RV Boondocking

What is RV boondocking? It is simply camping in your recreatinal vehicle in an area with limited or no facilities. In many areas of the west, you can just drive into the desert, and stay free for up to two weeks. This is the case on most BLM (Bureau Of Land Management) and national forest lands. How far you have to move to stay another two weeks is open to interpretation, but is probably isn't far.

Long Term RV Boondocking on BLM Land

With the growing popularity of boondocking, the BLM has begun to establish areas for longer stays, particularly in Arizona. The permit fee is around $140 now, but this allows you to stay up to six months, and you'll have pump stations, dumpsters and water available. That's cheaper than paying property taxes or rent for a lot to park on.

Boondocking Communities

Ask around when you are in the desert southwest, and you'll find there are whole RV communities that form every winter. There are temporary towns like "Slab City" in California, complete with bookstores, grocery vendors, and other businesses run by RVers. When summer returns, these boondock communities disappear, and reappear again the following winter.

Perhaps the largest gathering of RV boondockers is in Quartzite, Arizona. Up to several hundred thousand people spend at least part of the year boondocking here. Quartzite is near the California border, on Interstate 10, only 20 miles from the Colorado River. It's surrounded by BLM lands, and it's famous for gem shows and swap meets, and the multiplying of its population each winter.

Other RV Boondocking Opportunities

Look, and you'll find "hidden" places where you can park your RV for a week or a month in the desert southwest. Some are free, and others just inexpensive. For example, the Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area, north of Bowie, Arizona, costs $3 per night, but has nice hotsprings and plenty of wildlife. You can get an annual permit for $30, but you're limited to two weeks per month (permits are sold at the BLM office in Safford). Outside of the fenced area you can stay free, but then you don't get the hotsprings and shaded picnic tables.

There are many other areas like the Hot Well Dunes for cheap or free RV boondocking. The Bureau of Land Management can tell you what's available under their jurisdiction. The Woodall's campground guide lists campgrounds that are free. Also, just keep your eyes open for other RVs parked out in the desert or forest, and ask around.

Home Styles - How Well Do You Know House Architecture?

For building designers and architects, it comes as no surprise that many people would wrongly characterize home styles. Some if not most of you would give the "catch-all" term, traditional. If asked, what characteristics make up traditional architecture, the answers given may vary widely from others who have their own ideas of what is "Traditional". Webster's Dictionary defines the word as handed down by, or conforming to tradition. The fact is, traditional really isn't a style at all. Yet, there are many design professionals using this term for good reason to promote and market their goods and services. This is understandable given the fact that many in the general public are familiar with the term.

Because of our regional differences and diverse population, Residences in the U.S. are presented in many architectural styles and sizes. Most residential dwellings can be categorized in one or more design styles. Home styles can be quite distinguishable when aligned with known facts about design features. Those in the architectural field commonly call this "period styles" because of the distinguishable presentation and the parallel existence with history.

Of the many design styles spread across the United States, only a few are original to the country. Probably the most recognized one was made popular and developed by a group of Chicago Architects known as the Prairie School. Of this group of professionals who created Prairie architecture, Frank Lloyd Wright might be the most famous. Other native styles include American Craftsman, American Foursquare, Colonial, and more. In terms of other architecture styles, the list is too long to mention. With that being said, several widely liked styles include French architecture, Mediterranean, Tudor, Greek and Gothic Revival.

If you are currently looking for a home design with a certain style, look for a Residential Designer who is familiar with the specific home style you are looking for. They don't have to specialize in the specific one you want as long as their work and language verify some degree of understanding about the design style you are requesting. Based on the standards of your desired home style, a good Building Designer can replicate or create a design to meet your needs.

Move Forward With Intense Desire

In order to be successful and reach your goals, there are several characteristics you must possess. In a series of articles we are going to examine the things that are so essential to your growth that without these traits self-improvement would be practically nil. If you are lacking any of the traits discussed, they can be acquired. So then, to create or fine tune these attributes would be your first step to prosperity.

One of the foremost qualities you must possess to succeed is Intense Desire. Desire plays a dominant part in progress. Why is this trait so essential to your improvement and how can it benefit you in the attainment of your dreams? How can you acquire and intensify desire?

Do not confuse need with desire. Ofttimes, we mistakenly assume that need will drive us. To illustrate: Years ago my friend and I both operated a cleaning business. We did not agree on what would make a hard working, dependable employee. She hired applicants who were in desperate financial need, concluding that they would work hard and be dependable. I, on the other hand, hired the applicants that drove up in fancy cars, and were well dressed. I knew they would be dependable because they desired nice things. That desire would move them to work hard and appreciate their job. As a result, my friend had a constant turnover, while I barely had any turnover at all.

What do we learn from this example? In spite of how much you may need money, fame, freedom, or even an attitude adjustment, unless you develop an intense desire for the end result, you will never be moved to action that will endure and overcome the hurdles.

Desire is what motivates, it is the force that drives you. The greater the intensity of desire, the more you will be driven to action. Trying to reach goals without a consuming desire would be like driving your automobile without gasoline. You would not expect to get very far, would you? Desire is what stimulates to action, it is what propels you forward, and the result is the development of strength, skill and intelligence in proportion to that desire. To satisfy the desire obstacles are faced with undaunting courage and no battle is feared. It is only with intense desire that the finer characteristics are defined and you now develop, strength, courage, patience, endurance, and intelligence.

Obviously you desire some change that is why you are reading this article.You can intensify that desire. Imagine yourself with the end result that you are seeking, the fame, freedom, new relationship or business venture. Doesn't it feel great to accomplish it? Imagine the feelings of pride, excitement, the ultimate happiness the experience will bring you. Let your imagination create a longing for the completion of those dreams. In this way your desire will be more consuming.

As this intense desire propels you forward in the attainment of your goal, and becomes satisfied, new desires replace the old one and you gain a renewed exertion. Whether the desire is for wealth, fame, power, or greater freedom, once the desire is satisfied a greater desire takes it place. As you reach your goal you will find that the desire has grown far ahead of you. It awakens, stimulates, and propels you towards the fulfillment of your dreams and you do indeed move forward with Intense Desire.

Art Collecting Tips for Profit and Pleasure (A Six-Part Series): Part 2 - Six Golden Rules

PART 2 - SIX GOLDEN RULES OF ART COLLECTING

Successful art collectors observe several golden rules of art collecting:

1) BUY WHAT YOU LIKE

This should be obvious, but this golden rule is actually often given a low priority by novice art collectors, much to their regret later on. Remember, art is meant to be displayed and enjoyed. Don't buy anything which doesn't appeal to you.

Explore!

You can never go wrong with buying any kind of art, as long as it gives you pleasure and it is within your budget. Buy what appeals to you. Art is individualistic, so go ahead and explore. You don't have to follow well-trodden paths and buy familiar art. Let art be an expression of your personality.

Do Your Research And Planning

For serious collectors who are interested in building a collection with some value, it's good advice to do some homework before you put your money down. Collecting is really about focus, or building a meaningful grouping of pieces, rather than just randomly acquiring and displaying pieces. Careful planning and research is what sets smart collectors apart from others.

2) EDUCATE YOURSELF

The more you know about the subject, the better. This is especially important if you're considering parting with a hefty sum of money for a piece of 'art'. You don't need to be professionally trained to make smart decisions about art. Anyone can become a wise collector with patience and discipline.

Know Your Subject

Ask yourself why a particular piece of art is worth acquiring. Keep this mantra going in your head:

Who is the artist? How important is the artwork? What is the artwork's history and documentation? Is the asking price fair? We'll examine these questions in detail in Part 3 of this series, titled "THE ART OF ASSESSING TRUE VALUE".

3) DEVELOP A MASTER PLAN FOR COLLECTING

If you're planning to collect art seriously, you should think beyond picking up just anything that catches your fancy. There are millions of collectors out there and plenty of piecemeal collections. What makes a collection superior to others and, therefore, more valuable?

Purpose And Planning

The smartest collectors plan every acquisition. They never collect in a haphazard way. Once they've decided what they like, they start planning some sort of order or characteristic for their collection. Smart collecting is organized. It is well thought- out so that all the pieces in the collection relate well to each other. Everything in the collection should work together to strengthen the collection, and not be out of place.

This is purposeful and planned collecting. A good collection should illustrate a point, or address a question, such as "How has the use of colors in stone lithography progressed?" A good collection enhances understanding of a certain area of art, or even a certain period of an artist's life. It should have fine and, ideally, rare specimens of the subject. Brought together in a meaningful collection, each piece has more value.

Meaningful Organizing

You can organize your collection in various ways. Like an essay, it should have a beginning, a middle and an end. Using, as an example, the topic of colors in stone lithography, you can organize your collection under artists, regions, dates, styles, subject matter, and so forth. For instance:

Artists renowned for stone lithography, which would obviously include master stone lithographer Edna Hibel. This grand dame is profiled in my art, collectibles and gifts website on this page: [http://www.cherishcollectibles.com/site/1256072/page/525250] American stone lithography masters 20th century stone lithography Stone lithographs with people as the subject Renaissance-style stone lithography Be Your Own Curator

Have a 'script' in mind. Just like for museums, you should aim to present your collection in a logical, meaningful way, so that it educates and enhances appreciation. Because of your diligent 'curatorial' efforts, viewers should bring away a better understanding of the subject.

4) KNOW THE ART MARKET

Great collectors know the marketplace, and the marketplace knows them. Be informed and get plugged into the grapevine! Cultivate a good standing with art retailers and let them know that you wish to be informed when choice art pieces become available. You have to be tuned in to get the best finds!

Do your homework and get out there! I'll tell you how to have an edge in Part 4 of this series, titled "KNOW THE ART MARKET".

5) CARE FOR YOUR ART COLLECTION

I've seen valuable creations ruined because of careless handling and storage. Don't let this happen to your art pieces. Develop a system to protect your collection from hazards such as pollution, humidity, heat and light. More about this subject in Part 5 of this series, titled "ART CONSERVATION 101".

6) PLAN FOR POSTERITY

Your art collection is a valuable legacy. Don't allow it to be decimated when you are no longer around to take care of it. Make detailed plans for its future ownership. Details in Part 6 of this series, titled "LEAVING A LEGACY OF ART".

Have Fun Planning Your Collection!

Building a good collection takes time, but you will derive much satisfaction with each acquisition, knowing that the effort will be worth it. In fact, the process of developing a good collection is often as fun as it is rewarding, as you hunt down choice pieces through gallery visits, research, social events, leads, auctions and various avenues. A whole new world will open up to you!

How to Make Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Cabbage is one of the most popular Winter vegetables in Turkey. There are several dishes made from cabbage such as cabbage stew, cabbage borek (a kind of pastry), cabbage soup, cabbage pickles, and stuffed cabbage rolls. Among all these dishes, stuffed cabbage rolls are my favorite and the most common one.

Just like stuffed grapevine leaves, there are various kinds of cabbage rolls. Sometimes the shape of its rolling changes, but generally its filling has variety. In fact, rice is the constant ingredient of its filling but there may be some different additions to it. In some regions minced meat is added, in some regions tomatoes and some greens (we call it cabbage rolls/cabbage sarma with olive oil), are added and in some other regions chestnut is the addition. I love the one with olive oil as this main dish turns out to be a snack for me like stuffed grapevine leaves, so I'll give its recipe here. I made these stuffed cabbage rolls last Sunday, and we finished it today. I love it so much that I felt so upset while eating the last roll. So I strongly recommend you to make these rolls in large amounts.

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Ingredients

• 1 small size cabbage • 1 liter water • 1tbsp salt

For its filling:

• 2 glasses rice • 4 onions • 4 middle size tomatoes, diced • 1 green pepper, diced • 2 scallions, diced • 4 cloves garlic, sliced • Half bunch of parsley, minced • 2 lemons, juice • 1 tbsp pepper/tomato paste • 1 tsp dry mint • 1 tsp salt • 1 tsp thyme • 1 tsp black pepper • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil

(If you like, add 200g minced meat into it.)

Wash the cabbage, throw the outer leaves away and separate all its leaves.

Put enough water (about 1 liter) into a large pot, add 1 tsp salt and boil it. Put the cabbage leaves into this boiling water and boil them until they get tender (but not too much), when their color turns to yellow, (after about 3-4 minutes) take out them from water.

Now try to cut them in regular shapes. We don't use the thick streaks of these leaves, so cut them out. You can use these thick pieces in a vegetable stew the following day.

For its filling, combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix them well. Now get one piece and lay it on a flat surface. Put some filling mixture on it and roll it up. Then shape is not so important here, just try to roll it well and do not put a lot of filling in it, otherwise you'll lose some of them. Place these cabbage rolls in a pot leaving the center empty. Pour the watery part of the mixture on the rolls. When you finish all the leaves, but still have some filling mixture, do not throw it away. Put that mixture in a glass bowl and place it over the space in the middle of the rolls. Moreover, if you like you can chop the thick pieces into it and have a bowl of another dish of cabbage.

Put the pot on the lowest heat and cook it for half an hour. Then add ¼ cup of water into it and let it cook for an hour.

You can serve it warm or cold with some lemon slices and greens. And I think the best pair of these rolls is a bowl of homemade yogurt.

How to Win Expired Domains

Every day thousands of expired domain names come back onto the market. This is due to the owner not extending their registration. The reason for non registration of domains can be for a simple a reason that the owner forgot of no longer has any interest of funds to continue with the registration of their domain.

Once failure to re-register their domain it becomes an expired domain. If you are new to expired domains then this article on expired domains will tell you all you need to know.

Now there are several reasons you may want to register an expired domain. Two good reasons to do so are that all of the current domains you have searched for are already taken. Or that the expired domain names already have a good link popularity in the search engines which means that for a time you will get lots of free traffic.

The first step to finding an expired domain is to search for it. There are several sites available that offer expired domain searches. You can find many by searching on Google. Here are a couple of expired domain search engines I have found useful, you can try Deleted Domains or DomainsBot.

Once you have found some domains that are about to expire or have just expired then you will need to back order them to give yourself a chance of getting your hands on the expired domains that you have found. Backordering a domain can be done through many of the domain registration sites, however if you want to increase your chances of getting the domain name here is what you do.

The registry for com and net names gives each registrar a limited amount of bandwidth to attempt to register an expired domain name. Each registrar has a certain amount of affiliates; some have 1 affiliate whilst others have several. To increase your chance of successfully registering the domain you want you need to backorder with a service that has a greater number of affiliates.

To find out who has the most affiliates you can look at this whois search. This is a list of affiliates for each registrar, by choosing registrars with the most affiliates this increases your chance of winning your back order. For example Pool currently has the most affiliates so registering with them will give you a better chance of succeeding than someone who went with Godaddy.

This technique by no means guarantees you will get the domain you are after, but it will improve your chances over someone else who has registered with fewer registers. However you will increase your chances of winning by having the greater amount of back orders with different registrars. This is something many people do not realise when they back order expired domains.