Cute Baby Pictures Contest!!! (Lots of Winners) Wednesday, December 29, 2010

fashionwithfifi.com How It Works: Each month Babiesonlie.com has a different theme. February's Theme is Baby in Red. The March Theme which is now open is Sleeping Beauties. To Enter simply follow these steps. Step 1- Click Here: Babies Online.com and create a web page for your baby (or belly) for free! It is easy to do so and you will receive a free sample bag of baby products and a physical coupon book towards lots of baby products just for doing so. Plus as a free member you get first dibs on coupons and Free Stuff, like Diapers, toys, tickets and more. Step 2- Enter into the Cute Baby Photo Contest. If you're having trouble finding the link on their site just on the link in step 2. You can also vote for other babies as well. That's it. Once you do that you're entered to win this: The Prizes: Grand Prize- Each month one grand prize winner will win A $50.00 Gift Certificate good towards the purchase of any product(s) at Amazon.com! Amazon.com has EVERYTHING you need for your pride and joy. And did you know you can create a wish list for your child and link it right from your baby's web page? That way friends and family around the world will be able to shop for exactly what you want from the privacy of their own home! After you create your free Babies Online page, log in to your Member Account today for step-by-step instructions on how! Preliminary Prize A (3 Winners)- $25 at Breyla.com Innovative, original design, children's clothing & accessories for parents including ...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwFRLbSPZJc&hl=en

Only The Lightest: Ultralight Backpacking With Kids Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Ultralight backpacking with kids helps you enjoy your time because you're carrying less and keeping it simple. Lightweight hiking with the kids is the perfect way to help them to begin to love the outdoors. Chapter 26 in a series of more than 30 videos. www.hikelight.com



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2TvOO50Ims&hl=en

Comfortable Sleep in a Bag Monday, December 27, 2010

Who would have thought a bag would make, by certain standards, as good a bed as that cozy, comfortable one in your bedroom. The idea of packing away your bed is captured in this invention which an Icelandic saga credits to a brave lady explorer named Freydís Eiríksdóttir who used a sail to keep her warm at nighttime.

The sleeping bag is essentially a blanket that you zip. Its convenience lies in its mobility and ease of packing. It is a light carry-on bed convenient for outdoor activities such as camping, hiking or even climbing.

For outdoor activities the key feature of the sleeping bag is its ability to provide thermal insulation. Designs for such purpose are weather-proofed. Materials such as wool used in some sleeping bags are resistant to water although its weight offers a drawback.

Designers have in mind several factors when it comes to their design among which are the "upper and lower temperature limit" which measures the highest and lowest temperature at which a comfortable sleep is achieved by a standard adult man. There is also the so-called "comfort rating", which is measured according to a standard adult woman's comfortable sleep. An "extreme rating" on the other hand is based on the plain survival comfort of a standard adult woman. All these are based on Europe's EN 13537 Standard.

When choosing a sleeping bag the temperature you expect to encounter is a key factor to consider. The shape may give a clue on which bag insulates better as in the case of a mummy-style bag. Also, the varied sizes of sleeping bags available allows the user to choose between having more room for movement, as in the case of a large bag; or being able to contain the heat generated within a small space - a comfort achieved by a smaller-sized bag. Your own tolerance to cold is also an internal, personal guide to your purchase.

Consider also the circumstances you anticipate when you use the bag. Certain questions must be entertained like whether or not you would be using it within a tent; what season of the year it is; how much load you are taking with you which would help you decide how much bag weight you can bear; or how much space you can afford for packing a sleeping bag.

A good buy means a comfortable rest after a day of outdoor fun. Such convenience is in tune with modern, this-day, active lifestyle age. The sleeping bag with its continually innovated designs fits right into an era of fast-foods, quick fixes, easy-to-open-cans and handy tools and gadgets. It is a relatively new trick for old hobbies. Talk about taking sleep wherever you go. After all, who says you can't have your bag and sleep on it too?

For more tips and information about sleeping bags, check out http://www.thekidstoystore.com/childrens-furniture-sleeping-bags.html

15 ways you know the world is falling to stupidity Saturday, December 25, 2010

15 ways to prove that the world will fall to stupidity: •On a Sears hairdryer -- Do not use while sleeping. •On a bag of Fritos -- You could be a winner! No purchase necessary. Details inside. •On a bar of Dial soap -- "Directions: Use like regular soap," •On some Swanson frozen dinners -- "Serving suggestion: Defrost." •On Tesco's Tiramisu dessert (printed on bottom) -- "Do not turn upside down." •On Marks & Spencer Bread Pudding -- "Product will be hot after heating." •On packaging for a Rowena iron -- "Do not iron clothes on body." •On Boot's Children Cough Medicine -- "Do not drive a car or operate machinery after taking this medication. •On Nytol Sleep Aid -- "Warning: May cause drowsiness." (and...I'm taking this because???....) •On most brands of Christmas lights -- "For indoor or outdoor use only." •On a Japanese food processor -- "Not to be used for the other use." (now, somebody out there, help me on this. I'm a bit curious) •On Sainsbury's peanuts -- "Warning: contains nuts." (thanks for clearing that up!!) •On an American Airlines packet of nuts -- "Instructions: Open packet, eat nuts." •On a child's Superman costume -- "Wearing of this garment does not enable you to fly." (I don't blame the company. I blame the parents for this one.) •On a Swedish chainsaw -- "Do not attempt to stop chain with your hands" (Oh my ..was there a lot of this happening somewhere?)



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RxNEVtiBZE&hl=en

Lol Milad struggling to get into his sleeping bag in Nepal Friday, December 24, 2010

Lol It was probably funnier at the time than how it appears on YouTube now. I think this was the same night we were woken by the Jinn.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apwfkzQTeN4&hl=en

Childrens Back Packs at Brianna's Bedding and Beyond Thursday, December 23, 2010

Our kids back packs are perfect for back to school, taking to Grandma's house or to a friends for a sleepover. Pair one of our kids back packs with a matching kids sleeping bag and get free shipping with code: CAMPFREE at Brianna's Bedding and Beyond now to Monday, July 12th!



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uuka3h0vYA&hl=en

Ree Kohl - The ballad of and old american warrior - Live at Macondo, Nov.27.10 Wednesday, December 22, 2010

The Ballad of an old American warrior (dedicated to George W. Bush) Music by Jordi Ricol / Lyrics by Jordi Ricol and Federico Navarro (April 2007) Mum now I'm coming home I've been in the war and I try to forget it Now it's a long way to go And a lonely road to start again * We saw the faces of fear Death was so near I cried when children died when we killed them all ** In my mind sounds my song About a long lonely road So I'm singing the ballad of an old American warrior George W. Bush spoken: American flames of the september th 11 Glory days of our lives Loving America when we were young But now we are rubbish bag with a bloody past Vietnam, Cuba and Irak * ** Pain is living in my dreams In my nightmares when I'm sleeping So I'm singing the ballad of an old American warrior



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTMK-Om-YHU&hl=en

Gurdjieffs crocodile story Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Crocodile explain: Transcript courtesy of Oramireally: Kathryn Hulme: [...] Gurdjieff: Her name is Crocodile? Children: Yes... Gurdjieff: And now everybody know... Solita Solano: [...] Gurdjieff: ...about this, eh... tears of crocodile expression, know everybody! And children which today perhaps don't know about this tear crocodile, but when grow, one year, two year after, will know. If they remember now what Crocodile explain such thing, [laughs] [...] Woman: Be suspicious... Gurdjieff: Not auspicious also, hahahahaha. Kathryn Hulme: But such children, four years old, can come alone over Atlantic... Solita Solano: Yes dear, we had that! [laughter] Gurdjieff: One book like this, one book like this, Snowidenje... metsjtanje (dream while awake) snowidenje (dream while sleeping), one book exist, understand? Jeanne de Salzmann: Le [...] De La Porte Grise. Man: What? Jeanne de Salzmann: Le Reve de la Porte Grise, le Reve de la Porte Grise. People: Oh, really? [...] Which writer? Gurdjieff: That's book I read. Very perhaps she read that book? [laughter] Why do anyone tell what even means crocodile? Because they never believe, never they considerer. Crocodile, that's, that's... smallest cunt! [laughs] Kathryn Hulme: Oh, home again! [laughter] Gurdjieff: Now children... Solita Solano: Now first time bad mentation. [laughs] Gurdjieff: Now children, what she told, never take exteriorement such. For life ambition and be sure you believe what she told and she's very kind and in ...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4_CeDPEyPk&hl=en

Calico Ghost Town Monday, December 20, 2010

California travel expert Veronica Hill of www.CaliforniaTravelExpert.com tours Calico Ghost Town in this episode of "California Travel Tips." Many of these abandoned mining communities, which thrived during the late 1800s, are now popular tourist attractions. Located 10 miles north of Barstow, Calico Ghost Town in Yermo was named for the rainbow-colored hills that produced one of the richest silver strikes in California history. This was a wild and wooly place with 22 saloons, its own red light district and several fine restaurants. The Calico Hotel, run by Mrs. EL Hazen, promised a generous welcome, first-class meals, and reasonable rates. (The original hotel is no longer standing) By 1887, there were 1200 people living in Calico. Children of local merchants and miners attended the one-room Calico School, which sometimes doubled for church service on Sundays. Back in 1885, school teachers made about $80-$100 a month and children played games like marbles, ball and bean bag toss. Plan on a full day to explore this historic ghost town. You can relax on a rocking chair, play a game of checkers on the porch, or enjoy some good-old fashioned gold panning. Around lunchtime, grab a cool Sarsparilla and lunch plate at the Calico House Restaurant, then tour the bath house, where you'll find antique tubs, a laundry press and old west kitchen. The Blacksmith shop is home to several antique tools and equipment. Along the East Calico Hiking Trail, you'll find unique cabins carved ...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njpg5_DHNp4&hl=en

Child Sleeping Bag - Should You Buy a Used Sleeping Bag? Sunday, December 19, 2010

If you've been thinking about saving some money and want to buy a used sleeping bag for your daughter or son, you might want to reconsider. Although it sounds like a good idea you may be putting your child at risk for all sorts of germs and organisms among other things they can pick up from a slumber bag.

The only time I can think of that would be an exception would be when one is handed down from an older brother or sister. The child has probably already been exposed to the same bacteria, viruses and other germs that the brother or sister has so that shouldn't be of as much concern and you know where the bag has been, although a new sleeping bag would be better.

So what could be the concern for a used sleeping bag? There can be past mold or mildew exposure that has been treated that you cannot see. You don't know where the bag has been and what it has picked up. You don't know if it's been sitting in a moldy basement, has been left outside or in a car trunk.

Perhaps the bag has been cleaned at a dry cleaners. There may be residue left in the bag that you cannot see or smell that your child will be breathing in. With their face so close on the bag liner they would be getting a big whiff of chemical residue.

There are likely germs- like bacteria and possibly viruses, still present on the bag. These may be new ones your child hasn't been exposed to. Some bacteria can live for a long time. The added fact that you can't see them doesn't help.

How about dust mites? Dust mites would love the bag environment. If the bag has been used in the house a lot during summer or at other times, it will likely have picked up some dust mites somewhere. The dust mites leave droppings that you cannot see. And many kids are allergic to dust mite droppings. They are hard to get rid of because they require very hot water to kill them. And bags are seldom washed if at all.

No matter how clean or good the bag looks there are likely to be some problems that cannot be seen with the human eye. Play it safe and buy a new child sleeping bag. They're relatively cheap and you can find many good sleeping bags for less than $20.

Girl sleeping bag - for more info on how to save money on a girl sleeping bag, my reviews, the best bags, materials, prices, what you need to know and look out for before you buy the best girl sleeping bag go to: http://www.GirlSleepingBag.org

Thinking About New Careers? Saturday, December 18, 2010

If you're one of the lucky ones, you chose your career early on in life and you enjoy what you do. Not everybody is that lucky. If you ever hate what you might have chosen, or fell into some thing and would like to get out, you may have to feel about new careers and selections that might do the job far better to suit your needs. There are several other men and women around just like you that made a bad option and wish to move on. Don't feel as if you might have to stay where you're just due to the fact you may have very good pay and benefits. If you really feel like you are able to not go on an additional day as you are, look for what is going to make your heart sing.

There are numerous ways to go about looking into new careers that it's possible you'll like much more than what you currently have, even if you could have no idea what may make you happy. Typically, finding out what you wish to do is the hardest part of starting new careers and a new life. At times, what we appreciate to accomplish in our off time tells us all that we need to know about what we should be doing in a career. Should you appreciate to play video games, for example, you may not consider there's a job for that. Did you know you can go to school to learn how to create them? There is certainly often one thing in existence no matter what you like.

If you appreciate children, you will come across new careers in helping or teaching them. The field of childcare is wide open, and also you don't must do the job in a daycare center to find a good job. You are able to should you wish, but you possibly can operate in quite a few other places. You can function just about anywhere that children come to or attend. You can even go back to school to be a teacher. Younger youngsters are additional fun than teenagers, at least quite a few consider, but teaching teenagers may be just as rewarding. Follow what you really feel will be the most fulfilling to suit your needs.

Those that adore to cook could find new careers in gonna school to become a chef or a baker. Those that love to run or workout could come across do the job as a individual trainer at a gym. See what makes you passionate in your individual life and you are able to most likely discover a thing inside employment force that would make new careers in your case. Are you creative? The world for creative individuals is wide open. You could write, paint, teach, or take photographs. Even in the event you don't make as much funds, you will be planning to be far happier, and believe it or not, that's what really counts within the end.

Still not sure about new careers and alternatives? Appear for an on the internet test that may support point you in the right direction, or go to a local temp agency and sign up. The test can point you towards new careers that fit who you might be as a person. You possibly can sign up to do the job at temp agencies and try all kinds of diverse jobs. You might find that some thing you thought would be great for you is not what you want, or that anything you never thought you would enjoy brings you joy. It's all about producing a change after taking a chance on yourself.

Find out more about the author in:

Contemporary Table Lamps.

Childrens Sleeping Bags.

Tips on How to Select the Best Childrens Sleeping Bags Friday, December 17, 2010

When buying childrens sleeping bags, it is important to choose carefully which one is best for your children. You must make some considerations before making a purchase. These types of bags are available in different sizes, shapes and designs that you can choose from. They also vary in features and prices.

Even though there are a wide variety of choices that you can select from, don't worry about not finding the best one for there are ways to help you do so. You just have to know a few things first before considering some factors. You must know your children's needs and preferences and for what purpose these sleeping bags are to be used. Here the things that you need to consider in purchasing one.

1. Make sure that the sleeping bag's size is just right for your children. Buying ones that are too small can make your kids uncomfortable when sleeping and may not be enough to cover their entire bodies. If you choose ones that are also too big, the extra space can cause problems to your children when they are asleep. For this reason, it is always best to choose just the right size.

2. Another consideration that you need to make is the warmth of the sleeping bag. Make sure it can provide the warmth that your children need while they are sleeping. Check the fabric that the sleeping bag is made of, is it thick enough to keep your child warm during cold nights? This is something that you should ponder on.

3. You should also determine the type of season of sleeping bag you are planning to buy. Is it the two season bag that your children need or the four season type of bag? Two season bags are highly advisable for fair or good weather whereas four season sleeping bags are for bad or extreme weather conditions.

4. Know the purpose that the bags are to be used for. Are they going to be used for outdoor activities like camping or just for sleepovers held at your home? Doing so can help you determine whether it is an indoor type that you should purchase or an outdoor type.

5. Choose ones that are not difficult to wash and care for. Take time to read the manual that goes with them to know how to care properly for the product. If it doesn't come with a manual, read the tag that is attached.

If you follow all the tips mentioned above, you will surely find the best one for your children. Not only will you keep your kids happy but you can also help them sleep comfortably at night wherever they may be.

When I was looking for kids sleeping bags for my 4 kids, we had to choose carefully because each one of them likes different cartoon characters. When we go camping, my kids are always nice and cozy in their favorite bags.

PEACE FOR THE CHILDREN OF THE WORLD - Jean Béliveau Thursday, December 16, 2010

PEACE FOR THE CHILDREN OF THE WORLD On August 18th, 2000, at 9:00 am, Jean Béliveau left Montreal, Canada. His goal is to walk around the planet to promote "Peace and non-violence to the profit of the children of the world". He is travelling alone with a three wheeled stroller to carry a bit of food, his clothing, a First Aid kit, a small tent and a sleeping bag. Jean plans to walk across all the continents, from North America to South America, then across to South Africa, up to Europe, then the Middle East, South and Eastern Asia, Australia, New Zealand and finally back to Canada. This journey will take 11 years to complete which is in accordance with the United Nations proclamation: 2001-2010 - International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-violence for the Children of the World



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ltjrvgel-EY&hl=en

Camping Tips - How To Stay Dry While Camping Tuesday, December 14, 2010

As we start the new camping season its always good to review some tips on keeping dry. Nothing makes a campout more unbearable than getting your gear all soggy! Although most people camp during the summer months when it's warm and dry there are times during the season when you will get rain. But, fear not! Here are some tips to staying dry that I have learned from my 25+ years camping with the Boy Scouts.

TIP #1

o Did you use seam sealer on your tent? Remember to seal all tent seams on an annual basis. Purchase some "fresh" sealer from a sporting goods or camping store. During your first outing in the spring, re-seal all your seams with a liberal amount of sealer.

TIP #2

o Are you putting a ground sheet or cloth under your tent when you camp? It's not just enough to put the ground sheet under the tent, you've got to tuck the edges under the tent so when it rains the water will not collect on the ground sheet and run under the tent. :-(

So, if your rain fly is installed correctly, the seam sealer holding and the ground sheet properly tucked under the tent you should be go to go! - at least from moisture getting into your tent.

TIP #3

o When inside the tent during a rainstorm, make sure your gear, sleeping bags, mattress, etc. are not touching the tent walls. Why? Well, the tent walls and rain fly are designed to deflect the water droplets off the tent and onto the ground. If you upset this design by putting your pack, sleeping bag or other gear against the wall, water will pool and soak through the tent wall!

I learned this the hard way! I was in a small tent and didn't realize that my sleeping bag was resting against the tent wall. During the night it rained and I slept through it. In the morning I had a wet spot at the foot of my sleeping bag and a puddle on the floor of my tent. :-(

TIP #4

o When you enter the tent after being out in the rain, take off your wet clothes and put them in a corner or at the front of your tent with your wet shoes. Some tents have a small vestibule that is ideal for this. By using this tip, you will "localize" all your wet gear and keep the other gear dry.

TIP #5

o Bring rain gear or a poncho. Ya, I know that sounds pretty obvious, but you'd be surprised at how many campers are ill prepared for rain. You can get a $2 poncho at Target that will keep most of the rain out. I have a lightweight rain suit, top and pants that I found to be a lifesaver a number of times. In a pinch, you can take a large, green garbage bag; cut three holes in it for your head and arms and it will keep you dry too! I know, my son does it all the time. He's so fashionable! :-)

If you are prepared and follow these Tips you can enjoy even the most inclement of camping days. It can be fun to be inside the tent play a card game or reading a good book while you listen to the pitter, patter of the rain on your tent. Make some hot chocolate, tea or soup and enjoy!

Tim Dales, author of “Discover the Secrets of Family Camping Without Breaking the Bank!” reveals the tips and techniques that he has learned from over 25 years of camping and hiking as a Boy Scout, camping with his own family and as a Scoutmaster, leading Scouts on campouts. This book is chock full of camping secrets that will make any campout a success. For more information go to: http://www.thecampingguy.com

A percentage of the proceeds from the sale of the book will go the Boy Scouts of America to assist with their great Scouting programs around the world.

A Robsten Story Ep.13 Season.4.wmv Monday, December 13, 2010

Ep.13 Season.4 OK! i am not good a writing like court cases so just bare with me! if you dont like it i am really sorry! *That Saturday* Kristen-*Standing outside with Ashley and Nikki* Ashley-I cant believe you are gonna go through this! Nikki-I know, are you sure you wanna do this!? Kristen-yeah, i am sure. Ashley-Well, you better be, becuase its time to go in.. Kristen-Already!? Ashley-yep! Nikki-come on, lets go in.. Kristen-Wait! Have you seen,Rob? Ashley-up, nope. i havent seen him yet.. Kristen-Oh,ok..*starts to walk in with the girls. Sits next to her lawyer while the girls sit behind her with kellan and jackson* Kellan-hey, wheres rob? Nikki-we dont know.. Judge-This is the divorce case between Mrs.Kristen Stewart and Mr.Robert Pattinson. KristensLawyer-Yes, you're honor. Judge-And where is Mr.Pattinson? Rob-Right here..*walks in* Kristen-*turns around to see him* Rob-*walks in and sits next to his lawyer without looking at kristen* Kristen-*Looks forward* Judge-Ok, now lets begin..*Gets paperwork* So 3 children, am i right. Kristen-Yes, and one on the way... Judge-How far along? Kristen-1 month on monday... Judge-Ok..*Looks at the paper work* Mrs.Stewart? Kristen-yes? Judge-Are you keeping or changing you're last name? Kristen-Uhm, i have decided to..keep..his last name.. Rob-*smiles a little* Judge-Ok. So lets discuss. Mrs. Stewart would you please stand and discuss everything. Kristen-Ok..*stands up* *Both Kristen and Rob,argue their case before the judge. The ...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znAzQXPjR64&hl=en

The Best Camping in North Texas Thursday, December 9, 2010

One of the great things about Texas camping is that you can go pretty much any time of the year. Since winter weather is normally pretty mild this allows you to fit in a few extra camping trips while your buddies up north are hunkered down trying to stay warm. Again this year, at more than 70 state parks, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is waiving fishing license requirements for families as part of their Family Fishing Celebration. This ongoing promotion has really been nice for families and is designed to encourage more people to get out and enjoy fishing. So on your next camping trip, be sure and take along your fishing gear, and enjoy some fun times fishing with your kids.

There are many great camping sites in Texas. In fact, just counting state parks there are over 70 parks to choose from.This short article briefly describes some of the best camping spots in North Texas. Each of these campsites is just a short drive from the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, and should provide great fun for you, your family, and friends.

Bonham State Park - A 261 acre park located in Fannin County, a little over an hour northeast of Dallas. The park includes a 65 acre man-made lake, rolling prairies, and woodlands. Near the lake, there is a nice playground for children, and a large grassy area for throwing frisbees or playing ball. It also has a good swimming area.

Cedar Hill State Park - This 1826 acre park is located on Joe Pool Lake. It features over 350 mostly wooded campsites. Most of these are good sized and shade shelters cover some of the picnic tables. If you are into boating or water sports, this park is a good choice. It is located just south of Dallas near Cedar Hill, Texas.

Eisenhower State Park - A 423 acre park located in Grayson County. This park has much to offer, and is just a little over an hour north of Dallas up Highway 75. Situated on beautiful Lake Texoma, on the Texas-Oklahoma state line, this park has many nice campsites and provides a wide range of fun family activities.

Lake Mineral Wells State Park - A 3282 acre park that encompasses Lake Mineral Wells. The park is located between Ft. Worth and Mineral Wells just west of the metroplex. Swimming, fishing, boating, rock climbing, mountain biking, and horseback riding are just some of the fun activities available when camping at this park. Check the park website for the latest details.

Texas is blessed with many nice camping areas. I have mentioned just a few here, but there are many more all around the state. All of the parks listed here are just a short drive from Dallas/Ft. Worth. Be ready to load up, and jump in your car after work on Friday, so that you can be set up and relaxing around a roaring campfire just a few hours later. I hope that your family enjoys camping as much as we do. Be sure and be safe on your trip, and have fun camping in Texas!

About the author:
Rich Herman loves the outdoors and camping with his family. For camping tips, camping checklists, and information on camping grounds all across America, visit his website: http://www.FavoriteFamilyVacations.com

Child Labour: A Day in the Life Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Vulnerable children are open to exploitation that knows no borders. The huge wage gap between Eastern and Western Europe has led to increased migration and a rise in trafficking. However change is on its way. This reality may be bleak but improvements have been made. With enough time, effort, and the will to succeed these children can look forward to a brighter future. Produced in 2006 by the International Labour Organization.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mn8chUKrdsA&hl=en

Buying a Sleeping Bag Tuesday, December 7, 2010

There are many things to consider when buying a sleeping bag. In this article, I will give an overview of what to look for in a sleeping bag, and offer tips on which type of bag is best for your needs.

Season & temperature rating - The first thing to consider when looking at sleeping bags is to ask yourself when will you be using it the most. Are you a year round camper, or just get out on the occasional long weekend over the summer months? Bags are typically good for either summer, 3 season, or winter camping. It is a good idea to buy a bag that has a rating of a few degrees colder than you expect to ever be camping in.

Fill - The fill has a large impact on the performance of the bag and its weight. The two types of fill are down and synthetic.

* Down: Down is a great natural insulator. It is lightweight and very durable. Down bags will be more expensive than synthetic bags, but have a much longer life ( 3 - 5 times longer). The downside of down bags (no pun intended) is that they lose insulation when wet, so it is crucial you keep them as dry as possible. A vapour barrier liner (discussed below) can help with this. When looking at down bags you should look at the 'fill power', a number from 400 - 750. A higher rating will give you better warmth for the same weight.
* Synthetic: These vary in weight and durability. Generally the more loft and durability of a synthetic bag, the heavier it is. The advantage of synthetic bags over down is a lower cost, and their ability to retain heat when wet. On longer back country journeys where it may not be possible to keep the bag dry, a synthetic may be preferred.

Loft - The loft is the puffiness or thickness of the bag and is directly related to the temperature rating of the bag. The more loft, the warmer the bag and also the more weight. Down provides the best loft for weight.

Shell / Fabric - Fabric should be durable and light. The thread count is typically the best measure of fabric quality. Nylon and polyester are typically used, as they are durable, somewhat water resistant, and still breathable. If you are going to be camping a lot where it may be hard to keep the bag dry, look into a Gore-Tex or Dryloft fabric, which are more waterproof.

Volume - The size of your bag when packed will be something to consider for back country camping when you have limited space in your back pack. Compression bags can help reduce the volume, especially with down fill bags.

Weight - Also important to consider for back country camping, and again, down bags will typically be lighter weight than synthetic fill.

Style - There are 3 styles of sleeping bags: mummy, barrel, and rectangular. The shape of the bag affects how comfortable it is, how well it retains heat, and how well it will compress.

* Mummy bags: are designed to save weight and retain heat. They are tapered at the feet, wider at the shoulders, and have a rounded hood for the head. The downside to mummy bags is that some people find them claustrophobic, and you are unable to open them up all the way to create a blanket because of the way the zipper ends around the shin area.
* Barrel bags: are a hybrid between mummy and rectangular bags. They have no hood, and are a little roomier, but still somewhat tapered.
* Rectangular bags: are...well rectangular. They are very roomy, and as such don't provide the best warmth to weight. They are bulkier than other bags and let a lot of body heat escape. They are best suited for warmer weather camping, and not typically recommended for most back country camping. On the plus side they are a lot cheaper than other bags.

Other features - A few other features that you may want to consider.

* Hood: around 40% of body head escapes through the head. A hood is a great feature to help retain that heat.
* Neck yoke: some bags have a 'collar' type feature that will contour around your neck and shoulders to further retain heat.
* Zipper and draft tube: zippers can be on the left or right, depending on whether you are left or right handed for ease of opening and closing. More importantly, if you are going to be zipping two bags together, make sure one is a left zipper and the other a right. The draft tube is a tube that runs along the back side of the zipper to retain heat.
* Length: This is a no-brainer, but bags come in different sizes. Get one you will fit into!

Other factors - So, you've read this whole article, gone out and purchased a great bag for your needs. Now there are a few other things that will factor into its performance:

* Sleeping pad: These are necessary, and temperature rating systems assume you have a decent sleeping pad.
* Vapour barrier liners (VBL): Best used in sub-zero temperatures, a VBL fits inside the sleeping bag to stop heat loss. These can add 5 - 10 degrees C to your bag's temperature rating.
* Overbags: Work to reduce the amount of condensation your bag collects, thus keeping the inner fill dryer and warmer. These, like VBLs, can add 5 - 10 degrees to your bag's temperature rating.
* Clothing: Wearing fleece clothing, long underwear and a toque are great ways to stay even warmer on cold nights.

By now you should have a good understanding of what to look for in a sleeping bag, and what will help you avoid waking up, teeth chattering, in the middle of the night!

Article by Karl Woll @ http://www.outdoorvancouver.ca

Children's Beds - Creative and Imaginative Fun Monday, December 6, 2010

After a long, busy day it is a treat to be able to lie down in bed and get some much needed rest. For us adults the number one requirement for a bed is basically its comfort level. Why do you think there are so many different variations of beds on the market? We all want to be comfortable when we curl up to sleep, or simply relax back in bed and watch a movie. Children also care if they are comfortable in bed. Sure the mattress should be soft and inviting, but children's beds also must come equipped with some extra flair. For example, a little girl of the young age of seven may jump for joy if she got to sleep in a bed designed like a doll's house. And on the other hand, a little boy between the age of five and ten might shout out in excited if he got to sleep in a bed that's designed like a spaceship.

Children's bedroom furniture can and should be made to capture children's imagination. It doesn't matter if the child is a year-old or twelve, heck even thirteen and fourteen year-olds can have imaginative furniture. Well, thirteen and fourteen may be a stretch, but I'm sure a girl who is fourteen would love a bedroom designed after a volley ball court, or any other interest she may have. The reality is children are the only people who can have beds and bedroom furniture designed to bring out their imaginations... Seriously, imagine if a forty year-old man had a bed made to look like a rocket ship. What would you think of him? Would you laugh or at least think something is strange about a grown man sleeping in a rocket ship? Of course you would! It'll be the natural thing to do, but children can pull off sleeping in a rocket ship with ease. In fact, if you saw children's beds made to appear like racing cars or flowers, you may think "geez, that is so creative." And I would have a similar reaction as well.

Imagination goes hand in hand with childhood. It is what makes children learn and develop their creative instincts. So the next time you're in the market for bedroom furniture for your child, do your child a favour and purchase bedroom furniture that inspires and nurtures his/hers creativity. Your child will love you forever for it.

There are many kids that would appreciate and benefit from a fun bed with a theme that means something to them. Visit Room to Grow to browse an extensive range of quality children's bedroom furniture.

Babystyle Lux 3 in 1 Travel System Bubble Black Chrome/Black - Kiddicare Sunday, December 5, 2010

Babystyle Lux 3 in 1 Travel System Bubble Black Chrome/Black Air Tyres Description A perfect beginning for your new bundle of joy, the Babystyle Lux 3 in 1 for 2009 comes as a complete package. The carrycot is the ideal environment for your child’s early months. And as your child grows the fully reclining seat unit offers rear or forward facing positions and will protect from the elements through the hood and apron. The Lux 3 in 1 comprises of a colour coordinating fleece lined footmuff, Changing Bag and Parasol and a classis fully sprung chassis. Any of the Lux can be simply transformed into a versatile travel system with the addition of the adaptor and Matching car seat included within this package Features: Complete with fleece-lined footmuff, changing bag (with changing mat) and parasol Matching BabyStyle car seat & adaptor (included) Footmuff zips off to create summer seat liner Adjustable multi position carrycot sit-up backrest Removable and washable carrycot liner Ventilated carrycot base Front or rear facing pushchair seat 5 point safety harness Ventilated hood Chrome Chassis Large shopping basket Dual position harness for growing children "Easy-click" seat/carrycot locking mechanism Multi position reclining seat unit, lies flat Adjustable footrest Height adjustable handle Quick release wheels Choice of wheel designs High quality safety mattress Weights and Dimensions: Seat area W31 x D27cm Sleeping area (lay flat seat) W31 x L60cm Handle height 70 to 110cm ...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nn5E0fBqTQQ&hl=en

How to Choose the Best Children's Bed Friday, December 3, 2010

Choosing your children's bed can be an exciting but not easy decision to make. First, you have to bear in mind what type of bed you are looking for or what you prefer for them. You have to consider a choice of factors when buying a new bed.

Regardless of what of type of bed you are looking for your children, you have to consider the major factor - their safety. You have to ensure that bed safety rails are installed to avoid your child from falling onto the floor while in the middle of the night. This may cause broken bones or worst, severe brain damage. Safety rails are easy to install and are inexpensive and provides safety that nothing else can. There is a wide range of safety bed rails available, ranging from softer pillow type rails, to actual bed railings you install on their bed. Just make sure to get the actual size of your child's bed so that the bed rail will fit your child's bed effectively and securely because a bed rail that does not fit as it should be will not perform the job it is supposed to, no matter how appealing it looks. You may also purchase bed safety rails in pairs so that both sides are guarded if your child's bed is in the center of the room.

Another consideration in buying children's bed is by choosing a good mattress. Selecting a high-quality mattress is also very important as it supports and appeases the bodies of your little angels. Having a soft and comfortable mattress ensures a sound sleep for your children that will help them grow better and enjoy the benefits of sleeping to over-all health and well-being. Good quality mattress also ensures your children do not suffer from back pains and discomfort. So before you select any type of bed, just make sure to buy a good quality mattress to give your kids a sound and good night sleep. Of course, a good night's sleep is also important for the adults, so if you are lacking sleep yourself or waking up with aches and pains then maybe you should consider buying a new mattress for your bed as well. It will make you feel energized and alert the next day.

Your child's bedroom and the space available also play an important role in selecting the kind of bed you want for your child. The area of the bedroom determines the height for the type of bed you have short listed. Bunk beds, cabin beds or loft beds are being considered for bedrooms which are small. They not only take less space but also provides perfect place for your child to play, study and sleep. The age of your child is also another important factor to think about when selecting a bed. Generally any child below 5 years of age should not sleep in an upper bunk bed.

Color design of your children's bed also plays a significant role to entice your children to enjoy their bedroom surroundings and helps in stimulating your child's imagination. Beautiful and theme based bedrooms should be in harmony with the color scheme of bedroom, but we have to keep in mind that kid's options and preference change as they grow up. So when buying a bed according to modern trends of your child go for a cheaper bed so that you can replace it afterward when your child grows up and have diverse preferences and choices.

Unfortunately, many children still resist their bedtime and parents have to spend hours trying to put a child to bed before he finally falls asleep. That is why having a nice and colorful bed and bedroom will help both the child and the parents enjoy the healthy benefits of sleeping!

Buy furniture online at United House. Specialising in modern and classic designed leather lounge suites, wicker outdoor furniture, outdoor table and chairs, timber furniture, children's bed, wooden furniture and more.

It's A Clock-The New Clock For Children. (www.childrens-clock-shop.com) Thursday, December 2, 2010

See more at www.childrens-clock-shop.com The it's a clock is the new clock which helps children to understand how to tell the time. The 3d bubble globe design and the movement of the hands help kids to learn to tell the time and to judge the passing of time. Each itsaclock comes with pictures detailing daily activities which can be placed around the circumference of the dome to signify when it is time to carry out the activities. SRP is £49.95 but a Christmas offer is currently in place of £39.95 from www.childrens-clock-shop.com



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qz__w2gHmGc&hl=en

Worm Race Wednesday, December 1, 2010

5 students and their guidance counsellor set up and participate in a "worm race". A race in which the participants get into their sleeping bags, and race as worms. !express# !metadata#!version#v1.0.r251!/version#!format#1.001!/format#!totalTime#27906!/totalTime#!width#400!/width#!height#300!/height#!maxSceneSize#259868!/maxSceneSize#!clientPublishTime#Mon Jun 25 12:02:24 GMT 0300 2007!/clientPublishTime# !/metadata# !scenes#!scene# !asset path="www.youtube.com type="ImageContent"#!stamp time="0"# !mute#false!/mute# !render#!ty#30!/ty#!tx#40!/tx#!c#0!/c#!a#1!/a#!d#1!/d#!b#0!/b# !/render# !position#0!/position# !display#true!/display# !volume#0.75!/volume#!/stamp#!stamp time="3000"# !display#false!/display#!/stamp# !/asset# !asset path="www.youtube.com type="CaptionContent"#!stamp time="0"# !color#16777215!/color# !display#true!/display# !face#Mesquite!/face# !text#What happens when...!/text# !render#!ty#77.80000000000001!/ty#!tx#98.7!/tx#!c#0!/c#!a#1.755467176437378!/a#!d#1.755467176437378!/d#!b#0!/b# !/render# !z#2!/z#!/stamp#!stamp time="3000"# !display#false!/display#!/stamp# !/asset# !asset path="www.youtube.com type="TransitionContent"#!stamp time="0"# !direction#stop!/direction# !duration#0!/duration# !display#false!/display# !z#5!/z#!/stamp#!stamp time="2000"# !direction#forward!/direction# !duration#1000!/duration# !display#true!/display#!/stamp#!stamp time="3000"# !direction#reverse!/direction# !duration#1001!/duration# !display#true!/display#!/stamp#!stamp time ...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwxPTChBZxo&hl=en

How to Put up a Tent : Rolling Up a Tent After Camping: Free Online Camping Guide Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Learn how to roll up a dome tent after campingexplained by a camping and backpacking expert in this free online camping guide. Expert: Brian Rajchel Bio: Brian Rajchel leads more than three camping/wildlife group excursions per year. He teaches children and adults tips and techniques for successful outdoors adventure. Filmmaker: Nolen Quinn



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXR0lpX8vQI&hl=en

Camping Do's and Don'ts Monday, November 29, 2010

Going on a camping trip can be a lot of fun. It is an activity that provides challenge and thrill, especially to those who have become too accustomed to the city life. If you are a first-time camper, then here are the basic camping dos and don'ts that you need to remember:

* First is, of course, to be prepared. Make a checklist of the camping gears that you need to bring like the tents, clothes, flashlights, and food. Make sure that all your equipment are in good condition. Pack them all in a hiking bag, keeping the essentials like water and first aid kit on top of the pile so that you can easily access them when needed.

* Never go camping alone. This will be too much of a danger for you. Go in groups to make sure that someone will help you in case of medical emergencies. It is better to hire a guide who knows the area so that you can avoid getting into dangerous situations.

* Set up camp in an area that isn't too dark to move around in. If you are in a campsite, it is better to stay close to a neighbor so that in case of emergencies, you can easily get help. Put up your portable lamps or set up a campfire. This will provide you with enough illumination and, at the same time, will give you warmth during the night.

* If you see wild animals like bears or even snakes, remember not to go near them. It is best to stay still so as not to provoke them or else, they might attack you. Watch out for hives, too. If you accidentally poke one, you might end up getting stung. It is also important not to pick flowers or plants as they sometimes can be poisonous.

* Put out your campfire after use. Leaving it burning, especially if you are going to sleep, may mean real danger not only to you, but to the whole campsite. Splash it with water, making sure that it is totally put out. This way, you'll be able to prevent any fire accidents from occurring.

* Do not litter. Pick up all your garbage and keep them in a trash bag. Bring it with you when you leave or throw it on the designated dump sites. You arrived at a clean campsite, so be respectable and remember to leave it clean.

Find out what kind of sleeping bags you are going to need for you and your family. Visit Wades new sleeping bags kids website and read a few reviews about childrens sleeping bags and what makes them so different than adults.

Swing Sets, Sand Boxes, and See Saws Make Great Outdoor Play Sunday, November 28, 2010

Summer is coming up and your children will be looking for fun activities to do and things to keep them busy. You can be prepared for the long summer days by investing in some fun outdoor activities. With lots of activities and things to play with, your backyard will be the hit of the neighborhood. All of the kids will come running, and your little ones will love having the following in their yard:

Swing Sets

These days residential swing sets come with all the fixings. They have tube slides, wave slides, fireman poles, rock climbing walls, and rope ladders. Some even include trapeze bars, where your kids can pretend to be acrobats. There are also telescopes, periscopes, steering wheels, and Tic-Tac-Toe panels that you can get on your unit. Some units also have forts that little ones can hide out in and picnic tables underneath to play games on. Whether you invest in wooden swing sets or metal swing sets, your children will love playing on their own jungle gym in their back yard. It is a great way for them to stay active and use up all their extra energy this summer. It's also a great investment, as they will be able to use it for many years to come. Some are even maintenance-free!

Sand Boxes

Sand boxes are another great activity your children will love playing with this summer. They can pretend they are at the beach or the lake and make castles. Little ones can use their pails and shovels to create the perfect one. They can also bury sea shells and toys, and then have fun digging them up. Toddlers can play with their toy dump trucks in it, pretending to be construction workers. Sand boxes are fun for all and allow children to use their imagination. Sand boxes these days come in all shapes and sizes, including hexagons, squares, and boat shapes. Some even have tents over them to protect your little ones from the sun's rays as they play.

See Saws

See Saws are another great summer toy that your children will love playing on. This is especially great if you have more than one child in the family, as see saws take two people to operate. Your children will love taking turns going up and down on the wonderful toy. Some see saws even rotate, so your children will gently spin as they rise up and come down. See saws come in a variety of materials these days, including steel tubing and wood. They are designed for comfort and for safety. Most are recommended for those 3 and up, since they have to have enough leg strength to power the unit.

If your child tires of playing outside, there are some great indoor activities they can take part in including coloring, drawing, reading books, or rolling out their sleeping bags in the living room and watching a movie. Whatever activity they choose they will be sure to have a blast this summer.

Jennifer Boris is a freelance copywriter. For more information on Swing Sets, visit Best Price Toys.

Christmas Tradition - Children's Christmas Pajamas Saturday, November 27, 2010

Each family develops its own unique holiday traditions. Christmas is the one season with some traditions passed on from generation to generation while others are born out of a desire to do something new and meaningful to their family unit. Family traditions make happy Christmas memories for young and old. For many people, the food associated with the event is just as important a memory as the event itself for instance pizza to snack on while trimming the tree.

Whatever you choose, consider making it a tradition each year to enjoy the same snack or meal while making your home festive for the holiday. One of the traditions at our house that has extended to the third generation is our Christmas morning menu always revolves around oyster soup and Christmas bread...before gifts are opened.

New Christmas pajamas is another tradition that evokes good memories and adorable pictures. If gifts are opened Christmas morning, let the children open one gift Christmas Eve - the new Christmas pajamas. Consider having a slumber party while waiting for Santa! Dress everyone in a new pair of Christmas pajamas and play games, sing Christmas carols, or watch Christmas movies during your Christmas Eve festivities.

Another tradition the children (in their holiday pajamas) will enjoy, is making and decorating homemade cookies to leave out for Santa and his reindeer. Package the extras in pretty containers to deliver to friends and family on Christmas day. Children love to "camp out" so consider sleeping in sleeping bags in front of the Christmas tree one night. Munch on snacks, leave the lights on all night, and make a special memory!

There are fabulous fabrics - fleece, velore, flannel and other fabrics available that make wonderful children's Christmas pajamas. You might want to start a new Christmas tradition and take advantage of some spare time during the summer. It's a proud moment when you can check something off your holiday 'to-do list' long before the stress and pressure of the holidays hit and you can look forward to the pictures of the children in their new Christmas pajamas that you made for them.

Here is a great resource:for adorable, bargain Christmas pajamas: [http://www.squidoo.com/bargainchristmaspajamasforchildren] Make Christmas pajamas a tradition in your house!

Bargain Christmas Pajamas for Children [http://www.squidoo.com/bargainchristmaspajamasforchildren]

Regret ep. 2 Friday, November 26, 2010

10 comments! :) ________________ Later That Day.... Selena fell asleep in her lifegaurds stand. Which was probably not a good thing for the lifequard to be sleeping on the job. "Boo" Joe said as he jumped in her face. Selena didn't move. He shook her until he she woke up. "Whoa what are you doing" Selena said when she opened her eyes. "Joey who is this" the blonde girl from earlier said in a snotty voice "Uh Tay this is Selena" Joe said giving her the be-nice-or-else look. "Hi" Selena said nicely "Uhh hi" Taylor said in that stuck up tone. Basically she always talked like that. Joe sat down "So fun job huh?" he laughed teasing her. Selena groaned "You have no idea" "Actually I do. I work her too I just have today off" Joe said Taylor looked at her watch, she was annoyed "Joey can we go!" "Geez Tay. Cool it" Joe said, he was so laid back unlike her "Fine then I'll be over there tanning!" Taylor said stomping off. "Wow" Selena said under her breath "I know she can be a brat sometimes but she's really sweet too" Joe said trying to make it seem like being Taylor's boyfriend was fun. "Mhm. I bet" Selena said unconvincingly "So do you work again tomorrow" Joe asked. "Yup. All I get is weekends off " Selena said "Why are you here all summer anyway?" Joe said like it was some huge secret "My moms making me spend all summer with my dad" She said. "So no chance of you staying here for the school here" Joe said smiling. He was such an obvious flirt. "You wish" she laughed and smiled ...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sf0KCYaVTr0&hl=en

Babystyle Bubble Pink Carrycot on LUX Chassis - Kiddicare Thursday, November 25, 2010

Babystyle Lux 3 in 1 Travel System Bubble Pink Chrome/Black Air Tyres Description A perfect beginning for your new bundle of joy, the Babystyle Lux 3 in 1 for 2009 comes as a complete package. The carrycot is the ideal environment for your child’s early months. And as your child grows the fully reclining seat unit offers rear or forward facing positions and will protect from the elements through the hood and apron. The Lux 3 in 1 comprises of a colour coordinating fleece lined footmuff, Changing Bag and Parasol and a classis fully sprung chassis. Any of the Lux can be simply transformed into a versatile travel system with the addition of the adaptor and Matching car seat included within this package Features: Complete with fleece-lined footmuff, changing bag (with changing mat) and parasol Matching BabyStyle car seat & adaptor (included) Footmuff zips off to create summer seat liner Adjustable multi position carrycot sit-up backrest Removable and washable carrycot liner Ventilated carrycot base Front or rear facing pushchair seat 5 point safety harness Ventilated hood Chrome Chassis Large shopping basket Dual position harness for growing children "Easy-click" seat/carrycot locking mechanism Multi position reclining seat unit, lies flat Adjustable footrest Height adjustable handle Quick release wheels Choice of wheel designs High quality safety mattress Weights and Dimensions: Seat area W31 x D27cm Sleeping area (lay flat seat) W31 x L60cm Handle height 70 to 110cm ...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AHzpVCIec0&hl=en

The Script - The Man Who Can't Be Moved Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Music video by The Script performing The Man Who Can't Be Moved. YouTube view counts pre-VEVO: 866260 (c) 2008 Sony BMG Music Entertainment (UK) Limited



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gS9o1FAszdk&hl=en

Choosing a Kids Sleeping Bag Tuesday, November 23, 2010

It's often not may years into a kids life before most parents have to buy a kids sleeping bag. Their kids might be going for a sleepover at a friend's house, a night at granny's place or even camping for the first time. There is now a bewildering array of kids sleeping bags available so how do you decide which one to buy?

Should you buy a mummy shape or rectangular sleeping bag? Given the choice, most kids probably would pick a mummy shaped sleeping bag. Thankfully lots of manufacturers are creating good mummy shaped sleeping bags for kids. There's something about the cocoon-like feeling that kids love. They'll also be warmer in a mummy shaped bag that with an open topped rectangular sleeping bag.

If you do choose a mummy shaped bag for the kids then, especially with younger kids it might be a good idea to get them to practise getting in and out of it in a hurry, especially if they are prone to needing a bathroom visit during the night. It's easy to get caught out if you're not used to the process of opening the top of the bag.

A kids sleeping bag can be purchased in a variety of different colours, some with fancy patterns and pictures on them. Bear in mind they will probably be seen by their friends in it so try and avoid buying a pattern that will embarrass them in a couple of years time.

From a safety point of view, if you are using a kids sleeping bag for very young kids, you can put your mind at ease a bit by removing the neck drawcord and tying a strap round the bottom of the bag to limit the length. This should help eliminate risk of strangulation or asphyxiation if the child slips down inside the bag. As they get older obviously this is less of a risk and you can remove the strap and put the drawcord back in when you decide it is safe to do so.

Regarding temperature ratings with a kids sleeping bag, many kids sleep a lot warmer than adults so it is not always necessary to have the full 4 season expedition bag if your kids are going camping in summer. A simple 2-3 season bag is often a lot more comfortable and your kids should not overheat in it so much.

If you are considering the difference between down and synthetic filling for kids, always go with synthetic. Down bags take a lot more care and attention whilst synthetic bags can be washed easily and can generally take more abuse.

Adam Christie writes for OutdoorScotland.co.uk where you can buy a kids sleeping bag.

Sulla Cremazione di Chögyam Trungpa, Vidyadhara _ Allen Ginsberg Monday, November 22, 2010

I notice the grass I notice the hills I noticed the highways I noticed the dirt road Notcied cars rows in the parking lot Noticed the ticket takers I noticed the cash and checks and credit cards I notice buses Noticed the mourners I noticed their children in red dresses I noticed the entrance sign Noticed retreat houses The blue and yellow flags Notice the devotees their trucks and buses guards in khaki uniforms I noticed crowds I noticed misty skies Noticed all pervading smiles and empty eyes I noticed pillows colored red and yellow Square pillows round and round Noticed the torey gate passers through bowing A paradmen and women and women in formal dress Noticed the procession The bag pipe, drums, and horns The high silk, high crowns and saffron robes Noticed the three piece suits Noticed the paloquin and unmberella The stupid painted with jewles the colors of the four directions Amber for generosity Green for kharmic works I notice the white for the buddha Red for the heart Thirteen worlds on the stoopa hut Noticed the bell handle and the umbrella The empty head The white clay bell I notice the corpse to be set in the head of the bell Noticed the monks chanting Horn plaqued in in our ear Smoke rising from step The fire brick The empty bell Notice the crowd's quiet I noticed the Chillean poet Noticed a rainbow Noticed the crew was dead I noticed his teacher bare breasted Watching the corpse burn in the stupor Noticed mourning students sat crossed legged before their ...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Kii5N7P79E&hl=en

Too Much Money at the USA Tennis Open Going After Too Little? Sunday, November 21, 2010

If you are a serious tennis fan, chances are that it worries you to see burgeoning purses at tennis tournaments never letting up in a trajectory they took up a couple of decades ago. We've all seen what magnificent paydays have done to heavyweight boxing - the environment at a boxing spectacle seems to have lost most of its dignity over the last quarter-century. It has got to the point where all the glitz and the obvious protection that name-brand boxers get, remind people of the methods of operation that the mafia use. The USTA has just announced that they've jacked up the winner's purse for the 2010 U.S.A Tennis Open by a further million over last year - it now stands at nearly $23 million - and it is the richest purse for a winning tennis champion of any competition in the world. A winner at the US open stands to gain further bonuses and prizes worth millions more. In a gratifying nod to equality though, women and men winners at the USA Tennis Open have won equal purses for a quarter century now; it's always been a first of any Grand Slam Event.

Just as a major rock act in concert doesn't come out until the opening acts warm the audience up, the US Open has several season openers that whet the audience's appetite for the main event. The opening acts number in ten and take up the entire summer with tournament names like the ATP World Tour and the Sony Ericsson WT tour. They begin July 19 each year. They call this the Olympus US Open Series. There are millions to be won over the series. Last year, it was Raphael Nadal and Dinara Safina who won. The USA Tennis Open, the culmination of it all, attracted three-quarters of a million fans last year and would you believe it, it holds the record as the highest-attended sporting event held on a yearly basis around the world.

It isn't for nothing that sporting purists lament the absolute rule of money in modern athletics and other sports. The money trail doesn't end with what the champions gain either. There is the whole betting market that operates around Flushing Meadows to consider too. The bookmakers (established names like Ladbrokes and Boylesports) have Ralph Nadal and Roger Federer tied neck and neck. There are millions of dollars resting on the performance of these world-class players. As far as the betting market is concerned, Federer is not a winner - he is a spent force - even if he just won the 2010 Australian Open. But it's difficult to count him out considering the handful of US Tennis Open titles he already holds.

And that's how a major sporting event is seen today - the players come there for the money, and the spectators come there for the money (although they spend thousands each on tickets). Perhaps people will begin to lend their support to the minor events more often - considering how they are yet untainted by the lucre.

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Your Sleeping Baby Saturday, November 20, 2010

An infant's typical sleeping patterns can be extraordinarily fatiguing for parents. A parent may fell frustrated if they hear that a friend's infant always sleep from 8:00pm to 8:00am or reads an article claiming that by 3, 4 or 6 months, your child should be sleeping through the night

Individual sleep patterns and requirements vary tremendously. The average infant sleeps around 16 hours a day, with some infants sleeping as little as 10 hours and others as much as 22 hours a day. As children get older, their sleep requirements gradually decline.

By 1 year of age, children sleep only about 14 hours. By 4 years of age, they sleep an average of 12 hours, and by age 8 an average of 9 hours, but as few as 6 and as many as 13 hours. Newborn infants have as many as 5 or 6 sleep cycles throughout the day

By 1 year of age, most children have just 2 sleep cycles-an afternoon and an evening sleep. Most children outgrow their need for an afternoon nap by the time they are 5 years of age, but even many adults choose to take an afternoon nap whenever possible.

The length of a child's sleep cycle will increase markedly in the 1st year, but a substantial number of children wake up in the middle of the night throughout the 1st 2 years. 1 study that recorder the sleep of 9 month olds revealed that although two thirds of them woke up during the night, only 22% of their parents reported the night waking.

Thus, in a sense, sleeping through the night is a phenomenon that involves both children's and parent's sleep.

Although night waking can exhaust parents, you may find some solace in knowing that this pattern is normal for infants. As the become older you should not encourage them to stay awake with food, holding or other forms of attention, but merely attending to their immediate comfort.

As infants enter their 2nd year, following a regular bedtime ritual can decrease their anxiety over separation and facilitate their going to sleep. Using a bottle to get children to sleep has some drawbacks.

It makes children subject to increased numbers of dental problems and earaches. You can give your child a bottle before putting them to bed, but the child should drink the milk sitting upright, and you should not let the milk remain in contact with the child's teed for a long period of time

Babies should not routinely go to sleep "teething" on a bottle. It's far better to give a child a "transitional object" like a teddy bear than to give a bottle to provide comfort when getting to sleep. Eventually, it's important for children to fall asleep on their own

Most children awake several times during the night. If they are used to falling asleep in a parent's arms, they will expect these arms at 3:00am. Develop a pleasant ritual and then place your child in the crib awake.

Do this at either nap time or evening bedtime. If your child protests, listen to the protests for about 3 minutes (use a watch), then return, comfort your child with your voice or touch, and leave shortly thereafter. You can now leave for up to 4 minutes.

Repeat this, gradually increasing the time away. This approach is preferable to deciding one night to let your baby "cry it out" most infants learn how to put themselves to sleep within a week using this technique. Relapse will occur, and you must alter the routines to accommodate illness and other events.

Alvaro Castillo has been writing health articles for five years. One of his specializations has been on parenting and pregnancy. If you would like to get the best out of parenting, then visit his website at http://www.myhomeparent.com or visit his blog at http://myhomeparent.blogspot.com to share your opinion.

Toddler Sleeping Problems Friday, November 19, 2010

One of the biggest hurdles some parents face when they having toddlers is getting those kids to sleep at night, or getting them to take a nap in the afternoon. Because children under the age of four are still growing at a rapid pace, they need to have more sleep than adults and teenagers. Though you will fight battles over food and behavior, nothing can try a parent's patience more than a child that will not go to bed at night, and that continually gets up for what seems to be no reason. Toddler sleeping problems often start long before they are walking and talking.

If you always rocked your baby to sleep, you have sweet memories of them falling asleep in your arms. However, for some kids, this means toddler sleeping problems. If babies do not learn to put themselves to sleep when they are young, they are not going to know how to do it when they get older. You can not continue to rock them to sleep when they are three, though some parents try. Work on putting your sleepy baby down when they are tired but not asleep so they learn how to put themselves to sleep. It can save a lot of trouble down the road.

Toddler sleeping problems can be because of nightmares or night terrors. They sound like the same thing but they are different. Some babies have bad dreams that wake them up, and they find it hard to go back to sleep because they are scared. These are nightmares. Talk with your pediatrician if your toddler is having nightmares night after night. Night terrors, on the other hand, are dreams that children do not remember. They may be crying and seem to be awake, but they are not. If they are screaming, go sit with them but do not wake them up. They will go back to sleep and won't remember any of it the next day.

Some toddlers who have always been good sleepers can suddenly develop toddler sleeping problems and you may not know why. They go from not being afraid of the dark to be terrified of it. This may not be something that you see coming. If they do not want to go to bed, or get up time and time again, ask them if something is bothering them. It could be that they have a scary shadow in their room, or that they need more light to sleep comfortably. It is not always easy to pinpoint what is scaring them, but with a little work you can figure it out.

If you have a child with extreme toddler sleeping problems, and you can not find a reason why they are having problems, it may be worth it to talk to the pediatrician about what is going on. Without enough sleep toddlers are cranky and they are not getting the sleep they need to grow and process what they are learning each day. It is not good for their health. Some assume babies will sleep when they need to, which is mostly true, but toddlers are surprisingly good at missing sleep when they are determined not to go to bed. There could be a health issue of which you are not aware.

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Snugpak Laponie Square Junior Sleeping Bag - www.simplyhike.co.uk Thursday, November 18, 2010

www.simplyhike.co.uk A great sleeping bags for kids, the Snugpak Laponie Square can be easily stuffed down into an ultra compact carry bag when not in use to transport or store it easily. With a smaller size for kids, it retains much more heat than using a larger sized sleeping bag.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35KPyZ-6y0Y&hl=en

Margot and the Nuclear So and So's - Broad Ripple is Burning Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Taken off their Daytrotter Session, 2008



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AovtZ1Zxdw&hl=en

Lightweight Sleeping Bags for Kids - Boys and Girls Tuesday, November 16, 2010

www.acmesleepingbags.com Camping is the life line of many kids. To ensure that your children are carressed with coziness and warmth during the night, choose the right sleeping bag for them. It must contain a temperature rating that conveys comfort and must have the proper insulation for the present weather condition.And ulitimately, it must be light for children to effortlessly carry to the camping site.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgAUmEkuHhU&hl=en

Free Bean Bag Pattern Monday, November 15, 2010

Beanbags look like all the big stuffed toys available in shops. To get you started on making your own beanbag you need to get a beanbag pattern. These ready-to-use patterns are freely available from sewing shops, craft magazines and many websites on the Internet offer these patterns free of charge. All you have to do is have a good look around to find suitable patterns you like.

The following websites can be of help when you want to make a beanbag:

kwiksew.com has some great patterns that you can browse through and keep on hand for when you next want to start a beanbag making session. The designs on offer come to you free of charge and the patterns are styled on contemporary stuffed toys. These beanbags give the feeling of having a beanbag-stuffed toy combo. There is a nifty pattern available for a larger than life bear and you can get snuggly with your beanbag in a beanbag bear hug and drift gently off into sleep.

sewing.org is another good website that offers free beanbag patterns as well as a free beanbag instruction course. They give great tips on how to ensure that you create a durable beanbag that looks great at the same time. The patterns they provide come with user-friendly instructions that take you through the process step-by-step and are a great help for novices and children in the sewing world. They provide you online with everything you will need to make the beanbag from beginning to end product.

Sit with your child and browse through danielsplace.com and allow your child to choose his or her own design for their beanbag toys. This website is child friendly and each of their designs and patterns come with a photo of the completed product for easy reference. The patterns are especially created so that a child can follow the instructions for those who want to attempt making their own. This is a brilliant website for the mothers who want to surprise their child with a special beanbag that is eye-catching and will give your child endless pleasure.

makingfriends.com is another handy website to bookmark. They give ideas and patterns for small beanbag gift ideas that will delight anyone who receives such a gift. Their patterns are easy with step-to-step instructions that help especially the beginners. Their gift ideas is a fun way to explore making your own gifts and may get you hooked onto another hobby.

Getting a few funky and practical bean bag pattern

is the first step into the fun world of beanbag making that is waiting out there for you. You cannot go wrong with the easy-to-use patterns and advice on materials and technique available.

You can also find more info on beanbag sofa beanbagchairbliss.com is a comprehensive resource which provide information about Chair, Sofa and ETC.

Children's Sandboxes - Tips For Buying Sand Sunday, November 14, 2010

All parents want to give their youngsters a lot of play area and toys to play with. Most people who have a backyard consider getting a children's sandbox. These are relatively compact and easy to install. They can come with all sorts of accessories from sand toys to canopy roofs. More importantly the children totally love digging, piling and building sand buildings.

There is no shortage of different children's sandboxes available on the market. It is important to pay special attention to the safety features and the specific accessories, but they hardly every think about the sand they should buy.

It is important to figure the volume of the sandbox you have have. It should say in the manual how much sand is needed to fill the sandbox. It is always a good idea to get some additional bags just to be on the safe side. The sand is easily spilled around during play time. Plus it sticks to the shoes and toys so you can expect it to disappear from the sandbox gradually. It is essential for you to store the bags in a dry place.

The quality of the sand you buy is extremely important. Unfortunately many of the products offered on the market are made from crushed stones. It is fairly easy to find sand that is safe and specifically designed for a kids sandbox, many garden and building centers have 40 pound bags of play sand. Most typically you'll have your choice of white play sand or white. If you watch for sales it's not hard to get it for as little as a dollar or two a bag. Since it's so cheap I would recommend getting extra. Kids have a tendency to make the sand disappear or to actually take some of the sand out to play with it. At least my kids do.

Sandboxes for kids are easy to find online. For more information please visit http://sandboxesforkids.org/

A roof over our heads Saturday, November 6, 2010

Fer, Fran, Belu, Coco y Piru meet in an ally. It seems that all the kids, for various reasons have accommodation problems and Piru suggests they will stay at the theatre. Amadeo still refuses to give them lessons...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=771M6xGfrkM&hl=en

Infant & Toddler Parenting Advice : How to Fly With a Toddler Friday, November 5, 2010

Flying with toddlers is made easier if flight times are structured around sleeping schedules and if favorite toys are packed. Find out how to fly with a toddler in this free video from an experienced child care provider. Expert: Veronica Baragas Contact: www.mywigglesandgiggles.com Bio: Veronica Baragas was born and raised in Austin, Texas and has been working with children and families for 10 years. Filmmaker: Todd Green



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UiPcRHPIK8&hl=en

How to Put up a Tent : Rolling Up a Sleeping Bag: Free Online Camping Guide Thursday, November 4, 2010

Learn how to roll up a sleeping bagexplained by a camping and backpacking expert in this free online camping guide. Expert: Brian Rajchel Bio: Brian Rajchel leads more than three camping/wildlife group excursions per year. He teaches children and adults tips and techniques for successful outdoors adventure. Filmmaker: Nolen Quinn



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-hJtGj4u1k&hl=en

Daylight Savings - Spring Ahead Wednesday, November 3, 2010

During the time changes that happen twice a year - children's sleeping patterns often get thrown off - here are some tips to help with the springtime changes when the clocks go forward by one hour. This article is written based on a baby or child who goes to bed at 7pm and wakes at 7am.

APPROACH 1) - Cold turkey

o On the evening of the time change - put your baby/child to bed at the normal time (7pm) and before you go to bed move all of your clocks forward by one hour.

o Set your alarm clock or your child's alarm clock if they use one to their normal wake up time (7am for example). Initially their body will think that it is 6am so they may be a little slow to start and a little groggy as they have missed out on one hours worth of sleep. It can sometimes take a day or two - but then they will be fine. If you didn't wake up your child at the normal time then they would probably sleep in until 8am.

o Stay on the new time all day - don't make adjustments for the time change or try and compensate for the lost hour - keep all naps according to the new time and at the regular normal time.

o Keep all meals/feeds on the new time and at the regular normal time.

o Put your child to bed at their normal bedtime on the Sunday evening (7pm) even though it may feel like 6pm to them, expect them to take a little longer to fall asleep on the first night but once again don't try to compensate - keep everything on the new time.

APROACH 2) - Gradual

o You can do a gradual approach 2 ways -

1) On the Saturday night that the clocks are going to change - put your child to bed 30 minutes earlier than normal bedtime (6.30pm) and then 30 minutes earlier the next night (6.30pm new time)

2) On the Thursday night on the build up to the time change make small changes of 15 minutes earlier each night. (6.45pm/6.30pm/6.15pm/6.00pm) - then the 6pm will be 7pm once the clocks have gone forward.

Along with the time changes come longer lighter days and shorter nights - or so it appears. You may be tempted to put your baby or child to bed later as it feels unnatural to put them to bed so early when it is so light out. Don't give into this temptation, keep your normal bedtime as young children still need the same amount of sleep and if you get into the habit of moving bedtime later they will become overtired - if light in a child's room is an issue - then invest in some black out blinds to help block out the extra light.

Dawnn has always been interested in the development and well being of children. She grew up in Nottingham; England and has been working in childcare for the last thirteen years. Dawnn Whittaker teaches gentle methods to have your baby or toddler sleeping through the night - every night. For more information on Dawnn's work, philosophy and services visit http://www.cheekychops.ca or contact her at 778-552-0069.

Childrens Go Karts - Safety and Benefits Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Many parents wonder how old does a child has to be in order to start go karting. The answer, usually shock parents. A child can start learning as young as seven years old!

Yes, that's right.

A child as young as seven can start learning go karts and pick it up as a sport. Perhaps you may think that it would think that it is too young and have many considerations, go karting as actually a really good sport to pick up.

Learning to operate go karts requires one to train their cognitive abilities. Cognitive ability is demonstrated in driving, when one is required to be able to multi-task, concentrating on different operations at the same time. For example, when you are driving, you need to periodically check the mirror, keep your hands on the steering wheel and make sure that you are keeping your car straight, and making sure that you are aware of your surrounding areas so that you will know of dangers that lurk around.

Such cognitive ability is trained and by allowing your child to pick up go karting as a sport, it will train up this important ability of theirs.

Besides that, it would probably make you the coolest parent in town!

However, there are several areas where parents have to take note of before buying a go kart for them and letting them jump onto it.

As seven is still a young age, safety is the most important factor.

There are certain aspects of a go kart that would make the go kart safer for your child. One obvious aspect is the engine. Engine runs the entire go kart, by limiting the power of the go kart, it would make sure that your child would not push the kart over what they can handle and end up injuring themselves. The power limit of children go karts should keep it below 50 km/h so that the child would be able to enjoy the fun of go karting, training their cognitive abilities and yet keep them safe.

Other than that, one other feature would bring added safety to the go kart. The bumper of the go kart is extremely important. The bumper is a strong bar of metal surrounding the go kart. This metal bar would help in deflecting the impact of any potential collision to the side and to the back of the go kart. This would make sure that the bulk of the impact would not be on your child but on the go kart instead.

Hence, be sure to check out these two features of a go kart before getting it for your child!

Bringing customers high quality karts for sale direct from manufacturer! At http://www.gokartsforsaleonline.com a wide variety for racing go karts for sale is available at different prices! Both adults and children karts for sale available!

Overnight Wedding Dinner Reception Ideas Monday, November 1, 2010

Some brides presently are turning wedding receptions on their head and creating super long receptions that go through the night and into the morning. If this is you, planning some activities for those long nighttime hours is important.

Generally, if an all-night reception is planned, it goes something like this: the wedding is incorporated the early night-time and reception follows. By about midnight, most of your guests will have gone and the group that's remaining (generally the younger guests, but not always) will keep on dancing and partying and revel into the morning hours. At the start, a morning meal will be provided and everyone will go home to crash.

Why do you want activities for such a reception? The best way to simple. You've no uncertainty to keep people entertained through the nighttime hours, you would like to look after them at the reception and not let them give in to driving home to crash and sleep and you like to give them a genuine party. Let's be honest: if they are prepared to hang in with you for the duration, they deserve something for their effort.

First, you need to be fairly organized about the pursuits you plan. Consume that is your DJ about these pursuits and leave it to them to keep things on an agenda. Do not even know plan to cut cake in the middle of the night time. That activity should come about during the more conventional night-time hours, so those not intending to stay all night can leave. If you are sharing, if you're determined to hold your guests all night, you could hold one activity back with the hope it will keep guests in the house longer.

Unfortunately the speaker list, you may hang around on the dad-daughter dance until after midnight, or you could save some toasts for the midnight hours. In any happening, having some other fun events is a good idea.

As guests start to fade, bring in a piata, which you can find shaped like a wedding ring, a bridal dress or a champagne flute. Fill it with an assortment of goodies. Candy is always popular, but you could easily fill it with silly toys found in the carnival section of the party store. Have the DJ play a spirited song and let everyone have a prospect at the piata. Do this on the dance floor and really let people have a swing at it. These tools enough room. Once the piata breaks, everyone can savor a taste of sweet candy or can like some silly little carnival game or toy.

Things you possess stay for the duration of the wedding ceremony are going to need a rest. Plan a picture presentation or video viewing for this function. You could have someone who's educated in PowerPoint create a photo presentation or have somebody assembled a video of photos. Do this about 2 or 3 am and have it last a good half hour to 45 minutes. This gives everyone an opportunity to sit down and relax and likewise gives the DJ a chance to sit, have a rest and rejuvenate for the next round.

In that same vein of allowing your guests a little relaxation, one activity that some brides employ is a non-activity. If the wedding ceremony is outside, you can render inflatable mattresses and have some torches lit. If guests ant to sit down and relax, they is able to do so on the mattresses and still be associated with the activity while resting. If it's been a long day and someone needs to rest, those reception room chairs don't seem the happy. If the reception is indoors, remember providing large pillows for guests to sit on or build a corner with inflatable mattresses and many fabric. This can be a chatting field where people can go to rest but nevertheless share in the fun. They bought chat and catch up with other people and then head back for more partying when they're rejuvenated.

Eldono has been writing articles online for nearly 4 years now. Not only does this author specialize in weight loss,fitness and diet, you can also check out his latest website on indoor bicycle trainers and childrens sleeping bags.