2008 has brought about more than just incremental changes in the Auto Detailing sub-sector. For instance automotive waxes and detailing product costs have increased about 15 to 20% in the last year and a half. Specialty products cost more to ship too due to increased fuel costs for shippers; often detailing companies must special order some products.

Perhaps one of the biggest issue and challenge in some areas is that of water and droughts. In some markets this is causing difficulty getting business licenses for auto detailing operations. There have been some auto detailing shops that have been forced to close until the Level III droughts are over and the local water reservoirs are filled once more.

Used car detailing at the wholesale level has tapered off due to more car dealerships sending SUVs to the auto auctions rather than attempting to resell them on their lots. And we are seeing an increase in smaller cars, which means lower total average price on the ticket charges. This is cutting into profits.

For some auto detailers the recent crackdown on illegal alien labor has hurt and made it difficult to get good labor. Although now, unemployment is on the rise thankfully giving a little bit of a break in the shortage of labor supply, still training is a constant battle and without adequate training quality slips and that is unacceptable in this industry.

The consumers are cutting their budgets and it is cutting into the profits for auto detailers in almost every region of the country. Luckily, folks are keeping their cars longer, which means more retail details, but since they are buying fewer new cars it is also cutting into the volume and when averaged out, it is still less business than before. Indeed, 2009 is almost here and things will change as soon as the business cycle changes.

“Lance Winslow” - Online Blog Content Service. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/

Dog owners, take note: New York City’s fine for failing to pick up after Fido has just more than doubled, to $250. The Sanitation Department announced the new penalty was taking effect Thursday. Gov. David Paterson signed the increase into law in…

I once had a friend who used to bid me farewell by exclaiming,

Many of our wildlife species are completely dependent on a very narrow band of acceptable climactic and environmental conditions in order to survive. Serious study of the effects of climate change on habitat must be undertaken and planning models must be tuned to reflect the new reality.

In short, when an ecosystem undergoes a dramatic change it can no longer sustain resident and migratory wildlife populations. New species of plant and animal life take over and indigenous species disappear.

So why don’t animals and birds simply move as their habitat changes? The fact is that they do, and much can be learned by the studying the slow migration of species into regions where they were previously unknown. But what happens if they can’t move? Take the animals and birds of the northern tundra for example. They rely on food sources that are only produced in regions of permafrost. As the permafrost vanishes due to sustained periods of higher than normal temperatures new types of vegetation will take over. These species simply cannot move further north to find food sources because it will simply cease to exist.

Species like the ptarmigan, arctic fox, and polar bear may simply cease to exist. And guess what? It is very likely to happen in our lifetime. Many scientists firmly believe that this is a “when”, rather than an “if” scenario.

There are other fragile ecosystems like the prairie pothole region that runs from the north central US through Southern Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and into Southern Alberta. This ecosystem provides a stopover for almost every migratory bird along the Mississippi flyway accounting for 80% of the waterfowl in North America. This ecosystem is already at risk due to improper farming and development practices. Over the next 50 years the potholes that provide a safe secure stopover for a wide variety of waterfowl will simply cease to exist.

Please don’t take my word for it! You owe it to yourself and your children to do your own research and form your own opinions. But I expect you will find, that in spite of government rhetoric to the contrary, many of these changes are already inevitable. Wildlife studies must now focus on how to plan for the new reality and rely less on historic based sustainable management models of the past.

©Lloyd Fridenburg, 2008

Lloyd Fridenburg is dedicated outdoorsman and conservationist with articles appearing in local, national, and international media for over 15 years. To learn more about issues affecting wildlife and their habitat log into http://www.distinctnorthernart.com/page/blog For the most unique offering of original Canadian wildlife art by Ontrio wildlife artist Angus Burns visit us as http://www.DistinctNorthernArt.com

MAYBE William Shatner’s invitation to George (Mr. Sulu) Takei’s gay wedding last month got lost in the mail. Shatner, who played Captain Kirk on “Star Trek” and had a decades-long feud with Takei, rants on a new YouTube video: “The whole thing makes…

Whether you need a gift for Christmas, a birthday or other occasion, anime fans can be hard to buy for, especially if you know little about the world known as “anime”. First, let me explain a little about it. Anime is a type of animation that started in Japan. Basically, you can call it a Japanese version of cartoons. However, it has some big differences. Where American animation tends to be geared primarily towards children, there are actually many types of anime, geared for many ages and interests. For instance, there are series targeted squarely at young boys, young girls, young women and so on. There are also adult series, with more adult themes and content. There are also many different thematic styles of anime, including those centered around robots (called mecha), romantic series, fighting series, school life series and so on.

In order for you to choose a fantastic gift for the Japanese animation fan in your life, you first need an idea of what anime series or at least what kind of theme they enjoy. Find out by perusing their DVD collection or checking what they watch on TV. Once you know the series they like, here are some suggestions for surefire gifts for any anime fan:

Manga

Manga is simply the Japanese version of comic books or graphic novels. Many anime series are based on a manga series. Any anime fan would love the original manga their favorite series is based on. For original Japanese manga, you can usually find some on eBay and at Japanese importers like JustManga and Manga.com. For the most popular series, like Inuyasha, you can find English translated manga books at many major bookstores.

Live Action and Japanese Drama DVD’s

Some anime and manga series have a live action version, like Sailor Moon, that a Sailor Moon fan would likely be interested in. If they seem interested in Japanese culture, then consider getting them some Japanese TV drama series. There are many Japanese drama series aimed at tweens and teens that usually take place in school or high school. Check out Nodame Cantabile, Hana Yori Dango and Gokusen, each was based on anime or manga series or both. Look for these series at places like YesAsia and on eBay. Make sure to get the English subtitled versions.

Toys

Some anime series, like Gundam, Neon Genesis Evangelion and others, have many toys available. If you really want to get a special gift, try to get some of the toys that are imported from Japan. Toys available include action figures, vehicles, stuffed toys, models and dolls. You can find toys for the most popular series at major toy stores, but for not so popular series, try eBay, YesAsia and other import websites.

Video Games

Many of the most popular anime series like Naruto, Inuyasha and Bleach also have video games based on them. This is a great gift idea since what fan wouldn’t want to play a game as their favorite character? Make sure to find out what game system they have so you can get a game for their particular console or handheld.

Music

Many anime fans become interested in Japanese culture through anime, especially since popular Japanese artists and bands are used on the soundtracks to the majority of series. You can get them the soundtrack to the series or even a few JPOP or JROCK CD’s. JPOP and JROCK is the abbreviation of Japanese pop and Japanese rock music. Find many artists at both YesAsia and eBay. Popular Japanese music artists include Ayumi Hamasaki (pop), Utada Hikaru (pop/R&B), Arashi (pop boy band), L’Arc-en-Ciel (rock band), Morning Musume (pop girl band) and many more.

Collectibles & Decorative Items

There are also many collectibles and decorative items available for some series. Consider animation cells, limited edition toys, photo albums, calendars, posters and more. Find these at YesAsia and eBay.

Clothing & Apparel

Some anime fans enjoy dressing up as their favorite character, this is called “cosplay”. Try to find out who their favorite character is and get them a costume or accessories. For instance, an Inuyasha fan would love a necklace like the one Inuyasha wears or a play sword like he uses. Or go all out and get them a full costume just like their favorite character. One place to check out is CosplayMagic.com.

Language Books or Software

If your anime fan has a serious interest in Japanese culture, then consider getting them a book or audio learning set to help them learn, read and write Japanese. This is an excellent gift option if you’re having a hard time finding gifts from their favorite anime series. This is also a gift you can feel good about, since learning a new language is a very valuable skill for their future.

Food

From sushi to Pocky, if they have an interest in Japanese culture, they might like to try some of the food they have seen consumed in animes and dramas. Some suggestions include a sushi making kit, Japanese candy and gum, Pocky (a pretzel covered with chocolate), strange flavored Japanese versions of candy bars like KitKat and more. You can find many types of Japanese candy at AsianFoodGrocer and other Japanese food import sites.

Charley Lawrence writes for AnimeOwl, where you can watch anime online for free. Find the best anime series at AnimeOwl. Visit us at: http://www.animeowl.com


NBC13.com
Free Cancer Screenings Available To Women
WTOV9.com - 1 hour ago
In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the American Cancer Society is reminding women that there are free programs available for cancer screenings.
Dressbarn hosts breast cancer drive West Fargo Pioneer
Portsmouth Athletic Club holds spinning class for breast cancer Portsmouth Herald News
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Though the Caribbean is home to scores of wonderful resorts, stores and restaurants, the beaches set the region apart as an excellent family destination. Likewise, St. Thomas is known for its accommodations and duty-free shopping, but visitors are often surprised at the wealth of excellent beaches. From the spacious, activity-filled beaches near Charlotte Amalie to the rocky coastline of the northern shore, St. Thomas has the perfect stretch of sand for every type of traveler. If you are in search of a friendly Caribbean island with plenty of sun, sand and fun, look no further than St. Thomas.

As many of St. Thomas’ best resorts are located near the harbor of Charlotte Amalie, it should come as no surprise that some of the island’s most well-known beaches are also nearby. However, rather than being busy and crowded, the beaches near Charlotte Amalie offer plenty of space to relax in the sun and calm waters for family-friendly activities.

One of the best choices for sandy relaxation in St. Thomas is Morningstar Bay, a peaceful stretch of shoreline perfect for swimming or reclining beneath an umbrella. Throughout the year, Morningstar’s turquoise waters sparkle beneath the Caribbean sun. As the beach offers extensive water sports rentals and features exceptional food and drink options, Morningstar can be enjoyed by visiting families and couples alike. Nearby, the beach at Lindberg Bay - also known as Emerald Beach - offers many of the same relaxing amenities and plenty of sandy real estate.

Visitors staying near Charlotte Amalie may also want to visit the beaches at Bolongo Bay and Brewers Bay. Bolongo Bay features a slightly rockier, but incredibly picturesque, coastline and has recently become known as a great location for novices and families to try snorkeling. The onsite rental shops at Bolongo Bay also offer water sports equipment such as water bikes and kayaks to complete a relaxing day in the water. Brewer’s Bay is the beach of choice for St. Thomas’ residents. The beach at Brewers Bay is clean and wide; the water calm and clear; the atmosphere casual with a flourish of Caribbean hospitality. On weekends, it is common for food vendors to set up shop along this undeveloped stretch of sand, enticing both locals and visitors with some of St. Thomas’ most unique recipes.

The east end of St. Thomas is home to the greatest collection of beaches, many of which feature calm surf and extensive water sport activities. The most popular beach along the eastern shore is Coki Point, a favorite amongst locals and tourists for snorkeling and picnicking in the sun. Though Coki Point is often busy on the weekends, the vibrant Caribbean atmosphere - usually featuring numerous vendors and musicians - makes this beach a can’t-miss destination. Tourists in search of the large, luxurious beaches that made the Caribbean famous should also visit Sapphire Beach - a roomy white-sand beach known for snorkeling, windsurfing and numerous refreshment options - and Lindquist Beach - a spacious, undeveloped beach with a truly tropical atmosphere.

Those looking for quiet beaches with clean sand and calm breezes on the eastern shore of St. Thomas will enjoy Turtle Cove and Bluebeard’s Beach. Connected by a small walkway, both of these pleasant beaches offer ample room to stretch out and enjoy the Caribbean weather. If you are feeling adventurous, windsurfing and kiteboarding are popular activities in the rolling waves offshore.

The eastern shore of St. Thomas is also home to a trio of small beaches known for unmatched natural beauty and sightseeing opportunities. Secret Harbor is named for the rock walls that form a protective bay. As a result, the beach has a distinctively tropical feel, while the water is known to be calm and warm year-round. Limetree Beach rests along a natural cove and is frequented by those in search of a quiet piece of paradise for tanning, reading or picnicking. Lastly, Sugar Bay is a small, picturesque beach similar to Secret Harbor and Limetree Beach, but more water sport activities are typically available making this stretch of sand a good option for families in search of both adventure and relaxation.

The northern shore of St. Thomas is home to the island’s most famous beach, Magens Bay. Selected as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches by publications such as National Geographic and Condé Nast Traveler, Magens Bay is a mile-long public park known for impeccable sand and crystal-clear water. The beach is a great place for families with children to spend an afternoon, as the shallow water and lifeguards ensure safe swimming and water sports, while all types of refreshments are just a sandy walk away. Though Magens Bay charges a small entry fee for adults, all the funds are dedicated to the maintenance of this incredible Caribbean destination.

In addition to Magens Bay, the northern shore is also home to a number of smaller beaches that offer a glimpse into traditional island culture of St. Thomas. Hull Bay, Stumpy Bay, Mandahl Bay are three such quiet beaches with a relaxed, old world atmosphere. Local fishermen frequent many of these small beaches on the northern shore, so it is common to see small vessels bobbing in the waves or anchored near the sand.

Yet, while the northern shore has plenty of beaches with calm conditions perfect for swimming and other water sports, there is one windswept beach that perfectly captures the exotic, windswept side of St. Thomas. The beach at Dorothea Bay rests against a rocky coastline and is known for crashing waves and a steady Caribbean breeze. As a result, Dorothea Bay is the perfect destination for an afternoon of photography or simple contemplation.

Whether you want to swim and snorkel or just relax in the sun, St. Thomas has more than enough beaches to make your Caribbean dream a reality.

Justin Burch writes articles about travel in St. Thomas for the Marriott Resorts.


Ghana Broadcasting Corporation
South Africa votes to shut crime-busting unit
Times Online - 1 hour ago
The South African Parliament voted overwhelmingly last night to disband the Scorpions, the elite crime-busting unit whose corruption investigations targeted several prominent figures of the ruling party, including Jacob Zuma, chairman of the African
Video: Legal setback for South Africa’s Jacob Zuma - 23 Oct 08 AlJazeeraEnglish
SAfrica disbands elite Scorpion crime-fighters AFP
JURIST - Washington Post - Voice of America - Reuters
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Life is this thing that we all live, to one degree or another. Many people however don’t realize that life is a game of war, and we must all play for blood. Now I know this is a strong statement, and it is meant to be. Maybe not in the sense that you think though. What I am saying is simple. No one gets out of life alive, so we must play the game with all that we have as though life were ultimately at stake, because it is.

We can’t take life to seriously as we go along, after all, it’s only temporary. However, we must remember that this life is all we have, and we have to give it all we have. We have to play for blood, and that blood is our own peace of mind and happiness. So what would bring happiness to you and your life in the end? What would allow you to sleep every night with a sense of accomplishment and movement. You must be willing to play the game with everything you have, and give it all you got, because in the end, it is all you have.

Life is a game of war, and you must play for blood. Many people may take this statement as though I mean that you must do whatever it takes regardless of who gets hurt along the way, just as in war. This isn’t what I mean, however, what I do mean is that you must play the game of life as though your life were on the line. Ultimately it is on the line. Your well being, your state of mind, your emotional well being, your psychological well being. All of these are on the line. I see so many people who walk around their lives dead inside. There is no greater sadness to me than people who have given up on not only their dreams and happiness, but themselves. People who make excuses as to why it’s to late, or their to old, or they would if they could but they can’t because…. Life is short enough as it is, there is no need to make it shorter and wait for your turn to be put into the ground. Regardless of whether it be tomorrow or fifty years from now, you still have right now to begin moving toward your own happiness and well being in all areas of your life.

So what will you do now? Will you think about these things and decide to start taking action toward your goals and dreams, or will you allow yourself to shrivel up inside like so many people do? Will you begin to move toward your happiness and well being, or will you stay where you are and only hope and wish for your happiness and peace of mind? Every moment of your life is one moment closer to the end of your life. Every breath is one breath closer to the end. What will you do with those moments and each breath? Will you use it wisely, or let another one pass you by? Will you begin to discover what true happiness means to you, or will you simply hope that one day you will find it? Life is a game of war, and you must play for blood.

This will be an article that is uncomfortable for many people. Death scares people enough as it is, let alone having it thrust into their faces. However, this is something we must all think about at one point or another. Death is the only thing in life we must do, honestly, you can say no to paying taxes and you might go to jail, but there is absolutely no way to avoid death. It is a must for all of us, and all that matters is what we do from the moment we are born until that fateful moment we go back to where we came. We all start dieing the moment we are born, the only difference is what each of us does with the moments in between. When you are long gone and only memories, pictures, and stories remain. When your turn to meet your maker has come, what will you leave behind. More importantly, while you are here, what will you do with the time you are given. With the eternal credit card of time and life, how will you invest? Will it be a story that is worthy of praise, or another letter in the book forgotten once it is passed? What will your story tell, and are you actively creating a book that will hold the attention of audiences for centuries. The choice is yours, because ultimately, life is a game of war, and you must play for blood.

Dwayne Gilbert is the founder of http://www.wealthylifesecrets.com and the Wealthy Life Secrets Program. Dwayne is constantly teaching people the most advanced concepts and technologies in human potential in order for people to start living their life by their own rules and their own design in the shortest amount of time possible. The information Dwayne offers is on the cutting edge of human potential and possibility. Visit http://www.wealthylifesecrets.com now in order to learn how you can unleash your full potential and create a life full of power and magic in minutes or days instead of weeks or months.

YOU’LL comb many a downtown alley to find a restaurant “concept” more geo-culinarily kooky than Double Crown’s. I mean, the “new aesthetics and cuisines born of the in-betweenness” created by 19th-century Britain’s takeover of Far Eastern lands such…

We’ve all sat, staring out of our window and cursing at the rain poring down or the flat, grey sky that just happened to cloud over on few hours we’ve managed to set aside in our busy schedule to head out and shoot some photos. But all is not lost for the opportunistic and well prepared photographer.

Be Patient

After many rainfalls or storms, comes a spectacular burst of light. Often this light lasts only momentarily, but is worth waiting for. But you’re never going to catch it if you’re still staring out of that window. Part of making good photographs is being an opportunist. Weather reports are easily accessible through the internet, over the radio, and in newspapers, often with detailed information. You might be able to find out if the cloud cover or storm is about to pass. If not, head out anyway. Yes, it might all be in vain and remain gray and unappealing until nightfall and be a complete waste of time, but what if it isn’t? If you speak to, or read any book written by a successful landscape photographer, they will tell you stories about how they visited a place dozens of times and waited for hours before getting that one in a million shot. Have a look at that shot. Was it worth the time? Chances are it was. Imagine the satisfaction gained from someone looking at your photo and letting out a breathless “Wow!” Then you’ll be the one telling the stories.
A simple way to think about it is that you get out what you put in.

Be prepared

Have you done any research on your subject? Have you visited your location at this time of day before? Do you have a list, or at least a mental outline, of the photos you want? Have you considered the equipment you might need to take? Answering these questions will take you a long way to being able to seize the moment when it does eventually arrive. Instead of fumbling around trying to attach lenses, tripods, filters and any other gadgets that might be necessary, (and I do mean “might”), you will simply be able to step out of your car, or hiding place, gear in hand, and calmly collect the images you’ve been imagining. A little foresight in taking care of these things beforehand allows you to focus completely on taking photos once in the field. As with anything else, if you can concentrate completely, you’ll likely do a better job.

What’s your purpose?

Think about what you are actually trying to achieve with these pictures. Do you even need blue skies? Many a moody, muted landscape has been created using the worst weather conditions. If you have an interest in shooting black and white images, you could be in for a real treat. Many subjects, such as outdoor portraits, can work better in overcast conditions, enabling you to pick up the lines in someone’s face and add character to the portrait without having to worry about your subject squinting their eyes from the sun or dark shadows appearing over half of their face.

Most successful photography, like anything else, comes from having a clear goal and taking the steps necessary to achieve it. It also comes from working with the elements and planning for various possibilities. Open yourself up to new ideas and you will find that your photography improves markedly.

Mark Eden is a freelance travel photographer and writer, and the founder and director of Expanse Photography, a photographic services company offering fine art, limited edition prints as well as stock and assignment photography and publishing services. Mark can be contacted through the Expanse Photography website http://www.expansephotography.com


CTV.ca
Suspected US Missile Strike Kills at Least 10 in Pakistan
Washington Post - 59 minutes ago
By Shaiq Hussain ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, Oct. 23 — At least 10 people were killed and six others injured in a suspected US missile strike Thursday in Pakistan’s restive tribal region, intelligence officials and an eyewitness said.
Missiles Kill 8 in Pakistan Airstrike New York Times
Pakistan Parliament Passes Vague Terrorism Resolution Voice of America
Christian Science Monitor - AFP - The Associated Press - PRESS TV
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No-one likes to feel sweaty and uncomfortable as it not only makes you feel unpleasant it also makes you feel very aware that other people know that you are sweating too much. This is fine if you have been exercising or if you are somewhere that is very hot with many people all perspiring. But what happens if you have been sedentary and are somewhere that is quite cool yet you are sweating profusely and your underarms and back are wet with sweat?

This is a position that all too many people find themselves in each day of the week and as you can imagine it is not something that is easy to live with. Back sweat can be very embarrassing as it will soak through the clothes and be very obvious to anyone who is nearby. If you have stayed away from public events, social invitations and even family occasions due to worrying about excessive back sweat you will no doubt want to find out how to stop back sweat.

As with many medical problems there are more natural methods that you can use to alleviate your symptoms such as changes in diet and wearing only natural fabrics. So if you are looking for a natural way to stop sweating help is at hand.

Sage tea can be very effective to stop sweating and should be drunk each day as can fresh tomato juice. Perhaps these are two methods that you can’t stomach, in which case cutting out alcohol, salt, sugar and spicy foods might be the answer to your sweating. If you have tried this to no avail then what about using a mixture of baking soda and lemon juice to make a totally natural antiperspirant? This can be very effective and smells very fresh and clean, just what you need to control sweating.

James G. Miller is an expert on the natural way to stop sweating, and runs a website dedicated to helping men and women free themselves from Hyperhiderosis. He recommends the Stop Back Sweat guide as the definitive guide to curing sweating in a natural way.


WNCT
States target sex offenders before Halloween
The Associated Press - 6 hours ago
SAN ANTONIO (AP) - Authorities have arrested 24 sex-offense suspects during a two-day sweep, part of a national crackdown on sex offenders before Halloween.
Texas agents arrest sex offenders in Halloween sweep Houston Chronicle
States target sex offenders before Halloween guardian.co.uk
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What a fantastic array of beautiful and challenging hiking trails are waiting for you at spectacular Whistler. From short little strolls to a week of backpacking in the mountains. There are trails for every taste or desire.

This one is a nice 3 hour hike, and it’s not going to pull you away from shopping or golfing in Whistler for very long as it’s nearby.

Brandywine falls Provincial Park is set up and maintained by the park’s system people to mainly allow for access to view Brandywine Falls. As a wonderful bonus, there have been a couple of very nice trails extending from the park falls to CalCheak Forest Recreation site. This is a loop trail of 8km (5 miles).

What you will be walking upon will be a huge lava bed. This was laid down thousands of years ago when a volcano erupted in this area. Along the way you will notice basalt columns that were pushed up by the volcano and solidified into grotesque shapes.

In fact the Brandywine falls show the effect that water, falling from a distance will, given enough time, cut through rock as it did here. This has happened in the interior of the province at Helmckem Falls as well.

Nairn Falls are formed differently. Not through a lava bed but solid granite. These falls are a short distance from Whistler and smash their way through a very narrow channel. They are tough to photograph and look and feel much better when viewed up very close. To get to these falls, drive north from whistler 16 km (10 miles) and pull in when you reach Nairn Falls Recreation Area on the right. It’s a beautiful 30 minute walk to the falls.

Brandywine falls hike.

One of the best outdoor adventures to do is whistler hiking trails like this one. From Whistler you will need to turn left onto the Sea to Sky highway number 99 and drive 13 km (8 miles) where on your left you will find the sign for Brandywine Provincial Park. Turn in here and park.

The main trail crosses the Brandywine creek on the main falls trail. Just beyond the bridge you will see a track going uphill on the left. That’s not where you want to go as that will take you to the cross country ski trail. It has a few interesting items to observe if you decide to go a little way on that trail. Not very far ahead you will come to Lava Lake and you will see some very interesting pieces of lava that look like cobblestones.

However, continue along and you will come to railroad tracks. Note the sign for Swim Lake and CalCheak trails. Cross the track and you will see the trail for another whistler hiking trail called Daisy Lake. That one goes off to the left. Shortly you will come to the falls. Note the strange lava rock formations and basalt rocks up to your left as you enjoy the walk.

After viewing Brandywine, turn back to the railroad and get to the sign for CalCheak. Walk a few paces and turn toward Swim Lake. Just before you reach the lake your trail will become obvious. The trail rises to a ridge where you are going to be viewing the lake. Here the leftovers from the volcanic action really becomes obvious with ridges of shattered columnar basalt popping up everywhere.

The trail leads through these columns and broken basalt is everywhere. Enjoy the beautiful forest canopy here especially if it is a hot day. Now and again you will see ponds of water on both sides of the whistler trail. Soon you will come to the railroad track. Note the sign for McGuire. This is all that remains of a railroad station that existed here many years before.

Past the tracks and you are in the beautiful forested trail and soon the sound of the Cheakamus river as it bustles along its path. The next thing you are going to experience is crossing Callaghan Creek on the suspension bridge. just ahead is the forest recreation site. The site is accessible from highway 99 by driving 4km (2.5 miles) past the Brandywine Park entrance if you are coming from Squamish or, you may turn onto the old logging road 9km (5.5 miles) south of Whistler. Either way you do it be prepared to find lots of pot holes on this 1.5 km (1 mile) road into the site. These roads are not maintained.

The whistler hiking trail back to the parking lot is back along the same way you came. You may wish to take the cross country hiking trail back to the lot by going right and uphill at McGuire. The trail starts out barren but soon the trees will provide shade cover. The trail may be a little wet if the weather has been heavy. Generally it’s pretty good.

Joe and Irma have built a wonderful fact filled site http://www.whistler-outdoors.com with well over 100 pages of information a visitor really must know prior to visiting.


Scientific American
Prostate Grown From Adult Stem Cell
WebMD - Oct 22, 2008
By Daniel J. DeNoon Oct. 22, 2008 — Genentech researchers have found adult stem cells in the prostate capable of regenerating a new prostate gland — or, perhaps, able to become prostate cancers.
New Prostrates Grown From Single Stem Cell Washington Post
Prostate Tissue Grown From Adult Stem Cell By Scientists ChattahBox
dBTechno - eFluxMedia - Scientific American - MIT Technology Review
all 40 news articles

When painting your home for resale, choosing the right colors can make a huge difference in your paycheck at closing. For instance, did you know that the exterior color of houses selling most quickly is a certain shade of yellow, but that choosing the wrong shade of yellow can kill a sale?

You’ll find many brochures in paint stores, showing various combinations of exterior paint colors. But most people don’t realize that most of those combinations actually include three colors, and not just two. Limiting your exterior paint scheme to just two colors also limits your income potential.

For a fast sale, think fun colors and go for a third, or even a fourth, exterior color. Think “Disneyland Main Street,” where every shop is painted in glorious multi-colors. Adding more colors will also add definition to the various architectural details of your home. Use gloss or semi-gloss paint on wood trim.

The Psychology of Exterior Colors

When choosing exterior colors, take the sales price of your home into account. Certain colors, especially muted, complex shades, attract wealthy or highly-educated buyers, whereas buyers with less income or less education generally prefer simpler colors. A complex color contains tints of gray or brown, and usually requires more than one word to describe, such as “sage green,” as opposed to “green.”

On the other hand, simple colors are straightforward and pure. Generally, houses in the lower price range sell faster and for higher prices when painted in simple colors like yellow or tan, accented by white, blue, or green trim.

The Psychology of Interior Colors

Using colored, rather than bland, white walls will increase your profit potential. Lynette Jennings tested the perception of room size and color, and discovered that a room painted white appeared only appeared larger to a few people when compared to an identical room painted in color