California Flooding Continues

With all the storms and flooding in California many are saying it is like an El Nino Season, but rather it is just the opposite. Charts are showing Pacific Ocean temperatures cooler than normal suggesting La Nina. Unfortunately for those living along Hurricane Alley on the Gulf Coast or along the East Coast this is not good news as La Nina means generally a more intense Hurricanes.

Some might trade a few mudslides and heavy rainy season for a decreased Hurricane Season, but in this case no body wins. We get the heavy rains in California with flooding and mudslides but no lucky break for a decreased Hurricane Season this time around.

California has been hit by some pretty devastating wildfires in the last few years and since that brush and watershed was cleared out, there are many areas completely vulnerable to mudslides and severe flooding. It seems that this year we have seen a number of flood alerts in California and of course the TV News clips of raging muddy flood waters as well. Some say when will it all let up? The answer is never. You see the Earth, weather and flows are constantly in motion and this year like any other is no exception. When you live on the surface of the Planet there will always be things to consider.

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Tash – Nightfall

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LA County – Montage

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Everest by Ani DiFranco – Cover by Aimee

One of the prettiest songs of Ani’s in my opinion, here’s my version,I’d love to hear what you think! If you like this and would like to hear more, please subscribe!

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10 of the Best Golf Courses in the World

Up until just a few years ago, Golf course were soles the domains of Golfers. Now, however, their incredibly beautiful designs and landscape, not to mention their attachment to all inclusive resorts, makes these courses a destination for thousands of tourists yearly. Some are golfers, some are not. Below, we have listed 10 of the most beautiful and touted Golf Courses in the world. If you are an avid golfer, you would do well to make a goal of visiting a few of these before you hang up your clubs for good.

1. Cape Kidnappers (New Zealand) – This course, designed by American Architect Tom Doak, is a challenging and beautiful marvel to behold. It features sloped green and jagged ravines to challenge golfers of any skill level. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Cape Kidnappers was built on a 2000-hectare sheep farm.

2. Royal County Down (Northern Ireland) – Number two on the list is Royal County Down. The green’s shine in all their beautiful glory on this historic course that overlooks the Irish Sea. Beware the 7th and 12th holes…many a ball has been lost and a club been thrown on these incredibly challenging holes.

3. Pebble Beach (United States) – “If I had only one more round to play, I would choose to play it at Pebble Beach.” -Jack Nicklaus Ok, that pretty much says it all. If Jack chooses his last round there, why not make this stop your NEXT round? The Golf Courses at Pebble Beach were recently voted #1 Golf Resort in America by Golf Digest Magazine in 2007. See what the pros already know…Pebble Beach is THE place to play in the States.

4. Leopard Creek (South Africa) – Membership by invitation only helps to make Leopard Creek the exclusive hotspot for golfers that it is. This course was funded and co-designed by banker Johann Rupert, and together with the help of pro golfer Gary Player, this course has become a destination for the world’s elite golfers. A challenging course that was completely remodeled in 2000, this course is not only home to some of world’s most incredible golfers, but crocodiles, hippos, and tigers can be spotted here as well. Be careful of the water hazards!

5. Green Monkey (Barbados) – Barbados…The Caribbean, those two words are probably enough to attract most golfers to check this out, but the addition of one name helps to cinch the deal: Tom Fazio. Credited as being the world’s BEST golf course designer, Tom was at the helm of this 45 hole masterpiece. Part of the Sandy Lane Golf resort in the Caribbean, Green Monkey has enough beauty and challenge to make this destination a worthwhile investment.

6. Turnberry (Scotland) – Many of the great pros of the sport have won the Open here. Watson, Norman, Price, just to name a few. This world class resort resides in the home of our great sport, Scotland. That fact alone should help to make Turnberry a MUST VISIT on your list. The courses are undergoing renovation and should be completed early in 2009, just in time for the Open, hopefully to be hosted here again this year!

7. Valderrama (Spain) – Inaugurated in 1985, Valderrama is known for its breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. Meticulously cared for and manicured, the fairways and greens rate among the best in the world. The breathtaking beauty of Spain add to the atmosphere. THis course must be experienced to be believed.

8. St. Andrews Old Course (Scotland) – THIS, is the accepted birthplace of Golf. Six courses of varying levels of difficulty, including a 9 hole course for children and begginers. The history is rich here. A must visit Golf Resort.

9. Augusta National Golf Club (United States) – Augusta Masters is played at the Augusta National Golf Club. The course is not a difficult one at all, but some editions in the recent past have been marred by inclement weather, which makes conditions challenging for players.

10. Ballybunion (Ireland) – Located on the West Coast of Ireland, Ballybunion is considered one of the top 10 courses in the world, and boasts one of the toughest par 4’s in the world as well. A favorite of Tom Watson among others, Ballybunion delivers in both beauty and challenging golf.

Obviously, there are many courses around the world, but these are bound to be found in many a top 10 list of the world’s top pros. Good luck in your journeys, and I hope to see YOUR top 10 list in the near future!

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Alaskan Seafood Sustainability Efforts Guarantee Superior Taste & Texture

Alaska seafood accounts for over 50% of seafood production in the United States. Because of this, the state of Alaska takes great pride and strict measures to ensure that it produces some of the world’s most outstanding seafood. It also has an obligation to sustaining the natural marine life ecosystems as it is the only state to have written conservation laws into its Constitution. These best practices indicate a strong commitment to Alaska’s commercial catch quality as well as to environmental responsibility.

Sustainability mandates are comprised of best practices to ensure that Alaska’s commercial catch fisheries preserve natural marine life ecosystem. These mandates mean that Alaskan fisheries can exist long-term without affecting the surrounding environment. This is crucial considering how the people of Alaska view the fishing industry. It’s not just a job-it’s a way of life. Fisheries are oftentimes comprised of entire families and ownership has been passed down from generation to generation. In fact, the Alaskan seafood industry employs more Alaskan residents than any other sector.

Environmentally responsible practices work to produce the richest, highest quality of Alaska’s commercial catch. There is a strict harvesting season that coincides with the natural progression of marine life. Fish are still able to complete annual migrations to the north Pacific Ocean, which contributes greatly to the actual texture of the fish. They are also able to feed off of a natural diet, which allows for superior flavor. What’s more, marine life is observed and documented meticulously to guarantee that whatever fish are taken during harvesting season are replenished naturally through fish and shellfish reproduction.

Finally, Alaska’s commercial catch fishing vessels and on-shore processing facilities must meet strict guidelines to ensure minimal damage, deterioration, and contamination to harvested fish and shellfish. Fishing vessels and facilities are only permitted to use certain chemicals to sanitize fish, which ensures better taste and texture. Also, every aspect of the vessels and facilities must comply with state and federal laws as well as U.S. Food and Drug Administration mandates, from plumbing to light fixtures to water supply and ice. These mandates guarantee that the product you consume has been scrupulously handled and processed, providing better overall quality.

Alaska’s commercial catch environmental practices are considered the best sustainability model in the world. They not only provide for a system that works to protect natural marine ecosystems but also a process that produces some of the best tasting seafood in the world.

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Descending Jade Cove

This is a video I recently recorded on location in the Jade Cove. At the beginning of the video, I say “Oh God” when I realize what I have gotten myself into. I recorded the beginng part with my z980 still camera in 720p, because I was too lazy to take out the prosumer camcorder and I was worried for its safety. I wore my slipperiest tractionless shoes that day, because I was too lazy to dig out my hiking boots. I’m seeing a pattern here. Anyway, there was a rope to help you get up and down a certain section of the trail. I was burdened down like a mule and as I said wearing shoes with no lateral traction. I decided not to use the rope, as I felt it was too incovenient with all the cameras I was carrying. I fell on my fat posterior halfway towards the frigid Pacific Ocean and have the scabs to prove it. I did all of this for you. Enjoy. At the end of the video I sigh, but I don’t remember why.

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Indonesia Volcano

Well, it looks like Indonesia is about ready to have another huge Earth Event. In the last few years they have had massive Earthquakes and a giant Tsunami, which killed nearly 200,000 people. Now the people of Indonesia face a huge Volcano. However, the islands people do not see volcanoes as bad, but rather as messages from the gods.

As one person puts it in the Indonesian Center for Volcano research and technology development; volcanoes are often seen by the natives as having mythical powers. This of course makes it difficult to evacuate because legend has it that it is a positive thing. In the 1930s a Volcano eruption killed 1300 people because no one was willing to leave the area. Today, things are a little difference although there is a Volcano ready to erupt and 60,000 people need to be evacuated, but not all are willing to leave.

As one New York Times reporter put it the Javanese people who live in the area see these volcanoes as powerful symbols to their religion and be leave the Volcano helps you to move to ones life’s final destination. It is unfortunate that many people will not leave with certain eruption is known well in advance.

Depending on which way the Volcano explodes it may in fact kill thousands of people, but no one knows for sure which way the Volcano will our rocks or which way all those fatal rocks might be blown. Beauty is unfortunate that people let religion did in the way of their ongoing personal life experience. We might all consider this in 2006.

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A Wedding Master of Ceremonies’ Best Friend – A Reception Checklist For Everything You Need to Know

A good MC has uses both sides of their brain at the same time. On the one hand, They have to be creatively spontaneous and react to what’s going on around them.

On the other hand, their job requires them to stick to a very rigid structure; most often known as a runsheet.

The value of a good runsheet cannot be underestimated. A very detailed agenda becomes a checklist. An MC relies on this to make sure they remember everything without committing it to memory. That’s why the following checklist is the MC’s best friend.

The best students make their own shortcuts, so use this list and adapt it to your needs.

PREPARATION AT HOME

Shirts ironed / shoes polished / suit dry cleanedBriefcase:

Pens and folder
Copies of the run-sheet
Clothes brush / fresh breath mints / toothbrush & paste
Voice warm-up tape / mobile phone / wrist-watch
Sound system / personal PA (optional)
Street directory or GPS

ARRIVAL AT THE VENUE

Function Manager: Check serving times / menu or buffet? / Professionals’ meals?

Location of rest rooms / light dimmer / gift table / guest list / smoking area
How will guests know where they are sitting?
Check house microphone level & lectern placement
Disc Jockey: synchronize music selections

ARRIVAL OF GUESTS

ENTRANCE lights up
photographer and videographer ready to shoot?
MC’s OPENING SPEECH

GRACE (if required)

DINNER

Lower lights
Confirm the speakers

SPEECHES

Lights up
Check if photographer and videographer ready?
Special gifts ready to be presented? E.g. flowers
Extra glasses of champagne next to the lectern
Introduce the Speakers
Segue into the Cutting of the Cake and the Bridal Waltz / First Dance

DANCING (The MC can eat their meal now)

Announce last songs
Throw Bouquet / Toss Garter
Organise Farewell Circle and Guard of Honour
FAREWELL – the MC says goodnight

Finally the MC packs up and smiles as they leave the venue staff who, only a few hours ago, welcomed them as part of their team. He (or she) drives home exhausted but satisfied that they have contributed to another successful celebration of love.

The importance of the MC’s role in the success of a reception has led to the rise and popularity of professional wedding MC agencies. These company’s provide the bride and groom with a multi-lingual selection of the most appropriate MC’s.They also provide training materials for speakers and toastmasters to extend their skills in a new and enjoyable way; albeit only on the weekend.

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Movie 10 – Indian Ocean and South Africa (subtitles)

Movie no 10 take you over the Indian Ocean to South Africa via Cocos Keeling, Rodrigues, Mauritius and Reunion as a part of Yaghans circumnavigation 2006-2009. See also website: www.yaghan.com. Book published in May 2010. Title: “Back at the helm”. Can be purchased at www.amazon.com

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