In Search of the Abominable Snowman

Yeti hunters are no strangers to the icy wastes of Siberia and the Himalayas in search of this most elusive of creatures.

The yeti – or Abominable Snowman – has eluded mankind since the first sighting in the 1920s, despite numerous expeditions which have unearthed giant footprints in the snow but never any definitive evidence of these towering beasts.

Villagers in Siberia have long been convinced of the yeti’s existence, claiming these Neanderthal-type beings roam the nearby desolate landscapes in search of food.

Sightings are rare – but have increased three-fold in the last 20 years – and only last year the largest official expedition in over half a century attempted to follow their trail.

Conditions are some of the harshest on the planet – temperatures drop to as low as – 40°c…but a team of international experts from Russia, China and the U.S. worked together in October in a quest to turn legend into fact.

Pushing the Boundaries of Human Endurance
In merciless, unrelenting conditions, these modern-day explorers were wearing clothing and carrying equipment built to battle elements that are amongst the most extreme known to man. It was all a far cry from days gone by when early explorers pushed the boundaries of human endurance in ill-equipped clothing and the most basic gear, including hob-nailed boots and pitifully inadequate oilskins.

Sightings of the legendary wildman of the snow – cousin to North America’s Big Foot or Sasquatch – were first documented in a 1921 British expedition to the Himalayas.
Said to be Homo Sapiens’ closest relative, Homo Neanderthalenis has been described as a large, hairy, biped humanoid, a hirsute beast up to seven feet tall, and part ape, part bear and part man.

Giant Footsteps in the Snow
Only a few weeks before last year’s multi-national expedition, one led - somewhat bizarrely - by Russian heavyweight boxing champion Nikolai Valuev found giant footsteps in the snow…but nothing more concrete.

The latest team of scientists concentrated on an area of western Siberia 3,000 miles and four time zones east of Moscow. They too, according to reports, drew a blank.

So how do you cope as a modern-day, fact-finding yeti hunter – and what do you wear to protect yourself from the biting winds and numbing cold?

The icy landscapes certain to be encountered bring a whole new meaning to the term ‘breath-taking.’ Without the right facial protection your breath will freeze, and any exposed skin will suffer irreparable damage from frostbite.

The further you travel above sea level, the harder it becomes to breathe at all due to the lack of atmospheric pressure, and hallucinations and inhibited mental function are common-place in the ever-thinning air.

Perhaps the most famous brands manufacturing footwear and apparel for such extreme conditions are The North Face, whose cold-weather clothing is legendary amongst explorers and adventurers, Scarpa – renowned for their Jorasses and Phantom mountain boots – and Berghaus and Rab, both long trusted by those who set out to conquer the challenges faced at the most far-flung corners of the earth.

The Extrem Asguard collection from Berghaus was developed from a prototype that was used on the first free ascent of the North Tower of Mount Asguard on the Artic’s Baffin Island.

Rab’s Neutrino Endurance meanwhile is the benchmark down jacket for modern mountaineering and lightweight ascents, while their Neutrino Plus has been designed for use in Polar conditions, at altitude and for extreme Alpine-style conditions.

The North Face Nuptse and Nuptse 2 will also deliver core warmth in a lightweight, compressible classic guaranteed to provide high altitude insulation.

• A team of scientists from OxfordUniversity and the Lausanne Museum of Zoology in Switzerland are currently analysing a collection of ‘yeti’ remains found by a Belgian-French biologist over a period of 50 years.

Using breakthrough technology which has led to recent advances in forensic science, they are attempting to identify remnants of bone and hair collected by Bernard Heuvelmans between 1950 and 2001.

• Russian politician Aman Tuleyev is offering a one million ruble reward - about $31,500 - to anyone who finds proof that the Yeti actually exists.

The governor of Kemerovo, where several ‘sightings’ of the creature have been made, told his local television station: “We need to sit down with him, drink some tea and talk about life."

Nicki Williams writes for Gear-Zone, where extreme adventurers will find the very best gear from brands including The North Face, Rab, Berghaus, Scarpa  and Montane.

Photo source: Compfight

SHOUT OUT ~ To My GROOVY Google Guardian Angel...I LOVE YOU~!!

I have a Google Guardian Angel~!!  

No, it's true...there is some person on this planet who has taken the time to Google Plus almost every single one of my pages...only EVER missing ONE since they began~!!  And believe me when I say that I have been known to write a LOT of articles...so to be THAT vigilant truly astounds my noodle...lol

I know WHEN it began...during the week of May 18th and it started with a series of articles I wrote on some nasty beggars that destroy my ohh soo groovy trees...but I don't know WHO is doing this wondrous deed...lol

I have tried tracing it but everything is very tippy toppy secret that I cannot for the life of me find out who is being groovy to this chicka~!!  I am very upset with myself also, as I am a VERY good tracker and I cannot crack this puppy...but I like conundrums and this, like every truth, is always found...ALWAYS...hehe

I have had some people suggest it perhaps a bot...which it could be, but someone would've had to set it up...I mean, wouldn't they and why would they??  I am truly bewildered why anyone would wish to do this for me...I am not used to the attention, nor the kindness and well, yeah, it has left me a'scritchin' and a'scratchin' my head...and NO, I do NOT have head lice...lol

Sometimes I get weirded out, I've never had such happen before...have any of you??  I don't know if they are a good people or a bad people and a HUGE part of me wishes they would just step forward to stop my paranoia from mounting...hehe  I mean...wouldn't YOU??

However, I am deeply honoured and thoroughly appreciative and if I EVER find out who it is...and I WILL...they are getting some groovy lovin' from this hippy chicka...okay, on a TOTALLY platonic level...geesh, I just don't roll like THAT~!! 

YOU ROCK GUARDIAN ANGEL...TRULY TRULY YOU DO~!!

And like Casper our Friendliest of Ghosts once asked...

If I told you I loved you....could I keep you forever???

Your Chances of Dying

The average person in America lives for about 78 years. However, many people will die before they reach their 78th birthday. The Center for Disease Control has revealed that heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease and cancer are among leading causes of death. There are also a number of other things that can send a person to an early grave.

American football is a sport that many people enjoy watching, but some do not realize how dangerous it is to play this sport. A person has about a 1 in 50,000 chance of dying from a football-related injury. Swimming is a great exercise that can help improve overall health. People who swim have about a 1 in 1 million chance of dying from this activity. Most swimming-related deaths can be attributed to drowning.

Base Jumping has been named the most dangerous recreational activity. A person has about a 1 in 60 chance of dying while performing this activity.



From: Best Health Care Degrees 

Geek vs. Hipster

Have you ever sat in a coffee shop and seen a weird looking girl glued to her laptop and headphones and wondered if she was a geek or a hipster? Or glimpsed a scrawny boy with big black glasses on the buses and not been sure if he needed the prescription or he was wearing them ironically?

If so, you're in luck. This new infographic offers a complete guide to geeks vs. hipsters. Areas covered include the differences, both superficial and deep, between the two subcultures, the values, interests and favorite bands of each group, and the telltale signs you can use to distinguish between them.

Both geeks and hipsters see themselves as different from mainstream society. But that doesn't mean the two groups have much in common. In fact, the areas where they seem to overlap actually reveal how different they are. Next time you're confused about whether someone's a geek or a hipster, bring this guide with you.

From: BecomeCareer.com

Tablecloths, Illusion and Telepathy: Why Scientists Make the Best Magicians

Image by: trialsanderrors

It’s magic, and science?
Ask most people what magic is and they’ll probably answer that it’s something ‘impossible’ or ‘unanswerable’ - anything that can’t be explained rationally.

Then, ask the same person what they understand by ‘science’ and they’ll answer completely differently, describing it as rational thought and reasoning- a way of understanding the world based on observation and research.

How could the two be compatible?

Interestingly, many of the world’s most iconic magic tricks are entirely based around science. Here’s how.

The Tablecloth Trick
Picture a banquet table laden with cutlery, bowls and candles. Could you whip out the tablecloth without disturbing the items on top?

Although it seems baffling, Newton’s First Law of Motion explains the whole trick.

It works according to the principle of ‘inertia’, described by Newton as the tendency for an object to remain at rest until a force acts directly upon it.

When a magician quickly yanks the tablecloth he is relying on the principle of inertia to keep the objects in place.

The swift motion is key to this trick; any slower and the items would move too far, causing them to fall over.
The tablecloth you use also makes a difference- slippery surfaces are best!

Why not try it yourself by experimenting with different tablecloths? (Plastic wipe clean tablecloths recommended!).

Understanding a Magician’s Illusions
In a recent interview, Teller, a famous magician, revealed how scientific research helps him to understand why people fall for visual illusions.      

He says that "at the core of every trick is a cold, cognitive experiment in perception."

Magic and illusion are based on a scientific understanding of the way people perceive things. By manipulating perception, we can alter people’s understanding of what’s ‘real’ and what’s not.

The popular Balducci Levitation trick is a prime example of this. When it comes down to it, this illusion is caused by two things: the magician’s angle in relation to the audience and the precise positioning of his feet.

It’s all about perception, angles and precision!

Telepathy and Hypnosis: The Scientific Study of the Mind
Derren Brown is well known for his mindreading and hypnotic capabilities.

When watching him, it is easy to assume that he possesses baffling psychic or paranormal abilities. But Brown himself has frequently reiterated how he has no such abilities. In fact, he is a complete sceptic.

Brown’s success is due to his deep knowledge of human psychology and understanding of how to predict and influence people’s thoughts via suggestion and manipulation. He has also studied how to read physical clues provided by body language to determine what someone is thinking.

Magic Explained
Rather than being impossible masters of the unexplainable, magicians draw on rational, scientific principles. They are thus scientists, but with a unique mission.

It’s not their aim to make the world clearer and simpler. Rather, magicians aim to captivate their audience’s imagination and to recreate a sense of wonder.

Think that there are certain magic tricks that can’t be explained by science? Challenge me below.

Amalia Dempsey writes for Wipe Easy Tablecloths, leading supplier of colourful and attractive wipe clean tablecloths. Interested in learning how to perform the perfect tablecloth trick? Oddly enough, just a little bit of science might make the whole thing a lot easier.

Beginners Guide to Pinterest

Pinterest, a social bookmarking website, lets Internet surfers bookmark interesting websites by uploading pins to their virtual pin board. Each pin displays an image linked back to an URL for users to find the original web content. 

How Pinterest Works
Pinterest users create boards on their user profile. Each board focuses on a specific topic or idea. When someone wants to post a pin to their board they either upload a new pin or “re-pin” someone else’s pins. These pins show to the pinner’s entire network on Pinterest and on Facebook and Twitter (depending on the user’s profile configuration.) When a pinner likes a pin but doesn’t want to re-post it, they “Like” the pin. Like activity shows on the pin to show how popular the content really is.

When a Pinterest user logs in, their feed page shows all their friends’ activity. You want many followers to get your pins in their daily Pinterest feed. Followers don’t have to follow all your boards. They can pick and choose which of your boards they follow. Make sure to create a nice organizational system to organize your pins.

Selling Products on Pinterest
Pins on Pinterest are categorized depending on the subject of the pin. At the top of Pinterest, a drop-down list shows all the categories available on Pinterest. Next to this drop-down list, a gift icon appears with a drop-down list of prices. This is an excellent way for Etsy store owners, online marketers and retailers to display their products for people wanting to buy on Pinterest. Users enter their price range for their product. A list of pins that fall within that price range shows on the next screen. The user finds a product. Clicks the image and is re-directed to the website to complete the original purchase.

Pinterest Marketing Benefits
Pinterest provides excellent marketing benefits for online marketers. Pinterest provides a way to back link articles, websites, blog posts and products. The more back links you get to your website, the higher your search engine results.

Pinterest links with Facebook and Twitter depending on the user’s configuration. When someone likes or re-pins your content, it shows up in their other social media feeds. This acts as a recommendation on your pin and gets traffic to your pin and website. A study by MarketProfs shows that Pinterest drives more referral traffic than LinkedIn, YouTube, Reddit and Google+ combined. You want the traffic going into Pinterest to leave to go to your website.

Elements of a Great Pin
Pinterest requirements state your image must be at least 80x80 pixels to show on Pinterest. They do not show hi-resolution photos. Make sure your photo is interesting and engaging to get people to click on it. The image is what drives traffic to your pin.

Studies show that images with watermarks are less likely to be re-pinned than those without. Watermarking prevents the theft of your images but also limits the exposure of your pins. You’ll need to weigh the pros and cons of using watermarks.

Always cite your source if you are pinning from the Internet. You need to attribute credit where it is due to avoid plagiarism and copyright issues.

Pinterest Website Integration
Pinterest created buttons to integrate your website with their social bookmarking site. They provide standard icons to link to your Pinterest profile for users to connect to your Pinterest account. They also provide a “Pin It” button to attach to each of your blog posts and products. When you add this button to your post, you increase the likelihood that users will pin your products to Pinterest. When it is simple to upload, they are more likely to upload your content.

Citations:

• Photo with CC license. Taken from Flickr. Author: methodshop.com

Benjamin Sawyer is an Internet marketing consultant and content writer for Long Island Divorce Lawyers law firm  from New York. He is also a passionate blogger who often writes about Social media networks, sharing his experience in that field.

2 Things That Will Help Sell a Haunted Home

Killings, torture, insanity and just plain evilness have created houses that are considered by many as "haunted." Take for instance the Riddle House whose inhabitants have taken their lives or have experienced financial hardships and physical injuries because of wicked spirits. 

The Franklin Castle is another place that also had its share of so much tragedy that bound spirits continue to haunt it. Then, there's the Amityville house where the DeFeo's son shot his own family creating a nasty bloodbath. Such atrocities make a house frightening to many people. Who would want to live with spirits or malicious ghosts? Many could take rattling doorknobs or weird sounds. But the line is drawn when ghosts actually cause physical or even emotional harm to a person. Because of this, homes or properties that are supposedly haunted are harder to sell, especially these days when real estate isn't doing that well. Still, there are several special methods that can be employed if the goal is to sell a creepy residence.

Tone Down the Scare Level
Let's face it. The way a house looks does have an effect on how creepy it appears to people. Unkempt yards, broken windows or rotting doors that hang on their hinges all give a house a more depressing look. So, why not give the house a minor face-lift to liven things up a little bit? Adding some greens in the yard and painting the house a cheery color can do a lot in getting rid of the spooky vibe. There are also home stagers as well, which are professionals who know the exact things to do in order to brighten up a place.

Sometimes, physical changes may not be enough to eliminate an ominous ambiance, which is why some people, even real estate agents, call modern "ghostbusters." Psychic mediums or other spiritual experts can help in clearing a property of bad spirits. These people can supposedly "communicate" with spirits of the dead and this way, they can tell the elements to go away. One popular real-life ghostbuster is David Franklin Farkas of HouseHealing.com. He is a psychic and a house healer who can help sell eerie properties, and he also works with priests and other spiritual healers to accomplish this.

Another way is by burning dried sage. The smoke is thought to clear areas of any lingering spiritual elements.

Attract the Right Buyers
Before resorting to doing something drastic, like tearing a house down, why not draw in people who like weird and scary things. Even though creepy houses may only be in during Halloween, there are actually individuals who like haunted homes. Appealing to this niche market is a good option.

Propose options to buyers or investors too. For instance, if a person isn't interested in living in a creepy house, there are other things that can be done to a property. With some renovations, a haunted house can be transformed into a bed and breakfast, and one of its attractions could be that it's haunted. Though this could be a risky move, there have actually been infamous homes that have been revamped and made into inns, bed-and-breakfast accommodations or hotels. Tearing a place down and putting up another structure is another sound idea.

One final thing to try out is to lower the price of a property. This may not bring in a profit, but at least you would be able to sell a house for the same amount that you bought it.

Real estate expert, Claire Radcliffe, specializes in promoting stigmatized homes. She also sells Hawaii Kai homes and other types of real estate in the west coast.

Algonquin Spiritual Dieties

This is a collection of the dieties in which my people have made a part of their spirit...it is from this in which I am today...and yes, I do realize there are many more...

Nanabozho (nah~nah~boh~zhoh) or Wisekedjak (wee~sah~kay~jock) ~ (There are several different ways that this name is shared and varies by tribe)  This is the benevolent hero of the Anishinable tribes and often depicted as a rabbit.  He was sent to name all things and taught fishing to the people.  He is also known as a shape~shifter and is co~creator of the world.  

Michabo (mih~shah~bose) ~ Another referral to the diety Nanabozho...the French corrupted the word in their translation. 

Kichi Manido (kih~chee muh~nih~doh) ~ "Great Spirit" ~ a divine spirit with no human form or attributes (including gender) and is never personified in Algonquin mythology.  

Nokomis (noh~koh~miss) ~ Nanabozho's wise old grandmother.

Kichi~Odjig ~ "Great Fisher" ~ An animal spirit hero who slew monsters, set the seaons in motion and is represented as the "Big Dipper".

Widjigo (wee~jih~goh) ~ An evil man~eating spirit who play the role of "monsters" and "boogeymen" in some myths while in others it is said that people who commit sins (especially those relating to selfishness, gluttony and/or cannabilism) are turned into a Widjigo as punishment.  

Pagwadjinini (pug~wuh~jih~nih~nee) ~ Little people of the forests.  Their name means "wild man" and though they are mischievious, they are generally harmless and good~natured.

Memegwesi (may~may~gway~see) ~ Small water spirits, said to inhabit waterfalls or riverbanks.  They are generally benign creatures however, if you fail to show them proper respect, they will tamper with your canoe by drifting them astray or they will steal things.

Mishiginebig (mih~shih~gih~nay~big) ~ "Great Serpent" ~ An underwater horned serpent which has been said to lurk in lakes and eat humans.  

Mishibijiw (mih~shih~bih~zhew) ~ "Water Panther" ~ A powerful creature cross between a cougar and a dragon that lives deep in the water and causes men and women to drown.

Onimiki (o~nih~mih~kee) or Pinesi (pih~nay~see) ~ "Thunderbird" ~ A giant bird in which thunder is caused by the beating of its giant wings.  Very powerful beings that rarely bother humans and are treated with great reverence.

Bi~bon (pih~boon) ~ Spirit of the North wind who brings winter to the land.

 

Zombies We Remember~!!

When you give a zombie a name, one tends to remember that zombie~!! It's much easier talking about a zombie with a name instead of describing..."you know...the one that was eating the leg with the tennis shoe on it." I mean, that doesn't make for great conversation, especially when everyone could have a different perception of that scene...who knows how many legs get chomped on in any given zombie movie. Some of the more memorable zombies that come to mind have all been given names or have names attributed to them...this is by no means a full list, just a few that I thought of off the top of my head...I would love to hear of any that I may have missed~!! 

 1. Bub ~ Day of the Dead ~ 1985

Not only is Bub the favourite amongst zombie afficianados for his somewhat understanding and caring character...but he also the only zombie to have ever uttered a phrase in saying..."Hello Aunt Alicia" as well, some die hard fans even believe Bub mutters an "I'm Sorry" when Sarah enter's Logan's lab and she is frightened when Bub steps out of the shadows.  

2.  Fido ~ Fido ~ 2006

"Is that blood on your zombie?"  Fido is a Canadian zombie comedy film directed by Andrew Currie.  This approach to a zombie alternate universe, in which zombies were controlled via remote collars, was received with mixed reviews.  Owning your own zombie has never been so hilarious~!!

3.  Tammy ~ Fido ~ 2006

Who can forget Fido's, "Tammy"...the next~door neighbour's, Mr. Theopolis', necrophiliac zombie love?  She deservedly needs a mention as being the only female zombie to have a memorable name.  Love finds itself the strangest places to shoot its arrows too...

4.  Stubbs the Zombie ~ Wideload Games ~ 2005

Its the Great Depression and Eddie Stubbs is a mild~mannered salesman when the zombie outbreak occurs.  His love Maggie Monday is his heart's desire and he will do anything for her brains...erm...her heart...yeah, that's right~!!  Stubbs has great music flavour which decidedly makes up for his lack of personal hygiene.

5.  Ed ~ Shaun Of The Dead ~ 2004

Got to enjoy the comedic antics of Ed before AND after his death...it's too bad he still cheats at video games and Ed...really??  Did you HAVE to??  Ewwww~!!

These Are A Few Of My Favourite Things...

When I first saw this tree I thought that souls had joined in dance to protect it, you can see a beautiful woman dancing like a ballerina beginning her joining...as I scrolled down the page I noticed that this 1600 y/o tree which is 24 ft. in diameter (that's like 5 hugs) and its VERY tall...is situated at a cemetary...sooo...mayhaps yes???

Tecumseh ~ My Hero~!!

Cuz that's just how I roll...

I loved them before they were kewl~!!  It's all about the braaaaaiiiinnnnssssss~!!

Cuz he's sexy like that~!!

It's where my soul soars~!!

Love and light to you all...keep it groovy~!

Increase the Peace & Truth...ALWAYS~!!  xoxo

Dating Strategies from Disney Princesses (Part 2)

 Now that you've read the first three princesses that teach us dating strategies, here are 4 more.

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1.  Belle:  Smooth Out the Diamond. This might be a rather hard dating strategy. Belle takes a beast and transforms him into a prince. You might think that you can do this too, but if you find a beast of a man, it might not be worth it to change him. Some beasts are unchangeable. However, if you find a great man that has some rough edges, don't be afraid to help him be even better then he is now. Don't try to change someone into something that they just aren't. This will save you a lot of heartache and pain.

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2.  Rapunzel:  Help Your Prince a Little. Every girl dreams of having a man that does everything for them. However, men are men, and they even need some help every once in a while. Be there for your prince. Although you might not have to grow your hair over 12 ft long to help him, find other ways to help him. It can be in the form of encouragement.

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3.  Sleeping Beauty:  You Can Use the Help. Princes dream of saving their princesses from just about anything. Well, in this day and age women are much more self-sufficient and want to do everything by themselves. Some men are put off by a very strong woman. And admittedly, women can get a little intense. They want to do everything for themselves. If they can do everything for themselves, what's the point of even being in a relationship? Relationships are for two people to help each other. If you are a strong, independent woman, that's awesome. Just don't forget to let your prince help you every once in a while. It will make him very happy to help his princess.

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4.  Jasmine:  True Love Isn't Judgmental. Everyone deserves to find their true love. When you are getting to know someone, you must never think that you are too good for them. What if they thought that about you? Give everyone a chance. This doesn't mean that you should settle, this just means that you should find someone that you love. They don't have to be rich (but that would be nice) and they don't have to be a Haines model (because who is?). Make sure that you aren't kicking men to the curb who are loving and kind. You'll regret it later.

Treat yourself like a princess and don't be afraid to use these dating strategies on your future princes!

About the Author

Neltje Ann Maynez is a writer for MyCollegesandCareers.com. My Colleges and Careers will help you in your search, and decision to attend the best online universities. 

Dating Strategies from the Disney Princesses (Part 1)

I, for one, love the Disney princesses. I remember being a little girl and wishing that I could one day grow up to be a princess. I would find a prince early in my life and life happily ever after. I am sure that most ladies have this fantasy. I recently watched a Disney princess movie, and who knew that Disney princesses could offer dating strategies. Well, it's true. No longer do you have to endure lonely nights in your apartment watching the Disney princesses waltz off with their princes. You can implement the dating strategies that they use to help you find the prince charming that you've been waiting for! 

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1. Cinderella: Not too Available. Cinderella was a smart cookie. Even if she did have to clean the ashes everyday, she had a lot of time to think about dating strategies! This certainly worked when she got the prince's attention, and left him wanting more when she dashed off before midnight. This is useful advice for any woman. Make the chase interesting for the man that you want. You don't want him to think that you are waiting around all day waiting his phone call! Go out and live your own life. If he really likes you, he will be able to catch up with you.

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2. Snow White: Keep Your Guy Friends.  When you first start to get to know a potential suitor, it might give you reason to get rid of all of your guys friends. After all, you want to let the guy know that you are totally available. If you have lots of friends (especially guy ones) this might not be the best move. Snow White knew what she was doing. She didn't abandon her 7 guy friends, because they had been with her most of the way. At the beginning, it might be frustrating with your prince charming to compete with all of your guy friends―but once he knows that you are all his―he might ease off and actually be friends with your guy friends!

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3. Little Mermaid: It's All About Body Language. You don't have to talk a mile a minute to win over your prince charming―Ariel certainly didn't! If you are nervous around your prince charming, you can still win him over. You know the old saying, actions speak louder than words? Well, this certainly applies with Ariel. She had lost her voice to Ursula, and she was still able to get the guy in the end. Most guys pay a lot of attention to body language (whether they notice or not) and this can work to your advantage.

(there are more dating strategies from princesses to come)

About the Author
Neltje Maynez is a writer for MyCollegesandCareers.com. My Colleges and Careers will help you if you have decided that you want to get enrolled in online master’s degree programs. 

The World’s Most Terrifying Theme Park Attractions – Your ‘Final Destination’?

The World’s Most Terrifying Theme Park Attractions – Your ‘Final Destination’?

The most terrifying rollercoaster in the world of fiction is undoubtedly the Devil’s Flight Roller Coaster depicted in the film Final Destination 3. If you’d prefer your action just as fear-filled but less fatal and more real, there are a number of terrifying, tantalising and terrific theme park rides that will have you on the edge of your seat – if there is one.

Zero Gravity Thrill Park located in Dallas, Texas tops the list by offering the world’s largest collection of fear-filled fun in the world. The entire park is nothing to look at and it lacks the carnival atmosphere of a traditional theme park, and it is oddly silent for a theme park. There are no fake screams of terror here. Every ride has been designed to scare and leave you breathless. The Suspended catch Air Device has been used by scientists to test the perception of time experienced by humans during a near-death experience. It’s that terrifying.

The Vomitron needs no explanation as to how it gets its name; this ride is a part of the area called Adrenalin Park on the Gold Coast of Australia. Not technically a theme park, this is a collection of rides that lives up to the title ‘Adrenalin’, as does the name ‘Vomitron’. You never know which way is up and the speed of the Vomitron gives riders the experience of being on a roller coaster.

Kingda Ka will only be back in action next year. The world’s tallest roller coaster has been besieged by technical and safety problems since it opened in 2004. If you are looking for real fear then the Kingda Ka ride at the Six Flags Great Adventure theme park in New Jersey, is guaranteed to have you screeching. You don’t ride Kingda Ka and expect to live; which is all part of the fun.


Kingdatoro
Formula Rossa is now the record holder as the world’s fastest roller coaster. Located in Abu Dhabi at Ferrari World, this ride launches you by means of complex hydraulics and mechanical madness into a ride that reaches speeds of up to 240 kilometres per hour.

Action Park was another great theme park, but sadly due to the many injuries and an increase in the appeal of health and safety, the Cannonball Loop is no more. The design of the ride defies the laws of physics, which is all part of the attraction, of course. When the human body enters a loop, according to science and nature the G-forces exerted on the body are strong enough to break your neck. Besides, you’d look silly wearing a helmet and your swimming costume when riding the Cannonball Loop.


Action Park Image Credit
The Sky Roller also allows riders to experience extreme G-forces and what they can do to your body and your stomach. The Sky Roller is found at a number of theme parks but you only hit the pinnacle of extreme G-forces for a second at a time.

Dreamworld Theme Park in Australia delivers a host of horrible rides like The Claw, The Giant Drop and The Cyclone. Speed, screams and fear chase each one of them.


fox2mike

This disturbing collection has been provided by Thorpe Breaks ; Official provider of family breaks and Thorpe Park offers.

Top Rated Cars of 2011

This has been a banner year for automobile manufacturers. Many new models have been released, and many more traditional models have been redesigned or retooled. While several models stood out, only a few deserve to be called the best cars of the year. The following vehicles are our picks for the four best cars of 2011.

Volkswagen Jetta
The Jetta sedan was given a complete overhaul for the 2011 model year. It may be the single best car of the year. The higher trim levels vehicle are supremely well-equipped, while a stripped-down base model is also available for those who want to get the legendary German engineering ingrained in these cars without paying the high price tag. The diesel engine gives you up to 42 miles to the gallon. The Jetta has four and five-star crash test ratings.

Mazda 3
The Mazda 3 is the zippiest car on our list. This little car is really fun to drive. It is also inexpensive; the sedan’s base price is $23,000, while the hatchback version is even less expensive. Both manual and automatic transmissions are available. Despite its sportiness, the M3 is also a great family car; it is easy for even the smallest of children to get in and out. The M3’s estimated fuel economy is 22/29, and the vehicle has good crash test ratings. It comes standard with antilock brakes, an electronic stability system that also has traction control, and side/curtain airbags.

Hyundai Sonata
Hyundai gave the Sonata a complete make-over for the 2011 model year, and the results are nothing less than stellar. The car looks much more expensive than its $19,000 base price would suggest. The cabin is comfy, and the car has plenty of room in the trunk. The ride is smooth. The Sonata scored four and five-star crash test ratings. The EPA gives it an estimated 35 mpg on the highway. It comes with Hyundai’s lengthy warranty. On the downside, the optional V6 has been eliminated, and taller drivers may not have enough headroom.

Toyota Corolla
The 2011 Toyota Corolla remains a great car for young families and anyone interested in buying a less expensive and reliable sedan. With a base MSRP of only $15,900, the Corolla is highly affordable. Toyota revised the styling this year but otherwise left this successful model alone. All trim levels come with side/curtain airbags, traction control and a tire pressure monitoring system. It also has impressive gas mileage and can get up to 40 mpg on the highway.

Richard has been in the automotive industry for years. Currently he blogs for a company that helps people sell cars. His company specializes in purchasing cars.

6 Things Rebecca Black Taught Me About Life

1. Life is an obligation.

You can clearly see from the moment Rebecca Black wakes up, that she feels like she must be a lot of things to other people. She gets out of bed and already she is already running a list of things that she must do to please other people.

7 a.m., waking up in the morning
Got to be fresh, got to go downstairs
Got to have my bowl, got to have cereal

Using “Got to” is considered slang for “have to” and usually connotes doing something out of obligation as opposed to I “want to”. It depicts a pretty sad image of a 13 year old girl who faces much pressure from her own home and from school.

2. Life is one big ticking clock.

Our life here on earth can be symbolized by the tick tick ticking of a clock. Everybody is in constant motion, trying to accomplish a whole lifetime in the span of 24 hours. This results in mornings that go by in a whirl, as people struggle to fit in their to-do lists.

Seeing everything, the time is going
Ticking on and on, everybody’s rushing

Modern technologies have also been crucial to making everything happen at the speed of light. Messages are transmitted in the touch of a button from as far as New Zealand to Zimbabwe. Pictures are videos are shared real time and almost no one is excused for not knowing what is happening in Israel. There is transparency in journalism and censorship no longer exists in internet media.  There is speed like never before. There is opportunity too. How you make use of these is up to you.

3. Friends Make Life Better. Always.

In an increasingly difficult world where you often feel trapped by obligations, pressure and uncertainty, friends or someone you can simply talk to is extremely important. Rebecca Black’s morning has been going by in a whirl of obligations and pressure but as soon as she sees her friends, she breaks into a smile and gives us the clue that everything is fine after all. The role of friends in a teenager’s life is monumental.

You will share most the firsts in your life with these people. More often than not, your core being and personality will be shaped in a big way by the people you hang with in High School. Research shows that hanging out with friends significantly reduces the stress of home and school and results in a well-balanced and healthier development of a teenager.

4. Life is full of choices.

All throughout your earthly journey, you will be faced with seemingly small decisions that have huge repercussions.  Your values and principles will be reflected by the small decisions you make and your future will depend greatly on the paths you choose to take.

Kicking in the front seat
Sitting in the back seat
Got to make my mind up
Which seat can I take?

Kicking in the front seat means taking your heart and leading it to where you want it to go. It is not so much an act of defiant rebellion but more of a guided leadership. Are you willing to be the navigator of your own soul or will you sit in the back seat and let faith or fate take care of you? It’s also a question of being an active player or passive spectator through the course of life. Some choose to boldly lead the way, while others are more content to surrender to the course of life, sit back and take in as much scenery along the way.

5. Life rewards you.

Partying, partying (yeah)
Partying, partying (yeah)
Fun, fun, fun, fun
Looking forward to the weekend.

A lot of people complain that life is not fair, that they are always getting thrown lemons and lemon peels even. But the truth is, life is fair. It is a simple case of getting what you deserve. For people like Rebecca Black who spend the whole week struggling with schoolwork, or handling pressure from home, Friday is their reward. Nothing speaks salvation from a dreary life of homework and lessons and the alarm clock ringing in your ear at 7:00am. To have a party waiting for you on the weekend is your greatest reward for toiling all week.

6. Life is full of blessings.

I got this, you got this
My friend is by my right
I got this, you got this

Here Rebecca Black illustrates how life actually surrounds us with many gifts if you would only open your eyes. If you looked to your immediate surroundings and count how many of these things make you happy, you will learn to be content. Sometimes life feels like one never ending acquisition of achievements, of clothes and of money. When will it end? It won’t. Man’s natural desire for more is never quenched. You must learn to understand the beauty of simple gifts and how you already are a rich man in more ways than one.

What has been bashed and called an insignificant and dumb song might actually have some semblance of wisdom. What looks shallow and superficial on the surface is usually worth scratching and even the fool on the street will have a thing or two to tell you about life. Whether you agree or not is up to you. But whatever, it’s Friday and I must go.

Mariana Fang Lin is all about technology, social media and fun, fun, fun. She a likes reading humorous eHarmony reviews on Fridays.

See the Mysterious Side of London

London is one of the most visited cities in the world, and most visitors will take in the key sights such as the Tower, Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace. Not many will venture off the beaten track on foot, but this is one of the best ways of getting a true flavor of the city and its sometimes murky past. Over recent years a whole industry has grown up offering walking tours around the city, telling tales of ghosts and horror of time gone by.

Jack the Ripper
Jack was the original serial killer, and terrorized the streets of Whitechapel in East London in the late 19th century. His identity was never uncovered, and the murders of 11 people are still unsolved. There are many companies offering Jack the Ripper walking tours around the Whitechapel area, but one of the best is Ripper Vision, which uses hand held projectors to throw images onto the walls of the area’s dark alleys. This adds a whole new dimension to the stories of the murders. As this tour is so popular is gets booked up quickly, so advance reservations are essential.

The Psychic Tour
For something a little bit different than the retelling of old murders, try the Psychic Ghost Walk, which starts outside Bank station. The guide on this tour, Richard Jones, is an expert magician and conjurer and the walk offers “a recreation of psychic phenomenon”. Although much of it is smoke and mirrors, the atmosphere and tales told are truly eerie and even the bravest people will feel a chill down their spine. Jones has written many books on the paranormal and is a true expert in his field. The cost for the tours is £8 (12) for 2 hours.

London Blood and Tears Walk
Much of the success of a ghost tour can be put down to the guide, and his or her ability to create an atmosphere and tell a story. One of the best guides at doing this is Declan McHugh, an actor and author who has been leading tours for over 10 years. His Blood and Tears Walk is very much based on getting the audience involved and playing psychological games, and many reviews talk about how terrifying the tour is. The tour lasts for two hours and costs £9 ($15), with departures from Barbican Station.

Muggle Tours
Not strictly speaking ghost related, but this tour is based on the popular Harry Potter novels and movies. The tour lasts two hours and as it runs in the daytime, is more suitable for children than the more terrifying experiences described above. Locations visited include the inspiration for Diagon Alley, the entrance to the Ministry of Magic and the Leaky Cauldron pub. The tour is slightly more expensive at £12 ($18) but it’s a must for all fans of the movies. Customers are encouraged to dress up for the tour, so don’t forget to pack your Hogwarts robes before heading to London.

Our guest author, Morag Peers works for Allstar Passports & Visas, a Los Angeles passport and visa service specializing in expedited passport renewals, uk student visas, and tourist and business visas to China, among other services.