TammyMHernandez

If you’re thinking about a family vacation to Alaska, and you’re wondering if your kids would enjoy a cruise to “The Last Frontier,” wonder no more. Young family members from tykes and toddlers through teens have a blast on big ships and small as their vessels sail through the protected waters of Alaska’s Inside Passage. Aboard ship or ashore, there are lots of kid-friendly, parent-friendly, and grandparent- friendly places to see and fun things to do.

It’s true, only a short decade or two ago families with kids aboard Alaska cruiseships were as scarce as Alaskan Dall sheep lambs in a grizzly bear’s lair. But the times have changed — big time. Today you will find, in addition to the traditional hefty contingent of seniors and near-seniors aboard each ship, a growing number of families. Sometimes these groups are multi-generational, with gramps and grandmas, moms and dads, and kids that range from gangly teens to babes literally in arms.

The reason? Word is out that Alaska’s attractions are sure-fire hits for travelers of any age: attractions like humongous whales breaching full length out of the water, grizzly bears chasing salmon along forest creeks and rivers, icebergs (sometimes as big as a tour bus) crashing, splashing, and thundering off the faces of miles-long glaciers.

Too, there are opportunities to mush in a dog sled behind a team of charging huskies - after helicoptering to a lofty mountain-top glacier no less! Kids and parents can ride bikes through towering forests or down mountain paths and trails. They can also kayak among whales and sea lions. Whole families can fish for lunker king salmon. Or try their luck at gold-panning in creeks and streams.

Newest craze for the young and the young-at-heart is riding a zip-line through the upper canopies of towering spruce and hemlock forests in Ketchikan and Juneau — hanging safe and secure in a harness as they “zip” along a steel cable some 130 feet or more above the forest floor.

Or, less daunting, while visiting museums up and down the coast families can absorb the totemic culture and the history of Alaska’s Native peoples. They can learn about the period when Alaska was “Russian America.” And they can view mementos of the tumultuous gold stampede to the Klondike during the late 1800s,

No question about it, Alaska has something exciting to offer every family member, regardless of age.

But what about life aboard the cruiseships? Will young people find the experience dullsville?

Hardly. The mid- to mega-sized ships in particular are literally resorts afloat with swimming pools, spas, snack shops, ice cream parlors, outdoor game courts, video arcades, and movie theaters. Special staff members aboard these vessels — with one exception — include trained youth counselors. These crew members arrange age-appropriate social activities, organize games and sports events, supervise arts and crafts, take youngsters on shipwide treasure hunts, and generally see to it that cruisers from tykes through teens enjoy their cruise as much as their parents and grandparents.

Although smallship cruiselines in Alaska do not staff their vessels with special counselors for young cruisers, the ships are no less family-welcoming. These vessels can enter small bays and inlets where guests can view wildlife on close-by forest shores, explore waterways by kayak or in spiffy powered Zodiacs, hike remote island beaches, perhaps even stop for a natural hot springs dip in forested surroundings.

One smallship cruiseline even schedules three Alaska cruises each year especially geared for family travel.

Regardless of vessel size, and with only a couple of exceptions, cruiselines in the Alaska trade actively court family cruisers. Few such travelers, young or old, find the experience anything other than “cool.” And they’re not referring to the weather.

Following is a cruiseline by cruiseline summary of family programs and kids’ things-to-do on an Alaska cruise. The information was supplied by the cruiselines or taken from company websites.

Large and Mega Size Cruiseships

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE’s 2006 Alaska voyages aboard the 2,124-passenger Carnival Spirit offer youngsters age 2 through 17 a variety of continuous supervised activities as part of the line’s “Camp Carnival” program.

Included in the line’s Alaska sailings are a number of “just for Alaska” projects where kids can make their own dream catchers and totem poles and learn about the region’s fascinating Native Alaskan cultures.

The Carnival Spirit offers other kid- and family-friendly amenities as well, including a spacious indoor play room featuring an arts and crafts center, a 16- monitor video wall, climbing mazes, an outdoor play area, and a computer lab.

When it comes to dining, says Carnival, “Youngsters get the full ‘Fun Ship’ treatment with expanded children’s menus offering a variety of kids’ favorites as well as a daily junior special.” The menus are included on the back of a coloring and activity book featuring word finds, mazes, tic-tac-toe, crossword puzzles, connect- the-dots, and other games.

Young cruiser age groups include 2- through 5-year-olds, 6 through 8, 9 through 11, and for teens 15 through 17 a program called “Club 02.” (http:// www.carnival.com)

CELEBRITY CRUISES’ “Family Cruising Program” offers young peoples’ activities in four age groups:

On any given day Ship Mates (for 3- through 6-year-olds) may enjoy a clown party, treasure hunt, T-shirt painting, Legos, talent time, finger painting, dancing games, summer stock theater, cartoon time, computers, play stations, musical games, movies, ship tours, and ice cream sundae making.

Many of these same activities are on the agenda for older children as well, but are undertaken on an older-age level.

Celebrity Cadets (for youngsters 7-9) might also include pool olympics, scavenger hunts, charades, a fitness program, board games, relays, and team trivia. Ensigns (for pre-teens 10-12) additionally enjoy karaoke, relay races, ship tours, and pizza parties.

Admiral T’s takes in two classes of teenagers, 13-15 and 16-17. Members can frequent the Teen Club, engage in basketball tournaments, enjoy pool parties, and help put on talent shows.

Celebrity vessels also offer a “Parents Night Out” program. On the two formal nights of a seven-night voyage, Celebrity treats parents to free babysitting when counselors take the children to a pizza party for dinner. (http://www.celebrity.com)

HOLLAND AMERICA LINE’s “Club HAL” provides a variety of kid-friendly facilities and age-appropriate activities. Programs for children ages 3-12 may be found aboard 2006 Alaska-bound ships Ryndam, Statendam, Zaandam, Zuiderdam, Oosterdam, and Westerdam and for ages 5-12 aboard Volendam and Veendam. All eight ships have a teen program for ages 13-17. (http://www.hollandamerica.com)

Club HAL activities are designed to be age appropriate. For example, daily activities planned for children ages 3 to 7 may include arts and crafts, face- painting, camp-out night, candy bar Bingo, outdoor fun, and a pajama party.

“Tweens,” the in-between travelers 8 through 12, may learn golf putting, attend dance parties and theme nights, compete in on-deck sports events and scavenger hunts, play arcade games, tie-dye t-shirts, or simply play ping-pong with a friend.

Teens 13-17 enjoy The Loft designed to resemble a New York artist’s loft; there’s also The Oasis, a private deck where teens can soak up the rays then cool off in a one-of-a-kind waterfall. The Loft and Oasis are currently available on 2006 Alaska- bound vessels Ryndam, Statendam, Veendam, Volendam, and Zaandam. Teens will especially enjoy the teen disco, dance lessons, arcade games, teen sports tournaments, karaoke, trivia contests, bingo, play stations, movies and hot tub parties.

On most itineraries, Holland America provides at least one full-time Youth Program Director and one or more youth staff members. The ratio of Club HAL staff to children on board is 1:30.

Additionally there’s a wide variety of kid-pleasing food, including special sandwiches, tacos, burgers, hot dogs and pizza. For the very young baby food, high chairs and booster seats may be requested in advance of boarding. Baby-sitting services are available for a small surcharge and special birthday parties can also be arranged.

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE notes on its web pages that the line’s Kid’s Crew and Teen’s Crew programs are filled with age-appropriate activities for youngsters 2 through 17. For Kid’s Crew members aged 2-12, NCL offers everything from arts and crafts to pajama parties. Teens Crew, for cruisers 13-17 provides options like pool parties, a teen disco, a video arcade, and more.

But don’t, says NCL, think of these programs as “babysitting.” There’s very little “sitting” involved, notes the cruiseline. The programs are active, energetic, educational and, most importantly, fun. (http://www.ncl.com)

PRINCESS CRUISES’ junior cruisers (ages 3 to 17) can enjoy a boatload of exciting onboard activities. All of the line’s Alaska-bound ships have special kids and youth centers staffed by counselors who put on a program of age-specific activities each day. Group babysitting is available in the late evenings.

Among a number of programs for youngsters is one specific to Alaska. Produced with the National Park Service, Princess’ sub-teen “Junior Ranger” program is designed to bring Glacier Bay and the Alaska wilderness to life for thousands of children each summer. The program features interactive games, activity books, and presentation by rangers. The corresponding “Teen Explorer” program features similar learning activities geared for older youngsters.

In a cruise industry exclusive, the Los Angeles-based California Science Center provides entertaining interactive activities. Princess youth staff have undergone extensive training at the center, designed to enthrall young passengers with award- winning science projects. Whale watching, building and racing sailboats, marine biology studies and squid dissection are a few of the activities available.

The line’s website notes that preteens are divided into two groups: Princess Pelicans ages 3-7 and Princess Pirateers, 8-12. Both groups are entertained with age-rated arts and crafts, discos, movies and cartoons, exclusive kids-only dining, hunts, karaoke and lip-sync shows, afternoon ice cream parties, pizza parties, backstage and galley tours, pajama parties, and T-shirt coloring.

Says Princess’ website: “Our astounding teen centers are packed with Nintendo, movies, karaoke, giant screen TVs, card and board games, ping-pong and juke boxes.” The site also notes that the Alaska-bound Sun, Dawn, Coral, Island, and Diamond Princess ships also offer a toddler’s play area. (http://www.princess.com)

ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL provides a young peoples’ program called “Adventure Ocean” serving and entertaining travelers 3 to 17 in five different categories.

Youngest group (ages 3 through 5) are called Aquanauts and do finger painting, building blocks, play dough, music activities, dot dancing, and “shape Bingo.” Explorers (6-8) have a Pirate Night, go on a backstage tour, enjoy nutty nicknames, and engage in autograph hunts. Nine to 11-year-old Voyagers do karaoke singing, have a Ga-Ga Ball, enjoy H20 Thunder Races, and do an art walk.

Navigators (12-14) play in sports tournaments, have pool parties, enjoy a college night, engage in video games, and attend disco dancing sessions as well as a formal night. Older teens,15-17 and called Guests, also enjoy dancing, pool parties, DJ training, Battle of the Sexes, plus a formal night and a Survivor Series.

RCI’s Edu-tainment programming offers:

Adventure Science, a blend of hands-on experiments and wacky entertainment (example: Staggering Through the Stars, and a Wacky Water Workshop);

Adventure Art, the opportunity to exercise creativity with crafts;

Sail Into Story Time and Adventure Family. The latter is a free, onboard program that allows children 3-11 and their parents to spend quality time together doing projects that range from shipbuilding regattas to talent shows and scavenger hunts. (http://www.royalcaribbean.com)

Mid-Size Vessels

RADISSON SEVEN SEAS CRUISES’ youth program, “Club Mariner,” provides adults who want to share Alaska’s wonders with their children or grandchildren a complimentary children’s program. “The program,” says the company, “offers the opportunity for every member of the family to experience Alaska in a meaningful, enriching way.”

The cruiseline’s youth program is designed for three age groups: 5-9, 10-13 and 14-17. Throughout each voyage, trained counselors offer young cruisers the opportunity to participate in a variety of interactive adventures focusing on Alaska. Children will exercise their creativity with crafts while gaining knowledge about Alaska’s diverse wildlife, its unique geography, its indigenous crafts, and its rich artistic heritage.

Kids will learn about whales, salmon, glaciers and totem poles. They might draw and write about their adventures in their special Club Mariner scrapbook, bake chocolate “moose” cookies, go whale watching out on deck or learn all about eagles, dolphins, bears and sea lions.

Notes RSSC: “Club Mariner not only makes it easier for families to travel together, it helps kids broaden their cultural and educational horizons. And they’ll return home knowing more about Alaska than all the other 49 states combined!” (http:// www.rssc.com)

SILVERSEA CRUISES advises that, due to the sophisticated nature of its cruises and programs, the company does not encourage travel with young children. (http:// www.silverseacruises.com)

Smaller Ships

AMERICAN SAFARI CRUISES’ Kids in Nature (KIN) cruises, include a luxury yacht as the schoolhouse, an Expedition Leader/Naturalist as the teacher, and the wildlife- rich waters of Alaska’s Inside Passage as the laboratory. KIN convenes in Alaska aboard the upscale 22-passenger yacht Safari Quest with the first of two seven- night cruises from Sitka June 17. The voyage takes in various wilderness sites and communities throughout Southeast Alaska. and ends in Juneau June 17. Another seven-night Safari Quest sailing commences July 29 while an eight-night voyage from Prince Rupert, B.C. to Juneau embarks June 26 aboard the equally luxurious 12-guest Safari Escape.

Activities abound for all ages: kayaking, hiking on a remote island followed by a full-scale picnic, hopping shore-to-shore by Zodiac, viewing whales directly off the bow or dolphins right below, collecting shells to study, and more. Kids and adults alike are accompanied on a variety of personal-choice excursions while their yacht is at anchor.

At the end of a cruise each child receives a Kids in Nature backpack filled with mementos of their various explorations: a certificate of achievement signed by the Captain and Expedition Leader, a tee shirt and cap, a pair of binoculars, disposable camera and a typed list of all of the flora and fauna observed during the cruise. The program offers kid-size pricing — two kids under 12 for one adult fare.

Aboard other sailings during the season American Safaris Cruises’ three yachts offer very upscale amenities and cuisine best appreciated by sophisticated adults. For these cruises the line normally discourages guests from bringing young children and does not offer specifically child-oriented services. (http:// www.americansafaricruises.com)

AMERICAN WEST STEAMBOAT COMPANY advises, “We tend to cater to mature adults and therefore offer no special programs to kids and teens.” (http:// www.americanweststeamboat.com)

THE BOAT COMPANY offers special rates for young cruisers traveling with parents: 50 percent off the usual fare if occupying a stateroom with a parent, 20 percent off if occupying a separate cabin.

The company’s two vessels do not have separate personnel specifically assigned to youngsters on board, but the line does try to accommodate the desires of each passenger including kayaking, fishing, beach hikes, and other kid-friendly activities. (http://www.theboatcompany.com)

CLIPPER CRUISELINE has no specific children’s programs or staff for younger travelers, but the nature of the company’s routes and cruising areas (including whale sightings, bears other wildlife, and shore excursions) make it appropriate for family groups. Cabins can accommodate as many as three guests; for larger groups two cabins would be necessary. (http:// www.clippercruise.com)

CRUISE WEST offers a children’s travel special aboard the Sheltered Seas Daylight Yacht Tours. Travelers 12 and under sharing a cabin with an adult save 50 percent on Family Adventure cruise fares. Youths 13 through 21 save 25 percent.

While many of the company’s other cruises are of considerable interest for families with children, activities aboard ship are not specifically geared for young travelers. Cruise West is the largest of the smallship cruiselines serving Alaska and offers cruising options of family interest from Southeast Alaska with its totems, glaciers, national park lands and goldrush historical points of interest to Southcentral’s Prince William Sound and beyond to Arctic waters and even Russia. (http://www.cruisewest.com)

DISCOVERY VOYAGES advises that cruises aboard the 12-passenger vessel Discovery are “definitely family friendly” and, in fact, the company offers a 25 percent discount for children 12 and under.

Notes a company spokeswoman: “Due to the intimate size of our vessel we do not have specific youth directors but our staff (including Captain Dean Rand’s daughters Hannah and Heather, who grew up on board the Discovery) is diverse in working with both adults and children as well as being naturalists and kayaking guides.” The company often works with agencies and outfitters who specialize in family trips. (http://www.discoveryvoyages.com)

LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS welcomes voyagers young and old. And come September, Archie Comics illustrator Stan Goldberg will join a shipload of other Lindblad Expeditions travelers through the Inside Passage from Southeast Alaska to British Columbia. His mission: to create the second in his “Little Lin” cartoon book series of educational adventures for young people. (In his first book, Fun and Games With Little Lin, released in 2005, child explorer Little Lin discovers Peru’s Galapagos Islands.)

�?In his second work Goldberg’s young adventurer will sail to Alaska and will encounter glaciers, humpback whales, bald eagles, and all manner of other creatures and their habitats along Alaska’s and British Columbia’s Inside Passage. In future years, the Alaska-inspired Little Lin books will be distributed to all families traveling aboard Lindblad Inside Passage cruises. (http://www.expeditions.com)

MAPLE LEAF ADVENTURES offers families the opportunity to view Alaska’s glaciers, whales, islands, bear hot spots, beaches, hot springs and towns aboard the classic tall-ship sailing vessel Maple Leaf, a beautifully restored 92-foot sailing schooner built in 1904.

The ship takes 9 or 10 guests. The vessel’s on-board naturalist, chef and experienced crew can customize the trip’s itinerary, menu and activities to suit family interests. Typical highlights include unparalleled proximity to ice bergs, glaciers and wildlife, sailing a tall ship, and great camaraderie between guests and crew.

Special activities for kids include sail training, fishing (with purchase of a fishing license), hikes, and a customizable itinerary.

Accommodations are comfortable but not luxurious. Because berths are limited to nine or ten passengers, it is possible for one or more families (two families of five, for instance) to jointly reserve all the berths for one of the company’s 11-night Alaska voyages. Parents with teen-age children may reserve berths that are not otherwise reserved with the concurrence of prior-booked adult passengers. (http:// www.mapleleafadventures.com)

State and Provincial Ferries

ALASKA MARINE HIGHWAY SYSTEM (Alaska ferries) is made-to-order for family travel along Alaska’s coast. Depending on vessel youngsters will find onboard play areas for the very young, casual meals and snack bars for any age, movies, and nature talks plus expansive glass-enclosed solariums. These are ideal for spotting orcas (killer whales), humpback whales, playful porpoises and sea lions in the water plus mountain goats on towering cliffsides, and (for the fortunate observer) the sight of black and brown (grizzly) bears on passing beaches. Families with or without vehicles may embark as far south as Bellingham, Washington or Prince Rupert, British Columbia.

Larger stateroom-equipped vessels of the fleet are the Columbia (931 passengers), Matanuska (745), Malaspina (701), Taku (370), and Kennicott (748). Depending on the season, one or two ships sail on weekly schedules all the way to/ from Bellingham while others turn around at Prince Rupert. (http:// www.FerryAlaska.com)

BC FERRIES demonstrates its kid-friendliness even before a family boards ship. Computer-savvy children or their parents have only to surf the web to http:// www.bcferries.bc.ca/kidzone/establishing_shot.html and they will meet cartoon characters Samantha (”Call me Sam”) and Cal, two seagoing doggy characters who introduce young viewers to three online activities - an electronic coloring book, a “Match the Ferries” memory game, and a virtual bridge tour.

The 700-passenger provincial ferry vessel Queen of the North connects with Alaska state ferries at Prince Rupert for frequent access to Southeast Alaska ports. (http://www.bcferries.com)

Copyright (c) 2006 By Mike Miller — All Rights Reserved

Alaskan travel writer Michael Miller lives in Juneau where he publishes the Alaska cruising website http://www.AlaskaCruisingReport.com. The site covers virtually every facet of cruiseship travel in Alaska. He also writes Alaska travel articles for newspapers, magazines and books.

There are many causes of erectile dysfunction (or impotence). 20 years ago the majority of impotent men were suffering from psychological problems such as stress, anxiety, depression and anger. Only a minority of men had a physical cause fro their impotence. There was no drug based treatments available so doctors concentrated on the psychological.

The whole pattern of impotence has changed enormously in the last 20 years. Nowadays the main causes of impotence are physical illnesses. The big three are diabetes, heart disease and obesity. For instance men suffering from diabetes have getting on for a 50% chance of suffering from impotence. Bearing in mind there are over a million diabetes sufferers in the UK that�??s a potentially large problem.

Having a lousy job, big mortgage and long hours wasn�??t and isn�??t an aid to a great sex life. Those problems still remain today but have been joined and to some extent overwhelmed by physical worries. So are drugs such as Viagra, Cialis and Levitra the best answer?

The anti impotence drugs Viagra, Cialis & Levitra work by increasing blood flow into the penis, which leads to an erection. They block a chemical in your body called phosphodiesterase type 5(PDE5). This relaxes blood vessels and increases blood flow through them. This leads to an erection. There�??s no doubt drugs are the quickest way to bypass erectile difficulties. Most men taking anti impotence drugs get an erection and can perform again.

However if the main problem is obesity perhaps losing weight might be a better thing to do. It is of course not a quick fix like drugs are. In the long term however it may do more good as obesity is linked with many problems such as heart disease, increased risk of cancers, sleeping problems and a general lack of energy.

There are of course other possible treatments such as a vacuum pump and ring. The vacuum created draws blood into the penis and causes an erection. The ring is applied at the base of the penis to maintain it. It probably doesn�??t help foreplay if there is a 10 minute pause to fit the pump and use it.

On balance for most men, the anti impotence drugs Viagra, Cialis and Levitra are the best treatment. However partners mustn�??t be forgotten. As the saying goes �?�it takes two to tango�??. How is your partner feeling? What do they think? What do they want? It�??s easy to be selfish and focus on yourself. Finally don�??t forget it�??s not how big it is that�??s important, it�??s how you use it! Sex is a shared experience.

Andy Duncan is a doctor and freelance medical writer. For more information on erectile dysfunction please visit www.pain-rehab.co.uk

There are many options for people trying to stop acne. Generally pills, which are frequently available, are prescribed. Many people try natural remedies. I happened to come across a four-step program to stop acne. The primary step is to stay regular. It is believed that you can stay fit and keep away from ill health if your digestive system particularly the large intestine is in proper condition. Acne can also be prevented this way.

In order to keep your colon clean regular bowel movements are necessary. Drinking plenty of water helps to keep your body hydrated and washes away all toxins, which in turn helps to stop acn before it starts.

In addition to this red meat should be completely avoided and diet should contain food high in fiber, which helps stop acne. the next step is to alleviate stress and adhere to a good diet. Like red meat, processed sugars should also be eliminated, but natural sugar contained in fruits is really good and one must include lots of fruits in his diet.

You can elevate the amount of fruits but eliminate fruit juices as they contain unwanted sugar. The third step says that it is better to eat a fruit than to drink fruit juice. Saturated fats must be avoided. An internal cleansing comes third.

All toxins from internal organs like liver and kidney are to be flushed out. This is a bit difficult one, which includes a restrictive diet for two days. The fourth step involves the maintenance program. To stop acne from coming back make sure not to go to your old ways. After all I feel it is better to have acne than to practice the four difficult steps.

Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning acne. Get the information you are seeking now by visiting http://www.myacneinfoguide.com/acne-information/acne-information/tips-on-how-to-stop-acne.html

Hair coloring dates back at least to the ancient Romans, and many societies have used herbal solutions to dye their hair. Modern hair coloring began in 1909 when a French chemist came up with the first commercial hair color.

What is color?
Color is a complex subject, but put simply, it�??s the way light reflects from pigments. Change either the pigment or the kind of light, and you change the color we see. There are two main kinds of color: red-yellow (warm shades) and red-blue (cool shades).

How do I know what sort of coloring I have?
1. If you have:
· A skin tone of ivory, peach, creamy beige, light or dark golden brown, or coppery colored, and
· Your eyes are blue, blue-green, hazel, light green, amber or coffee colored
then you have warm coloring and should choose a warm shade for your hair (gold with red highlights, gold or honey brown, copper or mahogany).
2. If you have:
· A skin tone of rosy pink or beige, dark olive, dark brown or ebony and
· Your eyes are light or dark blue, deep green, brown or black
then you have cool coloring and should choose a cool shade for your hair (burgundy highlights, ash or platinum blonde, brown, dark brown, black, gray, or white).

What is hair?
Hair consists of a shaft, which we see, and its root, which is below the skin in a follicle (little pit). The shaft is dead. The living part is the follicle and the few cells just emerging from it at the base of the shaft. This is how the hair grows, by cells at its base subdividing, pushing upwards, hardening and developing pigment. Typically, each of our hairs grows at about ½ inch per month and lives anywhere from 3 to 5 years.

Hair is made of keratin, the same protein that�??s in our fingernails and skin, plus some other proteins, and a pigment called melanin. There are two kinds of melanin: eumelanin (shades from brown to black) and phaeomelanin (yellowish-blond, ginger and red colors).

What are the ingredients of permanent hair color?
There are two main ones, ammonia and hydrogen peroxide. Ammonia opens the cuticle of the hair shaft so the color molecules can enter. Hydrogen peroxide bleaches the hair so that new color can be added to create the desired shade. Some permanent colors come with more natural ingredients than others, but will likely still have some synthetic chemicals as well.

How is hair color changed?
The hair shaft is like a tube. The outside is the cuticle and inside is the cortex with the pigment. Any applied coloring goes through the cuticle to the cortex, but it may or may not interact with your natural pigment.

If you have dark hair and want it lighter, there are 2 steps: (1) your color is bleached and (2) the new color is added

If you have light-colored hair and want it darker, only step (2) is needed.

Hair coloring is thought of in 3 levels, based on how long the coloring lasts.
· Level 1, semi-permanent hair color - The color molecules are very tiny. They go through the hair�??s cuticle into the cortex where your natural color is, but they don�??t interact with your natural pigment. Because they�??re so tiny, they leave the hair more easily and so this coloring level isn�??t permanent. It lasts through about 6 to 12 shampoos. It also doesn�??t lighten your hair because there�??s no peroxide or ammonia present. Nor does it cover gray more than about 50%.
· Level 2, demi-permanent hair color - The color molecules are again very small and they go through into the cortex. Here, they combine with each other to form bigger molecules. Therefore they don�??t wash out as quickly, lasting through a couple dozen shampoos. This type of coloring includes some peroxide, which enables it to subtly lighten the natural shade and blend better with existing gray.
· Level 3, permanent hair color - Again, tiny molecules enter the cortex but this time they react to the natural molecules and expand to a size too large to be washed out. Ammonia and peroxide are both used, so the hair is first lightened, and then colored to the desired shade. Since the final shade is a combination of your natural color and the added color, it will be unique to you.

�??Hair coloring has become so popular because it�??s so easy to customize,�?� said Jacquelyn, the office manager at Salon Cabochon in Sacramento, CA. �??And so many more men have discovered the fun of changing your hair color once in a while. I mean, why just pay attention to the cut and style? Why not be creative with the color too?�?�

Please click here for more information on hair coloring in the Sacramento, California area.

Business cards are often exchanged when business people meet each other. It is a great marketing tool that can be used to advertise your business. In most cases, the company logo, name, phone number, and address will be present on the card, with a list of services that the company offers. With the advent of the internet, many businesses are now adding their email address on the card as well. While business cards used designs that were rather simple in the past, they are now more intricate.

Business cards are often presented by sales people when they make visits to potential clients. Even if the potential clients are not interested in the product or service at the moment, giving them a business card will plant the seed that may cause them to use the service at a later time. It can also help a company build word or mouth advertising for their business. The use of business cards has evolved over time. Their use goes back hundreds of years, and they were common in China during the 1500s. Business cards were frequently used by European aristocrats. These cards would eventually become an important form of etiquette, and a number of rules were used for their presentation.

The use of business cards by ordinary people is a relatively recent phenomenon. For most of their history, they were commonly used by the upper classes. The use of trade cards became well known in England during the 1700s. It was during this time that companies begin placing an emphasis on design. High quality designs become widespread, and color printing was also available. A large number of entrepreneurs begin using trade cars as a way to market their businesses to others. A number of companies sprung up which would mass produce business cards for an affordable prices.

Today, the exchange of business cards among business people has become common. Many people have a habit of carrying around their business cards to be given to others when the need arises. While the use of business cards is commonly connected to entrepreneurs, there are a number of people who collect business cards like works of art. The dimensions of a business card should be the same as a credit card, and will generally be 85.60 x 53.98. They should easily be able to fit in a wallet or purse. A number of business cards are now being designed which have high quality photographs. Many large companies will use a trademark color for their cards, while others will make sure their cards are engraved.

CMYK is commonly used for modern business cards. These colors are magenta, cyan, black, and yellow. The screens of these colors will be combined to create a wider variety of colors. The only disadvantage to this technique is that small dots may be seen if you stare closely at the card. In addition to this, a number of card designers have begin adding coats which are glossy to the card. This will protect the card and give it an impressive shine.

Michael Colucci is a writer for Business Cards which is part of the Knowledge Search network

Vacation season has rolled around, and you�??re dying to leave your responsibilities behind for a while. In past years you�??ve done the ocean, the beach, and the big city, so this time you�??d like to go somewhere new: up. Somehow or another (was it a picture, a brochure, or a friend�??s testimonial?) you seem to have fallen victim to Mountain Fever. If this is the case, then Vail, Colorado would be the place to whet your appetite for altitude.

You�??ve heard about the fantastic skiing conditions, the snowboarding, snow-biking, snowshoeing, and whatever else there is to do with boots on your feet and your scarf bundled around you. You�??re excited to get out there and experience the chilly yet exhilarating wind in your face as you zoom down the slopes, and you can hardly wait to start packing all your cozy winter sweaters.

Before you get too carried away, have you looked into a place to stay? You�??d like to be close to the ski lifts so you aren�??t lugging your gear around on and off buses and such, and you�??d also like to have a great view of the scenery. You�??ve come too far a distance to stick yourself in a boxy hotel room with no windows, so go ahead and pick a place to unload that will bring out the best in this vacation.

Vail has a number of charming vacation rentals that will help you accomplish this feat. From luxurious condos in the middle of Vail Village to more modest, mountainside cabins, you�??ll find the deal you�??re looking for somewhere in this vacationer�??s haven. The whole family will fit into a stylish, spacious, four bedroom home that has its own hot tub, a large, well-equipped kitchen, and beds for everyone. Enjoy dinner together at the oversized dining room table that looks out over the valley, and then gather around the fire place for some hot cocoa and much needed family bonding time.

A free shuttle runs right past the front door, so you�??ll be dropped off at the lift within seven minutes of boarding. Not too shabby. Of course, if you�??d prefer to do things a little differently, then sort through the entire array of homes online. Some have washers and dryers, some have maid services, and some have the ambiance you�??ve been waiting to enjoy, so don�??t be afraid to go after what you really want. It is your vacation, after all.

Vail makes a wonderful romantic getaway spot, so if you have in mind a quiet, private hideaway in the mountains then you won�??t be disappointed by the offerings here. Pretend like you and your beloved are the only people in the world and catch up on your quality time within the walls of your rustic cabin hidden in the woods. Retreat from the world for a bit, and when you�??re ready to hit the slopes or enjoy a world-class dinner, break the spell and rejoin the rest of civilization. You can have it both ways in a vacation rental, so keep that in mind as you plan your trip.

Winter isn�??t the only season that the Rockies will call out to be seen; summer is a beautiful and perhaps more peaceful time to visit Vail. Traverse the mountains by foot or by bike, and take in the fragrant wild flowers and cool streams. Ascend to even greater heights in a hot air balloon, or embrace the mountaineer within you and climb your way to the highest peak you dare. If you feel like taking it easy, go shopping in the village for fine art or specialty souvenirs, and then hit the spa for a pedicure or a facial.

Fishing, golfing, white-water rafting, and horseback riding are a few other warm-weather activities that might draw you outdoors, but there will likely be an entertainment center, a heated pool, and tennis courts in or near your property. Don�??t hesitate to relax by playing a game with your kids or catching a nap, as those are the things that will truly give you that post-vacation glow.

No matter when you come or what you do while you�??re here, Vail is sure to live up to your expectations of a vacationer�??s delight. Especially if you follow your instincts and reserve a vacation home that will accommodate you and your companions�?? traveling needs, this will be a trip that rises above all others. Arrange for an ideal lodging set-up by going online and picking out the Vail Vacation Rental that will complete the picture you have in your mind of an incredible trip.

HomeAway.com has a number of vacation rental listings that will help you make your next vacation the best you�??ve ever had.

The prostate gland as it is sometimes known is a small walnut sizes gland located between the anus and the groin. The function of the prostate is to provide a protective coating around the sperm so it can do it’s job and fertilize the female egg. This coating or fluid is what is seen during ejaculation, of course, the sperm is too small to see with the naked eye.

The prostate does not normally pose a problem with men until they reach the age of 40 plus. If detected early enough the prostate does not cause too much concern other than the uncomfortable nature it tends to be thought of.

Preventive measures by using a super prostate formula

When a man experiences discomfort from an enlarged prostate the results are annoying at first and can respond favorably to using a super prostate formula of nutrients known to be beneficial to prostate health. Satisfactory results can be obtained from a super prostate formula because they are targeting the health and well being of the prostate while also decreasing the likelihood of infection.

Some ingredients commonly contained in a super prostate formula are :

*selenium

*zinc

*beta-sitosterol

There is no set formula for prostate health although the most widely known ingredient is selenium or saw palmeto. Nearly all super prostate formula have this ingredient included in it as well as others which may or may not be beneficial. Each manufacturer has their own concoction of ingredients, it is up to you the customer to gather advice as to which will be more effective.

Further readings and research are encouraged and medical advice is always recommended if you believe your body is showing signs of having an enlarged prostate. Find out what the symptoms are and action any results. A super prostate formula is effective but cannot replace the advice of a medical examination.

For further information on the super prostate formula and other subjects relating to the male prostate visit our web site http://www.quotary.com

Attrition is a real concern for all companies. Depending on the size of the company, the cost of finding, recruiting, and training new employees can be in the millions. Let us cover some concepts that will help keep your best employees. I expect some to be common sense. If some ideas are not new to you, I hope to remind you of some that were forgotten. (These are in no particular order)

1) Recognition - This can be a low cost way of motivating your employees. It also works better and is less expensive than number two.

2) Money - This could be in the form of base pay, commissions, or bonuses. Many employers try to boost their bottom line by paying the least possible to their employees. Many employers have not counted the cost of finding, recruiting and training new employees vs. just paying their people a little more. To often a company will let a good person go, instead of paying them what they are worth. Has anyone noticed the downward spiral of the quality of customer service lately?

3) Appreciation �?” Everyone wants to be appreciated. No one likes to be treated like a slave or a company number. Thank you(s) go a long way.

4) Respect �?” Many employees have terrific ideas to slash budgets and/or create profits. When an employee comes up with an idea follow up on. Even if its, �?? Hey, we thought it over and we are going to pass on your idea. Here are the reason(s) why. Please, come back with more ideas.

5) Competition �?” An achiever does not like to lose. When faced with competition, they will normally put forward the absolute best effort. Be careful. When used to much it can have a reverse effect.

6) Time off �?” Our society has changed over the years. Money used to be the most important. After money, society changed and security became most important. In today society, younger works want to go out and experience life. They want to go be the own person doing their own thing.

7) Responsibility �?” Show your employees that you trust them and they will give you a reason for it. What you expect of an achiever is what you will get.

Authority �?” Imaging you are a new police officer and you are on traffic patrol. You have to use your own car. You have no uniform, badge, or gun. How frustrating is that. This is how an employee feels when given a task without the authority to accomplish it.

9) Cross-train - This keeps work fresh. Boredom does not set in. They become more rounded and are better to help in a pitch. It will give them better self-confidence.

10) Fun �?” All work and no play makes Jack a dull employee.

by Tim Odoms Expert Trainer for Echostar / DISH Network.

For more helpful articles visit http://www.rgvstaffing.com

Most women achieve orgasm through the stimulation of their clitoris and this is known as a clitoral orgasm. Other women achieve orgasm through vaginal penetration or G-spot stimulation and this is known as a vaginal orgasm.

Most women will agree however that the clitoral orgasm is more intense.

The first thing you need to do is find a comfortable position. If you are in your bedroom and going to masturbate in bed you will probably be most comfortable lying on your back with your legs bent and spread apart. You feet will be placed on the bed.

Next you will need to remove some or indeed all of your clothing, whichever you prefer. Now I am going to walk you step by step through a standard masturbation session. Remember everyone is different and the key to achieving mind blowing orgasms is to experiment and find out what turns you on the most. What follows are just guidelines for you to follow until you find what suits you best.

Exploration:
For every masturbation session you will need to explore your body. Start by running your hands over all the parts of your body, lingering over the areas that are most responsive to your touch. A good technique here is to imagine that it is your partner or someone that you fantasize about touching you. It will heighten the experience.

Many women have very sensitive nipples and there are even some who can achieve orgasm through nipple stimulation by itself. You should feel your nipples becoming hard and erect as you massage them gently. You can also try gently pulling on your nipples, some women also find this pleasing.

From here you will move down to your genitals. Here is where the fun begins. If you like you can use a mirror to look at your genitals and become familiar with them. Did you know, that most women don�??t know what they look like down below? Using a mirror can help you to distinguish which parts of your genitals respond better to stimulation than others. If using a mirror is not your thing, don�??t worry about it, it�??s not a necessity.

www.Female-Masterbation-Guide.com

Susan Lawstock aims to educate women about female masturbation. She delivers a strong message that masturbation is not something to be ashamed of. For more techniques and information on Female Masturbation go to http://www.Female-Masterbation-Guide.com

There are literally hundreds of ways by which companies can benefit from business printing. With its excellent ability to translate designs into prints, business printing and its quality outputs bring in the attention that companies want.

Along with the attention, business profits and recognition are sure to follow. More than ever, businesses can ably garner and reap more rewards than what they have expected.

Brochures, flyers, catalogues, posters and other print products would make excellent advertising and promotional tools. The assortment of these materials and the sheer variety of designs one can come up with makes for a full blown campaign.

You can create as many angles, as many messages you want to make full use of each and every print material. In today�??s crowded market, advertising with print products helps companies gain an edge over others vying for the same consumer loyalty.

Today, business printing services possess the technology to better create quality advertising print materials. With full color printing capabilities, companies can create complex color designs and see them in print within a short period of time.

Yet, quality design encompasses many different aspects that are better understood in detail. Let us take a quick look at some of the qualities that make for better design.

Color Management

You cannot discuss design without bring up color. Color and its many attributes enhance your company, product or brand�??s image.

All print products require a good deal of color management to further enhance its marketing qualities. Effective color management can appeal to customers better than objects that appear dull and monotonous. Simply put, colors reflect choices that can attract buyers or audiences better.

Theme

Theme gives your projects direction. You have to learn to exert effort to focus on one single theme as much as possible to put emphasis on the message you are trying to deliver.

Good design cannot be achieved with multiple and scattered ideas. It is about focus and direction. And it is theme that would best demonstrate this essential quality.

Form

By form, we refer to shape and size which in its way affect design. There is a reason why books or posters or flyers follow certain standards. It has something to do with its practical use.

As they say, form follows function and vice-versa. Good design is something usable. It also serves it function better as more people can recognize them.

Graphic Design

Aside from color, graphic design �?” images, texts, and illustrations, are almost always associated with design. We use them to put emphasis on the messages that we want to convey. At the same time, we use them to attract attention.

On another level, images can showcase a more in-depth interpretation of the messages we wish to convey. Also, images can be used to demonstrate examples, graphs that can show progress and exhibit step-by-step instructions that would otherwise be too confusing to describe in words.

Style

Some say styles are a dime-a-dozen. But it need not be so. Like design, it is about over-all look. It is the combined effect of everything mentioned above.

While it is difficult to pinpoint whether something is indeed stylish, it is quite easy to find something that is not.

Excess as well as lack of certain elements are both an assault to style. Use better judgment and let your projects truly reflect your own personal taste to create style. Evaluating design requires good judgment and finding help to assist you with just that is always advisable.

Through quality designs, business printing can gain more exposure. You can enjoy this more through quality business printing services offered by professional printing companies. The right combination of printing, material and printing skills brings another dimension to your design.

It is this comprehensive ability to evaluate and intervene that makes business printing truly unique and the right printing company to do it a match made in heaven. Fulfill your advertising and marketing campaigns with the right business printing know-how, the right attitude and the right printing company.

More information about business printing can be found at Full Color Printing Company - U Printing