Travelers May Turn to Road Trips as Airfare Climbs

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Travelers May Turn to Road Trips as Airfare Climbs
Airlines have attempted to raise airfares 12 different times this year, according to JP Morgan analyst Jamie Baker. Although only four attempts have been successful, the vigor to raise airfares is alarming. With these new pricing demands, road trips could be a more affordable and flexible option as families make travel plans for the holidays.

Those looking to avoid the hassle of spiking airfares, baggage costs and air travel delays may opt to take their trip by car and experience holiday travel from the road. Although gas prices are rising, depending on the length of the trip, the cost of driving could be significantly less expensive than purchasing multiple roundtrip plane tickets at peak holiday prices.

In addition to being inexpensive, road-tripping families may also prefer the flexibility of traveling by car. Driving lets families set their own schedule and gives them the opportunity to stop along their route to enjoy attractions like national parks, beaches or local holiday displays while experiencing local food and culture.

Born from a time when everyone traveled by car, America has a built-in network of small businesses that support road travelers. There are plenty of businesses, including hotels, set along America’s highways that cater to travelers when they need a meal or a rest.

When families need to stop for the night, roadside hotel chains like Knights Inn, which offers affordable room rates, complimentary breakfast and the opportunity for Wyndham Rewards members to redeem their loyalty points for a free night stay, are there to accommodate road-weary travelers.

Being economical does not only mean saving money on airfare. Families who decide to road trip for the holidays will save time and money in the long run by preparing their car for the trip. Getting a tune up and performing small maintenance checks like getting an oil change, checking air pressure in the tires and replacing windshield wipers are recommended before hitting the road. If the family car is not road-ready, renting a car could be a viable and affordable option if it fits within the travel budget.

With the rising cost of airfare possibly putting more cars on the highways this holiday season, a successful road trip will depend on planning. So, travelers should study their route, research local events and investigate cost-saving opportunities like hotel discounts, redeeming points with loyalty programs and preventative car care. It can’t hurt, and it could save on the cost of dinner or a tank of gas.

NewsUSA

What it Takes to Overcome Trauma in Your Life

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What it Takes to Overcome Trauma in Your Life

When sudden, unexpected things happen that shatter your sense of security, it’s important to keep all lines of communication open. Even if you don’t need the support, someone you care about may.

While you can’t control everything that happens to you or your loved ones in life, you can control your reaction.

David Cunningham, a communication expert and seminar leader for Landmark Education — an international training and development company that offers “The Landmark Forum” and dozens of other programs — suggests the following advice for those coping with loss:

* Accept the reality of the situation. Even when hurricanes, wildfires or other natural disasters approach, many residents are reluctant to evacuate, putting themselves and their rescuers at risk. If your area is told to evacuate, don’t count on a miracle to spare your home — keep your family safe by taking them to a secure location. Make sure that each family member knows what they’re doing, where they’re going and what important documents they must take with them.

* Understand that talking about your experiences will help your family members cope with their trauma and loss. People experience a wide range of emotions after surviving a traumatic event, including anger, grief, guilt, fear and numbness. Open up about your feelings, and others will feel more comfortable sharing theirs.

* Truly listen to others’ thoughts and feelings, even if they perplex you. Maybe you don’t understand a neighbor’s worry over their cell phone or a friend’s frantic concern over a lost pet. But it’s important to create a space in which people can express their feelings. Allow others to speak about their primary concerns without passing judgment or trying to fix the situation — an open ear can mean everything in a time of crisis.

* Become a leader. Maybe you don’t see yourself as a leader in everyday life, but if your family is counting on you, you need to step up. Focus on others. Make sure that everyone is prepared to act calmly and safely, and you will find yourself becoming the leader you never knew you were.

For more tips on surviving traumatic events with grace and resilience, or helping those still coping with loss, visit www.landmarkeducation.com.

NewsUSA

Your Ears Could Save Your Eyes

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Your Ears Could Save Your Eyes

Podcasts provide a quick and convenient way to learn about your health and wellbeing. On Healthy Vision With Dr. Val Jones, Val Jones, M.D. and a team of experts provide listeners with timely and relevant information and helpful resources to help them manage eye health for themselves and their families. This free series of podcasts is downloadable from iTunes and BlogTalkRadio. Topics touch on vision and everyday activities, from sports and vision to night driving:

UV Protection — Most people know that exposure to the sun can damage their skin. However, did you know that extended exposure to the same harmful ultraviolet rays can also damage your eyes? This episode teaches about the importance of protecting your body from the sun’s rays.

Eye Protection and Protective Eyewear — More than 600,000 eye injuries related to sports and recreation occur each year. In fact, sports represent the number one cause of eye injuries in children under the age of 16. Learn about the importance of eye protection and protective eyewear for children of all ages.

Computer Vision — Studies have found that people who spend many hours a day working or playing games on a computer and/or texting on their cell phones, can suffer from eye discomfort, headaches and fatigue. On this show, an expert explains what happens to our eyes while using these devices and offers tips on what we can do to minimize or prevent eye strain discomfort and fatigue from computer or mobile device use.

Vision and Performance in Sports — Vision, just like speed and strength, is an important component in how well you play your sport. A researcher and an Olympic champion join Dr. Val to talk about the relationship between vision and sports performance.

Driving in the Dark — Nearly one of every three drivers on the road say they have difficulty seeing all or most of the time while driving in the dark. Two experts join Dr. Val to talk about what happens to your eyes in the dark and how you can take better care of your eyes — and your car — to improve your nighttime driving.

Tune in to listen here:   http://bit.ly/healthyvisionpodcast

Healthy Vision” with Dr. Val Jones is supported by ACUVUE® Brand Contact Lenses.

Dr. Val Jones is a paid consultant for VISTAKON® Division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.

ACUVUE®, VISTAKON® and Healthy Vision” with Dr. Val Jones are trademarks of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.

iTunes® is a registered trademark of Apple, Inc.

NewsUSA

Daniel Morcombe RIP

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Daniel Morcombe RIP

THE eight-year manhunt in missing schoolboy Daniel Morcombe’s case ended last night with the arrest of a 41-year-old former tow truck driver.

Police will now launch a fresh search in bushland for the 13-year-old’s body after charging the man with a number of gruesome offences, including murder, deprivation of liberty, child stealing, indecent treatment of a child under 16 and interfering with a corpse.

The heartbroken parents welcomed the breakthrough after almost a decade of torment since their boy disappeared from a roadside bus stop on the Sunshine Coast just weeks before Christmas in 2003.

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh last night praised police in a case that has gripped the nation.

“As a parent I can only imagine the heartbreak and devastation Bruce and Denise Morcombe have endured since Daniel’s disappearance,” Ms Bligh said.

Mr Morcombe said the family was thankful for the arrest. “We’ll just see how things pan out.”

A 41-year-old tow-truck driver, arrested by police yesterday, was remanded in custody to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court tomorrow, charged not only with murder, but several other offences including child stealing and interfering with a corpse.

The dramatic breakthrough comes seven years after the fun-loving 13-year-old was abducted from a bus stop in December 2003, a short stroll from his Palmwoods home on the Sunshine Coast.

His parents, who likened the pain as “living in constant hell” were visibly shaken last night.

The couple had tirelessly pursued answers in the disappearance, keeping a lid on their emotions, saying: “We’ll just see how things pan out.

The disappearance of Daniel has been Queensland’s largest missing persons investigations with Crime Stoppers alone receiving almost 20,000 leads from the public.

Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson told a news conference a man had been charged with murder, deprivation of liberty, child stealing, indecent treatment of a child under 16, and interfering with a corpse.

The full story link below.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/year-old-truck-driver-charged-with-murder-of-13-year-old-daniel-morcombe/story-e6freuy9-1226114440221?sv=a5d55640da63a3a2018ca56a31c08082

 

 

Elvis Presley – Wooden Heart (Muss I Denn) Elvis in Germany

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This song is dedicated to Annette Guthrie [New Zealand]

God Bless Elvis

Elvis Presley Wooden Heart

Elvis Presley – Wooden Heart (Muss I Denn) Elvis in Germany

BIOGRAPHY
Elvis Aaron Presley was born to Vernon and Gladys Presley in a two-room house in Tupelo, Mississippi, on January 8, 1935. His twin brother, Jessie Garon, was stillborn, leaving Elvis to grow up as an only child. He and his parents moved to Memphis, Tennessee, in 1948, and Elvis graduated from Humes High School there in 1953.

Elvis’ musical influences were the pop and country music of the time, the gospel music he heard in church and at the all-night gospel sings he frequently attended, and the black R&B he absorbed on historic Beale Street as a Memphis teenager.

In 1954, Elvis began his singing career with the legendary Sun Records label in Memphis. In late 1955, his recording contract was sold to RCA Victor. By 1956, he was an international sensation. With a sound and style that uniquely combined his diverse musical influences and blurred and challenged the social and racial barriers of the time, he ushered in a whole new era of American music and popular culture.

He starred in 33 successful films, made history with his television appearances and specials, and knew great acclaim through his many, often record-breaking, live concert performances on tour and in Las Vegas. Globally, he has sold over one billion records, more than any other artist.

His American sales have earned him gold, platinum or multi-platinum awards. Among his many awards and accolades were 14 Grammy nominations (3 wins) from the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award which he received at age 36, and his being named One of the Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Nation for 1970 by the United States Jaycees. Without any of the special privileges, his celebrity status might have afforded him, he honorably served his country in the U.S. Army.

His talent, good looks, sensuality, charisma, and good humor endeared him to millions, as did the humility and human kindness he demonstrated throughout his life. Known the world over by his first name, he is regarded as one of the most important figures of twentieth century popular culture. Elvis died at his Memphis home, Graceland, on August 16, 1977.

For a fun, interactive walk through Elvis’ life, visit the 75 years of Elvis Timeline developed in celebration of Elvis’ 75th Birthday Celebration.

Source :  http://www.elvis.com/about-the-king/biography_.aspx

Picture Source:   http://images.starpulse.com/Photos/Previews/Elvis-Presley-brv01.jpg

 

 

Yorkshire Pudding

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Yorkshire Pudding

Yorkshire Pudding

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 cup flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 Tbsp melted butter
  • 2 eggs, beaten*
  • 2-4 Tbsp of roast drippings

* If you double the recipe, add an extra egg to the batter.

METHOD

1 Sift together the flour and salt in a large bowl. Form a well in the center. Add the milk, melted butter, and eggs and beat until the batter is completely smooth (no lumps), the consistency of whipping cream. Let sit for an hour.

2 Heat oven to 450°F. Add roast drippings to a 9×12-inch pyrex or ceramic casserole dish, coating the bottom of the dish. Heat the dish in the oven for 10 minutes.

For a popover version you can use a popover pan or a muffin pan, putting at least a teaspoon of drippings in the bottom of each well, and place in oven for just a couple minutes.

3 Carefully pour the batter into the pan (or the wells of muffin/popover pans, filling just 1/3 full), once the pan is hot. Cook for 15 minutes at 450°F, then reduce the heat to 350°F and cook for 15 to 20 more minutes, until puffy and golden brown.

Cut into squares to serve.

Recipe Source: Simply Recipes

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Ultimate Christmas Pudding

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Ultimate Christmas Pudding

Ultimate Christmas Pudding

Ingredients

  • 150 gram(s) currants
  • 150 gram(s) sultanas
  • 150 gram(s) prunes (scissored into pieces)
  • 175 ml sherry (pedro ximenez)
  • 100 gram(s) plain flour
  • 125 gram(s) white breadcrumbs
  • 150 gram(s) suet
  • 150 gram(s) dark muscovado sugar
  • 1 teaspoon(s) ground cinnamon
  • ¼ ground cloves
  • 1 teaspoon(s) baking powder
  • 1 lemon(s) (zest and juice)
  • 3 medium egg(s)
  • 1 medium cooking apple (peeled and grated)
  • 2 tablespoon(s) honey
  • 125 ml vodka

Method

  1.  Although I stipulate a capacious 1.7 litre/3 pint basin, and cannot extol the utter gloriousness of this pud too much, I know that you’re unlikely to get through most of it, even half of it, at one sitting. But I like the grand, pride instilling size of this, plus it’s wonderful on following days, microwaved in portions after or between meals, with leftover Eggnog Cream, or fried in butter and eaten with vanilla ice cream for completely off-the-chart, midnight-munchyfeasts. But it wouldn’t be out of the question – and it would certainly be in the spirit of the season – to make up the entire quantity of mixture, and share between smaller basins – a 2 pint one for you, a 1 pint one to give away. Three hours’ steaming both first and second time around should do it; just keep theone pudding for yourself, and give the other to a friend, after it’s had its first steaming, and is cool, with the steaming instructions for Christmas Day.
  2. Put the currants, sultanas and scissored prunes into a bowl with the Pedro Ximénez, swill the bowl a bit, then cover with clingfilm and leave to steep overnight or for up to 1 week.
  3. When the fruits have had their steeping time, put a large pan of water on to boil, or heat some water in a conventional steamer, and butter your heatproof plastic pudding basin (or basins), remembering to grease the lid, too.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine all the remaining pudding ingredients, either in the traditional manner or just any old how; your chosen method of stirring, and who does it, probably won’t affect the outcome of your wishes or your Christmas.
  5. Add the steeped fruits, scraping in every last drop of liquor with a rubber spatula, and mix to combine thoroughly, then fold in cola-cleaned coins or heirloom charms. If you are at all frightened about choking-induced fatalities at the table, do leave out the hardware.
  6. Scrape and press the mixture into the prepared pudding basin, squish it down and put on the lid. Then wrap with a layer of foil (probably not necessary, but I do it as I once had a lid-popping and water-entering experience when steaming a pudding) so that the basin is watertight, then either put the basin in the pan of boiling water (to come halfway up the basin) or in the top of a lidded steamer (this size of basin happens to fit perfectly in the top of my all-purpose pot) and steam for 5 hours, checking every now and again that the water hasn’t bubbled away.
  7. When it’s had its 5 hours, remove gingerly (you don’t want to burn yourself) and, when manageable, unwrap the foil, and put the pudding in its basin somewhere out of the way in the kitchen or, if you’re lucky enough, a larder, until Christmas Day.
  8. On the big day, rewrap the pudding (still in its basin) in foil and steam again, this time for 3 hours. Eight hours combined cooking time might seem a faff, but it’s not as if you need to do anything to it in that time.
  9. To serve, remove from the pan or steamer, take off the lid, put a plate on top, turn it upside down and give the plastic basin a little squeeze to help unmould the pudding. Then remove the basin – and voilà, the Massively Matriarchal Mono Mammary is revealed. (Did I forget to mention the Freudian lure of the pudding beyond its pagan and Christian heritage?)
  10. Put the sprig of holly on top of the dark, mutely gleaming pudding, then heat the vodka in a small pan (I use my diddy copper butter-melting pan) and the minute it’s hot, but before it boils – you don’t want the alcohol to burn off before you attempt to flambé it – turn off the heat, strike a match, stand back and light the pan of vodka, then pour the flaming vodka over the pudding and take it as fast as you safely can to your guests. If it feels less dangerous to you (I am a liability and you might well be wiser not to follow my devil-may-care instructions), pour the hot vodka over the pudding and then light the pudding. In either case, don’t worry if the holly catches alight; I have never known it to be anything but singed.
  11. Serve with the Eggnog Cream, which you can easily make – it’s the work of undemanding moments – while the pudding’s steaming.

MAKE AHEAD TIP:  Make the Christmas pudding up to 6 weeks ahead. Keep in a cool, dark place, then proceed as recipe on Christmas Day.

FREEZE AHEAD TIP:  Make and freeze the Christmas pudding for up to 1 year ahead. Thaw overnight at room temperature and proceed as recipe on Christmas Day.

Recipe Source: Nigella

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Christmas Trifle Recipe

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Christmas Trifle Recipe

Christmas Trifle Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1pkt strawberry flavoured jelly
  • 1 pkt lime jelly
  • 6 cups milk
  • 6 tbsp custard powder
  • 6 tbsp sugar
  • 600ml cream, whipped
  • 1 punnet strawberries
  • 1 tin (825g) sliced peaches
  • 1 tin (425g) mango slices
  • 1 swiss roll
  • 1/2 cup or sherry or orange juice

Method:

Prepare jelly as per packet instructions and refrigerate.                                             Prepare custard as per instructions using the custard powder, sugar and milk.   Refrigerate.                                                                                                                       Whip cream and refrigerate. When ready to assemble, drain the peaches and mango. Slice the swiss roll and lay in the bottom of the bowl.                                                         Sprinkle over the sherry or orange juice                                                                                 Lay ingredients in the following order: Green jelly, half of the custard, peaches, red jelly, custard, mango and then cream.                                                                                 Smooth the cream out and decorate the top with the hulled and halved strawberries.

Recipe Source: Kidspot

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Vegan Christmas Tofu Turkey

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Vegan Christmas Tofu Turkey

Ingredients

Serves: 10
  • 2kg extra firm tofu, crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 red onion, finely diced
  • 4 celery sticks, chopped
  • 220g mushrooms, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh sage
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 5 cups dried breadcrumbs
  • extra 6 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 6 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons miso paste
  • 5 tablespoons orange juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon orange rind
  • 1 teaspoon mustard
  • 3 sprigs fresh rosemary to serve

Preparation method

Prep: 3 hours | Cook: 2 hours

Line a round medium sized colander with muslin or a clean tea towel.
Place the crumbled tofu in the colander.
Place another towel or sheet of muslin over the tofu and place a heavy weight on top. Place the colander over a bowl to catch the liquid.
Refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours.
Make the stuffing: In a large frying pan, gently fry the onion, celery and mushrooms in the 2 tablespoons of sesame oil until tender.
Add the garlic, sage, thyme, rosemary, salt and pepper.
Stir well and cook for 5 minutes, then add breadcrumbs and mix well.
Remove from heat.
Preheat the oven to 200 C. Grease a baking tray.
In a small bowl combine the extra sesame oil, soy sauce, miso paste, orange juice, orange rind and mustard and mix well.
Remove the weight from the tofu and discard the liquid.
Hollow out the tofu so there is 2.5cm of tofu still lining the colander.
Place the scooped out tofu in a separate bowl.
Spoon the stuffing into the centre of the tofu case.
Place the leftover tofu on top of the stuffing and press down firmly.
Turn the stuffed tofu out on to the baking tray and gently press the sides to form a more oval shape.
Brush the tofu with half the sesame oil sauce, place the rosemary sprigs on top and cover with foil.
Bake for one hour, then remove the tofu from the oven and discard the foil.
Brush the tofu with the remaining sesame oil sauce (reserving 4 tablespoons), then return to the oven and bake another hour, or until the tofu-turkey is golden brown.
Place on a serving platter, brush with the remaining oil mixture and serve hot.

Barbecued Chicken with Fresh Mango Salsa

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Barbecued Chicken with Fresh Mango Salsa

Barbecued Chicken with Fresh Mango Salsa

Ingredients

Serves: 4
  • 4 (100g) skinless, boneless chicken breast fillets
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
  • 1 (2cm) piece fresh ginger root, minced
  • 2 mangoes, peeled and diced
  • 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon white wine
  • 4 tablespoons chopped fresh coriander

Preparation method
Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 25 minutes

Preheat barbecue on high heat, and lightly oil cooking grate.
Rub chicken breast fillets with salt and pepper.
Cook on hot barbecue for 10 to 15 minutes on each side, until no longer pink and juices run clear.
Remove from heat, set aside, and keep warm.
Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat, and sauté garlic for about 1 minute.
Add ginger and mangoes and cook 3 to 4 minutes until mangoes are tender.
Add the cider vinegar and white wine.
Season with salt and pepper.
Stir in coriander, and remove from heat.
Spoon frying pan mixture over the barbecued chicken to serve.