Tuesday, November 30, 2010
UK accent aphorism for across students
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbBhxdVeT3k&hl=en
Monday, November 29, 2010
Crossing the US Canadian Border by Land - Do I Need a US Passport?
The rules and regulations for crossing the US/Canadian border by land have changed over the years. It can be difficult to determine what kind of documentation (i.e. US passport), if any, is required for a routine, short-term US/Canadian border crossing. Knowing the facts before crossing the US/Canadian border by land will help save you time and trouble on your trip and lead to fewer delays at border patrol.
The US Department of Homeland Security, in cooperation with Canadian, Mexican and other Western Hemisphere country officials, has made a number of changes to border crossing regulations and requirements in recent years. The changes have been implemented in stages, with grace periods allowing some lenience for certain types of travel and travelers. The department has used media campaigns as well as word-of-mouth education to inform travelers of the most recent changes in regulations regarding crossing the US/Canadian border by land, which went into effect on January 31, 2008. These changes were made in anticipation of the full implementation of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative on June 1, 2009.
Current regulations for crossing the US/Canadian border by land state that all adult visitors (ages 19 and up) must present the following documentation at the border:
* A current, valid US passport OR
* One form of government-issued identification which bears a photo PLUS
* Proof of citizenship (i.e. birth certificate or naturalization certificate.)
Travel visas are not currently required for short term land travel across Canadian/US borders.
Children (ages 18 and under) who cross the border with a verified adult will need to have either a current US passport or documentation verifying citizenship (i.e. a birth certificate or naturalization certificate.)
When the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative becomes fully operational on June 1, 2009, all citizens over the age of 15 will be required to supply one of the following forms of identification when crossing the US/Canadian border by land:
* A valid US passport.
* Government-issued proof of identity with photo AND proof of citizenship.
All governments involved in the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative are strongly recommending that citizens apply for and carry a US passport when crossing the US/Canadian border by land. A US passport is the only universally accepted form of travel documentation. Carrying a US passport will greatly reduce your chances of being delayed at the border, whether crossing into Canada or back home to the United States. Travelers who do not possess a US passport may be looked upon with suspicion, even if other documentation is in order. Border officials on both sides reserve the right to detain travelers or refuse entry altogether if they feel that something is amiss. This is why the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is urging all citizens to obtain a US passport. In the end, it ensures smooth border crossings both for travelers and for border agents.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Find a Passport Application Form Online
It would be best for each member of a family to have passports before leaving for the airport for that vacation abroad. Whether the family member is renewing a passport, correcting data for it, or getting a passport for the first time, the passport application form can be found online and will not be extremely difficult to complete. An individual will either fill out From DS-11 or Form DS-82, depending on his or her situation.
Since these are documents for traveling internationally, the government places mandatory rules on the acquiring of passports. Even though Form DS-11 can be completed digitally, an individual will still have to make an in-person appearance at a designated government facility. All of the additional paperwork must also be brought to the office for verification.
An easy way for an individual to find out what facilities will perform these functions is to go online and search for a Passport Acceptance Facility near the individual's home. Most local post offices can perform these duties, but it would still be wise to check online, or if an individual does not have computer access, he or she should consider calling the post office. These places should also have the proper application should an individual not have Internet access.
Passport processing can take a decent amount of time, so individuals should consider doing this process far in advance. For those individuals who no longer have the option of completing the process far in advance, the government offer expediting services that will push the application through the process a little quicker. For those that really need the document quick, an independent expediting service can perform the duty in one day.
As well as the application, an individual will need to bring additional documentation to the facility of his or her choosing. The purpose the additional documents serve is to act as proof of an individual's citizenship and proof of an individual's identity. An individual will also need a recent photograph and a copy of the recent photograph.
One of the most used proofs of citizenship has been the birth certificate. Other proofs, such as a certificate of citizenship, can also be used. For a complete list of all acceptable proofs, go online and check the government's stipulations. For proof of identity, a driver's license will work. Again, other documentation will work, so it would not be a bad idea to go online and check.
Form DS-11 differs from Form DS-82 in that an individual filling out Form DS-11 will need to appear at one of the governmental facilities and the individual completing Form DS-82 will be renewing his or her passport via the mail. Both of these are passport application forms. Each form will ask basic things, such as name and social security.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
5 European bound crossings.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5SUAS_Bqlk&hl=en
Friday, November 26, 2010
Hackers Clone Elvis' Passport
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0u4pg_XwNk8&hl=en
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Benefits of Having a Polish (EU) Passport
Since Poland's accession to the European Union in 2004, there has been an increase of interest among people of Polish descent in obtaining a Polish passport. Polish citizenship makes it possible for them to reside, study, own property and gain employment in the European Union countries.
As a Polish citizen, you can live and work in any of the EU countries and enjoy free public health care and education. You can also gain access to preferential investment loans, employment schemes and you don't have to stand in the "Others" queue at airports!
Confirmation of Polish citizenship can be daunting, as those who have tried doing it by themselves will tell you! While the general rule is that if you have Polish ancestors then you are already a citizen of Poland, there are any number of reasons why your citizenship may have lapsed. This is why the Polish government requires you to confirm your citizenship before you can apply for your Polish passport.
Do you think that confirming your Polish citizenship is simply a matter of getting in touch with the Polish government? Think again! Confirmation of Polish citizenship can be challenging, frustrating and time consuming.
Confirmation of citizenship is an administrative and not a legal process so don't get sucked in by lawyers who will charge you an arm and a leg for the simplest of tasks.
The key to success is to check whether you are eligible in the first place, gather relevant documentation and submit it in the right way, to the right department in Poland. It requires your commitment and full cooperation but if you leave it to the experts, the journey, whilst long and at times frustrating, will lead to a successful conclusion.
How do you tell whether you are eligible?
Unfortunately, the answer to the question above isn't simple. The Polish citizenship legislation, whilst very liberal and generous, is also quite complex. This is why establishing eligibility is essential at the very beginning of the process so that your application doesn't end in refusal, frustration and loss of time and money.
Some of the factors that the Polish government takes into consideration include the ancestors' year of birth, nationality of the second parent/grandparent, foreign military service, acquisition of foreign citizenship, conscription age of the father/grandfather of the applicant, holding of public office but most of all, available documentation proving all of the above. In some cases, because of the Polish legislation, siblings from the same parents may or not be eligible, depending on their gender and year of birth.
The onus is on the applicant to provide sufficient evidence and proof of citizenship and, as a general rule, the more documents issued by the Polish government are submitted, the better your chances. Other documents, such as International Identity Cards, Refuge Cards, Red Cross documentation and archival documents from Australia can also be accepted.
The fundamental part of the process is to gather information and all available documents, and check whether you are actually eligible. Some families may be reluctant to explore their past, as many of them are victims of trauma so it is important to treat their stories and lives with respects.
Obtaining a Polish passport is a 2 step process:
1. Confirmation of Polish Citizenship
File containing your family's documents proving your ancestry needs to be put together. Everything has to be prepared in the Polish language, then submitted for assessment by the authorities in Poland. Most applications are processed within 12 months from the day of lodgment, though some do take longer.
2. Application for Polish Passport
To apply for your Polish passport, you will need your certificate of Polish citizenship and your Polish birth certificate (yes, even if you were not born in Poland!).
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
How To Get Express American Passports Faster
Do you need a passport issued to you in record time? The good news is that there are express American passports services that are able to help you. By using these services you can have the passport within 48 hours and be ready to travel without pacing out by the letter box for the postal delivery person to arrive.
When you use a passport service to help you, they can ensure that your passport is processed within 24 hours and then sent to you through an overnight postal service. This means that you will have the passport within 48 hours. There are requirements that you need to know about and have ready so that you can ensure there are no processing delays. When you use the service, they will ensure that everything is filled out correctly.
A 24 hour processing, is the quickest option that is available in the United States. The normal processing time for a US passport is estimated at eight weeks. Therefore you can see that the express processing option is a very useful choice when you have limited time before the dates of your travel arrangements.
The biggest thing that slows down passport processing is errors being made on the forms. The passport service can help you to ensure that all your forms and paperwork are done correctly, which will ensure that your passport is delivered as quickly as possible to you. When you submit the application, you will get a case number, which you can use to contact the service at any time and make enquiries and also track the processing and shipment of the passport.
There are various types of passports that you can have processed through these services including: new adult and child passports, a replacement for a lost, stolen or damaged passport, additional pages and a passport name change. There are usually different fees that are charged on the different kinds of passports. You will also have an extra fee that is charged above the usually passport fee for producing it more quickly for you.
The different forms and documentation that are required for a passport depend on the kind of passport you are requesting and on your own circumstances. For example, the documentation that is needed for a US born citizen is different to that required of one that has been naturalized. Your passport service is able to support you with filling in the forms and getting everything filled in correctly the first time.
If you by chance are missing some of the essential documentation, then your passport service will be able to help you with organizing new copies. The passport cannot be processed and produced without presenting this documentation by law. You can request the documents online however, without having to wait a long time and go in person.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Make-Up for Pictures: academy pics, id's, portraits, photos
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoJZVoovuoo&hl=en
Monday, November 22, 2010
Looking to Get a Passport, Check Online For Details
Acquiring a passport will not be as easy as walking through a park on a sunny day, but it is not as difficult as most individuals assume. To get a passport, an individual will need to go through a painless process of proving citizenship and similar things. A quick search online will provide all the guidelines necessary for this process.
Passports are forms of identification mainly used for traveling abroad, but sense they are a form of identification, they can be used for other reasons, as well. This is one reason why it would not necessarily be a bad idea to get a passport, even if an individual is not planning a trip abroad anytime soon. The trip will come at some point and passports will take a few years to expire.
When the time comes, the proper paperwork will need to be completed and submitted to the proper governmental facility. Individuals who are getting a passport for the first time will need to complete part of the process in-person, for security reasons. To find the closest facility, search online.
Before an individual appears at the government facility, he or she should organize all the documentation needed for the passport process. For instance, an individual needs to prove his or her United States Citizenship. This can be done with a birth certificate or with other forms of proof. For a complete list of the acceptable proofs of citizenship, check the government's Web site.
Once an individual has proved his or her citizenship, the individual will also need to prove that he or she is whom he or she is. This means, the individual looking to get a passport will need to present current primary identification. A driver's license, still valid, will work for this part of the process. The individual who does not have a driver's license should not worry, because there are several other forms of acceptable present identification.
The next step involves photography, so get ready to smile and show those teeth. People will need to present two identical pictures for the passport process. There are other specifications for how big the pictures need to be, so for all the guidelines and stipulations, ask a local government official trained in the matter or go online.
Unfortunately, an individual will need to pay some fees in order to complete the process. There are the fees for the normal process, but if an individual needs his or her passport quicker, the government offers an expedited service that can complete the process quicker. If that is still not quick enough for some individuals, there are private companies that offer the quickest possible expediting service.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Venus Raj on The Bottomline Part 01
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdUpDKBAGmw&hl=en
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Static Caravans, a Different Type of Holiday
Caravanning like it or not has it's connotations, TV programmes like Top Gear cast images of old folk cluttering up the motorways with their mobile homes dragging behind their cars, in a recent episode the team even managed to nearly burn a campsite to the ground. Caravanning certainly has a bad image in the UK at the moment but still people in their thousands go on holidays in the UK in their army of caravans.
For those who don't want to be clogging up the highways and byways you can opt for static caravans, static caravans are typically much larger than conventional caravans and as such can accommodate larger family groups. The fact that they're larger means that there is more space and more chance of getting a decent night's sleep!
Static Caravans are normally found on dedicated land in holiday parks, these parks are normally near beaches and other tourist hotspots so you won't have to wander far for something to do or eat, other locations include some countryside farmers may have some caravans on their land for rent if you like the idea of being woken by the cockerel and the scenic views of vast farmland. Whilst you can buy your own holiday home, which may mean you pay rental costs for your space on dedicated land many people rent them much like a hotel room.
In fact, considering the extra space you get and that static caravans cost a lot less to maintain and run you will find that the cost of renting a static caravan considerably undercuts the price of a conventional hotel. Cheap Holidays at caravan sites are easily achieved compared to self-catered hotels, holiday cottages and hotel rooms for families.
You aren't going to be Roughing it on a static caravan holiday either, most static caravans now come with hot and cold running water, electricity mains and other home comforts that make the experience of caravan holidays much more appealing than the image they have had in the past. So for your next holidays consider caravanning as it's an affordable comfortable experience which will leave you pleasantly surprised.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Khalilou Fadiga - Best moments - goals assists skills
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXY3CCU7rdk&hl=en
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Monday, November 15, 2010
Honolulu Attractions
Honolulu is one of the largest cities of the state of Hawaii; it is located on the island of Oahu. The place is the center hub for varied commercial activities and transportation needs. It is one of the best and most visited tourist destinations of the state of Hawaii especially the Waikiki beach. There are varied Honolulu attractions that over a million people visit this place every year, given below are some suggested list of things to do in Honolulu. You can never get bored in this place with so many activities and things to do:
a. Alii Kai Dinner Cruise - this is a two hour cruise that performs live band with island dancers, you can enjoy tasty meals here with the options of grilled chicken, pasta, sautéed mahi mahi, beef sirloin, steamed crab legs and some of the best and amazing views of the place.
b. The Dolphin adventures - The adventure consists of the people participating in deep water encounter in the dolphin territory, here they learn about the physiology, training and anatomy and about the conservation of these unique creatures in the sea. If you are heading to this place, do not forget to carry a swimsuit and towel along. Enjoy the snorkeling adventure by escaping to the wondrous paradise from Ko Olina Marina to the northernmost tip. The dolphin and snorkel adventure gives you amazing dolphin views, flying fish, green sea turtles and whales. You can enjoy the snorkeling by renting good equipment to enjoy your time at Kaena Cliffs.
c. Grand Circle Island Bus tour - the bus tour takes you around some wonderful highlights from Diamond Head to Haleiwa, they take you around to see exotic attractions and the hosted lunch. Some of the destinations they stop at are Halona Point, Pali lookout, Byodo-In and valley of temples.
d. Hawaiian Ray Encounter - you can swim along the special lagoon and enjoy the thrills by swimming in this amazing adventurous place. You can use snorkel, the mask and float vests that are provided here.
e. Kauai, Garden Isle Inter Island tour - takes you down to the adventures that take you round scenic ride up to the Waimea river to the romantic Fern Grotto. The tour takes you along the route of Opaekaa falls lookout and over all Hanapepe valley.
f. Magic of Polynesia at Waikiki beach takes you down the magical trailer that captivates the people of all age groups. Cross all the language barriers and become a part of this wonderful magical moment with beautifully done dazzling lasers, special effects and pyrotechnics. The place also favors you the death trap escape scene and many such defying illusions giving good imaginations. The dinner choices include chicken, sirloin and lobster.
g. The Pearl Harbor museum was created as a memorial to the people who died in surprise attacks by Japanese forces in the year 1941, the place spreads over the sunken portion of USS Arizona. The tour takes you down the narrated ride through National Cemetery of the Pacific and includes historic points.
h. The Polynesian Cultural center helps you design your own tour to explore unique places like Tahiti, islands of Samoa, Aotearoa, Marquesas and the olden Hawaii that includes demonstrations, cultural games and other Polynesian presentations.
It is one of the best places to visit for people of all age groups, Honolulu attractions brings you pure excitement and pleasure to enjoy snorkeling and great food.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
7 Great Staycation Ideas and Tips
You don't have to look very far to know that times are tough right now. People in America and other countries are feeling the pinch. High gas prices, dwindling home equity, and even electricity prices are just some of the reasons travelers are turning toward a more affordable way of getting away for a much needed vacation break.
It's called a "staycation" and it's the perfect alternative to stressful, expensive travel in a tough economy. This article will give you 7 great ideas for a fun and affordable getaway!
It's a way of enjoying an adventure where you live. It's pitching a tent in your own back yard, or even taking a relaxing weekend adventure to a place in your own state that you've always wanted to see, but never got around to it.
Many families are finding that they are having just as much enjoyment staying close to home having a staycation, than taking an expensive trip hundreds or thousands of miles away. The staycation is where it's at!
So What Are A Few Great Staycation Ideas and tips?
1.Anything that gets you out of the house. Anything that requires no chores, no making the bed, no pulling weeds, and no arguing with airline reps or travel agents. A staycation is a vacation without the hassle!
2. Check your chamber of commerce website or call your state or city's tourism department for upcoming special events and a list of local attractions like water parks, or rodeos.
3. Take a day tour of your city's downtown area. Have you ever seen the movie "Ferris Bueller's Day Off?" Ferris and his two friends took a staycation! Ponder this direct quote from the movie: "The question isn't 'what are we going to do today', the question is 'what AREN'T we going to do today".
Ferris and his friends dined at the most expensive restaurant in Chicago, they test-drove a very fast vintage automobile, visited the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, attended a baseball game, admired the City from the observation deck of the Sears Tower, went to a local parade, and then enjoyed a relaxing dip in a Jacuzzi, then later a swim in the pool. All in one day.
4. Wherever you decide to go, take your camera or camcorder with you. Some of the most memorable things happen when you least expect them, and a small camera won't take up a lot of space, and can capture those special moments.
5. Take a little time to plan where you want to go, and when you'll return. Share this information to relatives or neighbors so they know when you're due back, and they know where you are.
6. If you're the outdoor type, plan your staycation where there are many local attractions like lakes, rodeos, interesting places to shop, and interesting things for the whole family to do.
7. Plan to stay over on your staycation? Consider renting instead of checking into a pricey hotel. It's more affordable renting a home or renting a cabin instead of booking a hotel. You'll get much more enjoyment, more freedom, and more value for your money.
As you can see, there are lots of things to do right in your own back yard. A little planning is all it takes to have lots of fun and become a tourist in your own home town!
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Response by Tom McClintock : Tells Calderon OBEY America's Law or Shut Up!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFvxFHODS_U&hl=en
Friday, November 12, 2010
What Do You Do If You Need to Leave on a Trip to a Foreign Country Tomorrow and Have No Passport?
With the baby boomers beginning to retire and travel the world there will be a big boom in overseas travel over the next 10-15 years. It's always nice to plan trips months or even years in advance, but sometime you just want to take off and go at the drop of a hat. Well you can do that if you travel within the borders of the US, but what about when you want to go to Europe or Australia. What if your best friends or a family member calls you and says we're going to London next week, would you like to come with us? You need a passport and you need it in a hurry. You can't afford to wait months to get it. You'll miss out on that fun trip.
Pre-Internet it was a nightmare to get a passport. The internet has made the whole travel industry function like a well oiled machine. It's so much easier to book travel now with so many incredible website and so many published great deals you can find online. Well getting a passport in a much smoother process now too. All you need to do is a little homework online and you can find a few companies out there that can help you expedite your passport and get it pushed through the process. All you do is pay fee depending on how quickly you need it. You obviously pay more for a 24 hour turn around as apposed to 1 or 2 weeks. But gone are the days of waiting 3 months to get your passport.
There are several services offered by a variety of companies today for emergency passports What about when you need to leave the country with a child who has never had a passport? What about getting your passport renewed very quickly? What about for woman, when you get married and you need to change your name on passport in time for that honeymoon in a foreign country and you wait until the last minute? Or how about when you are already in a foreign country and you loose your passport and need to leave for home in just a few days. What do you? It's just nice to know that there are new services available that weren't available just 10 years ago to help make unexpected travel to foreign countries a bit easier. It's even nicer when it just a click of the mouse away to make it happen.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Peter Mandelson slaps bottomward Andrew Marr, part1of2 (07Jun09)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdQb6seAdJM&hl=en
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
WD TV HD Media Player
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSLYBZV6kSA&hl=en
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Kanye West- Barry Bonds
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvKzt-ZagWk&hl=en
Monday, November 8, 2010
Passport Info
A passport is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies the identity and nationality of the bearer. Standards for the new passports were set by the international civil aviation organisation (ICAO) in 2003 and adopted by the waiver countries and the US.
Due to increased scrutiny of international travelers by airlines and immigration authorities around the world, Canadian citizens attempting to travel to Canada without a valid Canadian passport will be subject to additional verifications that may delay or prevent travel also from the 28 September 2006 if you owe reparation, or your fines are overdue, you could be stopped from arriving or departing at any New Zealand international airport. Standards for the new passports were set by the International civil aviation organisation ICAO in 2003 and adopted by the waiver countries and the US.
For online registration, the applicant has to submit the print outs of the application form along with required documents to the respective passport office in the appointment date and time printed. If you wish to replace your passport, you can complete the appropriate passport application form online. You can apply online for a new passport application and forms, check the status of your passport, you can also check current travel warnings, new travel document requirements, foreign entry requirements.
For passports lost overseas make a police report in the foreign country and request for a copy of the report or acknowledgment slip/receipt if these two options are not available report the name and number of police station
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Flight Deals to USA - Plus Free Accommodation!
This is sincerely one of the big things of the week, and certainly I don't think it is going to last for long. And again, I will say I have no business relationship with anybody related with this, but the offer is so good that I think I really need to tell people. Finding flight deals to USA is not easy as competence is very high to cross the Atlantic.
I have been always focusing my articles to the great people in America, but today... today the time has come for we Europeans! What would you think if I tell you that you can take a return flight from the UK to US or Canada destinations and at same time enjoy a stopover of 2 free nights with breakfast included at the beautiful city of Reykjavic, Iceland, for the price of 382 Euros (275 UK pounds)? This is truly one of the best flight deals to USA I have every seen.
Well, I hope you think the same as me. Seriously, if I didn't have responsibilities here I would already have taken that one. But I'm gonna let your imagination fly. You can make your stopover either on your departing flight or on the return one, the flying period can be from the 29th of November to 15th of December, and later from 3rd of January to the 15th of March.
The price of course is subject to very limited availability as any other hot flight deals to USA, so when it's gone, it's gone, and bookings can be made only over the telephone. The cities of destination are New York, Boston, Baltimore Washington, Minneapolis, Orlando and Halifax Nova Scotia. The accommodation at the US or Canada destination is not included, but being aware that nowadays the best offer for the return trip across the Atlantic is 343 Euros with Zoom Airlines, it is impressive that you can do the same plus 2 nights at a 4-stars hotel in Iceland with breakfast included for just 382.
I'm gonna keep it that short, as it would be very boring a huge list with details, but I encourage you to access the link below to get the full information. I'll keep an eye as always to find even better flight deals to USA.
A quick note before leaving as a reminder: Ryanair still offers the best airfares for nearly all the European destinations. Get with them to London for just 20 Euros or less the round trip with everything included, and from there take this one or any other flight deals to USA, Canada, or even South America.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Provincetown - Massachusetts: Vacation History in the Making
On the tip of Cape Cod rests a town where creative expression flourishes and serenity and solitude are always the order of the day. Provincetown, Massachusetts, nestled along a private peninsula, offers natural inspiration and budding adventures to all of its guests--just as long as you follow its lead away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
It is impossible to overstate the picturesque natural beauty of Cape Cod's extreme tip with its miles of stunning seashore and dramatic, sweeping dunes. While the choice between bay side and ocean side beaches is always a matter a preference, the ocean banks, which are protected by the Cape Cod National Seashore, are notoriously stunning and considered the more inviting of the two. However, if the bay side is more to your liking, three miles of sandy expanse along the Provincetown Harbor are at your disposal and activities such as swimming and sailing, particularly at West End Beach, are always on the menu.
The National Seashore beaches, Herring Cove and Race Point Beach, attract the masses when warm weather shines on the Cape. Offering miles of soft sand where the Atlantic Ocean meet Massachusetts Bay, narrow Herring Cove is one of the most famous gay beaches in the world. Visitors can mingle, sunbathe, and swim to their heart's content, but be sure to stay for the sunset since it is the only location in the East where the sun sets over the ocean. While Race Point Beach features dramatic, sweeping dunes that are a stunning backdrop for all of your water-bound excursions, the rough waters are typically better suited for whale watching than swimming.
When you simply want to escape the hordes that descend upon these popular beaches, make the journey beyond the breakwater by catching the water shuttle set for Long Point. Nicknamed "the end of the earth" by locals, this last bit of land is the resting point for the 1827 Long Point Lighthouse and offers a sandy shore for even more beach front excitement. If you prefer a little more adventure, you can cross Provincetown Harbor on the massive rocks that protect the marshlands from the ocean and soak in the spectacular views all around.
From spring through fall, seaworthy adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts absolutely must hop aboard a whale watching cruise to catch a glimpse of these breathtaking beasts. Virtually guaranteed a sighting (many companies will offer a rain check if they fail to surface), visitors are apt to come across Humpback, Finback, and Minke whales in the Stellwagen Bank feeding area. In addition, the waters in and around Provincetown and Cape Cod Bay are teeming with pilot whales, white-sided dolphins, and the harbor porpoise, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the sighting of a lifetime.
Land lovers or those who simply cannot handle the rough waters of the open sea will find plenty of attractions for their amusement. The Provincetown Art Association and Museum contains four art galleries that feature the work of various American artists, from renowned masters to inexperienced upstarts. The museum also hosts concerts, readings, and lectures throughout the year for those with a natural affinity towards the arts. At the Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum, visitors can climb up the monument that commemorates the first landing of the Mayflower Pilgrims in Provincetown for a breathtaking view of the coast and Boston.
Provincetown caters to a diverse selection of interests that are centered around its majestic beauty and its inspirational natural qualities. Gorgeous beaches, stunning art pieces, and recreational pursuits are just the tip of iceberg during your relaxing and entertaining stay in a cozy and convenient Provincetown rental. No matter what your interests, or what exactly appeals to you about this little piece of paradise, Provincetown vacation rentals are a welcoming home away from home whenever you aren't hiking along the seashore or biking the spectacular Province Lands Trail. To experience a Cape Cod getaway that literally extends miles beyond the ordinary, book your picture-perfect vacation rental today.
Friday, November 5, 2010
The Passport Application Process For United States Citizens
Applying for a passport may not be on your top-ten list of things to do, but it is worth your while to take the time to apply for this important document. Not only will it speed you through travel security lines, both inside of and outside of the United States, but it will come in handy for any situation which requires a photo identification that is accepted around the world.
Passports are a verification of who you say you are as well as a confirmation of your citizenship. No other document needs to meet the strict qualifications and supporting evidence that's required to apply for a passport, which is why it is so widely accepted. There are several steps when applying for a first time passport, but since your passport is good for 10 years, and renewal is much easier, you'll only have to go through this level of work once.
Start by locating a passport acceptance and processing office close to you. A United States Post Office meets this requirement and is the most familiar and convenient for many people. Libraries and local government buildings also qualify. You can check in the phone book or visit the web site for the United States Department of State and use their convenient search link. This link lets you search by zip code and distance as well as city and state. You can further refine your search if handicapped access is required and it's worth narrowing the list to those that also produce passport photographs.
Speaking of passport photos, these can't just be your favorite shot from your last vacation. As with a driver's license, the picture must meet certain requirements, such as size and composition. Local copy centers such as Kinko's also typically make passport photos, but if you select a processing site that does this service, you'll be saving yourself an extra trip.
The passport application itself can be downloaded from the U.S. Department of State web site, or picked up at the application center. If you download and print it at home, check it carefully as anything smudged, smeared or illegible will cause it to be rejected.
Use only black ink to fill it in and don't sign it before showing up in person at the processing center. The official will need to witness your signature.
Since citizenship is verified before a passport is issued, you'll also need a certified and embossed Birth Certificate, Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization Certificate. These must be originals, not copies. If you need to write away for a replacement certificate, it's a good idea to order 2 so you'll always have a spare. Photocopies of these important documents are seldom accepted as proof of citizenship.
As you may have guessed, passports aren't free, so be prepared to pay. Fees change over time but the typical cost is around $100.00. Photos are an extra charge, depending on where you have them taken, but typically that's between $10.00 and $20.00. If you're rushed and need your passport expedited, add on more money. Mailing fees can also add up, as sending by a traceable method is highly recommended.
You'll need to wait approximately 2 to 3 weeks to receive your passport, but allow a few more weeks on top of that just to be safe. Starting the application process at least a month or more before you need your passport will allow for any unexpected problems. Soon you'll be the proud owner of a U.S. Passport and will find yourself smiling as you sail though those long security lines at the airport!
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Museum of Modern Art (MOMA)
Museum of Modern was established in 1929 and is located in the middle of Manhattan, New York. It is surrounded by high rise buildings, dining areas and theatres. The idea of establishing this museum was put forward by some of the renowned women, i.e. Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, Mary Sullivan, and Lillie P. Bliss. In the opening days of the museum, it had only eight paintings and one print but today there are over one hundred and fifty thousand art works put into display.
History
As we have said that museum was established in 1929, since its establishment it has been relocated three times and settled at its existing place in 1939. Alfred H. Barr Jr. was the first director of the museum.
Structure
The museum underwent extensive renovation in 2000 and the new renovated building was reopened to the public in November, 2004. The new building was redesigned by the Japanese architect Yoshio Taniguchi. The architecture design includes a ten story atrium. The new building was twice as larger than the previous building. The museum is spread over 650,000 square feet area with an attractive feature of Abby Aldrich Rockefeller sculpture garden. Museum has two theatres, an auditorium and a research library with a large collection of books on arts.
The Collection
The museum offers a large collection of masterpieces of modern arts by famous artists. Two most famous paintings displayed in the museum are Les Demoiselles d' Avignon by Picasso and Starry Night by Van Gogh. There are many paintings in the museum which are made by famous American painters such as Andy Warhol and Jackson Pollock.
This museum also offers a large collection of photography and film for its visitors. Till 20th century, this museum has the largest collection of photography in the world. The two persons who are responsible for managing the photography in the museum are John Szarkowski and Edward Steichen. Museum also has a film archives that offer over twenty two thousands films along with four million still films.
Museum also has some design collection as well where you will find unique furniture by Noguchi, Lazslo and Eames. Museum also features the Bell 4D1 helicopter.
Visiting the Museum of Modern Art
The museum remains closed on major holidays and on Tuesday. It remains open from 10:30am to 5:30pm on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. On Thursday and Friday the museum remains open from 10:30am to 8:35pm and 10:30am to 8.30pm respectively, including Target Free hour on Friday from 4pm to 8pm.
The admission for adults is $20, for senior citizens it is $16 and for students this fee is $12. The entry for children less than sixteen years of age is free.
The Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) has its own car parking and you can get discount if you are able to produce admission ticket.
The MOMA is also offer services for disabled people such as wheelchairs. Museum is also equipped with elevators, public telephone, TTY telephones, FM assistive listening device and much more.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Dizzee Rascal - Holiday Remix
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_cFm17-c-o&hl=en
Monday, November 1, 2010
Best Worldwide Locations For Hiking
The lure of nature can create an experience that not only refreshes but also provides a great opportunity to get some exercise. A great way to experience nature is by hiking. Walking in the woods or hiking up a mountain provides an opportunity to get alone with nature and explore. There are many incredible locations around the world to enjoy this sport but you will have to have a passport to travel to some of the most beautiful spots. First, go online and download a passport application form and you can be on your way before you know it.
For those who are experienced hikers, trekking is an adventure in the next step up. This is an intense form of hiking that often incorporates the assistance of a guide as well as horses or donkeys to help along the way. A "trekking" experience can last days and requires climbing as well as strenuous hiking abilities.
If the idea of incorporating hiking or trekking into your vacation interests you, there are several beautiful spots around the globe that you may want to consider visiting. New Zealand holds a strong attraction to those who love this sport. The landscapes of New Zealand incorporate beauty with exotic plants and animals making the environment and ecosystem exciting and memorable. Another location providing a well known hiking trail is the Inca Trail in Peru. Here, you will experience rainforests, cloudy mountain tops and an opportunity to visit the world famous ancient city of Machu Picchu. Chile provides a hiking experience along the Torres del Paine Circuit. Recognized by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve, it is for the most part untouched and an extraordinary exploration opportunity. If experiencing giant glacial fields, mountains and the famous pink granite pillars interests you, Chile needs to be your destination.
If you are a hiker, you are probably already aware of the important safety precautions you need to take. A map or field guide of the location you will be exploring is vital. These can usually be downloaded from a website or obtained at the location before you embark. If you will be mountain hiking, remember that the temperatures are colder the higher you trek so be prepared with the proper clothing. A first aid kit is a must so be sure you have one in your equipment bag.
You don't want to limit the places you can visit because you don't have a passport so be sure to get your documents in order. Even if you have waited until the last minute, expedited passport services are easily accessible online through a passport website.
If you want to experience nature firsthand, perhaps you should consider a hiking vacation. The simple life just doesn't get any better than walking through the wilderness with the sun and wind at your back.