Where to Skydive in Oregon

The breathtaking scenery of Oregon includes oceans, mountains, and deserts. The seas of the Pacific Ocean dance across beaches of beautiful white sand; the mountains: majestic peaks dancing with the hues of the horizon; the desert: a parched, yet inviting, parcel that longs for your interest. Of these spectacles, an unlikely addition enlists attention; far above the horizon, a minuscule spec draws the eye. A bird....a plane? An insane fanatic that has abandoned a perfectly good aircraft? Bingo!! While not completely insane, skydivers have taken to the air in droves to experience the scenery at a never before seen viewpoint. Oregon from the sky has prove to be an ever inviting objective for skydiving fanatics and mere admirers alike.

Over the years, five major skydiving centers have emerged in Oregon: Eugene Skydivers, Central Oregon Skysports, Skydive Eagle Creek, Skydive Oregon, Inc. and Wright Brothers Skydiving.

Eugene Skydivers, offering tandem, AFF, and static line jumping, this facility does not boast many of the commercial amenities as others, but provides lower costs as a result of this.
Central Oregon Sky Sports, providing an incredible view of the Cascade Mountains, offers tandem and static line jumping. This site also focuses on the basics and does not offer many amenities.
Skydive Eagle Creek, offering tandem and static line jumping, is one of the less known drop zones in Oregon. Although it does offer some additional amenities, such as a pool, this facility is a little less popular than its counterparts.
Skydive Oregon, Inc. is an incredibly prevalent drop zone. Offering tandem and AFF, this facility is known for constantly having planes in the air and having some of the most exceptional planes in the industry.
Wright Brothers Skydiving, offering tandem and static line jumping, also offers all the basics in a skydiving drop zone. Although there is no pool or bar, this facility is held in the best regard as being one of the best in the business.

No matter your experience level, you owe it to yourself to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Oregon countryside. While ground level is impressive, it is nothing to compare with a bird's eye view.

Ashley Skydiving

September 7, 2009 Charla, Efrain and I went skydiving in Lodi, CA. It was absolutely amazing. :-D :-D My tandem jumper was Li (the only girl there that day) and my cameraman was Blair. They were both really nice. PS -- I love that sticker at the beginning!! "Skydive: Because your mother told you not to."



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LeDcQNeOxaY&hl=en

Pope Benedict Archbishop of Canterbury Canceled George Bush's Crusade

The first Crusade was a thousand years ago when Pope Urban II marched his Christian Army across Europe slaughtering every Jew in his way to reclaim the Holy Land from Islam until the Christian soldiers stood knee deep in Muslim blood in Jerusalem. In 2003 President George Bush publicly declared another Christian Crusade. President George Bush subsequently conquered Muslim Afghanistan, Muslim Iraq and is now preparing to nuclear conquer Muslim Iran. Fortunately, two days ago on Sunday October 21, 2007 Pope Benedict XVI and the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams, the head of the Church of England and the World Wide Anglican Church officially cancelled George Bush's Christian Crusade, which is good since the last Crusades lasted for 200 years.

This past Sunday October 21, 2007 the world's religious leaders convened in Naples to bring everlasting peace to earth. Pope Benedict XVI hugged the Archbishop of Canterbury and then they sat down for lunch with the Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem Yona Metzger and the Iranian Ayatollah Sayed Mohammed Mousavi Bojnourdi. Prior to lunch, Pope Benedict XVI gave the most historic Christian speech since Jesus Christ's Sermon on the Mount.

Like Barack Obama, Pope John Paul II was a vigorous opponent of the invasion of Iraq in 2003 by the United States. So too was Pope Benedict XVI, who at the time was German Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger. In early 2003 Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger wrote, "It seems clear that the negative consequences of invading Iraq will be greater than anything positive that might be obtained." Last week the Oxford Research Group, the most brilliant minds on earth today said that George Bush's war on terror had made the west less safe, and fuelled Muslim extremism tremendously, and that war with Iran would be a disaster for the west and must be avoided at all costs." One billion Muslims including the nuclear armed ones in Pakistan know that they are being massacred by the American Christian Crusader George Bush, and are screaming, "Death to the Crusaders", "Death to America". The Muslims in Iran have now formed a strategic military alliance with Russia and China, who combined to defeat the United States in Vietnam, in order to defend themselves from the Crusader in Chief.

Prior to lunch this past Sunday in Naples, Pope Benedict addressed 200 of the world wide Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Zoroastrian and Buddhist religious leaders and said, "In a world wounded by conflicts, where violence is justified in God's name, it's important to repeat that religion can never become a vehicle of hatred. Religion can never be used in God's name to justify violence. On the contrary religions can and must offer precious resources to build a peaceful humanity because they speak about peace in the heart of man." In simple terms Pope Benedict XVI cancelled Christian Crusades for Christ permanently.

Two weeks ago 138 Muslim scholars, religious and political leaders sent a letter to Christian leaders world wide called "A common word between you and us, love.", http://www.acommonword.com The 138 Shiite, Sunni and Sufi Muslim scholars, religious and political leaders from every country on earth sent this letter, an olive branch of peace from 99.9 % of Islam to the Christian world, asking for Islam and Christianity to unite under God of Mount Sinai aka God the Father, Jesus Christ, (the prophet and Messiah of Islam), the Holy Spirit, Allah, Elohim, and Yehovah, and their common belief in "Love your neigbour as you love yourself" from the Hebrew Old Testament.

The Muslim scholars' 29 page letter was enthusiastically received by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Head of the Church of England and the World Wide Anglican Church, Dr. Rowan Williams, who said, "Love of God and Love of neighbor are scriptural foundations for Jews, Christians and Muslims and are the basis for justice and peace in the world. The call to respect, peace and goodwill should now be taken up by Christians and Muslims at all levels and in all countries and I shall endeavour in this country and internationally to do my part in working for the righteousness which this letter procalims as our common goal."

The United States claims to have separated Church and State. Where does it come to an American President to declare a Crusade on behalf of Christianity? George Bush claims to be a Methodist. John Wesley invented the Methodist religion a couple of centuries ago, in the 1740's. John Wesley himself said that he always remained within the Church of England and insisted that his movement was well within the bounds of the Anglican Church. If George Bush is invoking the name of Jesus Christ and the Anglican Church to Crusade against Islam, then he has now put himself under the jurisdiction of Dr. Rowan Williams, who has now officially called for peace with Islam.

If George Bush is saying that he is fighting Islam on behalf of Jesus Christ, then which Jesus Christ is George Bush speaking about? Jesus Christ Himself said in the Sermon on the Mount, "Turn the other cheek, do not strike back even in self defense, love God, love yourself, love your enemies, blessed are the peacemakers, and love your neighbour." The American colony of Iraq is the next door neighbor of Iran.

George Bush is leading the world into the Apocalypse because he read in the book of Revelations that during the Apocalypse, Jesus Christ will descend from Heaven on his flying horse and defeat the snake, goat, lion Beast, Devil. What all Bible Scholars on earth know today is that the New Testament was written in Greek by Greek authors and that the Prince Jesus flying horse story is a dead on plagiarism by John Patmos of the Greek Myth of Prince Bellerophon on his flying horse Pegasus defeating the snake, goat, lion Chimera. Therefore President Bush is not following Peter, the Apostle who Jesus Christ built his Church upon, aka Pope Benedict XVI, or the Anglican Church, or John Wesley, or Jesus Christ. In fact, George Bush is following the Greek and Roman God of War, Ares, aka Mars. The men in the White House are from Mars.

Nostradamus' first two anti Christs Napoleon and Hitler lost their armies in Russia. Nostradamus code named his third anti Christ maBUS. Ares aka Mars, the Greek God of War was the mythical son of Apollo and Medussa. Ares was the Olympian God of savage war, bloodlust and slaughter. Ares was born among the barbarous and warlike Thracians, to whom he withdrew after he was caught on the couch with Aphrodite. Apollo had a quadriga, a chariot which was pulled by four horses, which he drove across the heavens, delivering daylight and dispensing the night. George Bush will now deliver us nuclear winter, in which the sun of the tiny ball earth will be blotted out from the sky for one year by the world wide radioactive black purple cloud.

Ares and Aphrodite conceived Deimos and Phobos, the spirits of terror and fear. Ares' sister was Eris, the Goddess of bloodshed and violence. Alala was the attendant of Ares, and the female personification of the Greek Empire's soldiers war and battle cry, "Alale Alala". Alala was the daughter of Polemos, the demon of war. The American people will now be sacrificed to Alala, of whom the Greek poet Pindar wrote in 500 BC, "Hearken! O Alala, daughter of Polemos! Prelude of Spears! To whom soldiers are sacrificed for their city's sake in the holy sacrifice of Death!" Lovefoxxx aka Luisa Hana Matsushita, the 23 year old Japanese German lead singer of the Brazilian band, Cansei de Ser Sexy, will be performing their hit song "Alala", here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cnOvMFnRvs at Oxford University on Dec. 11, 2007. In case the Ides of March come before that, you can watch the Bush twin clones dancing to "Alala" here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64NveVkf4lk

Windham, NY - The Land in the Sky

Located in the Catskill Mountains, on the edge of Catskill Park is the quaint town of Windham. This small resort community offers numerous outdoor amenities and seasonal festivities. Three hours north west of New York City, one hour south west of the state capital Albany, Windham is a great destination for a day trip or weekend get-a-way. Take your family on a vacation that won't break the budget but will still deliver fun and relaxation for everyone.

Traveling east along Route 23 from the NYS Thruway, you wind your way up the mountain. The views from this mountain side drive are spectacular, offering a five state view. On a clear day you can see Vermont, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut and, of course, northeastern New York.

This mountaintop community offers cooler temperatures in the spring and summer, a welcome relief from city heat. Camping, fishing, hiking and mountain biking opportunities abound since Windham is surrounded by thousands of acres of forest preserve offering miles of trails. Other summer activities include, golf, swimming at CD Lane Park, mountain invasion paint ball, Summer Concert Series put on by the Windham Chamber Music Festival, plays by the Schoharie Creek Players, and even a Vineyard for the wine connoisseur.

Fall is a beautiful time of year to take a road trip to Windham. The breathtaking scenery of autumn leaves changing on the mountainsides provides a spectacular view. Usually held in mid-October, the Autumn-A-Fair is an event not to be missed. All along Main Street, this fall festival features a variety of artisans, crafts, children's games, local flavor and more. Live music and the energetic atmosphere provide a celebration for the beauty of fall. Stroll along visiting the delightful shops and art galleries through out the town.

Winter is just as fun as the rest of the seasons with down hill & cross country skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, ice skating, and snowmobiling. Windham Mountain, a world-class, family-oriented ski and snowboard resort, offers a wide variety of terrain for all ages and abilities. If you enjoy winter road trips and are a novice skier or have wanted to try snowboarding, Windham Mountain offers you an environment that is just right for your skill level. The base lodge includes a ski school, rentals, day care, cafeteria, fine dining and more.

If you plan an extended stay in Windham, there are many beautiful and inviting bed and breakfasts and hotels located within the town and surrounding areas. Adding to the experience of the relaxing atmosphere, there are many fine restaurants for your dining pleasure.

Located in Greene County, there are numerous area attractions within a short drive of Windham. The Hudson-Athens Lighthouse is open for summer tours, Howe's Cavern's, hiking to Kaaterskill Falls, New York's highest cascading waterfall, kayaking on North Lake, and the Baseball Hall of Fame. Riverside orchards, farmer's markets and roadside stands offer fresh fruit, produce and baked goods. There are many art galleries to browse through, museums, even a waterslide park.

With year round events and attractions, scenic mountain top views and each season just as exciting as the last, Windham is a great destination for your next family road trip.

Skydive Parachute Center - Lodi / Acampo, California (Sleepyhead)

C&F TV - Season 2: Episode 1 Visited the Parachute Center in Lodi, CA. Filmed from 4 different cameras. Check out creepsandfreaks.com Songs used: Passion Pit - Sleepyhead Two Door Cinema Club - What You Know I do not own any of these songs, it belongs to its rightful owners. No copyright infringement intended.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFZFlq0W1hM&hl=en

Explore the Excitement of Temecula Hot Air Balloon Adventures

Some people believe that a hot air balloon Temecula adventure is too far fetched of an outing to share with family and friends, in terms of price and possibility. As a resident or visitor of Temecula, you can enjoy some of the breathtaking sights while soaring above treetops and magical vineyards for reasonable prices. Today, an increasing amount of people are discovering the excitement and mesmerizing Southern Californian scenery in a basket built for two, four, and up to ten passengers. You never know what you are going to get when booking a hot air balloon Temecula extravaganza for your next voyage in the sky.

There is just something about embarking on a hot air balloon Temecula journey that helps you find the nerve to accomplish things you never thought possible. Perhaps you have an engagement ring that has been burning a hole in your pocket for weeks. Step into one of the colorful contraptions offered at an assortment of businesses about town and somehow, popping the question does not seem so difficult anymore. Maybe you would like to create the perfect moment for a birthday getaway for two. I think an exquisite gourmet picnic held under the lull of enchanting trees and surrounded by grassy hideaways sounds highly romantic.

The Typical Hot Air Balloon Temecula Price

When taking into consideration the extra perks afforded to passengers of a hot air balloon ride in Temecula, creating a memory that lasts a lifetime is quite affordable. Champagne, tasty snacks, and optional tethered flights (for the apprehensive) are all offered throughout the Southern California region. The average price for a regular hot air balloon Temecula ride is $150 per person. However, many companies in the region run specials throughout the year.

If you are planning a balloon ride for a handful of friends (a perfect team building exercise for company employees), group rates are offered for 10 passenger flights. Also, keep in mind that it costs a little extra to enjoy an adventure in the evening. For a small fee, some companies also supply special arrangements for holidays and other special yearly celebrations like Valentines Day, anniversaries, and birthdays, which may also include flowers and signs.

What to Expect

It is quite normal to experience a few first time jitters when approaching a balloon ride in Temecula, as you will rise high above the comforts of land. However, a little preparation goes a long way and the more you research the ins and outs of this special kind of journey, the more at ease you will feel when it comes time to step into the basket. Typical launches take place at dawn or just before dusk because the winds provide the most favorable conditions at this time.

Many people wonder what to wear on such an adventure and I usually suggest bringing along a hat, a pair of sunglasses, and a light jacket. At first, the inside of a hot air balloon basket is rather warm, but wait until you reach a couple of thousand feet into the air. The temperature change will surprise you! A trusty camera hanging around your neck also makes the perfect accessory, as the panoramic views of the sensational Temecula Valley scenery is truly an experience you will want colorful memories of.

Another burning question is how long a unique flight in the air takes. Hot air balloon rides usually last about an hour. However, D&D Ballooning in Temecula provides a complete three and a half hour experience for you to take pleasure in.

Celebrate the Beauty of a Temecula Hot Air Balloon

Hot air balloon Temecula experiences has become so popular throughout the region; an entire festival is centered on the event that takes place each year. The Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival [http://www.best-temecula-guide.com/temecula-hot-air-balloon-festival.html] held at Lake Skinner is a June delight that brings in locals and visitors from all over the country. After experiencing a journey in the sky, there is no better welcome back to earth than to settle into an assortment of food, friends, entertainment, art, and delicious blends of local wines.

Temecula Hot Air Balloon Companies

In order to experience this journey of a lifetime, locating a reputable company is a must. In Temecula, not every establishment offers the same perks and prices. Do you want a nice glass of champagne after your adventure? What happens just before a flight ends? Who provides mementos, such as certificates that commemorate this unique event? With marriage proposal [http://www.best-temecula-guide.com/temecula-wedding.html] packages and private charters for two, Temecula is home to D & D Ballooning; California Dreamin; Great American Balloon Company; and Magical Adventures (situated at the Wilson Creek Winery and Vineyard).

Ventura Combines Scenery, Charming Town

Those who love beach vacations usually want a great little town to go with it -- a place with ambience and cultural flair to go with magnificent scenery.

We found all we needed in Ventura, one of those places that we always wondered about as we drove through this area on our way up to other scenic destinations on the Central California Coast. For us, this was drive-by country - scenic, yes, but always someplace we just passed on the way to someplace else.

Ventura is located in a place that really is advantageous for travelers. For Southern California residents, it's an easy drive that takes you just beyond the megalopolis where back-to-back cities finally give way to a coastline that is less overwhelmed by development. Beaches along the Central Coast are great, but if you're coming from the south and don't have a lot of time, Ventura is a fun beach destination all on its own.

For Northern Californians, Ventura is a just close enough to the "Big City" to be a reasonable base of operations for visits to many L.A. tourist attractions, most within an hour's drive. Yet, you're staying in the quintessential California beach community that is far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city. Don't want to go into the city for a day? Just chill out on some of the state's most scenic beaches.

The one reminder of the city was our hotel - the Crowne Plaza, a former Holiday Inn that is being converted to the more upscale brand name. At 15 floors, it's the only high-rise in the area and could not be built again with today's stringent coastal regulations. The hotel offers incredible views of the ocean, the Channel Islands and the verdant hillsides at Ventura's northeastern edge. The Crowne Plaza is situated so that every room above the second floor offers guests spectacular coastal views.

Within minutes of arrival we were walking the promenade that stretches far from the hotel in both directions along the shore. A more-than-adequate beach, complete with childrens' play equipment, is just footsteps from the hotel, as is the Ventura Pier with its seafood restaurants, strolling visitors and die-hard anglers just hoping to reel in some dinner. Bikes and other contraptions are available for rent and, on this Sunday, vendors offered a variety of wares in the plaza just between the beach and our hotel.

Just up California Street from our hotel was a colorful small-town shopping district with shops of all kinds, restaurants and a high concentration of antique stores that are fun to browse. Several surf shops are nearby and, like other California beach towns, the feel is more retro than trendy. The historic City Hall sits majestically on a slight hill at the edge of the downtown district, serving to remind us that Ventura really is a town and not just a stretch of uncoordinated beach development.

Intersecting with California Street is Main Street and, if you walk just a few blocks, you come upon the Mission San Buenaventura. This mission was established on Easter Sunday, March 31, 1782 and became the ninth California mission founded by Father Junipero Serra. Fires and earthquakes have taken their toll on the mission but, over the years, local residents have restored the building to much of its former glory. In any event, the mission "feels" original and is worth a stop when you're downtown.

Just across the street from the mission is the Museum of History and Art, which offers a broad range of exhibits tucked into a relatively small space. Historical artifacts, farm implements, 18th Century figurines - the museum offers quite a variety.

One thing you notice after spending a few hours in Ventura is that, every place you go, you'll hear '60's music. It's probably not unrelated to the fact that many surfer and beach types from that era continue to hang out in this popular beach town. But no doubt about it - whether it's the hot dog vendor on the promenade, the antique store on Main Street or even the downtown sushi restaurant, they're all playing music from the '60's.

The aforementioned sushi restaurant is the Sushi Marina, a local hot spot where we stopped by for dinner. But a word to wise here - the restaurant apparently is quite popular with locals, yet it has relatively few tables and no real space to wait for your table to be called. The food was good but we definitely will time our future visits to avoid the rush.

There are about two miles of beach in the Ventura area that are considered to be part of the local State Park, and visitors are enthralled by the wide, relatively unpopulated beach where one can look out on the Channel Islands and also get a spectacular view of the coastline stretching west and north to Santa Barbara. At sunset, we made a point to stop by Surfer's Knoll where you can walk through the sand dunes to find an ideal place to view the sun going down in the western sky. Folks around here treat the sunset much as they do in Key West - it's an event, and people make a point to amble down to the beach each night to celebrate the area's scenic beauty.

If the beach and a vibrant local shopping district aren't enough to get your attention, here are a few other visitor attractions from the Ventura area:

The Ventura Harbor Village and Marina - If you like boats -- or just being close to them -- the harbor area has hundreds of them along with a 33-acre shopping and entertainment complex, Harbor Village. There are lots of boat rentals, fishing charters and an assortment of restaurants. Be sure to check out the "almost" antique Carousel with its 36 animals that was built in 1955. This arcade also offers home-made fudge, fresh popcorn and enough games to keep your youngsters occupied for hours.

Channel Islands National Park Visitors Center - Located in the Ventura harbor area, the center offers exhibits on the flora and fauna of the island as well as a graphic relief map that gives visitors some idea of the islands' size. The islands are visible from the Ventura area and are a favorite for daytrips, diving, snorkeling, swimming, and bird watching. It's also possible for visitors to camp, hike and picnic on the islands, with tours leaving from the harbor area.

A.J. Comstock Museum - a look at early firefighters and their methods. It's a free museum and open all the time.

The Albinger Archeological Museum - Located near the mission, this free museum features artifacts dating back 3,500 years and several different cultures. You can also see the original mission foundation in the dig area. AT A GLANCE

WHERE: Ventura is located about 65 miles north and west of Los Angeles on one of the state's major north-south freeways, Highway 101. If you don't want to drive, it's easily accessible by Amtrak and the Ventura stop is only two-tenths of a mile from the Crowne Plaza.

WHAT: Ventura is the quintessential California beach community with miles of broad beaches and an eclectic shopping district that blends the surf subculture with a touristy downtown. It's Small Town, yet close to the Big City.

WHEN: Anytime. Ventura enjoys a sunny climate, although its location can make it breezy at times, especially on the beach.

WHY: Ventura truly has its own character and charm. Geographically, Ventura is located in one of California's most scenic coastal areas.

HOW: For more information on Ventura, contact the Ventura Visitors and Convention Bureau at 800-483-6214 or visit http://www.ventura-usa.com. For information on the Crowne Plaza Hotel, phone 1-800-980-6429 or visit http://www.cpventura.com.

N121PM

A slide show featuring Twin Otter s/n 14 prominently; current registration N121PM. She started out life hauling passengers with Pilgrim Airlines. I believe N121PM is the oldest DHC-6 Twin Otter still in service and also the oldest Twin Otter still being used primarily for skydiving operations. She called Skydive California City home for many years and since the drop zone there closed up shop in November 2007, she has moved on to guest appearances at places such as Freefall Express in Missouri and appears mostly at Skydive Pepperell in Massachusetts these days. Enjoy.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1RzwV2WgIU&hl=en

Guys Getaway Skydiving AdventureWeekends.net

www.adventureweekends.net



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orQd5c1ZX5Q&hl=en

Lodi Skydiving - Winter 2008

Fun jumps and tandems @ The Parachute Center in Lodi, California.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1NntD3Xisk&hl=en

Ali's Skydiving

With Zachi Friedman at Bay Area Sky Diving, 11000 ft, 40 seconds free fall!



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_N3u_z8mRI&hl=en

How To Grow Grapes For Making Your Own Wine

Have you been thinking of making your own wine? You can buy the wine grapes in bulk, but if you have a little plot of land and the right climate, you can learn how to grow grapes and harvest them yourself.

Once you plant the vines, usually in early spring, it takes about three years for them to bear fruit.

The Basic Necessities

First, you'll need sun, and lots of it. That's why California has such an abundance of vineyards. On the other hand, all that rain in Oregon hasn't seemed to hinder their booming Pinot Noir production.

Next, your soil will need good drainage. A slope is best, as vines don't do well in standing water.

The third basic necessity is nutrient poor soil. For wine making, you want the grapes to stay small and undernourished, because the more skin and the less juice in the grape, the more flavorful the wine is going to be.

Combine a good slope with southern exposure for maximum sunlight, add a dollop of patience and you're off to a good start.

Choosing The Type Of Grape To Grow

This will depend a lot on the climate where you live. Even in Napa, the type of grapes grown varies between the hills, the valley, and the Carneros area, which gets more bay breeze and fog. Check with a local nursery or department of agriculture or viticulture for the type of grapes that grow best in your locale.

Vinifera grapes are the European style, but they don't do well in extremely cold winters and are more susceptible to fungus diseases. Vitis labrusca is a hardier, American grape and are frequently used to make jelly and jam. For the United States, try to start with a French-American hybrid grape for best results of homegrown grapes.

Ordering The Grape Cultivars

In general, one vine will produce about five to ten pounds of grapes for about a gallon of wine per year, assuming all goes well. Potential hazards to the vines include insects, frost, rot, birds, frost and disease.

Order your grapevines well in advance, planning for them to arrive in early spring, so you can plant them right away. Use a nursery with a good reputation.

Planting the Grapevines

When planting the rows of vines, run them north to south so that both sides of the plant get sun as it moves across the sky. Space the rows and the vines about eight feet apart.

Plant them in deep holes, with lots of room for the roots to spread. Dig the soil fairly loosely for optimum drainage. Post three-wire trellises for the grapes to grow on. The lowest wire should be about three feet high and the highest wire about six feet high.

Tending The Vines

As the vine grows, and the shoots are around ten inches long, tie the strongest shoot to the wire with a piece of string. Prune away any other shoots coming out of the trunk or side. Once this strong shoot reaches the top wire, (probably the second year) tie it there and prune all but a few buds at each wire.

In the third year, you'll tie side shoots horizontally along the wires on each side. There is much more detail to pruning and training grapevines to the trellises, which can't fit into this article.

Time To Harvest

The point at which you pick the grapes affects the resulting wine. The grapes may look ripe, but the sugar quantity may not be high enough for another week. If you wait too long however, the grape is spoilt. You want the seeds to be dark, no longer green.

Pick the grape clusters gently, and remove any discolored or bad looking grapes. Wrap the grapes loosely in plastic to retain moisture and refrigerate them at a temperature of around 35 degrees until use.

Grapes Into Wine

The majority of what makes a good wine great is in the grape. What the winemaker does with the grapes after harvesting certainly can affect the wine for better or for worse, but it all starts with the quality of the grape and the timing of harvesting.

The amount of grapes you need? About ten pounds of grapes will produce a gallon of wine. About ten to twenty vines should produce a small batch of wine.

The Novice Vintner

Many factors intermingle to contribute to successful grape growing. That's part of what makes viticulture so exciting. The above advice isn't a guarantee that you'll produce a fine crop, but it gives you an overview of what's involved. The two best things to do next are to get educated and start out small.

Olichka goes Skydiving!!!!

Olichka's first tandem skydive from an airplane @ 13000 ft high into the beautiful, open, blue sky!!!! SKYDANCE SKYDIVING in Davis, California. 1st song: Rawkfist by Thousand Foot Krutch



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEdBE-4q2pE&hl=en

mac crazy skydive

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGUz9ZaSGY0&hl=en

9.10.2006 13000 ft. Jump

Lodi California



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlEN_My30wY&hl=en

Gas Prices Approach High Mark Set In 2006

The American motoring public has always been wary of the price of gasoline. The awareness was the effect of the sky rocketing increase in the prices of gasoline in summer of last year. From then on, car buyers have opted for fuel efficient vehicles like hybrid electric models like the Toyota Prius.

It seems that the fear of the American motoring public at another increase in gas prices is well founded. This week, the price of gasoline in some parts of California and Hawaii has reached the dreaded three dollar mark. This season will likely lead to an increase in the prices of gasoline as the demand increases and the price of crude oil in the world market soar yet again.

Experts in the field say that motorists should be ready for more gas price hikes as crude oil is now traded at $60 per barrel in the world market. Other reasons that may affect the price of gasoline are refinery maintenance and the paranoia of a gas shortage when the spring season arrives. While the entire country is gripped with the fear of sky rocketing gas prices, the West Coast is singled out as the region where the effect of the oil shortage will be felt significantly.

According to Tom Kloza, who works as the chief oil analyst for the Oil Price Information Service: "The West Coast will certainly be the wild, wild, West this year." He also cited that the reason for the increase in the gas prices in the West Coast is the extensive maintenance work undertaken by West Coast refineries during this time of the year.

As for the rest of the country, Kloza has this to say: "In the rest of the country, it's just petro-noia. They're worried that they won't have enough gasoline. But on the West Coast, the concern might be warranted."

While the current price of gasoline is still below the high mark set last year, this does not mean that what happened last year would not happen again. The increase in the price of gasoline has started earlier than when it started its climb last year.

In Wailuku which is located on the Hawaiian island of Maui, the rice of regular unleaded gasoline is at $3.20. On the mainland meanwhile, the highest per gallon price of gasoline is in San Francisco where a gallon of gasoline costs at an average of $3.10.

For those who have switched to hybrid cars, the increasing price of gasoline may be a little bit less troubling. But just like a Nissan CV boot that protects the CV joint from foreign materials, a person driving a hybrid electric vehicle is shielded from the increasing gas prices.

Skydiving with Walt Panus

Walt Panus does his first sky dive in Middletown, California in 1994.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5kGnOfHt2w&hl=en

California Destination Wedding

What do you get when you have your destination wedding in Southern California? Sun, sand and a mouse. Mickey Mouse, that is.

From the numerous sun-drenched beaches to a magical wedding at Disneyland, Southern California has it all. Consider these familiar settings and not-so-familiar settings:

Beaches:

Southern California has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to beautiful, breathtaking beaches that serve as beautiful and tranquil backdrops to your wedding ceremony. From the smaller communities of La Jolla, Laguna Beach, Malibu, Newport Beach and Oxnard, to the
larger communities and beaches of San Diego, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Ventura and Santa Barbara, you're sure to find a beach that has what you're looking for - beautiful scenery for your wedding and perfect hotels for your honeymoon.

If you're trying to keep your wedding within a smaller budget, consider having your ceremony at one of the many public beaches. One such public beach is La Jolla Cove, 1100 Coast Boulevard, a very small beach in La Jolla (15 minutes north of downtown San Diego). La Jolla Cove claims to be one of the most photographed beaches in Southern California. (Having been there, I don't doubt it for a moment). For permit information call Coastline Parks at 619-221-8901.

If you have an expanded budget, you might consider the Surf and Sand Hotel in Laguna Beach, 1555 South Coast Highway, a fabulous resort hotel with their own private 500-ft. white sandy beach. Their Grand Pelican Ballroom can host receptions of up to 250 people, or provide an intimate sit down dinner wedding reception with dance floor for up to 160 people. Call 888-869-7569 for reservations.

Disneyland

That's right - Disneyland. Why not hold your happy wedding at the "happiest place on earth?" Disneyland is a very popular wedding venue, so be sure to make your reservations about a year in advance. You can start now by calling the fine folks at Disneyland's Fairy Tale Weddings at 714-956-6527.

Wine Country

No, not Napa or Sonoma. Southern California has its own wine producing region, and it's called Temecula, located approximately 85 miles south of Los Angeles, 60 miles north of San Diego and 20 miles inland from the cities of San Juan Capistrano and Oceanside (other great beach wedding locations). Numerous wineries in the area host weddings, including Callaway Vineyard & Winery (800-472-2377) and Falkner Winery (951-676-8231), both with beautiful landscaped grounds.

Look, Up In The Sky...

Say "I do" in an aerial wedding above Palm Springs. Call "Balloon Above the Desert" at 760-776-5785 to inquire about their special wedding package. And, don't worry, if you wish they can use smaller, more private balloons so you don't have to share the balloon with strangers.

Whether you get married at the beach, Sleeping Beauty's Castle, or flying high above the desert, a Southern California wedding is truly a memorable one.

Darcy's Skydiving Adventure

first thing on my bucket list and i accomplished it! On May 3, 2010, Jumping out of a plane thats 10000ft about the ground is probably the craziest thing i have ever done, i have wanted to do it for a while now and i finally go to do! ahh mission accomplished! i can not describe the feelings i had going up, when we were up, when he opened the door, when we jumped, and when we were "free fallin" it was like an out of body experience! damn i still cant believe i did it feels like a dream. Thank you mallory and cody for inviting me, this is a day i will never forget!



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTeyjDgymqk&hl=en

My aboriginal Skydive

My first skydive at The Parachute center, Lodi, California



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTGWE4ncPn0&hl=en

My First Tandem Skydive

September 20th, 2009 1-800-FUN-JUMP / Adventure Center Skydiving Hollister, California



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gw4PTSW3sQo&hl=en

Marble and Granite Color Options

As one already knows, getting natural stone counter tops is one of the great ways to transform the appearance of your home and kitchen. Through these options, one can instantly give any kitchen, bathroom, and floor style, elegance and sophistication. With these stones, it's easy to impress guests and visitors, and increase the value of your home aesthetically and economically. One of the fun things about natural stone is that they come in different varieties. Aside from the design, you also have a wide variety in colors to choose from. For example, you can find the blackest granite and the whitest marble, and all shades in between. For example, the California counter tops offered in the state also has red, blue, green, brown, and even blue to choose from. As with most areas, California counter top options for you are various.

But why worry about color? Well, you need to match the counter tops California options to the style of your kitchen. If not, then you end up ruining your kitchen or home's appearance instead of making it look better. That's why you need to choose the right color. But not to worry; in California, especially the marble Bay Area offers, has lots of colors to choose from. This will make it easy for you to get the one of the kitchens Bay Area has in no time at all.

Here are some of your options: For black, you have Absolute Black, Black Forest Gold, Black Galaxy, and Amadeus. For gray, you have Bianco Carrara, Bianco Romano, Blue Sky, and Bottcino. If red is more your thing, you have Red Dragon, Ambra Dorata, and Rosa Corallo as options. For blue, you have Blue Brazil, Labrodorite Blue Green, and Sapphire Blue. If you want gold, Carioca Gold, Comet, and Crema Bordeaux are some examples. For white stones, you have Summer Light, White Argento, and White Palmas. Brown stone options include Absolute Cream, Golden Sun, Baltic Brown Granite, and Fantastic Brown. These are just a short list of stone color options; the actual list can reach the hundreds. These stones are mentioned here to give you an idea of which stones to look for when choosing one for your home.

So when redesigning a kitchen Bay Area has a lot of options when it comes to natural stone color. All you need to do is choose the right color that matches the style of your home and kitchen to get the right look.

Epcot's Soarin' over California

Disney Theme Parks just get better and better, have you ever wanted to fly above the clouds and see what it would be like to be a bird? Then this new attraction from Disney is for you.

You can find it in The Land in Epcot, so remember to collect your park map when you enter the park, get there early and avoid the long queues. You are seated in the most advanced technology available to fly you to the experience of a lifetime. Soarin' above California on your very own hand glider.

This ride is very popular and fast passes are avaialble, so take advantage or be prepared to wait your turn as people flock to experience Disney's newest attraction yet. Each Glider as three rows of seats, just hope and pray you get on row one to give you the best ride by far. You are lifted 40 ft in the air over and 80ft projection screen that wraps around you.

The effects of wind and the glider tilting gives the feel of you actually flying in the air. At certain points througout the flight, scents are released to make the experience even more realistic. I'm not going to give away the places, but whrn you ride it, you will know what I mean.

The ride was created by one of Disney's imagineers, Mark Summer, who developed the ride by experimenting with his old erector set. There are two theatres used for this experience and both holding 87 guests, so 174 guests are flying high in the sky all at the same time.

There are rumours that at the end of Disney's 18 month Happiest Celebration on Earth, the movie used will be replaced with a special version to see the close of the celebration. So that will be something not to be missed.

There is no doubt that this ride is one of their most popular rides, and the queues that form quickly confirm this. Disney have renovated all the food courts in the entrance of The Land, to give you a feel of an airport food court. This is an ingenious way of Disney's Imagineers setting the mood for the ride. Disney also have a child swap facility for this ride, so if you have toddler's that don't quite meet the height requirements, the rest of the family can still all ride without anyone missing out.

I'm sure you will enjoy the ride as much as we did. Its a ride not to be missed! We've just returned from Orlando and had to visit this attraction yet again! All out family went on this and loved the experience just as much as we did on our first flight!

Ron's 1st Sky Dive!

1st JUMP!



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toG-w-S8Fp4&hl=en

Brothers of the Sky

mark wolkon, jeremy hoch, jeff weingast tandem skydiving with soco in california city, spliced and edited by mark.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42Ss0p3m8Uk&hl=en

Hari skydiving at Skydive san diego

Hari making his first skydiving (Tandem skydiving) at Skydive San Diego, Otay Lakes on 21 Sep 08. It's absolutely one of the most amazing experiences that any of us has ever had. :) :) First ever FreeFall tandem jump from 13000 feet, in San Diego. Scariest thing ever to do in life, it was on of the item in my Bucket list. This video is dedicated to all the those crazy maniacs, who had the courage to join me in this venture and who've jumped 13000 feet out of a flying airplane ! (Sadhu, Anoop, Vaddi, Hari, Prasad, Siddh, Praphulla, Ansari, Ezhilan) San Diego, California.. 13000 feet 60 seconds of free fall Parachute ride for 6-7 min (inc roller coaster ride ;) ) AWESOME!!!!!!! ************************* Life it too short !! Have fun in this short time!!!- Most common saying of 9 guys who went for skydiving on 22 Sep 08 at Skydive san diego. Sadhu, Anoop, Vaddi, Hari, Prasad, Siddh, Praphulla, Ansari, Ezhilan. Tandem skydiving - the instructor was Sean Carey. The instructor was a really funny person. Just see what he said when I met him --"... Are you here for skydiving?.I'm your instructor. I'm also learning to do skydiving.. Let us learn skydiving together". Funny.... :D :D .. Also see his funny actions while diving when I was not able to move my hands.. Photos are available here picasaweb.google.com The most exciting thing I have done ever till date...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bhpc0UOIaPI&hl=en

Carnival Pride - A Review Of a Wonderful Ship

There it was, the Carnival Pride, sitting majestically in port awaiting the arrival of the next group of guests to sail to the Mexican Riviera. I was pumped! I had been on cruises before but this was the first seven night cruise I had been on. I couldn't wait to board the ship and see our stateroom, and get started on our next adventure. We were setting sail out of Long Beach California for the Mexican Riviera. Our trip would take us to Puerta Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Cabo San Lucas. It was October and according to the Carnival website the weather down in Mexico would be beautiful. They were right.

We had a Balcony Stateroom with an extended balcony and we were cruising with family who were in the staterooms next to ours. After some trying and signing agreements we were able to get the doors opened between balconies so we could all sit out together and relax and watch the ports come and go. I highly recommend getting a port side room when cruising, especially when you have a balcony room. Before we were even completely out of Long beach we had "met" the people in the rooms above ours! The mood was celebrational and we couldn't wait to get the fun started. The first night on a cruise you get to meet the waitstaff in the main dining room that will be with you for the entire cruise and we weren't disappointed. Our waitresses treated us like royalty and were very friendly and helpful. The bar that served the dining room made excellent cocktails to have with dinner and the kids were given extra cherries in their cherry sodas. The food was excellent and we left the dining room satisfied with everything and ready to go see the show in the Taj Majal Lounge. The shows on the Pride are fun and lively and remind you of Vegas with the one exception, they are suitable for children unless you go to the adult comedy show. Early in the evening one night you can go to the comedy show with the kids if they are cruising with you but you can't miss they adult comedy show late that night. That is where Carnival Kids Camp or Camp Carnival comes in. They offer a babysitting service for a reasonable fee from about ten p.m. to about three a.m. They have slumber parties, watch movies, play games, make crafts, and generally have a good time. During the day kids can spend time in Camp Carnival for free but must be picked up for meals in most cases. My only complaints about Camp Carnival on the Pride were; to get to Camp Carnival you had to walk down halls past staterooms, there was no other way to get there. Also, the kids are taken to different areas of the ship for activities and if your child's age group is not in Camp Carnival when you go to drop them off you have to take them to the area of the ship where their group is. If you have more than one child cruising with you it can be a pain having to wander the whole ship to find their groups to drop them off in different areas.

I mentioned before your waitstaff at dinner. You will see them in other areas of the ships doing other jobs during the day before they start in the dining room. they might serve you your breakfast in the buffet, or make your coffee at one of the coffee bars. Every time they see you they call you by name, ask how the other family members are, and go that extra mile to make sure you are having a great time. By the time you are done with your cruise, they will know your favorite foods, drinks, desserts, and will sometimes even bring you extra of your favorite dinners or desserts without you having to ask for them!

The shops aboard the Pride are wonderful, they have some of the most beautiful jewelery you could imagine and the best part is, it's all duty free! This is the best place to buy your souveniers. On this cruise you have two formal nights for dinner. I recommend that you attend at least one of them and get the portraits done. You can get pictures taken with different backgrounds and then you look at the pictures and choose which ones you want to buy. You are under no obligation to buy any of them ever. It is up to you but it is a great way to get that family portrait you've always wanted! Another place on the ship to have a great time is the casino. They offer everything from slots, to blackjack, to poker, just remember not to spend all your time there. You should also check out one of the many pools on deck, they have a running track and several outdoor activities on board. Check out the spa! Get a massage or get your hair done for formal night. Each night you will find a Carnival Capers schedule in your stateroom along with your towel animal. Look this over, it tells you all about the next days events, activities, shows, and much more.

All in all, the Carnival Pride is great ship full of friendly people. I look forward to cruising with them again although I must hurry and book. Soon the Carnival Splendor I believe will be taking over Pride's route and Pride will be sent elsewhere. If you are looking for a cruise line that offers fun for the whole family on a long cruise I recommend the Carnival Pride. She is one of Carnival's Spirit class of ships and is one of the top of the line ships for this company.

Indoor Skydiving iFly

This was my second time in the wind tunnel. It is great to practice flying on a 120 miles/hour wind stream. This is recorded in the San Francisco iFly.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFKszVIYE1U&hl=en

Kurt Russell - An American Original

He was born 17 March 1951 in Springfield, Massachusetts. His parents are Louise Crain and Bing Russell. The senior Mr. Russell was a character actor who had a recurring role as a deputy on the long - running Western television series "Bonanza". He (Bing) had been a professional baseball player but changed his career to acting, which took the family to California.

Kurt grew up in Thousand Oaks, California, not necessarily your typical Hollywood kid. He had a keen interest in baseball and wanted to play professionally as his father had before him. But in 1961, his dad heard about a part in a film called "It Happened at the World's Fair". The lead male star in the movie was Elvis Presley. Kurt's part was that of a young boy who kicked him in the shin. He did not get billing for that part. It wasn't much more than a glorified extra role. However, this was the beginning of his acting career.

He went on to do some bit parts on television. In 1963, he was cast as the lead in a short - lived television series called "The Travels of Jamie McPheeters". This was followed by more character parts on numerous other TV shows. This, in turn, led to a contract with Walt Disney. The ten-year contract encompassed such films as "The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes" (1969), "The Barefoot Executive" (1971) and "The Strongest Man in the World" (1975). Once his contract with Disney expired, he went back to appearing in character roles on television. In 1975, he did a made-for-TV movie called "The Deadly Tower". The story was based on a true event which occurred at the University of Texas in 1966. Then in 1979 he starred in another TV movie titled "Elvis". He was nominated for an Emmy for his quasi-biographical role in that film.

Although he took time out from his acting career to make a serious attempt to become a pro baseball player with the California Angels, that was cut short by a rotator cuff injury in 1973. So he returned to acting full-time.

In 1981, he teamed up with producer/writer/director John Carpenter for the classic cult film "Escape From New York". The film became a big hit with fans of the genre and continues to be favored by the same. He reprised his role of "Snake Plissken" in 1996 with the sequel, "Escape From L.A". He and Mr. Carpenter have collaborated on a total of five movies to date. Mr. Russell co-produced, co-wrote and/or starred in all five.

He met his lifemate, Goldie Hawn, while filming "Swing Shift" in 1984. They also co-starred in the movie "Overboard" in 1987. They have been together since, having one child together, one child from Kurt's first marriage to Season Hubley and the two children from Ms. Hawn's marriage to Bill Hudson. Ms. Hawn's daughter, Kate Hudson, considers Mr. Russell to be her dad. Their extended family seems to work quite well.

Among his film credits is that of a supporting role in the critically acclaimed movie "Silkwood", which he did in 1983. Meryl Streep and Cher were the co-stars in the film. Mr. Russell was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for the film and won a Golden Globe Award for his role.

In 1986, he again teamed up with John Carpenter to do "Big Trouble in Little China". This was a spoof on martial arts movies of the times and reminded Hollywood and his fans, of his ability to do comedic roles.

Other notable movies which he did include:

1988 - Tequila Sunrise, co-starring Mel Gibson 1989 - Tango and Cash, co-starring Sylvester Stallone 1993 - Tombstone, in which he played Wyatt Earp 1994 - Stargate, co-starring James Spader 1996 - Executive Decision, also starring Sylvester Stallone 2001 - 3000 Miles to Graceland, with Kevin Costner 2002 - Dark Blue, he plays a dirty cop 2004 - Miracle, based on the true story of Olympic coach Herb Brooks 2006 - Poseidon, a remake of 1972's "Poseidon Adventure"

While probably not one of the most acclaimed actors of our times, Kurt Russell has the distinction of being one of the few who successfully segued from being a child actor to continuing an acting career which spans a little over four decades. His credits range from bit parts to doing stunts, directing, producing, writing and starring in a very diverse cross of roles. He's a versatile person who has contributed to both the film and television industries.

While not receiving screen credit for it, Russell did the voice of Elvis Presley in the 1994 blockbuster, "Forrest Gump". He's also been responsible for helping to launch the film industry careers of several budding actors, writers, producers and directors.

Should You Use a Wind Generator System?

What is a Wind Generator?

It is a device that converts the energy of the wind into mechanical power or electricity. These devices are known as wind turbines or "Wind energy converters."

Why Are People Opting For This Alternative Source of Energy?

The common misconception about the wind generator systems is that people are opting to try them because they are fascinating. But the truth is glaringly obvious; the increasing number of people choosing to use these systems is doing so purely because of economics. They bottom line is, once the system is installed, they will never receive a monthly bill for wind usage! Now that's the great advantage of having a system powered by Mother Nature.

What You Must Know About This Technology

Before you start getting overly excited and make an investment in a wind generator system, there are some critically important things you need to understand. For starters, at minimum, you will need an average wind speed of 10 to 12 mph. This is not an option. If you don't have this speed on a constant basis, you don't have a wind generator; you have a statute of a propeller. To find out if your site or location meets those requirements, check with your local weather reporting organizations, government agencies and airports. You'll need an indepth wind assessment to make certain that you have a suitable site for wind generation

Having shared that, now I'm going to make a seemingly contradictory statement. Even if your average wind speed is not high all year round, this system may still be a valuable asset. Here's why... during spring and winter months, it's windier than the summer and fall months. During those months, you can use this system as inexpensive power source.

How Does a Wind Generator Work?

As the wind blows, (side note: that phrase happens to be the title of a popular soap opera) aircraft like propeller blades on wind turbines rotate, thus creating mechanical or electrical energy.

What if The Wind Stops Blowing?

That's not likely, but if it does, at that point, you're back to having an expensive propeller statute.

Look Who's Using This System

The University of Minnesota, Morris made the switch in March of 2005. At that time the (WCROC) West Central Research and Outreach Center began operating a 1.65MW wind turbine that provides the university with 5.6 million kilowatt hours. Since it's installation, the generator has at times supplied up to 60 percent of the university's power. As the technology develops, more and more people are researching to see if their site or location is suitable for this technology.

Disadvantages of Using This System

*Wind is shifty and doesn't always blow when electricity is needed

*To store energy from wind, you must have rather expensive batteries

*Must hire an expert to perform pre-install site survey

*Electricity could be intermittent

My final thoughts; as a whole, Germany leads in the total production of wind generated electricity with the United States of America running second. Stateside, the leading locations are California, Texas, and Minnesota. As energy prices fluctuate upwards, you can expect to see this technology get better in terms of its ability be suitable for more locations nationwide.

Before attempting to fly with the wind, talk with experts; use their knowledge base and expertise to help you determine if wind generator technology is the way to go for you. If it is, you will be pleasantly amazed in terms of the money you will save.