Mariner

Is it possible and has mankind reached the point in which they can now stop Earthquakes? By knowing all the pressure points along major fault lines is it possible to alleviate pressure and prevent the "big one" or the Monster Quake in California which we all know is only a matter of time?

This very serious topic has recently come up in an online think tank and has been discussed at length. It seems almost an impossible task to accomplish although it has been the dream of many tectonic researchers indeed.

Of course the faults would have to be completely mapped and we would need to determine exactly how the weight distribution works and where. But making or stopping an Earthquake may not be so difficult once all this in known. Pop a pressure point in a large fault line between plates or within plates and it will give way and you have a quake.

Relieve pressure slowly and the event is a lot of little slippage without damage to civilizations. But in doing so you may be changing other cycles of cataclysmic evolution which is needed for another species to survive by eliminating a dominate player in its food chain. Everything you do affects something else. So you must make sure when you make a move that you think thru the entire game so to speak. This is a fun conversation indeed and many people are intrigued by the thought of a future when man conquers quakes. Consider this in 2006.

Two of our favorite books in our collection - the A.A. Book of English Towns, and the Villages of the U.K.

We spend hours happily flicking through the pages, discovering new places in these books, that we never saw before. We pick out places we would like to visit, and mark of places we have been.

An advantage of touring the countryside by canal, is there is no traffic jams approaching the town, usually no parking problems, and generally, no "pay and display".

And, you don't have to worry about accommodation, or book ahead.
You just turn up, and tie up!

Since we have started canalling, we have visited villages we have always wanted to see, and visited villages we would not normally have had on our list, like Leighton Buzzard, and Stow Hill.
So, what are YOUR favorite spots?

Here are some of ours, (in no particular order.) What do you think?

Marbury
Tucked away up a lovely little laneway from bridge 24 on the Llangollen, Marbury is a quaint classic English village. Beautiful Tudor homes, village green and mere's behind the beautiful old church teeming with birdlife. It even has a classic English pub opposite the green, closed every time we have been there!

Nether Heyford
You have to make a bit of an effort to get to this very attractive little village on the Grand Union Canal. Moor by bridge 32, (Furnace Lane Bridge) take the track by the bridge, (opposite the wharf) and take the road into the village. It's a pleasant walk, past a stables and attractive homes. The village is centered on the green a couple of general stores/newsagents, a butcher and hairdresser. The pub, the Forrester Arms, overlooks the green. If you walk past the Forrester Arms, and take the next turn left, you will come across the very pleasant Rising Sun. Here is a delightful thatched a typical old England feel inside. Well worth the effort.

Brewood
On the Shropshire Union, Brewood took us a bit by surprise. Lovely winding streets, friendly, very helpful locals, The Admiral Rodney Hotel, (one of the top pubs we have been in) and the friendliest hairdresser for miles. There are a great range of shops, grocer, post office, baker, and newsagent overlooking the old square. Gracious well kept buildings make Brewood as nice a spot as you will find on the system. Idyllic moorins as well!

Braunston.
The canal town of Braunston, on the oxford and Grand Union Canal junction has much to offer the canal traveler. Its delightful main street, the Old Plough, the mariner, and lots of good mooring spots. The best spot we reckon is tucked in between bridge 2 and the mariner entrance. From here one can watch the comings and goings at the mariner, wander down to the Mill House pub by bride 91, or cross the Bridge and walk into town.

Great Heywood.
Another classic canal town. The moorings at Great Heywood have been assisted by the opening of the mariner nearby. The spot we like is overlooking Shugbborough Hall, just below lock 13. A really lovely outlook, and close to the village of Great Heywood, and the walks around Cannock Chase. Leighton Buzzard We just had to visit here to see what a town with such a name looks like! It's a great place, plenty of good moorings, plenty of shops, and a Tesco's right on the canal. Some good pubs, including Roebucks, off Market Square.

Milton Keynes
You probably won't find Milton Keynes in the "Must See" list of many canal travelers. I guess we would never have ventured there had our boat not been moored at Blisworth for a couple of years. But venture to Milton Keynes we did, and we were pleasantly surprised. It is an attractive cruise into the area, through Great Linford, Campbell Park, etc. and there are pleasant mooring spots along the way. Milton Keynes itself is a healthy but never dull walk from the canal, and has everything expected in a modern shopping area. The camera shop there helped us out twice; there are department stores, food outlets and banks galore. But the best part is the area's to walk around. Great Linford park, the lovely Nags head pub kept us amused for a couple of days.

Napton.
Ah... the sunsets at Napton! The most beautiful sunsets imaginable are at Napton, on the Oxford Canal. We moored here once above the second lock. Luckily it was a quiet time, and we were the only boat there. The views over the countryside were stunning, never to be forgotten.It's a relaxing walk up to the little village of Napton on the Hill, and the Folly and Napton Bridge pubs are both great pubs to visit.

So... what's YOUR favourite town or village?

The waterproof Sakura binoculars 10-70 x 50 zoom is one of the many waterproof binoculars available and widespread in the market today. There are few guidelines to consider in purchasing waterproof binoculars and one of that is its ability to stand up to tough marine environment. These waterproof binoculars are considered one of the few vital night vision equipment used for search and rescue operations.

Other models of binoculars apart from Sakura binoculars are: The Pro Mariner waterproof 8x30, a model waterproof binoculars and the Pro Mariner's variety of waterproof binoculars known for its modern and effective usage on board with rub-coated lenses that integrate BAK4 prisms beneficial to retaining extra light while reducing the eye glare.

The high class waterproof Sakura binoculars 10-70 x 50 zoom can be used in boating and fishing. This binocular can also work at a depleted light setting with adaptable focus button and an IPD adjustment for a more detailed scene. The waterproof Sakura 10-70 x 50 zoom binocular also has a tripod adapter which is reasonably priced. This kind of binocular is ideal for use in the roughest waters and extreme weather conditions.

The entry level users and consumers of Sakura binoculars may be in total confusion given an array of selections available, like the quality of magnification, mass factors, size, waterproofing, lens coating, viewing angle, rubber grip and outer layer. However, given all of these key factors would not suffice if not provided with simple rules to be followed when obtaining waterproof binoculars. This would usually comprise of high capacity magnification, lens sizes, centre, fixed or individual focus and most importantly, the binoculars quality and lens coating.

The utmost requirement of waterproof binoculars is a 7x magnification that can be securely and safely transported while at sea, due to the movement of the boat or any other sea vessels. The next thing to consider when purchasing waterproof binoculars is to know the size of the objective lens. This can be found in the wide lens where light is transmitted to the binocular primarily due for marine use; it should be 50mm in distance. On the other hand, the smaller the wide lens, the smaller is the size of the binocular. Moreover, there are few binoculars offering seven degrees of viewing angle that is considered as the most acceptable in marine use.

The waterproof binoculars are absolutely water -resistant and would usually cost at a rate of about two hundred US dollars. In order to prove binoculars authenticity and to check whether a certain binocular is indeed waterproof, a printed portion on the binocular should be in a written state. It should also be in the condition that it is waterproof and nitrogen filled.

In conclusion, the waterproof Sakura binoculars available today have central-eye focusing systems with soft rubber eyecups providing enough clarity and comfort especially during water and marine actions. Most importantly, it is gleaned important to always check for clarity, brightness and comfort of use when selecting and purchasing waterproof binoculars.

The idea of using an unique wedding theme is increasingly popular today for many reasons. For many the reason is that the traditional wedding is simply pricing them out. For others it is the desire to be different, bigger, and grander than the nuptial event before it. Fortunately, the modern bride can have both or either because with a unique wedding theme the young couple can chose to include or omit each individual element of the wedding and since each celebration is different, who is to say that anything is missing as long as you have a bride and groom committing themselves to each other for a lifetime of love and support.

No longer does your wedding have to be basically the same celebration everyone had, you can make it as simple, elaborate, and / or unique as you are. With a wedding theme, your wedding is all your own as you take from these (and an infinite number of other) possible unique wedding themes and mold them to reflect yourself and your own community.

Western Wedding Theme:

Have the bridal party dress with a western flavor and hold this type of wedding outdoors with all western decorations. Do it up right and transform the center of a big barn by draping the sides with organza (or another fabric) in your choice of colors to create your own rough hewn cathedral. Have a barbeque reception with a bluegrass band playing in the background as the sun sets over the hills. Perhaps you will even want to acquire a wagon and some horses for your arrival or departure.

Marina Wedding Theme:

Freshen up the typical beach themed wedding with one of the many possible variations that make another beach wedding turn into an event that will not be soon forgotten. A Marina themed wedding is one of many ways you can make a wedding by the sea fresh without abandoning the beach all together. Take advantage of the graceful elegance of sailboats gliding across the water in your decor and a harbor view location for your ceremony, reception, or both!

The Butterfly Wedding:

Use butterflies in everything - Have your florist put ornamental butterflies in your flowers. Use cake jewelry to add butterflies to the cake, or have the pastry chef design your cake around a butterfly theme. You can even release butterflies after the ceremony, and at the reception - use butterfly themed favors and decorations

Renaissance Wedding Theme:

The entire bridal party should dress up in 16th century costumes, including the minister! Use period music and remember all the interests and accomplishments of the period as you search and develop your decoration ideas. Encourage your guests to join in the fun with your renaissance theme.

Mariner Wedding Theme:

This unique wedding theme is as different from the Marina theme as possible and at the same time being so very similar! Honor the hard working men and women of the sea by designing a wedding around the rugged lives they live. Use old anchors and fishing nets in your decor along with raincoats and rough hewn table. No, this might not be the most elegant theme but a wedding is not primarily about elegance - it's about celebrating your new life together.

Ancient Greek Wedding Theme:

Take advantage of the thriving Greek culture to be found in many pockets around America today to build a wedding theme that is as full of tradition as it is fun and unique. Go for a look reminiscent of Ancient Athens with your Ancient Greek Wedding Theme, the original Olympiad, or have fun with the tales of Hercules, Athena, and Zeus!

Obviously, these are just a few of the multitude of ideas for ways to make your wedding a unique and memorable experience. Remember, your wedding does not have to be expensive, but it does have to be memorable. Fortunately, with a little imagination you can make your wedding something a little different and very spectacular by simply using a unique wedding theme.

The largest small craft harbor in the United States, Newport Beach Harbor in Newport Beach, California is not only picturesque, but also full of recreational boating opportunities, from taking a harbor cruise to renting a kayak. It's even enjoyable from land, whether strolling around Balboa Island or along the bayside of the peninsula.

Newport Harbor is in the lower section of Newport Bay in Newport Beach, California. It is about 4 miles long, running parallel to the Balboa Peninsula and the ocean. The harbor is filled with everything from pedal boats to large ocean vessels. There are over 9000 boats berthed here.

Within Newport Beach Harbor there are 7 islands, mostly filled with lovely houses and flowery porches. The boater can leisurely take a self-guided tour of these homes from the water.

On the other side of PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) the Newport Back Bay and Upper Bay extend well inland.

THE ISLANDS IN NEWPORT BEACH HARBOR

The biggest island is Balboa, accessible by bridge from Jamboree Road and Pacific Coast Highway, or by car ferry from the Balboa Peninsula near the Balboa Fun Zone. This charming little beach community has a scenic walkway that encircles the island, with the picturesque homes on one side and small sandy beaches and boating slips on the waterside. Boutique shops, restaurants, and two stands famous for their balboa bars and frozen bananas (both dipped in chocolate and rolled in the topping of your choice) line Marine Avenue.

The other islands consist of Lido Island, Little Balboa Island, Linda Isle, Collins Island, Harbor Island and Bay Island.

The other major island for visitors is Lido Island. Here you'll find Lido Marina Village, with shops, art galleries, boutiques and boardwalk cafes.

THE BALBOA FUN ZONE

This historic little area on the peninsula side of the bay offers a small Ferris wheel, carousel, arcade and even bungee jumping. The Balboa Pavilion, which used to be a Big Band showcase is a restored local landmark dating from 1905. Today it houses special events and wedding functions. Catalina boats leave from here daily (less in winter). Call 800-830-7744 or 949-673-5245.

BOATER'S INFORMATION

Whether you are renting a boat or visiting with your own yacht, the following information may be of use. The speed limit within the harbor is 5 m.p.h.. Fuel docks can be found next to both ferry landings on either side of the bay. A boating launch ramp is located at in the Back Bay.

There is a Harbor Department guest anchorage dock near the Harbor Patrol and Coast Guard Base. For marine weather updates, including surf and water reports, call 949-673-3371.

DINING AROUND THE HARBOR

For dining in Newport Beach Harbor, there are several restaurants on Lido Island. More can be found near the ferry landing on the Balboa Peninsula. Balboa Island has restaurants on Marine Ave. (which are not on the water). For waterfront restaurants with outstanding views, check out the area of Pacific Coast Highway that lines the inland side of the harbor. This section is sometimes referred to as Mariner's Mile.

NEWPORT HARBOR NAUTICAL MUSEUM

Located in the Balboa Marina off of Pacific Coast Highway, the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum is located on a riverboat. It features artwork and exhibits, which pertain to all things maritime. Many of the exhibits are interactive and there is a touch tank. They also have hundreds of ship models to peruse.

The tall ship Lynx docks here and gives tours as well. The museum's address is 151 East Coast Highway, Newport Beach. There is a store and restaurant to enjoy after your visit. Their phone number is 949-673-3377

Description: Newport Beach Harbor. Discover all the scenic pleasures Newport Beach Harbor has to offer, whether from a boat on the water or strolling around Balboa Island or the peninsula.

CHRISTMAS BOAT PARADE

Every December, Newport Beach Harbor hosts a Christmas Parade of Lights. This is a great family event. Boaters and homeowners alike go all out in decorating their houses and/or boats. Viewers stroll or sit along the bay front on Balboa Island, enjoying the show of passing lights reflecting off the water.

Special tip: you can grab a hot cocoa or café mocha at the local Starbucks on Marine Avenue to keep your hands and innards warm, as December nights can be quite cool by the bay. For more information, call 949-494-3030.

A vacation in Newport Beach means more than just the beach; you have the Newport Beach Harbor to enjoy as well.

A luxury cruise vacation is something most of us dream about. Sailing the ocean under sunny skies, our every want and need anticipated by attentive staff, food and wine everywhere we look, not a worry in the world. Well, what's keeping you?

Three-quarters of the earth is covered by water. What better way to explore our planet than in style on a cruise ship? Today's luxury cruises run the gamut from small vessels that carry 8 or 10 passengers to giant ocean liners with every amenity you could imagine, and a few you couldn't.

If you want a smaller, more intimate luxury cruise, look into small-ship luxury cruises. These all feature the service you would expect at a 5-star resort. You'll use fine china for dining, eat outstanding cuisine prepared by highly-trained chefs, and enjoy a selection of activities and destinations.

The smallest luxury cruises are actually aboard chartered yachts, and you can have the ship all to yourself--or your group. Ships that sleep 34, 42, up to 80 can be chartered to travel at your whim.

However, there are several cruise lines that specialize in small-ship luxury cruises. Regent Seven Seas features four different luxury ships: the Seven Seas Voyager, Seven Seas Mariner, Seven Seas Navigator and the Paul Gauguin. The Seven Seas Mariner was the first all-suite, all-balcony cruise ship in the world and was such a hit she was quickly followed by the Voyager. Both the Voyager and the Mariner sleep up to 700 guests, while the Navigator can accommodate up to 490 travelers and the Paul Gauguin can travel with 330 guests.

Crystal and Cunard are two other cruise lines well-known for providing luxury on cruise vacations. Crystal's luxury liner the Crystal Serenity can accommodate 1,080 guests and typically sails in Europe and the South Pacific. However, she's scheduled for an around-the-world tour departing from Los Angeles in January of 2008 and arriving in Southampton, England, 110 days later.

Cunard Cruise Line was founded in Britain in 1838 and has been sailing successfully since then. They are well-known for both safety and luxury. Currently, the Cunard Line sails three luxury liners, the world-renowned Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2), the Queen Victoria, and the Queen Mary 2.

The immortal QE2 is 963 feet in length and can cruise with up to 1,778 guests aboard. She has logged 5.5 million nautical miles, carried over 2 million guests, and is still the fastest merchant ship in operation. Definitely one of a kind!

The Queen Mary 2 is one of the most magnificent ocean liners of all time. At 1,132 feet she can sail with up to 3,056 passengers in full luxury. Billed as "your sanctuary at sea", the accommodations and dining are first-rate. A luxurious ballroom, planetarium, and sports decks will all keep you occupied. The spa will relax you when you're all done.

Launching in December 2007, Cunard's Queen Victoria will sail her maiden voyage to New York. At 964.5 feet, she'll accommodate 1,980 passengers on 12 decks with typical Cunard service and cuisine.

There are many, many choices for luxury cruise vacations, but no matter which ship, line, or destination you choose, you'll remember that cruise for the rest of your life.

Did you know that there are many individuals out there that actually have a hobby of collecting watches? This is very true. While I are not one of them, I have many friends that have this hobby. Have you ever heard of a chronograph watch? For those of you that are interested in finding the best chronograph watches, I would like to lend you a helping hand. You see, lately, we have been doing a lot of research on this type of watch and thought that I could share some of that knowledge with you.

First of all, do you know where the term chronograph comes from? It comes from two Greex expressions. You have the two words "chronos" and "graphos." In Greek, the word chronos means an interval of time and the word graphos means to sketch. Just by knowing those words, we are sure you know what a chronograph watch is. Either way you go, there is no denying that these small devices have become very popular in the world that we live in today.

It is said that the original chronograph was invented during the year 1821 by Russak, who was a French master.

It may have display that is digital, analogue or both. The analogue chronograph will be showing both the stopwatch functions as well as the time. Those modern watches are complex and may have many more functions to them. As for the ones that are mixed, you will be able to decide which function you would like to use.

In the world today, you are going to come across many brands that create these watches. The best brands are the ones that are made in the wonderful area of Switzerland and they have been popular for many years. They are worth a great deal of money, but they are high quality as they have some great styles, functions and designs.

As time is advancing (literally), the Science is also advancing. The requirement of chronograph watches shall continue to grow as well. For those of you that are looking to purchase these watches as a gift, we highly recommend you starting your journey by looking on the Internet. The Internet is full of so many possibilities that you will be able to come across. If you find a brand that you believe you like, then you may want to do your own research on it by reading the reviews.