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<title>Latest Articles by External Articles</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/</link>
<description>Articles at Populate.NET</description>
<language>en-us</language>
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<title>Why Are Tea Length Wedding Dresses So Popular?</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Relationships/Marriage/why-are-tea-length-wedding-dresses-so-popular.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Relationships/Marriage/why-are-tea-length-wedding-dresses-so-popular.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 15 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The first thing you want to know is what a tea length dress is before you can ask why they are so popular. A tea length wedding dress is a dress that is less formal then a traditional wedding dress. It is cut between the knees and the ankle. These dresses have various things that are added to them like frills and extras. Probably the most attractive feature, however, is they are perfect for warmer climates and they come in various materials and colors.<br><br>Tea length wedding dresses are perfect for outdoor weddings or social areas where a traditional wedding dress might be too cumbersome or out of place. Another great feature is these dresses allow brides with long legs to show them off. The typical dress can cost from $99.00 to $1,999.00. If you are considering one of these great dresses, you will want to purchase them during the winter months because they are usually cheaper, but you will want to check how your postures will be and how you can move in them before you buy them as these dresses show off a lot.<br><br>If you like additional frills on the dress, try some chiffon to go around your arms and other areas where you might want to have that more comfortable feel and yet still look gorgeous in one of these dresses. Another great idea is find a dress that fits the setting of your wedding, these dresses come in variety and you can generally find them in settings for church, the beach, the park, or any place that you decide to have your special day.<br><br>If you decide that a traditional dress or at least another from of dress is right for you, the tea length wedding dress is also very customizable for the brides maids. They can be customized to fit into the scheme of your wedding. With many materials available, finding the right combination has never been so simple. You can decide all the facets of these dresses. Although they are best used on the taller ladies, these dresses can also be used by the shorter ladies as well.<br><br>Imagine your wedding day in a non-cumbersome dress that doesn&rsquo;t make you feel like your in a sauna. You can walk down the aisle and feel perfectly comfortable knowing that you look gorgeous in your dress with the sun beating on your body but not too hot. Imagine how your bridal party has similar dresses that all have the same color scheme and you&rsquo;re on the beach. This is right for you. It&rsquo;s simplistic and yet elegant.<br><br>Color wise, you might want to consider the lighter tones, being that this is the perfect dress for outdoor weddings you will want your tea length wedding dress to be the center of attention, and nothing besides you and the color of the dress will have this effect. For the summer or spring days that you want to get married, something in yellow or green are available, but if you are a darker tone fan, you can also get the darker colors to make this dress right for you. ]]></description>
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<title>Weddings Top Four...</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Relationships/Marriage/weddings-top-four.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Relationships/Marriage/weddings-top-four.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 15 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Weddings are such a fun thing to experience in life. No matter who you are, lets face it, Weddings are fun to not just go to, but to be in! So how do you make sure you&rsquo;re Wedding is the Wedding that everyone is talking about months later? Here are some sure fire ways to not only make a memorable day for your guests, you and your spouse, but to also really remember for the months and years to come.<br><br>First off, a Videographer, they are the new hype in the Wedding industry now a days. All you here about lately is &ldquo;I had my Wedding video done just like a Hollywood movie!&rdquo; and &ldquo;Cinematic Wedding Videos are the way to go!&rdquo;<br><br>So what exactly is a Wedding Videographer? Well, like a Photographer, a Wedding Videographer is capturing not only still shot photos, but who is also capturing your Wedding day in motion. Snap shot photos are of course wonderful to have at a Wedding, but let me ask you a question. With a snap shot, can you hear a speech from the Best Man and Maid of Honor? With a snap shot, can you watch you and your new Spouse dance to your first dance song, that same dance you practiced so many hours rehearsing? Or, can you hear the vows given by your Spouse during you Wedding Ceremony? The answer is No. With Photography you cannot capture life in motion, but with Videography you can!<br><br>Make sure that when you are picking a Wedding Videographer you watch their demos and check out their style and make sure that it is a style that you would like portrayed in your Wedding Video. Many Videographers now a days are very versatile and will easily be able to capture that perfect country Wedding, or a hip-hop Wedding and will be able to make the video personalized to you and your Spouses personal style and taste.<br><br>So make sure, when planning your Wedding that you first book your Videographer. Wedding Videography is becoming quite popular, quite fast and sometimes there are not enough Videographers to go around.<br><br>Other important things to consider while planning a wedding are the color and theme of the wedding. Guests can tell when attention to detail is not paid attention to. Make sure that the colors of your Wedding fit the time of year and the theme of the Wedding. Saying that, also make sure that the food fits the theme of the Wedding and colors as well. For example, if you are having a country Wedding in the summer time in the mountains and the colors are purple and green, a good choice of food would be a barbecue with potatoes, salads and rolls. Another example, a winter Wedding in the city with the colors beaming gold, silver, black and white deserves entrees including fish and shrimp, pasta salads, etc.<br><br>So make sure that you first find that Videographer that meets all your needs then make sure to really watch you themes, colors, and foods, as those are the top four thing to really pay attention to for planning a Wedding. ]]></description>
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<title>Wedding Checklist Photography - Wedding Planning Tips</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Relationships/Marriage/wedding-checklist-photography-wedding-planning-tips.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Relationships/Marriage/wedding-checklist-photography-wedding-planning-tips.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 15 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The photographer you choose should be highly experienced in this job. Because while are enjoying this special occasion he is the one capturing it all with his lens. So photography is a must have piece on your wedding planning check list.<br><br>You should lay it out to your photographer that what according to you would be most vital moments or what exactly would like to be documented. Add if you plan to have video recordings of the proceeding then both the coordination should be in sync.<br><br>Include photography in the wedding checklist<br><br>All things need to be discussed elaborately with the photographer and an outline must be given as to what pictures you want more taken or less captured. It is common that pictures of the groom & bride are taken separately before the wedding day arrives. So the photographer needs to be given exact dates when he can come over and take these pictures also the photographer should inform you prior to his arrival so that you are dressed up precisely to occasion.<br><br>This synchronization of timings will be fitting to derive desired results. Keep the list of demands within acceptable limits or else the photographer could get bogged down with such demand and lose the plot altogether, all the same a professional should be used to such demands from customers and therefore should not be fussy at all.<br><br>Pre wedding pictures, then wedding ceremony pictures, pre-wedding pictures, post wedding pictures, photos before and post the wedding receptions and on the arrival and while leaving pictures of the groom and the bride, all the form the basis of wedding photography checklist. Names of important people in your wedding whose photos should be taken should be chalked down and handed over to the photographer.<br><br>A full family photo of all the aunts, uncles, cousins and relatives should be arranged at a convenient time suitable to all. As a personal advise I would say that give freedom to the photographer so he can show his creativity in some areas where the light and the background make positioning quite important.<br><br>Wedding Posing Guide<br><br>Suppose the facility has a garden or water fall then have the photographer click some pictures of the two of in bright sunshine for better effects. When the light is beaming from a side angle or over the head that&rsquo;s when the effects are the best. Severe light coming from where the photographer is positioned will wash out your pictures. If you can arrange for some photos to be taken at your favorite meeting place or at a theme park then that too will be a good idea. Forget all stressed up matters while posing as pictures should look natural and fresh. Anything natural is appealing and the same goes you&rsquo;re your photos as well.<br><br>Wedding Picture Guide<br><br>Some pictures are a must in the album. So make a list of those pictures that you would like to frame up or would like to see again and again. Like a prime photo of the bride wearing an elegant evening gown or the groom sitting besides the bride, the full family photo of the bride&rsquo;s and the groom&rsquo;s side standing side by side. Close up of your exclusive wedding cake and bouquet is also sought after photos selection.<br><br>Clearly you both will be the ones who will decide what photos are taken and of whom. So, anyways any relation formed is healthy and if you can communicate well with your photographer then that&rsquo;s just about perfect. ]]></description>
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<title>Different Food Catering And Caters For Your Wedding Day Preferences And Reception Budgets</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Relationships/Marriage/different-food-catering-and-caters-for-your-wedding-day-preferences-and-reception-budgets.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Relationships/Marriage/different-food-catering-and-caters-for-your-wedding-day-preferences-and-reception-budgets.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 15 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Choices, choices, choices. It no different with choosing your wedding day reception caterer. Catering can be as simple or as complex as you prefer &ndash; it all depends on your taste, preferences and of course your budget for your wedding day and reception banquet.<br><br>If there is one first rule &ndash; it is no matter what the appearance do not serve food that does not pass your own taste tests. The food should pass your own taste tests, simple as that. Food that is bland, colorless, lacks flavor, substance, personality and vitality will be all that your wedding guests will redeemer of your wedding day and its catered event simple as that.<br><br>What is the range of type of caterers that you can expect to encounter in the food services hospitality industry market?<br><br>First of all is the all inclusive &ldquo;in-house &ldquo;caterers. Its one stops shopping at its best. The reception house will have everything on hand. The banquet hall, kitchen, serving staff, bartender, parking etc etc. You can find such services at local hotels, wedding banquet services, country clubs, and some caterers themselves. Such services such are downright handy and all inclusive. You may find it convenient but your options are limited. . You often have to take the whole package kit and caboodle &ndash; i.e. you may not like the wine choice, or the floral arrangements but &ldquo;that is part of the package and services provided. Some of the times the whole package may be much more expensive than if you provided services al-la carte yourself. Other times the caterer may be very forthcoming and eager to please and all in all the pricing is more than reasonable in addition to convenient.<br><br>The next choice is your standard independent caterer. Independent caterers come in a wide variety of types, food types and service levels. The caterer may be in the wedding industry, have a reputation as such, or may be an overall general caterer. Nothing is good or bad. It all depends on whether the caterer can do a good job for you, in the setting provided and according to your preferences. Reputation, previous events and references can all help you to assess the provider. Of course it&rsquo;s going to be a more lot more work, on your behalf, or your wedding consultant to set up and coordinate events than the in house caterer.  The whole gamut varies. The independent caterer may provide some wedding support services and staff. They may provide such services as table and chairs, cutlery and glassware, serving staff, wine and beverages etc etc.<br><br>Or they may not. It all comes down to research on your or your wedding coordinator/ consultant&rsquo;s behalf.<br><br>Lastly at the far end of the spectrum of service providers in the food service / hospitality industry is what is referred to as the &ldquo;bare-bones&rdquo; caterer. Nothing is wrong with this. It&rsquo;s all a matter of personal preferences and budget. By saving at one end and having costs saving at the other end , you may be able to afford luxuries for your wedding day that you would not be able to afford and provide by any other means. Some caters keep their costs down by keeping it very simple and straightforward. Their expertise and cost containment skills are in food sourcing and preparation only. They only try to do what they are good at, not wasting your time and money on stretching themselves thin in areas that they know very little about, or are not equipped to do economically. These operations typically run with a minimal amount of staff, often family staff at that. Thus they are able to provide a very high level of food service, at minimal costs. On top of that there is generally a small chain of control and command, so that not only can you speak directly to the person involved, and as well direct flexibility may be afforded. If you want something special or unique, which is not on the menu, you can often ask directly and get a yes / no answer on the spot.  Take into account however, that while the bare bones caterer sounds great, it&rsquo;s a lot more work for you. For the most part &ndash; everything else has to be sourced out and coordinated by you. It&rsquo;s a lot more work and effort, there is a lot to be said for the one stop shopping of the in house caterer.<br><br>In the end it all comes down to personal preference and budget. Its not only a matter of how much money you have for your financial budget for your wedding and its catered reception but also how much patience and time you have in your personal and family budgets. In the end remember that your wedding day &ldquo;Is Your Day in the Sun&rdquo;. ]]></description>
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<title>Online Dating Safety-Florida HB 411</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Relationships/Dating/online-dating-safety-florida-hb-411.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Relationships/Dating/online-dating-safety-florida-hb-411.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 15 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Another state now seems poised to push through legislation in an attempt to protect online dating site customers. Florida currently has pending legislation requiring sites to disclose the security features they provide to their customers.<br><br>Following the lead of New Jersey, which became the first state to pass legislation to protect online daters back in January, Florida is hoping to pass &ldquo;The Internet Predator Awareness and Online Safety Act, HB 411.&rdquo; This bill would require that all online dating sites to disclose to their prospective and current customers whether or not they provide security checks on their clients.<br><br>The Florida bill goes further and requires dating sites to disclose what types of background and security checks they are doing. The minimum it hopes to include in each background check is a search for felony, misdemeanor, and sexual offense convictions.<br><br>If the dating service does not provide background checks on their members, the state of Florida wants the online dating site to communicate &ldquo;clearly and conspicuously&rdquo; that the site does not provide criminal background checks.<br><br>The bill is being pushed through by Rep. Kevin Ambler, who has tried to push this bill through on 4 other occasions. He believes that the main constituency that this protects is senior women, either widowed or divorced, who seem to be most vulnerable to internet fraud.<br><br>Widowed seniors tend to be ideal targets for unscrupulous Romeos. They are desperate for companionship after many years of marital harmony.  Most importantly, they tend to have healthy savings accounts, which is what online predators are looking for.<br><br>&ldquo;Sweetheart Swindles&rdquo; are not a new thing, but there appears to be a steady rise in their occurrence within the past few years. These crimes focus on predators focusing on desperate singles who are tired of being alone and willing to try a lot of things to find that special someone.<br><br>The National Consumers League began tracking these sweetheart crimes back in July of 2007, and they reported 184 cases to close out the calendar year. On average, the losses reported by the victims in these schemes amounted to just over $3,000 per person.<br><br>These are just reported cases, and I think it&rsquo;s safe to speculate that many victims of these crimes never bother to report them. Once a victim has been taken, they are often too embarrassed to contact authorities and report the incident.<br><br>Opponents of the bill argue that this legislation may lull dating site users into a false sense of security. When using an online dating service, it is imperative to protect your personal information. Use your common sense, and if something doesn&rsquo;t seem right, it most likely isn&rsquo;t.<br><br>Money should never be a topic of discussion when talking to someone online. If someone that you&rsquo;ve just met starts to open up to you and discuss their financial hardships, it should be an immediate warning that something is not right.<br><br>Background checks could be a great addition to any online dating service, but they will only provide you with a small degree of protection. You work awful hard for your money and it would be a shame to see you part with it due to a lapse of common sense. ]]></description>
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<title>Planning The Road Trip Of A Lifetime In The United States</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Recreation_and_Leisure/Travel/planning-the-road-trip-of-a-lifetime-in-the-united-states.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Recreation_and_Leisure/Travel/planning-the-road-trip-of-a-lifetime-in-the-united-states.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 15 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ From its wide-open frontiers to its fascinating history and diverse cultures, the United States offers excellent scope for car hire touring. Make the most of your US car hire experience by checking out at least some of the following:<br><br>1. The Ellis Island Museum (New York City)<br><br>The first entry point for immigrants from all over the world offers visitors a powerful experience. It also provides a wonderful view of the Statue of Liberty.<br><br>2. Washington D.C.<br><br>There&rsquo;s more to Washington D.C. than the White House. The US capital is a city steeped in history. Must-sees here include The Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, The Arlington National Cemetery, the Vietnam Veteran&rsquo;s Memorial and the iconic 19-foot marble statue of Abraham Lincoln.<br><br>3. Colonial Williamsburg<br><br>At Williamsburg&rsquo;s open-air museum, visitors are invited to experience life in an 18th century US city. Through interactive exhibits and aauthentic reconstructed dwellings, its possible to gain an insight into a much simpler time.<br><br>4. USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbour<br><br>Located in the Hawaiian Islands, the poignant memorial is situated on the sunken battleship, six feet below the water. It remains as a constant reminder of the efforts of World War II veterans.<br><br>5. Grand Canyon National Park Arizona<br><br>The vast 5000-foot deep, 10-mile wide National Park is one of the most spectacular awe, inspiring sights you&rsquo;ll witness in the US.<br><br>6. National Civil Rights Museum, Memphis<br><br>Set in the humble surroundings of a motel, the museum is situated at the site where Rev. Dr Martin Luther King was assassinated. The museum offers a fascinating insight into the African American struggle from slavery to the story of Rosa Parks.<br><br>7. Redwood National Park, California<br><br>Under the canopy of 300 feet tall trees, visitors are free to explore flora and fauna that that pre-date the first settlers.<br><br>8. Freedom Trail Boston<br><br>At Boston&rsquo;s Freedom Trail, visitors can follow in the footsteps of celebrated US revolutionaries such as Paul Revere.<br><br>9. Independence Hall Philadelphia<br><br>Here visitors can check out the spot where George Washington was appointed leader of the Continental Army.<br><br>10. Walt Disney World Resort (Florida)<br><br>Known as the ‘Magic Kingdom&rsquo;, the enchanting 47 sq mile wide is a must for adults and children of all ages. Visitors can&rsquo;t help but be spellbound by the exciting range of attractions.<br><br>Road Trip Safety<br><br>You&rsquo;ve collected the hire car, you&rsquo;ve got your itinerary sorted, but wait- before you get your motor running, there are still some essential checks that need to be carried out. At Argus Car Hire customer safety is our priority and we want you to have the best possible rental car adventure. For this reason, we strongly advise you to perform the following safety checks before hitting the open road:<br><br>Luggage:<br><br>· Ensure that the load is balanced-this means heavy items should be placed as near to the centre of the car as possible. (Heavy, clumsy items should never be concentrated on one side of the vehicle).<br><br>· Luggage shouldn&rsquo;t impede the driver&rsquo;s vision or prevent seatbelts from being used.<br><br>· Remember: Loose or heavy items stowed in the passenger compartment can move under braking or cornering. This can be distracting to the driver or jam against controls. It&rsquo;s important to ensure that all bags, luggage and potentially damaging items are properly stowed.<br><br>Roof Racks:<br><br>· Roof racks should be firmly loaded, at the lowest height possible to avoid wind resistance and maintain stability.<br>· Ensure every item on the roof rack is safely and securely tied down.<br><br>Driving in the Countryside:<br><br>At Argus, we know that the countryside offers some of the best and most scenic driving experiences. However, we&rsquo;d also like to point out the need for extra vigilance, especially to those used to driving in the city only. Travelling through the countryside you&rsquo;ll encounter all manner of trying situations, some of which may be unfamiliar. In these instances, patience really is a virtue!<br><br>· Wild animals must be treated with consideration<br>· On approach, slow down well in advance and leave as much space as possible between the car and the animal.<br>· When overtaking a horse and rider, manoeuvre the car as slowly as possible, leaving as much space as feasible between it and its rider. ]]></description>
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<title>New Zealand - Tips For A Sailing Charter</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Recreation_and_Leisure/Travel/new-zealand-tips-for-a-sailing-charter.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Recreation_and_Leisure/Travel/new-zealand-tips-for-a-sailing-charter.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 15 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ New Zealand is an isolated country located at the southwestern part of the Pacific Ocean. It is composed of two big islands referred to as North and South Islands as well as other smaller islets, such as the Chatham Islands and Stewart Island/Rakiura. Because its flora and fauna have remained almost untouched for so many years, New Zealand can give anyone the most beautiful landscapes, consisting of its sweeping coastlines, vast mountains, and clear waters that are perfect for sailing in New Zealand.<br><br>The Bay of Islands in New Zealand is about 3 hours&rsquo; drive from Auckland. There are around 144 islands that make up this charming region. It has the best kind of climate the country has to offer and is considered to be an ultimate playground because of the several outdoor activities that you can do. For example, a trip in the Hole in the Rock offers visitors the opportunity to watch and observe the abundant marine life of the bay. You can enjoy a thrilling ride on a forward trampoline as well as the high-tech catamaran. A cruise on a chartered yacht can also take you to idyllic islands during lunchtime where you can dine and enjoy kiwi barbecues.<br><br>Just outside of Auckland is the the Hauraki Gulf. This is one of the largest cruising areas in the world with 100 islands to explore and over 200 sheltered anchorages and miles of beautiful coast. The geography of Auckland, with is narrow strip of land, makes the waters of the Gulf an fascinating place to sail. The steady sea breezes compete with southwesterly winds, and in mid-afternoon, there is the heat off the land to handle.<br><br>Auckland, New Zealand, meanwhile, gives you the energy that you need to handle the stresses of everyday city life. It gratify your appetite for you without having to avail the services of masseurs. The scenic landscape itself will calm your nerves and the numerous sea activities will pump up your adrenalin. For one, if you happen to be sailing in New Zealand, especially in Auckland, you can visit the Goat Island Marine Reserve which are definitely ideal for famelies. You can enjoy some kayaking, boating, or even diving and take pleasure in being surrounded by wide varieties of fish. If you are new into the experience, numerous chartered vessels have professional diving instructors who will be happy to show you basic diving techniques.<br><br>Speak of New Zealand waters and you can instantly associate it with the wonderful beaches of Able Tasman. You can treat yourself with golden beaches, lush virgin mangroves and forests, as well as worth-exploring coves. You can spread and achieve sun-kissed skin as you board any luxurious sailing catamaran. The white sands are perfect for anyone who dares to be about upon this wonderful gift of nature. Visit the Anchorage Beach too and treat yourself to a very delectable fine lunch.<br><br>Indeed, sailing in New Zealand can bless you with the kind of peace and rejuvenation that you need. Moreover, because of its temperate climate, the country becomes an ideal holiday destination all year round. ]]></description>
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<title>Learning Spanish Like Crazy Review: My Learning Spanish Story</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Recreation_and_Leisure/Travel/learning-spanish-like-crazy-review-my-learning-spanish-story.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Recreation_and_Leisure/Travel/learning-spanish-like-crazy-review-my-learning-spanish-story.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 15 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ I&rsquo;ve been learning Spanish for about 2 years now, entirely self-taught (although I just met a nice Mexican girl who says she&rsquo;ll be glad to sit down and help me with my Spanish, and she&rsquo;s cute and single to boot :), and I&rsquo;ve used a number of learning-Spanish programs and products.<br><br>I&rsquo;ve tried Pimsleur, which uses native Spanish speakers who are actually from SPAIN, therefore the Spanish is very different than what you would hear in Latin America where I&rsquo;m interested in traveling to and living at. I&rsquo;ve tried Michel Thomas, who&rsquo;s voice and accent I simply cannot stand, and I&rsquo;ve also used FSI (Foreign Service Institute) which I personally like although it&rsquo;s not the best choice for a beginner as it takes 2 hours a day of practice for 6-8 months to complete, as well as a program called Learning Spanish Like Crazy (I know, they should&rsquo;ve picked a shorter name).<br><br>Out of all of those, it&rsquo;s very difficult to choose one &rsquo;best&rsquo; one and I actually recommend you get more than one because the &rsquo;overlap&rsquo; is VERY beneficial to your learning--I started Learning Spanish Like Crazy while I was on Level 3 of Pimsleur Spanish. However, I personally found that Learning Spanish Like Crazy not only used the &rsquo;Pimsleur Method&rsquo; of learning a foreign language, which I love, but it had a LOT more material in it than Pimsleur did--I felt like I was much farther along after completing level 1 of LSLC than I did after I had completed all 4 levels of Pimsleur Spanish.<br><br>Learning Spanish Like Crazy has 2 levels and each level takes approximately one month to complete, at a rate of one lesson per day (they&rsquo;re just the right length: 25-30 minutes each). It&rsquo;s available as an audio MP3 download that is entirely digital and comes with written transcripts of all dialogue in pdf format, so that you can download it immediately and start learning, or it&rsquo;s available on CDs that you can purchase and have mailed to you at an additional cost.<br><br>Additionally, purchase of Learning Spanish Like Crazy includes access to a private forum on the LSLC website where you can ask instructors questions about Spanish and get help from and interact with other customers who have purchased LSLC and are themselves learning Spanish, probably at about the same level or higher than you are.<br><br>The few things I don&rsquo;t like about LSLC are as follows: it&rsquo;s almost entirely audio, so you&rsquo;re not going to get much reading/writing practice, but it does bill itself out as a course to help you SPEAK Spanish, which is what most people are far more interested in than reading/writing, and they also include written transcripts of everything actually spoken in the lessons, so you can always feel free to use that to follow along, check a word you didn&rsquo;t understand, or to improve your Spanish reading skills. ]]></description>
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<title>Five Of Europe&rsquo;s Most  Scenic Car Hire Drives</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Recreation_and_Leisure/Travel/five-of-europe-s-most-scenic-car-hire-drives.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Recreation_and_Leisure/Travel/five-of-europe-s-most-scenic-car-hire-drives.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 15 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ With a rental car you can always afford to take the scenic route. Europe offers some splendidly scenic trails that are a joy to explore with car hire.  As we spring into summer, you&rsquo;ll agree that this is the most pleasant, (if not the best) time of year to enjoy a good road trip. To celebrate the beauty of this season, we&rsquo;ve selected five of Europe&rsquo;s prettiest itineraries for you to experience nature at it&rsquo;s finest.<br><br>1. Romantic Road (Germany)<br><br>Travel agents invented the term ‘The Romantic Road&rsquo;, (Romantische Stra&#946;e) in the 1950s to describe a disarmingly beautiful 360km stretch of highway linking W&uuml;rzburg to F&uuml;ssen in the foothills of the Bavarian Alps. The medieval bell towers, elegant palaces and turreted walls that you encounter en route certainly conjure up images of fairytale knights and princesses. The road was originally a trade route during the Middle Ages and takes you through long forgotten countryside, knitting together walled towns and picturesque villages. The drive is worthwhile, if only to experience the novelty of entering a town through an arched gateway complete or stopping off to photograph historic guard towers. Once inside, you&rsquo;re free to discover Gothic cathedrals, half-timbered Fachwerk houses, and stunning Alpine views.<br><br>2. Ring of Kerry (Ireland)<br><br>The Ring of Kerry is one Ireland&rsquo;s most spectacular drive destinations. Such is the feeling of enchantment that you&rsquo;ll no doubt be imagining mythical heroes like Ch&uacute;calainn beating a path its glassy lakes and brooding mountains. The route encompasses a 170km circular road, which winds its way from Killarney to Killorglin, taking in the stunning sights of Kenmare, the Iveragh Peninsula, Sneem, Waterville and Cahirciveen along the way.<br><br>3. Ruta de los Pueblos Blancos (Spain)<br><br>Fearless bullfighters, gleaming cottages, zealous flamenco dancers-Andalusia&rsquo;s ‘road of the white villages&rsquo; offers drivers the chance to experience the essence of one of Spain&rsquo;s most beautiful regions. The most impressive sights along the route include the Castelar de la Frontera which was built in the 12th century. Seventy tightly packed houses are to be found within its walls, each a living museum of culture, tradition and good old-fashioned stoicism.<br><br>4. Chiantigiana Wine Route (Italy)<br><br>Situated in perennially popular Tuscany, the Chiantigiana Wine Route takes you through a landscape of picturesque villages and lush vineyards. Renowned for its red wine, spectacular views of patchwork scenery ensure that wine isn&rsquo;t the only thing you&rsquo;ll be drinking in. Chianti sits snugly between Florence and Siena. Both cities are famed for their beautiful artistic heritage and are well-worth exploring. Back on the Chiantigiana Wine Route you&rsquo;ll encounter an interesting landscape of wildly knotted chestnut woods and rugged hillside slopes.<br><br>5. Loire Valley (France)<br><br>Myriad whimsical castles, impressionist&rsquo;s landscapes and writer&rsquo;s muses make the Loire Valley one of the most enchanting places you&rsquo;ll ever visit. Travelling through this scenic landscape, you can&rsquo;t help but encounter some shiny nugget of history or other. Whether it&rsquo;s Jules Verne&rsquo;s House, Jean Proust&rsquo;s famous Guermantes Way or Claude Monet&rsquo;s favourite views, you&rsquo;ll find driving through the Loire Valley brings art and literature to life. ]]></description>
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<title>Finding The Perfect Crewed Charter Yachts</title>
<link>http://www.populate.net/Recreation_and_Leisure/Travel/finding-the-perfect-crewed-charter-yachts.html</link>
<guid>http://www.populate.net/Recreation_and_Leisure/Travel/finding-the-perfect-crewed-charter-yachts.html</guid>
<pubDate>Tue, 15 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Crewed Charter Yachts<br><br>Just imagine cruising the tropical seas aboard your own privately chartered yacht. If this has been a dream of yours that you would like to make a reality it is recommended that you first do some research. As with anything else word of mouth is always the best testament. If you have a business partner, friend, or family member that has chartered a yacht ask about their experience.<br><br>Count the Costs<br><br>There are a lot of charter companies and a huge variety of yachts available for charter. The prices are widely varied as well. A basic charter fee will include the use of the yacht and its equipment, crew salary and insurance. Additional expenses would depend upon your destination and number of guests. Some of these expenses would include the fuel, water, dockage, port and cruising taxes, mooring charges, shoreside power etc. There may be specific needs and requests that may increase your costs as well such as the food, wine, beverages, and flowers. Also, the additional cost of getting to the yacht&rsquo;s location may not be included.<br><br>Do Your Research<br><br>Most of these crewed charter yachts have websites. The website should have information on the various yachts they represent. A yacht&rsquo;s specifications and equipment will most likely be listed. You should charter a yacht that is a substantial ocean going vessel that can offer a high level of comfort and sea worthiness. The captain&rsquo;s names should be available with their resumes and those of the rest of the crew. Security is an important issue in today&rsquo;s world. Inquire what precautions they have taken and what type of security they provide. Medical situations could arise and you need to know how their company would handle an emergency situation. This should be an experience of a lifetime so you want to make sure all the bases are covered before you leave port.<br><br>Some other questions to consider: Where would you like to cruise? How long do you wish to cruise? How many guests? Will there only be adults or will children be aboard also? What type of recreational activities do you want to partake in? Do you or any of your guests have special dietary or physical needs? You want to choose the ideal yacht and crew to make exploring distant islands and tropical locations enjoyable and relaxing.<br><br>Enjoy Your Cruising Experience<br><br>Now that we have covered the necessary technical information here is what to expect onboard one of these crewed charter yachts. A typical day of cruising will include exploring private inlets and bays, swimming, fishing and snorkeling or maybe some waterskiing or racing with your friends on a jet ski. You may decide you just want to relax on a private beach improving your suntan. For a cultural experience there is always shopping in a quaint island village or collecting pieces of art from various ports of call.<br><br>After a day of water activities you may wish to relax in the salon with a refreshing cocktail and freshly prepared appetizers and watch TV or view a movie. For the evening meal you will be treated to a dinner that may include an international cuisine or perhaps, freshly caught fish by yours truly, prepared by a professionally trained chef. You may want to dine on the lido deck watching beautiful sunsets. You may choose to have your meal served in an elegantly decorated dining room of your beautiful charter yacht.<br><br>As long as you do your research and plan ahead you will not be disappointed with your decision to book a crewed charter yach ]]></description>
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