Are you ready to incorporate the “WOW” factor into your new dream home? Whether it’s your dream home or an existing home that needs a design makeover, your first step is to hire an Interior Designer.

Why is it necessary to consider hiring a professional Interior Designer? Simply, because most of us do not have the expertise or lack the skill that it takes to decorate and design. You could end up spending more money on costly mistakes.

Leave it to a skilled and trained designer to bring your design dreams to fruition. Let their expertise open an endless world of possibilities when it comes to space planning, color, art, style and so much more.

So hiring the right Interior Designer is your next step. So how do you go about that? You should absolutely feel that your designer represents you to the best of their knowledge. How? They know how to listen to you as you share your desires and goals.

I have found as a practicing Interior Designer for over twenty years, that this seems to be where the problem lies in most cases. Clients have shared with me that some designers don’t know how to listen.

I suggest that you interview two or three designers before you hire one. It is a well known fact that you can talk to ten designers and get ten different design concepts. But your goal here is to hire the one you feel most comfortable with.

You’ll notice many personality types but I’m sure you’ll find one that you feel is on the “same page” as you. You should feel comfortable in the fact that your designer listens to your desires and goals.

Listen to your designer as well. They will share their design background and projects they have completed that will help you in your selection. Although you’ll want to know how years they have been practicing, the real importance lies in their confidence and professionalism.

Besides being very valuable in their skills and expertise, Interior Designers also come equipped with the knowledge of the best vendors in the industry. They know who to go to as well as who “not” to go to. Could you trust your decision?

Janice Nickole is a practicing Interior Designer in Phoenix Arizona. To get more information on how she can help you achieve the look and feel you want, please visit her website.

Learn more about interior designer scottsdale az services by visiting our website.

Pocket bikes are essentially miniature motorcycles, they have the same sleek look as real motorcycles but are much more affordable. Motorsport enthusiasts all over the globe are collecting pocket bikes to add to their collections. A pocketbike or minibike as they also are called, comes with all the parts of their full size cousins, but are only about two to three feet tall. They are usually powered by a four stroke or two stroke gas engine, but electrically powered models are also becoming increasingly popular. Pocketbikes can be a toy for a kid or a powerful racing machine for a pro racer. How you use it is up to you.

Pocket bikes can be designed in many ways, from older models resembling something that rolled straight out from a 1970 kids magazine to brand new models that copy a full size GP motorcycle perfectly. Other popular designs include chopper mini bikes which obviously look like miniature choppers, or pit bikes which looks like miniature motorcross bikes with more or less the same off road capabilities. You can get a good pocket bike for as little as $350. You can find cheaper models, but they will be of lower quality materials, making the frame heavier and more brittle. At the same time, a more expensive model will have practical features like hydraulic disc brakes or an air cooled 110 cc engine. In addition to all this you can easily customize your pocket bike in a lot of ways,for instance by changing the color scheme or adding decals and decorations.

Before you take your new ride out for a spin remember to check the regulation and laws in your state or country. Most places forbid the sues of pocket bikes on public roads.

Even though all these different variants of minimotos are small, most of them, with some few exceptions, should not be used as toys. They can reach high speeds, and while safer than a full sized motorcycle, a fall at high speed will still be painful, and may cause serious injury if you are not wearing the proper safety equipment or if you are plain unlucky. So remember to wear proper safety equipment.

I know you will have a blast riding your minibike. Hopefully you will ride safely as well. Have fun!

Y.E. Yang shocked the world and probably himself by beating the world’s best golfer, and maybe the greatest golfer of all time, Tiger Woods, by coming back from 2 strokes down Sunday to win the PGA Championship. Yang is the first Asian player to win a Major, the first player to beat Tiger Woods when Woods was tied or all alone in the lead after 54 holes of golf. Golf enthusiasts cheered, David took down Goliath, 12 never struck for Cinderella, No. 110 took down No. 1.

Is this good? I don’t really think so. The PGA heavily relies on Tiger Woods and the sentiment on the street is that Woods simply isn’t effective as he was, and may never be again.

Tiger hasn’t lost it, he’s won 5 tournaments this year, coming from 5 strokes back on Sunday to win one, and coming back from 8 shots down Thursday to win by 3 strokes on Sunday. But, as I said, casual golf fans don’t get that. In fact, most sports fans probably don’t get that because he hasn’t performed in the biggest events, the Majors, the moneymakers, the events that pull in the biggest ratings.

For the short-term, Yang’s victory makes for an interesting story and may feed the media with some fuel for now. But the 2009 PGA season is devoid of stories. A lack of a Tiger win, and Tom Watson’s falling short at the British Open both make for some major disappointments compared to what could have been.

This one is another story in its own though. Yang is very unlikely to win another tournament of this scope, and will probably fade right back into obscurity. And for the time being, Woods’ pursuit of Jack Nicklaus’ record is in doubt.

While there are a few more months of golf left, there are no majors, and only serious golf enthusiasts will track these events. Fringe fans will go back to watching other sports, and will be far from enthused about the 2010 golf season.

Golf needs Tiger Woods just as much as he needs more majors. Tiger has given a face to golf, a sport that’s sorely lacked one for so many years. Tiger is golf’s Michael Jordan, and needs to return to this status in 2010.

Let’s hope that 2010 brings us the return of Tiger Woods, just as the 2009 tennis season has done for Roger Federer after a disappointing 2008. While fans may have cheered on Yang as he defeated Tiger today, you can be sure they’re pulling for Tiger over the long run.

In a very interesting and atypical twist today, Tiger Woods blew a lead entering the final round of the PGA Championships, losing to Y.E. Yang, a relatively unknown golfer. Woods had simply never lost a major after leading or being tied for the lead, and the world was shocked after witnessing today’s events.

Is this good? I don’t really think so. The PGA heavily relies on Tiger Woods and the sentiment on the street is that Woods simply isn’t effective as he was, and may never be again.

Woods is by no means past his prime. After returning from an injury that ended his 2008 campaign, Woods has bounced back with wins at five tournaments. Some of these involved some vintage Woods Sunday comebacks. Unfortunately, the majors are far more watched than the other tournaments, so the typical sports fan doesn’t realize that all’s not lost in Tiger’s corner.

For the short-term, Yang’s victory makes for an interesting story and may feed the media with some fuel for now. But the 2009 PGA season is devoid of stories. A lack of a Tiger win, and Tom Watson’s falling short at the British Open both make for some major disappointments compared to what could have been.

Yang will probably make few headlines anytime soon, and the once “sure prospect” of Woods beating Jack Nicklaus’ record for majors one is suddenly not such a sure thing anymore.

What do people get to look to now? “Oh, I can’t wait to see Tiger take revenge in the exciting series of FedEx cup event”? No! They are looking to, “Hey, Anthony Kim or Rory McIllroy are ready to take the torch next year.”

We need the Tiger, the best golfer, to be well, the best golfer. He needs to hold leads on Sunday. He needs people to be scared on the last few holes with Tiger on the prowl. We need Tiger Woods to dominate everybody and ask questions later. If he’s labeled the best, he needs to start performing in the biggest and best events.

Here’s to hoping that 2010 brings us a Tiger resurgence, and most notably, a major or two. The sport really needs it.

So you’re thinking of throwing a party? Instead of making it an every day run of the mill party, why not make it a theme party? And why not make it a James Bond party theme?

Studies have repeatedly shown that theme parties are enjoyed much more than normal parties and are remembered in a better light. So consider a Bond party with the following James Bond party theme ideas:

1. Decide early on if you are going for a particular James Bond movie, characters or an open Bond theme. Perhaps you could have a casino theme such as in Casino Royale?

2. For costumes, the ladies will thank you for the chance to dress up as glamorously as they like. They could also go for a Miss Goodnight, Jinx or Pussy Galore look.

3. For the guys, this is going to be great! Expect to see many black tie Sean Connery lookalikes. Also, if you have any Asian friends, suggest that they come as the evil Oddjob complete with top hat.

4. Consider hiring a Russian security guard to check your guests for concealed weapons at the entrance.

5. Get yourself a long red carpet. Have it stretch from the entrance up to the bar. Your guests could then be offered a Martini, shaken not stirred!

6. Whether you are having a casino or not, get some roulette wheels, poker tables, chips and cards for decorations.

7. Get other Bond merchandise and paraphernalia such as Walther PPK’s. If you have a budget, hire an Austin Martin to park in the driveway.

8. You can get the best of Bond theme tune music to play at your party. It’s available on CD!

9. For food, you should have finger buffets, but very impressive finger buffets. Bond is after all used to the best! Consider hiring a waiter for the occasion if its in your budget.

10. Drinks should of course be Martini…shaken not stirred. I would also get in plenty of champagne.

If you are often near or in a large body of water, a waterproof camera is a great choice, especially now that these once costly devices are becoming more affordable by the day. Familiarize yourself with the points below to make sure that you will make the best out of it.

1) First of all, the fastenings: Your camera is only just as waterproof as its gaskets, so check these regularly, especially the ones places that are opened more frequently, such as memory card slots and buttons.

2) Quality of the pictures: a decent resolution is a must for underwater photography, especially if you may want to zoom up details of shots once the shot has been taken. Five megapixel is good for compact waterproof cameras, and eight is adequate for SLR’s.

3) Looks and bulkiness. These are important, as you need to make sure that the device will fit your hand and your swimming or diving style. Some cameras come in bright colors to aid visibility, but not everyone likes them. If there is something that you miss, shop around some more and you may just find what you are seeking.

4) Industry certifications: Often overlooked by people when choosing a waterproof camera, these give you peace of mind about the standard that your camera was built to. You should look at Japanese Industry Standard designation Waterproof 8 for a camera that you can take on shallow dives, up to 5 meters.

5) Features and extras: Check that the waterproof camera has all the things you need. Important ones for underwater use are shutter speed and burst picture mode, good lens aperture, autofocus, and a powerful flash.

6) Once you have that waterproof camera, spend a thought on cleaning the device regularly. This is very important as it will make or break the waterproofness of the device, and make all the difference between a long-term companion and a gadget that breaks down after the second or third dive. Sand and dust will be your greatest enemy.

7) Be aware of chemicals, they will also damage your camera’s waterproof junctions. And it’s not only nasty chemicals such as petrol. Chlorine will shorten the life if your camera, so keep it out of pools and only take it to natural freshwater or saltwater bodies. Use a cheap disposable waterproof “fun” camera to take pics of the kiddies in the pool.
Waterproof cameras have a maximum depth rating related to the pressure the delicate gaskets can bear, know about the one of your device and stick to it. Do not confuse waterproof with splash-proof either.

9) Learn about your waterproof camera and its performance gradually. Don’t take it take it to a dive right away, experiment with it in a shallow place first. Read the manual and try out the effect of different picture options, and you will soon be shooting like a pro.

For a long time we have used the video store as one of our main ways to access movies. Now, with internet usage exploding, movie downloads are becoming very popular. Let’s look at what you might find to watch using a movie download site.

Jupiter’s Thigh: Blah continuation to Beloved Investigator, with sleuth Girardot and professor Noiret becoming engaged in fascinate when honeymooning in Greece. Cast includes Annie Girardot, Philippe Noiret, Frances Perrin, and Catherine Alric. (90 minutes, 1979)

The Thief of Bagdad: Fairbanks is unusually ballistic and ingratiating as ever in this dull Arabian Days pantomime, laid out to inject a real sense of marvel. Relatively long, however by no means boring; one of the most imaginative of all quiet films, with incredible sets by William Cameron Menzies. Cast includes Douglas Fairbanks, Julanne Johnston, Anna Might Wong, Sojin, Snitz Edwards, Charles Belcher, and Brandon Hurst. (155 minutes, 1924)

The Mark of the Hawk: Abnormal story intelligently performed, set in modern-day Africa, with tranquil vs. vicious means for racial evenness the prime topic. Cast includes Eartha Kitt, Sidney Poitier, Juano Hernandez, and John McIntire. (83 minutes, 1957)

The Rookie: Jim Morris never made it to the major leagues. Eventually a shoulder injury ended his career 12 long years ago. Now coaching a high school team, his team makes a deal with him. If they win the district championships, he tries out for the majors again. They win, and now Jim is forced to live up to his end of the bargain and give it another shot.

300: 300 tells the epic tale of the Battle of Thempylae. The Persians have come by the thousands to take over Greece. When asked to simply give up, and receive power and riches, the Spartan leader refuses the offer. Instead, he and 300 of his best men stood against the whole of Xerxes army, and kill thousands before finally being overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of the attackers.

The Agony and the Ecstasy: Large spectacle of Michelangelo’s creative clashes with Pope Julius II has satisfactory performing overshadowed by methodical production. Short documentary on performer’s work antecedes fractional tirade based on tads of Irving Rock’s novel. Cast includes Charlton Heston, Rex Harrison, Diane Cilento, Harry Andrews, and Adolfo Celio. (140 minutes, 1965)

From the earth to The Moon: Jules Verne’s fiction doesn’t hover well in contrived sci-fi of early rocket flight to the moon. War horse cast looks most agitated. Cast includes Joseph Cotten, George Sanders, Debra Paget, Don Dubbins, Patric Knowles, and Henry Daniel. (100 minutes, 1958)

Austin Powers: International Mystery: 1960′s secret agent is being brought out of cryogenics now to battle his nemesis, Dr. Evil. Dr. Evil, was also brought into the 90′s through cryogenics, and with a stolen nuclear weapon is threatening the world. The battle is on, as Austin must save the world from Dr. Evil.

Star Trek: Generations: A strange astronomical occurrence has brought two famous captains of the enterprise into the same time and space. Picard and Kirk must work together to destroy an alien who is demolishing civilizations.

Try “Buy Music Downloads” if you want to find some downloads. When one search fails to succeed just change things and try again. You should punch in “Music Download Service” for another set of results.

Dirt bikes, also known as Trails Bikes are off-road, lightweight motorcycles built for cross country, unpaved, rough or uneven grounds. Since they are specifically designed for rough terrains, they are also equipped with rugged tires and suspension. They also have a smaller engine power than typical street motorcycles, normally less than 500 cc.

Riding dirt bikes is incredibly exhilarating. Once you get started it is almost guaranteed that you will get hooked on this sport. First things first for beginning riders is to find a bike! It is becoming easier to find cheap dirt bikes for sale online, of course, riders who are new to the sport won’t want to spend a lot of money on a bike that they will merely be learning on. Used dirt bikes are the way to go, especial when you are just starting out. There is a huge selection on the web. The Internet is a good place to get started so that you can get an idea of what you are looking for, compare prices, and find the cheap used dirt bikes.

Do not be fooled by the overall appearance because the seller would have obviously refurbished the paintwork and other minor parts. This doesn t necessarily mean that the Bike is in good condition. Inspect closely and ask a couple of questions regarding maintenance, number of previous owners, year of manufacture etc. You would not want to buy a Dirt Bike that has been overused or abused, even if it s darn cheap.

If someone in your family has been nagging you about a motocross bike, consider an ebike mini dirt bike as your alternative to a traditional gas powered model. My nephew Paulo had been bugging me, but he’s only 12 and I didn’t think a big dirt bike would be appropriate. So I bought him a razor mini dirt bike for Christmas. He loves it.

Since these motorcycles are generally used for rough terrain, stunts and other extreme competitions, it is probable that some of the older ones will have cracks and dents near the engine mounts or loose bearings. If you don t know how to identify these flaws, take along a friend who s experienced with motorcycle parts.

Beginners are recommended to use a 4 stroke motor as opposed to a 2 stroke. This way the amount of power isn’t overwhelming. Kawasaki makes bikes that are ideal for beginners. Should you fall with the bike, which is unavoidable, you need to be able to pick the bike back up. As far as the height of the bike is concerned, you need to be able to put at least one foot on the ground. In some cases it is even easier to learn when both feet can touch.

Keep in mind when looking at used bikes the cost that may have to go into it if problems arise. Hopefully you are able to work with the seller and get them to be upfront and honest with any repairs that may be needed right away. If something breaks down after the purchase don’t fret. The same website you found your bike most likely sells parts along with cheap dirt bikes. This same outlet that you found your bike and parts will most definitely sell some sick gear also. Stay safe, have fun and keep practicing!

It’s nearly 3 years ago since the death of Steve Irwin, the famous Australian crocodile hunter that captured the hearts of the world with his heroic encounters with crocodiles and snakes. He was a real ambassador for Australia with his larger than life personality and of course, his strong Australian accent. The word “Crikey!” will forever be cemented with Steve Irwin. [I:http://ethorities.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/JenniferSchellington4.jpg]

Steve will be best remembered for his dare devil encounters with crocodiles and snakes. His career really took off in 1992 when Steve and his wife Terri decided to forgo a honeymoon to embark on a crocodile rescue mission and film it for a wildlife documentary. This was the start of the “Crocodile Hunter” series. More than 150 episodes were recorded and today they have been viewed in over 140 countries by over 500 million people across the globe.

Steve’s love of reptiles comes from his hero, his Dad. His parents owned a Reptile Park in Queensland and Steve took an active role in the running of the park. Not only that, his Dad would take Steve with him on his many adventurous field trips. He would visit the Australian desert to study snakes or rescue crocodiles from populated areas of Queensland.

It was at the Reptile Park that Steve met his wife Terri. She was visiting from Eugene, Oregon which is in the centre of the USA. Steve was 29 and Terri was 27. It was apparently love at first site. They had lots in common. Terri herself was into wildlife and had started her won wildlife rehabilitation programme in 1986 called “Cougar Country.” She was also a Veterinary Technician in a veterinary hospital.

In the 1990′s Steve’s parents retired from the reptile park handing it over to Steve and Terri. They renamed it Australia Zoo. Today the zoo is probably the most famous zoo in Australia, because of Steve’s crocodile encounters.

In July 1998 Terri gave birth to their first child. She was named Bindi after one of Steve’s favourite crocodiles and it is also an aboriginal word meaning “Young Girl” . In 2003 Robert was born, a mirror image of his father.

Tragedy struck on 4th September 2006 when an accident killed Steve Irwin. He was out shooting a documentary about the dangerous creatures of the sea. How ironic that it was a mere barb from a stingray that ended Steve’s life. His death stunned the people of Australia and in fact the entire world.

Steve was a legend when it came to his charity work. Today Terri, Bindi and Robert continue on with Steve’s plans. Australia Zoo is an awesome day out and continues to attract both National and International travellers. It is only an hour or so drive north of Brisbane and should be added to your itinerary if you intend to travel down the East Coast of Australia. If you love animals or have kids, then I strongly recommend spending a day here.

His wife and children continue Steve’s work for charity and they put on a special Steve Irwin Day at the Zoo every November. Bindi now has her own clothes line and even her own doll.

Steve Irwin was an Aussie Ambassador. Thank goodness his exploits have been captured on film. He is sadly missed.

The Island of Tenerife is the largest in the Canary Island Chain, as such it is a popular holiday spot and apartments in Los Cristianos offer the visitor a more laid-back holiday. It is situated close to Playa de las Americas, a vibrant, lively, large resort, but far enough away to offer the vacationer a more peaceful experience.

Los Cristianos is situated in the south-west of Tenerife and many holiday makers have enjoyed this quiet resort, which grew from a small fishing village. Holidaying at this spot started becoming popular about 40 years ago and although it is no longer the same sleepy fishing village, it has kept some of its charm.

You will find Los Cristianos in a sheltered cove and part of the charm is the working harbor. The harbor is not one of the focal points of the town and where much of the shopping and restaurants are found. This is where the promenade and the square features and, and the promenade stretches to Playa de las Americas.

The main thoroughfare is a pedestrian only street and is part of the old town. Local people still live in this part of town! The best beaches on the island are man-made with dessert sand imported from the Sahara, and the best beach is Playa de las Vistas in Playa de las Americas. It is only a short taxi drive from Los Cristianos, and makes for a great day out.

Duty free (or low duty) shopping is one of the many pleasures of visiting Tenerife. Souvenir hunters enjoy taking cultured pearls back home from the island as well as hand crafted goods. There are also a large variety of shops where cameras, tobacco, electrical goods, designer clothes and perfume can be found at cheaper prices.

Supermarkets are filled with popular English brands, particularly those in the San Eugene center. There is a street market on a Sunday where merchandise can be purchased cheaply, it is great fun to visit this market and haggle with the locals for discounts.

Restaurants are many and varied, are all of a very high standard where you will find every conceivable kind of cuisine. If you fancy Indian or Mexican food, or just plain bacon and eggs, you will find it. There are also a few night clubs, discos and lively pubs, but most people venture to Playa de las Americas for their night life thrills.