I know what you are thinking. Thanksgiving is over so why is Bower writing a Thanksgiving column? “What a dingdong!”

The reason is your humble Dingdong columnist will share in a Mexican Thanksgiving, which we will celebrate on the 27th of November (a Sunday) instead of the third Thursday of November as is traditional. It isn’t as though November’s third Thursday is the only day of the year in which one can have an official day of thanks. Any day will do.

Now, before you run for the nearest search engine to find out when Mexico started celebrating Thanksgiving, let me explain. Mexico does NOT have an American-style Thanksgiving celebrating when the Pilgrims thanked the Indigenous people for not attacking them for the Imperialistic takeover of their land .

But, don’t get me wrong. Mexicans are indeed a thankful lot.

In fact, I have never been around a culture where the word “thank you” is used as much. Bus passengers will even make it a point to thank their drivers when they leave the bus. Some thank the drivers for not killing them with their reckless driving. I am not making this up. I have actually heard this on several occasions. Getting to your destination alive on a Mexican bus really is something for which to be thankful. Believe me!

I keep telling my sister that Mexico, as well as the rest of the planet, could afford one day of the year where they count God’s undeserved blessings upon them! Wouldn’t that be something? A planetary day of thanks for His undeserved blessings. (Don’t hold your breath.)

The wife and I have some expat friends, Bob and Eliza, who live in El Campo (the countryside) outside the city. They are throwing a Thanksgiving Hoedown for a mess of Mexicans who live close to them out in the sticks. These wonderful country folks expressed an interest in America’s Thanksgiving tradition, so Bob and Eliza, with our help, are going to show them how it is done.

And Eliza is no slouch when it comes to culinary feats. Several times, we have had the opportunity to sample what this woman can produce from her kitchen. We never pass up an invitation when it is offered.

Instead of this scenario:

Eliza: “Oh Doug, since it is so close to supper why don’t you and Cindi stay for a bite to eat?”

Doug and Cindi: “Oh no, no. We don’t want to be a bother.”

This is what really happens:

Eliza: “Oh Doug, since it is so close to supper why don’t you and Cindi stay for a bite to eat?”

Doug and Cindi: “You betcha, sweet potato pie Elizabeth! You don’t have to ask us twice. What’s for supper?” we screech as we are breaking our necks to get to the table first.

Bob is planning to smoke a turkey. They brought all manner of traditional items back with them on their last trip to the States. Will Mexicans like what we Americans love for our Thanksgiving meals: mashed potatoes and gravy, turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce (something which I can barely abide), sweet potatoes, and, of course, pumpkin pie?

Will they be scanning the table for some Enchilada Mineras, Milenesa de Pollo, Chile Rellenos, or…

“Could you pass the tortilla soup, please?”

“Is that Achiote Paste I see, yummm…?

I can imagine a Mexican Thanksgiving spread looking a little like this: OAXACA-Style Mole, Chicken with Caper Sauce, Lamb with Guajillo Chile Sauce, Mayan Salsa Habanera, or Mexican Yellow Rice With Vegetables.

Just what Eliza and Bob have up their little expat sleeves I will report in my next column. Knowing Mexicans as I do, the food won’t matter as much as the time spent together in sweet fellowshipMEXICAN STYLE!

Expatriates Doug and Cindi Bower have successfully expatriated to Mexico, learning through trial and error how to do it from the conception of the initial idea to driving up to their new home in another country. Now the potential expatriate can benefit from their more than three years of pre-expat research to their more than two years of actually living in Mexico. The Plain Truth about Living in Mexico answers the potential expatriate’s questions by leading them through the process from the beginning to the end. In this comprehensive guide, you will learn not only how-to expatriate but will learn what to expect, in daily life, before coming to Mexico.
BUY BOOK HERE: http://www.zyworld.com/theolog/PlainTruth/Home.htm

Your Office Inspiration

Think about it. How many hours per day do you spend in your office whether at home or at work? 8 hours on average maybe? Now think about how much time you’ve taken time to really assess what your office is like. Is it happy? Bright? Cheerful? Inspirational? If you need to be creative at work, your office decor can either greatly hinder or help you, depending on what you choose to do. Studies have shown that such a simple thing as a new paint job in a fresh, bright color can improve work productivity by 20%!

As well, horizantal lines tend to add a feeling of tranquility while vertical lines tend to exude power and strength. Diagonal lines promote motion and forward thinking. You can create these lines by painting them in or incorporating them into your office. Crowne molding can be put in at waist height around the room as a vertical line and tall, skinny plants, lamps, and even curtains can create vertical lines. Depending on you and your goals at your office, such simple changes could increase your productivity and lower your stress levels.

One of the best things you can do is simply install an art print on your wall. Many people get inspired by simply gazing at a particular art piece or motivational print. When depressed, having something familiar to look at right at your office can inspire you to go that extra distance. Some people like famous artwork such as Picasso or Leonardo, others enjoy motivational posters or prints, still others enjoy looking at a portrait of wildlife, or nature, or of a tropical island. One example of a motivational art piece is a vigorous mountain climber at the top of a huge mountain. Underneath is the caption: “He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.” There are a wide variety of prints available online that can be shipped right to your door.

Just a few simple changes to the office you spend so long in can make you more productive while inspiring you to greater heights.

Bind together the two of man’s ultimate quests and what you’ll get is a craze that’s titled a web based sportsbook. And seriously: what could conceivably be more resourceful. If you picture a troop of sports fans cheering over any given favorite sports heroes, and almost regularly antes are bound to be arranged parallel to the hubbub. Intent to catch some of the exhilaration, spectators will commonly aspire to foreknow who will win in the impending struggle. Put together, all of this eventually turns into a sociable little struggle termed web based sportsbook. Tribe.s Lee outpitches Twins. Liriano

Sure, it might appear to be neurotic but in fact sportsbook wagering is actually merely diverting and of forging bonds with fellow sports addicts. You can wager a a harmless sum of chips and all the same enjoy a extravagant time. Further to this, here are sundry basic prompts to help you get started sportsbook wagering.

To place your bet, you’ll likely want to search for a web based sportsbook, i.e. a place which takes in web based sportsbook. In the USA, you can find four states to do sportsbook wagering in a lawful manner, but illegally you may do it everywhere so long as you can determine a bookie and happen to be legally of age. Amongst the sporting contests you can bet on are pro plus, additionally, college football & basketball, professional hockey and baseball, plus, additionally, horse and dog racing. Clients could bet money on the comprehensive combined score of a fight or game, when the contestant will be defeated, and even if a given tossed coin in a fight or game comes out heads or tails.

The odds maker establishment will trust in statistical mathematics to help you establish which sports heroes you judge will win. First of all, there is the distribution, i.e. advantage assigned to a inferior contestor that is presumed to fail by a specified number points. This is the odds maker’s formalized method of offering disinterested antes for a Sports Book. E. g. we may choose to risk some money on a club that is presumed to fail and and all the same win the wager so long as the contestor does actually lose by a specified number of points.

People can go for innumerable varieties of wagers– parlays, i.e. combined bets on some sports, straight bets, where you simply quote the side you guess is most likely to win or be beaten, over/unders, teasers, and others, the straight being the general favorite in sportsbook wagering. Why not just have a crack at it and have lots of fun as well. Just determine that you won’t get unduly carried away and exhaust your total retirement fund on a vagary! Because chances are you’ll catch yourself contrite till the end of your days!

Our kids are a mess and it can be prevented. The first 5 years are critical.
I cannot believe the new parents of today. Everyday you see parents with their kids running around in stores and restaurants like wild animals. Talking back and debating with their parents about everything under the sun. Then when the kids get older, they wonder why they cannot control or communicated with them.

The first 5 years are critical, if you determine your expectations at the beginning, the future with your kids will be easier.

Never debate, never waiver, always loves and you are not their friend, you are their model. Once you show any sign that the rules can be bent or your punishments can be avoided, you have lost the battle.

If you can hold your ground, be the enforcer and send the signal to your kids in the first 5 years that it’s your way or the highway, it will be planted in their minds throughout their young adult lives. This will make it much easier to have them be good students, respectful to others, avoid danger and be a contributor to the world, not and burden.

That’s what I think

Rangerrob
ranger@rangerrob.com
http://www.rangerrob.com

Rangerrob of the Northwest.

A Northwest Outdoor Redneck, supporting friends and Family to enjoy the outdoor together. View Hunting, Fishing, Flyfishing, Kiting, Boating and much more at http://www.rangerrob.com.

Feel free to visit his web services at http://www.nwcustomwebs.com

It’s true. Travel Agents are treated differently than the rest of us. And the reason is simple: The travel industry is a 4 trillion dollar a year business!

With that kind of money being spent on travel, you can just imagine the competition. The travel industry will spend millions on advertising and they’ll do what ever it takes to get them their piece of the pie.

It’s a known fact; the travel industry survives on the business supplied to them by Travel Agents. And because so much of their business relies on Travel Agents, the travel industry treats these Travel Agents like royalty!

In all honesty, if a travel related business or vendor is not known and utilized by the country’s travel agents, their business will suffer tremendously. In other words, travel companies need Travel Agents to survive…their business depends on them!

And most people don’t know that becoming a travel agent is quick and easy if you know the secrets. In fact, with our exclusive insider information contained in the Travel Industry Secrets, you’ll actually become a licensed Travel Agent in about twenty minutes…it’s that quick and it’s that easy!

When you become a Travel Agent, new doors are opened and courtesies are extended to you, that everyday folks aren’t privy to. Like I said, travel companies need travel agents and when you become one of them, you’ll be showered with discounts and gratuities by way of deeply discounted and even free travel benefits.

Just imagine setting sail on a Caribbean cruise this winter while everyone back home is shoveling snow and staying indoors, trying to keep warm. And not only are you enjoying the balmy breezes of the Caribbean, you’re doing so for just $35 a day while the occupants in the cabin next to you are paying upwards of $200 each day for the same cabin, the same food, and the same service.

Or maybe you just want to fly home to visit your relatives. Instead of paying $600 to fly across the country like you did last year, your ticket is discounted to only $285. And just before you board, you hear your name over the airline’s loudspeaker, calling you to the ticket counter. As you approach, you are notified that your discounted coach ticket has just been upgraded to first class. Now, your $285 dollar coach ticket has a value of over $1,500 simply because you are a licensed Travel Agent.

So, you arrive at your destination and make your way to the rental car agency. Before you left, you booked a standard size vehicle for 50% off the published rate. Once at the counter, the rental agent advises you that you are entitled to a free upgrade and they ask if you’re interested….

These are just a few of the courtesies that you’ll find extended to you when traveling as a licensed Travel Agent. But they get even better.

You see, the travel vendors – airlines, hotels, tour operators, car rental agencies, cruise lines, etc. recognize the benefits of having travel agents being familiar with the products they are selling. Its for this very reason that in addition to favorable rates and discounts, these same vendors also offer free familiarization trips to resort destinations, free dinners, free shows, and free cocktail hours to learn about vendor offerings.

Just imagine…a couple weeks after receiving our priceless information, you get an invitation for you and a guest to spend an entire week at an all-inclusive resort, absolutely free. Normally, this experience would run a hefty $3,000 per couple. But this resort wants to pamper you and create an experience of a lifetime for one reason. So you, as a Travel Agent, will refer your “customers” back to them.

Do I Need to Sell Travel to get in on these incredible Discounts?

If you want to earn an extra income selling travel to friends, family members, or even customers, you’ll be licensed to do so.

Besides the extra income, there are a great many other benefits to being “in business” as well. There are also great tax advantages. For example, you can deduct such items as your computer, the space in you home from which you operate your business, your telephone line if you use it for business, and more.

In fact, just working part-time can make you a great second income…but its not required. When you become a licensed Travel Agent, no one knows how much, if any, travel you sell. Selling travel is not required to get in on the benefits.

Go and see the Ultimate Manual while it is legally available! http://travel.selfsecrets.com

Diamond is a mineral and is the hardest known substance to man, but one of the
simplest being composed of carbon and the first recorded history dates back to
some 3000 years ago to India. Throughout history diamonds have been associated
with mystical power, great beauty and more recently great value and wealth. The
word comes from the Greek meaning ‘adamas’ meaning unconquerable and they
have been worn throughout the ages by men going into battle as a sign of strength,
courage and invincibility.

Most diamonds still originate from central and south Africa although there have
been other significant finds in Canada, Brazil, Australia and the biggest diamond
mine is in Siberia. The diamond market is very much dominated by De Beers to
control the supply and price of diamonds across the world by what some would say
are monopolistic practices.

Some of the worlds largest and most valuable diamonds are in the Tower of London
in the British Crown Jewels.

Diamonds are indeed very desirable objects and are worn throughout the world set
in precious metals in many different types of jewellery. One of the most common
pieces of jewellery is still the ladies diamond engagement ring and many women
still choose to have a diamond as a symbol of love to wear on their engagement
finger whether it be the traditional solitaire or three diamonds which some believe
signifies ‘I love you’.
Diamonds have always been associated with romance and legend and it is said that
Cupid’s arrows were tipped with diamonds because they possess a magic that
nothing else has equalled.

Diamonds vary enormously in price according to size and quality so when choosing
diamond rings it is important to consider your budget.

Diamonds are graded according to the 4 c’s which refers to cut, clarity, colour and
carat. The cut of a diamond is very important as it affects the reflective qualities,
which will determine the brilliance of a diamond and how it looks to the naked eye.
Cut should not be confused with shape such as pear, emerald, round etc.

Clarity refer to the number of flaws known as inclusions in the stone and the stones
which have fewer inclusion are more highly prized and valuable because they have
greater brilliance. Remember though that a diamond doesn’t have to be flawless to
look absolutely stunning.

Diamond colour usually refers to whiteness or colourlessness in white diamonds
with those with least colour being more valuable because of their ability to pass
more light giving more sparkle and fire. Coloured diamonds do occur naturally
ranging from blue to green but they are rare and very expensive.

Carat is the unit of weight for measuring the size of diamonds and in this case it
really is a case of size does matter. The value of a diamond rises exponentially in
relation to its size so the cost of a 4 carat stone for instance will not be double the
cost of a 2 carat stone but very much more. So it is all down to your budget and not
a measure of how much someone loves another.

Cost is important when buying a diamond ring but you will find that there is a huge
choice out there that will fit within your budget. Remember that clever design and
settings can make a diamond appear bigger but if you really want a larger stone on
a limited budget you could decide to purchase a stone which is graded slightly lower
in terms of clarity and colour.

Written by John Lewis of Love2Have who specialise in unusual diamond rings for wedding, engagement and everyday wear.