Schooner Sinn

The main colors of Christmas are red and green. Did you ever wonder why this is? The association of red and green with Christmas is worldwide. One can speculate and come up with lots of ideas about when and why these colors were first associated with Christmas. Green comes from evergreens which have been used since ancient times to celebrate the winter solstice. In the early days of the Roman Catholic Church when the pagan rituals of the winter solstice were merged into the celebration of Christ's birth evergreens continued to be used. In winter solstice celebrations evergreens symbolized life that survived through the long, dark winters. The Christians thought of green as symbolizing the hope for...

If you're in the market for a great way to spend a day, check out your local birding festivals. Most states have several fairs and festivals going on during the year, and they are an excellent way to get outside, learn something new, make new friends and have fun. Birding festivals last from a simple one day event to a full month of outings, activities and lectures. The most common are over a weekend, and can range from small local events at a nearby park, to large-scale events that bring visitors from all over the globe, with events spread throughout an entire region. Depending on the specific event, you will have the opportunity to hear knowledgeable speakers, observe live birds up...

Maine is known for being able to provide its visitors with beautiful sites and exciting activities all throughout the year. This is because apart from the beautiful sites in the state that change with the seasons, the state also offers a myriad of activities that visitors can do all throughout the year as well. As a result, there are now many vacation choices for people who decide to take a vacation in Maine. This is true especially for family vacations, as families can choose from different options with regard to the type of vacation they would like to have. Maine has a diverse landscape and can offer everything from camping in the mountains to a more urban setting for your vacation. Given the...

Portland is the largest city in the State of Maine. The city of Portland has a population approaching 65,000 residents. The civic leaders of Portland have spent a great deal of in coordinating the growth and development of the city. As a consequence, Portland remains a remarkably attractive city on many levels. Portland is one of the most naturally beautiful cities in North America. Resident of Portland are keenly interested in the environment. As part of the overall development of the community, attention is paid to maintaining green spaces and parks to enhance the livability of the city. People in Portland are also dedicated to their own personal health and wellness. Residents of this vibrant city...

It's that time of the year where we reflect and look back at the top news stories of the year. But, what about those stories that didn't make the big headlines? The ones that were buried on page 97? This is due, in part, to the fact that many times the article is short on information and many of the questions that you would like to have asked go unanswered. In keeping with the journalistic integrity that I swore to when I took my Oath of Hypocrisy, I would like to present several of these articles from the past year and ask those tough, unanswered questions. The first article comes from Maryland where the Assistant Maryland State Veterinarian says that racing pigeons from New Jersey...

As a skiing hotspot many tourists make their way to Maine to hit the slopes in the winter and many of the locals will leave town as well to get away from the cold. However, if you do choose to make your way up to Maine for February there are several events that will warm you up after a day of skiing, snowboarding or ice fishing. If you are an avid ice fisher you may want to try your luck at the Ice Fishing Derby. The annual event is hosted by the Pushaw Lake Snowmobile Club every February. The fishing takes place in Bangor on Big Pushaw Lake in Hudson. There are prizes for total poundage of pike each day, heaviest bass, pickerel and white perch overall as well as a door prize. The Bangor...

Maine vacations offer diverse year-round activities such as festivals, hiking, biking, river rafting, skiing, snowmobiling, fall foliage tours, birding and whale watching among others. Maine lodging choices span a wide array of rustic camps, bed and breakfasts to luxury resorts. Easy access to all these accommodations and the various sightseeing trips and other Maine travel and living information is compiled on a routine basis by organizations and travel companies from around Maine. Among these the top bed and breakfast choices that the region has are also listed. Considering that Maine has about 8 official tourist regions and each of these regions has several towns and each town has scores of B&Bs...

Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs) as the name suggests offer accommodation and breakfast. Traditionally run out of private homes, nowadays the term encompasses any establishment that provides breakfast included in the price of the lodging. Is there any difference between a bed and breakfast and a country inn? B&Bs are generally owner-occupied dwellings with 1-15 guest rooms with common guest areas separate from the owner's quarters. Situated in legally zoned areas, B&Bs generally meet all the local tax, fire, building and health requirements. Homestays or Host Homes are private residences where paying guests are taken in sometimes. These lodgings have about 1-3 guest rooms and breakfast is usually served...

Maine is the largest producer of balsam fir Christmas wreaths in the United States. Millions of wreaths are shipped out every year. Maine’s forests cover over 85% of the state. A lot of this forest is available for harvesting of balsam fir tips which is a sustainable harvest. Only 12 to 20 inches of the ends of the branches are cut and they grow back year to year. A wreath is made by attaching bunches of the balsam fir tips to a metal ring. The bunches of tips are wired to the ring. The common sizes for the wreath rings are 8,10, 12, 14 and 16 inch. The outside diameter of the wreath is determined by the size of the ring. For example, at Acadia Wreath Company, our 24” Christmas wreath is...

It's no secret that communication is the key to success in the world of network marketing. As an on-air personality, I've found that communicating with thousands of listeners via a 100 thousand watt radio station is no different than talking to prospects on the phone. I've spent 13 years in the radio industry entertaining and informing listeners in different markets all over the US and around the globe. Before starting my own home-based business, I'd broadcast everywhere from Reno, Nevada to the United Arab Emirates; Bangor, Maine to the Cayman Islands. Early on, I found that entertaining the masses was far less stressful than doing a prospect interview for my home-based business. These tips...

For anyone who likes snow and winter weather, the state of Maine provides a perfect vacation spot, especially northern areas like Aroostook County with towns like Caribou, Limestone, and Presque Isle hidden beyond large cities and heavily populated areas. A visit in winter results in a different perspective than one during summer. Of the four seasons, winter most evokes extreme emotions. Some people hate winter, the whole season: the wind and the cold, the coats and the boots, the gray skies and the snow. Others come alive in winter: the brisk air and fresh breezes, the bright snow and warm fires, the skiing and the skating. Winter attacks some places with more anger than others. Some places have...

Nestled in the picturesque Kennebec-Moose River Valleys are the three famous towns of Hallowell, West Forks and Skowhegan. Skowhegan came into existence in 1773 and one can find echoes of American History jostling comfortably with modern businesses. The waterways of Skowhegan have and still play an important role in the commercial and industrial development of the town. A bronze tablet in the center of the town commemorates and marks the route taken by Colonel Benedict Arnold and his troops along the waterways through Skowhegan when they set out to take Quebec from the British back in 1775. The scenic Kennebec River Valley is a beautiful vacation destination with a lot of attractions and activities...

The state of Maine is famous for being home to some of the most beautiful sites, which offer tourists a glimpse of nature at its best. As a result, Maine has become one of the most popular camping destinations in the United States. However, going on camping trips to Maine does not necessarily mean that campers would have always pitch a tent and to set a campfire. This is because there is an alternative way by which people can enjoy what a camping trip offers, which include hiking and trekking trips, while enjoying some of the comforts of home, which campers can do by renting a cabin. The good news is that there are a large number of cabins in Maine that tourists can choose from, however, picking...

Getting married is truly one of the momentous moments in your life unless you are Liz Taylor! Honeymooning in Maine should be the icing on your momentous occasion. Honeymooning In the State of Maine Maine's slogan is "Vacationland", and once you have been there you'll see why. This beautiful New England state offers miles of picturesque shoreline, quaint fishing towns and gorgeous lighthouses. Beautiful in the summer when the beaches are warm and inviting, or in the fall when the trees change color, honeymooning in Maine can be a romantic and unique way to usher in your new life. Choosing Maine for your honeymoon can be a great alternative to the usual tropical honeymoon spots. If you prefer hiking...

Across the United States, there are some tourists destinations that are very popular during certain seasons of the year. Some examples of these include Hawaii, which is very popular during the summer, and Aspen, which is very popular during winter. However, there are places in the United States that are popular all year long, as these places offer visitors different and unique experiences all throughout the four seasons of the year. One of the best examples of such a place is the state of Maine, which offers its visitors four-season recreation and beautiful scenery that changes with the seasons. Moreover, the different ways by which tourists can travel through the state, which includes traveling...

Some might think that because of Maine's vast green forests and undeveloped terrain that there aren't places to shop. They would be wrong. So if while visiting Maine you are dreaming of malls and smoking credit cards instead of the rugged beauty of ocean crashed shorelines there is hope for you. Maine is overwhelmed with places to spend your money from traditional malls to flea markets to shopping towns. The traditional malls can be found in South Portland and Bangor. The mall in South Portland is actually called the Maine Mall. With 140 stores, 18 restaurants and anchor stores such as Sears, Macy's and J.C. Penneys you can have hours of shopping enjoyment. Because of its size, everyone in...

Truck driving jobs allow those professionals tough enough to handle the hardships of the lifestyle, a means of exploring this great country of ours. From Bangor, Maine to San Diego, California or Tacoma, Washington to Key West, Florida . . . there are a lot of miles to cover for the professional over the road truck driver. Through it all . . . between those endless miles . . . the truck driver sees it all. You will find many ads for truck driving jobs describing the excitement and freedom of the open road. They lure in the unexpected by imploring you to "get away from it all" and enjoy the feel of freedom that only a truck driver can know. The truth is . . . truck driving, specifically over the...

Balsam fir is used to make Christmas wreaths and Christmas centerpieces in Maine because it is plentiful and makes beautifully fragrant wreaths. The tips of the branches are used which is the end portion. The tips are cut in lengths from 12 to 20 inches. One tip is normally broken into two or three pieces, bunched together and then wired onto the wreath ring. Gathering the balsam tips is called tipping. Tipping can’t start until late fall after the needles are set which is normally after the first few frosts. After the needles are set the balsam fir tree will stop growing, staying dormant, until spring. The pores in the needles are sealed by a waxy coating that covers the needle’s...

Any trucker will tell you that a truck stop that treats truckers like kings and queens is a good place to stop. In recent years, many of the old time trucking hang outs have closed their doors, leaving mainly the big boys of truck stops- Travel Centers of America (TA), Petro Truck Stops, Loves Travel Centers, Pilot Truck stops and the like. The old timers recall truck stops from the 76 chain, Ted's of Ashfork and Quartzite, Arizona, and others- including more recently the Bosselman Truck Stops and the Rip Griffins. The new timers won't even know what you're talking about. Gone are the days of high service diners with personal service. Here are the days of the standardized trucker themed menu with...

Try to buy a home in a price range that allows you to put down 20%. Assisted living ranges anywhere from $50 - $90 per day. For example, lets take a look at your car insurance policy and your homeowners insurance policy. Affordable health insurance in Tennessee can be obtained through Cover Tennessee, a volunteer health insurance in Tennessee which is not only affordable to the state, but is also affordable to participants of Cover Tennessee. Alabama 20/40/10 Alaska 50/100/25 Arizona 15/30/10 Arkansas 25/50/25 California 15/30/5 Colorado 25/50/15 Connecticut 20/40/10 Delaware 15/30/5 D.C. Matt McWilliams is one of the co-founders of HometownQuotes.Com, an online insurance quotes web site. But the...

Bayliner Discovery's new Maine Island Trail adventure ( is like coming home for those who love misty New England mornings and the scent of saltwater spray. Join National Geographic Adventure Magazine Contributing Editor and renowned kayaker, Jon Bowermaster, as he and his buddy, Bruce Alter, take the helm of a Bayliner Discovery 288 Cruiser. Get ready to experience the people, the food and the captivating beauty of coastal Maine. During their voyage, Bowermaster and Alter travel from Portland to Bar Harbor, cruising by Jewell Island and Eagle Island, the former residence of Arctic explorer Admiral Robert Peary. They witness lobstermen bringing in fresh catch to the docks in Cundy's Harbor...

Christmas in July is becoming more popular every year. It is used most often by retailers as a marketing tool. Many stores have Christmas in July sales. Seasonal businesses like campgrounds will have Christmas in July celebrations as a fun festivity. Campers decorate their campers and a contest is held for the best decorated campsite. Traditional natural decorations are limited for use in the hot summer months but many alternatives are available. Artificial or twig christmas wreaths are used to decorate rather than fresh balsam christmas wreaths which Maine is famous for. However, the fragrance of freshly mowed lawns, lilacs, wildflowers and outdoor barbeques don't replace the unique aroma...

One of the best times to go to Maine is during the winter season. This is because during this season, tourists are treated to some of the most exciting vacation experiences especially for those who enjoy the outdoor experience. Among the various ways that tourists can enjoy the winter in Maine, there are some notable activities that all visitors should try to do while they are in Maine. This is because doing so can allow them to experience the excitement that the winter season in Maine offers, which they would not be able to experience in other winter destinations. Below are some of these activities that visitors to Maine during the winter season should not miss. Some activities during the winter...

Maine, one of the New England States, has a huge number of lakes and streams and has a summer temperature averaging from 70F to winter temperature of 20F. The coastline comprises of 5,500 miles that is almost 320 miles long and 210 miles wide. It has an area of 33, 215 square miles and is as big as the combination of other five New England states. It has quite a number of cities, towns, and plantations, including unorganized towns and Indian reservations. Maine is particularly famous for its natural assets, and scenic beauty combined with the wildlife that it boasts. It is also known as the state of Pine Trees, for the white pine trees found almost everywhere in the place. One of the world's largest...

Many people seeking a Fayetteville NC hotel are looking for a hotel that offers an extended stay option. Those who have family and friends living in Fort Bragg or many spouses of military personnel as well as business people and those relocating to Fayetteville, NC find the convenience of an extended stay hotel to be the perfect accommodation. Extended stay hotels generally offer a monthly or weekly rate for rooms. Most extended stay hotels also offer a daily rate, but this is generally higher than the monthly or weekly rates. The rule of thumb with extended stay hotels is that the longer you stay, the cheaper it is. Many extended stay hotels offer housekeeping services, but not usually on a...

As a New England state, Maine offers a rugged coastline with lots of beauty. This and the internal waterways make grabbing a kayak and exploring the waterways a surreal experience. Enjoying the beautiful Atlantic Ocean is a favorite vacation for many families. The coast off of New England is a perfect spot to see the breathtaking northern views of the East Coast, and people flock there from all over the world to enjoy the climate and scenery. Maine is the place that a lot of tourists choose for their coastal vacation, and Maine kayaking can be a great way to combine outdoor adventure with your trip. Kayaking is a great water adventure for anyone who wants to spend some time in a boat at sea. Kayaks...

One of the amazing things about taking kids to Maine is the change that you will notice with your children. My oldest daughter, Olivia, was as excited about going to Maine as a trip to the dentist office after Halloween. Early on in the whine-fest I asked her not to complain until we actually arrived. Our flight into Bangor was uneventful until we stepped off the plane. Immediately you could smell something was different, the stale air of the plane was replaced with something called "fresh air". If you've never gone to the Bangor Airport it is like stepping back in time 20 years. All the retro looking stuff is original stuff, it's truly incredible. We rented a car, loaded it up and set off to...

Paris café is not just a place where one comes to drink a cup of coffee. In fact, one doesn't actually come there - the word "come" presupposes a short-time action. People drop in at a café to go on living… The story began at times when Paris was not such a well-appointed city. In 1920th people came to a café to warm themselves attracted by warm stoves. They sat there infinitely with a single cup of coffee and a book, sketchbook and a pencil or in a company of a good friend or a beloved. Little by little formed small companies of habitués, many of whom went down in history. Some due to their indisputable talents and some due to the fact of their acquaintance with a genius. French...

Maine is a paradise for tourists, all year long. Each season unfolds its unique beauty and splendor, making any time, the best time to visit Maine. All the four seasons are distinct and are resplendent in a riot of colors, which hold the tourists captive. The breathtaking beauty of the idyllic land of Maine is an ideal spot for a romantic getaway and visitors come here in droves to explore the land. Summertime is probably the best time to visit Maine and take full advantage of its famous coastline. The coastline has 100 harbors, ports and beaches. There are also mountains and forests, inland. The colorful wild flowers of spring and the bright sunlit hillsides display summer grandeur. It is the ideal...

When it comes to travel, most people opt for the vacation standards: a cruise, a Disney vacation, or booking a hotel in New York or another major city. Yet there are many American vacation destinations that are often overlooked - cities that offer wonderful sights and sounds, and even better value. When you book travel to one of these destinations, you're sure to be delighted and surprised - and all the more appreciative of what our great country has to offer. Think about it. When was the last time you visited Cleveland? Unless you're from the Midwest, chances are you've never been there. That's means that you've never experienced the gorgeous architecture of I.M. Pei's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame...

New England is one of the most beautiful regions of the country. I have been there many times, mainly with my family. My parents used to rent a house up at Cape Cod every summer, where my sister and I would stay with them. I have also been to Boston many times. Some other fun places to visit in New England are the islands of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard as well as Acadia National Park in Maine. Cape Cod is beautiful, especially in the fall when all the trees change color. I have never been there in the fall but I've been there many times in the summer with my family, when it's also quite pleasant. The cape runs about 30 miles north along the Atlantic coast and has some nice beaches. Provincetown...

Where today the famous lyrical festival well as many other concerts are carry out. In addition, the city was chosen by William Shakesperare for his famous work Romeo and Juliet that is today the memory in the Juliet's house. Verona every year received a large numbers of tourists who come to visit the many artistic treasures as well as to participate in various events. The city that ries at the foot of St. Peter's hill, along the banks of the Adige river, has always been a strategic point of trade for the terrestrial and water transport, today recognized by UNESCO World Heritage Site, contains many historic monuments and places to visit. In addition to Piazza Bra, where is the famous Arena...

In 1891, Gennaro Sferra emigrated to the United States and toured the resorts from Maine to Palm Beach selling exquisite Venetian lace cuffs and collars to the wealthy families of the day. Gennaro saw a tremendous demand for the delicate hand embroideries and opened a factory in Venice, Italy in 1905-Factory 5007 San Severo. Traveling twice yearly by steamer, Gennaro created and developed a collection of the most unique linens, hand made laces and embroideries. Throughout the 1940's and 1950's, Sferra's two sons, Enrico and Albert, expanded the collection to include the most luxurious linens Europe had to offer; Ireland's finest linen double damask, France's intricate Alencon Laces, Swiss...