Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Jessica Biel, Seann William Scott and Justin Long will voice lead characters in the CG-animated sci-fi film “Planet 51″ for New Line. The film revolves around a group of residents on the eponymous planet who fear an alien invasion. Johnson will play astronaut Capt. Charles “Chuck” Baker, who arrives from Earth and confirms their worst fears. He’s forced to avoid capture so he can find his spaceship and return home. Long will voice Lem, the local who Chuck befriends. Biel will voice Neera, the film’s female protagonist and Lem’s love interest. Scott will voice Lem’s sidekick, Skiff. New Line recently acquired North American rights to director Jorge Blanco’s $60 million feature, written by Joe Stillman (”Shrek”). Ignacio Perez Dolset is producing the Ilion Animation Studios project from Handmade Films International. It marks the studio’s first animated feature in its 40-year history. Javier Abad and Marcos Martinez, who worked on the video game “Commandos” with Blanco, are co-directors. New Line’s Guy Stodel, Alexandra Rossi and Sejin Park will oversee the film for the studio.
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Jessica Biel in a bikini
Happy birthday, Jessica! Babe of the Day celebrates The Biel’s birthday with the hope that some day she will jump out of our birthday cake. Until that time, however, we (and our readers) will have to settle for the hot pics below. Mini-Bio: Jessica Biel is one of the rare actresses to turn moderate teen success into full-blown adult superstardom, and her rapid ascension to the elite of Hollywood’s female power players continues to grow. Biel began her career in 1996, on the former WB’s hit family drama 7th Heaven. On that show, she played the sexiest Christian ever, Mary Camden. In between filming seasons of the hit show, Biel found work in a few minor films, including 1997’s Ulee’s Gold and 1998’s I’ll Be Home For Christmas. After leaving 7th Heaven, Biel starred in a run of films, starting with 2001’s Summer Catch, 2002’s Rules of Attraction and the 2003 remake of the cult-horror classic A Texas Chainsaw Massacre. It was her starring role opposite the murderous Leatherface that filed Biel under “viable female star”. She capitalized on her new status by tackling another genre film, and appearing as a Nightstalker in the third and final movie of the hit Blade franchise. In Blade: Trinity, she starred opposite Wesley Snipe as Abigail Whistler, a deadly vampire hunter. Since then, Biel’s resume has become an eclectic mix of film roles, with supporting turns in 2005’s Stealth and Cameron Crowe’s Elizabethtown. Her brief, yet pivotal, role opposite Edward Norton in The Illusionist, re-established Biel as a serious actress who can do more than just look pretty, not that there is anything wrong with that. Biel’s biggest role to date came in the Adam Sandler and Kevin James vehicle, I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry. Biel played opposite the two funnymen as Alex, a lawyer who must represent these two straight firemen as they marry in an attempt to win financial and professional benefits.
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Jessica Biel in a bikini
With ten years of film and television acting under her belt, Jessica Alba has become a female action star. From her ‘Dark Angel’ sci-fi television series, to playing Sue Storm in the ‘Fantastic Four’, Alba has risen to the top of the action / sci-fi heap. With sequels to both the ‘Fantastic Four’, and ‘Sin City’ coming out next year, her short-term success seems assured. The question is will she continue to be a top ten property in Hollywood in the coming years?
As a Numerologist, if I want to see what is in someone’s future there are (3) main values that I look at: their Life Cycles, their Letters of Transit and their Personal Year. These numbers give me insight into what’s coming up for a person in the next few years. Jessica Alba looks to have a smooth year ahead of her, but change is coming in 2008.
===> Her Life Cycles
Jessica Alba is still in her first Life Cycle, which will run through her 30th birthday in 2011. This cycle calls for a lot of hard work from her. She has to work on the details of her lifestyle, and often feels restricted in her choices during this time. Jessica is receiving many opportunities to build a strong foundation for her career. She does need to make time to relax and play more often. Her life right now is very hectic.
The challenge of this life cycle is a reluctance to enjoy life and have fun. Too much work can make Jessica depressed and frustrated. She needs to find a balance between her career and her home life.
===> Her Transit Letters
Jessica has been under the influence of double ‘E’ transit letters for some time. These mark a time of flightiness in her life. She has been changing her interest and ideas too often for her own good. She needs to work at keeping after her projects longer and giving them time to develop. The influence of this transit letter group ends in April 2008.
She just came out from under the influence of an ‘L’ transit letter in April 2006. This has been a time of many social events, and making many new friends for Jessica. These were also great years for creative opportunities for her. Her movie career has benefited from this. The last three years have been a lot of fun for her.
In April, this transit letter changed from ‘L’ to ‘B’; this marks a time when Jessica needs to take life easy. Both career partnerships, and love affairs are favorable for her at this time. Jessica also needs to be careful of possible health problems, which are stress related. She does need to pace herself until this period ends in April 2008.
In 2008, her transit letters all change at once. She will be under the short one-year transit letters ‘A’, and ‘S’, and will be carrying a single ‘E’, rather than the double ‘E’ she has been under the last few years. This year will be a year of surprises, new beginnings, and rebellious behavior for Jessica. We will see some kind of major life changes for her at this time.
===> Personal Year
The year 2006 is a personal year (4) for Jessica Alba; a time when patience and organization pays off.
She needs to make careful plans and build on the foundation of the work she has done before to get the most out of this year. She needs to keep a realistic attitude towards life and her career; and work through the difficulties that arise. Jessica will have a strong sense of accomplishment when she finishes out the year.
===> Summation
In summation, 2006 and 2007 look like more of the same hard work and building success for Jessica; though she needs to watch out for possible health problems related to stress and overwork. With several movies scheduled for next year, she needs to pace herself better. We will see major changes for her in April 2008, when she will start a year of sudden changes and surprises. For now though, it looks like smooth sailing for the beautiful and talented Jessica Alba.
Keith Abbott is the developer and owner of ‘Numerology 4 You’ where you can view Jessica Alba’s complete Numerology reading, along with those of over 600 other celebrities. Order your own Numerology chart today at http://www.numerology4you.com/.
Jessica Alba gallery
Have you ever sat staring at a pile of photos and scrapbooking supplies and wondered what now? If so, you could be suffering from scrapper’s block. I have put together some simple solutions for avoiding scrapper’s block.
One cause of scrapper’s block is too many photos. You are feeling overwhelmed because you have a stack of photos, you are so far behind you just don’t know where to start. One way to overcome this, is to sort through your photos. Divide them into events, people, themes or however you like to scrap. Store in a photo safe box in their divided sections. Now concentrate on one set of photos. From this set, choose the ones you want to work with first. Whether you want to highlight one or work with several. Don’t worry about the stack you have stored away. Concentrate on the ones right in front of you and start chipping away at this one event. If you tend to use the same papers and embellishments for each event then you are ahead of the game. Finish your first layout from your selected photos and quickly move on to the next while the supplies are already out and ready to use.
Another form of scrapper’s block comes from poor quality photos. You have some photos that are out of focus, too far away, over/under developed or perhaps a busy background. However, you want to scrap them because it is all you have of that event/memory and you want to remember it. Stop complaining about the poor quality photo! Remember why you are scrapping to begin with. Do you scrap to showcase your professional photography skills? (if so, you are on your own here) Highlight the journaling and really tell the story there. You can also crop the photo and make the best use of it you can. Perhaps play around with the photo in your photo editing program, crop and enlarge and concentrate on a facial feature. Try sepia tones or black and white, you never know what might happen to that otherwise “bad” photo.
Ok, so now you have great photos but the wrong supplies. The colors and styles of paper you have on hand are just not right. Well, you can take your photos with you to the scrapbook store and buy what you need, shop online in the comfort of your home, or how about creating it. Do you have some old outdated paper lying around? Try sanding it down, then rub an ink pad over it and give it a new look. You now have a new distressed look, the color you need and some new supplies on hand. You can also try painting brads, label holders and other embellishments to get the color you need. Cover slide mounts, mini frames, chipboard with patterned paper to coordinate with your layout and supplies on hand. These are just a few ideas, get creative! Of course you can always set the photos aside until you have the funds needed to go shopping.
Try something new. Try a new technique, buy some new supplies, just play for awhile with no real “end” in mind. Use it on a small project such as a card. Get out the “cobwebs” and get the creativity flowing, then perhaps you will be inspired and ready to scrap.
Do you become intimidated by browsing through online galleries or flipping through magazines by the gorgeous talent out there? Don’t let this block you! First of all, it is your scrapbook. Express yourself, your style, your family-that is what needs to be remembered. Besides who says you can’t scraplift? If you see a layout you really like, scraplift it! It may not be exact anyway if you don’t have the exact supplies, but it will get you started on something you like. Just don’t use the layout in a contest. And I would suggest giving credit where credit is due if posting in a public venue.
Perfectionism. Do you get caught up in creating the perfect layout? You want your layout to look like you spent hours on it, perfecting it, the colors blend, the design flows. But it doesn’t have to be perfect. Remember your why. Why do you scrapbook? Focus on that. We can easily get caught up in the “perfect layout” and forget why we scrapbook to begin with. Remember your whys. By remembering why you scrapbook the problem with scrapper’s block will vanish and your new layout is now perfect. Enjoy preserving your memories!
Need more answers to your scrapbooking questions? Dawn Stegall provides 102 of them at http://www.102ScrapbookingIdeas.com.
Jessica Alba naked
As Hollywood continues to pressure beautiful women to lose more and more weight to be considered beautiful, I think it is time to celebrate “real women.” Real women are confident, sexy and beautiful no matter their shape or size. There is a phenomenon that started on the internet a few years back called BBW. BBW stands for Big Beautiful Woman.
This does not necessarily mean a fat woman. A BBW is a woman who is proud of who she is and isn’t ashamed of her body. Contrary to what Hollywood would have the world to believe, not every man wants a pencil thin woman. Many men want their women to be real. They want their women to have curves. A true BBW is confident, sexy and real. She is a Big Beautiful Woman. The following list is presented by the internet’s premier online dating site for BBW’s and their admirers (http://www.BBWSinglesFinder.com) which has been online since 2003.
Here are our Top 40 BBW’s of All-Time:
1. Marilyn Monroe - Considered one of the sexiest women of all-time, and by today’s standards, she would be considered a BBW.
2. Oprah Winfrey - Although Oprah’s weight has gone up and down, she is beautiful no matter how much she weighs.
3. Queen Latifah - An accomplished musician, actress and BBW.
4. Delta Burke - Her character on Designing Women was a BBW and yet, she who was the sex symbol of the show.
5. Wynonna - One of the most successful female country music singers of all-time and a sexy BBW as well.
6. Emme - The most famous “Plus-Size” model of all-time. Living proof that you don’t have to be thin to be attractive, sexy and successful.
7. Aretha Franklin - The queen of R&B and a beautiful BBW.
8. Melissa Peterman - Barbara Jean from the sitcom, Reba.
9. Ann Wilson - Lead singer from the rock band, Heart. She was miserable until she decided to live her life as a BBW.
10. Jamie Lee Curtis - Why is she on this list? Because of her stand a few years back when she refused to let her pictures be air brushed and manipulated anymore on magazine covers. She is not really a BBW, but her principles are in line with what a BBW stands for… Be yourself and love your body no matter your shape.
11. Serena Williams - She’s athletic, successful, beautiful and a BBW. She’s not fat, but she is a Big Beautiful Woman.
12. Trisha Yearwood - One of the top country music singers of all-time and married to Garth Brooks.
13. Elizabeth Taylor - She is right up there with Marilyn Monroe as one of the sexiest women of all-time.
14. Nell Carter - The lovable house mother on Facts of Life and a beautiful BBW as well.
15. Missy Elliott - Popular Rap and R&B singer and beautiful African American BBW.
16. Camryn Manheim - Actress best known for role on the Practice.
17. Rosie O’Donnell - Probably the most famous plus-size comedian of all-time.
18. Kathy Bates - One of the best actresses in the business.
19. Mia Tyler - Sister of actress Liv Tyler and famous plus-sized model.
20. Sophia Loren - Just like Marilyn Monroe, one of the most beautiful women of all-time.
21. Carnie Wilson - Singer from the band, Wilson Phillips.
22. Kate Winslet - Star from the movie Titantic and voluptuous superstar.
23. Roseanne Barr - Comedian, actress and formerly married to Tom Arnold.
24. Sally Struthers - Former star from All in the Family.
25. Mo’Nique - Star of the movie Phat Girlz and her own hit sitcom, The Parkers.
26. Mama Cass - Famous singer from the Mamas and the Papas.
27. Toccara Jones - She won Tyra Banks’ Top Model contest on VH1.
28. Countess Vaughn - Star of The Parkers TV show with another BBW, Mo’Nique
29. Della Reese - African American actress, singer, model and activist.
30. Mona Lisa - Subject of the most famous painting of all-time.
31. Kim Coles - Actress from In Living Color fame.
32. Yvette Wilson - Beautiful BBW Actress from Moesha.
33. Margaret Cho - Famous comedian, actress and activist.
34. America Ferrar - Star of the film, Real Women Have Curves and the new ABC series, Ugly Betty.
35. Lindsey Hollister - Actress most well-known for role on Boston Public.
36. Mayim Bialik - Former star of the NBC sitcom, Blossom, who blossomed into a BBW.
37. Pearl Bailey - Famous African American Singer, Performer and Actress.
38. Mae West - Burlesque star in the early 1900’s.
39. Barbara Brickner - A beautiful plus-sized model who works with Eddie Bauer, Lands End and Nordstrom to name a few.
40. Kimberley Locke - Pop singer introduced by American Idol and a plus size fashion model.
J. Anthony is the founder and webmaster of http://www.BBWSinglesFinder.com, online since 2003 and one of the internet’s oldest and most respected BBW Dating Sites. He is also a contributing writer to http://www.Alternative-Dating-Sites.com. A site devoted to helping singles find love on the internet.
evanescence
I had the best vacation ever 4 years ago when i visit Australia.My recommendation is to visit this amazing country.I stayed most of my time in Perth, a cosy small city at the western Australia.Two of Perth’S favorite beaches are City and Cottesloe - about eight and 12 kilometers away.
Sydney and Melbourne are great cities to, excellent hotels and accomodation.Sunny, sexy, sophisticated Sydney. Sydney basks as the shining star of the southern hemisphere.
Melbourne, the capital of Victoria and a cultural hub, is known for the good things in life, in Melbourne you will find luxury hotels at its best.People here are laid back and very friendly.Great wines and international cuisine.Kangaroo and other exotic animals.So many things to explorer.
Take a road trip through the dessert.Take your next vacation to down-under,its a life time journey.The weather is so different. Spending Christmas at the beach or skiing in August may seem strange but Australia’s seasons are the opposite of the northern hemisphere, summer officially starts in December and winter in June. But even in winter you’ll enjoy blue skies and warm, bright days.
I had some very nice times in Australia,i visit all the cities mention above and made good friends with some people down under.Australia have great wines and a lot of wineries all over the Western Australia and rest of the country. Shiraz Wines, one of my favorite.
The flights can be enjoyable if you are able to relax and sleep through the most of the time. I have tried many different flights and airline companies and they are all great.Flyingtime is not a problem anymore.
I really recommend you to take a vacation to down under.I made a lot of good friends in Australia so i plan my next vacation to down under. If you enjoy laid back life and good food and wine in a cosy atmosphere with friendly people, its the correct place for you. You have everything, great wild nature and pulsing big cities, animals i never seen before except on TV.
Great aboriginal art.I went to Sydney to see the opera house, amazing, yes that the word for it, and the bridge, yes its something. When you travel to Australia you HAVE to taste some of their famous wines, I’m a wine drinker and there i had some of my best wine experiences. You will find international cuisine in all the big cities. What amazed me most was all the old buildings and so much alike Europe in their building style.
It all started up with prisoners and i must say they did a good job. I envy you who plan your next vacation to Australia and are able to experience this amazing continent before me, I’m planning my trip back in 2007. Have a safe and enjoyable vacation.
http://travelonlineportal.com/
Raymond Johnsen is the webmaster of Worldwide Travel Portal. You will find great info and great tools for all your travel needs at his website: http://travelonlineportal.com/ Contact webmaster. webmaster@travelonlineportal.com
gisele bundchen
You’ve done your homework, invested in software, worked hard and now you have what you were after…leads-and plenty of them. But now what? You are so busy showing properties, getting feedback, and going to closings. And as your day-to-day tasks as a realtor begin to overwhelm you, your leads just sit in your database. You try to make contact with the prospects here and there but nothing is done with consistency. You even spend money on marketing postcards, but there really isn’t much of a response. You feel hopeless.
Don’t worry, you are not alone. Did you know it takes on average 7 contacts with a prospect before you make a sale? A lot of realtors never achieve that number. Why? To put it simply-lack of time.
There are two ways to solve the problem of a nonexistent lead management system. One, come up with a detailed plan of contact or two, enlist a real estate virtual assistant to manage your database for you.
If you go for the first option, you have to be specific and consistent. Say you have 100 leads in your database who fall into your niche. You should come up with a monthly plan of contact. Say month one you send a sales letter, month two you make a follow-up call, month three you send a postcard and month four you email an interesting real estate article. You continue doing something every month for one year. Guess who many of your leads will call when they decide to list? You would probably make the short list of agents. This is just one example of a system you could incorporate into your schedule. But there is still that dreaded time issue.
If you really want to solve your lack of marketing predicament, hire a real estate virtual assistant. What is a virtual assistant (VA)? It is someone who works from her office and applies her unique skill set to assist you. In this case a VA could help organize your database, create and execute a marketing plan as well as design your marketing pieces; thereby, setting you free to work face-to-face with your clients.
Whether you manage your marketing on your own or hire a virtual assistant to handle it for you, you must take action. Expensive lead management systems won’t help you succeed if you don’t put them to good use.
Evy Schwartz is an expert at lead management and marketing for realtors. She owns ELS Virtual Solutions where she provides lead management, listing coordination and marketing services for real estate agents. She can be found at http://www.elsvirtualsolutions.com
Allen Iverson
The leather Chesterfield sofa exudes style. It’s practically a British institution, and has been re-discovered in recent times, thanks to popular culture.
Find out about the history of this timeless settee and why it’s now cooler than ever to own one.
18th century aristocracy to Big Brother - why Chesterfield still rules
It is a symbol of classic elegance, taste and distinction. It is a quintessentially British icon that reminds us of when Britain was once Great. It remains a timeless statement of erudition and enduring style. Not only that, it’s extremely comfortable to park your bum on!
It is, of course, the leather Chesterfield sofa. Few can argue that the Chesterfield is ‘just a settee’ when it has been around for so long that it has virtually embedded itself in public consciousness.
This instantly-recognisable leather suite usually features a low back, deep buttoned arms and back, complemented by a double-buttoned front border. Scroll-fronted arms are often attractively embellished with lines of individual stud nails.
View Chesterfield settees
Origins of the Chesterfield leather suite
The origins of the Chesterfield sofa are unclear, but it is believed the first incarnation of this leather suite appeared in the 18th century. Philip Dormer Stanhope, the 4th Earl of Chesterfield, had a renowned cabinet-maker design him an item of furniture to allow a gentleman to sit comfortably and maintain a proper posture.
The Chesterfield gained popularity during the Victorian period and has since then been found adorning rooms in mansions, stately homes, libraries and government buildings. However, it would be wrong to purely associate this particular leather settee with elitism and imperialism.
The Chesterfield sofa has just as much ensconced itself in popular culture whilst still remaining a symbol of luxury and classic style. The appearance of the Chesterfield settee in 2007’s Celebrity Big Brother has perhaps led to a further resurgence in popularity. Despite the fact that the show itself could be argued to be somewhat far away from what one would normally associate with this settee - taste and sophistication.
A versatile settee
That aside, what cannot be denied is that the Chesterfield is just as unmistakeably ‘now’ as it ever was - wherever you are in the world. Top LA interior designer, Peter Dunham believes the key to the settee’s lasting popularity is its versatility:
“It’s the only sofa that fits from completely traditional English clubby to modern, depending on what you cover it in. Worn leather looks sumptuous in libraries. For a modern look, cover it in white or some crazy red.”
(Source: LA Times, September 23, 2004)
However, perhaps the deciding factor in the Chesterfield’s enduring lifespan is not just how great it looks. The most important thing for a settee is that it is both comfortable and practical. It fulfils the simple purpose of a settee that the Earl of Chesterfield requested all that time ago.
This article was written by Tony Head on behalf of Saxon Leather, the UK’s premier builder of Chesterfield sofas, settees and other quality leather furniture. Saxon supplies leather suites to homes, offices, embassies and palaces all over the world.
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Based on the book by Frances Mayes, Under The Tuscan Sun is a refreshing fish out of water romantic comedy. After taking a much needed vacation, a recently divorced writer buys a home in Tuscany on a whim, hoping the new home will jump start her journey to newfound happiness. Most likely to be categorized in the ‘chick flick’ realm, Under The Tuscan Sun follows the life of one woman as she interacts with friends, lovers, and new neighbors in an exotic and beautiful environment. The film portrays all the emotions - the ups and downs, the hopes and dreams - experienced by the main character as she takes on this monumental and spontaneous adventure. In short, Under The Tuscan Sun is an interesting, and oftentimes hilarious, film that tackles the constant travails of life in general…
Thirty-something San Francisco writer Frances (Diane Lane) spirals into a deep depression when her ten-year marriage ends in divorce. To further complicate matters, she lives in a cramped apartment, and the stress of her divorce has left her with writer’s block. Her good friend Patti (Sandra Oh), happily pregnant and involved in her own committed relationship, tries to cheer up Frances. But nothing seems to work - at least until a vacation is suggested.
When Frances sets off on a tour of Italy, she unexpectedly gets off the bus and purchases a villa in Tuscany. Hundreds of years old and in disrepair, the home is in dire need of massive renovations. Frances devotes her new life to restoring the home, and she hires a ragtag band of immigrants and local people to help her. Meanwhile, she attempts to find love in her new country, but the harder she tries, the worse off things turn out. When Patti’s lesbian lover leaves, she moves to Tuscany for the moral support offered by Frances. Now, Patti must give birth to a new life, and Frances must learn that the best rewards in life arrive when least expected…
Sideways star Sandra Oh makes a name for herself playing the role of Patti, a good friend of Frances. Despite her appearance in a dozen plus films, Under The Tuscan Sun is the first time I can recall seeing Sandra Oh in a movie, and I can remember that she really made an impression. She has a distinctive onscreen presence, something unique that I can’t quite identify, and perhaps this contributes in some small way to the current success she’s experiencing.
Meanwhile, Diane Lane creates a likeable and relatable character in Frances. Viewers will have no problem relating to divorcee’s struggles within her personal life, and even the most pessimistic and dour of movie goers must give her credit for making such a bold move. As such, Under The Tuscan Sun manages to create one of those rare films which isn’t so much plot-driven, nor focused on the personality of a monumental life. The film simply serves as a good night’s entertainment (and a break, if one is needed, from the typical big money, high body count Hollywood productions). That’s why Under The Tuscan Sun is a definite must-see film.
Britt Gillette is author of The DVD Report, a blog where you can find more reviews like this one. Source: http://thedvdreport.blogspot.com/2005/02/under-tuscan-sun-dvd.html
dakota fanning
eddie murphy
dave chappelle
Throughout the centuries, human beings have loved the water. Water has fed us, cleaned us, quenched our thirst, and given us a convenient highway since long before there were real highways-indeed, for as long as our species has been alive. We’ve built most of our major cities near rivers, oceans, or lakes. We compose poetry and songs about the ocean, write stories about adventuring on mighty rivers while floating on nothing but tiny rafts, and build expensive waterfront properties so we can live next to water year-round. We’ve devised thousands of ways to travel, play, and live off-land. Following are just a few ways we’ve come up with for experiencing the thrill and joy of being out on the open water.
Yachts. Nothing compares to the elegance of a yacht. Powered by wind-the ancient engine that Polynesian wayfarers used to populate the far-flung islands of the Pacific, Viking explorers used to discover Greenland, and Magellan used to circumnavigate the globe-a yacht will take you where you’re going, and make you feel like a king or queen while you’re en route. Lots of yachting companies offer trips that involve fine wine, gourmet food, and a luxury experience.
Powerboats. Couple the thrill of being out on the water with the excitement of high speeds, and you’ve pretty much summed up a trip on a powerboat. We love skimming across the glassy surface of a lake or riding the waves, the wind scraping the hair back from our faces, the sun shining down on the surface of the water. The best powerboats are like convertible sports cars on water-an unbeatably thrilling experience.
Windsurfing. For centuries humans have been harnessing the power of wind to navigate on the water. But windsurfing is a relatively new invention that involves balance, strength, and timing. Windsurfing gives you more range than a surfboard-you can traverse wide lakes with no waves or perform daredevil stunts in the surf, depending on your style and that of your board. It takes practice, but it’s a sport that’s growing in popularity worldwide.
Kitesurfing. Similar to windsurfing, except the “sail” is really a kite-located at the end of a rope instead of attached to your board. Kitesurfing is a fun and challenging sport that requires some coordination to do well-you need to be able to guide both the kite in your hands and the board that’s strapped to your feet. The sport has become far safer and more accessible to beginners due to recent advances in kitesurfing technology.
Zapcats. Never heard of these? You’ve been missing out. Zapcats are small, motor-powered catamarans that can move at thrilling speeds and turn on a dime. They’ve got the speed of a powerboat and the flexibility of a jet ski-an undeniably exciting combination. Most rentals will usually send an instructor out with you, like they will with a powerboat. A zapcat ride is much more hands-on than the typical powerboat ride, however, because both parties are needed to steer the craft. They’re a blast to race in aquatic obstacle courses.
White water rafting. Even if strong currents and big waves make you nervous, white-water rafting is a fun and amazing experience that will give you confidence on the water. Most white-water rafting companies will send you out with an experienced guide and in a durable craft specially designed to handle the rigors of the rapids-so you’re perfectly safe. It’s a fun and thrilling way to experience the power of nature firsthand. Because of the size of the crafts and its accessibility to all levels of ability, it’s also an ideal way to bring a group together. White-water rafting is an ideal activity for an office outing or family trip.
Rapid running. You’d think this sport would be better for people who are more experienced in white-water rafting-but actually, it’s popular with all ability-levels. With rapid-running, you get your own inflatable two-person craft, and are sent without a guide down a rapids course. You’re prepared beforehand, of course-most companies that offer rapid-running activities will include a course on how to navigate the rapids safely. It’s a lesser-known but no-less-fun variety of white-water rafting, perfect for those who like a little more autonomy in their boats or who just want to try something a little different than the typical white-water rafting trip.
Jet skiing. It’s been described as a motorcycle on water. Jet skis are one-person watercraft that accelerates with a throttle in the handle. They’re very flexible, with the ability to accelerate quickly and make sharp turns. Jet ski tours of bays, rivers, and otherwise-inaccessible islands are becoming popular tourist activities in locations near water.
Whether you prefer relaxing yacht cruises, heart-pounding motorboat rides, the hands-on excitement of white water, or the balance and skill of wind or kitesurfing, there’s sure to be a water activity you’ll love. Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and try something new-you may find more than one activity you’ll enjoy for years to come.
Janette Vince is managing director of the online experience days and unique gifts website http://www.thanksdarling.com For more information on a range of days out learning water sports visit http://www.thanksdarling.com/categories/water.htm.
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