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.