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Seattle Area Festivals - If you are the kind of person who enjoys a wide array of festivals, then Seattle is the place for you. Whether you want to celebrate the summer solstice or Nordic Yulefest, there is sure to be a Seattle Festival for you.

Summer Festivals:

June Solstice Parade - The Solstice Parade is the official kick-off of the Fremont Fair. Over the past 20 years, the Fremont Arts Council has been a non-profit organization celebrating art and creative expression. The Solstice parade has become popular not only with the locals in Fremont, but with hundreds of people from Seattle and beyond. The parade celebrates not only the beginning of summer, but a love of art and community. Location: Fremont

Lake Union Wooden Boat Festival - The Wooden Boat Festival is an annual event celebrating one of the most favorite pastimes of Seattlites - Boating. The festival includes a regatta and people’s choice awards. Location: Lake Union

July Summer Nights - Summer Nights at South Lake Union Park is the relocated venue of Summer Nights at the Pier. The park itself is 12 acres of waterfront with amazing sunsets and views of downtown Seattle. These outdoor concerts are a great way to celebrate summer. Location: South Lake Union Park

Seafair - Seafair has been celebrated in Seattle for over 50 years and has become part of the fabric of Seattle life. Events begin in July and continue through August, including a milk carton derby, marathon, triathlon, pirates landing, fleet arrival, hydroplane racing, and air show. Most of the events revolve around planes and boats - two Seattle staples - hence the name, Seafair. Location: Lake Washington and throughout Seattle

August Evergreen State Fair - While not located in Seattle, the Evergreen fair is close enough for a visit. There is all kind of entertainment available at this fair - dancers, jugglers, animal shows, home ec contests, a rodeo, carnival and more! There is plenty to do for everyone, whether you enter yourself in a contest, ride a roller coaster, or watch the dancers do their thing. Location: Monroe

Fall Festivals:

September Bumbershoot - Bumbershoot is the festival to end all Seattle Festivals. For over 30 years, Bumbershoot has been The labor Day weekend host to cutting edge bands and artists. The Seattle Center becomes a meeting place for artists, locals, and visitors. This four day festival offers amazing music, art, and friends. Visit and you won’t be disappointed. Location: Seattle Center

Salmon Homecoming Celebration - Beginning with a Native American canoe celebration, the Salmon Homecoming is an ancient festival which has been slightly modified for modern times. Historically, the local Native Americans would celebrate the return of the salmon to their home and celebrate another plentiful year. Take some time to enjoy watching the Native American basket weaving, carving, canoeing, and a 1000 pound salmon bake. Location: Piers 62/63

November

Green Lake Frostbite Regatta - Green Lake is a popular destination year-round. Surrounded by parks and walking paths, the lake is a great place for some outdoor exercise and fun. The Frostbite Regatta is perhaps the last boating event of the year at the Lake. Grab a scarf, some hot coffee, and enjoy watching the races! Location: Green Lake

Yulefest - Many people don’t realize that there is a significant Nordic population in Seattle, particularly in Ballard. This fact becomes evident annually at Yulefest. Every year, Yulefest is held at Nordic Heritage Museum, celebrating Scandinavian Holiday Celebrations including food, crafts, music, and tradition. Location: Ballard

Winter Festivals:

December Christmas Ship Festival - For over 50 years, carolers on boats have been singing to Seattlites warming themselves around huge bonfires. The decorated boats parade up and down the Puget Sound, creating one of the largest holiday flotillas. Warm yourself around the fire, and enjoy the carols. Location: Puget Sound

February Chinese New Year - Seattle’s International District is one of the most vibrant areas of Seattle, offering all kinds of culture and entertainment. Traditionally, this celebration has been one of the most popular events in Chinatowns across the country - Seattle is certainly no exception with its vibrant parade. Location: International District

Spring Festivals:

March St. Patrick’s Day Parade - The St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Bainbridge Island is one of the many popular annual events. Take the ferry over to the island and celebrate your Irish heritage - even if you’re not Irish! Location: Bainbridge Island

April Skagit Valley Tulip Festival - Believe it or not , Washington is a larger producer of tulips than the Netherlands. This is celebrated every year at the annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. Not far from Seattle, the beauty of Skagit’s tulip fields will amaze you. The festival runs the month of April, but the tulip blooms depend on seasonal changes. Check the weather before you go! Location: Skagit, Washington

May Seattle International Film Festival - This film festival is actually the largest film festival in the United States. Running for three weeks, this film festival offers options for everyone. Buy a pass and see as many as possible, or simply try out a few of the films. Location: Throughout Seattle

Syttende Mai - This annual festival celebrates Norwegian Independence Day. Imagine July 4th with a Scandinavian flair. Location: Ballard

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Len is a town highly rich in traditions and historical past, and is widely known throughout the entire country due to it, although it is a quiet and tranquil spot most of the year. This town is located towards the central area of Spain, within the region known as Castilla y Len, and borders with Asturias, Galicia, Zamora and Palencia.

The history of the province of Len can be traced back to many centuries ago when Celtic tribes would inhabit in this area. Some remains from such period of time have been found within the region of Len, being a clear sign of their pass through it. >From that époque on, this town has left many different objects, constructions, and art works from many different periods and historical events, many of them still available for visitors to meet them.

The Templar Knights are among the most interesting inhabitants the town of Len has had. This inhabitants have left their mark spread throughout the city through several interesting constructions such as fortifications and castles. Nowadays, many of these fortifications and castles built by the Templar Knights during the Middle Ages can be still visited and observed, being among the main attractions of Len.

Another interesting attraction this town offers is the chance of fishing trout. Every year people from many different spots approach Len in order to fish trout since it is widely known due to the important amount of these fish that can be found in this area and the propitious spots the town offers for practicing this activity. This way, fishing is another fact by which Len is widely known throughout the region of Len and Castilla as well as in other regions.

Despite the interesting characteristics and the variety of attractions Len offers, it has managed to remain a quiet place without receiving important amounts of tourists and without becoming crowded at any time of the year. This characteristic can turn this destination into an especially attractive one for those who enjoy quiet spots where they could relax and walk around while enjoying the typical environment that every local inhabitant would perceive.

What’s the difference between Mother’s day and Mothering Sunday? Well, Mothering Sunday originated in the UK and is a Christian Festival, whilst Mother’s day in the States was originally started by Julia Ward Howe in 1872 as part of her peace campaigning and pioneering for woman’s rights.

In the USA, Mother’s day was popularised by Ana Jarvis who campaigned to have the day recognised following her own mother’s death. Her campaigning was so successful that in 1914, President Woodrow made Mother’s Day into a National Holiday to be held each year on the 2nd Sunday of May.

Mothering Sunday in the UK is a Christian festival. Each year it always falls on the fourth Sunday in Lent and by tradition it was a day when children gave presents, flowers and cards to their mothers. Mothering Sunday has been celebrated in the UK since at least the 16th century.

Mothering Sunday was also known as Mid-Lent Sunday or Refreshment, because in the old days Sunday when boys were apprenticed from about ten years old and many girls went into service from about the same age, they were allowed a day off to go home and share a meal with their family. Mothering Sunday falls in the middle of Lent and so the fasting rules were relaxed (some say in honour of the Feeding of the Five Thousand - a story from the Bible). Besides having a good meal, children also went home to the ‘Mother’ church.

Another name for Mothering Sunday is Simnel Sunday. That comes from the tradition of making a special cake called a Simnel Cake. There are plenty of Simnel Cake recipes but very few that explain why it has 11 marzipan balls decorating the top of the cake. They are supposed to represent 11 apostles (Judas, who betrayed Christ, is already removed).

Although Mothering Sunday in the UK is regarded as the equivalent of Mother’s day in the USA, it falls on a different day every year depending on when Lent starts. And, in the UK people still give cards, flowers and gifts to their mothers, just as Mother’s Day is celebrated in the USA

Fiona Maclean is an Entrepreneur and Website owner who lives and works in London UK. For more about Fiona, please check her website The Virtual Marketing Company

For anyone who likes snow and winter weather, the state of Maine gives a perfect vacation spot, especially northern areas like Aroostook County with towns like Caribou, Limestone, and Presque Isle hidden beyond large cities and heavily populated areas. A visit in winter results in a different perspective than one during summer.

Of the four seasons, winter most evokes extreme emotions. Some people hate winter, the whole season: the wind and the cold, the coats and the boots, the gray skies and the snow. Others come alive in winter: the brisk air and fresh breezes, the bright snow and warm fires, the skiing and the skating. Winter attacks some places with more anger than others. Some places have sunshine glittering on a snow-covered landscape; others have harsh winds and blowing dirt. A Maine winter brings harsh wind, bitter cold, gray threatening skies, bright sunny days, and a Christmas card beauty of ice and snow.

Bundled in woolen clothes, coats, caps, mittens, and mufflers, school children stand huddled in doorways as they await the school bus. The wind hurls the biting cold through the strongest of materials. People rush from warm buildings into vehicles and back into warm buildings as quickly as possible. Eyes water; noses turn red; toes become numb. Misery runs rampant as the temperature drops lower and lower; the wind, strong and vicious, makes the cold penetrate into the innermost core of a person.

Low, gray skies depress and press upon spirits as people attempt their business of living, many wishing to hibernate the winter away. Yet, many days glitter and glisten as the sun’s rays upon the snow shoots sparks of light into eyes, causing an illusion of heat on faces.

However harsh a Maine winter may be, no one can deny the beauty once snow covers any barrenness and ugliness. Tall majestic fir and pine stand under their mantles. Crystallized birches appear at attention. Hill, vale, and garbage heap sleep under a blanket of white which softens and hides defects.

Thus a Maine winter reveals a great beauty to rest the eyes, cold and wind to battle, dark skies and bright sun to play havoc with spirits. Yet, harsh cold and biting winds, sunshine and depressing gray days create the whole, making the beauty all the more unique.

When I decided to write a murder mystery; with my main characters as the investigators, I had a few problems to overcome:

1) I have never been murdered
2) I have never committed a murder
3) I have never investigated a murder
4) I have never known anyone who has been murdered, committed a murder nor investigated a murder

I’m sure, as a writer, you have heard the cliché, “Write what you know”. So herein lays my dilemma. Obviously not all murder mysteries have been written by authors with first hand knowledge. Of course we know there are cops (John Douglas), robbers (Donald Goines), lawyers (John Grisham) and medical examiners (Patricia Cornwell) who use their personal experiences to create factual fiction. The rest of use though, must rely on thorough research.

Why Conduct Research?

After all, it is fiction, right? Well yes and no. If you are writing Fantasy or Sci Fi, you have a bit more latitude, but even so, research could prove beneficial. For example, you may discover a new invention or scientific theory which you can build upon. You may learn of a certain insect or animal with ritualistic behavior that you can incorporate into one of your creatures.

For the rest of us though, research is non negotiable. If you have based any part of your story in the “real world” in a real place, developed characters with real personality traits or real occupations, then someone, somewhere will know the facts. They will recognize your ignorance in a heartbeat and likely lose respect for you as an author.

For me, there is nothing better than losing myself in a good book, so when I run across a blatant error or oversight, it snaps me back into the real world. Then I forget about the story itself and start critiquing all that came before or will come after.

Not only will your research build your audience’s confidence, it will build your own. As you learn more, you can apply that knowledge. You may learn that something doesn’t work the way you thought it did. You’re surprised. Suppose your character stumbles upon this bit of information too? Now they can be surprised. Or maybe they can be the expert, who explains away the misconception to your audience. It could be something small, or something so significant it changes the course of your story.

Research allows you to make informed decisions. I’ve also found it helps me get past writing blocks or awkward transitions. I’ve included: crime statistics, historical references and details on personality traits (one of my characters suffers from depression so I’ve added a lot of information on mental health and treatments).

A Research Strategy

Once you’ve decided to conduct research for your story, you may be overwhelmed. The first thing you need to do is define your goal. Research is merely the act of searching for an answer. So what is your question? It’s critical they are specific as possible. You can waste many hours surfing through endless web pages or reading articles and books, getting sidetracked and frustrated. It may help if you determine why you need this information and what you plan to do with it.

Next, you can determine what types of information will answer your question. For example, let’s say your question is: “How do guns work?” this may not be specific enough depending on why you need this information and what you plan to do with it. With a specific question you know the type of information needed to answer your question. Sure you can delve into the history of gun making, waste a few hours or days, or you can use a web site like http://howstuffworks.com and find your answer in a minute.

We’re spoiled today with so much information at our fingertips; sometimes we overlook the best resources for information, a public library. If you just want general information, you may want to look it up in an encyclopedia: more detailed information, such as statistics may be found in trade magazines, almanacs, or reports.

Sometimes the best resource is the Source itself. I think people like talking about themselves; what they do, their life experiences. Have you ever sat down with an older person and heard all their tales of the good old days? Sometimes it seems like they could talk forever if they had an audience. Be that audience. Ask questions. People can surprise you with their wealth of knowledge and experience.

Garbage in - Garbage Out

Not all information is good information. You may have done your part, decided to conduct research, asked specific questions and found the answer. Or so you think. Before you accept that information as fact, you need to consider the source.

- Is it Reliable? For example, did the information come for a impartial source? Are they trying to influence your thinking with propaganda, rather than non biased fact? Are they trying to sell you something? Keep in mind, any data can be skewed if the source has an agenda.

- Is it Qualified? Does the author of the information have credentials? Are they stating fact or opinion? It’s ok if the source is stating an opinion, as long as they are identified and informed opinions, which may or may not be supported by data.

- Is it Relevant? How old is it? Life changes fast, and facts even faster. What was 100% true five years ago may be 100% untrue today. Has the data been taken out of context?

You can give your audience much more than just an entertaining story. You can give them knowledge. If you do thorough research and make informed decisions in your writing, you will develop trust and respect with your audience. Don’t forget, research is a SEARCH. It is not always easy to find the information you’re looking for, you may have to try several sources before you find your answer. Consider it a treasure hunt, with nuggets of knowledge more valuable then gold.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lisa Hood is the author of “Shades of Betrayal” and “Shades of Revenge”. She has been writing for over 10 years and is presently working on her third suspense novel, “Shades of Jealousy.”She is also the Talent Liaison @ BOOKJOBBER.com. Other articles by Lisa Hood can be downloaded from http://www.bookjobber.com/articles.asp or
mailto:lisa_j@bookjobber.com

Hawaii, land of sun, sand and sea is an archipelago of eight volcanic islands and is located in the central Pacific Ocean. Hawaii became part of the United States in 1959.

Hawaii is a land of cliffs, caves, deep valleys and streams. It’s a world in itself situated over 2000 miles from the nearest landfall. The Hawaiian Islands are geographically diverse with deserts, rainforests, volcanoes and snow capped mountains. The islands of Hawaii have 10 distinct climate zones, making it an exciting vacation destination.

On Hawaii’s Big Island, which is the driest and sunniest part, one of the more popular places to stay is the Outrigger Waikoloa. This oceanfront resort will provide you with a memorable Hawaiian experience and sports a great beach, pool, Kids Club and snack bar. The snorkeling is great, and you can ride a glass-bottom boat to see whales, sea turtles and tropical fish.

On the Island of Maui, a favorite five-star resort is the Grand Wailea Resort, Hotel & Spa. It is renowned for its spa, pools and suites, with luxurious amenities and family activities. The pool at this fabulous resort includes a 2,000-foot “river” that streams through nine separate pools, seven waterslides, waterfalls, caves, white-water rapids, grottos, spa, sauna and the world’s first water elevator.

The Island of Oahu attracts the most visitors and is home to the famous Waikiki Beach. One of the best five-star resorts in Oahu is Halekulani. This is considered the gem on the beach at Waikiki. It has spectacular view of Diamond Head and offers impeccable service, wonderful cuisine and magnificent sunsets.

Obviously, there are many great places to stay in Hawaii, and we’ve only mentioned two. You can go online to any Hawaii travel agency or travel information site and find hundreds of resorts on all the Island of Hawaii. There are wonderful five-star resorts, but there are also places that are more economical if you are traveling on a budget.

Hawaii Resorts provides detailed information on Hawaii Resorts, Hawaii Inclusive Resorts, Hawaii Honeymoon Resorts, Hawaii Golf Resorts and more. Hawaii Resorts is affiliated with Hawaii Travel Packages.

Each year, over two million people find their way to Hilton Head Island to find a relaxing vacation spot in the sun. The largest island off the coast of Georgia has been developed as a tourist’s paradise, carefully zoned, environmentally sensitive, and always with a sense of appreciation for the history and natural bounty of this unique place.

It is always the right time to explore the many options available as Hilton Head vacation rentals. The savvy tourist has the opportunity to find the exact rental property on the island, to ensure the perfect vacation. First, the vacationer needs to decide how to spend his time on the island. The different resort plantations, vestiges of the old sugar and indigo plantations, have been rebuilt as self-contained resort areas. Ocean properties are also available. Many Hilton Head natives, who may live in the interior villages of the island, rent out their homes during part of the year. Other properties are available as part of a golf or tennis vacation. Nature lovers may want to stay close to the hiking trails along the protected marshes or near the Sea Pines Forest Preserve, home to native wildlife.

There are many types of Hilton Head vacation rentals, including the residential plantations, hotels, condos, villas, and even houses. A place to stay can be as little as $70 a night for a modest motel to over $4,000 a week for a four-bedroom luxury home. Many of these rentals are privately owned but may be listed with specialty agents.

Vacation rentals are available all year round in Hilton Head. Rental reductions of 30% or more are often found in the off-season for those who are not limited to vacationing during the short summer months. Also, many discounted packages can be found if a visitor is willing to gamble on finding a last-minute accommodation. A full listing of rental accommodations is available from the Hilton Head Chamber of Commerce.

Hilton Head Rentals Info provides detailed information on Hilton Head vacation rentals, condo rentals, rental homes, villa rentals, and oceanfront rentals. Hilton Head Rentals Info is the sister site of Lake Tahoe Vacation Rentals Web.

Be honest not with us, but with yourself. How many birthdays have you missed this year? We are all quite busy and we even have a hard time remembering what day it is, but when it comes to the feelings of our friends and family, we need to take extra steps to remember. It happens to all of us, even those with the best intentions. So, what can you do to help yourself remember for next time? Because technology is just so great in this day and age, there are ways that you can remember one or two birthdays or even one hundred and two.

A free service for you to consider is offered on the website, www.mobileBday.com. This service is a great tool to have because it can help you stay connected to the long list of birthday reminders you probably have. By allowing you to receive instant reminders of when birthdays are happening, this service really can prove to be invaluable. The service allows you to program birthdays into it. When the date arrives of the person’s birthday, you will receive a text message reminding you of the birthday. The message will show up whenever you plan for it to. It will display the person’s phone number which allows you to instantly call them and wish them a happy birthday! You can also set up reminders for later in the day as well.

Again, this is a free service that helps to keep you connected with the loved ones around you. You will no longer have to see the disappointment on the faces of those you love when you forget to call. They won’t feel like they are second best. And, you will not feel as if you have failed again. This simple to use product is a great way to help you to remember all of those important days. By the way, you can also use this service to program in all those anniversaries that you tend to forget as well! Come home with a bouquet of flowers on your wedding anniversary! It is easy to use, which makes it right for just about anyone who has a cell phone with text messaging service. Getting started is as simple as registering and adding those individuals into your cell.

S Baker is a well respected writer and recommends free greeting cards for the next greeting you send.

As car insurance rates keep increasing, smart car owners are looking for low cost car insurance. There are several different types of price reductions available and if you can save some money, then why not? Below is a list of general price reductions that may be available to you. Check with your insurance underwriter to see if you’re eligible.

Individual Insurance Discounts

Person-related discounts are ones that depend on the driver’s own personal situation, status and driving history.

Car Based Insurance Deductions

The type of car you drive can be a huge factor in shaping the yearly price of automobile insurance. There are also extra features that you can add to your car to make it easier to insure.

1. Air Bags. They present more safety to you and your car and insurance underwriters love these.
2. Anti-Lock Brakes System (ABS). Some states require that automobile insurance companies give discounts to policy owners whose automobiles are equipped with ABS.

Anti-Theft Systems. Any type of add-on to keep somebody from breaking into or stealing your car can also provide you with cheaper insurance rates.

One of the chief financial problems which people apt to face is credit repair. With diverse businesses and companies contributing help on credit repair it is hard to choose the most best option. With the global economic recession, banks expect high credit score prior to granting loans. This makes it necessary to introduce fast credit repair techniques. Luckily, fast credit repair is not as complicated as is depicted by credit companies. Detailed and intensive particulars is not mandatory. You can easily trail the techniques outlined and cut down your credit service costs.

The first and foremost question to ask yourself is What went wrong? How did I get in this mess? Only then can you spot your answer and choose the most appropriate strategy. Once you have deduced the reason of your situation, its time to bring about an alteration in your social and financial lifestyle. You can start going through your credit statements and concentrate on flawed information and notify your creditors.

Heedless use of credit cards should be totally avoided. Credit cards should only be used only in dire need. All spare credit accounts should be closed to check overspending. Extra accounts also tend to show up in the annual credit statement and trigger negative scores. Outline and control your monthly spending budget. Keep track of your accounts and put a stop to the accumulation of debts. Start trusting that your victory lies in your own hands.

Never fall in the mistake of paying late. Timely payments pledge that you will not face bad credit profile and that your credit score will remain positive. It will also ensure that a long lasting relationship is continued with your lenders. Make the endeavor of raising your credit score as this will bring you into a positive light with the creditors and will support you in getting loans in the future.

Always ascertain your debt ratio to your credit balance ratio. implement caution and prudence when using credit cards. Use only 40% credit on a single credit card. An overused credit card raises an alarm in the minds of the lenders and creates a hostile environment. It also cautions the lenders towards providing loans in the future.

Most people have a tendency to overlook the most straightforward and effortless strategies of fast credit repair. Credit counseling is engaged instead of taking pains to evaluate their own situation and to arrive at an appropriate result. This same task is performed by the credit counselors at a very high fee. The most effortless way to repair your credit score is to surf the net for numerous tips on fast credit repair. But in the end only your own attempt can pull you out from this unfavorable credit mess.