JUST ARTICLES

After you have chosen your preferred character class when you are starting out to play Maple Story, you are now ready to start leveling your character. And your new Maple Story character is now off to Maple Island as a Beginner.

On Maple Island, you will start off as a beginner class and level your way up to level 10 where you can then advance to the class that you actually want to be.

There are several key strategies that you want to focus on while you are on Maple Island which will help you to become an all-around Mapler in the game. They are:

1. Stats:

You need to start building your stats towards your character class (e.g. warrior, magician etc) that you are planning to become once you leave Maple Island.

2. Quest:

If this is your first Maple Story character, then you need to complete the quests on Maple Island to get a feel of how the game works and how to play properly.

3. Collect:

You want to start to collect items such as Blue Snail Shells and Mushrooms so that you can earn some Mesos for yourself to purchase a cab ride to leave Maple Island.

When you first login to Maple Story, you will be given a view of the key configurations for the game. This is the default setup for playing MapleStory although you can change it at any time by hitting the Key config shortcut button on your screen. You will then be able to setup every one of your skills and all the keys to any configuration that you would like to have.

Once you have completed your keyboard setup, you will then have to talk to Sera. She will ask you if you would like to enter the Tutorial Zone. If this is your first time playiny, please do so. If you are a Maple Story veteran, it is always fun to see your character being dressed up in a ridiculous leaf costume or whatever kind of costume he is in.

Once you have finished with the bazaar tutorial, you will be transported to Maple Island.

On Maple Island, you will want to complete some quests and level up your character to level 10.

If you look at the map, all you have to do is to walk from the left to the right through the 5 zones and you will end up at a location called Perry where you can then take a ship off Maple Island.

Before you leave Maple Island, you will want to familiarize yourself with the controls of the game and complete a few quests that will help you reach level 10. This will prepare you to take on challenges on Victoria Island!

Introduction

Although yeast infection in men is hardly known or spoken about, it is a very real problem and is not something that should be taken for granted. Because it is rarely spoken about, and because it can occur without showing any obvious symptoms, many men are totally unaware that they even have it, and are unknowingly passing it on to their partners. Yeast infection in men certainly does occur and for the same reasons as for women, although there can be some pronounced differences. It can also appear in any part of the body, not just the *****.

Cause

The main culprit is Candida albicans, a natural yeast that most of us have in our bodies without causing any problems. The problem only occurs when the Candida yeast overgrows into its fungal form.

This “overgrowth” can be triggered by a number of things such as; poor diet, unprotected sex, antibiotics, steroids, low immune levels, stress, recreational drugs, allergies, diabetes, etc. Another trigger is the wearing of sweaty underwear or sports wear for long periods of time.

Symptoms

The key physical symptoms of yeast infection in men are; dry cracked skin, itchiness and burning, redness and soreness of the penis, pain when urinating, and, a smelly discharge.

Other symptoms may be; migraines / bad headaches, irritability, memory loss, dizziness, diarrhea, constipation, bad breath, indigestion and bloating. Now, of course, these can be symptoms of other ailments, so that where the first group of symptoms above may not present, most men would not tie up any of the second group with yeast infection in men. So they do not seek help.

However, it is possible to be infected with no revealing symptoms at all. Unfortunately, this is the worst situation since the yeast infection will eventually appear in a more severe form when it may be too late for any effective, long-lasting treatment.

Treatment and Cure

The two most common sources for treatment for yeast infection in men are prescription products and over the counter products. Both are usually drug-based.

Most products sourced this way are applied directly to the area exhibiting the symptom(s) and some of these can be effective in the short term. But the problem is that the symptoms nearly always reappear because the treatment is not addressing the root cause which is the Candida Albicans. Indeed, with the constant reapplication of these products, the Candida can build up immunity against them in the long run, so that the infection becomes harder to eradicate.

Because of this frustration, more and more men are finding success using a more natural, holistic approach. Natural remedies have less or no side effects and they also make us healthier overall. And they also save the embarrassment of asking about and buying yeast infection products over the counter! This natural approach could be the long term solution to yeast infection in men.

The inside lining of the ear is normally smooth with a small amount of wax buildup. Many problems can cause the ears to be irritated, inflamed and/or infected. Any of these causes left untreated can lead to more complicated problems, including middle and inner ear damage and hearing loss. Most cats let you know that their ears are uncomfortable by scratching, shaking and/or tilting their heads.

CAUSES

Ear mites are most common in ear problems adult cats and puppies. These microscopic mites have hairs on their body that irritate the ears. They are also responsible for the itching and the dark brown, coffee-like residue. Mites live primarily within the ear canal. They can also live outside of the ear and on other parts of the cats body, they do not infest your home.

* Trauma to the ear from foreign materials like plant seeds or over-aggressive cleaning can also cause pain and inflammation of the ears.

* Flea allergies can occasionally involve the ears.

* Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and dust are not common in ears. Ear infections associated with allergies often recur until the underlying cause of the allergy is determined and treated.

SYMPTOMS

* Scratch ears often.

* Shake or tilt head.

* Odor and/or discharge from ears.

WHAT YOUR VET CAN DO

* Diagnosis involves examining a sample of the ear discharge under the microscope. This is called a Cytology and will identify the problem. The most effective treatment will be determined according to whether mites, yeast or bacteria are present.

* Ear mites can also live outside of the ear, on other parts of your cat’s body. Flea control products can help to manage this problem.

* Instead of using eardrops to treat mite infections, you can now purchase a new topical treatment called Revolution (selamectin), applied onto the skin at 30 day intervals, which controls fleas, ticks, heartworms, intestinal worms and ear mites for cats and dogs.

* To prevent ear problems, check your cat’s ears regularly. Only use products recommended by your vet to clean your cat’s ears, and never clean any deeper than you can see.

* Long-term and/or recurrent ear infections may require a culture to pinpoint the exact agent responsible and the medication best suited to eliminate the infection.

NOTE: An otoscope is designed and illuminated to allow complete visualization of the ear canal

HEMATOMA (BLOODCLOT) OF THE EAR

* Hematomas usually occur as a result of self-inflicted trauma to the ear. Many cats vigorously Itch their ears because of a persistent underlying ear mite problem. A blood vessel in the earflap ruptures which causes bleeding into the earflap tissue. Treatment usually requires surgical

removal of blood clots and drainage of blood under anesthesia. Hematomas tend to recur until the underlying problem is eliminated because the cats continue to traumatize their ears by itching. Many ears scar down into an abnormal appearance.

TREATMENT

Milbemycin, is the active ingredient in Sentinel, a tablet given monthly to prevent heartworms, fleas, intestinal worms, and ear mites in cats. Selamectin is the active ingredient in Revolution, approved in cats, a monthly product that kills ear mites and walking dandruff mites, and prevents heartworms and fleas. New monthly flea preventative products have replaced ear drops to treat ear mites.

COMPLEMENTARY EAR TREATMENTS

Yeast Infections: Mixing equal parts of white vinegar and water (50:50) makes a good ear cleaning solution for yeast.

Bacterial Ear Infections: Garlic can be added to the diet only occasionally, continual high doses can cause anemia:

* Garlic has antibacterial and antifungal effects.

HERBALEAR REMEDIES

* Mullein (Verbascom thapsus)

* Mucilage or Sapenins have a demilucent effect.

* Use topically for bacterial ear infections.

* Calendula makes an effective ear cleaning solution: Mix one teaspoon of Calendula with ½ teaspoon sea salt and one cup of water.

* Calendula Oil is soothing to red inflamed ears. Apply two drops into ears once daily.

* To eliminate ear mites, Yellow Duck (Rumex crispus) two drops every 3rd day for three to six weeks.

HOMEOPATHIC EAR REMEDIES

For red, irritated ears try Pulsatilla (6c Windflower) one pellet every third day for two weeks. Withhold food ten minutes before and after treatment. Sepia officinalis (30C) two whole or three crushed pellets by mouth twice a day for three days then once a week, until the ears are healed. Helpful with itching and head shaking.

VESTIBULAR (MIDDLE EAR) DISEASE

Long-term and/or recurrent ear infections can spread to involve the middle ear. The middle ear houses nerves, called Vestibular nerves, which are responsible for balance and equilibrium. If these nerves are irritated, cats can lose their balance, tilt their heads, stagger and often fall over. This is called Vestibular Disease. Some cases are associated with ear infections and rarely brain tumors are responsible but the cause in most cases is unknown or idiopathic. The term Idiopathic Vestibular Disease is used in these cases.

DIAGNOSIS

X-rays are initially used to evaluate the middle ear. The bone housing the middle ear is called the Tympanic bulla and is located within the brain. The series of x-rays taken in this case, is respectively called a “Bulla Series”. A CAT scan or MRI are more sensitive imaging techniques that may be necessary to allow visualization of this area of the brain if the x-rays are inconclusive.

Typically, most cases of Idiopathic Vestibular Syndrome occur for some as of yet unknown reason in the spring and fall. Cats suddenly tilt their heads and begin staggering, for no apparent reason. Cats generally improve within 72 hours and symptoms usually resolve in a couple weeks. Occasionally the head tilt persists.

Thinking of joining the ranks of the greatest photographers of all time? Well, it might be a good idea to check out a few of them and the works they’ve done so you know just what it is you’re up against.

Probably one of the most famous photographers of all time was Ansel Adams. Adams was born In San Francisco California in 1902. He lived in Carmel until he died in 1984. His most popular photo was titled “Moonrise Over Hernandez, 1944″. This is a breathtaking photo showing a beautiful night view and the small town below it. Other famous photos by Adams were “Clearing Winter Storm” and “Winter Sunrise”. Adams did a lot of outdoor photography with some breathtaking views. His most popular photo has about 1000 copies in print. The price range of these photos, depending on condition goes from $5,000 to $175,000 if you can find one.

Moving from outdoor photography of landscapes to **** women on beaches we have the works of Jock Sturges. Sturges was born in the big city of New York in the year 1947. He currently lives in Seattle, Washington. His most popular images, all of beach nudes, are “Misty Dawn 1991″ and “Northern California, 1991″. His prints range in price from $1,000 to $3,000. His most expensive print sold for $4,000.

Herman Leonard was known for taking great photographs of jazz legends. He was born in Allentown, PA in 1923. He currently lives and works in New Orleans. His most popular images are photos of great jazz legends Dexter Gordon, Duke Ellington, Frank Sinatra, Miles Davis, Louis Armstrong and Billie Holiday. Herman Leonard was one of the more active photographers even when not working at his craft. He often traveled with great entertainers like Marlon Brando, who he hung out with in 1954. His photos range in price from $950 to $5,500.

Another great photographer was Irving Penn who was born in Plainfield, NJ in 1917. Penn was actually known for a number of different styles of photography including fashion photography and provocative life style portraits. His most famous work was “Cuzco Children” which sold for as much as $175,000 at the turn of the century. Penn worked for some of the most popular magazines of our time including Harper’s Bazaar, Saks Fifth Avenue and Vogue Magazine.

Another great photographer, who most people have actually heard of, was the one and only Helmut Newton, who just recently passed away in 2004. He was most known for photos involving fashion and ***** illustrating themes of mass media, glamour, *** and theater. Newton’s work was often categorized as bizarre. He was once quoted as saying “My job as a portrait photographer is to seduce, amuse and entertain”. He most certainly did that better than just about anyone else. His most popular image is “Sie Kommen I, II”. His photographs are in such demand that some go for as much as $400,000 each.

The list of famous photographers goes on, literally forever. So if you are thinking of joining the ranks of these greats and many others, then you’re going to have to work hard at your craft.

Very, very hard.

Discover how to sew a spa wrap or beach cover-up with this simple sewing lesson.

Spa wraps are great gift ideas or bazaar items, too.

Sew spa wraps for all the men, women and children in your family. Everyone needs one. Use for after the shower, bath, or when you do your hair or at the spa or pool or the beach.

Spa wraps have elasticized tops that can be worn above the bust or at the waist.

Sewing a spa wrap is a quick and easy sewing project. All you need is a beach towel, approximately 1-1/4 yards of 1 inch to 1-1/4 inch wide sport sew through elastic and about 6 inches of hook and loop tape or large snaps.

Here is the how to sew instructions.

First of all, make a decision about what you want to use to sew the spa wrap. Colorful beach towels are great to use as well as fabric. Your choice may be based on what size you need the spa wrap to be.

Smaller towels work well for small children.

Lighter weight towels work better than heavier ones. They aren’t as bulky to sew or wear and also dry faster.

Sewing Tip: Always preshrink all fabrics including towels before you sew.

The average beach towel is about 62 inches long x 34 inches wide. Find some good bargains at your local flea market.

The length of the beach towel will generally go around most bodies with some over lap. If you need more, sew 2 towels together or add half a towel.

Cut a piece of 1 inch to 1-1/4 inch wide sturdy sport sew through elastic to be about 2/3 of the length of the towel or fabric that you are using. This depends on the stretch of the elastic.

Example: For a 62 inch long towel, cut the elastic about42 inches long.

Divide the towel and the elastic into eighths. First fold in half, then again in fourths, then again in eighths. These smaller sections are easier to handle at the sewing machine.

Pin the elastic at the eighth marks to one long edge on the wrong side of the towel.

Set your sewing machine for your largest and longest zigzag stitch.

As you stitch, stretch the elastic to fit each pinned section of the towel.

First stitch along the outer edge of the elastic and then go back and stitch along the inner edge of the elastic also stretching as you sew.

If you prefer, you can sew a lightweight fabric casing to the wrong side of the towel and insert the elastic drawing it up to fit the size you want.

Cut two strips of hook and loop tape about 3″ long.

Pin the rough (hook) side of one strip to the inside edge of the overlap on top of the elastic.

Stitch around the hook tape to hold securely.

Pin the soft (loop) side of one strip to the outside edge on the right side of the underlap.

Stitch around that tape.

Now place the corresponding pieces of hook and loop tape up against the stitched in place pieces of tape.

Put the wrap on your body to help determine where to sew the corresponding pieces of tape.

Pin those pieces where they should go and unhook them from the stitched tapes. Remove the wrap.

Stitch around these tapes where you have them pinned.

WOW! You just made a spa wrap!

Now, for some designer touches, try these ideas:

Add a large pocket cut from contrasting or matching fabric or even mesh fabric on the front.

Monogram or use one of your embroidery designs on the pocket before applying it to the wrap.

You could bind the outer edges of towel with fabric to match the pocket.

If you decide to bind the outer edges of the towel, round the square corners first. It looks better and is easier to bind. See the following sewing tip to make a nice curve.

Sewing Tip: Lay a dinner plate down at the corners of the towel lining up the edges of the plate with the edges of the towel. Draw the outer curve of the plate to get a very nice even curve.

If you are using a plain towel, add a fun embroidery design using instructions to embroider on terry cloth to decorate your wrap.

Applique a unique design on the spa wrap.

If you prefer not to use hook and loop tape, use very large snaps or heavy duty gripper snaps to hold the wrap closed.

You are the designer! Have fun with it!

It just makes sense!

Has anyone read the Glamour, Harper Bazaar and Vogue magazines this fall? I want to talk about the September/October issues. Very few things get my attention with “mainstream” fashion but a few revelations has happened to me since turning the big 3-0, this year. Yes, 30!!!

To give you a quick over view of who I am, I was raised a tomboy in a family of 16 siblings. I beat up boys in school and made them carry my books home. I wasn’t the typical teenager where I wanted big parties, pretty dresses, and a marathon of shopping and talking about liking boys. I had a job. I Studied at home, read alot of books, crocheted, knitted, and sewed whatever I thought was fashionable. The only thing I liked was dressing up so the other girls would **** me for it, while all the boys drooled over me but was too scared to tell me. I would probably have them run home with a black eye for touching.

By my late teens, I still dressed better than everyone I knew and I loved wearing black. I was very mature for my age, (you know the catty attitude among women)I paid no attention because my company were always handsome young men who were capable of carrying intelligent conversation.

I never needed make up. But of course, by the time I was married and had my 3 boys I wore minimal make up for added drama affect. Other married women hated me!

last year I was 29. I’ve learned to let my grudge of pink (being a girlie color) go and I’ve discovered I actually liked seeing myself in pink. Their was something sensual in it. I pierced my ears, my tongue(to stop my studder. it works), and my belly. I still have such a ****** to get “down there” pierced too. But, when the time comes… Since turning 30, I’ve realized that I have evolved into much smoother lines. I love pink, the softer the better-especially my roses. I love skirts, flirty and authoritative. I’ve learned very early on to conscienciously speak with passion. I’ve gotten more points across by just stating my purpose , staying silent, and/or just walking away. Very rarely did I ever have to yell.

I now acknowledge others who stare in admiration with a nod or a twitch of an eyebrow. I smile more often when I’m not in the company of my children. I stopped taking what men say as insults, and learned to understand that they have no other way of expressing compliments which is the best this class of men can ever do. So, no I won’t tell them to drop dead, or simply bite me or **** off. It isn’t nice! I’ve learned that it’s safe to show appreciation to another woman by complimenting her on her fashion skillswithout coming off wrong. I’ve learned to show others I call my friends or associate how goofy I really am as well as my generosity.

I still find it a task to express to my one and only how I feel about them without thinking about how vulnerable I feel if I do. Its hard work when friendship betrayal is an unfortunate experience.

I’ve come back to making time for myself and decided to just buy a few fashion magazines off the shelf of a Walgreens store on Jamaica Avenue, in Queens, NY.. I was curious to see what the mainstream fashion designers have been up to. I used to love reading my mothers subscriptions of glamour, vogue, and bazaar when I was coming up. I stopped after marriage and a few kids and of course was consumed in my own fashion line to really care what others were working on. Very few things did I really like from Gucci, Versace, and Dolce & Cabana and so on. But now, I’ve opened up the magazines and for the first time I was instantly pissed off. Their fashions actually made sense.
I wanted to wear what the models were wearing! Oh boy did I get furious with myself. So, i went home read the books from cover to cover and got out some fabric and started sewing. Not out of inspiration, but because I needed to be better! When I was done making one 3-piece outfit I tried it on and loved what I was wearing, the fit and everything. But then, I looked at my face and I had no make up for the occasion. I looked in the magazines and picked a style of tips I liked and washed my face and applied the make up the way the make up artists explained in simple step-by-step instructions and VOILA! I loved everything about me, then I started to feel sick allover again. I know a few make up artists who I’m sure would do great jobs in this area of expertise, so I called my friends up and explained my troubles and we all said we will come up with something to show these mainstream designers who we are.

I looked in the mirror with my make up kits and decided to demonstrate my own style. I think I came up with something catchy, but you try it and be the judge.

Step 1
Wash your face with Avons clearskin face scrub.(It will open pores, remove dirt, and remove dead skin)

Step 2
apply the Aveeno body lotion to your face.(Ladies Aveeno works, It keeps your skin smooth in that **** “can’t stop touching yourself” way. And you can never put too much on…)

Step 3
Find the color mood you’re in for the day, evening, or whatever. Choose 3 color palettes a metallic, light, and dark:
Use a Q-tip and line the top lid with a dark shade (for light skin, or light shade for dark skin) Don’t lay it on thick, the lotion keeps skin smooth for it to glide on. Trust me, it will pop! Lightly dab…

Step 4
For dark skin use metallic hued shadow, sometimes white get the job done. Use shadow brush and put medium color eye lid below brow-bone. gently dab ladies, lightly.

Step 5
Your metallic platnum, silvers, or light golds on brow-bone below eye brow line. Use a cotton swab (clean) to dab lightly from inner eye outward on each level until each layer blends together slightly.

You’ll look like your eyes are wearing the sky tones as the sun either comes up or goes down.
All application is translucent (not opaque/solid) so all it does is enhance the eye not totally cover with color.

One of the most wonderful times of the year is Christmas and one of the most exciting events of the Christmas season is the church bazaar. Everyone looks forward to this event as it brings people together and gives us the chance to see folks we haven’t seen in a while. But planning a Christmas bazaar is a lot of work. If you’re planning on doing one, here are just a few of the things that you’re going to want to do.

The first thing you’re going to want to do is pick a date and make sure the church is available for that date. The last thing you want is for the minister to tell you that he’s got a wedding planned for that day. Saturdays before the Sunday service are usually the best time. You want the date to be close to Christmas but not too close. The first or second week of the month is best.

The next thing you need to do is put out a sign up sheet to see who is going to be setting up tables. This is your main attraction at the bazaar so you want to make sure there are plenty of tables and a good variety of things to sell. You might want to also set up some specialty tables as well, like maybe one to take photos or maybe a table to print out cards showing what happened on your birthday. You’ll need a computer and a special program for that. These things usually go over very well and are great money makers.

You’ll also want to make sure that you plan to have a lunch setup. Keep the menus simple and the prices fair. People love to eat in between shopping but they don’t want to pay a fortune for it either. Have a few different kinds of desserts and drinks available like soda, coffee and tea.

One of the biggest sellers at a Christmas bazaar is the bake shop. This is a lot of work but it is worth it. Have as many people as possible bake cookies and cakes the day before and bring them down to the church to have them bagged and weighed. You want to sell things by the pound. Keep your prices fair and you’ll make out very well. Depending on how much is baked, you could make $500 or more just from the bake shop alone.

Finally, you want to make sure that everything is set up the day before. The bazaar should start around 9 or 10 in the morning and it should run until about 3 or 4 in the afternoon. Make sure you have a Santa there to take photos with the kids. You don’t have to hire one specially. You can recruit one of the church members who fits the costume to fill the part. You’re certain to get at least one volunteer.

By keeping a checklist and making sure that everything on it is done, your bazaar is certain to come off without too many hitches.

Have you ever heard the saying “Dogs are creatures of habit”? Whether your dog has developed a good habit or bad habit, they will continue with any habit until you give them a reason to stop. One very common habit dogs can develop is obsessive paw or leg licking and biting. This obsession can be caused by a number of things. Here are a few reasons WHY your dog may have started or continues to be fixated with licking obsessively.

Causes:

• Food allergies

• Grass or plant allergies (foxtail)

• Reaction to a flea bite

• Dermatitis

• Abnormal cell growth

• Emotional/behavioral problems

• Infected wound

• Boredom

If this obsessive habit is not stopped, your dog will likely acquire a lick granuloma (hot spot) which is a skin condition, also known as acral lick dermatitis. Once they have developed a granuloma, it is extremely difficult to keep the itchiness under control.

Treating this unwanted habit is easier said than done. Determining the reason(s) behind their need to lick at a paw or leg is the first step. Once you have uncovered WHY they are obsessed with licking, then you can prescribe appropriate treatment.

Treatments:

1) Identify and correct the emotional causes by increasing the amount of human contact, changing kenneling habits, providing other animal companionship, and distracting with interactive toys.

2) There are a number of medical treatment options available which may include sedatives/tranquilizers, endorphin blockers, corticosteroids, antidepressants, or pentoxifylline.

3) Have your Veterinarian surgically remove the lesion.

4) Ask your Veterinarian about radiation therapy.

5) Bandage the infected area with a waterproof bandage or wrap.

6) Apply a bad-tasting substance to the granuloma. There are many dog friendly creams and sprays on the market. Take note: some dogs will get use to the bitter tasting cream or spray after a while.

7) Have your dog wear a Soft E Collar or The StrockTM or other deterrent devices, during flare ups.

Remember, dogs are creatures of habits. They rely on routines, and any changes in their daily routine may cause undue stress which can result in an unwanted behavior like obsessive paw or leg licking. Make sure you eliminate all/any medical reasons before assuming your dog has developed a psychological habit.

ALWAYS consult with your Veterinarian before trying ANY new treatment.

Several types of palm trees can be grown outside or inside, if planted in a container. Palm trees grown in containers are suitable for low light office situations or indoors at homes in Northern States. Gardeners can buy small, reasonably priced palm trees at a nursery to be planted, to grow as bonsai specimens. Gardeners can purchase mature indoor palms from certain Internet nurseries that will be delivered fast by semi-trucks

Pygmy Date Palm, Phoenix roebellenii, originated in Asia and can grow to 10 feet tall, but it is not a fast grower. This very adaptable, exotic plant, is easy to grow, and has become a very important indoor office palm, because of its beautiful, graceful leaves that grow well in low light. This containerized plant is popular at Sea Island, Georgia, and it has been used massively by the US Government as an outdoor containerized plant to separate crowds from the elite. The Pygmy Date Palm is often commonly used at National, televised political events. Most plant designers recommend buying multiple trunked plants from a nursery that are containerized.

The Bamboo Palm, Chamaedorea erumpens, is a perfect indoor palm that can grow 10 feet tall in a container. The Bamboo palm was so named, because its multiple canes grow like bamboo rings, widely spaced, slender and olive green in color. The Bamboo palm is well adapted to plant and grow in tropical gardens, or as an under story shrub that screens out noise and automobile exhaust fumes. The Bamboo palm grows fast and neatly as a silhouette, privacy, landscape plant in warm areas.

The Sago Palm, Cycas revoluta, is a cycad, not a true palm tree. But, it is widely known by the public as a palm tree, and has many characteristics with the landscaped tropical appearance of a palm. The tree is not fast growing, and requires 100 years to develop a trunk 6 feet tall. The trunks on large specimen trees often sprout abundant, small sago shoots that grow out of the trunk at right angles, creating a bazaar sight when planted in the landscape. The Sago palm will survive temperatures of 0 F, and at temps below 20 F will show some foliage burning that will regrow in warm weather. The Sago palm grows well in zones 7 - 10, but some gardeners prefer to containerize the plant to move indoors during the winter or to grow it as a bonsai plant. Many cottage owners at Sea Island, Georgia plant and grow sago palms in the landscape, but some homeowners containerize the sago palms, and place them in pairs at the front doorway entrances.

Lady Palm, Rhapis excelsa, is an ideal office plant, and it can be grown in landscapes, where the temperatures don’t drop below 20 F. The Lady palm tree is a favorite indoor plant at the famous resort Cloister Hotel, at Sea Island, Georgia. Very large, 6 - 7 feet Lady palms can be seen growing in 25 gallon containers in extremely low lighted areas inside the Hotel and are placed at dark corners at several covered outside walkways that receive only small amounts of reflective indirect sunlight. This palm may become your office or home favorite. Lady palm trees grow 10 feet.

Triangle palm, Dypsis decaryi, also is called the Madagascar palm, and it originated on the South African Island of Madagascar. The Triangle palm is one of the most bazaarly formed plants ever grown and offered to buy at a nursery, because of the oddly shaped trunk and red clusters of cells on the underside of the blue-green leaves. The dark brown trunk with contrasting glowing, gray leaf scars are exotic in any office container planting.

The Ponytail palm, Beaucamea recurvata, is also called a Bottle palm tree and Elephant Foot palm, but is really not a true palm. The Ponytail Palm is, however, related closely to the agave family. The base of the plant is swollen, woody-looking, and the trunk tapers as it grows larger. Ponytail palms will survive temperatures down to the low 20’s F, and can be grown outside in many warm climates, but they grow into very interesting office containerized plants in low light situations, and are not fast growing.

Bauer’s Dracaena Palm Tree, Cordyline Baueri, is a beautiful red leaved, slender tree, growing 8-10 feet at maturity with burgundy-red leaves. During the warm summer, a large flower stalk appears with clusters of white flowers. Even though this plant is not a a palm, it is evergreen when planted and grown in temperatures above 20 F. The Bauer Dracaena is a perfect office or indoor containerized plant for Northern States, and will draw entertaining stares from office visitors. Bauer’s Dracaena grows well outside in warm climates, but is not a fast growing tree.

Copyright (c) 2006 Patrick Malcolm

Here’s some great advice about three of Chiang Mai’s most popular tourist attractions. Wat Doi Suthep, The Mai Sa Valley and the popular Night Bazaar are three great attractions no visitor to Chiang Mai should miss. By reading this article you can find out more about these great places and be sure you haven’t wasted a single moment of your precious vacation time whilst here in Chiang Mai.

First on the list of things to see in Chiang Mai is the beautiful Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, more commonly known as Doi Suthep. It’s located nearly 1000 meters above the city and provides a stunning view over Chiang Mai. Getting to the temple is quite straight forward, you can get there by hiring a Songthaew (a red taxi/bus which are common in northern Thailand and can be hired for a pre arranged price) to take you up the mountain to the entrance of the temple, from there you can climb the many steps leading to the temple or you can get there via a cable car, for a small fee. Doi Suthep is very popular with Thai’s and tourists alike and is one of Thailand’s most important temples. Once you’ve been to this great temple, another great place to visit is the Mae Sa Valley.

The Mae Sa valley is a beautiful place to visit and although it’s only about a 30 minute drive from the city it’s still worth dedicating at least a morning to see all it has to offer. The Mae Sa Valley is where you’ll find the Orchid, Monkey and Snake Farms as well as the impressive Mae Sa waterfall. You can make your own way there but I would recommend booking a pre arranged trip through one of the many travel agents located around the city. Doing it this way will save you the worry of getting lost or missing out on some attractions and leave you free to enjoy your day, stress free. On return from the Mae Sa valley you may well have enough time to unwind with some retail therapy at the popular Night Bazaar.

Located along the Chang Klan road, the night bazaar is one of Chiang Mai’s most popular tourist attractions and for good reason, this nightly event is a great place to spend some time shopping for all kinds of local handicrafts. The Night Bazaar starts at 5pm and usually runs to about 11pm but normally only starts to get busy around 6-7 pm. The night Bazaar Consists of many markets stalls as well a 3 story market proper, within the Night Bazaar you’ll find many more stalls as well as a food court where you can purchase vouchers and exchange them for a wide variety of Thai dishes. Next to the seated food court you can enjoy your meal whilst watching authentic Thai style dancing.

Now that you know a little bit more about some of the attractions Chiang Mai has to offer, you can look forward to visiting this great city safe in the knowledge your time in Chiang Mai has been well spent. Wat Doi Suthep, the Mae Sa valley and the famous night Bazaar are three great places to include in your sight seeing itinerary of Chiang Mai.