost impossible to see in other game reserves. Included here are species like Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, and the .

Apart from the rare species, you can expect to see cheetahs, elephant, hippos, leopards, and lion, but no rhino. There are over 350 species of birds to be found at Buffalo Springs so it is a great place for ornithologists.

If you wish to take an adventure safari to Buffalo Springs you should take in the other two game reserves as part of the Kenyan safari, and there are good camps to stay at.

The Samburu Serena Lodge is technically not in Buffalo Springs but it can only be entered from inside. Buffalo Springs Tented Lodge at the south bank of the river.

If you want to stay in Samburu or Shaba, be warned that you will need to pay to enter Buffalo Springs, and the choices are between the classical Samburu Lodge, Larsens a luxury tented camp, Samburu Intrepids Club which is a totally stilted camp. In Shaba there is the Sarova Shaba Lodge.

The great thing about the Buffalo Springs Game reserve area is the lack of tourists, and the unique game viewing. For this reason, plus the fact there are good camps it is highly recommended for at least a part of any honeymoon in Kenya.

For more information on In Kenya Safaris go to http://www.in-kenyasafari.com/pages/Site-Map.html Peter Stewart writes exclusively for http://www.in-kenyasafari.com as well as http://www.worldwidevacationspots.com and has visited personally many of the places he reports on, and has done extensive research on the others ]]> A Clothing Optional Vacation - Give A Unique http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-clothing-optional-vacation-give-a-unique http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-clothing-optional-vacation-give-a-unique#comments Mon, 26 Jun 2006 03:32:04 +0000 clothing optional resortsclothing optional resortnude sunbathingnudist coloniesnude resortsnude placesrustic campgrounds http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-clothing-optional-vacation-give-a-unique clothing optional resort.

Sound far fetched? Not really. Nude recreation is the fastest growing segment of the travel industry. It is a booming travel niche with over $400 million in annual revenues reported by USA Today newspaper. In a recent Roper poll, 25% of Americans have gone skinny dipping in mixed company. You may have already done this when you were young. Now is the time to recapture that lost freedom of your youth.

Traditionally, Americans had to go to Europe or the Caribbean to find upscale topless, nudist, or naturist resorts. In the U.S., most were just , the old style "" that movies like the Pink Panther showed. But, in the last decade, the U.S. has now surpassed the rest of the world and has some of the finest around.

American clothing optional resorts cater to different customers. Many are still the rustic campgrounds where families with their kids go on the weekends. However, in Florida and Palm Springs, California, you will now find nudist resorts that are able to compete with the best regular 4 and 5 star resorts. Nudism in America has now grown up and some of these new resorts are considered the best in the world.

One of the most popular of these new upscale is The Terra Cotta Inn Clothing Optional Resort and Spa. It is very popular as it was the first upscale boutique clothing optional resort to cater just to couples. So, leave the kids with the grandparents or baby sitter an be prepared to be spoiled and pampered. The press reports it is the most mainstream nudist resort in the U.S. It is truly clothing optional. Although, repeat guests go there to go , sometimes "first timers" are nervous and need some time to ease into nude sunbathing. The Terra Cotta Inn is perfect for couples trying nude sunbathing for the first time. There is never any pressure. Guests go nude as soon as they feel comfortable. And everyone always feels comfortable as 99% of the guests go nude sunbathing. The Terra Cotta Inn is located in sunny Palm Springs, California. http://palmsprings.com This beautiful resort community averages 340 days of sunshine a year and is the sunniest city in America. It has world championship golf, casinos, shopping, theater, and more. Everything anyone could ask for on their vacation.

Who takes clothing optional vacations? Everyone! People have been nude sunbathing for centuries. Even one of our founding fathers, Ben Franklin was a major advocate of nude sunbathing. Now that some nude resorts have gone upscale, more and more people are discovering the fun of nude recreation. Nude sunbathers range from their 20's to 70's in age. They are teachers, nurses, doctors, lawyers, engineers, accountants, police, firefighters, movie stars, Democrats and Republicans, etc. They are everyone. What they all have in common is they wanted to try something new. They were tired of the same old boring, stuffy vacations at chain hotels, They wanted to experience something different. Nude recreation is perfect. It is a great way to add excitement to a marriage or relationship. It is very romantic. Everyone feels comfortable at clothing optional resorts because guests are screened first and everyone knows that they are not wild, orgy places. Romantic? Absolutely! But, everyone always behaves themselves around others. So it is a very safe environment for couples. And once you have stayed at a clothing optional resort, you are hooked for life. For instance, a recent TV Travel show called "Ultimate Hotels" just reported that one clothing optional resort averages just over 75% repeat guests which is one the highest repeat guest rates in the travel industry.

Why go to a clothing optional resort? You go to relax and have fun. Marie Claire Magazine in an article about nudity and body image sent a reporter to a clothing optional resort. She reported, "After a hours of lounging and chatting, I started to feel totally relaxed with both myself and my new environment... As the weekend progressed, I became more and more comfortable being naked and I sure didn't miss the pressure of picking out something to wear every morning! But most of all, I found myself feeling less critical about my body. In fact, since it was clear nobody there cared about body size, I found myself being less self-critical overall- and naturally more health-conscious." And you will have so much fun. At many of the best clothing optional resorts, you get to meet vacationers from around the world. Many life long friendships are started up from guests chatting with each other. Without wearing clothes, people are just naturally more free and friendly.

So this Father's Day, or any day for that matter, if you are looking for a new vacation experience, contact a clothing optional resort and make your next vacation a fun, nude vacation Tom and Mary Clare Mulhall own the popular Terra Cotta Inn Clothing Optional Resort and Spa in Palm Springs, CA. Visit their site at http://sunnyfun.com The Chicago Tribune newspaper reported their resort was one of the 10 Best clothing optional resorts in the world. They are perfect for couples trying nude sunbathing for the first time! ]]> Plant And Grow A Cold Hardy Windmill Palm Tree http://www.artwoo.com/article/plant-and-grow-a-cold-hardy-windmill-palm-tree http://www.artwoo.com/article/plant-and-grow-a-cold-hardy-windmill-palm-tree#comments Wed, 02 May 2007 05:49:59 +0000 windmill palmtropical palm treespalm treepalm trunktall windmilltrachycarpus fortuneiincredulous http://www.artwoo.com/article/plant-and-grow-a-cold-hardy-windmill-palm-tree Windmill palm, , tree has been extrensively planted and grown during the last five years in most Northern States and in Canada, much to the surprise of environmentalists and climatologists. s are not generally believed to have cold hardy characteristics sufficient to survive in non-tropical locations where temperatures often plunge to depths below zero. The windmill palm, Trachycarpus fortunei, can survive cold weather because of two characteristics: slow growth and a brown-black burlap-like hair that insulates the trunk from winter ravages.

The windmill palm tree, Trachycarpus fortunei, has been reported to grow 20 feet tall in the United States, but the windmill palm is not a native tree here and has only a short history of growing in the United States, after it was imported into Florida from Europe. Many windmill palm trees in Europe are growing as tall as 40 feet. In optimum conditions, the windmill palm tree can grow one foot per year, and the trunk is tall and slender=97one foot maximum in diameter=97and the base is smaller in diameter than the top, as is the case with many other palm tree species. The width of the windmill palm tree canopy is about 15 feet and the leaves are fan shaped and can grow 3 feet long.

The brown-black burlap-like hair that covers the trunk of the windmill palm is dense and so thick and interconnected that the merristematic growing point in the center of the windmill palm tree is insulated from the cold. After several years of aging, the brown-black hair covering the windmill turns grey in color. In Europe, a tourist can find very old, palm trees where the hair covering the trunk has eroded, exposing a grey, slick bark trunk with a regal appearance. The fan-shaped leaves are covered with a thick green waxy coat on the surface and the leaf margins are lined with sharp teeth.

Windmill palm trees are in high demand as a tropical looking pool tree or for landscape planting near patios and door entrances. Some landscape gardeners prefer to plant a windmill palm tree as a shade tree or as a specimen tree accent. Although most windmill palm trees are grown as single trunk specimens, double trunk windmill palm trees or triple trunk specimens can be ordered from mailorder nurseries.

Windmill palm trees can be grown in containers, but it seems ridiculous to grow a cold hardy tree in a container, if it will tolerate cold weather when planted outside anywhere in the United States. The windmill palm tree can be grown in containers when they are small, but often in an office situation, the windmill palm tree is not suitable, since touching teeth on the leaves can be an unpleasant experience. Learn more about various plants, or purchase ones mentioned in this article by visiting the author's website: TyTy Nursery - http://www.tytyga.com ]]>