HOLIDAY INFORMATION

Wednesday, January 17, 2007

The History And Origin Of Valentines Day

The History And Origin Of Valentines Day
The oldest Valentine card still in existence was sent in 1415 by Charles Duke of Orleans, at the time a prisoner in the Tower of London, to his wife. The Duke's Valentine's card is now preserved and displayed in the British Museum.
However, the origins of Valentine's Day lie in ancient Rome. Over the years the ever expanding Roman empire became more difficult to police and there was an increasing shortage of soldiers. Believing that married men were too attached to their families and unlikely to sign up for active service, Emperor Claudius II banned marriage, thinking this would increase the number of quality recruits.
The story goes that a Christian priest by the name of Valentine, seeing the unhappiness and trauma that resulted, secretly married couples in defiance of the new law.
It wasn't long before Emperor Claudius found out about Valentine's actions and the priest was imprisoned and eventually executed on February 14, 270.
Whilst in prison, Valentine was befriended by his jailer, a character called Asterius. Asterius had a blind daughter and the jailer asked Valentine to cure her, which he supposedly did. Shortly before his execution, Valentine asked for writing implements and signed a farewell message to the jailer's daughter "From your Valentine", a phrase that has lived on, much to the delight of modern day florists, rose growers and card companies!
Author: Tony Luck runs a personalized gifts site that specializes, among other things, in personalized ceramics - greeting cards, commemorative plates and tankards.

Sunday, January 14, 2007

Birthday Gift Baskets ? The Ideal Gift For Everyone!

Birthday Gift Baskets ? The Ideal Gift For Everyone!
No matter how old we are, we enjoy being remembered on that special day of the year that celebrates the day we were born! Birthdays are a time to recognize special people in our lives with joyous celebration. It is a time-honored tradition to pay tribute the birthday gal or guy with a mouth-watering cake decorated with sugar-laden frosting sculptures and a candle representing every year of their life on earth! We bestow on them gifts and cards filled with birthday verses and best wishes for many more birthdays to come. Birthdays are just plain fun!
Typically, the most difficult part of the birthday celebration is deciding what to buy the recipient. After all, what do you buy for someone who has it all? Admit it ? every year it becomes more difficult to find the "perfect" gift for your mom, dad, sibling, husband, and even the kids in your family. How much time do you spend thinking about it and ultimately browsing through department stores without a clue?
Birthday gift baskets are an excellent choice for the birthday gal or guy at any age ? they are virtually fail-proof and always a big hit with the recipient. The question may come to mind, "What are the perfect ingredients for a gift basket?" That will vary from one individual to the next. The great thing about birthday gift baskets is that they can be built for children and adults of any age ? and based on their unique interests and likes. The following ideas may help you in selecting a birthday gift basket for everyone on your list:
Women
You can't ever go wrong with a birthday basket designed for every special woman in your life, whether it is your mom, grandmom, wife, sister, or daughter. Women love to be pampered. A pampering basket may include bath and body products, a loofah, a fragrant candle, an inspirational book, and a CD of soothing sounds of nature. The woman who enjoys gardening would welcome a basket containing a garden trowel, gloves, decorative garden picks, seeds, and hand lotion packed in a decorative flower pot. For the tea lover, a perfect basket would consist of flavored teas, biscotti, a tea infuser, and a china tea pot.
Men
Men are not as hard to please as you think ? and a birthday gift basket is a perfect solution for that hard-to-buy for dad, husband, brother, grandfather, son, or boss! If he is your handyman, fill the basket with small tools and gadgets he is always mentioning he needs but never buys. Don't forget to add some treats to round out the basket ? after all, you will want to satisfy that sweet tooth. Consider a sports-oriented theme for this birthday gift basket. There are great options out there for sports enthusiasts in every category. If you are thinking about something with a little more style, a bottle of cognac, his favorite cigars, and gourmet treats may appeal to him ? packaged in a brown derby!
Kids
The sky is the limit when selecting a birthday gift basket for a kid of any age. Stick to items that are age-specific from babies through teens. Consider items that you know the child likes. You can stick with a specific theme or create a hodge-podge of items that you know will bring hours of enjoyment to a child. Ideas for an assortment of items are a small stuffed animal, books based on age and interest, healthy snacks, travel-size games, small puzzles, and flavored beverages for kids. Consider containers they can reuse.
If you just do not know what items to select, consider a gourmet food basket that usually satisfies everyone's pallet ? even the most hard to please! There is no limit on what you can include in a birthday gift basket, but always consider the recipient when making a gift basket purchase and ask yourself whether or not he or she will like the birthday gift basket you select!
About The Author
Wendy Wood is the owner of Seek Gift Baskets, an online gift basket directory listing professional gift basket designers from around the world. http://www.seekgiftbaskets.com

Saturday, January 13, 2007

Tools and Tips for Keeping the Holidays Organized

Tools and Tips for Keeping the Holidays Organized
It's November 1st. You've walked into your favorite store to buy half-priced Halloween candy and what do you see? Christmas decorations! "Oh, no!" you think to yourself. "That can only mean one thing..."
The HOLIDAYS are coming!
Don't stress-you're going to start early and be more organized this year...Here are some tools and tips for staying on top of the busy and sometimes stressful holiday season.
TOOL #1: Lists
Why keep lists? Whether they are written on paper or typed onto your computer, a list allows you to do a sort of 'brain dump' of everything you need to recall at a moment's notice. There are so many different things to remember when it comes to holiday time: Your husband's shirt size, the spices you need for this year's stuffing, what store has gift wrap on sale, etc. Unless you have an incredible memory, keeping lists will help get you through some of the stress of the holiday season.
Some examples of list topics you may need during the holidays are:
food shopping list
lists of dishes to prepare when entertaining
gift list
invitation lists
TOOL #2: Calendar
This may be the most important organizing tool you use this season. Why use a calendar? A calendar is a tool that helps you plan what you need to accomplish in a day, a week, or a month. And boy, is there a lot to accomplish during the holidays! As opposed to just making to-do lists, sometimes seeing time in visual blocks on paper (or electronically) helps one to manage their time more efficiently...
Examples of activities to be scheduled during the holidays are:
food shopping
gift shopping
cooking
wrapping gifts
trips to the post office
holiday parties (whether hosted by you or someone else)
Become a 'Master of Time Management.'
How will you know how much time to put aside for each task? Work backwards from the day or time that a task needs to be done by. Estimate how many hours/days it would take to complete the task. Schedule the time and and mark your calendar accordingly.
For example:
Task:
Cooking a turkey for Thanksgiving (to be ready by Thursday at 5pm)
Steps:
Purchase turkey at least one week before Thanksgiving (enter task in calendar for the week before Thanksgiving)
Defrost turkey 2-3 days before Thanksgiving depending upon size (calculate defrosting time and enter task in calendar to be started on Monday or Tuesday before Thanksgiving)
Cook turkey. This can take 3-6 hours depending upon size (calculate cooking time and write on your calendar for Thursday what time the bird needs to be in the oven by in order to finish cooking by 5pm)
A schedule is a guideline and should be flexible. Try to schedule tasks to be completed ahead of deadline. This allows for any problems or emergencies that may arise.
TOOL #3: Quality Storage Containers
Dishes
Are your holiday dishes in a box in the attic? A great product for protecting and storing your holiday (or any type of) dishes are China Keepers. They are padded/quilted, made of either cotton or vinyl and come in different shapes and sizes depending upon your storage needs.
*Lillian Vernon Online sells them in six different patterns including one set decorated for the Christmas season (www.lillianvernon.com).
Holiday Decorations
Some people decorate their homes only in the winter and some people choose to decorate for every holiday in the year. Whichever person you claim to be, it is important to keep your decorations from being ruined due to improper storage and care. A few options are:
large plastic bins with ornament dividers
ziploc bags for small items such as ornament hangers and anything small enough to get lost in a big box
small plastic bins for lights, candles, and the ziploc bags of smaller items
wreath boxes specially designed for wreath storage (found at www.organizes-it.com)
*Label everything so you can find it easily next year.
Leftover Food
Wrapping leftovers in tinfoil might be a quick way to get them from frying pan to fridge but you'll be spending a great deal of time figuring out what's inside of them. Use food containers such as those made by Rubbermaid or Tupperware or 'disposable' containers such as ones made by Glad and Ziploc. They're found in most supermarkets. They stack well and if you want to give out leftovers to your guests, they're not very expensive to replace.
Tips for staying organized throughout the holiday season:
Wrap gifts and write holiday cards as early in the season as possible. I don't know anyone (including postal employees) that want to be in the post office around the time of December 25th...
Shop early in the season, at off-peak hours or online if at all possible
When storing ornaments, group them by theme. This will make it easier to find exactly which ones you want.
After the holiday, sort through ornaments, wall/door hangings, linens, etc. and purge anything that you do not need, want, or is beyond repair.
Above all, remain calm. If you stay organized, the holidays will be less stressful and you will enjoy yourself even more. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
About The Author
Stacey Agin Murray, professional organizer and owner of Organized Artistry, LLC, transforms 'mess' into 'masterpiece' with patience, organizing know-how, and a sense of humor. For more articles and to get your FREE e-list of 'Top Ten Tips for Organized Living' visit http://www.organizedartistry.com; stacey@organizedartistry.com

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

Be Your Own Valentine

Be Your Own Valentine
by Pat Brill
Copyright (c) 2007 Pat Brill


Do you remember sending valentines when you were a child? Can you recall the construction paper-covered shoebox, decorated with glitter and doilies, full of tiny valentines and heart candies? Or perhaps the first serious Valentine's Day gifts you received, or your first delivery of one dozen red roses?
Receiving a Valentine's Day gift is a magical experience. It makes people smile, sometimes even feel a bit giddy. After all, this holiday is not about obligatory gifts. When you receive a Valentine's Day gift, you know the giver cares about you.
Valentine's Day, while traditionally for sweethearts, is really just a day to show the ones you love how much you care. Friends and family routinely send Valentine's Day cards; even moms get valentines from their own children.
This Valentine's Day, why not take the time to appreciate someone who rarely gets your attention; someone who deserves a thoughtful gift and a few kind words? Someone like - you! Whether you are single or attached, Valentine's Day is the perfect day to send yourself a gift of thanks and appreciation. This year, why not be your own valentine?
In your list of things to do each day, where do you factor in? Most women focus on meeting the needs of others before taking care of themselves. Over time, depriving yourself of a much-needed break or indulgence can cause you to feel weary, even a little sad. Still, a special gift and some self-care can be just the pick-me-up you need.
Start thinking of Valentine's Day as a time to celebrate you. Prepare to treat yourself in the same way you prepare to send a gift to your partner or special friend. Be as thoughtful for yourself as you would be for the important people in your life. Carefully planned gifts always stand out among the last minute trinkets and candies. Take the time to consider what you would love to receive.
Perhaps you have resisted buying a special piece of jewelry, or a beautiful dress. Maybe you would love to have a day at the spa, but have put it off due to time constraints. Even if you are on a budget, there are small indulgences that would make a perfect gift to you. A box of French milled soaps, a new pair of shoes, or perhaps a magazine subscription.
Being your own Valentine also means taking the time to celebrate. Take a two-hour lunch break from work and treat yourself to a meal at a nice restaurant. Snuggle up to watch your favorite movie with yummy snacks. Have a long soak in a bubble bath with a glass of champagne. Spend the day meandering through the cute antique shops you always meant to check out, but never got around to finding the time to explore.
However you decide to care for yourself this Valentine's Day, remember in order to be your own valentine, you will need to send yourself a card. Write a thoughtful note to yourself, listing what you love about yourself, and why you know you are special. Put the card in the mail ahead of time, so that it arrives in before February 14th.
Make being your own valentine an annual tradition, a time when it's okay to take time off to take care of you. It's the perfect time of year to pay extra special attention to your own needs and desires, to have the kind of fun you like to have, and to notice your unique loveliness.
About the Author
Pat Brill is co-founder of http://www.SilkBow.com which supports Busy Moms with free gift ideas and helpful tips to meet the challenges of motherhood. She is also co-founder of http://www.WellnessArticles.net , a directory of articles covering many areas of wellness. You can reach Pat at pat@SilkBow.com.

Tuesday, January 09, 2007

Dundee Tourist Information

Dundee Tourist Information
by Naz Daud


As you approach the Tay Road Bridge whether by car or by train through the Tay Rail Bridge you begin to understand why they call the river "Silvery Tay". The city is situated on the east coast of Scotland on the north bank of the firth of Tay.
Dundee is Scotland's fourth largest city and one of the most beautiful! Driving across the bridge you can clearly see the Law Hill. The city is built around this extinct volcano. You can drive right up to the top of the hill and from this vantage point you can see the whole of Dundee!
Dundee is Scotland's sunniest city (it faces south) with over 1400 hours of sunshine every year. Its title "City of Discovery" comes from the HM Frigate Unicorn, the oldest surviving ship in the UK.
Dundee is known for its "3 Js" - Jute, Jam & Journalism. Although the Jute & Jam industry is no longer predominant in Dundee, you can still see the towers associated with the industry. Verdant Works is ideal for tourists wishing to learn about Dundee's Jute Industry.
Keillers of Dundee pioneered the manufacture of marmalade here. They bought a shipload of oranges which they were unable to sell. Janet Keiller specialized in selling jam and using her knowledge invented marmalade.
Although Jute and Jam are no longer made in Dundee, the journalism sector still thrives. The company began as a branch of the Thomson family business. In 1884, David Couper Thomson took over the publishing business, and established it as DC Thomson in 1905. The firm flourished, and now produces more than 200 million comics, books and magazines every year.
Dundee is also a university town with a student population averaging about 32,000. Due to the high numbers of students, Dundee has a lively pub and club scene. The 2 most popular night clubs are Fat Sams & London Night Club.
A recent quality of life survey ranked Dundee near the top due to its clean air, low pollution levels, riverside location and high sunshine hours.
Shopping in Dundee has now taken off with 2 major shopping centres (Overgate & Wellgate) under pinning the west and east of the city centre. The number of out of town shopping centres in Dundee means that the city attracts shoppers from all the small towns nearby.
The town is a fantastic holiday location with Broughty Ferry having one of the cleanest beaches in the UK.
The city is an ideal starting point for touring the best of Scotland with almost all major attractions less then 100 miles away. Kenmore, Loch Earn, Loch Ness and Ben Nevis are beautiful destinations in their own right. The three other major cities, Edinburgh, Aberdeen & Glasgow are all approximately an hours drive.
St Andrews (the home of golf) & Carnoustie both have championship golf courses and are only 20 minutes drive from the city.
Dundee has three country parks all within 3 miles of the city. Camperdown Park, Monikie Park & Crombie Park are all beautiful and unique in their own ways.
Dundee is renowned for its Dundee Repertory Theatre (the rep) and Dundee Contemporary Arts Centre (DCA).
The main Hotels in Dundee are the Hilton Hotel, Apex City Quay, Swallow Hotel & Queens. There are many other smaller hotels and recently many travel lodges/inns have opened to provide room only rates for families on a small budget.
Glamis Castle - known to be haunted due to an ancient curse is a fairy tale castle which will exceed all your expectations.
The town of Glamis also houses the Angus Folk Museum. Visit one of Scotland's finest museums and learn about Scotland's history.
Dundee has 2 football teams: Dundee United & Dundee. Some people in Dundee believe that they should unite to form one team. Others have very strong views that the two team should remain separate.
St Andrews Beach has to be seen to be believed. The world famous golf course sits proudly on the beach front.
The British Golf Museum is in St Andrews, the home of golf! Find out about the history of the game and indulge in some interactive highly visual displays.
The best hotel in St Andrews is the MacDonald Russacks Hotel. It was voted one of the Top Golfing Hotels in the world.
St Andrews Castle consists of the ruins of the castle built around the 13th century. Here you can explore the secret dungeons and admire the views.
St Andrews Cathedral & St Rule's Tower are the remains of the largest cathedral in Scotland.
About the Author
Dundee Dundee Tourist Information Dundee News

Sunday, January 07, 2007

Valentine?s Day - Online Worship

Valentine?s Day - Online Worship
Gazing the wide stretched blue carpet, with blows of zephyrs whispering and blowing leaves away, is the best way to rest your mind from the day-to-day hassle. It's the time when every living thing seems to grow and is nourished by the augmentation of spring. The basic demand of existence is to get inner contentment, which can be obtained by the internal & external stability of an entity. In my two optically active balls the stability desire for man & women fluctuate in many ways. Man & woman made for each other may have different attitudes for gaining inner contention but share parallel ideas for gaining eternal and sentimental contentment. This doesn't differentiate between any cast creed and race; all same one in for all. And the best way to articulate your feelings is to blast the mind-set on lovers' day so called "Valentine's Day".
Every February across the whole world candies, flowers, gifts and cards are exchanged between the lovers, which is in remembrance of St. Valentine. Obviously we are living in an Islamic republic and here the concept of Christianity should not last but he has done some thing exceptional that's why every religion is celebrating this day in his respect and spreading the message, which he narrated and preached in his time. There are many beliefs about this myth and this history is still cloaked in ambiguity. St. Valentine's Day contains remnants of both Christian and ancient Roman Tradition.
Today, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine, all of whom were martyred. According to one myth, Valentine's Day started in the time of the Roman Empire!
According to a myth, St. Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. Under the rule of Emperor Claudius II Rome was involved in many blood-spattered and ostracized campaigns. Claudius the brutal was having a difficult time getting armed forces to join his military leagues. He believed that the cause was that roman men did not want to leave their loves or families. As a result, Claudius cancelled all marriages and engagements in Rome. The good Saint Valentine was a priest at Rome in the days of Claudius II. He and Saint Marius aided the Christian martyrs and secretly married couples, and for this kind deed Saint Valentine was detained and dragged before the Prefect of Rome, who condemned him to be beaten to death with clubs and to have his head cut off. He suffered martyrdom on the 14th day of February, about the year 270.
According to another legend, Valentine actually sent the first 'Valentine' greeting him self. While he was in prison, Valentine fell in love with the jailer's daughter. Many young people came to the jail to visit him and they threw flowers and notes up to St. Valentine's window. They wanted him to know that they, too, believed in love.
One of those young people was the daughter of the prison guard. Her father allowed her to visit him in the cell. Sometimes they would sit and talk for hours. She helped him to keep his spirits up. She agreed that he did the right thing by ignoring the Emperor and going ahead with the secret marriages. On the day he was to die, he left a little note thanking her for her friendship and loyalty. He signed it, "Love from your Valentine." That note started the custom of exchanging love messages on Valentine's Day. It was written on the day St. Valentine died, February 14, 270 A.D. Now, every year on this day, people remember. But most importantly, they think about love and friendship. And when they think of Emperor Claudius, they remember how he tried to stand in the way of love, and they laugh -- because they know that love can't be beaten!
Since that it's been a custom in most of all societies to express their emotions and love to their beloveds. The greeting card association mentions an estimated figure of one billion about the Valentines cards, which are sent across the world. This is the second largest card-sending holiday of the year first being Christmas. Women purchase approximately 85% of all valentines' cards. Well this is a proven fact that women either black or white regardless of creed always are sensitive about the occasions of life. Whether it is their first love anniversary or breakup date, they would always think about the dates when they tied any virtual or real knot. Cupid, another symbol of holiday, as he is the son of Venus, Roman god of love.
A love seat is a wide chair, which was first made to seat one woman and her wide dress. Later the love seat or courting seat had two sections, often in an S-shape. In this way a couple could sit together.
The first Valentine message (apart from the one St Valentine wrote himself!) is thought to be a verse from Charles, Duke of Orleans to his wife in 1415. He was captured at the Battle of Agincourt and was imprisoned in the Tower of London to await execution. But Valentine's Day didn't become popular in the UK until the 17th century. By the 18th century it was traditional for people to exchange handwritten messages of love. Printed cards soon replaced these, making it easier for people to say, "I love you" secretly. Charles d'Orl้ans' ballade, composed in French and English, hearkens back to Chaucer's Parliament of Fowles.
Written valentines began to appear after 1400. The oldest "valentine" in existence was made in the 1400's and is in the British Museum. Paper valentines were exchanged in Europe where they were given in place of valentine gifts. Paper valentines were especially popular in England. Early valentines were made by hand and were made with colored paper, watercolors, and colored inks.
This was all about the history of the great Valentines Day. Now lets enjoy! I mean talk about the stuff given on this eve and the celebrations across the world. On this day it's common for friends and lovers in all-social gatherings to exchange gifts flowers and hand written notes as a token of love and affection. Ready-made cards are also an easy way of expressing your emotions to your beloveds. The favorite symbols of valentine includes 'oh my love you like a red rose' which is said mostly to a women as rose is the symbol of peace, love and forgiveness. The eternal lovers are searching for their love all over and waiting for this day to come so that they can build all the courage they have to shower their love with flowers, chocolates, cards and gifts. You must have written a perfect love letter (now can be an email) may be once in a life time but I will here narrate one which is designed for those who are short of words and cant make their feelings explicable. This email has been a fruitful one and I hope same in future.
A perfect Email for your Valentine!
To My Valentine,I hope you are in high spirits and have seen the sun shinning brighter than ever. I feel great by being the first one to wish you through an email, a very Happy Valentine's Day. I would like to confess what I was feeling since ages but didn't get the valor to speak my heart out. After a long time I have realized that the love, which we share, is not an ordinary love. It's platonic with glamour of sensuality. Today is the day when our fate brought us together and carved the same line on cups of our palms. There was a lot about you, which peaked my attention and made my heart crave for the more of you. Every day since then has been a f๊te for me when your sight was over ruled by my imagination. I have many times vocalized that you have completed my world but today I will make a clean breast that you have completed me. I am now addicted to your love and all the time we have spent together, your love had showered my soul with the blessings of affection, drop by drop. My Love, when I say I love you; its not only those three words which are said by every lover but it's the voice coming from the bottom of my spirit which can only be heard by you. I am trying to convey that how much I admire you in one thousand and one ways. Thank you for being a part of me and touching my soul with the brisk of life. I want our relation to last forever, which can never be mortal, and these three words mean the zillions of words inside my heart praising your being. Our love is the backbone of our lives from now on. This Valentine's Day has brought me all the happiness, for your sight being visible and your heart being a part of me. Though we are different from each other, all that matters is that we love each other to remain one for the rest of our lives. I will continue to respect you and love you.
From Your Valentine!
Online Festivity of Valentine's Day:
What do you think about online love? Obviously love is always on the line but most powerful method of getting socially sound is, now days, through computers which is the holy modernization as is a catalyst in God's affairs. Email, Internet and Chat groups (communities) are three major examples of these catalysts. Online dating has been very common abroad and through this people can find their soul mates with the blink of eye. These are the forms which has given a rapid change to human to carve their own future and has made searching their mates easy. A number of sites have been designed specially to entangle singles that are in search and can meet, greet and feast on this special day. From friendship to marriages people are now reliable on spending their time on Internet rather than going out for a physical search. Virtual world has made every thing easy and available at doors. The attraction to "online rather cyber relations" are no more only for the teens or desperate men but its grabbing the attraction of sapiens on this planet. As in this era people are devoid of time and cant take time out to go physically and spend loads of time and after that all efforts going in vain as ending up in an early breakup. Many times lovers don't get time to talk about their likes and dislikes. Internet is the best way as while chatting or signing up in any community people there are from your interest and caters a wide range of ideas to be interchanged.
Not to overlook those who are still in hunt of their soul mate. Cupid will surely hit them with his arrow one day. So for those, start hunting for the partner in a party arranged for this special day. Arrange a singles' party where bid all your friends and their friends to choose amongst them. As it was done in early ages in Europe, don't through balloting but just enjoying the party along with friends and their acquaintances. If at home then think about your puppy love or crushes. Read a good love book, (my fave is Men from Mars and women from Venus) watch a romantic movie and make your favorite dish in dinner and dine with family if not going out. You can also present a gift to your parents on this occasion to tell them they mean a lot to you regardless of the fact that it is lover's day.
Online dating as mentioned earlier has been a very successful method of interaction. A famous website namely orkut is one of the hit amongst youth. It's not specifically an online dating but a community through which you can discover the old friends and search new ones. Posting of special events which are being arrange on this valentine is on the list. These events include bachelors' party, parties for couples and a lot more. Announcements of the events are also done on other sites but this is genuinely considered less fake! Red has been a color of love, passion and sentiments since ages. So you can see many of the websites loaded with the images of red balloons, flowers and hearts. Once there was a website which contained a special article on the Valentine's Day and had Cupid in its cursor. For once I thought I am now the goddess of love and can hit anyone with my arrow.
The best gift for the upcoming Valentine's Day is a romantic love announcement through Internet. It needs great courage for an introverted boy to say, 'I love you', face to face, then why not let me help you announce your undying devotion," Sun said. Sun Lin (Shanghai Star January 27, 2003) is one of the few professional short message writers in Shanghai and every week he has to frame his brain to create at least 30 love messages on the Internet. Sun admitted that he is not a love expert. In fact he felt embarrassed when, in 2000, his department leader informed him that the company planned to initiate an online business named, "Sending love through the Internet" and he has been chosen - a 20-year-old boy just graduated from college - to be responsible for creating all the content. "As an occupation targeting young people, the first thing you have to know is to find out what they are pursuing. The Internet is the fastest, easiest way to achieve that", He says.
Some of the couples that met through Internet and are now happily married were interviewed. Natasha and Umair both belong to entirely different subjects of life. Natasha studying in College of business and management (CBM) and other an engineer from NED. Natasha had a problem that she never wanted to engross her self in to the arrange marriage and couldn't get the man of her choice. Even having a pretty face, she was seen always complaining about guys as she was never satisfied or when contented was afraid of the refusal. At the age of 24 she met a guy of 26 on the Internet through a chat room and her life started blooming. They started off discussing about social issues, home issues, and environmental issues then in the last their personal issues. With the duration of one year they realized that things were going smooth and they thought of tying the knot. No one has got time to rummage around, you just go online and browse communities you are interested in and click the right person to get hold of. Petite and precise!
Another true story, which BBC News covered in November 2002, was about Graham Freeman and Deb who found their love online. The two had met on Internet dating service match.com, only four months before, but 36-year-old Graham had little doubt he was falling in love. He told BBC News Online: "I think you know in a few emails if you're on the same wavelength, and after a month or two, you're 99% sure." His belief is supported by research from Internet psychologists, which suggests that getting to know each other online before meeting is a recipe for long-term stability. People do their own selection process on the Internet, so when you meet for the first time, you have a good knowledge of their interests and what makes them tick. And you have a much more flowing conversation than if you just met them in a restaurant. In life you have to be a little street smart and the Internet is no different. It's not difficult to have a conversation with someone and ask questions to see if they're real. You have to be a bit watchful, as there are few bad apples everywhere.
Have you ever thought about the fact that why many of us are under the obsessive-compulsive syndrome to which we call LOVE! Being in love with your partner because of his/her one characteristic is mostly seen but have you ever loved some one without a reason? It's hard but to love partners' some thing might have fascinated you.
One of the best ways to communicate and be open about your feelings on this day is through words. Though actions speak louder than words, if the acts can't be done then words can do wonders. A special, sentimental love poem by you or some one else, some platonic verses or quotes can surely convey your thoughts. Now there are number of websites on which thousands of poems on Valentine are narrated. You, with the click of your mouse, can get the most potent tool to electrify your beloved. Writing the perfect poem might be difficult for some people so we have valentine poem for the readers as well.
See My Love SeeThe Broken Arrow In The Sky,Shining Bright & Gaily SilveredWaiting For A Wish To Be Taken Away.Wishing For The Aching Love To Be Blessed WithMomentarily Dazzling Glitter,For Once The Heavenly Bodies WitnessedThe Sorrows In The TearAnd Bravery In The Fear.The Gamut Of Emotions From The Mundane Joys To The Eternal Despair,Time We 've Spent MoreBut Memories Force To Care.With Respect I Select You To Rule My Soul,To Fill The Empty Vessel Of LifeGiving Any Shape You cast.I Don't Want To Come On SceneFor The Mystifying Searching Eyes,'Tis No Big Deal To Look Around And Kiss The Name With Gee.With You In My Vision I See The Farthest Point With Your Warmth My Chilling BodyIs Able To Shelter The Ice.Every Single Drop Of Blood On This MilestoneThee I Sacrifice In Your Way,Today I 'M Revealing My Ultimate Love For You,Valentine Of The Day.
Let the f๊te begin!
There are thousand ways of celebrating the Valentine's Day with your beloveds but few are worth mentioning. It's been a survey how people want to and rejoice the Valentine's Day. May be these ideas are worth reading for you as you can implement one!
1. The most common idea of celebrating Valentine's Day is going out for a dinner; obviously candle helps making the mood up for a romance. Then exchange gifts with a nice hug. Turn on the music and relax.
2. Relaxing on the beach and hanging out for the whole day is also not a bad idea. If you are not a party animal then this might be your kind of celebration. With the cool breeze and welcoming waves, you can enjoy the lunch, music and gifts all in one. Say it this is the time!
3. Making each other know about your feelings, to exchange gifts, renewing vows and planning of celebrating at the fave place is also voted by many. Especially by young college students.
4. Flowers, chocolates, gifts and cards always add body to this feast.
5. Some people also like to go out for movies to celebrate this occasion not to forget the stargaze!
These were few of the ways of celebrating Valentine's Day. Now comes the important part i.e. if you are to propose. You need to assemble valor for the most popping thing. Through the actions you may conquer one's heart but to propose some one for marriage is the biggest chore. People even with lion's heart tremble at the time of proposing. So have you made your plans for the upcoming Valentine's Day? If not then go and browse through the virtual world, you may come across thousands of other ways about the festivity of this event and may be you'll find your Valentine!!!! Let's Celebrate this day with bliss and zest in spite of the fact that it's Christian's or ancient Roman's tradition.
Regardless of the custom, we should get elation out of every f๊te as this existence is undersized and we should bestow our lives to benefit from little things. There is hardly a question who gets their lovers on this day, the thing, which matters how many, can survive through thick and thin & how they carry their relationship. Think about the way you want to celebrate the cherish moment of your love hunt, the successful life with different priorities & do speak your heart out to cultivate the stability for your own contention.
Rumaisa Aslam

Saturday, January 06, 2007

Tips For Singles on Surviving (And Enjoying) The Holidays

Tips For Singles on Surviving (And Enjoying) The Holidays
Here you are, facing the holiday season alone. Have you been thinking about?
*how alone and lonely you feel
*excuses you can give family members as to why you can't come this year
*what friends may be available to spend those long days with
*how another year has passed and you are (still) single
*how unfair it is that everyone else seems so happy and connected
*how you will handle the office holiday party- single, take a friend, not attend
*going to a far away (tropical?) place to escape it all
*hiding out, alone, in your own home
If these thoughts sound familiar it is probably time to reflect on your feelings regarding this holiday season. If your goal is to hide out and endure it alone, you won't need to do too much planning. However, if you wish to experience at least a measure of the "peace and joy" associated with this time of year, you need to make and follow through with plans that allow you to participate in ways that are meaningful to YOU.
Remember, your senses are bombarded from October to December with music, images and Hallmark verses depicting the "right" experiences and expressions for the season. Remind yourself, every day if necessary, that there's nothing wrong with being single. You have the same need and right to enjoy this season as any couple or family does. How you choose to do this is up to you.
After you have done some serious reflection, consider the following list of holiday tips designed especially for singles.
Don't make plans out of a sense of obligation. This is also your holiday season. Set limits, make good choices and enjoy. You may ask yourself; "do I really want to go out"? If so, make your next question something like; "does it sound like something I would enjoy or be interested in?" Or, "will I have the opportunity to meet and mix with other singles?"
Avoid unrealistic expectations from others, from yourself and from the holidays themselves. Relax, enjoy and don't expect so much that you will feel hurt or disappointed when things don't turn out just as you had imagined. This will defeat all the positive feelings and experiences that you may have already gained.
Make sure you give thanks for all the blessings you do have in your life. Focusing on what you don't have only encourages negative thoughts. Add a prayer of hope for the things you would like to work for in the coming year.
Don't overbook OR overstay a good amount of time with relatives/friends. Sometimes a shorter stay works best and leaves you energy and space to get back to your own home and decompress.
Look for ways to give to or do for others. Feeling useful and appreciated will provide a great boost to your holiday spirits. Check into volunteer opportunities at local shelters and nursing homes or through any local church or non-profit group.
Don't plan to spend the entire holiday season with married /coupled family and friends. Seek out other singles and singles groups/ activities where you can feel relaxed and able to share with folks you have more in common with at this time. Better yet, plan a get together with other singles for one of the holidays. A festive potluck meal, tree trimming party or other holiday event would probably be much appreciated.
Do avoid using food, alcohol or drugs to cope with holiday stress. Nothing is worse than the feelings that follow the use (or wrong use) of these things. This way of coping leads to depression, low self-esteem and a greater sense of isolation and despair.
Do decorate your home with any and all things that make it feel more festive and fun for YOU. Tune into all those wonderful traditions you grew up with. It does not have to be very costly or time consuming to begin your own traditions in your own place. Don't put off or deny yourself those happy holiday expressions, as you wait for your significant other. Make your life all it can be right now.
Consider emphasizing the more spiritual aspects of the holiday. Go to a concert featuring religious holiday music or attend a church (or other) service, (even better with a friend).
Finally, going away to an exotic place may be just what you do need. Look into tour or vacation packages for singles. This may provide plenty of rest and relaxation and help you meet new friends and develop new interests.
Whatever you decide to do for your holidays, have fun and enjoy them. Focus on taking care of yourself and doing what is right for you. This way you will also be giving your best to those around you. Happy Holidays!
Toni Coleman is a licensed therapist and relationship coach in private practice in McLean, Virginia. She specializes in working with singles that want to create lasting, intimate relationships. Toni has over 20 years of post-masters experience in relationship counseling and coaching with singles and couples. She is the founder and President of LifeChange Coaching and Consum-mate Relationship Coaching. She developed and teaches the Creating Lasting Relationships Training, a tele-workshop designed to help singles to define, implement and fulfill their life and relationship goals. She has also written numerous email classes for singles on all aspects of meeting, dating and relating. She is the author of the email newsletter, The Art of Intimacy, which goes out to thousands of subscribers monthly. http://www.consum-mate.com

Tuesday, January 02, 2007

Nerja on the Costa del Sol, Spain

Nerja on the Costa del Sol, Spain
by Steve Greenwood


Nerja has become one of the most popular holiday resorts on the Costa del Sol to be found east of Malaga. Unlike many of the popular destinations to the west of Malaga heading down towards Gibraltar, such as Torremolinos, Fuengirola and Marbella, Nerja has escaped mass tourism and still retains much of its original charm and character as a former fishing village.
Nerja is nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Almijara mountain range, which shelters it from the worst of winter weather whilst providing a breathtaking backdrop to the town's traditional whitewashed stone townhouses and villas. It is surely one of the most beautiful destinations along the eastern Costa del Sol. With just a 45-minute drive to Malaga's international airport, cheap flights available from many European destinations and a regular coastal bus service, Nerja can be an ideal cheap holiday destination.
The Balcon de Europa is the focal point of the old town and offers stunning views over the Mediterranean Sea and nearby beaches. It was originally known as 'La Bateria' due to the gun battery that stood here in a fortified tower, but was destroyed in 1810 by a Bristish led force during the Pennisular War to prevent occupation by French forces. Nowadays the Balcon is full of activity with street artists and entertainers, horse-drawn carriages and ice-cream vendors selling a huge variety of flavours and colours. Lined with many bars and restaurants, it offers an ideal location to relax and watch the sun set over the Mediterranean coastline.
In the old quarter of Nerja town itself, many buildings still retain their original Andalucia architectural style, and the narrow winding streets bustle with the authentic atmosphere of a working Spanish town. Yet Nerja has all the advantages of a modern town, with endless shops selling ceramics, textiles, leather goods, souvenirs and essential beach accessories for the family.
Much of Nerja's nightlife begins late into the evening and you are sure to find a bar to your particular taste, either in the lively Tutti Frutti Square, or the many tranquil bars to be found around the Balcon de Europa. Bars and clubs in Tutti Frutti Square stay open well into the morning hours during the long, hot summer nights, and are particularly popular with younger holiday visitors. However, bars near the Balcon are more conducive to the relaxed atmosphere of Andalucia life.
If you are happy to spend your holiday relaxing in Nerja, you can be assured there are many beautiful sandy beaches hidden within small coves, lined with bars and restaurants in abundance. Burriana beach is one of the largest and most popular with tourists and Spanish alike, whilst to the side of the Balcon itself, hidden within a small cove, can be found one of Nerja's most charming beaches with golden sand and clear blue water.
Less than 3km away are the famous Nerja Caves first discovered in 1959, now one of the most popular holiday attractions in Spain. The caves have impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations, and a natural cavern that has been turned into an impressive concert hall, the location of many theatre productions and classical concerts. One of Nerja's most celebrated fiestas is San Isidro on the 15th May. A large procession of decorated carts leave the centre of the town heading towards the caves for a weekend of festivity and celebration, in true Andalucia style. The caves can also be reached by local bus with a regular service leaving from the main bus terminal on Avenida Pescia.
The town itself offers many holiday attractions for the visitor, but if you feel the need to explore some of the attractions Andalucia has to offer, then it is an ideal starting point for trips and excursions. Within a ten minute drive can be reached the beautiful whitewashed-stone villages of Frigiliana and Torrox, both shining white as snow in the sun. For real snow however, the Sierra Mountains offer fantastic, affordable skiing during the winter months and all within a two-hour drive. Nestled in the foothills of the mountains is the Moorish city of Granada, dominated by the mysterious Alhambra Palace. A series of palaces and gardens built over several centuries under the Nazrid Dynasty in the 14th Century.
Nerja has become very popular for people retiring or simply looking for a change of life, with a fifth of the estimated population of 20,000 being foreign residents, including more than 2,000 British. During the summer months this figure increases many more times with the arrival of holiday visitors in abundance attracted by one of the best climates in Europe. With Costa del Sol beaches, golf courses, skiing, adventure parks, water parks and the Almijara mountain range all within easy reach; Nerja has something to offer everyone.
Steve Greenwood has lived on the Costa del Sol for 3 years and works in Nerja. You are invited to visit Ideal Rentals For You in Nerja for Nerja holiday villas, places to visit and things to do in Spain. Ideal Rentals (www.idealrentals4u.com) offers holiday information on all the regions of Spain including the Balearic and Canary Islands.
About the Author
Steve Greenwood has lived on the Costa del Sol for 3 years and works in Nerja. You are invited to visit Ideal Rentals For You in Nerja for Nerja holiday villas, places to visit and things to do in Spain. Ideal Rentals (www.idealrentals4u.com) offers holiday information on all the regions of Spain including the Balearic and Canary Islands.