The UFO Group

Audio books are usually associated with children’s stories or with learning languages. They do come in useful when you want to keep a toddler quiet for a few minutes. They are irreplaceable when you need to bend your tongue around the vowels and consonants of a foreign language.

For some people, the benefits of audio books stop there. However, there are more ways that audio books can come in useful. They can be an excellent media for conveying works of fiction too.

One good reason to pop an audio book disc into a CD player is the pleasure of sharing your favourite play or another literary work with your family and friends. As we learn from Jane Austen’s novels, people used to entertain themselves by reading out loud to one another before TV was around. Today, reading aloud is confined to the bed time story tradition that stops as soon as the kids learn all the letters of the alphabet.

Radio probably abolished the reading gatherings, but it provided a good substitute in the form of radio dramas. With listeners presumably relieved to have professional actors read the text, families went on to pass many a cosy evening huddled around the radio receiver. Except on one occasion, when the listeners reacted with panic to Orson Welles’s adaptation of “The War of the Worlds” and rushed out of their cosy homes, convinced that Earth was under a Martian attack.

We of course know better today. We have no need to strain our imagination. We get it all ready-made - the sound, the pictures and the special effects - from the scores of TV channels and from DVDs. We would probably even find it somewhat embarrassing to be discovered just…listening.

Or perhaps not, as a friend of mine recently found out, when she and her family re-discovered the joys of listening.

Holiday-bound, the family was to spend several hours in the confined space of their car. The father of the family was at the wheel; my friend was in the front passenger seat, and their twin teenage sons in the back. And as is usual for my friend’s family on all lengthy trips, the twins were separated by a pile of suitcases strategically arranged between them. In spite of that, the first hour of the drive was regularly punctuated by thumps, whacks, screams, wails and loud accusations from the back seat. My friend was constantly turning around in vain attempts to broker a peace deal, worriedly observing the throbbing vein on her husband’s forehead. Desperate for any distraction, she opened the glove department and rummaged through the pile of CDs. An unfamiliar cover caught her attention. It was an audio book someone had given her ages ago. She put it into the CD player - and after the second sentence the noise from the back subsided.

For that particular family, there never was a more peaceful trip. Absorbed in an Agatha Christie audio book murder mystery featuring the brilliant detective Hercule Poirot, the twins forgot to fight. They even urged the parents to make the stops shorter, while on similar earlier expeditions they had to be coaxed, chased or bribed back into the car.

It is no wonder that audio books are now a necessary requisite on any trips my friend makes with her family. She has learned what many of us have forgotten: never to underestimate the power of words and the ability of purely aural sensations to command attention and fire the imagination.

In that name, give your imagination a treat. Get yourself an audio book - it may come in handy for that long trip during this Christmas holiday season.

Going on a vacation to Las Vegas for kids may not be what the city advertises. The city known for its adult theme has attractions for all ages, but it’s necessary to do a little homework before you plan your stay. There is something for everyone including world-class roller coasters, zoos, state of the art arcades and shows for the whole family. While you are taking in the sites, you will find many of the attractions have adult stops along the way. Don’t think of it as a trip to Las Vegas for kids, as much as a trip to Las Vegas with kids. Here are few examples of what vacationing in Las Vegas with kids can be all about.

1. Pole Position Raceway. If you are going to Las Vegas with kids that enjoy a rush, this quarter mile of European style racetrack is located indoors. It was designed by Nascar Champion Kurt Bush and seven time AMA Supercross Champion Jeremy McGrath. This 60,000sqft facility houses the 18hp electric go-carts that reach speeds up to 45mph. Most of the rides in Las Vegas for kids have height restrictions. To ride the go-carts you must be at least 48″ tall. The large screen over the speedway displays your professional racing name you have chosen and your racing status. If this is more a spectator sport for you there is an upstairs room that provides a large view of the speedway along with pool tables, pinball machines, and plasma television. This attraction opens daily 11am until midnight.

2. GameWorks. Located next door to MGM Grand Hotel-Casino inside the Showcase Mall, this gaming center is made for everyone going to Las Vegas with kids. The doors open at 10am and have interactive games for all ages. Games are aimed at every age of both boys and girls. The atmosphere is strictly a family one on the gaming floor and the dress code and language are watched closely. Upstairs there is the Glacier Bar for the adult with a nightclub feel and drinks. If you have to come to Las Vegas with kids you can just watch them from the Glacier Bar since it provides a large view of the below gaming room. GameWorks also provides food at breakfast lunch and dinner of all types.

3. Circus Circus. This stop in Las Vegas for kids of both larger and smaller stature, contains heart stopping rides and 4D special FX theatre with Marvin the Martian and Daffy Duck. There is also a 3D theatre for the whole family and the world’s larges permanent circus with shows starting every half hour.

4. Mirage. The Mirage holds the Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat. If your vacation in Las Vegas for kids idea seems a little dull check out this exciting stop. This exhibit was created by Siegfried and Roy and is a small fee for both of the stops. The Garden houses six different kind of rare wild cats and the dolphin habitat allows you to feed and wade with the dolphins along with an underwater viewing area.

With something for everyone, a Las Vegas with kids’ vacation is sure to please the kid in every member of your family.

Children, being curious by nature, are always fascinated by Science. In order to keep kids interested, there are several scientific methods you can expose them with.

Children wonder about lots of things. They are naturally curious. In one of the programs at the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, they see the various levels of children’s curiosity. Generally, kids want to know the answer on some questions like:

-How big is a polar bear?

-How deep is the ocean?

-If whale and shark will engage in fighting, which will win?

Although these questions have been answered many years ago, we also want to do better and teach kids to answer these questions themselves. We can do this through the wonders of Science.

Science must not be complicated, especially for children in the elementary level. In certain activities, we need to emphasize that science is a process. It is fairly straightforward. We can even define Science according to Richard Feynman, “a special method of discovering things as very tough but really simple”.

In fact, there are variations in the so called “Scientific Method”. Scientists do things in different ways. This includes:

-emphasize experimental tests

-observe

-studies complex mathematical models

Although they differ in some aspects, they still follow the fundamental steps in the scientific process. Those integral steps are:

•observing, wondering

•hypothesizing or predicting

•experimenting

•analyzing

•concluding

All the activities used in teaching students how to do science follows the components of the Scientific Method. This would be:

•observation of nature

•Wondering Why?

•Forming hypotheses in an “If” format

•Collecting data that includes defining dependent vs. independent variables. By using appropriate experimental controls and repeated trials.

•Analyzing data

•Deriving to conclusions

•Asking the next questions

Using the scientific method in a variety of activities will help teachers and students find it enjoyable. It is also a useful method to learn about nature and how things work.

Here are suggested workshops that use “comparing and classifying”. Students will work in groups of four for this type of ands-on experiment. It focuses on:

-planets

-atmospheres

-soils and

-classifications of objects

TERMINOLOGY

Process related

•observation

•hypothesis

•comparison

•classification

•prediction

•dependent variable

•independent variable

•inference

•data

Content Related

•asteroid

•astronomer

•astrobiologist

•atmosphere

•fossil

•infiltration

•landforms

•gas

•meteorite

•nanobacteria

•particle size

•percolation

•soil moisture

•soil profile

•soil texture

•soil types

•solar systems

ACTIVITY OUTLINE:

-The first 50 minutes of the workshop consists of the following:

•Slides

•Demonstrations about object classification

•A discussion on the search of life on Mars, which will be conducted using fossil evidence of Martian meteorites.

•Students will work in groups of four to examine soil components like:

-sands

-clay

-pebbles

-organic matter

•Each student will examine three vials of soil particles.

•They will use their senses in order to record data on certain particles.

-size

-texture

-smell

-color

•The group will combine their samples and decide how they will classify this soil. This will be based on various soil characteristics.

Ex. Students will be assigned occupations like:

-farmer

-builder

-artist

They will then decide on how to categorize the soils. This is in accordance with which properties would be most important to people, especially those with different occupations.

Thus, as you go along, children will realize what it means to do science. Kids will realize that doing science is to learn its methods. Learning its methods means they need to:

-observe

-question

-hypothesize

-gather data

-analyze data and

-conclude

With Christmas time just around the corner, little ones are getting ready their wish-lists to Santa and hoping that they have made their way to his list of nice kids. So just what do little boys wish for most this holiday season? To find out, do read on. There is certainly something for that special one on your nice list.

1.      The Nerf N Strike Long Shot

For the little marksman in your family, the Nerf N Strike Long Shot is one of the favorites in Santa’s mailbox this Christmas. It is designed for ease of use and with its cool look, it’s no wonder the little ones are clamoring for this hottest item from the Elf Workshop! This awesome blaster is more than three feet long and has two quick-reload clips which are able to send darts flying up to 35 feet away!

2.      The Nintendo Wii

The Wii is so amazing; it has survived two Christmases as the number one seller in electronic chains around the globe. From every day game play to learning fun, the Wii has something that will please both child and parent. More than just being a game machine, the Wii also provides infotainment – i.e. both information and entertainment suitable for every member of the family.

3.      Martian Matter Alien Maker Spaceship

For the budding scientist or artist on your nice list – Martian Matter is a special and unique alien creating play set that encourages the imaginations of your little ones to run wild. Build an alien creature to keep and display or dissect one as a science experiment. With 14 different half-molds for you to mix and match, you can create up to 90 different unique aliens. Endless cosmic adventures for the aliens can be created with the spaceship’s pod. 

4.      Lego Batman Video Game

Lego is back and better than ever with the first ever Lego Batman game. Little gamers and builders alike are crossing their fingers, hoping to find this item, wrapped in bows awaiting them on Christmas morning. They will then be able to master special superhero power-suits and new moves together with the special weapons designed for each character.

5.      Bakugan Battle Arena

Bakugan Battle Arena is a battle game of wits and strategy. The Bakugan Battle Arena enables little fans of the TV phenomena to bring the wonders of the TV experience to the comfort of their own rooms. Strategy is required to place the metal Gate Cards effectively as each card affects the battle differently.  

6.      The Lego Advent Calendar

Twenty-four days of fun start . . . now. The Lego Advent Calendar paves the way for holiday genius with a new mini figure or Lego accessory for every day of advent . . . watch out for the surprise ending! Be surprised by the 24 city-themes for the season which includes 10 minifigures and other accessories and more. A wonderful gift for the whole family to enjoy!

7.      D-Rex Interactive Dinosaur

The D-Rex Interactive Dinosaur will roar his way into the heart of your little one this Christmas and allow him to be big on imagination! D-Rex is lifelike with its reptilian skin and behavior and will be the ultimate pet. With the remote control, your child will be the director of everything from dinosaur attacks to predator pranks where he can cause his sisters to gross out with a T Rex burp! D-Rex can also respond to voice and touch and although ferocious-looking, it is a very loyal dinosaur. 

8.      Crayola Glow Station

Crayola’s Glow Station will light up their playtime like they light up your life. Let their imaginations glow brightly with every stroke of the brush Glow Station comes complete with a large canvas for their favorite playtime space. It will empower them to create in a way they have never done before.

9.      Guitar Hero on Tour for Nintendo DS

For all of those budding musicians and rockers, the Guitar Hero on Tour bundle is an ideal gift to allow them to jam out on the go or on the sofa. They can select from a large collection of Gibson guitars and musical venues and jam along with six different characters.

10.  Night Vision

Look out world; kid technology just got a little cooler with infrared Night Vision Goggles. Night Vision allows kids to sneak through the house on a covert operation for the last cookie in the cookie jar . . . all without turning on the lights! Enjoy an authentic night vision experience equipped with actual infra-red driven technology which allows you to see clearly up to 50 feet in even complete pitch darkness! 

For more advice on all things Christmas, visit us at www.gift-ideas-for-christmas.net, your one stop shop for the season’s hottest gifts.

Vedic Numerology- Lesson 9

The Encyclopaedia of the Philosophic Sciences, the Vedas were the product

of cognitions by Indian Seers in higher states of Consciousness. Astronomy,

Mathematics. Astrology, Numerology, Logic, Philosophy, Gemology etc all

derive from this mighty Encyclopaedia. Astronomy, Mathematics and

Numerology evolved from the Wisdom of the Heavens, Astrology. Astro-

Numerology was the perfect blend of the science of the Numbers and the

Science of Time.

Effects of Fadic Number Nine

If the Nineian is YOU!

( Fadic Number is the number got after adding all the digits comprising your

date of birth ).

Your Fadic Number is 9 and your Life Controller is

the planet of War, Mars. This is the number of those

born under the 9th 18th and 27th of every month.

They are born fighters in all aspects of Life. Even

though they are faced by adversity, they emerge victorious

in the end because of their mental strength, determination

and courage. They are arbitrarians and never become slaves

to anybody. If the number 9 occurs in their major events

they create big enemies and generate quarrels and enmity.

They always suffer bruises either financially or in the ba-

ttlefield.

They are highly courageous and become great soldiers.

Their love of themselves that is their arbitrarianism is the

major cause of their adversity. They are prone to accidents

resuting from fire. They always quarrel with their friends

and in-laws. They do not like advice. They love to be rever-

ed as big in their domestic life. As they are capable of fo-

rming organizations if they do not get the leadership they

become the cause of destroying the organizations.

Loving women can make monkeys of them as they will do

anything for their beloved. They are friedly with 3 6 and 9.

They are very compatible with 9. 9 as you know has a lot of

peculiarities. Any number into 9 will yield 9.

Red confers luck on them.Their best days are Thursday

Tuesday and Friday. They should use 9 18 and 27 for the

fructification of their objectives. If the abovementioned

days coincide with 3, 6,12,15, 21, 24, 30 these days become

very auspicious for them.

In psychic sciences great importance have been attac-

hed to the numbers 7 and 9. While 7 represents the underlying

Divine Unity, 9 represents the physical and the material.

Kaiser William, President Roosevelt & Edward the Seventh

were born like you under this number and it will not be surp-

rising if people identify similar characteristics in you..

More quality information about Astro-Numerology and a free Astro-

Numerological Report can be had from http://www.astrologiavedica.com/html/numerology.htm

Personality Overview

——————–

Controller of Life - MARS

You are controlled by the celestial war lord, Mars. Martians

generally are adventurous and believe that life is to enjoy.

They are bold and martial in approach. Their militant attitu-

de to life will earn many laurels for them particularly in

the fields of sports and the military. Their resilience will

give them victory in the long run.

The life of the Martian is always marked by physical strains,

struggle and strife.

You are aggressive and militant believing in the principle

” Attack is the best form of defense”.

Your bulldog spirit and fighting qualities will be manifest

in all spheres of life be it business sports or games.

You do not give up easily.

Your main drawback is that you jump into things without much

aforethought and suffer consequences therby.

Fortitude is another virtue represented by Mars. You can come

out of any suffering because of this virtue. Fortitude is one of the

most important of all the seven cardinal virtues.

In Vedic Astrology, Mars is the defence minister in the Government

of the Almighty. If Mars is not powerful in one’s natal chart,

administrative ability will be lacking in the native. He represents

the physical strength of the Cosmic Man. Words like Martial

arts, Martial Law are all derived from this celestial war-lord, Mars.

A powerfully posited Mars is preferable from the perspective of

self-defense. Mars rules over three constellations of the Sidereal

Zodiac, Lamda Orionis ( Mrigasira ), Alpha & Beta Delhini

( Dhanishta) & Spica or Alpha Virginis ( Chitra ).

More quality information about Vedic Astrology & an Astrological

Analysis can be had from http://www.astrologiavedica.com/html/vedichoroscope.htm

An Analytical Review

——————–

The zodiac sign representing this number is Aries. (Do not co-

nfuse this with the birthsign in Astrology ). Arians are gene-

rally shrewd people gifted with business insight. This sign

rules England. ( “London, thou seat of Mars ” says Shakespeare ).

They have all the qualities required for world conquest.

The Arian is generally powerful in body, pragmatic in approach-

and down-to-earth practical in life.

You are subjected to fits of anger and depression. It is good

for you to practice concentration which will remove these def-

ects.

Your fiery temperament will generate many secret enemies. You

will also be subjected to criticism from many quarters. But

then you will continue to fight irrespective of the opinions

of the rest of the world.

You are courageous and chivalrous. You have to be careful abo-

ut accidents particularly from fire.

Regarding health you may suffer from fever and skin diseases.

You should renounce alcohol. The best leaves and fruits for

you are onions, garlic, radish, ginger & pepper. You should

guard against illhealth during the months of April May Oct-

ober & November. You may experience changes in health during

the ages of 9 18 27 36 45 54 & 63.

Negative Aspect

—————

Mars is a fiery planet. Your temparament and everything is fiery

and volatile. There may be a dearth of logical thinking and you may

jump into traps set by others. It is better if you take the advice

of seniors.

Mantra

——

Dharani Garbha Sambhootham

Vidyut Kanchana Sannibham

Kumaram Shakthi Hastham cha

Mangalam Pranamamyaham

This sloka if recited 108 times daily can ward off the afflictions

arising from Mars. This is the moola sloka of Mars.

In Vedic Gemology, Mars represents Coral. Wearing this stone on

a Shukla Paksha Tuesday ( fifteen days after the New Moon )

will enhance the luck of the Nineians.

Lucky Colour Red

Lucky Stone Coral

Lucky Days of the Week Tuesday

Lucky Day 18 9 27

Lucky Month March ( deriving

from Mars )

If you wear these stones and colours as per the dictums

of Vedic Numerology you stand to benefit a great deal as

the malefic rays of planets are neutrallised by gems.

More information about Planetary Gemology & a FREE Gem Prescription

Report can be had from http://www.astrologiavedica.com/html/planetarygemology.htm

In Transcendental Philosophy the Number Nine is considered very sacred.

Astrology deals with the ” nine revolving heavens”. Gemology deals with

the Nine gems. Numerology deals with the nine base digits. The ninth

prosperity is said to be Cosmic Consciousness.

Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word ” Yuj ” which means to unite,

to unite with Cosmic Creative Intelligence. Yoga has the power to confer

the ninth prosperity or Cosmic Consciousness.

The Absolute Being assuming the role of Numbers

The Inifinite Being who is Absolute , becomes One when

He stands alone. He becomes Two as Consciousness and Force. He

becomes three as the three relative states of Consciousness, Waking,

Dreaming and dreamless sleep. . He becomes Fourfold as the Four

Vedas. He becomes Five as the five sense organs. As the Six Shastras

He becomes Six. He becomes Seven as the Sevenfold Cord Of Being

- Life, Mind ,Matter ,Supermind, Being, Knowledge and Bliss. He

becomes Eight as the Eightfold Prosperity ( Ashta Aiswaryas) . He

becomes Nine as the Nine planets, Nine base digits & the Nine gems.

Infinite is Thy play as Numbers ! .

More information about Transcendental Philosophy & Yoga can be had from http://www.astrologiavedica.com/html/yogamain.htm

This concludes the series of articles dealing with Fadic Numbers.

In the next article we will deal with the fundamentals of Vedic Astrology,

how this mighty Science of Time originated and its basic postulates.

( This article can be reprinted in other ezines for FREE ).

Article by G Kumar, Astrologer, writer & programmer of www.eastrovedica.com. Recently he was awarded a Certificate by the Planetary Gemologists Association Global ( www.p-g-a.org ) as a Planetary Gem Advisor. He has 25 years psychic research experience in the esoteric arts. To subscribe to his free informative Ezine, the Z Files mailto:info@eastrovedica.com?subject=SubscribeZF. His Astro blog is up at http://www.zodiacastrology.blogspot.com & his Philosophy blog is http://transcendentalphilosophy.blogspot.com Mobile 091 9388556053

There is a gargantuan range of toys and games on the market for children this Christmas, and kids are not usually known for being quiet about what they want at this time of year are they? Creative tioys are a great way to keep them occupied and entertained over the festive period, and what’s more, they are much more helpful in the education of children than other toys out there for sale. Here we’ll take a look at some of the most popular creative toys for Christmas.

By far one of the most wanted items in the area of creatively inclined toys is the Gourmet cupcake maker, which has everything your child needs to make their own delicious cupcakes that can be shared with the whole family. The Martian matter Alien maker is a great set that allows kids to create over 90 different alien monsters. One of the best creative toys this year, and certainly the most creative around, is the Puzzle extra Assorted, which lets kids create their very own puzzles with which to challenge friends and family! For those within a taste for unique adventure there’s the superb Moon Sand Adventure Island, which features ‘magic’ sand that can be moulded into various animal shapes and re-used again and again!

The classics are back once again this year, which is always good, with Etch a Sketch popular once more and new LEGO toys and kits for children to build and enjoy. The new Star Wars V19 Torrent vehicle is proving to be a big hit with young fans. But, lovers of High School Musical aren’t being left out, as there’s a great High School Musical 96pc puzzle ball available featuring images from their beloved singing and dancing films.

Another delightful creative toy would be the delightful Golden Coin Maker, allowing children to make and share their own chocolate coins- perfect for Christmas time! To keep the kids occupied while they wait for the big day to arrive, how about giving them paper, pencils and rulers and have them design their own creative toys! Help fire their imaginations, and you will help them have a great time long after Christmas is over.

There are so many creative toy ideas out there that your kids will be spoilt for choice, but we don’t want you to be in the same predicament! We wish you all the best of luck in discovering the best Creative toys for this year’s festivities.

When we glimpse the millions of stars in the night sky, it can be difficult to imagine that some of them are planets, only thousands of miles away, and within our solar system.

However, with the proper tools, and with knowledge of the planets, you can see swift Mercury, mysterious Venus, and even the giant Jupiter from your backyard. In this first of two series on the planets of our solar system, you will learn about the planets lying between the asteroid belt and the sun. You will also learn about their special properties, and how you can distinguish them in the often star-crowded night sky. For your home astronomy activity, all you’ll need are the following.

• A good pair of binoculars, preferably with very high resolution, is valuable when you want to view the planets in greater detail. You won’t need a telescope if you want to see the nearest planets, although a good home telescope will show even more detail and make your observation more interesting.• Star maps are invaluable when you locate the planets, as their positions are often described in reference to nearby constellations.

• You can best view the planets in a dark place, so you need a dim flashlight to light up your star maps. Before you begin your planet hunt, there are three things you must know about our planets. According to a definition set by international astronomical organizations, a planet must be a body orbiting around the sun, and with enough mass to be a sphere due to its own gravitational forces. A planet, moreover, should clear the neighborhood around its orbit. There are other bodies within the solar system that are as large as planets, or were once considered planets, but have since been disqualified as they didn’t meet one or more of the qualifications.

They won’t be discussed in detail in this article. Mercury is the planet nearest the sun, and completes its revolution every eighty-eight days. Mercury has no moons, and is a very light, tiny planet. In fact, Mercury is only about 0.055 of earth in mass. Most of Mercury’s thin atmosphere is made up of potassium and sodium, and its rocky surface is full of craters. The Romans were one of the first to report on the planet, which they named after their swift messenger of the gods, as the astronomers observed its fast motion in the sky. Despite Mercury’s brightness, you can see it at twilight as a bright, star-like dot that doesn’t twinkle. After Mercury comes Venus, a hazy planet long the subject of fiction and mystery.

Like Mercury, Venus has no moons. It is almost the same mass and size as the earth, so that the two are often referred to as “sister planets.” The atmosphere of Venus, however, is about ninety-five percent carbon dioxide, and can thus support no life. Venus is the brightest heavenly body in the night sky, with the exception of our moon. It is at its brightest a few hours before sunrise, and a few hours after sunset, and is thus often called the morning star or the evening star. The Earth you now stand on is the third planet from the sun, and is the only one in our solar system known to support life. Earth has one satellite, our moon, which affects the tides of our oceans, and which, over time, has changed our planet’s rotation period. Earth’s atmosphere is about seventy eight percent nitrogen and twenty percent oxygen, a mixture stabilized millions of years ago, after the young, volcanic earth settled down and gave birth to life. After Earth comes the red, rocky Mars, with its two moons, Phobos and Deimos. Like Venus, the Martian atmosphere is primarily made up of carbon dioxide; unlike hazy Venus, however, Mars appears as a bright red dot in the sky. At certain times of the year, Mars is the second brightest object in the night sky, next to the moon and Venus.

Mars is red because of the iron oxide, or rust, on its surface, and recent studies have shown that it might have been home to water only a few thousand years ago. The idea that Mars may have once supported life is interesting to scientists, and Mars is promptly the planet in the solar system with the greatest number of orbiting spacecraft. Beyond Mars is a thick asteroid belt, which is also home to the dwarf planet Ceres. Once classified as an asteroid, Ceres is the smallest dwarf planet of our solar system, and comprises a third of the asteroid belt’s total mass. In very good atmospheric conditions, you can see Ceres with your ***** eye.

It will appear as a tiny white dot in the night sky. Tracking the planets in your backyard can be a fun activity for the whole family. Just remember that planets, unlike stars, don’t twinkle, and will usually be very bright. Just keep those binoculars and star maps handy, and you can have an enjoyable night of star gazing and planet locating. For the more interesting planets, however, you will have to go beyond the asteroid belt, where the massive planets reside. These planets will be tackled in the next essay in this series.

If you are reading this, you have probably already taken the time to figure out what your “sign” is. Chances are that, not only do you know your own sign, but that you know all of the signs of your friends, your family and all of the people you’ve had crushes on. Who didn’t check their horoscope and the horoscope of their beloved when they were teenagers to find out if they would finally get asked out by the one they coveted?

Have you ever thought about using astrology to learn more about your health? Did you know that plants have astrological influences as well?

According to an article on About.com, each of the planets (and the sun) rule over certain types of plants:

Sun plants, for example, are plants that have heart shaped leaves, yellow flowers and the plants that continuously turn to face the sun are considered “sun plants” and are used most often to treat ailments of the circulatory system and the heart.

Mars plants, however, are said to be plants that grow under adversity and, admittedly, we aren’t sure exactly what that means. Martian plants most often have prickles or thorns because Mars is thought to have a combative and “prickly” spirit.

Saturn, the planet we all know for its rings, rules over plants that are “knobby” and that live long perennial lives. Saturn plants, like Kava kava, are often associated with aging. Apparently, plants ruled by Saturn can help people complete projects.

Note to parents of teenagers: use Saturn’s plants to get your kids to finish their homework!

This article isn’t meant to offend those who truly believe that astrology rules the earth and the lives that inhabit it. There are people who put all of their faith in astrology and doing so has helped them cope with a great many things. This article is meant to introduce people to new astrology ideas. Everyone knows about sun signs and love signs and most people have figured out whether or not a Gemini will do well by marrying a Scorpio.

How many people, though, have thought to base their herbal remedies on astrology?

Have you been feeling depressed lately? Try the plants that are ruled by Jupiter—they are known to help people retain a positive outlook. Jupiter’s plants are large and always edible, like Burdock.

Do you want have issues with your subconscious mind? Are your dreams bothering you? Perhaps you should look into the moon’s plants. The moon’s plants are typically white or pale yellow and have juicy or moon shaped leaves. The usually live near the water, like watercress or peppermint.

The truth is that astrology rules more than most people want to give it credit for. While many people may dismiss astrology as being something “fun” or “weird” these same people have a hard time explaining why so many astrological predictions turn out to be true.

That certainly should give you some food for thought, though you might want to concentrate on Pluto’s plants as they can help balance a person’s spiritual and physical personalities.

For more information on astrology, visit http://www.astrologyblog.co.uk and http://www.astrologymicroblog.com.

Going on a vacation to Las Vegas for kids may not be what the city advertises. The city known for its adult theme has attractions for all ages, but it’s necessary to do a little homework before you plan your stay. There is something for everyone including world-class roller coasters, zoos, state of the art arcades and shows for the whole family. While you are taking in the sites, you will find many of the attractions have adult stops along the way. Don’t think of it as a trip to Las Vegas for kids, as much as a trip to Las Vegas with kids. Here are few examples of what vacationing in Las Vegas with kids can be all about.

1. Pole Position Raceway.

If you are going to Las Vegas with kids that enjoy a rush, this quarter mile of European style racetrack is located indoors. It was designed by Nascar Champion Kurt Bush and seven time AMA Supercross Champion Jeremy McGrath. This 60,000sqft facility houses the 18hp electric go-carts that reach speeds up to 45mph. Most of the rides in Las Vegas for kids have height restrictions. To ride the go-carts you must be at least 48” tall. The large screen over the speedway displays your professional racing name you have chosen and your racing status. If this is more a spectator sport for you there is an upstairs room that provides a large view of the speedway along with pool tables, pinball machines, and plasma television. This attraction opens daily 11am until midnight.

2. GameWorks

Located next door to MGM Grand Hotel-Casino inside the Showcase Mall, this gaming center is made for everyone going to Las Vegas with kids. The doors open at 10am and have interactive games for all ages. Games are aimed at every age of both boys and girls. The atmosphere is strictly a family one on the gaming floor and the dress code and language are watched closely. Upstairs there is the Glacier Bar for the adult with a nightclub feel and drinks. If you have to come to Las Vegas with kids you can just watch them from the Glacier Bar since it provides a large view of the below gaming room. GameWorks also provides food at breakfast lunch and dinner of all types. 

3. Circus Circus

This stop in Las Vegas for kids of both larger and smaller stature, contains heart stopping rides and 4D special FX theatre with Marvin the Martian and Daffy Duck. There is also a 3D theatre for the whole family and the world’s larges permanent circus with shows starting every half hour. 

4. Mirage

The Mirage holds the Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat. If your vacation in Las Vegas for kids idea seems a little dull check out this exciting stop. This exhibit was created by Siegfried and Roy and is a small fee for both of the stops. The Garden houses six different kind of rare wild cats and the dolphin habitat allows you to feed and wade with the dolphins along with an underwater viewing area.

With something for everyone, a Las Vegas with kids’ vacation is sure to please the kid in every member of your family.

Egypt is located at the northern side of Africa and it has sultry heat even in the dark that is why when it is the cold winter and you are trying to run away from this season, you could surely to get refresh in Egypt.

But there is more to this country than just the pleasant climate, because Egypt is home to one of the significant civilizations out of Europe. The Egyptians in particular were famous for their stunning architecture and pyramids; the architecture, which historians yet believe looked almost Martian in their complexity. The loveliness of vacationing in this country is being capable to observe these wonders and sights direct as they stand nowadays.

Luxor is interlocked city with the country’s history, being the destination of Thebes, an ancient Egyptian city. Luxor is located along the Nile River together with old ruins in the city itself, and crosswise the Nile on the west part laid all the temples and landmarks, which you will have watched on film and in books.

But there’s more to Egypt than simply the agreeable climate; Egypt is home to probably one of the most historic civilisations outside of Europe. The Egyptians were well known for their pyramids and stunning architecture; architecture that historians still believe seemed almost alien in their sophistication. The beauty of holidaying in Egypt is being able to see these sights and wonders first hand as they stand today.

The Valley of the Queens and Valley of the Kings are just a couple of excellent causes for vacation in this amazing city together with the local economy, which is fuelled by sugarcane harvest, so numerous travelers com here annually.