Tuesday, January 20, 2009

CEM Sales and Service

By Bart Icles
Water toys are a huge success in parks. A city who installs a water park complete with pipe flowers that shoot up jets of water, gigantic sprinklers, hoses that spray water in every direction and assorted array of water spewing toys, is a city that will increase its public image. A park like this sounds fun but in what does it really mean? Why make all that effort to set up such a season thing. Here are a few ideas as to why it is such a benefit for a city.
First, there is a myth that water parks like these use large amounts of water. The truth is they use far less than the average city pool. Kids can get soaking wet in less water and cool off from the days heat without stretching the cities water supply. Toys like this are a great answer to providing water fun on a low water budget.
Second, there are many different dealers of toys like these, for example CEM Sales and Service or Maxeys Aquatics, will walk you through the entire process and fit your city exactly for what they will use. Depending on the size of city and range of the summer months will determine what set up will work best for you. It makes planning and implementing a system like this easier than other options.

Third. These kinds of facilities dramatically increase the image of a city. A city willing to give its citizens and visitors access to a free resource above and beyond that which is usually found in a city, is showing the people that they are in politics for the peoples comfort and benefit. That can be a powerful statement. A city who is working to improve the lives of its citizens in every way not just educational debates or road construction is making powerful statements. Water facilities or aquatics can be a big tool for a city team.
Any city can maintain and build a library, any city can allow the next best restaurant to set up shop but not every city is making such a noticeable statement to its public that says youve worked hard to earn the money for this city, lets invest in some fun too. Finding the right aquatic toy for your area is an important step along with the right unveiling technique to the city. Look into aquatics as a way to noticeably improve your city and its morale.

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Did You Go To These Top 10 Places to Go in 2008

1. Bhutan
Cradled by the majestic Himalayas in a remote corner of Southern Asia, the “Land of the Thunder Dragon” has long held steadfast to its rich culture and Buddhist heritage. Though an isolated locale and high tourist entry tariffs (of up to $200 per person per night) keep crowds at bay, these factors have also permitted this last Shangri-La to keep its traditions intact. If the lush valleys and snowcapped mountains, ancient temples and monasteries, and expansive markets full of cheerful locals haven’t lured you to Bhutan yet, reconsider in 2008, when the 101st anniversary of the country’s monarchy will be commemorated by a yearlong celebration.
2. Greenland
Though Greenland promoters prefer to avoid using the term “catastrophe tourism” to describe its surging popularity, new weekly flights from Baltimore (late June through early August in 2008) have indeed made this Danish province the most accessible place to bear firsthand witness to the inconvenient truths of climate change. The midnight sun practically guarantees encounters with reindeer, seals, and narwhals, but it's the Arctic island's Ilulissat ice fjord, which has retreated six miles in just a few years, and Warming Island, which was thought to have been part of mainland Greenland until the connecting ice thawed, that tend to leave visitors dumbstruck.
3. Lisbon
The cheapest capital in Western Europe (according to the 2007 Mercer Consulting survey) is worth a visit not only for its affordability–a huge plus when considering the anemic exchange rate of the U.S. dollar against the Euro these days–but for its dramatic hillside villages, fashionable cobblestone enclaves, and innovative cuisine. No longer just a stopover on the road to Porto, the capital of Portugal is fast becoming Europe’s next “it” city, which means crowds and inflated prices are bound to follow. Visit in 2008 before the buzz signals the hordes.
4. Mozambique
Safely removed from decades of civil war, Mozambique is poised to become Africa’s next big tourist destination. The country’s recent economic success is finally permitting its natural assets–1,500 miles of unspoiled tropical shoreline, clear blue seas, and pristine reef-fringed archipelagos–to shine. Upscale, eco-friendly properties are opening along the Bazaruto and Quirimbas archipelagos, the government is restoring the million-acre Gorongosa National Park, and tour operators now run diving excursions to see sea cows, whale sharks, and staghorn coral. It’s been a long haul for this former Portuguese colony, but there’s no question that the nation is a rising star in the travel world.
5. New Orleans
any have already returned to New Orleans since Katrina, but recent events give every indication that 2008 is poised to be the best year the city has seen since the hurricane. Combine a rebuilding boom with powerhouse couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie moving in to the French Quarter, and a revitalized Canal Street beckoning musicians and ramblers back to its pretty riverside promenade, and you've got the makings of a fully revitalized city. Plus, with some of the nation’s most-beloved festivals getting under way in the first part of the year (Mardi Gras in February and Jazz Fest in late April and early May) it’s easy to make the Big Easy a must this year to herald the rebirth of one of the country’s most storied and fascinating cities.
6. Okanagan Valley
Move over, Napa and Sonoma: Oenophiles looking for a taste of the next best thing are taking their palates north, to British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley. A four-hour drive northwest of Spokane, Wash., the Okanagan Valley boasts a cool and dry summer climate ideal for traditional grape harvesting, and frosty winters, which vintners use to advantage to produce Canada’s famed ice wine. With landscapes dotted with verdant fields, cascading hillsides, and ample lakes, there’s no question the area makes for a great wine-country getaway; Cedar Creek and Kettle Valley are just two of our favorite vineyards here.
7. Quito
Long thought of as just a pit stop en route to the Galapagos, the capital of Ecuador is finally coming into its own, thanks to a burgeoning culinary and nightlife scene, new attractions ranging from botanical gardens to cultural heritage museums, and the opening of several luxury hotels. Quito’s Old Town–a UNESCO World Heritage Site that just completed a seven-year, $200 million restoration–is at the heart of the city’s regeneration. Its colonial mansions and churches now flaunt fantastic face-lifts.
8. Slovenia
With Eastern Europe's popularity growing by leaps and bounds, Slovenia is now enjoying a newfound moment in the tourism spotlight. Slovenia is chock-full of the same kind of medieval towns and quaint villages that made the Czech Republic–namely Prague–a household name, but its charms can be enjoyed for a fraction of the price of its trail-blazing predecessor and arguably offer more value to boot. Though Slovenia was one of the first Eastern European countries to adopt the euro, the country’s hesitance to adapt to modern times has made its Venetian-era squares and tiny Alpine cities a fantastic bargain for the buck.
9. Tobago
One of the last remaining "undiscovered" Caribbean islands, Tobago has long been overshadowed by its better-known sister island of Trinidad. A power shift may be in the making as of 2008, however, as Tobago's pink-sand beaches and serene waters became accessible for the first time by direct flights from New York and Atlanta on Delta Air Lines in December 2007. The new flights allow visitors to bypass Trinidad altogether to reach Tobago's secluded and romantic shores, where an unpretentious, slow-paced, and eco-friendly atmosphere prevails, relatively free of tourists and overdevelopment–for now.
10. Tunisia
While 40 percent of this North African nation is swathed in arid Sahara desert, the remainder is blanketed by fertile soil and hemmed in by over 600 miles of Mediterranean coastline. No wonder it garnered a lot of (often unwanted) attention over the centuries from some of the world’s greatest civilizations. See what all the fuss was about by visiting the ruins of the ancient Phoenician city of Carthage and historic sites like the coliseum at El Jem (arguably the finest example of its kind outside of Rome). When not taking in archaeological gems, you can relax and rejuvenate at one of several beach resorts; venture through the Sahara on camelback or 4x4; or camp out in the desert in luxurious linen tents. Indeed, if there's one place on our list that packs the ultimate vacation into its borders–what with culture, beaches, adventure travel, and luxury camping–this is it.

Friday, January 16, 2009

What to Expect on a Tanzanian Wilderness Travel

By maxima maina
Tanzania is the country where more land than anywhere else in Africa is allocated to wildlife. Amazing? That is why a wilderness travel adventure in Tanzania is no ordinary experience. It is Africa at its best.

What is there to see?

Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest peak and many visitors come here just to climb it. Climbing up affords some of the most breath-taking views ever seen.

See the wildlife in game sanctuaries so vast that some are still virtually unspoiled. The whole range of Africa wildlife is there to see as they interact in their natural habitat.

The Serengeti National park is known world over for research on ecological conservation. It is where the big annual Serengeti-Maasai Mara wildebeest migration begins.

The Mahale Game Park is on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Here you will find the world's largest concentration of chimpanzees.

On the Tanzanian coast are Zanzibar Island and the other islands, rich in historic Arab- Swahili culture. The Stone City of Zanzibar is a must see.

Activities to do:

Camping Safari are special in Tanzania. Camp outdoors with campfires under open skies and listen to the sounds of the animals.

Walking safaris are a specialty of wilderness travel in Tanzania. You set off from base camp every morning and travel on foot into the wild with vehicle escort and the watchful eye of experienced guides, and get back in the evening the richer for your safari trek efforts.

Zanzibar Island and Pemba's idyllic beaches are famous as honeymoon spots and for great water sports. Here you can crown your wilderness travel safari in the interior by coming to the sun ,sand and sea.

Try the wilderness travel in Tanzania, you cannot be disappointed.

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Thursday, January 15, 2009

Queensboro Motorcycle Club Annual Motorcycle Rodeo

By LJ James
Queensboro Motorcycle Club has been around for over 98 years! That's right I said over 98 years, That's not only a long time for a Motorcycle Club,that's a long time for anything!

OK Lets stop and think about this for a minute, The first (gas-engined) Motorcycle was invented in 1885. (Of course some consider the first Motorcycle invented to be the two-cylinder, steam-engine motorcycle powered by coal invented in 1867 by American, Sylvester Howard Roper) Harley Davidson who started in 1903 only has 7 years on Queensboro MC!

This MC has been around since the infancy of the Motorcycle culture. Now I have only known Queensboro MC for about 8 of those 97 years but I can tell you over 97 years this group of Bikers have made many friends in and outside of the Motorcycle world! Their annual Motorcycle Rodeo Held each year at a local Park shows not only how many friends they have made but also how 98 years can teach you how to throw a great party.Just one look at the parking lot at the Rodeo shows you the wide diversity of their Friends,With Motorcycles from Harley to Honda, Ninja to Norton and so many others in between. Now you don't need a Motorcycle to be part of the FOQ (Friends of Queensboro)Crew and some of their many friends showed up in cars to enjoy the perfect Summer day!

The Event starts with sign up at Rolling Thunder in Hempstead and a Scenic ride over to the Rodeo. Once at the Rodeo there are of course plenty of great Motorcycle Events to enter,None of them more memorable then the Port-a-Potty pull ! If you need to ask what a Port-a-Potty pull is, Well all I can say is your just going to have to show up at next years Rodeo! The Event also has many great Vendors,Food and Beverages, a D.J., Children's events, a Bike Show and many games you don't need a Motorcycle to play, Such as the Hilarious game "Shoot the Biker Freak". The Final event of the day is always the Tug of War !

Queensboro MC's Motorcycle Rodeo has a permanent mark on my calendar of events to attend every year and a big gold star on it for 2010!!! Check out QueensboroMC.com for info on their many other great Annual events!!!

Your Bro L.J. James AmericanBikerX.com Radio show at BikerLowdown.com





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American Motorcycle Jamboree

By LJ James
American Motorcycle Jamboree[I:0:J]

Every Memorial day weekend Me and a bunch of my Bro's hop on our Motorcycles and pack into Trucks filled with Tents,Sleeping bags,Bar-B-Qs,Beer and many other camping necessity as we head up to the beautiful 100 year old Sunshine Fairgrounds in the scenic Schoharie Valley in Cobleskill NY for the annual American Motorcycle Jamboree, Rally and camp out. [I:1:J]

For 25 years now Am-Jam has taken place on Memorial day weekend. In my a opinion it is a weekend that should be spent with Family and for me its the ever growing Am-Jam family. The Am-Jam Family is the name given to the group of volunteer's who every year do all the behind the scenes work that make Am-Jam the Three day biker Paradise it has become over the years.

As with any family there is that one special someone in charge and for the Am-Jam Family that person is Jeannie Aldos, Some might even call her the Mother of Am-Jam and she has filled the roll perfectly for the past 25 years.

In today's Motorcycle crazed culture where you can't turn on the TV or go into a store with out being bombarded with something that has to do with Motorcycles and it seems everyone is putting on a "Biker Event" signs with the words "No Club Colors" are seen more and more often.But not at Am-Jam !!! Jeannie set out 25 years ago to host the Best three day Biker Jamboree and Camp out in New York and to make sure it was open to everyone whether they are an Independent Rider in a Motorcycle Club or just a person who loves the lifestyle. Am-Jam is one of the few Biker rallies and Camp outs left in NY that is truly Biker friendly.

Now If you have never been to Am-Jam let me do my best to try to describe it to you.First you need to Imagine an old fashion Country Fair Grounds .Then picture over where the Carnival Rides would be (and every where else for that matter) Thousands of Tents, Campers, Motorcycles and Bikers. Over in the barn area where one would usually see farmers showing off prize Cows,Pigs and other farm animals,You will instead find it filled with proud Bikers showing off their antique Motorcycles.

The tents and booths on the Midway where one would usually see home made goods, arts and Crafts and some guy trying to get you to spend $5 to win a 10 cent Gold Fish or stuffed animal are instead filled with Custom Motorcycle dealers, Leather goods, Tattoo artists, Clubs selling support gear, Body Piercing,T-Shirts,Patches and Pins,Lady's Lingerie shops, and every other thing a Biker could need or want.

Over by the Grand Stand and main stage area during the day you find Tattoo contests,a Motorcycle Rodeo with games for those both on and off their Motorcycles and even thou I didn't see one this year I'm sure there was a wedding or two.

On the Main Stage at Night you have some of the best Rock and Southern Rock Bands in the Northeast playing and in between sets are the leather an lace Fashion Shows by USA Leather along with contests like the best Lady's Legs and every ones Favorite The Wet T-Shirt Contest.

On Saturday Night at 10pm every year there is a large fire Works display dedicated to all lost veterans and it can be seen for miles around the fairgrounds!

For Those who Forgot or didn't have room on their Bike for Food and Beer there is always plenty of great food vendors including my morning favorite the all you can eat Pancake Hut where you get Orange juice,sausage links and all the pancakes one can eat (Of Course after being up all night drinking you can only eat so many) for only $5.

Then of course there is the ever popular Beer Tent! The past few years it has been run by the Owner and Staff of the Bad Pig Saloon.

For those who came alone there is the ever popular Girl's Girl's Girl's Tent with some of the Hottest Girl's Dancing just for you.

Am-Jam seems to be getting Bigger and Better every year, with new and exciting vendors and events every year .The only bad thing I could say about Am-Jam is it just isn't long enough (I'm Sure members of the Family staff might disagree as it probably seems much longer to them)

After spending three days Camping and partying and having a great time with Bikers from all over, the only thought running threw my head as I watched the Thousands of bikers pack up their gear and head home was how great of a world would it be if Am-Jam was 365 days a year?

But until that happens I have my memories of previous Am-Jam to hold me over to the next ! What Surprises await us at Next Years Am-Jam? If you want to know then you will just have to go. I'll see you there! Your Bro LJ James AmericanBikerX.com Listen to LJs Radio Show at BikerLowdown.com





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Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Top 10 Travel Destinations of 2009

Every year the travel book supergiant Lonely Planet releases its list of the coming year’s top travel locations, from new trends, to the classic vacation spots that have always been popular with tourists. Their top 10 list of the best destinations of 2009 held some a few surprises, and some great tips that travel nuts have come to expect from their annual release.
1). Bay Of Fire, Tasmania
Chances are you have never heard of this little paradise off the coast of St. Helen’s, a small whaling town in the lesser traveled portion of Tasmania. But with crystal clear waters, clean, sandy beaches, and some cozy little cottages for rent right on the shoreline, this known vacation spot it’s sure to give you the perfect island getaway.


2). Basque Country, France and Spain
Both France and Spain have always been the favorite European vacation spots, with some of the most breathtaking scenery you will ever witness. But the Basque costa is an especially lovely area with some amazing travel packages that can take you to one of the most beautiful areas of the world, while still letting you keep some cash for souvenirs.
3). Chiloe, Chile
Chile is a country rich in culture and adventure, and in recent years it has been able to maintain it’s wonderful traditions, while still modernizing the region. Chiloe is an especially impressive example of this mix, with their aging architecture, traditional ghost stories, and an increasing tourist market that includes plenty of adventure tours that will take you on some of the wildest treks of your life.
4). Ko Tao, Thailand
Rich, green landscapes as far as the eye can see, incredible diving locations, and the chance to come in contact with the marine and wildlife of the island, it’s no wonder this is one of the top 10 locations of 2009. If you love the ocean, and the idea of roughing it a little bit while still maintaining a few of the comforts of a resort, then this is the place for you.
5). Languedoc, France
With so much of France conquered by frequent tourism and mass modernization, Languedoc is still a tucked away little spot that offers a little solace from the gaudy gift shops and tourist traps of modern travel. With some lovely hotels, fine dining restaurants, and some great cruise options that take you along the Canal du Midi, this is a nice alternative to the usual French getaway.
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6). Nam Ha, Laos
When you think of vacations, Laos is certainly not the first location that comes to mind. However, Nam Ha is one of the most culturally satisfying trips you could ever take. From home stays with the local people, treks through the mountains, and guided tours by locals to the waterfalls and through the jungles, it’s an experience you will never forget.
7). The Big Island, Hawaii
Who doesn’t want to visit Hawaii? It has been one of the most popular beach vacation spots for the last several decades. But the draw of The Big Island is different then that of it’s smaller siblings. With reach active volcanic lava wastes, beaches filled with white, black, and green sand, and ample time to spend in a less crowded, much more affordable area, this is a less popular, but much more appealing, Hawaiian vacation.
8). San Andres and Providencia, Columbia
Columbia gets a bit of a bad rep, and in some areas it’s warranted. But the two main islands of San Andres and Providencia are two beautiful, tourist-friendly areas that are dedicated to long days spent fishing, hiking, diving, or on submarine tours through the deeps to witness the modern marine life.
9). Svalbard, Norway
Norway is a country rich with tourist opportunities, which is why it has such a crowded holiday life. But the Cold Coast is a lesser known area that is full of dark fjords and mystery. If you like cooler temperatures and polar boat tours, then you will love Svalbard.
10). Yunnan, China
Home of the legendary Tiger Leaping trek, jungle tours, and the scenery of an environmentally rich land, with scattered ancient temples and small towns, this is the ultimate Asian hot spot. Expect the unexpected in Yunnan.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

2009 tourism trends


The global crisis that shook 2008 to the core (and continues to do so) has impact in industries across the board. One of the most affected fields is tourism as it’s an elected excess and not a necessity. A recently released research by the Tourism Journalists Association shows that people will be more cautious in spending for leisure travels and will engage in more meaningful, rather than extravagant, vacations. Here are the forecasted kinds of trips that will be all the rage this year:
1. Domestic tourism—This year will see a boost in domestic tourism as tourists will go around their own countries more than flying to another. This is one of the cheapest ways to travel and may help balance out the anticipated lack in foreign tourists.
2. Travel to nearby countries—As many people still want to explore countries other than their own, the next best thing is going to neighboring countries where they’re not expected to spend as much as a jet-setting spree. Europeans may go backpacking across their continent; Americans may go either north or south; and Asians may island-hop around the tropics.
3. Faith tourism—Sabbaticals, pilgrimage, and other religious tourism subcategories are among the top travel choices this year, along with the usual religious sites. Also popular are personal spiritual vacations where the travelers meditate and “self-help.”
4. Cultural/historical tours—People, especially those tracing their roots, will also be drawn to cultural and historical tours. Parents will be keen to take their kids on these types of tours, supposedly in hopes to keep them connected with their heritage.
5. Camping—A very cheap vacation option is more preferred this year to replace five-star resorts in the meantime. This comes in the form of camping.
6. Nature trips—More folk will be interested to go on nature trips and explore the great outdoors and may even take part in adventurous activities like white water rafting and rappelling. The primary purposes of this kind of tourism are education, nature-appreciation, and retreat from city life.
7. Eco-friendly hotels—Environmental issues awareness comes into play even more as educated tourists choose accommodations that are certified green. Environmental responsibility is now a selling point and hospitality associations worldwide are advocating the implementation of eco-friendliness in hotels, inns, and resorts.
8. Visitation—More people will also choose to travel to countries where they have relatives in and most likely stay with them, instead of going to hotels. This will be less luxurious but is a sensible alternative for the budget-conscious.
9. Virtual tourism—The Internet will play a major role in people’s itineraries. Three-dimensional imaging of places will be important in planning one’s trip. Also, travelers are seeking economical alternatives, deals, and packages—thus, the emergence of more travel agency Web sites.
10. Asia—Because they’re relatively cheaper than Europe or the Americas, Asian countries will be popular tourist destinations in 2009. Other countries that are of interest include Turkey, Ireland, Syria, Egypt, and New Zealand.

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