Dance School Blog

Koh Tao, or Turtle Island, is not a big island; indeed it only covers 21 square kilometers. It is situated in the Gulf of Thailand off the western seaboard coastline, and it only takes about one and half hours to get there by high speed catamaran from Chumpon.

The majority of turtles that the island was famous for have moved away, and now it is known as one of the major dive sites in Thailand.

There is only one major road on the island, straddling the eastern side of the island, connecting the northern communities with those in the south. Other than that, you will need to take care when traveling around as most of the other roads are dirt tracks.

I find that the best way to get there from Bangkok is by train to Chumpon and then the catamaran. All in, the one way cost is only about 1,200bt and you can buy both tickets at Hua Lampong railway station in Bangkok. Depending on the connections, it takes about twelve hours to get to the island from Bangkok

Recently I went there to meet up with my mate Shane and Sao, his lovely wife. Sao runs a business supporting the dive industry on the island, and concentrates on renting out DPVs. For the uninitiated, DPVs (Diver Propulsion Vehicles) are normally used for diving and snorkeling and can go to a depth of 30 meters

Shane has had a number of business ventures in the U.K. and Portugal. I wanted to find out from Sao what she had learnt from him, and also, what her experience was of running a business in Thailand mainly catering to foreigners.

Allan – Ok, Sao, just how much have your learnt from Shane in running a small business?

Sao -   Well, it was quite a novelty moving to such a small island, learning to dive and then starting the underwater scooter business. It has been an interesting learning curve, and I am lucky that generally all the people I have to deal with are all in all a friendly bunch.

Allan – What is the market like for DPVs on the island at the moment?

Sao – We are lucky that most of the dive schools on the island are happy to use our services, and frankly, diving with a DPV is great fun!!

Allan – What has been your most frustrating business moments on the island?

Sao – Getting parts for the Seadoo DPVs. Despite the fact that Seadoo is a household name in the water sports industry, we normally have more broken machines than working, and getting spare parts is a nightmare. At the moment 70% of our DPVs have broken down and we have waited nearly a year for spare parts. We are hoping that Seadoo can get their house in order and we can get back to offering the best service available.

Allan – And what is your favorite part of the job?

Sao - Getting out there and talking to people every day, and best of all hearing that our clients have had a great time with the DPVs

Allan – What advice would you give to someone starting a small business in Thailand?

Sao – If you plan to start a business offering goods or a service, make sure you can rely on your suppliers. The buck stops with you. !

As I have only been to Koh Tao a couple of times, I also thought that it would be good to get Shane’s ideas on what to see and do on the island.

Allan – I know that Koh Tao is famous as a dive site, so what else would you recommend to do and see during the day?

Shane—There is not a great deal to do on the island except water sports and chilling out, but we do have a mini golf and a bowling alley, paintball, rock climbing and of course water skiing, wakeboarding, and snorkeling.

A round the Island snorkeling trip makes a great day out, available with various companies for around 650bt, stopping in five different bays around the island, but do remember the sun block!!!

(MELT offers a round the Island trip for 650bt, including fins, mask, refreshments/soft drinks, tire riding and a boom net.

Allan – Anything interesting to buy on the island, e.g. to take home as presents?

Shane – Nothing much is produced in Koh Tao and most things come from the mainland, However, Avalon offer large range of aromatic and massage oils, toners and various natural beauty products not readily available everywhere. Free advice is available from Andrea (Avalon@suthep.com).There is also an up and coming U. K. clothes designer recently arrived on the island – Nikki Noodles can design and personally tailor clothes for ladies at a fraction of European prices.

Allan – Where would you recommend eating? 1. Tasty and not expensive. 2. Excellent and not too expansive?

Shane – There are lots of places on Koh Tao to eat and drink. Eating and drinking establishments on Koh Tao have been opening at an alarming rate in the last couple of years

For myself, I enjoy a relaxing drink after diving at the Safety Stop in Mae Haad, where Western and Thai food is available on the menu. Brian, the owner from South Africa, also makes a mean Biltong (dried beef.). South African style!!

Dirty Nellys, the Irish Pub in Mae Haad, offer a western menu and a tasty pint of Guinness with live music some evenings. Choppers, in Sairee Village, also have live music some evenings, have large screen TV’s and show most sports events. Opposite Choppers is ‘Morava’, an up-market restaurant offering their speciality of fondue. Just down the road is Papas Tapas, offering an extensive menu of very tasty tapas dishes. Portabello offers a range of main courses including pizza and pasta, and there is also Brother Restaurant which has fantastic steaks.

There are so many places on Koh Tao to eat drink and be merry, it is probably easiest just to list a few places to try.

Chopsticks, in Mae Haad, has authentic Chinese food and is also a nice change from Thai food. The house speciality is dim sum.

The Golden, which is between Mae Haad and Chalok Ban Khao, has an all you can eat Korean Barbeque for 139bt.

Safari – Mae Haad – Great Steaks and pizza and pasta also available.

La Matta – Mae Haad. Pizza & pasta, takeaway and delivery available

Caf̩ Del So l-Mae Haad Рgreat breakfast.

Zest – Mae Haad – for a great sandwich/baguette and delicious coffee; a perfect start to the day!!

Farangos – Mae Haad and Sairee Village – pizza and pasta.

Blue Wind Bakery - situated on the beach in Sairee – homemade bread and a very varied menu. It also has accommodation available at a very reasonable price just meters from the beach.

Shalimar Indian Restaurant – Sairee Village – authentic Indian cuisine in a walled garden surround. Reasonable prices with curries to die for.

Noori Indian Restaurant – Sairee Beach. Situated right on the beach next to the Lotus Bar, Indian food incorporating some of the best naan breads I have ever tasted.

Lotus Bar – Sairee Beach – if you are under 50, this is a ‘Must Go Place’ and a starting point for the night life; meters from the sea, and a place to warm up before going on to the late night dancing a little bit further down the beach.

Sun & Moon bar is a 1st floor bar in Mae Haad at the dockside, and a great evening place. It has a playstation 3 and free Wi-Fi is available for their customers, plus a balcony to relax on as you watch the sunset. A cocktail as you ‘watch the sun go down’. is what makes the holiday. A perfect place to just do it! Loads of information and advice on Koh Tao is also available. Just ask at the bar staff, and, if they cannot help, then ‘They Know Someone Who Can!’  – Simon on 0810789963

Allan – And how about where to go to party after dark?

Shane – After Dark Parties!!! There is always the beach, and most of the late night places are on the beach; sit on the sand enjoying a drink, or get up on that dance floor and show everyone what John Travolta didn’t do!!!  The late night places are all in the same area, and some are open whilst the others shut. There is Maya, In Touch, Moov, one of which is open every night. Then there is the Castle on the way to Chalok Ban Khao that has a party every couple of weeks; well worth the wait!!! But don’t expect to get much sleep. The party at the Castle is an event!!!!

Allan – Finally, what should you not do on the island?

Shane—Simply, Two Things.

1. Avoid drugs. The penalties are harsh. Whilst in Europe a marijuana joint is a minimal legal infraction, in Thailand, generally, the penalties are over the top, and a joint can cost you a couple of thousand US dollars.

Class ‘A’ drugs will definitely put you in prison for many years to come.

2. Do Not Use the front brake on your motorcycle . There is so much sand on the road that if you use the front brake, you will most likely lock the wheel and fall off.

Any damages to the rental bike and you have to pay over the odds for repairs, so be careful when renting a bike, and always check for previous damage!

Johnny from Chopsticks offers the ‘Rent A Wreck’ Rental service – ,john_stafford75@yahoo.co.uk – has older bikes which work well but may not look pretty. Cosmetic bike injury he tends not to charge for!

To the uninitiated Koh Tao is a wonderful Island to visit; relaxed, friendly and somewhere you have to visit before you die. !!!!!

With the question and answer session over we retired to Sairee Beach for a few well deserved beers. A big thanks you to Shane and Sao for a wonderful insight to life on Koh Tao!

Shane and Sao can be contacted on 085 791 4610 or 084 840 5997 if you are interested in hiring a DPV, or indeed want to know more about Koh Tao.

Need to book some dives, find accommodation? Give us a call and we can point you in the right direction.

And finally, as usual, a big hello to my friends at the Thailand Web Zone, www.thailandwebzone.com, which is a new Thai social networking and Thailand community site. Share information in Thai forums and Thailand articles, meet people, share photos, music and video, find & submit information on Thailand travel. Make new friends from all over the world! For those readers who have not visited TWZ, go have a look now!

asean_al

Allan C. Batten
http://www.articlesbase.com/exotic-locations-articles/a-visit-to-koh-tao-with-an-interview-in-mind-683956.html

Late Ray Charles had lost his sight at the age of seven and his younger brother, two years earlier. The world he was once saw and basked in its beauty and serenity had become dark and misty. In the face of hardship and seemingly insurmountable mountains as he travelled wearily on life’s path, he found solace in music which turned out to be an escape route that late Ray Charles walked upon triumphantly into stardom. Such was the life of this great artiste (though blind), who played the piano with dexterity that “RAY” a biopic movie was released in 2004 starring Jamie Foxx and directed by Taylor Hackford. Our parents would certainly have a nostalgic feeling, reliving hit songs such as “I got a woman, Georgia, Hit the road Jack, amongst others and with a dozen Grammy awards and others coupled with ground breaking achievements recorded in his profile, Ray Charles who passed on to glory on June 10,2004 was truly a legend.

“This track is so delicious , I go by the way of Cobilicious” was the intro of the rap lyrics Cobhams Asuquo reeled out in Dekunle Fuji’s successful track “No Lele”, though many Nigerians were unaware of his ‘nil vision state’. His popularity soared amongst the populace when he performed the beautiful thought provoking chorus in the song “Lagi Mo” (The Roof Top Mcs) which saw the song hitting the number one spot on some Nigerian chart shows. He won the HIP Hop world Awards 2007 for the “producer of the year category”, increasing the number of statuettes he’d already received. He is presently one of the highly sought after producers in the music industry, making guest appearances on TV programmes and reality show (Project Fame West Africa, season 1) along with the solicitation for his services which extends to Corporate bodies, banks (Sky bank’s advert with the Akuna matata song)

The icy hands of death almost took away Yinka Ayefele in 1999 when he was involved in an auto crash. The crash affected his spinal chord and sentenced him to life on a wheel chair. Through the fiery trials and the stop of the pity partying, he was bold enough to put the ordeal behind him, and bursting forth like water from a rock to quench our thirst with refreshing exciting gospel flavour. Fame, fortune, local and international awards have willingly found their way into his life.

The Naija music terrain can boast of this duo who have succeeded on its stage, but can the same be said of the movie industry. We’ve seen physically challenged roles(visually impaired/ lame) being performed by able bodied thespians to the best of their abilities, but wouldn’t it be a surprise to millions of movie viewers for medically proven, physically challenged people to naturally perform such roles assigned to their able bodied counterparts. Who says there are no talented ones among them whose  acting skills can’t be brushed up, after all not every A-list thespian studied theatre arts or attended schools that specialized in harnessing such talents.

There are a lot of talented physically challenged people out there rotting away simply because no one has dared to give them a chance. After all the scripts can be converted into Braille letters for them to read, at least we know their sense of hearing is hyper functional than that of the sight seeing fellow. Quite a number of TV Reality shows have hit the screens these past couple of years(dominantly in the Entertainment sector) with new ones emerging by the day, such as Gulder Ultimate search, AMBO, Next movie star, The Intern, Maltina Family dance all, Star Quest, Football with Fash, The Twelve Ambassadors, Big Brother Nigeria, Apprentice Africa, Idols West Africa, Nokia First Chance, Project Fame West Africa.

No reality TV show has been made for the physically challenged probably borne out of fear of not securing sponsors (who are focused on making returns for their investments), or fear of outright rejection by the teeming viewers. Who says a reality show that the physically challenged can function in can’t be conceived and birthed, its all about ingenuity and who can tell whether such a reality show can end up being the best among the lot, nothing is impossible!

No one chooses to be born with a disability, a microscopic percentage makes a touch down on plant earth with disabilities, while a dominant proportion can be attributed to ‘the carelessness of man, accidents and in some cases ‘African remote controlled incidents. Stevie wonder and late Ray Charles were given opportunities to clinch the tickets to stardom, which they appreciatively did, simply because someone believed in them and created opportunities for them to show the world what they had . Let’s help the physically challenged live their dreams in Nigeria , for there is without an iota of doubt, ability in disability!.

So long… auggiepo@yahoo.com

Augusta okon

Nonprofit Organization Survival Tips:

Surviving and Thriving in Tough Economic Times

Seth Bloom, Bloom Consulting, Inc.

Recession, inflation, deflation, correction, etc., whatever you want to call what we’re going through the simple fact is that many of us have already made adjustments at home and in our businesses, and most of us may need to consider further belt-tightening in the near future. As community leaders, many of us are also wrestling with the impact this economy is having on our nonprofit organizations. As consultants specializing in nonprofit fundraising, strategic planning, marketing and leadership development, Bloom Consulting has had extensive experience with the financial challenges that all nonprofits face from time to time, and we recognize the difficulties that the current situation poses. Fortunately, we believe there are ways to reduce its impact and insure that your nonprofit not only survives, but thrives, in the days ahead.

This list is for anyone with a common sense approach to surviving and thriving in tough economic times. While nonprofit organizations should consider many of these initiatives, they may not all apply to every nonprofit. Yours may have already adopted some, while others may seem too simple or too difficult. Chances are you’ll find a few here to consider, and undoubtedly others will stimulate your own creative ideas.

The Big Picture

Don’t panic! The good news is that nonprofits have weathered economic storms before. That being said, we all realize this will be a challenging period.

Many of the recommendations translate into cutting back, or asking more of others. Fortunately, not everyone is being as adversely affected by the economy as others, and some may even be doing quite well. Keep in mind that some people can and will respond by doing more.

Communicate! Keep your supporters and staff informed about actions you’re taking and how they can be part of the solution, whether through their increased financial support, or simple things such as turning off lights when they walk out of a room or wearing a sweater inside the building since the heat is turned down a few degrees.

Ask your staff and volunteers to offer suggestions of ways to save money or raise funds. Instill a sense that the organization is theirs… and that its challenges are theirs to meet. .

Don’t be penny wise but dollar foolish. If the roof needs fixing and neglecting it will only cost you more in the long run. Bite the bullet. Compelling needs will be supported.

Mindset/Behavior Changes:

Ask a volunteer (or a few) to host or underwrite a social reception for distinct groups such as long-standing contributors, seniors, young families, etc. Doing so can shift some of the financial burden off of the organization budget, and you’re offering these groups something for nothing – a great way to demonstrate appreciation, increase involvement, strengthen retention, etc.

Everyone should have a will and everyone can include something for their favorite nonprofit organization, even if it’s contingent upon any money being left after other bequests have been made. Leadership should set the example by signing Letters of Intent. Just imagine how much easier this tough economic period would be if generations before had established a sufficient endowment fund generating supplemental income. This is our obligation for generations to come.

Maximize all recognition opportunities, whether for financial contributions, in-kind services or volunteer time. While public recognition – honor roll lists, plaques, etc., – is very effective, it’s not the only option and other ways are also greatly appreciated. Sometimes a handwritten note or phone call to say “thank you” will go a long way. Inspire others and positively reinforce desired behaviors through lists, stories, announcements, etc.

You may need to use your line of credit from the bank to get through some rough periods. If you don’t have a line of credit, don’t assume it’s impossible to obtain one now. While credit has been extremely tight and lines of credit may generally be less available than they were prior to the downturn, if your nonprofit has a good relationship with its bank, you should be able to obtain one. If your credit worthiness is shaky, consider asking individual financial supporters to co-sign on your behalf.

Consider “borrowing from yourself.” Your organization’s rainy day may be here, so it’s OK to access endowment/reserve funds, ideally with a plan to repay the borrowed amount for a future rainy day.

Remember, not everyone is being adversely affected by the economy. Form a Task Force to identify real needs and identify potential sources of funding. Develop a menu of programs to address the identified needs and make them available to select prospects for funding. For example, the need for program expansion or facility enhancement may resonate particularly well with potential donors.

Don’t apologize for asking for support or for considering cost savings. To the contrary, supporters will want to know you’re being good stewards of their support.

Keep in mind, if you don’t ask, the answer is always “no.”

Cost savings:

Where possible, renegotiate terms on longstanding contracts as they come up for renewal. Shop around.

Minimize postage. Consolidate mailings and ask supporters and members to receive information such as your newsletter, membership directory and program announcements through e-mail.

If your organization doesn’t do so already, require reservations in advance for events where food will be served so excess food won’t be ordered. Consider rescheduling/canceling programs with limited interest. Charge people who register but don’t show up.

Install a thermostat timer and zoned heat/air conditioning. Install light switches with motion sensors, programmed to turn lights on when someone enters a room and turn them off after not sensing any motion in the room after a few minutes. These are particularly cost-effective in bathrooms!

Educate your staff about your monthly utility bills and, where practical, challenge them to help reduce the bottom line. For example, encourage everyone to wear a sweater in cooler months and turn off their computers at the end of the day. Communicate monthly results.

If a vacant position can be left unfilled for the time being without adverse consequences, consider delaying the hiring. In extreme cases, you may need to consider a temporary salary/hiring freeze and/or layoffs. Consider using an intern and/or volunteers rather than hiring a new staff member. Inform your staff about volunteer opportunities that may otherwise require hiring someone … office personnel, lawn maintenance, etc. There may be recently unemployed individuals associated with your organization who would welcome the opportunity for meaningful volunteer work.

Consolidation and collaboration can produce significant cost savings. For example, a small class could become one class. Co-sponsoring events will enable your organization to share expenses while increasing your exposure to a new constituency.

Consider bulk purchasing of staples such as cleaning and office supplies. Band together with other nonprofit organizations in order to negotiate lower fees.

Establish a co-op program offering all affiliates opportunities to serve the organization through service or to pay a nominal fee. Service can include committee work or actual hands-on cost savings services, but ultimately, your supporters will be more engaged – and committed.

Evaluate every program … question everything. If only a handful of people are coming to a particular program, perhaps it’s time to eliminate, modify, or at least to readjust the number of times the program is offered.

Take advantage of every store program offered to nonprofits … supermarket scrip, free credit card programs, etc. Establish a committee of your thriftiest shoppers to manage this effort.

Increase income:

Identify and prioritize, distinguishing real needs from things that would be nice to have or do. Secure funding for these needs, whether it be through a “quiet campaign” among supporters or through an organization wide campaign.

Your board should be the best informed group regarding the impact of the downturn, and board members may be among the most inclined to make additional elective contributions. Consider asking board members to make a contribution toward a defined goal, as if there were a mini-campaign. The goal could correspond to a budget shortfall or the amount needed to preserve an important program, as long as the things to be paid for are among your identified needs. Depending on magnitude of the needs, consider approaching select major donors. If the goal is substantial enough to require universal support, publicize after 50% or 60% of the goal is reached, and state the challenge to make contributions toward reaching the total goal.

Have leadership – officers, board, staff – identify 1 – 3 people perceived to have significant wealth and/or access in order to nurture/establish a relationship, identify areas of interest, and ultimately ask for their support.

Identify potential new donors by considering people formerly affiliated with your organization, relatives of current supporters, donors to similar organizations, etc.

Consider a single, annual ask for your potential major donors to help support operations of the organization rather than solicitations for every event/initiative. Price it high enough to cover the cumulative of top categories of every event. Don’t solicit these people again, but invite them to attend and recognize their support.

Rater higher-end prospects and pre-solicit them in advance of fundraising events in order for you prospective donors to have a sense of a specific gift to consider.

Offer sponsorship opportunities of events, your website, etc., to local businesses. Such sponsorships create win-win partnerships with businesses by providing visibility to the community. For businesses, donations are often considered a marketing expense.

If your nonprofit is considering dues or other fee increases, make modest annual adjustments rather than hitting people with a significant increase all at once.

Offer free estate planning seminars highlighting tax savings options, including planned giving.

Maximize use of your building by renting available space to outside groups (bingo, dance clubs, etc.).

Charge outside vendors a fee to be eligible for use in your facility … caterers, florists, etc. All vendors should be asked for their financial contributions.

Offer babysitting on site for a nominal fee during events, business hours, and programs. Not only will this be an appreciated service, it’s conceivable you can secure volunteers to provide the service and/or receive enough income to make a modest profit for the organization.

Constantly urge supporters to consider matching gifts programs available through their employer. Often schools or programs open to the community are eligible for corporate matches.

Conclusion:

Chances are at some point the current economy will challenge your nonprofit organization to consider creative strategies for minimizing the impact on your delivery of service. This cannot be a period of “business as usual.” While there are many external factors beyond your control, there are many initiatives to consider to enable nonprofits continue to fulfill their mission. The organizations that embrace this challenge will be the organizations that will survive the current situation and thrive in the long-run.

Seth Bloom is President of Bloom Consulting, Inc. Bloom Consulting specializes in nonprofit fundraising, strategic planning, marketing and leadership development. www.bloomconsultinginc.com

Seth Bloom
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-profit-organizations-articles/surviving-and-thriving-in-tough-economic-times-677097.html

American summer camps for teens play very crucial part for their ability to broaden a young person’s mind in a relaxed and informal summer environment, normally out in the countryside. So, summer fun at teen summer camps is a good concept both for teens and for youth. For teenagers, the advantages are obviously there.

Please remember that Teen Summer Camps are generally very short term courses where teens go to have fun, arts and crafts, enjoy campfire songs, and sleep in cabins or tents in the wilderness. Campers join in games, art projects, audio-video recording, songs and dance lessons.

For the most part, a summer camp will offer you many projects ranging from sporting to more academic but all are still enjoyable. Camps normally consist of all the possible topics; cyber camps, computer camps, robotics camps and sports camps. In one of the most admired camp projects offered at very many camps the campers study media and film production. A great thing at some camps is that each teenager is permitted to use the original recordings to use in their portfolios.

Each camper, after completing a summer camp program, is awarded a diploma. It offers everybody an incentive to join and do well, and can be very beneficial as part of the teenagers resume, especially for getting part-time jobs.

More to the advantages of summer camps academically, they also offer for many kids, the first option to spend time away from abode. For this reason, summer camps expanding for the children that stay over-night. Yet, some of the younger and more nervous may not wish to stay overnight. Camp managements are usually provided with the option of dormitory accommodation or on-campus residence.

A camp instructor told me recently that their students leave the camp every summer with a sense of maturity, cultural enlightenment, heightened English efficiency and lifelong friends from around the world.

It is a fact that the social mix is usually broader than the schools these children attend at term-time, and this is how they hang out with teens from different backgrounds during the camp, and maybe even dissimilar nationalities too.

This means that campers learn different coping-skills whilst building their own support manner among their fellow campers. Their friendships are deepened during the often week-long summer camp experience.

That is why it is believed that the value of summer camps is less on what they actually do while at them, but it is the skills they promote at giving support to children to better lead life as they go away that are the most useful.

Remember the important aspect in the experience of summer fun at teen summer camps. It is for children entering grades 9 through 12 to learn new skills that can prepare them for the next grade level and the next big-step which is of course their beginning at college.

Ronald
http://www.articlesbase.com/teenagers-articles/teen-summer-camps-go-for-summer-funnlearn-at-a-teen-camp-735653.html

When winter’s winds blow it isn’t all that tempting to go out and explore a city, but in Calgary there is so much to do that it becomes difficult to stay indoors!

Of course not all of the city’s top ten activities take place in the great and snowy outdoors, but they are all the more enjoyable because of the seasonal conditions. From January through March all of Calgary is bursting at the seams with great activities, and among the most preferred are:

1. Fireside dining – you don’t have to stay at home to enjoy a cozy meal beside the fire. There are many restaurants in Calgary that serve hearty fare in spaces gently lit and warmed by large fireplaces. Some have scenic views and park settings, while others are set on the areas lakes or rivers. Try such restaurants as the Q Haute, The Ranche, Newport Grill and River Café.

2. Salsa Dancing – there are literally dozens of dancing classes and schools in the city focusing on the highly active ballroom dance style known as salsa. It is a great way to really stay fit during the long winter months.

3. Get out on the ice – Calgary has some great skating rinks, including the Olympic Plaza and Westside Recreation Center, as well as several others. A few, such as the Westside, are indoors and also offer full fitness facilities including a track and aquatic center.

4. Museum, museums, museums! – feel like taking in a museum? Calgary has galleries and museums galore as well as the fantastic Glenbow Museum and the ever popular Telus World of Science where visitors can become human “batteries”.

5. Slip sliding away – what is winter without the thrill of sledding? Calgary has dozens of great sliding and tobogganing hills, and most offer good parking and free runs. Check out Edworthy Park, Confederation Park, Deerfoot Athletic Park, Rundle Dry Pond, Canyon Meadows, Stanley Park, Elliston Park and the Fish Creek Escarpment.

6. The National Pastime – hockey is definitely one of Canada’s dominant sports and the Pengrowth Saddledome is the official home of the Calgary Flames Hockey Club. The award winning team has an enormous fan following, but tickets can usually be found for upcoming games.

7. Skiing – Alberta is chock full of world class skiing, with some less than three hours from Calgary. There is also the Canada Olympic Park for skiing and snowboarding as well.

8. Festivals – the winter months are not shy on festivals, and some of the city’s favorite events take place between January and March. There is the Calgary Fringe Festival, the $100 Film Festival, the Calgary Winter Festival and Zoolights among many others.

9. Cocoon – why not take in an on demand video or hop out for a quick video rental, order up some take-away food and nestle down in the warmth and coziness of the sofa or, even better, the bed.
10. Pretend that winter is gone – Calgary has two large greenhouses that make it easy to forget that winter is even occurring. The Calgary Zoo Botanical Garden and the Devonian Gardens are excellent cold weather escapes!

 

Sarah Webb
http://www.articlesbase.com/hotels-articles/top-ten-things-to-do-in-calgary-this-winter-890721.html

Entertainment touches the soul of a person’s life deeply thereby making it interesting and worth living. There is multitude of resources using which one can bring the facet of entertainment and fun into one’s life. If you looking out for best entertainment resources, there are entertainment directory and entertainment guide available to meet your purpose.

Whether you are fond of music, art or creative dances, these directories or guides provide extensive and updated information about places you can visit to fulfill your desire of enjoying quality works of entertainment.

Now with the coming up of Internet facilities, access to entertainment directory and <b>entertainment guide</b> has become very easy. Via Internet, you can get in touch with the latest information related to entertainment section with just few clicks. The entertainment guide and entertainment directory available online are updated on a regular basis so that you get latest information and news.

Various other sections that entertainment freaks can explore through entertainment directory available online include information on latest music releases both local and international, theaters, film festivals, home videos and film schools. For fashion freaks, wide information is available on latest and ongoing trends, models and fashion stores and outlets.

One of the main advantages of using entertainment directory is that you get to know virtually about all the activities happening around the world ranging from music, gaming activity and dance performances to art exhibitions and award winning travel attractions that can be visited for outdoor purposes. Thus, you can learn about the key areas of your interest and visit them to enjoy moments of life to the fullest.

Talking about entertainment would be incomplete if it is missing a section on humor and jokes. But entertainment directory serve this purpose for humor lovers fully by covering sections on parodies, pranks, satires and television comedy.

With so many options available for entertainment freaks, you just simply need to browse the pages of entertainment directory and entertainment guide and get updates on the section of your choice.

Roberto Luongo
http://www.articlesbase.com/movies-articles/online-entertainment-directory-updating-entertainment-lovers-727524.html

Simhanandini is a temple dance form of South India. It is popular in Hyderabad and is said to have Kuchipudi’s influence. The dancer paints using her feet while she dances with color powders.

Try checking here -

http://chennai-online.in/Profile/Culture/dance.asp#dance

Inquire here also; just hit "contact" (J. Britto is a dance teacher in Chennai) -

http://www.jbdance.com/

Quotes about children may not always be as funny or memorable as quotes by children, but they usually express a real truth. We would all do well do think about the wisdom expressed in some of these quotes about kids. Some of these quotes are centuries old, which only serves to demonstrate that the more things change the more they stay the same.

While some of these quotes about children will make you smile as you remember your childhood or your own children, other quotes will makes you stop and think. Enjoy.

We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that he is someone today.  – Stacia Tauscher

A child can ask questions that a wise man cannot answer.  – Author Unknown

A three year old child is a being who gets almost as much fun out of a fifty-six dollar set of swings as it does out of finding a small green worm.  – Bill Vaughan

The real menace in dealing with a five-year-old is that in no time at all you begin to sound like a five-year-old.  – Joan Kerr, Please Don’t Eat the Daisies, 1957

If there were no schools to take the children away from home part of the time, the insane asylums would be filled with mothers.  – Edgar W. Howe

There’s nothing that can help you understand your beliefs more than trying to explain them to an inquisitive child.  – Frank A. Clark

Anyone who thinks the art of conversation is dead ought to tell a child to go to bed.  – Robert Gallagher

A child is a curly dimpled lunatic.  – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Children seldom misquote.  In fact, they usually repeat word for word what you shouldn’t have said.  – Author Unknown

Children are unpredictable.  You never know what inconsistency they’re going to catch you in next.  – Franklin P. Jones

Kids: they dance before they learn there is anything that isn’t music.  – William Stafford

The child must know that he is a miracle, that since the beginning of the world there hasn’t been, and until the end of the world there will not be, another child like him. –  Pablo Casals

What feeling is so nice as a child’s hand in yours? So small, so soft and warm, like a kitten huddling in the shelter of your clasp – Marjorie Holmes

If you want your children to improve, let them overhear the nice things you say about them to others. – Dr. Hiam Ginott

Hugs can do great amounts of good — especially for children. – Princess Diana, Princess of Wales

These are just the tip of the iceberg of quotes about children. Hopefully you will find something here to make you smile or to inspire you to be the example that your child needs to grow to a healthy and happy adult.

C.L. Hendricks
http://www.articlesbase.com/parenting-articles/quotes-about-children-706262.html

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If you are raising a family one of your biggest concerns should be if your family is safe. With Aetna family health insurance your family is. Aetna is a leading insurer of families across the United States providing health care benefits to people in Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia Illinois and many more states. What makes Aetna unique is they are a one of a kind insurance company in the way that they tailor their services to meet the needs of the families. Think of all of the things that could occur in your daily life that could injury your family such as an earthquake or another force of nature such as the recent hurricanes hitting the Gulf Coast. You want to protect your family in every way possible from dangerous situations. With Aetna family health insurance you can give your family the coverage they need and give you the reassurance you need that if your loved ones were hurt in a serious accident whether it be a natural disaster or a car accident.

When a natural disaster occurs often everything people own is destroyed. For many people who suffered the wrath of Hurricane Katrina this was the case, their homes, workplaces, and schools were destroyed, in addition to that, thousands of people were hurt and killed when this devastating storm occurred. The last thing that residents of the Gulf Coast needed to deal with at such a sad time was a lack of insurance when they had family members in the hospital and had their house completely destroyed by the hurricane. Imagine having to postpone medical treatment for a family member because you couldn’t afford it because you didn’t have proper insurance. What if you had to choose between rebuilding your house and giving a loved one medical treatment because they were injured in the storm? These are choices that no one should ever have to make, and by purchasing Aetna family health insurance you will never have to. Aetna family health insurance is one of the best providers of health insurance in the United States and will continue to be as they grow and expand throughout the United States.

What if your daughter gets into a car accident with her boyfriend on the way home from a school dance and your family is not insured? These types of situations happen on a daily basis to people. By allowing your family to be uninsured you are taking a great risk by letting them be exposed to harmful things in everyday life that could possibly hurt them, to make it even worse you may not have the money to help them if they got hurt. It is irresponsible to allow your family to be exposed to the dangers of everyday life without being under an insurance policy that could keep them safe and keep you out of bankruptcy if something were to occur.

Ronnie Hamilton
http://www.articlesbase.com/insurance-articles/aetna-family-health-insurance-can-help-you-during-a-national-disaster-679111.html

Zac Efron might be young, but his appeal on women can already rival that of a seasoned actor. Who could ever refuse a hot young guy who can sing, dance and still look so manly and phenomenal at the same time? Simply put—Zac Efron shirtless is a sight to behold.

The 17-year-old actor first graced the small screen with a role in the WB series Summerland, and stints in shows like CSI: Miami, The Suite Life of Zack and Cody and The Replacements. He also appeared in a small TV movie, Miracle Run, in which he played Steven Morgan, a complex character in the plot. Because of his seamless performance in the film, he was nominated for a Supporting Young Actor award. However, his biggest break in Hollywood came when he bagged the role of Troy Bolton in the now famous teen movie, High School Musical. His onscreen appeal made him perfect for the role of a popular student and captain of the school’s basketball team. Because of the film’s typical story, the young star once said in an interview that he never really expected much of the movie. After the movie skyrocketed to the box office, Zac, together with his costars, Vanessa Hudgens and Ashley Tisdale, was readily launched into unparalleled heights as the hottest young star on the planet.

Zac added more credits to his career when he starred in another successful musical movie, Hairspray. Obviously, his singing talent was honed with the success of the musicals he was involved with. His HSM singles became hits in music charts and received generous airplays from radios all over the world. By 2007, Zac Efron was already cast as one of the most bankable and successful young actors in Hollywood.

The teen and tween markets were caught in the webs made by the fame of the young actor. Furthermore, he has already leeched himself as part of pop culture. His face is all over from the covers of magazines, billboards, and websites on the internet. Zac Efron shirtless also caused a lot of downloads and clicks. This wonder boy has surely infiltrated every form of media there is.

The future is bright for the American actor. In recent news, he is said to star in a number of interesting projects. One is the musical remake of the successful 80’s movie, Footloose. Another is 17 Again, a movie about an adult who was transformed into his 17-year-old self. These movies are slated for release this 2009.

Zac Efron’s personal life is also in high heavens. The actor and his HSM costar, Vanessa Hudgens, confirmed dating rumors, and finally came out with their relationship. He admitted that he has been dating Vanessa since the filming of High School Musical.

Whether he is fully-clothed or shirtless, Zac Efron’s fame is unquestionable. He is expected to break new grounds with his acting skills and already sealed celebrity status. With his huge and grounded fan base, Zac Efron is certain to be in show business for a long time.

Joel Owens
http://www.articlesbase.com/television-articles/zac-efron-shirtless-and-revealed-679015.html