South Lake Tahoe, a Piece of Heaven

If you are looking forward to a great vacation, South Lake Tahoe should be your destination. From lodging to activities to entertainment, it offers a wide array of choices fit for all kinds of people—families, students, business groups, or newlyweds.

The living accommodations vary from hotels, bed and breakfast, private home rentals, vacation rentals and cabins, campgrounds, and RV parks. For quaint and intimate setting, bed and breakfasts, like Inn at Heavenly and Black Bear Inn Bed & Breakfast will be the perfect place to stay. It is less costly without sacrificing comfort. For people who like luxury and pampering, hotels and resorts are available all over Lake Tahoe with amenities like heated pool, full service day-spa, and Jacuzzi tubs. Condos and homes are situated in the top areas around the lake. This is an alternative for families who are staying longer than usual and for those who prefers privacy and comforts of one’s home. During summer, campgrounds are just the right backdrop for those burnt marshmallows and barbecue.

Although there are many choices, booking may be a problem especially during peak seasons. For less hassles, you can make reservations online. For the townhouses, the real estate will be more than happy to accommodate your needs.

South Lake Tahoe is the best place to be, whatever time of the year it is. In winter, they offer skiing and snowboarding. It is, after all, North America’s largest concentration of ski and snowboard resorts. From November until April, the place is filled with tourists seeking fun and adventure in snow.

In summer, they have activities like golf, boat-riding, and hiking to keep you occupied. Lake Tahoe is the home of Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course where the 18^th annual American Century Championship Celebrity Golf Tournament. More than 75 stars in sports and entertainment visited and loved the golf course.

With the breathtaking mountain view of South Lake Tahoe, weddings and honeymoons are made unforgettable. Chapels, ministers, coordinators, and photographers are handy to make that walk-in-the-aisle truly a memory to cherish. One of the famous hotels in the area, 3 Peaks Resort & Beach Club has a Romantic Lake Tahoe Vacation Package including champagne, romantic dinner, and a dance cruise. Newlyweds will surely go back to Lake Tahoe for their second honeymoon.

If you are one of those people who lives during the night, your nightlife is not going to suffer while staying in Lake Tahoe. Good music, grilled food, friendly bartenders, well-stocked wine cellar, chilled beers—you can find these in the local bar and restaurants. There are specials once in a while like dinner/dance cruises and karaoke.

If you are not the bar type, entertainment still would not be a problem. Casinos are open all days of the week providing first-class entertainment like annual Summer Outdoor Concert Series. Montbleu Resort Casino & Spa has a theatre house featuring movies old and new.

You won’t worry where to eat your next meal. There are over 100 restaurants in the South Lake Tahoe area. Whatever you are craving, be it Italian or traditional Mexican, it’s just a short walk away from your hotel.

Of course, before going home, shopping is a must for souvenirs, mementos, and postcards. For this task, Tahoe Emporium boasts stores offering local, regional, and national brand names. From clothes to sports equipments to books, you will find what you are looking for. The stores are conveniently located near resorts and hotels.

Vacation is something all people are looking forward to. It is like a much craved dessert that you would want to savor bite after bite. South Lake Tahoe has all the ingredients that will satisfy even the most fastidious appetite there is.

For more of Lake Tahoe, check out Lake Tahoe, Tahoe.

What to Bring When Going to the Beach

You have been stressing over your work to the point that you are suffering from a bloated stomach. You snarl at your officemates for no valid reason. You think of resigning at least twice a day. Well, if you are feeling this way, maybe it is time for you to look for another job. Or maybe it is high time you take a break from your desk and all the paperworks piled on top of it. When three cups of coffee are not enough to perk you up, you better file a vacation leave soon. Put your worries in a box and bury it. Go to a place you have never been before and rediscover yourself. With the clear water and soft sand, there is nothing more peaceful than a day or two at the beach. You may want to consider a tropical destination for your sabbatical.

Since you are going back to your work at some point, make the most out of your getaway. I will leave the choice of beach to you. With all the beaches around the globe, that’s not something I want to get myself into. What I am going to help you with is the packing. I get it. You are excited to go to the beach. I’m all for it. But before you actually go, let me check your backpack. I just want to be sure that you got the essentials.

Sunscreen. Getting a tan is part of the beach experience. Getting skin cancer, on the other hand, is not the plan. You want to look like you’ve been kissed by the sun not burnt to the toes. If you don’t like lotion, don’t pass it as an excuse. There are those which are sprayed on. By the way, SPF 30 is considered the minimum. Leave SPF 15 to ChapStick.

Sunglasses. The sun seems bigger and brighter in a beach setting. Unless you want the glare of the big yellow ball on your eyes, get a pair of shades. The darker the glasses the better. It protects your baby blue eyes and you look cool with one. Yes, it’s like hitting two seagulls with one Frisbee.

Beach towels. If you think the hotel you are staying at gives every guest a brand new towel, you are in for a rude awakening. You do not want me to go on about the hazards of sharing a towel, would you? You cannot possibly enjoy a vacation if you are infected with some sort of fungi. Although it is big compared to other beach items, do not even think of leaving home without one.

Swimsuits. You are planning to swim, right? I mean, you are going to the beach after all. Although skinny dipping has its merits, it is best if you include a swimsuit or two in your luggage. It is one the legal ways I know to flaunt your assets. If you are worried about your stretch marks or bulgy stomach, that’s what cover-ups are for.

Binoculars. How can you enjoy the view without a good pair of binoculars? No matter how good your vision is, you better cover all your bases. Check out the lifeguard at Station 1. I can go on and on about the boons of binoculars.

Water to drink and food to eat. There is a huge difference between the crystalline water and potable water. Bring your own mineral water or Perrier or whatever it is you drink to quench your thirst. Oh, and don’t forget the cooler with ice. Drinking warm water while you are in a warm setting is unheard of. If you are going to get thirsty, it’s natural you’ll get hungry too. Pack your favorite meal, fruits, and chips.

Beach ball and Frisbee. Let’s get physical. Don’t be a slouch the whole day. Get your muscles moving. Beach volley ball and Frisbee are cool ways of making acquaintances.

Camera. You are having the time of your life. You definitely want to capture it. Bring your trusty digital camera, along with the batteries, and shoot away. The water, the sunrise, the sunset, the lifeguard… They can work as cheap but tasteful postcards. And photos can be evidence that, once in blue moon, you know how to let loose and have fun.

All set? Then off you go. If, by any chance, you forgot something, there are always shops near the beach.

Check out Folly Field Beach and Edingsville Beach when you are looking for the next beach to discover.

Playing It Safe

With all the beaches around the globe, it is easy for people to don their trunks and bikinis and head off to the nearest one for some fun in the sun. The emerald water beckons individuals to shed off their cover-ups and plunge into the water. The stretch of golden sand invites everyone to take off their shoes and take pleasure in a barefoot leisure walk along the shoreline.

Beaches are one of the favorite hangouts of people no matter how old they are. These idyllic destinations truly present the perfect place for rest and relaxation. However, do not indulge in too much relaxation that you forget to ensure your safety. While you are packing your picnic basket along with your towel and flip-flops, read some of these tips regarding beach safety.

Before going to the beach, check out if the destination has lifeguards especially if you are taking your kids with you. You cannot keep your eyes on children all the time. There’s so much that could happen in a minute. Your oldest can be caught in a rip while you are helping your youngest build a sand castle. Although there are strangers who are more than willing to save the day, it is best if lifesavers are available.

The red and yellow flags you find in the water are not there for aesthetic purposes. They mark the areas that are safest when it comes to swimming. Remember, even the strongest swimmer can drown so go for a dip between the red and yellow flags. Save the water beyond those flags to boats and catamarans.

Tell somebody, whether it is a friend or a lifeguard, that you are going to swim before actually doing so. This way, you can be sure that somebody’s watching your back. It is even better if you swim, surf, or be in the water with someone.

Do not run then dive in. No matter how many times you’ve seen this move in movies or real life, do not join the bandwagon. They may seem like having the time of their lives but what if they stepped on something sharp like a broken glass? What if the waves are too big? Some may say that what ifs can be far from reality but there’s no harm in playing it safe.

There is something about the beach that makes people have a good appetite. It may be that food itself or the ambiance. Whatever it is, we cannot help but pig out under the sun. There’s nothing bad about that. Feel free to satisfy your cravings. The big no-no is swimming right after eating. We tend to get sluggish after a meal and it’s regardless whether we are in land or in water.

People get arrested if they go behind the wheel when they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These could lead to accidents and it is the same when you are in the water. Do not even think of swimming after getting high on booze or drugs.

Although tan is all the rage these days, it is advisable to apply at least a 15+ sunscreen. If you are against this product for some reason, protect yourself from sunburn by slipping on a long-sleeved shirt, a broad-brimmed hat, and shades.

Another thing common to public beaches aside from water and sand is the safety reminder board. You can read most of the precautions mentioned above in the safety boards of beaches. The important part is that you do not simply read them but follow them. Beaches are safe only if you do your part.

Check out these sites and learn why these beaches become popular tourist destinations.

Slaughterhouse Beach Leadbetter Beach Donkey Beach College Cove Beach

When Playing Online Roulette

There is something about the colored slash numbered wheel and the ball that makes gamblers go gaga over roulette. It’s not at all surprising to find that roulette is one of the most-loved casino games of all time. When technology made it possible for fans to play the game in the comforts of their own home any time they feel like it, roulette become popular on a whole new level.

You may have been gambling away your money on the roulette wheel for quite some time but it never hurts to hear some tips on how to go about it every now and then. You may have missed something and this could act like a reminder of what you should bear in mind when playing roulette online. If you have yet tried roulette through the net, then there’s more reason for you to know these dos and don’ts.

When playing online roulette, go to recognized virtual casinos. It’s not like there is a shortage of those. Avoid unheard of internet casinos like plague. These casinos cannot afford giving away great prizes so why play the game there when you can play it elsewhere. If you are hesitant to try the largest gambling sites, browse the net first, check out the prizes they offer, then settle on one which gives satisfactory rewards.

When playing online roulette, do not play on the American wheel. Do not even think about it. Unless you are a sucker for losing, there is no point in playing the game the American way. In case you are not aware of it, the American wheel has two green pockets, the single zero and the double zero. Although green is a nice color, it is not lucky when it is in the roulette wheel. It stands for house edge. So if you like winning, it’s best to go European.

When playing online roulette, don’t spend the rest of the day, or night, searching for a biased wheel. You’ve seen it in movies, you’ve read about it in the news. Chances are one out of five casinos is operating with influenced roulette wheels. Figuring out the odds of a biased wheel can be favorable on your part but, my friend, we are talking about online roulette. Manipulated games and the Internet just don’t go hand in hand.

When playing online roulette, do not use sacred money. Okay, if you are wondering what falls under scared, it is the money used for your everyday needs, utilities, bills, you get the idea. If you do not want your partner on your case, then do not use your joint account. While we are talking about money, as much as possible, do not use your savings as well. Playing roulette is supposed to be a cheap thrill and not one that will cause you hundreds of dollars or your kneecap if you went as far as getting involved with a loan shark.

When playing online roulette, take advantage of the website’s customer support. If you are not sure how the payment process works, contact them. If a fellow player is rude during a game, report it to the support team. Let me put it this way. If you are worried about something, go to customer support. Of course, that something should be related to online roulette. If you want some advice on love or life, call Oprah or Dr. Phil.

Lastly, when playing online roulette, expect to lose. You’ve heard of the saying “Life is like a wheel. Sometimes you’re up, sometimes you’re down.” That pretty much covers it. We are on the subject of wheels any way.

Online Roulette, the site for your online roulette needs.

An Open Letter

To All Those Who Are Interested In Playing Craps:

You may already know the basics of casino craps—how the game goes, what are the possible bets, and what the odds are. But our dear patron, these are not enough for you to get ahead of yourself in our craps table. There are other things that you have to be familiar with before actually angling to be a shooter or betting on boxcars. Even though our friendly base dealers are always ready to offer their assistance, it would be best on both our parts if you do your assignment. We encourage you to read this letter carefully and bear in mind our simple dos and don’ts in playing craps.

First, do not use two hands when handling the dice. We know God created us with two hands for a number of reasons but this is not one of them. Do not even dare to pass the pair of dice from the left hand to the right before rolling them. If, by unusual circumstances, you really really have to change hands, set the pair of dice on the table first, free your hands, and then take the dice with the other hand. We do not want to accuse you of cheating so this is the best alternative we come up with. In this manner, your chances of switching dice is slim to none.

Second, when you throw the dice, throw it wholeheartedly so that you will be able to hit the farthest wall at the opposite end of the craps table. Simply sliding the dice across the table may work for Snakes and Ladders but casino craps is a different story. The pair of dice must hit the wall to minimize the so-called technique of dice setting or dice control. On the other hand, do not throw the dice so high. This is not the Olympics for discus throw.

Third, please throw the dice on the table. You won’t believe the number of shooters who roll the dice to the boxman’s bank or the base dealers’ money stack. Once the pair of dice roll off the craps table, we are sorry but it will be treated as a “no roll” and Mr. Boxman will have to double check the dice before it can be used again in the game.

Fourth, if you are angry at a fellow player or if one of the base dealers is not to your liking, control your temper and don’t throw the dice at them. That is not good sportsmanship and if one or both dice hit a person first before it rolled back to the table, it will be considered as a “no roll”. If it is inevitable, the roll can be counted provided that the person hit did not hold up the dice.

Fifth, we want our crew to be sociable but not so much that they lose their professional face. That is why we prohibit them to touch the players. On your part, please do not tempt them to do so. To avoid any contact, place the money on the layout so that the dealers can get them without touching you. They will provide you with the chips in the same manner.

Sixth, when you place your bets, do not even think about tossing the chips. It can be combined with other chips, it may be thrown out of the dealer’s reach, and it is plain rude.

Seventh, if you are hungry or thirsty, we are not that heartless. You can indulge with a little finger food and some drinks. Just do not place them farther than the chip rail. The casino craps table is there for a purpose which is not, in any way, related to holding food or other stuff.

These are the seven simple rules to remember when you are playing craps. If you think they are not necessary and you can get away with breaking them, think again. Like any other games in our casino, we have the authority to refrain you from our craps table should there be a valid reason. The rules are not that difficult or complicated and we are most definitely not stepping on any principles. We guarantee you; nobody has been harmed upon observing our protocol.

We will be looking forward to your participation in our casino craps.

Thank you,

The Management

Casino Craps, your online guide to craps as played in the casinos.

The Price You Have To Pay

Casino gaming is a great way of stepping out of your shell and throwing inhibitions out of the window. If you feel like getting away from all the stress that seem to be continually piling up in your shoulders, there are around 4000 casinos around the world. Take your pick and spend the whole evening naming your stakes and upping the bets. There is nothing like an adrenaline rush to pump those everyday worries away.

Casinos are entertaining places to be but before you go to one, whether the brick or mortar version or the ones in the World Wide Web, how certain are you that all you’re going to do is indulge in some good old fun? Have you ever heard of gambling addiction? If not, then you better educate yourself because once you are suffering from it, it’s going to cost you a lot more than the bets you placed on the table.

Gambling addiction, or compulsive gambling, refers to the uncontrollable urge to gamble regardless of the damaging consequences. To give you a better picture, here is a list of some telltale signs that somebody you love is a compulsive gambler.

1. There is an increase in the person’s rate of recurrence of gambling, as well the amount of money wagered.
2. The period spent in gambling affects the person’s hours in the office and even quality time with his family.
3. The person is busy thinking of gambling or how to get money in order to gamble.
4. The person takes every opportunity, and then some, to get his hands on a few dollars for gambling (e.g. applying for secret loans and maximizing credit limit).
5. The person has frequent mood swings. He is extremely confident and in high spirits when he is winning and very testy and bad-tempered when the odds are against him.

There are more symptoms of gambling addiction but these five are the ones to look out for. If you are suffering from compulsive gambling or you know somebody who is, then don’t take it lightly. It is not called problem gambling for nothing. It is no longer just about the money on the table. It could be the end of a person’s relationship. It could cost him his job. Even an individual’s life is in danger especially if he involves himself with loan sharks and gambling lords.

It is not easy to cure this problem. A person is kidding himself if you think that one day of staying away from the casino is enough to shake off the addiction. It is going to take weeks at best to control the urge to gamble. It is advisable to ask support from loved ones or from those who are under the same addiction. Admitting to your weakness is the first step towards recovery. The willingness to overcome the weakness will make any person triumph over gambling addiction.

What you need to bear in mind is that compulsive gambling starts with one game, a single bet on the roulette wheel or the baccarat. Once you enter the casino, you are also taking a risk of becoming addicted to gambling. Now that you know the price you are going to pay, are you still up for a night of casino gaming?

Casino Gaming, your online guide to casinos and making the best out of casino gaming.

How to Become Famous Through Roulette

Remember Humphrey Bogart when he played Rick in the 1942 movie Casablanca? Okay, if you have a selective short term memory or you are simply not a fan of old movies then let me tell you some scenes from the movie. Rick owns Café Americain and the place is a regular hangout for players, read this as gamblers. When he met a Czech refugee who pulled some of his heart strings, Rick made it clear to one of his dealers that the refugee will be going home with a few francs on his pocket. Apparently, the roulette wheel in the casino can do tricks. When the refugee bet his last three chips on 22, upon Rick’s strong suggestion, the wheel stopped spinning when the ball got into the 22 slot. The Czech won the round and the one after that. It was cheating on a different level.

On the other hand, another movie shows that cheaters never win (in a very ironic way). It is not a Bogart film seeing that it hit the silver screens in 1973. Robert Redford starred as Johnny Hooker in The Sting where he lost almost all the money he conned from a numbers runner with just a single bet against a manipulated roulette wheel.

Although these two movies are not entirely responsible for the careers of Bogart and Redford, they still made an impact. Roulette wheels got the reputation of being one of the trickiest games in the casino.

Not all of us can star in a movie and make it big in Hollywood. But for all you want-to-be-famous individuals out there, you can still have a shot in making it to the headlines. Ride along with the notoriety of the roulette wheel.

Attack a local casino and prove to the masses that the wheels are rigged. Make sure that you are the first to do so, otherwise you’ll only end up losing face and the town will see you as somebody who’s rehashing old news. If you have the guarantee that nobody else had exposed the casino’s roulette wheel tricks, then go for it. It will help if you have a team of six clerks who will help you clock the wheels to reveal that one of the roulette wheels is partial to a particular number. Take Joseph Jaggers as an example. With his clerks, he attacked a Monte Carlo casino back in 1873 and was able to provide evidence that the casino is indeed cheating via one of the roulette wheels. His efforts gave him around $325,000 which is like a million bucks at that time.

A word (or words) of caution: be 100% certain that the casino is indeed cheating their gamblers through the wheels or else you have a lot of explaining to do followed by months of community service (if the owner of the casino lets you off the hook easily) as a punishment for doing a damage in the casino’s public image.

If you are having second doubts on Plan A, here’s Plan B. Bet everything you have, and I mean everything, on Red. Everything pertains to house, cars, and don’t forget to include every single piece of your wardrobe. If you think this is crazy then ask Ashley Revell yourself. You know what he did in 2004? He sold every piece he owned (all his possessions totaled US$135,300) and he staked the whole amount in a double-or-nothing bet in a roulette table at Las Vegas’ Plaza Hotel. When the ball landed on Red 7, Revell, no doubt, was the happiest man on earth that day with he went home twice richer. Granted that the odds were against him and that he probably dated Lady Luck then, he won and made it to list of roulette’s famous bets.

You have to have the guts to pull off another famous bet and have your name written down in the history of roulette wheels. If you can’t be famous then go ahead and enjoy the game. You don’t have to do anything remotely extreme to accomplish that one.

You can visitAmerican Roulettefor your online guide to anything and everything about the small wheel of fortune.

How to Open an Online Casino Account

It is safe to assume that you are a beginner in the virtual world of casinos that’s why you are reading this article. Before you enjoy hitting the casinos online, you have to make sure that you are done with the first step which is opening an internet casino account.

Virtual casinos are a great means of income. You just sit back, play the game of your life, and there is bound to be some dollars going to your bank as you wrap up another hour of online poker. We are talking about money now. Online gambling is essentially like the real thing. You have to name your stake, wager a few bills here and there before you get some cash back. You can do all of this through your online casino account.

In opening an online account, it is inevitable to disclose classified information like credit card numbers and their security codes. With thousands of internet casinos accessible to every person in the planet, it is sometimes hard to pick the real ones from scams. Since most of these sites involve private information, not to mention valuable, you can never be too careful in choosing which among these online casinos can offer fun, excitement, and security. Take precautions. Review the site for the nth time and look for credentials or telltale signs that the particular casino is not just another con.

Check out the sites first and ask friends for some suggestions. Remember, you are going to give out a lot of information, so you have to cover all your bases. You can surf the net for directories of virtual casinos and read the reviews and recommendations before settling on one website. Usually, sites with 128-bit encryption are 100% authentic since this puts a stop to hacking and internet fraud. Another indication that the website is not out there to trick you is that they offer a welcome bonus sum that is equivalent to your initial deposit. After you’re sure that your selected online casino is safe enough, then it’s time to open up an account.

The actual registration for an online account is pretty elementary. Virtual casinos are very clear in the instructions, you simply have to follow the steps. The registration process may differ from one site to another but the basics are the same. You have to give personal details like real name, email address, and bank account number. The choice of online payment is up to you, pick the one that will work out the best from the options in the dropdown box. Nearly all virtual casinos have a minimum amount for the initial deposit.

Before clicking on the okay button, be sure that all the information keyed in are accurate and that you have read the terms and conditions. Once the site approved your registration, consider it as an open online casino account, and play all you want.

If you want to know more about virtual casinos, visit Virtual Casino and check your options.

The Day I Fell In Love with Mickey

I hate cats. No, the more correct term would be afraid of. I’m afraid of those feline creatures, so much that whenever I see a likeness of a cat, I hurry off to the other direction. And when I say likeness, I mean anything that is remotely close to a cat. Hello Kitty is not an exception. Whenever somebody gives me a Hello Kitty item, I vehemently refuse to touch it. I don’t care if they could see that I am not pleased with their choice of gift, I won’t lay a hand on it. They can call me rude but isn’t more uncouth to give somebody something they are terrified of? Yeah. That’s what I thought.

I am not much of a dog fan either. I got bitten by one mean supposed-to-be man’s best friend and that one experience is enough to turn me off canines. Compared to cats, I have really nothing against them. I figured my neighbor’s vicious dog thinks it is expected of him to sink his sharp teeth on anyone who comes through the white gate since I was not the only kid in the neighborhood who was bitten. However, you still won’t see me cuddling a puppy no matter how cute or lovable or how much of a darling it is. Sure, Snoopy is cute and the black and white combination is such a nice touch but Charlie Brown’s extrovert beagle does not do a thing for me.

While everybody else is filling their room with Hello Kitty and Snoopy stuff like pillowcases, lamps, and clocks, I was searching for an animal character that is perfect for my taste. I said no to Garfield, of course. Donald Duck has a weird voice. Bugs Bunny is too smart for my liking. Tweety Bird is so childish. Taz cannot talk and eats garbage. Winnie the Pooh always seems like stuffing honey into his mouth. Eeyore is depressing. I could go on and on.

I’m sorry if you idolize some of the characters I mentioned, I’m not trying to start a fight with you. I’m merely stating facts as to why I did not choose them as my animal hero. I may come across as a picky person but if I have one shot at choosing my favorite animal cartoon character I might as well be as selective as I can be.

I woke up earlier than usual one Saturday morning and instead of Huckleberry Hound singing “Oh my darling, oh my darling Clementine”, the TV screen was all about Mickey Mouse. I heard of Mickey prior to that Saturday (who hasn’t anyway?) but I haven’t watched any of his shows yet. So while I was pouring milk to my bowl of Trix, I settled in the living room and glued my eyes in the telly. Since then, my Saturday mornings starts at eight instead of nine.

I love Mickey Mouse. I can’t really pinpoint the reason why but from the time I watched him in the tube, I became a fan. He tries so hard to impress Minnie and he is such a good owner to Pluto. He is not childish or cunning. Mickey is so ordinary, he seems like a real human being.

Even now that I am already nearing my twenty second birthday, I still collect Mickey Mouse items. I have posters, DVDs of his shows, and comic strips. I have a bunch of towels, bed sheets with matching pillowcases, alarm clock, wall clock, wrist watch, necklace, bracelet, desk lamp, you name it. I don’t know when I’ll stop looking for Mickey Mouse on every item imaginable, probably never.

For more mouse characters, go to Mouses.

Two Thumbs Up For LoDo

I don’t know about you but when I plan to take a trip to a new place, I make sure that the area has all the essentials. I went to this so-called city, which I would not name for my own protection (you never know what people can do to defend their hometown), and I had a lousy time to say the least. There’s nothing to do in the place, the food choices are limited, even Mother Nature was not able to get any good reaction from me. I should have just slept in my room and felt revitalized after eight hours in dreamland.

There is no need to point fingers even though that’s the last time I agreed to my friend’s suggestion for out-of-town locations. Besides not being talked into going to a non-descript place, I learned a valuable lesson from that experience. I created a checklist of an area’s must-haves.

On top of the list is a first-class hotel. Call me a spoiled brat or a pampered socialite but I think that a good accommodation can go a long way into setting the right mood for relaxation. Vacation in the woods seems like an oxymoron to me. It is not a downtime when you are worrying about mosquitoes and wild animals. Thanks for the offer but I’ll stick with hotels.

Coming in on the second spot is a restaurant. Okay, scratch that. What I meant was a lot of restaurants. No matter how delicious the food is or how lovely the atmosphere is, if you are going to eat your breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the same restaurant, chances are you’ll be dragging your feet the next time you need to eat your meal, more so if you plan to stay in the place for more than two weeks. One of the reasons why I like traveling is the opportunity to taste different cuisines. Other than sightseeing, I love the idea of a gastronomic adventure.

Scenic views and impressive architecture are obviously in the list. If all I need is a good place to stay with a wide selection of restaurants, I might as well stay home and avoid the hassle of packing and unpacking my luggage. A change of sight is sort of hitting two birds with the same stone. It is an enjoyable way of reliving the place’s history and they make great postcards.

To end the list, the location should have a shopping center and/or convenience store. Give me a break. Consider the fact that I did not put it on top of my list. That makes me a regular traveler and not at all a shopaholic. There are times when you forget to bring something and only a convenience store can solve that for you. Also, where else can you get a keepsake for your trip? Pictures are okay, they are great actually but souvenirs are more fun especially if the locals handcrafted them or made them from local products.

The first place I went to after rounding up my checklist is Lower Downtown Denver or, as it is known to many, LoDo. The name already sounds chic and it builds up any tourist’s expectation of a hip neighborhood. The best part is that the place lives up to its name.

I stayed at Oxford Hotel and I had a grand time with the hotel’s amenities with its perfect mix of old yet tasteful furniture and high technology equipments. Another selling point of the hotel is that restaurants are on the same block which brings me to my second must-have. LoDo has seafood restaurants, as well as steak houses, and pizzerias. The area has 70 plus restaurants. Five days was not enough to fully embark on a gastronomic adventure. Works of architecture and picturesque views, as well as shopping centers, are not scarce in Lower Downtown Denver. The place ticked all the things on my checklist.

If you like history, culture, convenience, and escapades, check out LoDo. You would not regret it.

Who Wants to Host the Academy Awards

There’s no doubt about it. The Academy Awards is one of the most prestigious and most awaited awards ceremonies in the film industry. Movie buffs take some time off from work to watch the presentation live. There are even those individuals who love throwing Oscar parties come February. With all the eyes and ears tuned in this show, who would not make a deal with the devil to become the host of the evening? It will be an honor, a highlight of career, and a stepping stone to more TV and movie offers. Or so you think.

Insiders look at hosting the Academy Awards as the “most thankless job” in Hollywood. If you are not convinced then let us count the ways.

Critics don’t love award shows. Most of the time, they find the results unfounded or bias. They ditch the fashion on the red carpet. They say something negative about the stage design. If all goes well, they turn to the host. They are going to highlight every wrong pronunciation, every dry joke, and every mismatched outfit. There’ s simply no getting around these people.

People have their eyes on the rating of the show every year. If this year’s Academy Awards only have 38 million viewers compared to last year’s 55 million, the first one to blame is the host. Never mind that he did a good job and that he was engaging enough to keep the smiles on the faces of the audience. If the rating is lower than the previous year, he must have done something wrong.

Being the Master of Ceremonies does not only require a complete set of wardrobe, with glittering jewelries and perfectly made-up face. You have to have some tricks up your sleeves. Notice how the hosts of the Oscars are likely to be comedians. The people of Hollywood are anxious for the results. They can’t wait to hear the verdict. They want to get it over with as soon as possible. Despite their beautiful gowns and tuxedos and calm faces, there are Godzillas jumping in their stomachs. How can a person coax a laugh from a tough crowd? Now that’s the challenge. On the other hand, you are selected as the host of the awards night and not a stand-up comedian. There are other ways to keep the audience engaged and it is up to you to find those ways. You can’t get help from the audience or production staff, they have their own worries.

If you manage to please the critics, get a high rating, and make the Hollywood crowd cry in laughter, the pay is not even a fraction of what you normally earn given you are one of the best comedians in the industry. It will be around $15,000 on top of the expenses. For David Letterman, the amount is incomparable to his net income.

So if hosting the Academy Awards is a Herculean task, to say the least, with an unjust compensation, who would want to take the job? Maybe, it’s simply out of respect to the Oscars that’s why there are Hollywood personalities who still accept the most thankless job. Or maybe a gun in the head or the person is plainly a masochist.

If you want to be an insider of the Academy Awards, visit Academy Awards and be on familiar terms with Oscar.

Online Gambling Protocol

Who said that good manners are only applicable in the dining table? Remember the days when your mother spent countless of hours teaching you not to speak while your mouth is full? If a good number of hours are what’s needed for you to bear in mind this simple etiquette, then get ready. You have a full day ahead of you so that you will be acquainted with online gambling protocol.

Yes, there is a certain behavior that is expected from an online gambler. Before you create your online account and start rolling the dice, take time in knowing the rules, read this as strong suggestions, needed to maintain that ambiance of good sportsmanship.

This first rule is so basic it applies to everyday life. Be courteous. Granted that you are not talking face to face with other players or the dealer and that the chat feature of the website seems like a mode for friendly conversation, you still have to be polite. Avoid cuss words. No matter how bad you are losing, or how irritating the other player is, keep your cool. Also, other participants can’t hear your voice most of the time so make sure that the words you use do not have double meanings and can be taken at face value.

Do your assignment. Do not play simply because the graphics are impressive or there are many participants who gave great reviews of the game. Know the ropes of the game, along with the regulations. This way, you can keep up with other players. One of the reasons why people prefer online gambling is that it is generally faster than live gambling. How would you feel if the game is not going as fast as it should because a novice player doesn’t even know a good hand until he get slapped by it?

So what if you speak six languages fluently? English, no doubt, is the universal language. Stick to it when you are playing online. It lessens the possibility of misunderstanding and it is just rude to talk in another language when you perfectly know that others will not be able to comprehend. If you really like speaking Italian, go to a designated Italian table.

Do not turn the gambling site into a chat room. More often than not, participants prefer going online than to an actual casino to avoid the hassle of small talks. If conversations are a big part of your life and you can’t go on without talking for thirty minutes, you can either talk to someone on the phone or in person while you are gambling online or you can go ahead and dress up for a night in Vegas or Atlantic City. Don’t forget your champagne while mingling.

In a nutshell, you have to remember that you are still dealing with people. Be considerate of others. You are not playing with the computer. You do not have to rent a tuxedo or don stilettos to satisfy your gambling urges but you must still have that air of sophistication found in live casinos. If it is a piece of cake for you to follow the etiquette in online gambling, then you can go ahead and place your bet.

If you want to know more about online gambling, visit Online Gambling and satisfy your gambling urges right in the comfort of your room.

Besting the Slot Machine

Do you have what it takes to win in a slot machine? Well, not to blow your bubble or anything but slot machines are on the top of the list of games relying on chances. Results are highly random and there is no honest-to-goodness technique that will work every time you face the machine. If you’ve heard somebody claiming otherwise, you’d be a fool to take his word for it.

Just so we are clear on this, I am not going to list down slot strategies. You are going to compete with the machine and slot machines are not exactly programmed to win even though there are times when it feels like that is what they are doing. Instead of trying so hard to outwit the machine, why don’t you focus on having fun with it? These are tips on how to go home with a smile on your face, and hopefully with money on your pockets, after an hour or two in the slot club.

It is advisable for anyone who is playing a game of chance to choose the game with a high payout. In the context of slot machines, look for those who have 95% or higher payouts. If you are only going to win two out ten games, you may as well win big.

As mentioned in the Ten Commandments of Gambling, expect to lose. However, let’s put a spin on it. Limit your losses. Before inserting nickels or tickets, or whatever it is that works for that slot machine in your neighborhood sports bar, set a perimeter for the night. For example, for Fridays, you only have to suffer ten losses. After that, you have to walk away. You can still be able to save some money for a bottle of your favorite beer to cool down and enjoy the rest of the night.

A slot machine does not care how many dollars you lose. It is not called the one-armed bandit for nothing. Since you are the one who have feelings and will likely be frustrated or even angry if you lose hundreds of dollars trying your luck, then you should know when to quit.

On the other hand, if you feel like Lady Luck is riding on your shoulder, by all means, don’t let anything stop your winning streak. You can even place a higher bet so that you could treat the whole gang afterwards.

The best way to play slot machines is to choose the machine which you are already familiar with. This is not the time to test the waters. Stick with the game you are good at and maximize your chances of winning. But if you are one of those people who have a streak of a daredevil, then do as you please. You won’t hear me say “I told you so” but I will wish you good luck.

Here’s how I look at it. Slot machines are games, with emphasis on games. It is supposed to be fun and carefree. The money is simply a cherry on top. If you are inserting quarters in slots solely for a quick return of investment then you are setting yourself up for disappointment. It will take out the entertainment value and you may find yourself kicking the machine if things do not go as well you envision it. If money’s what you need, go find a job. For cheap thrills seeker, this is the way to go.

If you want to know more about slot machines, visit Slot Machine and ready your coin purse.

What Are The Odds?

Gambling appeals to people who love the prospect of taking risks and emerging successful. The greater the risk, the more they enjoy the game. For the novice gambler, they accept losses as easily as their wins. As they say, you win some, you lose some. However, for a person who considers gambling as a great form of investment, he doesn’t rely on the wheel of fortune or Lady Luck. As the stakes go higher, he will up his bet depending on the odds of winning.

Calculating the odds is not as simple as it sounds. It requires a great deal of mathematical analysis. There are even formulas used in arriving at the perfect staking system. Many men have tried to unlock the secret for their own advantage. One of the most known in this field is Michael Shackleford.

Born in Pasadena, California, Shackleford did not show a passion for gambling per se. In fact, before he gained notoriety as “The Wizard of Odds”, he was a claims adjuster. What could be the connection between a person responsible for investigating damages of a property in cases of accidents and one of the renowned specialists in the mathematics of gambling? Apparently, Shackleford has a mind of a statistician. He made it big when he made a table of the most popular names of baby in the past decades. This endeavor started a Social Security Administration tradition of publishing an official list of well-accepted baby names every year.

Now, Shackleford is busy using his talent in statistics in his website Wizard of Odds. The website is dedicated to explore the possibilities and the odds in different casino games. He is not called the Wizard of Odds for nothing. His analyses of casino games are well-founded. It even came to the point that online casinos are submitted to his approval before they become available for the public. Some of the big names in online gambling such as Hilton, Shuffle Master, and Playtech are among his long list of clients. Aside from his website, Shackleford also write books about mathematical analyses for casino games like Baccarat and Black Jack. His book Gambling 102: The Best Strategies for All Casino Games are given good ratings.

If a person is not that gifted in figuring the odds, then it’s a good thing that people like Shackleford are very willing to share their expertise. Gambling is fun, but winning makes it even more so. Before taking any chances, a person may as well get all the help he needs. What are the odds that he will lose more after seeking advice from the master?

If you want to know bits of information about gambling, visit Bit Bet and up your bet.

Are Gift Cards Really Ideal Gifts?

They are not called gift cards for nothing. These cards are known to be the perfect gift. You can skip the seemingly endless hours trying to come up with the right gift for an anniversary or a birthday. With a gift card, the celebrant can call the shots as to what he or she will get. If you do not like the idea of wrapping gifts, then that’s another pro for gift cards. Also, you need not pay ridiculous amount for shipping. If your son is begging for a new laptop, you have to make an allowance for the delivery fee especially if he is currently residing in the university’s dorm in a different state. With these alone, you can see yourself surfing the Internet for a gift card the next time you are invited to a wedding or a baby shower.

Hold your horses still. There are downsides in getting a gift card. What if they got lost in the mail or, worse, stolen? Before you click the check out button, read first the terms and conditions so that you would have a clearer idea on how a gift card works.

Most gift cards are non-reloadable. Basically, it’s one-time use only. Once the money in the card is depleted, it’s not of any use unless for keepsake. It does not necessarily mean that the recipient have to use it in a single purchase. If the card is worth $2,500, chances are there will still be some leftover money after the initial purchase. Gift cards, generally, do not have expiration dates. If they have, they usually last a year. It is advisable, though, to double check and relate the information to the recipient of the card. Once a gift card is used, remind the cardholder to keep the card for a certain period of time. In cases of product returns, store personnels normally ask for the receipt and original mode of payment specifically if the purchase is not made through cash.

If there is a gift which you can include the receipt without being unethical, this is it. When you give your aunt a gift card in her baby shower, be sure to give her the receipt as well as the identification number of the card. These pieces of information are vital if there is something that went wrong with the manufacturing of the gift card. A case in point is when you call your niece to ask what did she buy from the $50 gift card you gave her for her birthday and it turned out that she only got a $25 gift card. With the receipt and the identification number, your niece can go the management and exchange the card. Even though some stores are adamant in replacing gift cards, there are others who are willing to compensate their customers for the inconvenience by giving a replacement. There are other scenarios when the receipt and the identification number of the card are needed. For example, the management can work out a solution for lost and stolen cards if you have these details.

You have thousands of options when it comes to gift cards. Nearly all stores are now offering this kind of service. You don’t want to make the mistake of giving somebody a gift card exclusive for a particular store. What if the person does not like shopping there? You have to take this into consideration. Conduct some fishing expeditions. There are a number of gift cards that are accepted in various stores like the Visa Gift Card. They will cost the same as other gift cards anyway so why not get one that works for a good number of stores?

Even if there are hassles in giving gift cards, you don’t have to forego the idea altogether. You simply have to get your act together and follow some of these tips and then your gift will surely be a hit.

If you want to know more about gift cards, visit weema and check your options.

Share It with the Entire Planet

You may be familiar with YouTube or Veoh. Who isn’t? Apparently, if you want your 30 seconds shot to fame, upload your video clip in either or both of these websites. Give or take a few days, then you will start receiving good comments like nice cover of the song or not-so-good comments like you look like you smell. The thing is it is the easiest and fastest way to reach virtually everybody. Aspiring rock stars, or up and coming bands take advantage of these websites to make their music known to the world.

There are issues regarding web postings such as the copyright. Movies and TV shows, as well as songs can be downloaded from the World Wide Web for free. This leads to the classic good news, bad news situation. The good news is that people, judging from the downloads, like the product of the artists’ creativity and appreciate the movie or music. On the other hand, if the market is getting it for free, it means less dollars for the artists, their managers, the record label, and the production.

Another downside of web posting is that few websites are strict with the uploading process. In addition, almost anybody can go into the website. What does these mean? Violence, sex, and other for adults-only content can be viewed by teenagers or worse, ten year old children or even younger. That is why the youth today is considered out of hand by experts. You can hear a five year old kid saying b****, or f***. If that is not bad enough, they even know what those words mean. They know it is a word for sex and that sex cannot be such a bad thing since everybody seems to be doing it. Notice that pregnant teenagers are not much of a shock anymore. It’s like a normal thing which should not be the case.

On the other side of the coin, web posting also has its share of benefits. It raises social awareness. Gone are the days when you can say ignorance is bliss. Information is abundant through the internet. With few clicks, you can learn what’s happening in the other side of the world. How is the stock market doing? Why are post offices closing down? Who is leading in the US election? When is the war in Israel going to end? Knowing the facts can lead to movements. If a person is passionate enough with what’s taking place in the world today, he can take a stand and make his voice heard. Organizations are encouraging other people to join their cause. Through the web, PETA, WHO, and other similar groups are able to reach several countries to participate in their activities.

Aside from social awareness, inspiration can also be found in the web. Setting aside those videos or blogs with adult content, there are those posts that can change a person’s perspective on life. Touching stories about love and family can give hope to those who see themselves as failure in that specific aspect of their lives. A number of support groups gather through the Internet and it really makes a difference when somebody is supporting you to keep your unborn baby instead of having an abortion.

Technology, as a whole, is a good thing. Because of it, many doors are now opening to countless of possibilities. Information is very accessible. Communication is straightforward and nearly trouble-free. Imagine life without the comforts of the machines technology has given to us. People simply have to use with good intention.

If you want to know more about web posting or link sharing, visit DailyLinx and check your options.

Extra Large, Good or Bad?

Why is it that we continually take into consideration what other people think about us? If they approve, then all is good. If not, we turn into basket cases or die trying to get that much coveted stamp of approval or acceptance. It is like high school all over again.

It goes both ways as well. We tend to judge people the way others see us. If you are size 10, you are not beautiful. The word is only fitting for size 2 and 4 women. On the other side, men are subjected to sneers if they got big stomachs. Washboard abs is what makes a man. Yes, it is shallow and it only shows how people, in general, see beauty as skin deep.

We know that is not realistic to expect everybody to have bodies good enough for the runaway or for covers of sports and fitness magazines. In fact, only 3% of the whole population has the privilege to have the “perfect” body. But this does not stop us into going into diets, even going under the knife, or take refuge in steroids to gain “the body” and ultimately the society’s acceptance.

Although, it is good to watch your food intake and your weight since excessive intake could lead to obesity that can later on result into grave illnesses like cardiovascular diseases, you can’t simply go on life writing down the calories of every morsel that goes to your mouth. What so bad in indulging in the good old burger and fries or binge in pizzas once in a while?

So what if the world is not favorable with plus size people and constantly promotes thin is in? Does being skinny make a person better than those who wear extra large clothes? In our minds, we know that a person’s worth is not base on his or her waistline. We just have to step up and take a stand in this issue.

Change starts with oneself. If you look in the mirror, what do you see? There are times when I see flabby arms and thighs. Sometimes, I don’t even want to see my reflection because all I see is somebody who does not have the right to wear skinny jeans or tank tops. I deprive myself of my father’s delicious cooking, thinking that not eating will somehow make me closer to the body of Jessica Alba. It is as if my whole confidence depends on how I look. It is true that if you have the body and the face, it is easy to be confident. However, if you are the only one in the family who has a big stomach and wears shapeless pants while the others are donning shorts, it is hard to smile and feel pretty.

When I start reading about Hollywood stars who are proud of their curves like Salma Hayek, Jennifer Lopez, and Jessica Biel, I said to myself, curves are not a bad thing after all. I see other famous people like Jennifer Hudson and America Ferrera who walk in the red carpet as if they are as sexy as the other actresses. If they can face the world, why can’t I?

Why can’t you? There is more to us than our physical appearance. You may be talented in violin or piano or some other musical instrument. You can have a knack in organizing events or you can be as bright as a new penny. Let’s show the world that being on the plus size is not a thing to be ashamed of.

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You May Enter The Virtual Playground

I just watched the recent episode of One Tree Hill. Jaime Lucas Scott, son of Haley and Nathan, celebrated his fifth birthday and when his mom asked him what he would like for his birthday, he replied we. Since his parents were still fresh from a nasty fight which almost resulted to a divorce, I thought the little guy simply wants to have a complete family again hence his answer “we.” It goes to show how little I know of the gaming world. Apparently, what Jaime wants is Wii, the new console from one of the giant names in PC games, Nintendo.

What is it about this game console that caught Jaime’s attention? I did some fishing expedition and here are some of the tidbits I’ve learned about Wii. Let’s start with the way it looks. Compared to other consoles that were launched these past five years, Wii is considered the most compact of the batch. It is eight and a half inches in length and six inches in width. The whole console is thinner than two inches and weighs just about 2.7 pounds. It fits right in the hands either that of a five-year old or a thirty-year old. It was released in a white finish but surely units will be seen in other colors like black. Like Jaime’s reaction, it is indeed “Sweet!”

Now, how does it work? Like previous game consoles, Wii is built similarly as the PlayStation as well as Xbox 360. Due to its angled plastic stand, Wii can be adjusted vertically or horizontally. After setting it in the position you desire, you can go plug in the power supply. The power supply is about the same size as a laptop brick. Once you plugged it in, deal with the audio-video cables and make sure that the console is connected to the telly. There are cables that can be bought separately so that you will be able to enjoy Wii’s 480 pixels resolution in a 16.9 widescreen format.

If you are done with the connection, it’s time for you to set up the controllers namely the Wii Remote and the Nunchuk. The latter is a controller resembling a joystick which should be connected with the remote to enable extra game control. There is sensor bar that comes with the whole package. Ideally, you can place it under the TV display. The sensor bar makes the Bluetooth connection possible. You can connect four Wii Remotes simultaneously. This particular item works wonders especially if you fancy playing with the whole family or the entire gang. Let’s go on to the next controller. The Wii Remote is advisable if you are a fan of playing games 30 feet away from the sensor bar. Anywhere farther than that leads to mediocre gaming. Of course, you can’t start your gaming experience unless you put batteries into the Wii Remote. Two AA batteries will do the trick.

Now that your Wii is all set up, there is just one more thing to do before you enter the virtual playground. Arrange your furniture and create enough space for your gaming pleasure. Once the table and the couch are in their rightful place, start Wii-ing.

If you want to know more about the virtual playground, visit iplayground and satisfy your curiosity about PC games. It’s playtime!

You Can’t Take the South Out Of the Girl

Have you watched Sweet Home Alabama? It hit the silver screen way back in 2002. It was one those romantic comedies. I was still in college then and was yet cynical. If you cannot remember it from all the movies you’ve seen the past five years, maybe these names will jog your memory. It was starring Legally Blonde actress Reese Witherspoon, A Beautiful Mind’s Hansen, Josh Lucas, and Patrick Dempsey, resident doctor of Grey’s Anatomy.

To further refresh your memories, here’s how the story goes. Melanie Carmichael, played by Reese, is the hot new designer in Big Apple. She is living the life she wanted ever since she was young. When she thinks that life can not get any better, her too-good-for-words boyfriend, Andrew Hennings, get down to his knee and proposed with all the rings in Tiffany. If only things were that easy. Even facing her snotty soon-to-be mother-in-law, Kate Hennings, Mayor of New York City, cannot compare to the dread Melanie’s feeling when she has to go back to Alabama to face her roots and her husband, Jake Perry, played by Josh. Since Jake has not signed the divorce papers she sent five years ago, she has to take that overdue trip to Alabama. The plot basically revolved about Melanie making peace with her past so that she could move on. It ended on a happy note with Melanie and Jake back in the same spot where they kissed eons ago while lightening bolts were all over the place. True to its tagline, “Sometimes what you’re looking for is right where you left it.”

Aside from the mushy stuff, I had fun with the movie with all its subtle, and not-so-subtle, jabs about Alabama. Here are the punch lines that made it to my top three:

After taking a quick look at the divorce papers, Jake tells Melanie that he needs to see his lawyer because he’s a country boy and the papers have words he can’t pronounce much more give meaning to.

If there is a person in the whole movie who is very vocal about her views about people in the South, the award goes to Mayor Hennings. When Her Highness set her foot in Alabama, she’s nothing but sarcastic. After smacking a mosquito, she said, “One down, six million to go.” Melanie’s father has his comebacks. For this one, he said, “Careful, you just killed the state bird of Alabama.’

Mayor Kate Hennings did it again. She said to Melanie’s mom, in a condescending manner that she has all throughout the film, to “go back to your double-wide and fry something.” Apparently, that’s one too many for Melanie because she decked the mayor soon after the words were spoken.

There are forums and other discussions about the movie regarding the way it depicts Alabamians. Personally, I don’t think it should really be an issue but I guess if you live in Alabama and the world will see you as a Yankee hick, it would not sit well will you.

Labels tend to generalize. As much as we want to stay out of stereotyping, it is there. The least we could do is make the best of it. You might as well turn it into something you can be proud of. If people will see you as a hick, then prove to them that being one does not mean you are below them. It’s all a matter of perspective. If you lived in the city your entire life and you may never see eye to eye with a person from Alabama, you could try for a common ground, and stop with the insults. On the other hand, if you are from the South and can’t make city guys change their views, go with the flow. As they say, if you can’t beat them, join them. Look at it as any other joke. As long as you know your value, a few jabs would not hurt.

All in all, it was a good movie. I gave it four out of five popcorns. Kudos to Mayor Hennings!

If you want to know more about the people from the South, visit Alabamians and satisfy your curiosity.