Archive for July, 2011
If you’re a birder, you want to keep a list of sightings when you bird watch. Your life lists should be kept in a bird watching journal.
Life List
A life list is a record of the species of birds you’ve sighted over time. Typically, the list is kept in a journal. Each entry notes the bird species, the date, location and any notes you want to add. Depending on your particular bird watching exploits, you can keep one global list or separate lists as you see fit.
For many bird watchers, one life list simply isn’t enough. So, how can you break down your lists? Here are a few ideas:
1. House Lists – A list of birds sighted around your home.
2. Yearly Lists – A list for each year you bird watch.
3. State Lists – A list for sighting by particular state.
4. Trip Lists – Journals for particular bird watching vacations or tours.
5. Wish Lists – A list of birds you haven’t seen, but hope to. You simply cross them off as sightings occur.
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Valentine’s Day! What a great day for romantics at heart! Any excuse to celebrate a day of l’amour is in my opinion, a good excuse and on the 14th February cards, flowers and the whole love thing will be celebrated for many with romance and style.
The history of this day has origins in both Christian and Ancient Roman tradition. As a matter of fact there are many legends surrounding Valentine and the day it was yet to become. According to the Catholic Encyclopedia (1908) there are least three St Valentine’s recorded.
One legend has it that in 269 AD in ancient Rome, Saint Valentine was secretly performing marriages and engagements in direct contravention of the Emperor Claudius II, who banned marriages and engagements in an attempt to recruit and enlist more soldiers (recruitment numbers were down because the men wanted to remain with their loved ones). Alas and alack it was all too good to last, when St Valentine’s secret was discovered, as punishment for his crime, he was thrown into jail, beaten with clubs, followed by execution.
The legend goes that before he was beheaded on 14th February, he fell in love with his jailor’s daughter and wrote her a billet-doux (love letter). It’s said he signed off on his note with “from your valentine”. Many years later in 496 AD, Pope Gelasius declared a day of honour for Valentine and so began Valentine’s Day.
Meanwhile, in ancient Roman days the 14th February celebrated and honored Juno, Queen of Roman Goddesses and Gods who was also said to be Goddess of woman and marriage.
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Travel Rotorua
This article is a basic tour guide to traveling in Rotorua highlight and evaluating the main sites in the district.
Introduction:
If you had only one day in the North Island of New Zealand and you asked me where should one go for that day I would without hesitation say Rotorua.
This article is my personal guide to Rotorua from someone who has visited it more times than I can remember and if given the chance I would visit it again. This article is non-commercial and is intended to be for general information.
Location:
Rotorua is approximately 2.5 – 3 hours drive south of Auckland. Head south through Hamilton and Cambridge, or for a quicker route via Mata Mata. Shortly after Cambridge turn left and take the number 5 which will lead you right to Rotorua. Coming up from Wellington head to Lake Taupo and take the number 5 to Rotorua. Train and Bus routes also service Rotorua.
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At some point in our life, we owe it to ourselves to take a well-deserved vacation. Maybe you have thought about a Caribbean cruise but just do not know what to expect. A cruise ship has all the amenities of a five star hotel with more! In addition, you can enjoy a back to nature vacation and a vacation with nightlife and fine dining all on the same trip.
So, what is your idea of a perfect vacation? Is it getting back to nature and enjoying clear water, enchanting waterfalls, and exhilarating wildlife? Alternatively, do you prefer shopping and a more industrialized area with nightlife and fine dining? Whatever your interest, a Caribbean cruise offers all of the above.
Caribbean cruises are normally divided into three categories: Eastern Caribbean, Western Caribbean, or Southern Caribbean. Shorter trips to the Southern Caribbean will typically depart from Puerto Rico, Aruba, or Barbados, while longer journeys may depart from the mainland of the United States. Western cruises will depart from the Gulf of Mexico for the most part: Florida, Texas, Alabama, and Louisiana. However, Eastern cruises may depart from the Gulf of Mexico, usually Florida, or New York, for slightly longer journeys.
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