Silver Crosshair

Hundreds of avid snowboarders will soon be searching for their ski trousers and darting away in search of the biggest snowfall.

And without doubt the results from our carbon footprint will be virtually as far down the list of vacation to dos as a xmas cracker after the Christmas holidays.

Merely last year, a sluggish snow hit the tabloids and holidaymakers were panicky about the bits of snow melting almost as soon as they landed.

Snowboarding organisation Chalet1802, placed at the foot of Monte Bianco in the Alps, is one of the only autonomous firms to go carbon neutral and afford snowboarders an environmentally friendly choice while reserving their skiing holidays.

Chalet1802 founder Gregson stated: Last season was a bit of a shock with the warmest winter in sixty years in Europe. It was temperate and the snow didn’t last so much of the early winter skiing season in the mountains was uneven. We resolved to go carbon neutral to help preserve the snowboarding resort.

Gregson said: We’re not assaying to prescribe to guests but I feel it’s valuable to afford the clients the choice without increasing the price of the stay. When the guest book with us they may further off-set their carbon output and we soak up the additional prices. Of course we still have a sauna and a hot tub - holiday makers want luxury but not at the expense of the surroundings, so we looked at means of decreasing the affect of someone driving over here for a ski holiday.”

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Chamonix ski resort is a unique holiday destination with the towering Monte Bianco as well as tumbling glaciers. My friends love to go walking or even visiting the Aiguille du Midi. I invariably travel from Plains and stay at a Chamonix hotel during my holiday.

My family and I used to visited Crowne Plaza Downtown unfortunately it sometimes didn’t meet the standards of its description: Located in the heart of downtown St. Louis, adjacent to the Gateway Arch, the 440-room Crowne Plaza Downtown is just blocks from Busch Stadium, President’s Casino and the historic Laclede’s Landing entertainment district. The hotel’s Union Grill features three walls of floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook a garden patio and the riverfront. The three-story atrium lobby lounge features overstuffed sofas, game tables, a piano and two televisions for entertainment.Facilities and services include a rooftop pool and sun deck, business center, room service, guest laundry, valet service, in room high speed internet access and express checkout. Complimentary passes to the nearby YMCA are available prior to the completion of the on-site exercise facility.The hotel has completed a multi-million dollar renovation of the lobby, restaurant, elevators, and some guest rooms. The balance of the guest rooms and the meeting space are scheduled to start renovations this fall. Please note that there is a $10 per day self-parking fee for hotel guests with cars. Valet parking is $15 per day. Guests must be 21 years old to check-in.

On the other hand in Chamonix village the catered chalet is always brilliant. Even dining out in my families’ favorite cafe, Elliot’s Deli, scoffing los sombreros fresh corn tamales is a pleasure. Chamonix France is a large enough place to insure that there is lots for the holiday maker to do. With a beauty salon and a weekly market with fresh local produce, Chamonix offers a choice of walking, alpine charm and sightseeing which not many French ski resorts can hope to rival.

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Hotel Piazza Venezia is the only hotel located at Piazza Venezia, where all main roads spread across Rome . Close to the Imperial Forum, the hotel gives its guests the opportunity to plunge into Italy ’s modern and ancient culture and history. Its modern design perfectly blends with the remains of the old palace housing the hotel.

This Rome Hotel has 53 complete rooms with every comfort to allow a relaxing and pleasant stay. Some of the rooms have a wonderful view of Piazza Venezia with its monument .
All rooms are provided with royal amenities to ensure guests have enjoyable, relaxing and comfortable stays. The bedrooms overlook common areas displaying design items and modern works of art.

The Piazza Venezia Hotel brings you the next facilities:
· Laundry service
· Dry-Cleaner’s
· Photocopier · Car rental
· Tourist information
· Fax

And in the rooms:
· Air conditioning
· Minibar
· Direct dial telephone
· Fireproof materials
· Safety box
· Hair dryer
· Inlaid marble or glazed wood tiled floors

The hotel is located around 25 Km from Leonardo da Vinci Rome airport which is itself connected to Termini railway station by a bus service and a local train, the Leonardo Express.
It is also possible to take a taxi or public transport (Metropolitana - Line A - direction Ottaviano - underground stop SPAGNA)

The hotel is situated in the historical centre of Rome which is closed to non authorised vehicles between the hours of 6.30 and 18.00 from Monday to Friday and from 14.00 to 18.00 on Saturdays. During these periods it is possible to reach the hotel (see map) and pick up your car at the car park in Via Ludovisi or Salita S. Nicola da Tolentino.

Main distances
Colosseum: 500 mt, Imperial Forum: 200 mt, Trevi Fountain: 400mt, Piazza Navona: 600 mt, Saint Peters: 2,0 Km.
Sport facilities nearby: Health club, Jogging, Tennis, Squash and Golf.

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The thought of a safari in Africa will probably stir up the emotions of amazement and the location of Africa. Safaris have been well accepted in South Africa for years and have become beloved with the British holiday tourists due to the wonderful weather and the beautiful wildlife that could be explored.

The best time to visit South Africa for an awesome safari is around October as the weather is awesome. The number of English tourists who travel over to Africa for a safari has risen in the last 6 decades due to the strong pound and also due to the increased attention of South Africa.

The wildlife that you can note is extensive, you might see lions and eagles all up close. Zambia is ideal for people who desire to come and visit the animals and also wish for a romantic holiday. The safaris are not too strenuous that you cannot possibly go back to your astonishing hotel in the evening for a romantic evening. That is why safaris in South Africa might well be perfect for a honeymoon. Africa has some of the very best privately owned houses and walking safaris in the universe and should be experienced by everyone at least once. Discover the same area Andy Rouse takes his photography.

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There are certain pursuits in this world which attract people even although the monetary gains from them may be small, nil or far less than nil. Over the ages they have found adherents mainly because of their aesthetic appeal. In a way these pursuits are somewhat like artistic, musical and literary endeavors which many practice and from which few gain much material benefit. Riding horses and making wine are two of those pursuits. Horseback riding in California wine country combines two of them.

Two things with enormous appeal for me are horses and wine. Both have stood the test of time since the days when writing was invented and long before as a reading of the Homer will prove. His epic poems were composed before the Greeks knew how to write and they are eloquent about both wine and horses. I would love to hear a poem about horseback riding in California composed by a modern Homer.

Of course it is true that some people have made a good profit one way or another from producing wine or from raising, training or trading horses, but by and large most people in those businesses are there because they love them and not because it is the easiest way they can find to make money. The taste, the aroma and the appearance of wine, to say nothing of its liberating effect on the mind, have fascinated many who have followed assiduously the incredibly complex business of producing good wine on the long, winding path from grape to pouring the finished product in a glass. Horses have also fascinated mankind over the millennia for their beauty, speed, loyalty, responsiveness and the tremendous empowerment they can give the rider. An intriguing aspect of both wine and horses is that they are as much an art as they are a science which infuriates the literal minded and enchants the more romantic.

Since I am enamored of both wine and horses, I am particularly pleased to have discovered a California horseback riding tour through some of the finest wine country in the world. I know that the two things often go well together because I have greatly enjoyed wine country rides in the past in both France and Italy. I am very much looking forward to testing this ride myself.

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Clean air in Scotland? As if you were in any doubt about this! You associate Scotland with fresh air, beautiful countryside and friendly people. However, if you are planning a trip to Scotland in 2006, it is quite possible that you will be affected by some new legislation.

The Scottish Parliament passed a law which will affect tourists to Scotland from 26th March 2006. “Smoking will no longer be allowed in the majority of enclosed public places, including workplaces.”

There are very few exemptions to the smoking ban which will affect most public premises, offices, factories and work vehicles. According to the Scottish Executive, it is not enough to ventilate public areas and filter the air; there is a good body of evidence which shows that ventilating the rooms only takes away the smell of the smoke and makes the air appear cleaner. The toxic carcinogens remain in the atmosphere and cause a public health hazard.

The new Law will be enforced by Environmental Health Officers - and there will be a fixed penalty fine of £50 for smoking in no-smoking premises. The person in charge of an establishment who allows colleagues and visitors to smoke could be fined £200.

As a non-smoker, this delights me - particularly as I have watched aunts and uncles succumb to smoking-related diseases.

You can find more information about this at the Scottish Executive’s web site - http://www.clearingtheairscotland.com

Margaret MacGillivray runs MacGillivray’s Scottish Gifts and Coffee Shop in Helensburgh.

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South Africa is an incredible country, the marvellous open fields buzzing with big cats and one of the lowest population densities in the universe. Southern Africa comes with some of the very best natural surroundings in South Africa, the pretty blend of clear fields, forests and swamps makes the complete place come to life. Not only may you be charmed at the countryside, one will additionally be allured at the terrific lakes and waterfalls. A real heaven on earth. Why not go on a safari, Kaingo specialise in Africa safaris.

In South Africa you will be able to explore the finest waterfall of all, the Victoria Falls. This fabulous waterfall has been a place for innumerable wild dogs with lots of big cats & elephants coming to drink the pure waters that run here. Also make sure you yourself view the birds & hippos in the Zambezi River, & don’t forget to purchase a safari guide as the river will often be a little bit unpredictable. you yourself may additionally wish to go on a photography safari in South Luangwa National Park and get yourself upclose with the diverse wildlife. On a photography safari you yourself will view tigers & highly rare wild dogs. If you are lucky enough you yourself may view a heard of elephants with their young. The facility to be so close with all of these seductive animals is amazing.

Accommodation in Southern Africa may range from 5 star luxury hotels right through to outside shelters without any electricity. Whichever accommodation type you select you yourself can be sure of a fantastic time.

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Windsor Castle is one of the largest populated castles around at the moment & the eldest in nonstop occupation (well over 900 years). It is 1 of the Queen’s three sanctioned homes, & is frequently said to be easily her most treasured home. The Royal flag soars over the Round Tower of Windsor Castle at anytime Queen Elizabeth 2nd is in palace - whereas, at other times, the Union Jack flag flutters in its position.

Samuel Pepys commented Windsor Castle to be “the single most loving castle around.” That was alleged in sixteen-sixty-six & the equivalent is true today.

Windsor Castle Colourful History: The England tourism board has plenty of other Royal attractions to visit in England.

The foundation of Windsor can be located in the beginning of the 7th century Saxon parish of Windlesora, where the existing day village of Old Windsor is sited. The settlement of Windsor is generally well-known as the “New Windsor” - the actual word “new” being taken in a strictly relative way!

Windsor Castle in the beginning was assembled by the notorious William the Conqueror, owing to his invasion of England in ten-sixty-six. The original building was erected from lumber with earth ramparts. Palace held a clear strategic position on a tall hill on top of the River Thames, and was a fraction of a circle of fortresses all around London, with the Tower of London, one whole days walk away, at its hub.

The Castle was soon after rebuilt in rock, & rose in magnitude over history. More recently Henry 2nd constructed the Round Tower and the original stone outer wall. Following the English Civil War, the Castle’s prime function became that of a royal dwelling. The Castle has remained almost totally untouched ever since the beginning of the nineteenth century, apart from the renovation effort after the horribly fire in 1992.

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Whether you know him by Eros or Cupid, this son of the Goddess Venus aka Aphrodite, has long been associated with Valentines Day. Cupid the cheeky cherub loves to play and delights in aiming his pointed arrows at unsuspecting victims. When his arrow pierces your heart- you will fall madly and deeply in love.

This Valentine, I felt the effects of his love tipped dart and it has been the most glorious feeling in the world. The most incredible, sexy, intelligent, funny, loving man on the face of this earth fell in love with me and I with him. There is no explaining this phenomenon except to say that Cupid must have played a role.

Now you might be saying to yourself, well great for her but what does this have to do with me?

If it can happen to me, it can happen to you and here’s how.

If you are bathed in blue instead of red today, then chances are you are alone. Am I right? Now,I am sorry to hear that but it is a temporary situation only and one that can be rectified quite quickly. Do you want to know how? Okay then work with me here.

This is going to sound like an odd request but I want you to relish in the fact that you are alone. Oh ya, just great, thanks for the tip Frank. Its Valentines Day and everyone has a honey or a date and they are getting candy and gifts and you want me to be happy that I am alone? What gives?
Hear me out ok; just think about this for a second. When is two lonelier than one?

When you are with someone you don’t want to be with and alone is preferable to that in my book, wouldn’t you agree?

Of course you would love to be with the one but were Seals and Crofts really right when they said if you can’t be with the one you love, then love the one you’re with?

That may be ok for a one night stand but I doubt that you would want this to be the platform for your life long mate.

So why did I tell you to relish in the fact that you are alone instead of receiving chocolates and gifts and having an adoring man look into your eyes and say sweet nothings to you? Why?Because right this minute or in a minute from now once I tell you what to do, you will be in the process of attracting the most wonderful, fantastic, amazing mate that you have ever imagined. In fact, they are on their way to meet you right now. They like you are seeking their match but there is one thing that stands in the way for both of you and that is a big thing called recognition.

Ah there you go being crazy again Frankiewhat do you mean by that? Play with me here please.

How many times have you daydreamed about your perfect mate? How descriptive and precise did you get? I want you to imagine this phantom lover again but in great detail..

That’s right. I mean Stick your head out from under those covers, throw a robe on and grab a piece of paper. NOW!

I want you to draw two columns. The first column is for all the things you DON’T ever want in a relationship again. Take your time and throw out all of the bad stuff you have ever experienced. It may be like I will not be with anyone who is chronically late, forgets my birthday, who is a slob, cheats on me, hits me, has no integrity, can’t cook, never takes initiative, smokes, isn’t creative, doesn’t work, blah, blah, blah.
Now in the other column I want you to reverse the negative. So for instance- I am looking for someone who respects time, remembers important dates, has integrity, values honesty, cooks me meals once in awhile, etc. Be very specific about what you want. VERY! This is your dream person so don’t hold back. It doesn’t matter if you think they can exist or not. This is not the point of the exercise.

The point of the exercise is for you to get clarity about what it is you really want. Why?

Well if you don’t know what it is you are looking for, then how are you ever going to find it? How will you know when it arrives on your doorstep, that this is the parcel that was meant for you?

Is it possible that you may be alone right now because you kept opening up a package meant for someone else?

Now once you are done with this exercise, I want you to put your Recognition statement someplace that you can read it daily.You are now starting to manifest your desire.

How do you feel? Have you felt something shift? Do you feel like you are back in the drivers seat? Good!

If you are alone this Valentines Day- I want you to celebrate this day of love by being your own Valentine and treating yourself to the gift of self love. Stop beating yourself up for what you perceive to be your failure. You are not alone because you are unlovable or unattractive or overweight. You are alone because you haven’t been open to receiving love. You haven’t been clear on what or who you wanted in your life, but now you have changed that.

Celebrate today by being nice to yourself.Go and get a great haircut, buy some swiss chocolates, run a luxurious bubble bath and put on some sexy lingerie. Lie back and imagine the love that is coming to you. Soon you will be a pair. Smile…your twin flame is on their way.

Look at this day as the day that is going to kick start your lover into coming to you. Ask Eros or Cupid to aim his dart accurately this time. Give him your list. That very detailed list so that he will know exactly who to target. Let there be no mistake.

Celebrate in joy the fact that very soon your lover, your mate, your twin flame will find you, for just as you are seeking them, they too, are seeking you.

Please don’t forget that love comes in many forms - today your doggy might be your Valentine but don’t despair; because by Valentines Day next year, I am certain you will be a pair…

Happy Valentines Day

Frankie Picasso is an Entrepreneur and Performance Enhancement Coach who helps people attain impossible goals every day.
She is a Motivational Speaker, Executive Business and Personal Life Coach, Certified Master Trainer Coach with her company Conversation with My Shoes as well as a trainer with the International Coach Academy.

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In honor of Labor Day, here are random thoughts, suggestions and observations on the importance of work. It’s been said that if you deprive a man of meaningful work, he will go stark raving mad.

Each one of us has to define meaningful work for ourselves and find meaning in our work. You are really fortunate if you love what you do and your entire job is meaningful.

Others may have to dig a little deeper to find meaning in the work they do. Even if the only reason is to provide for your family - that makes it a meaningful thing.

A recent article in the declared “U.S. jobs getting harder to bear, survey reveals.” The article said that more and more people are reporting dissatisfaction in the work they do. Since we spend a majority of our waking hours at work, that adds up to a lot of time feeling dissatisfied.

Barbara Glanz, an author, speaker and expert on employee
motivation and performance, has a book that you may want to
check out, “Handle with CARE: Motivating and Retaining
Employees.” It’s full of creative, low-cost ways to raise morale, increase commitment and reduce turnover. The CARE approach stands for

C = creative communication
A = atmosphere and appreciation for all
R = respect and reason for being
E = empathy and enthusiasm.

Glanz has found that motivation and retention are not about money as much as it is about how employees are treated as people.

Her research consistently shows that good wages are less important than interesting work, feeling appreciated, being “in on things” and job security. This is a must-read for any boss or manager.

If you think about it from a certain angle, workaholics really
put so much more pressure on themselves than any one realizes.
There is so much more pressure to succeed. If you are going to be a workaholic, you had better be very successful, because what could be more embarrassing than an unsuccessful workaholic?

If you are the spouse or close to a person who has lost a job, the best thing you can do is be present. You may not know what
to say, and you don’t have to know what to say. Just being there and being supportive is the very best thing you can do.

All people can find themselves out of a job. That’s why it’s
important for everyone to do a couple of things to protect themselves, just in case: Build your network of contacts before you need them. As author and speaker Harvey McKay says,

“You have to build your well before you are thirsty.”

While what you know is important, who you know and who knows you is equally important.

Also, it’s important to always have a what-if plan. Steve Christian of Magic 107.1 recently shared with me this analogy: “A good pilot is always looking for a safe place to land. A good pilot will continuously look out ahead during a flight, looking for a safe place to land, just in case.”
We should always be doing the same. Ask yourself, “If the bottom falls out of what I am doing tomorrow, what would I do next?”

When you do find yourself out of a job, the worst thing you can do is keep it to yourself. Let everyone know. Remember, what’s important is who you know, who knows you and who knows you are looking. Some folks sort of play at getting the next job. To be successful, you have to make a job out of getting another job. Spend as much time looking for a job as you would working at a job.

If you are not able to make a living doing what it is that you
love, you still have a winning option. Make sure you still do
what you love in some form. It can be a part-time job or simply a hobby. Do it because it fulfills you. You may end up as one of the many people who have made a career out of a hobby they love.

Another thought from Barbara Glanz. She strongly recommends that whatever you do, you make it your own. She calls it giving your job your own personal signature. Ask yourself, “What can I do to make this my own, different from how anyone else would do it?”

Finally: “Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger. Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers. Pray for powers equal to your tasks. Then the doing of your work shall be no miracle, but you shall be the miracle.” Phillips Brooks.

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