Sunday, October 31, 2010

Cheap International Student Flights Made Easy

If it wasn't for student discounts, I'm not sure I ever would have stayed in college. Cheap international student flights, particularly multi-stop or round the world tickets, can be an incredible way for a young person to go experience the world. In addition to flights, there are many discounts available for concerts, sports events, movies, and restaurants. I'd like to show you some ways to score really cheap student travel discounts.

However, before you even think about searching for flights, fire up your laptop and apply for an International Student Identification Card (ISIC). These run for less than fifty dollars, and will easily save you ten times that amount. As a personal example, I was able to get prime seats for "Les Miserables" in London for less than twenty bucks. That isn't a typo. I've visited countless museums in Europe and Australia for less than half the general admission. Chalk it up as a gift to youth: an ISIC card is only good until you're twenty-six.

Alright, you've got your ISIC card. Now, let's talk about getting cheap flights. An important thing to consider is how long you have to travel. Generally, you will reduce your expenses on a per-day basis the longer you are gone. My advice is stretch your trip into a year off tour of the world. You'd be amazed at how cheap this can be, especially with student discounts. Try and focus on either one region such as Southeast Asia or South America, or, if you have a little more time and money, purchase the holy grail of cheap international travel: an around the world ticket.

If you are interested in around the world ticket, there are two places that will help you decide what's best for you. Airtreks.com specialized in round the world flights, and you can often fly to ten different destinations for less than three thousand dollars. Again, that isn't a typo. The second agency to contact is STA travel: through them I landed an eight destination around the world trip for fifteen hundred dollars (roughly what a roundtrip ticket from San Francisco to Sydney would have cost anyway).

Once you have a general idea of the route you want to take, consult with one of their travel specialists to hammer out the logistics. A travel agent should be able to assist you with planning for visas (should you require them) and make recommendations about how to stretch your budget further.

Follow these steps and you'll secure ridiculously cheap international student flights.

Saturday, October 30, 2010

The Online Passport Application Explained

There is a different online passport application for those applying for their initial passport than for those renewing a passport. A person applying for an initial passport completes the DS-11 Application for a U.S. Passport. Someone who is renewing a passport may renew via mail if certain requirements are met. In this case, the person will complete Form DS-82: Application for a U.S. Passport by Mail. The application may be downloaded from the U.S. Department of State or private passport processing company web sites.

These web sites offer the application form for download and printing by the public. Though it may be completed online, the form may not be submitted online. The reason for this is that the application must be hand-signed and additional documents must be provided in hard copy format.

The supporting documentation provided with a passport application is intended to verify the applicant's identity. They include evidence of U.S. citizenship and present identification. A birth certificate will fulfill the first category and a driver's license will fulfill the second.

The birth certificate must be a certified version containing the registrar's seal, signature, and date the certificate was filed with the registrar's office. The birth certificate may be issued by the city, county, or state of birth. The driver's license must still be valid and must be submitted in person by the first-time applicant. A copy of the driver's license must also be provided. Should the applicant not have a driver's license, a current government or military ID may be substituted.

If the applicant does not have one of these forms of identification, secondary identification will be accepted. A combination of signature documents may be provided including a social security card, credit card, employee identification card, and a library card. An identifying witness who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and has known the applicant for at least two years may accompany the applicant and serve as secondary proof of identity. The applicant is encouraged to submit as much secondary identification as possible because these applicants are handled on a case-by-case basis.

The private service providers and the government list all of this information on their Web sites. There is a wealth of detail on these sites, so read through everything carefully. The web sites also contain information regarding the various government fees and additional charges established by the service providers. Different providers charge different fees, so some research will be required in order to obtain the best deal.

The applicant should then make an in-person visit to the post office or passport agency for application verification, if required, and then package all documents and sent them off for processing. The package should include two photos that will be used in the new passport. These photos must adhere to certain specifications, so check the provider or government Web site for guidance.

Friday, October 29, 2010

Samantha Brown Dines at Bartolotta at the Wynn Las Vegas

Samantha Brown starts her weekend in Las Vegas off with a feast of Italian coastal fare at Bartolotta Di Mare at the Wynn Hotel. Samantha Brown: Passport To Great Weekends airs Thursdays at 10pm Beginning June 26 on Travel Channel travelchannel.com/samanthabrown



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1phzGX5tUA&hl=en

Thursday, October 28, 2010

What You Need to Know About Passport Photo Guidelines

Keep in mind that passport photo guidelines are to help you avoid unnecessary delays when applying for a passport.

Take Your Own Photo: With a digital camera, a good printer and some photo paper you can take your own passport photo. Today many people find that taking their own passport photos can save them time and energy.

What to Wear: Many professional photographers will encourage you to wear something simple; a solid colored shirt or a suit for example. Avoid wearing a lot of jewelry or jewelry that is large.

What size do I need: The rules state that photos must be two inches wide and two inches tall. Only your face and upper shoulders should be seen. You must submit two identical photos when you apply for your passport.

What type of photo: Your photos must be on photographic paper and the background needs to be light in color. Hanging a sheet, using the bottom half of a light colored wall or a door will provide a decoration free background.

Restrictions: Passport photos that have a dark background will be rejected. If the two by two inch photo does not contain your full face and shoulders it will be rejected. The photograph you submit should look like you. Photos older than six months, especially if your appearance has changed drastically will be rejected. Photographs taken in an instant photo booth is not acceptable and will be rejected.

Where can I get my photo: Many in store photography studios, some drug stores and many professional photographers offer passport photo services. The days of waiting weeks for a passport photo are over. Rush type photography business, some travel agencies and even some business supply companies provide passport photos in one hour or less. While a passport photo is not a family heirloom some locations will allow you to choose from a small set of proofs before printing.

By following the passport photo guidelines you will speed up your passport process.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

"Passport To Wealth" Scam or Is It All About The Mentoring?

Passport To Wealth is a Direct Sales business model. According To Passport To Wealth back office they have over 75,000.00 worth of software. It is suggested that the software assist in a wide variety of computer task.. The compensation plan has been used for years by security industries and direct sales industry for years. Business Owners can resell the entire software package and receive $997.00 for each sale. I have seen the allegations on Scams on Passport To Wealth and other business's on the Internet. Lets take a deeper look into scams, and their allegations. What do they really mean?

I am using Passport To Wealth as an example, but the unfortunate truth is a lot of business's with a solid structure is being put through the Scam Test. You see all over the Internet Scam, Beware Scam Alert, Scammed by Passport to Wealth Join my business. If entrepreneurs look deeper into these searches they will find 1 - 2 things are really happening Here.

1.) Another business is Bashing another to receive Sales - This has been an old trick in marketing for many years. Why Should I go to Mcdonald's with Burger King across the road. McDonald's is using a less direct strategies then many of the home business agents. But in essence in marketing strategies they are doing the same thing. Most times when you look into these scam reports they are intriguing a business owner to join with them. There is no proof of scam, and there is no factual information to back up their claim. People searching are just redirected to the other business's website. Tricky marketing and inventive maybe, ethical I don't think so. Putting a negative spin on one company to get exposre to another is not a positive practice. Its the way of the Internet and won't change but for others to understand these practices will assist them in making a decision.

I do not believe this is the proper way to market a home business. I believe entrepreneurs should be able to market solely on the credibility of their business. Let the strengths of your business bring quality prospects to your site.

2.)An Independent Distributor did not receive good mentoring - As good as online business is there has to be good mentors in place for you to utilize. If an entrepreneur did not receive good training and mentoring they will not fill good about the business model. But does that really make the business a scam? In my strong opinion no, business's are not a scam because someone did not receive the proper training.

The unfortunate truth is whether it is Passport To Wealth or any other business's out there, if you don't connect with the right mentoring team it can be difficult to build any business's. If you started a new Job you would need to be trained. Why should any business be different. I encourage the business owners who are yelling scam to look at the background of their mentoring was it positive or negative.

Do I think their is scams out there? Yes I do but I don't' think it is the home based business Industry? I think its the mentors that scam business builders the most. I hear often how people just didn't receive the right training, or I joined with my mentor who never called me back after to help me. To me the scam is on the mentor who misrepresents his company.

The next time you stumble onto a company that is claiming a scam report. Dig a little deeper to discover if it is because they are advertising there primary business, or is it because they had built a business and didn't find the proper mentors. Business's like Passport To Wealth are used in scam reports because a scam is going to get a lot more attention then a positive review. Do your homework find out why the scam report was done. When you walk away you may be surprised what you actually discover.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Protect Your Passports With Waterproof Passport Covers

Your passport is undoubtedly one of the most important documents that you need when traveling, along with your visa, plane tickets, ID and other identification materials. Because of this, it's very important that you do everything it takes to protect your passport. You can get a passport cover, which you can slip into your passport as a sleeve. Not only will you keep your passport protected from wear and tear but you can also keep your country of origin confidential, so as to avoid any potential theft. If you are going on a water adventure, if you are exceptionally accident-prone or you just don't want to take any chances, then waterproof passport covers are also recommended for you.

Other kinds of passport covers

There are actually many kinds of passport covers that you can choose from, all of which are designed to protect this important document. One of them is the leather cover. Aside from durability, leather can also provide a classic and stylish look. Leather can also effectively conceal your passport and make it look just like a small notebook or a wallet. If you want more design and color, then you can go for cloth passport covers. These fashionable covers offer a wide range of patterns and colors that can suit your preference. However, be reminded that they do not offer much protection like the other covers.

Play it safe with waterproof passport covers

Waterproof passport covers will let you rest assured that your passport is safe no matter where you go. Choose one that comes with a detachable cord so you can hang it around the neck of your belt. If you are storing your passport after use, then it's advisable to remove the passport cover to avoid mold buildup in your passport. Choose one that also has room for your other essentials. Your other valuables such as credit cards, cash, checks and others should all go under the waterproof shield.

Sunday, October 24, 2010

US Passport Renewal FAQ

Have a question about the U.S. passport renewal process? You are not the only one. We receive several questions every day about how to get a renewal for both adults and minors. This article will provide answers to some of the more common questions that are asked by U.S. citizens who travel abroad.

Who can renew a passport by mail?

The U.S. government has established specific criteria concerning who can and cannot apply for a renewal by mail. What are the criteria? First of all, you have to be able to submit your most recent passport. This means that it cannot be damaged or mutilated in any way.

Another criterion is that your travel document had to have been issued to you within the last 15 years. This means that you can sometimes get it renewed even after it has expired. Of course, if it was issued when you were a minor then you cannot get it renewed. You will have to apply for a new one by appearing at an application acceptance facility and submitting form DS-11.

You can even apply for a renewal by mail if your name has changed as long as you can submit an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate or the government-issued document that serves as evidence to your legal name change under federal or state law.

When should I apply for a renewal?

It is recommended that applicants send the renewal application approximately nine months before their travel document expires. The reason for this is twofold. Firstly, it allows ample time for the application to be processed. Secondly, it allows you to maintain a passport with at least six months validity in it. This is the amount of time many countries require be in your travel document before they will issue a travel visa to you.

Waiting until close to the expiration date or the document actually expires could result in the need to pay extra fees if you need to have it renewed with urgency. It is best to renew it early. You can even apply for a renewal more than nine months before it expires but there is no need.

What do I need to get it renewed?

Besides your most recent, undamaged passport, you need to submit the completed application form DS-82, two identical photos that are 2x2 inches and a certified document that proves your name change if that is the case. You also need to send the payment for the application fee(s).

How long does it take to get a passport renewal?

It depends on how quickly you need to get it. You have two options when renewing by mail. Regular processing of an application takes four to six weeks. Expedited service takes two to three weeks. There is an additional fee if you want to expedite the application. The time required to process application forms can change depending on demand. Peak travel periods and inauguration of new requirements can cause processing times to be extended.

These are just a few of the more frequently asked questions concerning renewals. They should, however, give you a basic understanding of what is required to get your travel document renewed.

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Do Not Miss the 3 Weirdest Tourist Attractions in the USA

The USA is home to a large number of tourist attractions, the most popular of which include the Disneyland, the museums of Washington D.C., New York City, Hawaiian beaches, Boston's historical tours, the panoramic hills of San Francisco, the adventurous land of Alaska, and many more. But, if you love extreme adventure, these places are surely not the best ones for you. How about an adventurous trip to some of the wackiest places in the US? Here is a brief description of the three weirdest points of interest in the country. These three destinations are really wacky and certainly not to be missed by anyone, not even by the US residents.

The Extra Terrestrial Highway:

The Extra Terrestrial highway is just an hour drive from Las Vegas. This lonely road meanders past the popular 'Area 51' and surprisingly seems to stretch out to just nowhere! Area 51 is very popular as the site of several alien-visits to Earth. While driving on the highway, you will feel like you are about to smash into a hill, but will never do so. It is an illusion, very similar to the mirage one experiences on hot summer days in deserts. An interesting thing along the Highway is a big metal mailbox in which you can leave your personal message for the aliens! Follow up your adventurous drive with a delicious meal at the elegant 'Little A-Le-Inn' and then stay past dark if you are love star gazing. This area offers a breathtaking view of the stars that is well worth whatever amount you spend on fuel.

Rock City:

Rock City, situated in Lookout Mountain in Georgia, is a fine-looking and highly-structured garden established by Frieda Carter, wife of miniature golf inventor Garnet Carter. The wacky trail in the garden are all lined with eerie statues, uncanny gnomes, and many other bizarre characters from fairy tales. While driving along the trail that leads to huge rock outcroppings, you will have weird illusions that will add to the adventure and are definitely worth exploring.

The Top Secret Upside-Down White House:

This giant, magnificent White House, located in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, is the biggest upside-down white house in the USA and is quite amusing to tour. With its floor aiming at the sky, this weird structure sits on its own roof! As you walk through the dirt ceilings of the house, you would come across several strange 'artifacts' that have been supposedly well-preserved in this great archaeological dig. There are a lot of other interesting things in this building and the place is definitely worth visiting with kids.

Friday, October 22, 2010

Infants Need a Passport For International Travel

Any parent that is going on an international trip and that plans on taking their child should get familiar with infant passport laws immediately. If you think that just because the child is a newborn or a minor that they can freely pass between borders, you are sadly mistaken. The process itself is almost identical to what an adult has to do, with provisions in place because of the age of the young international traveler.

For a parent to raise their arms and question the fact that they have to have an infant passport is not uncommon. However, many people forget that it is still about people leaving and coming back to a country. To allow random children to enter or leave the country without accountability could lead to some very serious issues.

Something else to consider are such horrible things as human trafficking and kidnapping. Believe it or not, this happens with parents of children who are trying to get away from another parent. The angry mother who has just lost her child custody case or perhaps the father that has disappeared to another country and suddenly shows up and wants his child back.

The infant or child will get their passport in much the same way that an adult does. It goes without saying that the child will not be able to do this on their own, so mom and or dad are going to have to do all of the work in order for a valid passport to be obtained. In addition to the forms, do not forget to get the passport photos of the child.

Since an infant cannot sign their own name, mom and or dad are going to have to handle the task for them. It is actually a co-signature that goes on the passport until the child can sign the passport by themselves. When the child is able to sign their own name, the passport can be renewed with their actual signature on the passport.

For the parent signature to be valid on the passport, it has to be done in a very specific way. The parent will have to sign the child's name and then sign their name right next to it. After that, they need to put their relationship next both signatures in parenthesis stating their relationship to the child. If only one parent will be going on the trip with the infant, it is best if that parent is the one that signs the passport for the baby.

If a child is not yet 16 the passport can only be obtained if consent is given by the parents. The obvious reason for this is so that one parent does not get the passport and take the child out of the country without the knowledge of the other parent. This will not be a problem for parents that are still together, but if there has been a divorce or separation, make sure time is allotted to get everything together so there is not a problem in securing tickets or making the trip.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

An Adventure in Hyannis

As teenagers growing up in the early sixties, my wife and I saw Hyannis and Hyannisport as mythical kingdoms populated by the rich, the famous, and the powerful. Except for the mythical part this is probably still true.

Peg and I traveled to Hyannis with friend and guide, Al Burrage. Our first stop was the John F. Kennedy Memorial. The memorial features a 12-foot-high fieldstone wall with a relief of JFK facing the sea. There is a presidential seal, fountain, and a small pool to honor the late president, who grew up nearby. Tour busses constantly drove in the parking lot for people to visit the shrine. It is lovely with a great view of the beach and water.

Flowers form a border around the circular monument. Al had brought us there because he thought we might have an interest. He didn't. I had to coax staunch republican Al to step into the memorial. We were all surprised when he did not turn to stone. Perhaps, it was just the wind, but I thought I heard a low, democratic moan.

Next to the JFK Memorial is Veterans Memorial Park. As always, celebrities grab the headlines, but real people make the big differences in the world. There is a Korean War Memorial located at the Veterans Memorial Park. It was dedicated June 25, 2000, the 50th anniversary of the start of the war. The grounds, the statue, and the brick (inscribed with the names of Korean veterans) lined walkway stir the emotions of the heart.

"The memorial consists of an eight-foot bronze-cast statue of a typical combat soldier, placed on a granite base, overlooking Hyannis Harbor. The statue was sculpted by the world renown sculptor, Robert Shure whose work includes the Irish Famine, located in Boston, as well as the MIA/KIA Eternal Flame monument located in the National Cemetery in Bourne."

Really touching was a simple message from the people of Korea etched in granite and a stone. You can't read the inscription without letting your fingers travel the once rough surface of the stone and think of the sacrifices that were made by Americans and United Nations forces half a world away and half a century ago.

Next, we visited the Kennedy Compound, where most of the Kennedys and other family members still have residences. You can see the pier built for JFK by our government from a nearby park, but you have to have a resident sticker on your car to use the park. The only way to see into the compound is if someone has their gates open, which some did. The houses inside the compound didn't appear any different from most of the other expensive, neighboring houses outside the compound. How strange.

Back in the commerical district we stopped in at a small convenience store, which was located next to the Cape Cod Railroad which features a dinner train. We may have to try that out on our next visit. At the convenience store we bought a local paper and picked up two coupon books featuring coupons for Cape Cod attractions. The sign at the store mentioned Brazilian food, which seemed a little odd. Connections with Brazil kept popping up during our stay in Cape Cod. We saw a Brazilian flag flying at a Seafood Sam's restaurant outside Wood's Hole, and even ate at a Brazilian restaurant during a day trip to Quincy.

A page in the coupon book we picked up at the convenience store lead us to one of my favorite stops: Toad Hall. The coupon offered a dollar off at the Toad Hall Sports Car Museum. Since I love cars and produced a fundraising video for the LeMay Car Museum, I had to at least see what Toad Hall had to offer. I was expecting maybe a dozen sports cars. I was wrong.

We parked our car at the Simmons Homestead Inn and walked around. Five red cars including a Rolls Bentley welcomed us . . . but no one else did. One of the cars was an old Datsun 240Z. I was hooked. My 240Z had been yellow. I wandered around. I could see the garage where I figured the cars were kept, but didn't want to slide the two by four security system out of the way. Even though I could see the padlock was hanging open I was afraid of setting off alarms.

I walked into the inn. No one was there. I walked into another building. No one was there, but I did find a bar and hundreds of bottles of Scotch. I kept on walking and snooping. All exterior doors where marked with one of two signs: "Don't let the cats in!" or "Don't let the cats out!" Carefully, I complied. Everywhere I went I called out, "Hello." No one answered.

Eventually I heard a car drive up. I walked toward the driveway and saw a red sports car. I knew I was about to make contact. I walked into the inn and found Bill Putman. "I hope you haven't been waiting long," he said. I replied, "No, but we did drink three bottles of Scotch." He laughed and then took us out to the garage where he slid the two by four out of the way, opened the door, and turned on the lights. I was delighted, so to speak. Really, I was spellbound. Inside the garage were almost five dozen red sports cars . . . and one green one.

I recognized the garage for what it was . . . a growing obsession. It was just the way the LeMay Museum began. Harold LeMay began collecting cars and then needed more and more space to house them. Bill Putman had a few sports cars (he raced two of them) and then he began finding more and more that he wanted. The garage was expanded and expanded. The ceiling is maybe seven feet high and there are rooms with as few as two cars. The dirt floor is covered with white gravel. On top of the gravel in the walkways between the cars are oriental carpets. I went crazy identifying the cars. "Here's an XK120," I shouted, "I had an XK140."

In the collection there were three models that I had owned. In addition to the Datsun 240Z and the Jaguar XK140, I also found a Bug-Eye Austin Healey Sprite. This was the car I had when I wooed Peg. We drove away from the church in my little Sprite. We took our week-old daughter Andrea to a drive-in movie in that little car. I loved it and should have kept it. This is the same story that Bill hears from almost every visitor to Toad Hall.

I had to ask Bill about the Scotch, "Most of the bottles look unopened. Why don't you drink them?" He even has a website just for his Scotch collection. Bill replied, "I don't know." I think Bill just might be too busy. He collects sports cars, cats, and Scotch in addition to running his inn. I'm sure he was thinking of his collection of Scotch when with a whistful look in his eye Bill said, "Sometimes I just dream of getting snowed in."

Toad Hall was a delight. So, why Toad Hall? Bill likes the story of Wind in the Willows and the central character, Toad, lives in Toad Hall. So, why the red cars? In the story, Toad was obsessed by a motor car. He got one and it was red. So, why the one green car. The previous owner had just sunk $15,000 into the car and Bill didn't have the heart to have it painted. So, why Scotch and cats. Just because.

Looking for memories of our youth we visited Hyannis for Kennedy historical connections. We ended our visit to Hyannis with so much more. Isn't that what travel is all about?

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

How to Get Your First Passport

To view the next video in this series click: www.monkeysee.com



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyuLXeSUCVA&hl=en

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Ms. Parvin Ardalan Olaf Palme Prize Winner

www.protectionline.org Ms. Parvin Ardalan Olaf (Olof) Palme Prize Winner speaking on the occasion of accepting the prize. She was arrested at the Tehran Airport before she could go to Sweden to accept her prize in recognition of her work as a feminist and a person who wants an end to the Gender Apartheid in Iran. www.protectionline.org 4 March 2008 Iranian feminist and journalist Parvin Ardalan was prevented from leaving Iran on Sunday to travel to Sweden where she was to receive the 2007 Olof Palme Prize in Stockholm. She told the AFP news agency that after she boarded an Air France flight at Tehran airport she was paged and then told that she was not permitted to leave the country. "They took my passport and asked me to refer to the presidential office department for passport affairs after 72 hours to take it back," she said. "The only reason for this move is to prevent me from taking part in the ceremony. I think this is unreasonable." Parvin Ardalan, who lives in Tehran, is facing possible imprisonment for her part in organizing a demonstration in June 2006, calling for an end to legal discrimination against women in Iran. She was briefly detained after the demonstration. In April 2007, she was convicted of acting against national security and sentenced to six months' actual imprisonment, with an additional 30 months suspended for five years. She remains free pending her appeal. On 4 March 2007, during the trial, a peaceful protest was held outside the courtroom and ...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hH-MXyv2Y_I&hl=en

Monday, October 18, 2010

The 20 Richest People in Australia

Every year Forbes publishes the list of the richest people in Australia. 2009 showed a drop in the number of billionaires (we're down to 9) but despite the changes in the economy these entrepreneurs proved that fortunes can still be made. Almost everyone on the list started out with a small venture that eventually flourished with dedication and a mind-set to defy the odds against making it big. They are an inspiration to Australians everywhere with dreams of success to hold their course and just keep going.

#20 Maurice Alter (Married with 2 children, age: 84)

$590 million

Who would not mind having a fortune worth $590 million at the age of 84? Mr. Alter landed on the shore in 1949 right out of Poland and hurried up to get a job, 2 jobs as a matter of fact. A bit later he bought a couple shops and a bank near Melbourne. Yes, that's right - a bank! Currently his son, Sam runs his Pacific Shopping Centers and manages his portfolio of prime retail properties in the vicinity of Melbourne and Adelaide.

#19 Robert Oatley (Married with 3 children, age: 80)

$600 million

This wealthy Oz tycoon likes things that give you a buzz. He started out on the path to fortune as a coffee farmer but really made himself known with the Rosemount Estates winery. In 2001 he sold off the entire kit and caboodle for cash and stock to Southcorp. He turned around in 2003 and flipped the stick to Foster's as a means to buy Hamilton Island. He has taken the cup in the Hobart-to-Sydney race 4 consecutive years with his yacht, Wild Oats. He keeps himself occupied with exporting his name-brand wines to the U.S.

#18 Angela Bennet & Michael Wright (Married with 7 children, age: 64, married with 3 children, age: 71)

$650 million

This sister and brother team was fortunate to have a father that discovered some tremendous iron ore deposits in Western Australia. Rio Tinto's Hamersley mine provides them and other family members annual royalties. Wright's primary concern is his Voyager Estate winery.

#17 John Van Lieshout (Married, 2 children, age: 63)

$690 million

Rumor has it that as a teenager Mr. Van Lieshout left school to work at a job unloading bananas. After moving from his native Holland he eventually started up the Super A-Mart furniture chain which he sold in 2006. Currently he is in the market for Brisbane real estate.

#16 Len Buckeridge (Married with 6 children, age: 73)

$700 million

Len Buckeridge is synonymous with BGC Group, a major home builder in Western Australia. Apparently economic downturns mean nothing to him; 2009 was a year of big projects including the construction of a $200 million private port.

#15 Carlo Salteri (married with 4 children, age: 88)

$730 million

Salteri cofounded theTransfield Group in 1956 after moving from Italy to Oz. He took over defense operations when the company split in 1997. His son, Paul took over for him as chairman in 2007. He recently sold off several divisions to major world players such as Lockheed Martin and Air New Zealand.

#14 Ken Talbot (Married with 4 children, age: 58)

$750 million

Talbot founded Macarthur Coal and later sold 80% for close to $600 million. He stirred up some scandalous talk when accused of making payments in secret to a Queensland politician. He denies the bad news.

#13 Gerry Harvey (Married with 4 children, age: 69)

$870 million

Mr. Harvey started dropped out of agricultural college to sell vacuum cleaners door-to-door. He later co-founded Harvey Norman, the electronics retailer. The CEO is his wife, Katie Page. He is a horse man, with a stake in the thoroughbred auction house, Magic Millions.

#12 Michael Hintze (Married with 4 children, age: 55)

$900 million

He did time at Goldman Sachs and Credit Suisse First Boston before staring up the trading firm, Convertible and Quantitative Strategies with $200 million. The return on the flagship fund has been 11% annualized.

#11. Stanley Perron (Married with 3 children, age: 86)

$950 million

Mr. Perron sold handkerchief boxes after dropping out of school and later tried to make a go as a plumber. He didn't really make it big until being gifted with a Toyota franchise from a former boss. (Nice boss!) He established dealerships all over Western Australia and now invests in real estate.

#10 Lindsay Fox (Married with 5 children, age: 72)

$970 million

Fox is a former pro in the Australian Football League and got started on his way to wealth by selling soft drinks from a truck. He founded the largest logistics company in Australia: Linfox. He enjoys classic cars - has 130 of them.

#9 Kerry Stokes (Divorced with 4 children, age: 68)

$1 billion

At last, billionaire! Stokes is the primary dealer of Caterpillar equipment in Australia. He adds to his fortune by his stake in media group, Seven Network. Lately he has been attempting to grab up Perth's Western Australia Newspapers.

#8 Kerr Neilson (Married with 2 children, age: 59)

$1.45 billion

Originally from South Africa, Neilson set up Platinum Asset Management in 1993 with George Soros backing him. When the firm went public in 2007 he cashed out around $500 million. His next plan is to open a contemporary Chinese art museum.

#7 Gina Rinehart (Widowed, 4 children, age: 55)

$1.5 billion

Along with other family members she benefits from her late father's mining assets: Rio Tinto's Hamersley Basin Iron Ore Mine. (She had to fight her stepmother for it.)Rinehart also owns a direct stake in the family company Hancock Prospecting.

#6 Anthony Pratt (Single, 1 child, age: 49)

$1.6 billion

Pratt was at one time a McKinsey consultant and ran Visy Industries U.S. operations for 20 years. He is now co-chairs the packaging kingdom with his mother, owned in entirety by his family. He co-owns the global operations with his two sisters.

#5 Andrew Forrest (Married with 3 children, age: 47)

$1.65 billion

Forrest was Australia's #1 richest person in 2008. Sadly he lost his position due to decreasing iron ore demand which affected shares of his Fortescue Metals Group. A Chinese steel group recently took ownership of part of the company. There was a bit of scandal around the deal which he denies.

#4 John Gandel (Married with 4 children, age: 74)

$1.7 billion

Gandel owns prime real estate - lots of it, including half of Melbourne's Chadstone shopping mall and a stake in a trust that owns the other half. Rumor has it that his private home is the priciest in Melbourne.

#3 Harry Truguboff (Married with 2 children, age: 76)

$2 billion

Known affectionately as "High-Rise-Harry", he is Oz's apartment building tycoon. He was born in China to Russian parents and started his career as a taxi driver. He now owns hundreds of flats in Sydney and North Shore.

#2 Frank Lowy (Married with 3 children, age: 78)

$2.8 billion

Lowy is another one of the country's real estate moguls as well as the president of the Football Federation Australia. He is a Czech immigrant and founded the Westfield Group real estate company. The company's stock took a fall earlier in 2009 but hey, he still has close to $3 billion and that's not shabby.

#1 James Packer (Married with one child, age: 41)

$3.1 billion

Let's hear it for the young guy! What has this dude not done? Packer is heir to his late father's media group, Publishing & Broadcasting. He sold his cattle ranches for almost $300 million and has shares in Consolidated Media and gaming company, Crown. He also has a joint venture going with Hong Kong's Lawrence Ho.

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Magnificent Lake Geneva

While the thought of holiday in the French Alps usually conjures up a thought of few high energy activities, there are many reasons as to why this place can become a point for some relaxing and gentle activities. Are you aware that about 35 % of the shores of the Lake Geneva are French? And this entire French side is about an hours drive from the famous resort of the Les Gets.

Now many water related activities are taking place in the Lake Geneva. After having gone through all those terrible times of great pollution in the 70's, the lake waters are again full with fish and is today recognized as completely safe for swimming, and has emerged as the most stunning place in the world.

Though the southern side of the shore is bereft of any attractions like Lausanne or Monteux, there is definitely a span town of in the east called Thonon-les-Bains for exploring, and in the east there is vian-les-Bains, a home to world famous Evian mineral water. There is also a large themed casino of the Europe for you.

The 70 kilometers long shore finally culminates in the western side with the Geneva in Switzerland, but any person having British passport requires no visa.

The city has several historic places of political and geographical importance, like headquarters of the UN in Europe.

If you are a TV addict then you must be knowing about the series of the 1960's "the champions" starring Stuart Damon, William Gaunt and Alexandra Bastedo. They all worked for the NEMESIS which is headquartered in the Geneva!

Now you might surely be thinking that on knowing this would really generate strong urge to get out more, so just visiting this place would surely provide you with all that you need.

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Apr. 28,2010 Obama Citzenship SMOKING GUN REVEALED

This is an older Video New Info Posted Today 4/29/2010 Subject: VERY QUIETLY OBAMA'S CITIZENSHIP CASE REACHES THE SUPREME COURT Dated April 28, 2010 AP - WASHINGTON DC - In a move certain to fuel the debate over Obama's qualifications for the presidency, the group "Americans for Freedom of Information" has Released copies of President Obama's college transcripts from Occidental College . Released today, the transcript school indicates that Obama, under the name Barry Soetoro, received financial aid as a foreign student from Indonesia as an undergraduate. The transcript was released by Occidental College in compliance with a court order in a suit brought by the group in the Superior Court of California. The transcript shows that Obama (Soetoro) applied for financial aid and was awarded a fellowship for foreign students from the Fulbright Foundation Scholarship program. To qualify, for the scholarship, a student must claim foreign citizenship. This document would seem to provide the smoking gun that many of Obama's detractors have been seeking. Along with the evidence that he was first born in Kenya and there is no record of him ever applying for US citizenship, this is looking pretty grim. The news has created a firestorm at the White House as the release casts increasing doubt about Obama's legitimacy and qualification to serve as President article titled, "Obama Eligibility Questioned," leading some to speculate that the story may overshadow economic issues on Obama's ...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EE4s5_zfsQI&hl=en

Thursday, October 14, 2010

The Best Tourist Spots in South Korea

The tourism industry in South Korea is an emerging industry and the country is fast becoming one of the hottest destinations to visit in the world. The Korean culture is gaining popularity in the United States and people are also exploring options to visit the country.

Seoul is the capital of the country and is just like any other cosmopolitan city bustling with people. It has a rich blend of modern and traditional culture that offers so much to the intrepid traveler.

The best tourist spots in South Korea to visit are Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Ulsan, Jeju, Sokcho, Suwon and Andong. These cities are rich in natural history, cuisine, culture and also sports. Seoul is a popular Olympics destination and is popular all over the world. The tourism population was very high during the Olympics games and this trend is still continuing.

The caves in Danyang are very popular and the beaches in Haeundae and Mallipo are also popular attractions. Other than these there are several cultural festivals which include sports like bull fighting which are gaining popularity in Korea. People visiting from the United States do not need visa for tourism purpose in South Korea.

The most famous landmarks in South Korea are the Serok- San and Jiri San along with the Baekdudaegan, which are all natural landmarks. Since these names are very difficult to remember, it is always advisable to purchase a proper guide book and travel around South Korea. The guide book along with its maps will help you come up with an easy holiday itinerary so that you can enjoy all the best tourist spots in South Korea.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Verdi Dies Irae Solti

Requiem Sir Georg Solti Wiener Philharmonic Joan Sutherland Soprano Luciano Pavarotti Tenor Marilyn Horne Mezzo Soprano Martti Talvela Bass Recorded 1967



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pW1Uc-grcMs&hl=en

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Monday, October 11, 2010

CPAF International PSA: Celebrities "United Against Violence"

www.voteCPAF.org The International version of this PSA features celebrities from all around the world speaking out against domestic violence and sexual assault, including Sandra Oh (Grey's Anatomy), John Cho (Star Trek), Archie Kao (CSI), Kathy Uyen (Passport to Love), MIchelle Krusiec, Leonardo Nam, Sheetal Sheth, musician David Choi http www.youtube.com All your favorite YouTube Stars come together to "Unite Against the Violence" insupport of the Center for the Pacific Asian Family (CPAF) in the fight against domestic violence and sexual assault. Vote today! www.VoteCPAF.org With your vote, together we CAN make a difference! Vote Today! http CREDITS: Executive Producer: Teddy Zee Director: Don Le Producers: Don Le, George Wang, Adrian Zaw Co-Producer: Stephen Liu Writer: George Wang Director of Photography: Nate Fu Editor: Christopher Chan Lee Music: Sam Geunjin Kang Special Thanks to our sponsors: Lee's Sandwiches, Mag's Donuts & Bakery, The Sweeter Things Co., and Stanley Soebianto! Special Thanks to our sponsors: Lee's Sandwiches, Mag's Donuts & Bakery, The Sweeter Things Co., and Stanley Soebianto!



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_kD0m6MhKo&hl=en

Sunday, October 10, 2010

What Do Passports Cost And How Do I Get One?

Are you considering going on a family vacation overseas, but are unsure of what passports cost, or even what the procedure of getting one involves? While there are still some countries that do not require you to have a passport in order to enter, most will all demand one for entry. Mexico and Canada are two that don't require a passport and will allow you to enter with a birth certificate, but having a passport will definitely make things much easier. All in all, a passports cost is worth your peace of mind alone. If you've ever had the misfortune of being held up do to legal identification papers, you know what I mean.

OK, so what are we looking at for costs here? A passport will actually have two different fees associated with it. The first fee is the passport processing fee that the U.S. State Department charges. Currently, passports cost $97.00 for adults, and $82.00 for any child under 16 years old. They have recently went up due to adding a security surcharge.

The second fee is called the execution fee and it covers the cost of making the passport. The processing fee and the security surcharge are paid to the U.S. State Department. The execution fee is paid to the facility you are purchasing your passport from. You can pay with cash, checks, money orders, or credit cards.

It's easy to apply for a passport. You can download the required forms from the official State Department website. Fill them out, and then go have 2 photo id pictures taken at any authorized merchant. Walgreens, or Eckerd Drugs are just two places that come to mind immediately. The cost will generally be less than $10. Once you have your pictures, forms, and payment funds, you can go to any passport payment processor and get everything completed. In fact, you can go to your local post office and make the payment to them and then mail everything off. Don't forget to bring your birth certificate to show proof of citizenship.

Once you have submitted everything to the State Department it will usually take from 4-6 weeks to get your passport sent to you. More or less time depending on the time of the year. If you are in need of getting your passport quicker than that, there are services available that will expedite the process for a fee. Many times you can get your passport within a week for a fee of between $60-$100. This fee is added to your passports cost.

Once you get a passport, it's good for 10 years. As you can see, getting a passport is not that difficult and a passports cost is certainly not prohibitive.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Fly-Drive the East Coast of the USA

As fly-drive holidays are becoming increasingly popular, everyone wants to organise their own travel by travelling further in a short period of time. There are many different types of fly drives. You can stay in one city and drive to other cities that are close, or you can start at one city and end at another. This would be particularly good if you are planning on going to the USA, as you can see many more cities on your holiday, rather than stay in one.

Another really brilliant drive is the East Coast of the USA. Here you can enjoy so many different places as you embark on your journey from Boston, Massachusetts to Miami, Florida. There are many places to visit between these two and I will be listing a lot you can see, so it is vital that you plan your trip before going anywhere! Learn your route, look at places to go and what they have to offer, from small towns to big cities and make sure you have booked your hotels/hostels/camping where ever you may be. Finally, have a good time with it! It's your chance to explore USA in your own time and at your own pace, there is no rush and plan your time accordingly so when you get to your destination city, you have a few days to relax before your flight home.

Now the city we are going to start in is Boston in Massachusetts. Grab your hire car from the airport and you are off! There many museums in Boston that you can visit, such as The Boston Fire Museum, The J.F.K Presidential Library and Museum and The Museum of Science, which are just to name a few. There are so many restaurants and cafe's for you to just relax and enjoy some time in Boston, you will never get bored and you will always have something to do such as the Freedom Trail which will take you through a tour of Boston's history.

Our next stop is crossing states into Connecticut to Hartford. Make sure you have all your documents with you in case you get stopped at the state crossing. It's good to have your passport, Car hire documents, insurance, drivers license and your tickets from where you came and where you are going. It will take about 2 hours to get there and there are so many historic buildings to see. Including The Cathedral of St Joesph which is made from 281-foot limestone and has a 8000 pipe organ. Also the Mark Twain House and Museum home of the writer Samuel Clemens whom wrote The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. As well as many more to discover!

As we carry on our journey we will head down to New York in New York. This will take about 2hours I recommended you spend a good few days here. Being known as the City that Never Sleeps you will have so much to see and do, as well as a huge variety of foods to taste. Visit the Statue of Liberty, or go the top of the Empire State Building and view the entire city. As well as many parks and Attractions such as Central Park and shop until you drop at 5th Avenue.

Hop back into your car and drive about 2 hours to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Now if you only stay here a short time you must visit Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed and the Liberty Bell. If you wish to spend more time here then why not visit the home of Edgar Alan Poe, or the Benjamin Franklin National Museum.

A 3 hour drive from here will take you to Washington, DC. Again here is a city rich in history with Lincoln Park, Old Town House, Washington Monument and also the White House are places to see. There is also a wonderful nightlife and many theatre productions for you enjoy. There are also many parks that you can relax in such as Rock Creek Park and Pocomac Park. Here you can also enjoy a game of Golf if you go with your friends to Rock Creek Golf Course.

Our next stop is another 2 hours to Richmond, Virginia. Here you can visit the Haunts of Richmond which will take you on a tour, or the Cemetery of Hollywood where two presidents are buried as well as thousands of confederate soldiers. Also go visit Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site as well as Richmond Battlefield Site where you can get a real taste of history.

Now head on down to Virginia Beach which will take you about 2 hours and relax by the longest stretch of beach in the world. There is also a very good night life here as it is a popular tourist resort, so why not stay here overnight and enjoy some relaxation with some friends or your family. You can learn to surf, play some golf, go to one of the many amusements parks, learn to play volleyball or even go swimming and diving in the sea. So you will never be bored of anything to do here.

Your next destination is about 3 hours away in North Carolina. Visit Rocky Mount which is a small city that is bursting with things to do. Take a 3 and half mile trail along the Tar river, take a time out in the memorial garden at Ebenezer Baptist Church, Enjoy some Gospel music in the country at Luther Barnes Fall Gospel Classic and many more for you to discover.

Jacksonville is 2 and a half hours away, and here you can enjoy Laser Tag and Paintball. There are also many cafe's and restaurants for you all to enjoy in this fairly new city. It is nearly 23 years old! There are lots of hotels and campsites for here to you to stay if you need to.

It will only take you about an hour or so to get to Wilmington which is famous for the hit TV shows Dawson's Creek and One Tree Hill being produced there. There are a vast array of attractions such as the Haunted Pub Crawl, Airlie Gardens as well as many museums too. This is wonderful city to visit.

Another 2 hours and a state crossing, you will reach Myrtle Beach in South Carolina. Here is another very relaxing beach resort for you and your family or friends to enjoy. There are many attractions for everyone to enjoy such as Hard Rock Park, Myrtle Diving and Fishing and Ripleys Aquarium are to name just a few. Here would be a really lovely place to stay overnight as well as it is a resort town so there will be many hotels that you can find along the beach.

Your next destination is Charleston which is just over 2 hours. This city is known as The Holy City due it many of it's parishes and churches. The First Baptist Church of Charleston is the oldest Baptist church in the South and the first Southern Baptist Church in existence so it is well worth a visit. It also worth visiting The Charleston Tea Plantation is a true working plantation and is amazing.

2 hours on is Savannah in Georgia which houses beautiful architecture and people from around the world come to see just these. There are many historic home to come and see here such as The Pink House and Sorrel Weed House. Also come and see a very historic place of worship Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. There are also many other things to do such as dolphin cruises and carriage rides as well as choice of shell collecting or even spot of shopping.

Your next destination is Brunswick in Georgia which is about hour and half away. Here you can visit Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation Historic Site, which was once a rice plantation offers visitors a look at plantation life. An antebellum home, surrounded by oaks, magnolias and camellias and a museum provide artifacts of the slave age. You may also want to take a 3 - 4 hour cruise and enjoy dinner and perhaps a spot of gambling.

From here you can go onto Florida and spend another few days in and around exploring Orlando, Key West, Tampa and many other places. So why not get a Car hire USA and create your own fly-drive holiday!

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

'Simulcast' Enjoyments: Why The Bradley Teletheater Is A Must-See For Anyone Visiting Windsor Locks

A trip to Windsor Locks, Connecticut simply wouldn't be complete without a stop at one of its most exciting attractions, the 'simulcast' Bradley Teletheater. A first class facility where tourists and locals can watch and bet on jai-alai, as well as thoroughbred, harness and greyhound racing, The Bradley Teletheater is sure to offer a thrilling experience for fervent racing fans as well as first-time spectators. The off-track theatre, which holds 1,200 seats in grandstand arrangement, features a state-of-the-art race book and top-notch restaurants such as the Winner's Circle Lounge and the Turf Club. And, of course, the venue features 'simulcast' viewing and betting, which means that wagering is allowed at multiple sites.

The Bradley Teletheater is just across the street from the local airport in Windsor Locks; as a result, the venue makes for a particularly popular business meeting point. In fact, Bradley Teletheater hosts a number of social events - from parties to conferences; events include free parking, admission and programs, and the venue even offers a range of catering packages to accommodate any group.

While in Windsor Locks, visitors can take advantage of a number of other intriguing attractions, such as the Connecticut Convention Center in nearby Hartford; science buffs may be interested to know that the state-of-the-art convention center - which happens to be the largest venue of its kind between Boston and New York - also holds the Connecticut Center for Science and Exploration. The Noden-Reed Park Museum, a 22-acre historical park, is another area of interest in Windsor Locks, as is the New England Air Museum, the largest aviation museum in northeast United States.

As Windsor Locks is located halfway between Hartford, Connecticut and Springfield Massachusetts,an excursion to these two cities is not hard to undertake. Visit Connecticut's capital, which is also known as 'the insurance capital of the world,' then take a drive over to Springfield, which, interestingly enough, stands as the very first 'Springfield' among 34 in the United States; it is also home to the renowned Basketball Hall of Fame.

If you're planning a trip to Windsor Locks, you'll find that there are a number of fantastic hotel accommodation options to consider; Hilton Doubletree Hotel, for example, is right next to the airport - not to mention conveniently close to the Bradley Teletheater. So whether you're travelling on business or for leisure, you'll always have time to visit the teletheater; after all, a visit to Windsor Locks simply wouldn't be complete without it.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Ralph Nader: Bohemian Grove Pt2

(PART 2 SORRY FOR THE DELAY!) Ralph Nader was interviewed on KSRO by Pat Thurston in July 2005, talking about the annual retreat of the Bohemian Grove Society about to take place along the Russian River. In the interview Ralph explains what these rich and powerful men do up in the woods each summer, and why we should care. www.sonomacountyfreepress.com Ralph Nader talks about something the neo con media and two party duopoloy try to hide from you: The Bohemian Grove www.votenader.org "Dark Secrets of The Bohemian Grove" is one of the best and most entertaining documentaries you will ever watch. If you want further information buy it online at http and watch Alex Jones sneak into the Cremation of Care ceremony. www.youtube.com david gergen link above talking about the bohemian grove Then youtube search "alex jones david gergen bohemian grove"(will add link) to watch David's reaction upon meeting the man that infiltrated the Grove and Cremation of Care Ceremony and got it all on video. BILL O'REILLY WON'T TOUCH THE BOHEMIAN GROVE SUBJECT!!!= www.youtube.com Ralph Nader Bohemian Grove Corporate Banker Bailout barack obama john mccain ron paul presidential debate alex jones Category: News & Politics Tags: Ralph Nader Bohemian Grove Corporate Banker Bailout barack obama dance contest sarah palin joe biden vice president matt gonzalez john mccain ron paul presidential debate alex jones girl and RN show the dude todd passport low IQ say no to bail out bohemian grove lil wayne ...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCAiokLusI8&hl=en

Monday, October 4, 2010

Obama-Citizen of Indonesia

Obama has admitted traveling to Indonesia and other foreign nations all through his college years, but, how did he do this? He didn't have a US passport until he was issued one as a US Senator. World Net Daily columnist Janet Porter, wrote in her column on 25 Nov 2008 "No record of Obama holding an American passport prior to the one he received once becoming a US senator has been found." "If Obama would have been a US citizen, 8 USC §1481(a)(2) provides loss of nationality by native born citizens upon "taking an oath or making an affirmation or other formal declaration of allegiance to a foreign state ... after having attained the age of eighteen years," in violation of 8 USC §1401(a)(1). Simply put, since Indonesia did not allow for dual citizenship, if Obama got that passport in 1981, when he was 20 years old, he effectively renounced any US citizenship he may have had."



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xW7VvGzIWX0&hl=en

Sunday, October 3, 2010

A Passport Application Made Easy

A passport is a primary source of identification for a citizen while at home or abroad. To obtain this document, a citizen must fill out a passport application form and produce the required documentation to the government. Without a passport, world travel is impossible, as all customs officials from every corner of the globe require them to be produced before a citizen can pass into the country.

It must be remembered that obtaining a passport is a privilege, not a right. In all cases, the government has the final say in whether a person can or cannot leave or enter the country. These documents are necessary forms of identification that give holders certain rights and privileges. While abroad, a United States passport can give citizens access to an embassy in times of trouble.

Because of their high level of importance, a prospective recipient of a passport must fill out all necessary paperwork. This paper trail aids the government in following movements of citizens and visitors alike to promote the interests of national security. Locating a passport agency, such as a county store, is where one goes to begin this process.

People who wish to acquire a passport must do so in person at one of these passport offices. To purchase a passport, a citizen must be able to prove to government officials both their identity and citizenship. To do this, prospective travelers must bring documents such as a valid driver's license, green card, birth certificate, social security card, or an old undamaged passport with them to the office.

Photographs on the passport are also a major step in the application process. Most offices will take the picture of a citizen on the date of the application, but a picture taken in the last six months can also be substituted. These pictures must be up to date and show the citizen in their normal clothes to guard against cases of mistaken identity. To guard against forgery, passports contain two pictures and a seal.

Once the picture is taken and citizenship and identity are proven to government officials, the final step in gaining a passport is payment. Payment for this document can be made by cash, debit or credit card, or by check at the government office. Two fees totaling $120 is the cost of a new passport while renewing one only costs $95. Passports for minors, also, cost less money than adults.

After a passport is sent to a citizen, it is their responsibility to keep it from falling into the wrong hands. International criminals and other nefarious people would love nothing more to obtain a U.S. passport so if one is stolen or lost, the government should be notified immediately. Because of their importance, penalties and fines for replacing lost or stolen passports have been put into place.

Saturday, October 2, 2010

First Night Austin 2008 - Something Different For New Years

Looking for something fun in Austin to do this New Year's? Tired of late night drunken parties? Perhaps looking something a bit more kid and family friendly? Why not check out First Night Austin?

Every December 31st the streets of downtown Austin Texas are transformed into a free performance and visual arts bizarre. The best part is that it is all free. The tradition of bringing in the New Year with a city wide celebration of the arts began in Boston in 1976. Since then, the idea has spread like wildfire to over 120 cities and communities throughout the United States, Canada, and New Zealand. While the first celebration in Boston brought in 60,000 people, now First Night brings in over a million people worldwide.

This year the Austin festivities begin at 3pm and continue until just past midnight. There are many stages and events throughout downtown Austin. You may want to start you day over at Auditorium Shores where you could check out the Giant Games furnished by the Austin Children's Museum. Later in the day the Trouble Puppet Theatre Company will be performing its show "Alchemy and the Wheel of Destiny." If you enjoy the puppet you may want to head over to the Austin Children's Museum where the United Way will be hosting a Puppet Making Workshop.

What are the RoboSpinArt and the Pongonator? You'll have to check it out for yourself. The project by the Robot Group will be on display all day at the Buford Tower on Caesar Chavez. The largest concentration of events will take place at the Austin City Hall Plaza on Second Street where Mayor Will Wynn will kick in the New Year at 7:30pm. On the headline stage you can check out a Persian Dance group, music by the Asylum Street Spankers, the Golden Arm Trio Brass Band presenting the work of Graham Reynolds, and Drum Jam. This is also the place to be for the midnight fireworks display.

Inside City Hall, the Theatre Action Project takes over the Boards and Commissions Room with their Peace Crane Project. In the Council Chamber you can expect performances by the Chinese School of Dance, the Austin Vocal Arts Ensemble, the Austin Chamber Ensemble, and the Austin Wind Symphony. Whatever you do, be sure not to miss the Grand Processional. This giant parade takes over Congress Avenue at 6:15pm. You'll be able to see pieces of almost all of the performances as well floats and the infamous "Celebrity Pedi-cab Race."

New for this year the HBMG's Creativity Incubator presents a theatrical showcase underneath the South First Street Bridge. Highlights of the showcase include "The Leash: A Psychedelic Western Operatta" by the Rude Mechanicals and The Debutantes and Vegabonds presentation of "Hubris." So why not come out this year and join your fellow Austinites in bringing in the New Year with the new tradition of First Night Austin. There are certainly plenty of good times to be had and this year's offering includes something for everyone.

Friday, October 1, 2010

Canada Passport Renewals

Considering the population of Canada, 2.5 million is indeed an overwhelming number of Canadian passports to be issued each year. However, the process of renewal of a Canadian passport can be arduous if the steps required to do so are not followed systematically and properly.

Canada passport renewal falls under two categories- for applicants above 16 years and for those under 16 years of age. Applicants above 16 years of age should use form PPT040 and submit form PPT132 (should be used only when guarantor signature is not obtained), present Canadian passport, Canadian citizenship proof, certificate of Canadian citizenship, Canadian birth certificate, other important ID and two passport-sized photos. The total fee charged for granting a Canadian passport is CDN100 (with guarantor signature) or CDN150 (without guarantor signature).

In case the applicant falls under the age of 16, then along with the form PPT042, other documents that need to be printed include form PPT132 (only when guarantor signature is not obtained), present Canadian passport, Canadian citizenship proof, certificate of Canadian citizenship, Canadian birth certificate, other important ID and two passport-sized photos. Also, the applicant's parents should sign the application and present any legal documents concerning divorce (if any) and child custody. The total fee comes up to CDN35 (with guarantor signature) or CDN85 (without guarantor signature).

Recently, in order to cater to the growing demand for Canadian passports each year, the government formulated plans to offer a better service for granting the passports. For the same reason, on July 5, 2004, a pilot project which extended to 20,000 applicants was launched. The project, which ran until November 2005, aimed at offering Canadian passport renewal as a permanent service by Passport Canada.