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Office Buy is your online shopping bazaar, which fulfills all your stationery needs. Customer satisfaction and loyalty has awarded Office Buy a leadership position in providing quality stationery services to the people and business in New Zealand. Office Buy provides them with the finest service in stationery and office supplies. Office Buy has always been focused on quality stationery and printing for its customers. Office Buy has married the craft of fine printing and the art of customer service with the latest technologies. We have built our business on creating customer relationships that last. Our success is the result of providing quality products, excellent customer service, and custom programs that are developed to fill a need with our key customers. Our core business values is to serve the customer, strive for better quality and excellence in our job, win hearts of each and every customer of ours and contribute significantly to our community.

Sometimes you wonder from where you can buy your office stationary, office chairs and office tables, white boards and whole lot of things which are used in office for everyday work. Well then you have now a solution called www.officebuy.co.nz. In this site we have general stationary items such as rulers, rubber and removers, pencils, sharper, staplers and staplers pins, post it, desktops tapes, pre made stamps (such as fax, copy), office waste bins, pen holders, letter trays and magazine files and diaries on which you can write you schedule for each day and it helps you to organize your work in a better way.

To have a smooth writing experience you can also find a whole range of pens such as roller ball pens, fountain pens, OHP pens, markers and pencils. You can also find a fantastic range of pens from better and known brands such as Parker, Cross and Pilot.
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For your packaging needs, we have a full range of envelopes, bags and tapes. You can have all different kind of bags for your personal use such as shopping bags, paper bags and plastic bags. You can also find NZ post envelopes for sending personal and office letters. For sending letters you need postage stamps and you can also find them on Officebuy website. You can find all kinds of tapes such as cello tapes which are there in all shapes and sizes.

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Head Chef Talks About Working in Hell’s Kitchen

Hell’s Kitchen has become a viewer favorite as it features amateur chefs going through a culinary boot camp under the British master chef Gordon Ramsay, who proves to be really entertaining. On the reality show, there’s a lot of flaring going on, however, chef de cuisine Josh Emmett of the Gordon Ramsay at The London, says that there’s more to just all the action we all see on TV.

Emmet, who hails from New Zealand and has been working for Gordon Ramsay for seven years now, lets us in on how it is to work for the notorious chef. He says that his task as the head of chef of Gordon Ramsay at The London, which is Ramsay’s first U.S. venture, is to head the daily operations in a very meticulous way.

Viewers do want to know if the Ramsay on TV is the same Ramsay in his restaurants, and Emmet had only one thing to say.

‘It’s daunting for any young cook to look inside our kitchen and try to imagine what it’s like,’ he revealed. ‘We don’t run an aggressive kitchen. We run our kitchens in a very firm, but very fair, way. That’s just the nature of the kitchen. If it was all rosy, it wouldn’t seem right.’

He continued, ‘In the beginning, we worked in a small restaurant, and the guys were packed into one kitchen. It was a fantastic kitchen to work in. There was so much real energy in there, and a lot of those guys have stuck with the company, and are now head chefs.’

Gordon Ramsay at The London is Ramsay’s way of showing Americans that ‘food is the real star of his show’ and not just the atmosphere in Hell’s Kitchen. Upon becoming the head chef of Ramsay’s restaurant, Emmet reorganized the kitchen and overhauled the menu.

‘What’s on the plate is a lot more simplistic now,’ he explained. ‘It’s not crowded with flavors. We don’t try to create overly complicated menus for the guests to read either. You don’t want them coming in and opening the menu, and then saying that they need an interpreter to understand all the dishes.’

Asia Family Holiday Guide

If you are planning to holiday in Asia with your young family, here are some tips and recommendations to make your Asian holiday that much more enjoyable.

Be it relaxing in heavenly Bali villas, or hiking in Kuta Kinabalu, or enjoying Disney World in Tokyo, Asia offers a huge variety of holiday destinations for those with younger children.

However, as rewarding as it is, traveling with the younger ones in Asia is not always an easy sail.

Here are some insights gained traveling across Asia with children in tow, over the past 10 years.

Getting There and Back

It is more than likely that you will be taking a commercial flight to Asia.

Here is the first word of caution. As far as traveling with the young ones is concerned, not all airlines are created equal. No, I don’t mean the level of service you can expect, as this seems to be of quite a high level whichever Asian based major airline you choose. In our experience, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Air New Zealand, and Emirates all offer great service when you are traveling with kids.

However, the big difference comes in how much different carriers choose to charge for the younger ones. Some carriers, for example, charge 10 percent of an adult fare, for infants, traveling on your lap, without a seat. At first, this may sound like a fair deal. However, if you consider the fact that this 10 percent is calculated as a percentage of a -Full Published Adult Fare- price, you may find that you are paying as much for your infant’s air fare, as you are for your own discounted fare! The good news is, not all airlines use this pricing policy, and if you shop around, you can save yourself hundreds of dollars even before you leave home!

Also, do keep in mind, that many airlines will offer special -Child Meals-. Some, such as Singapore Airlines, do also offer different menus for different age groups.

Similarly, for toddlers and older kids, it is worth checking what is on offer in terms of flight entertainment. Some airlines will have dedicated children’s cartoon channels, with a large selection of entertainment options, whilst others may not. If you are traveling long-haul, this alone could make a huge difference to how well your Asian holiday kicks off.

Transportation on the Ground

The quality and safety of ground transportation varies immensely from one Asian Country to the other. However, as a general rule of thumb, do not expect taxis to provide child safety seats, and in many parts of Asia, even rental cars may not have the child safety seat option.

The good news is, across most of Asia, metered taxis are plentiful, and relatively well maintained, with working seat belts. When you are in Singapore, you can expect (or even demand); fully functioning seat belts both at the front and back passenger seats. In other parts of the region, you may find that seat belts have been removed, on purpose, because ‘they get in the way’.

So, if you are adamant that you would like child safety seats whilst holidaying in Asia, you may consider bringing your own, or picking one up, when you land at your destination.

Probably with the exception of Japan, Korea and Taiwan, facilities on local train services are of a variable quality, and unless you are going for gold, and staying on the Palace on Wheels in India, or a special First Class trip between Beijing and Shanghai, you may want to plan well, and take all your essentials on board with you.

Food Matters

Whilst most westerners find Asian food (especially South Asian, or South East Asian food), quite spicy, this is not necessarily an issue when traveling with the younger ones. Most hotels and restaurants will prepare food for the little ones separately, without the spices. Also, if in doubt, plain noodles, or plain rice with some vegetables on the side is always readily available as a good stop gap ration. Depending on how off the beaten track you decide to travel, you are more than likely to find, old favourites such as fish-fingers, chicken nuggets, and hamburgers in most parts of Asia.

One word of caution on the food front is the liberal use of MSG (Mono Sodium Glutamate) in Asian cooking. This food additive is also used in the west (mostly packaged crisps/chips), and in principle is no more harmful than many of the E numbers we may consume daily. However, in many Asian countries MSG is used very liberally, especially in soups and food with sauces. In China, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia, to name a few countries, you can expect that your soups and sauces will contain MSG by default. Many parents who live and travel in Asia complain that excessive MSG causes dehydration, lethargy, and mood swings with some younger children (and many adults are also found to be sensitive to excessive MSG). If concerned, request for your food to be prepared without any MSG, or choose MSG-free restaurants, increasingly available across the region.

Bare Necessities

In general, availability and the condition of public toilets in Asia leave much to be desired. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule. Singapore and Japan for example, typically provide some of the cleanest public conveniences to be found anywhere in the world. Also, in each country, there are certain locations, such as hotels and airports where hygiene standards are going to be at international levels. However, it is good practice to always carry your own tissues, and wet wipes with you when traveling in Asia. Also, to address this problem, in many Asian cities, you can also find special antiseptic wet-wipes, which are very handy when dealing with some of the lesser public conveniences.

It is also worth noting that, restaurants/coffee-shops do not always provide their own toilets for guest use, and more than likely share facilities with other establishments. This is true for even larger malls, and good quality restaurants in hygiene conscious Singapore. So, the old trick of, grabbing an unwanted cup of coffee or a drink at a restaurant, just to be able to use the facilities is not always a solution in Asia.

Similarly, availability of baby changing rooms varies immensely across the region. In Singapore, and Hong Kong for example, changing facilities are readily available in most shopping malls, one almost on each floor. However, when you are off the beaten track, even some good quality hotels may not provide child changing facilities.

Breast Feeding in Public

As a general rule of thumb, if you decided to breast feed in public, regardless of how discrete you are being, expect to be stared at. The good news is, across most of the region, this is no more sinister than surprise and interest on the part of the locals. If in doubt, you may want to retreat to a quiet corner, back of a restaurant, or baby changing facilities.

My Child is a Model!

If your children are under four or five years old, and/or blonde or with naturally curly hair, expect to be approached in parts of Asia by total strangers wanting to take photos of your child!

Again, there is nothing sinister about this request. They just want to capture the -cute factor- and share this amazing image with their friends and families.

You will typically be approached by Japanese, Korean, and Chinese ladies, who will want to pose with your child, and take each other’s photos. However, there seems to be no age or gender limit to this interest, over the years, our little ones have been photographed by business people in suits, restaurant chefs, and the odd octogenarian in small villages.

Asia’s Love for Children

One thing is for sure. Wherever you go to in Asia with your young family, you will find the locals ever helpful and highly interactive with your little ones. Asian’s love children, they love their own children, and also the children of foreign tourists.

My advice is, make the most of this, and allow your children to interact with the local population, be it your villa team at your rental Bali villa, or a chef in a Chinese restaurant, or the old lady selling flower garlands outside a temple in Thailand!

Most important of all, don’t feel like you have to wait till the kids are older before you can visit Asia. Have a go; both you and the children will love this colourful part of the world.

Enjoy your Asian holiday.

Many happy returns…

Cheap Australian Flights: Flying to Australia on a Budget

Cheap Australian Flights: Flying to Australia on a Budget

Everyone has this inherent desire to travel to any country. Australia, with its no. 3 ranking in the World Health Organization’s most health-responsible countries, is a prime destination for immigrants and visitors alike. Australia is also home to several remarkable spots such as the Story Bridge in Brisbane, and the Sydney Opera House in the capital.

 

However, not all people make the trip to Australia. This is because everyone, no matter what class they belong to, is constrained by one common thing: the budget. Everyone wants to travel on a budget, to minimize their expenses while maximizing on their experiences. The budget and accommodations, unfortunately, take up most of a traveler’s budget that they don’t get much out of their vacations like sampling local restaurants or going to the local tourist spots.

 

Hence, there is the need to travel on a budget, including airline tickets. Fortunately, it is possible to find cheap two-way airline tickets for the budget conscious tourist.

 

Research Carefully

 

The best—though not the quickest and easiest—way to find cheap airline tickets is to make careful research. This means that you have to comb through as much offerings as possible in order to come up with the best flight for you and your family for your vacation to Australia.

 

The Internet is a wonderful thing. In the old days, you would have to make visits physically to each and every travel agency in your area in order to find good bookings for a fair price. Nowadays, however, you can just sit in front of your computer, visit your favorite search engine, and find travel agencies with just a click of a mouse. You can also access information faster with the Internet.

 

The same rule applies. Visit as many websites as you could, compile their information on bookings and accommodations, and make comparisons so you can come up with the offering that has the best service while having the lowest price. The “best” at this point is defined by a balance of quality service and reasonable price.

 

Cheap International Flights to Australia

 

There are a number of airlines around the world that offers cheap airline tickets to Australia. Some of these airlines include the JetStar and Virgin Blue airlines.

 

JetStar. JetStar is an international airline operating from countries like Singapore, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Japan, among others. It also has domestic flights within Australia itself. It is one of the newest airline to ply the air routes to Australia, having started flying within Asia only on 2004. It is wholly owned by Qantas but it is operating independently from the parent airline.

 

Virgin Blue. Virgin Blue is another “young” online, having started flying only in the start of the new millennium. It claims to be the first airline with the cheapest rates in Australian domestic flights. Its international operations started when it launched Pacific Blue, its New Zealand-based international airline. The airline is owned by the Virgin Group.

 

It has two-way flights from New Zealand, Fiji, Vanuatu, Cook Islands and Samoa into Australia.

 

Endemic Moist Eczematous Syndrome in Cattle a Laboratory Outbreak Investigation in Jhapa District of Nepal

Endemic Moist Eczematous Syndrome in cattle a Laboratory outbreak investigation In Jhapa District of Nepal

Dr.Kedar Karki

M.V.St.

Preventive Veterinary Medicine

Vet. Officer

Central Veterinary Laboratory

Abstract;

An endemic hyperemic moist eczematous syndrome was reported in Cattle and Buffaloes in Jhapa district of Nepal during month of September after prolong spell of drought followed by heavy rainfall causing water logging total 56 cattle and buffalo were affected and out of which 12 animal died. Rest of ill animals were treated with 5%of Antidegnala liquor and Penta-sulphate. Straw and Skin samples revealed Penicillium sp.Fungus.

Key word: Endemic hyperemic moist eczematous syndrome, Cattle and Buffaloes, Jhapa district, Nepal, Antidegnala liquor and Penta-sulphate, Penicillium sp.Fungus, postmonsoon.

Review of Literatures:

Facial eczema is a disease of sheep and cattle which occurs in warmer districts of the North Island during late summer and autumn and is responsible for serious production losses in some years. It is caused by a fungus, Pithomyces chartarum, which proliferates on dead plant material in pasture under warm, humid conditions. The minute spores of this fungus contain a substance, sporidesmin, which produces severe toxic effects in the liver. The appearance of livers of affected animals varies, according to the severity of the damage, from slight mottling with light patches to gross discoloration, distortion, and atrophy of large areas. Frequently the severely damaged portions are surrounded with new liver tissue. As a result of this damage the functions of the liver are impaired. Blockage of bile ducts may prevent the excretion of waste substances in the bile; for example, accumulation in the fat and skin of bile pigments, derived from the normal breakdown of old red corpuscles, produces the jaundice or yellow staining commonly seen in the carcasses of affected sheep. Of particular importance is the loss of ability to excrete the substance phylloerythrin. This is formed in the digestive tract of ruminants through the degradation of chlorophyll and is absorbed from the intestine and carried to the liver, where it is normally excreted in the bile. If this excretory mechanism is upset, phylloerythrin passes into the bloodstream which supplies the whole of the body. Phylloerythrin belongs to a class of flourescent pigments which are capable of making the skin sensitive to sunlight, causing reddening, intense itching, swelling, and scab formation. It is these effects, generally showing on the face of affected animals but also on other unpigmented skin exposed to light, such as the teats and udders of cows, which give rise to the popular name “facial eczema”. These skin effects are, however, secondary to the much more serious impairment of liver function.The fungus, Pithomyces chartarum, grows only on dead or dying plant tissues, not on the living leaf. Hence the amount of the fungus in a pasture is related to some extent to the amount of this dead material, or litter, present. Growth of the fungus, and its production of spores, is strongly influenced by climate and environmental factors. Temperature, humidity, and the time during which the litter remains wet appear to be particularly important. This explains the typical, although not invariable, association of the disease with a period of warm, wet weather, often following a dry spell during which grass growth has ceased and litter has accumulated in the herbage.The toxic substance, sporidesmin, has been isolated from cultures of the fungus and its chemical structure determined. A single dose of one-thousandth of an ounce is sufficient to kill a lamb of about 60 lb live weight. Sporidesmin itself does not appear to accumulate in the liver, but its effects are cumulative, so that repeated small doses are as effective as a single large dose. Even with a single dose, the full sequence of changes takes some time to develop. Hence photosensitisation usually does not occur until 10 to 14 days after the animal received the toxin, and it may be even further delayed. Both the chemical nature of sporidesmin and its effects on tissues present unusual features which have not yet been fully studied.Facial eczema (FE) is a type of sunburn (sometimes called photosensitisation) affecting exposed areas of pale skin of cattle. It is caused by a poisonous substance called “sporidesmin” that causes liver damage. Sporidesmin is produced on pasture plants, including rye grass, by a fungus called Pithomyces chartartum. This fungus is widely distributed and occurs naturally within dead plant material at the base of standing pasture.

FE has been recorded in sheep and cattle on mainland south eastern Australia.

Signs of disease

The disease may be seen in stock between several days and several weeks following pick-up of sporidesmin from the pasture. The toxin is absorbed from the intestine and reaches the liver, where it causes severe damage to bile ducts and liver cells. All the outward signs of FE result from the liver damage caused by sporidesmin.

The signs of FE range from mild photosensitisation (sunburn) to severe jaundice and death, depending on the amount of sporidesmin consumed. Sunburn is the most consistent sign, and usually affects the exposed areas of the skin of the face, ears, teats, and vulva, and areas of skin lacking dark pigmentation, ie. areas covered by white hair. The skin over these areas becomes reddened, and then goes crusty and dark. It eventually peels off leaving large raw areas, which are susceptible to infections. The sunburn is often accompanied by watery swelling of the underlying tissues. Jaundice (yellowing of mucous membranes) is often seen at this stage.

Affected animals lose weight rapidly. Most animals recover from the acute phase, but tend to be unthrifty, often taking many months to regain condition. Some never recover, and either die or are culled. In dairy cattle, the udder and teats are often severely affected, and milk production drops sharply. Loss of weight and general illness are often severe, and death, although uncommon, can occur up to months after the initial liver damage occurs.

• initial dullness, lethargy and anorexia

• variable onset of jaundice and photosensitisation .

• some animals may die without either being observed

• photosensitisation:

o sheep – non wool skin including muzzle, ears, face, escutcheon

o cattle – non black pigmented areas including teats

o deer – generalised

• some animals develop chronic ill-thrift

• some progress to a hepatic encephalopathy

• dullness, depression

• tremor, recumbency

Epidemiology

Animal factors

• sheep, cattle, deer susceptible

• horses resistant

• evidence for genetic resistance in sheep

Plant/environmental factors

• fungus grows on the dead leaf litter of pasture

• most frequent pasture is perennial rye grass, but can occur on other species

• requires warmth and humidity to promote rapid fungal growth and sporulation

• typical weather conditions involve autumn break rains after dry summer, several days of consistent warmth (TºC>15.5ºC) and high humidity (>80%)

• fungus concentrates toxin in spores which may be distributed throughout whole pasture sward

• most toxic part of pasture is base of sward

Occurrence

Outbreaks of FE typically occur when weather conditions suitable for rapid fungus growth and spore production are combined with abundant dead, recently killed plant material, which favours fungal growth. The fungus requires warm, humid weather and light rain (or irrigation) for growth. This is most likely to be a problem in autumn when the summer has been hot and dry, the pasture well eaten back, and rains fall when the ground is still warm. In such conditions both pasture and grass grow rapidly.

The fungus producing sporidesmin is normally not visible to the naked eye. It multiplies by producing millions of spores which are coated with the toxin sporidesmin. Freshly produced spores are the most toxic; if fungal growth stops after a change in the weather, the residual spores on the pasture lose their toxicity within one or two weeks.

The fungus will grow on most pasture plants, but it grows best on perennial ryegrass. It grows in the dead pasture litter at the base of the plants. When the fungus reaches toxic levels, animals grazing short pasture at high stocking rates are at greatest risk.

Pathogenesis

• sporidesmin toxin concentrated in spores that are ingested by animal

• sporidesmin absorbed, removed by liver and concentrated into biliary system

• toxin participates in reduction/autoxidation processes to form superoxide radicals

• these radicals destroy membrane integrity and induce a necrotising obliterative cholangitis – obstructive jaundice develops

• accumulation of phylloerythrin results in photosensitisation

Clinical Pathology:

Hematological findings of samples from clinical case pretreatment:

Species of animal RBC WBC PCV% HB

OX 4*10 millionmmc 7.2*10 mm3 23 7.6

C.calf 4.6*10 millionmmc 8.2*10 mm3 28 9.3

C.calf 4*10 millionmmc 7.8*10 mm3 24 8

C.calf 4.5*10 millionmmc 8.2*10 mm3 27 9

Normal 5*10millionmmc 4-12*10mm3 28-42 8.5-13.5

Hematological findings of samples from clinical case post treatment:

Species of animal RBC WBC PCV% HB

Ox 7.2*10 millionmmc 4.6*10mm3 28 9.3

Ox 8.5*10 millionmmc 5*10mm3 30 10

Calf 9*10 millionmmc 5.5*10mm3 33 11

Calf 8.6*10 millionmmc 5*10mm3 30 10

Ox 7.9*10 millionmmc 4.8*10mm3 29 9.6

B.bull 9.5*10 millionmmc 6*10mm3 36 12

Mycobiota of Straw and fodder forage:

Revealed the growth of fungus Penicilliun spp in mycological medium on laboratory culture

Treatment

Use of 5% of Anti-Degnala liquor 5-19ml s/c or i/m alternate day 4 times a week has been found to be successful. Alternately orall use of Penta-sulphate is seems to be useful.

Importantly, affected animals should be sheltered from direct sunlight if possible. In dairy herds, affected cows should be dried off and shifted to low-risk pasture to ensure recovery and satisfactory future production.

Prevention and control

Although the basis of prevention of FE is stock management, one of the difficulties in preventing FE is predicting the occurrence of the disease.

Identify potential problem pastures and deal with them before high risk periods.

During high risk periods or during an outbreak, the following actions may help to minimize the intake of toxic pasture:

• Shift stock to the longest pasture possible, and try to avoid very close grazing.

• Avoid paddocks cut for hay or late-topped. These are likely to be more toxic because of greater quantities of pasture litter. If topping must be carried out, ensure topped material is removed.

• In general, paddocks sheltered by windbreaks or hills are more dangerous and should be avoided.

• It is believed that warmer northern slopes may carry higher spore numbers and should be avoided in favour of cooler southern slopes during outbreaks.

• Feed hay or other supplements to preserve ground feed and minimise close grazing of pasture. Don’t push stock to eat into the base of the sward where spore concentration is highest.

• Summer-growing crops are generally safer than pastures, and stock should be given as much access to these as possible where they are available.

• On irrigated farms, if pasture is short and grazing pressure is heavy, farm irrigation may be valuable if used immediately.

• Alternate grazing between native and improved pastures if feasible.

Conclusion:

High doses of zinc can be used to reduce liver damage and production losses, however this must be administered at the time of, or before, animals ingest sporidesmin. Daily drenching, in-feed and drinking water have been used to administer zinc. Slow-release intra-rumen zinc boluses are also used overseas, but are currently not available in Australia. There are potential side effects with prolonged zinc dosing and these should be discussed with your veterinarian.

Monitoring of pastures by undertaking spore counts is used in some countries to provide an early warning system.

References:

• Facial Eczema :Signs of diseaseOccurrencePrevention and controlTreatmenthttp://www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/WebPages/JBRN-6X95LG?open – was last published on 16 June 2007 by the Department of Primary Industries and Water.

• Facial eczema (FE)by Dr Marjorie Orr – veterinarian, veterinary pathologist and lifestyle farmer

• FACIAL ECZEMA:Methods of Prevention: by Norman Trevor Clare, M.SC., Chief Bio–chemist, Ruakura Animal Research Station, Hamilton. New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Vol. 105 (1962), “Further Progress in Facial Eczema Research” Smith, J. D., Clare, N. T., Lees, F. T.

• FACIAL ECZEMA:Sheep and Cattle Disease: by Norman Trevor Clare, M.SC., Chief Bio–chemist, Ruakura Animal Research Station, Hamilton. New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Vol. 105 (1962), “Further Progress in Facial Eczema Research” Smith, J. D., Clare, N. T., Lees, F. T.

• Facial eczema of sheep and cattle:Robin van der graaff,Attwood May,1998 AGO0822,Information note,Department of primary industries, © The State of Victoria, 1996 – 2007.This document was published on 31/05/2006 12:48:13.

• Facial Eczema Production Animal Clinical Toxicology http://vein.library.usyd.edu.au/links/pact/facialeczema.html 2008 feb 24.

Samoa, Heart of Polynesia, by David Stanley

The islands of Samoa are emerging as an exciting new South Pacific travel destination between Hawaii and New Zealand. This “Heart of Polynesia” is politically split into two distinct entities 80 miles apart. The country Samoa is a former German colony, captured by New Zealand in 1914 and granted independence in 1962. In 1997 the name was changed from Western Samoa to Samoa.

American Samoa is the only U.S. territory south of the equator. Annexed by the United States for use as a naval base in 1900, the territory no longer has any military significance. Instead, Pago Pago currently hosts the StarKist and “Chicken of the Sea” tuna canneries, making it the most important commercial fishing port under the American flag.

The Samoan environment is tropically lush, with green volcanic peaks plunging to brilliant coral reefs, an ecotourism paradise still unspoiled by mass tourism. Visitors often stay in open Samoan beach houses called fale (pronounced FAH-lay) and adopt the laidback local lifestyle. Swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, surfing, deep sea fishing, and hiking opportunities are all close at hand.

Samoan culture is alive and strong, and local traditions can add another fascinating layer to your travel experience. Most Samoans are subsistence farmers who reside in small villages governed by chiefs (matai). The egalitarian ideals of this communal society place loyalty to family and religion above all. Visitors can sample this culture at the weekly “fiafia” island night dance shows staged at most of the larger hotels and beach resorts. Buffets of authentic Samoan dishes are an essential part of these events.

Samoa’s climate is sultry, alternately sunny and rainy, but always hot and humid. Cooling sea breezes make the shoreline the best place to be year-round. The nicest months weather-wise are May to September, “winter” south of the equator. The rainy season runs from November to April, with increasingly intense hurricanes sweeping in due to global warming. Yet you can get long spells of bright sunny weather even during the “rainy” season, and Samoa’s excellent Vailima beer (created by German brewmasters) tastes best at this time of year.

Most visitors spend their time in independent Samoa, which is considerably bigger and less expensive than American Samoa. However the rugged scenic beauty of Tutuila, the main island of American Samoa, should not be missed. In recent years some of the most strikingly beautiful parts of the territory have been incorporated into American Samoa National Park. There’s great hiking on Tutuila and wonderful snorkeling on Ofu in the seldom visited Manua Group.

Traditional Samoan culture is largely based on oratory, and it’s no accident that several literary legends originated here. Robert Louis Stevenson spent the last five years of his life in Samoa and is buried on a hilltop above Apia, the capital. His mansion is now a museum dedicated to the author. Somerset Maugham’s short story “Rain” about Sadie Thompson and the repressed missionary thrown together in a guesthouse at Pago Pago, American Samoa, has been adapted by Hollywood several times. The original guesthouse still exists, now an upscale restaurant and inn. In “Tales of the South Pacific,” James A. Michener based the prototype of his character Bloody Mary on an Apia hotelkeeper named Aggie Grey, whose family still operates Samoa’s largest resorts. Michener’s book was later made into the musical “South Pacific.”

Getting to Samoa is easy with direct flights from Hawaii and Los Angeles on Hawaiian Airlines, Polynesian Airlines, and Air New Zealand. Local ferries and small commuter planes ply frequently between the islands, and getting around by public bus or rental car is no challenge. Visas are not required by most visitors for entry to either Samoa, although a passport and onward plane ticket are mandatory.

Is it morally OK to wear fur?

It is not okay to harvest fur from a species that is endangered or facing endangerment. Fur made into clothing from those species should not be worn either. As they say, “when the buying stops, the killing will too”. If the clothing is generations old, then again it is okay because it was from different times. Now we should only be using fur from renewable resources.

To say, “fur is murder” is the same as saying “meat is murder”. If you believe that then it is probably not worth listening to my argument. Carnivores require meat to live, to stop meat being murder we would have to kill all carnivores, and I just cannot see that happening.

New Zealand became famous as the nation with 12 times more sheep than people, but a much scarier fact is, we have 20 times more possums than people. That number is also likely to be increasing. Possums are not native to New Zealand, so no animal or plant species have developed defences to their attacks. Possums in New Zealand eat approximately 21,300 tonnes of vegetation each night. This includes most of out native species such as pohutukawa, rata, totara, kowhai and mainly more, possums feed on new growth, and within 2 years of a tree being browsed, the tree is most likely to die.

Possums also displace many native bird species, by out competing them, or eating their eggs. The possum has been blamed for several bird and plant extinctions. They also eat our rare snail and insect species. Finally the carry TB which causes problems in New Zealand largest farming sector (dairy), which is killing many of the cows.

When you buy New Zealand possum fur, you are supporting all of New Zealand’s native wildlife and flora. Possums are pests, and any removal technique that works should be employed.

Buy New Zealand possum fur and save New Zealand. It is your moral dutie.

(Note I do not work in the fur industry, nor do I own any fur, I am a biology student, and I know how bad these animals are and how bad they will be in our future.)

Things To Do While Visiting Dublin

With a population of almost half a million, Dublin is the capital and largest city on the island of Ireland. It was originated in 488AD as a shipping port while going through the Irish Sea and has progressively grown into a modern day city throughout the years.

Today Dublin is a mixture of the old and the new Metro and they merge nicely from the downtown area out into the suburbs.

Dublin has a sizable number of immigrants, coming from Great Britain, the US, Australia, New Zealand, and continental Europe. More recently, Nigerian, Indian, and Eastern European populations have also migrated into the city, largely attracted by Ireland’s economic success since the mid-1990’s. Old and once run-down streets have rapidly become busy ‘ethnic districts’, such as Moore Street’s transformation into ‘Little Africa’ and Parnell Street East into the city’s de-facto ‘Chinatown’ and ‘Asian Village’. These villages are a great way for tourists to spend the afternoon, casually walking the cobblestone streets, shopping and having lunch!

There is plenty to do in Dublin if you are on vacation or sightseeing.

- The National Print Museum of Ireland

- The Irish Museum of Modern Art

- The National Gallery of Ireland

- The Hugh Lane Municipal Gallery

- The Chester Beatty Library

- And three centers of the National Museum of Ireland are all located in Dublin.

These cultural museums would make an informative and beautiful tour around the city of Dublin. And Dublin has an excellent bus system that will carry you around the town with very little effort or expense. Or if you prefer a more energetic afternoon, renting a bicycle and touring on a bike is a popular way to see the city “up close and personal.”

The river Liffey separates Dublin, the North from the South, with typically the working class on the North and the middle and upper class on the South. In more recent years the city has also been divided socio-economically between East and Westside too. But not to worry! There are plenty of restaurants and nightlife anywhere you want to go, from the friendly outdoor pubs to the Temple Bar, which is “The Place” for nightlife and often people from Britain and beyond visit for the weekend.

Whatever you prefer, you are sure to find in Dublin. And don’t forget to catch a football or a rugby game at Croke Park, which seats 82,300 fans! There are other sports arenas scattered around the city for soccer, horse and greyhound racing, baseball, and other athletic events which are held at Morton Stadium in Santry.

So, from fine dining to eating in your hotel and the wonderful restaurants, to cultural exhibits around town, and seasonal sports events across the country to ending a wonderful day with a night of dancing or walking along the beach, there is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy while in Dublin.

And don’t forget the week-long celebrations for St Patrick’s Day, which culminate in the great parade on 17 March.

The best apple

Why would you ever need a list of 28 different apples? you don’t considering I’m a produce clerk at a local Albertsons I know what kind of apples come in and which ones normal grocery stores actually stock.

Red delicious- obviously the most well known apple and was originally called simply the “delicious” until 1914 when the gold delicious was introduced. they have a sweet flavor and are recommended for eating raw and not cooking because when the red delicious is heated up it looses it’s structure and flavor.

Gold Delicious- relative to the Red delicious they have a sweet flavor and unlike the red delicious they are good for cooking.

Gala- The Gala is a mix between a Gold Delicious and a Kidd’s Orange Red they are not a crisp apple and Royal Gala’s are known for being a good cooking apple.

Granny Smith- The Granny Smith apple is well known as a cooking and eating apple, they are a crisp, sour, and more tart apples

Jonagold- The Jonagold apple is grown in Washington state as a cross between a jonathan and a golden delicious. It has a tart sweetness and they are very good for baking, cooking and making into apple sauces.

Fuji- The Fuji is one of our best selling apples because if it’s flexibility in cooking and baking it also has a delightful sweet juicy crisp taste to it.

Cameo- The Cameo is the best all around apples, it scores excellent in cooking baking and sauce making across the board, it also freezes well. The Cameo has a Sweet, tart, firm, and crisp flavor and texture to it.

Honeycrisp- The Honeycrisp is a cross between Macoun and Honeygold and has a truly amazing sweet crisp flavor to it. personally I wish the Honeycrisp had a longer season than it does because of it’s amazing flavor when eating it raw, although it is a perfect apple for cooking and baking.

Ambrosia- The ambrosia is crisp and juicy and great for snacking, not that great for cooking though.

Pink Lady- cross between a Golden Delicious and a Lady William the Pink Lady is a small sweet apple good for baking into pies and topping salads.

Pacific Rose- originally came from New Zealand and is a cross between a Gala and a Splendor it is very fragrant and good for eating out of hand or topping a salad but not good for baking or cooking with

a little background on some common apples.

Ideal vacation spots

“Queenstown In New Zealands (South Island of New Zealand), is often dubbed as the Adventure Capital of the World”. With its location surrounded with spectacle natural beauty, it is a favorite town with a huge range of leisure activities to enjoy coupled with great shopping as well. Some of the activities to take part are the gondola rides, bungy-jumping and jet-boat rides.

“Queenstown in New Zealands is located in Central Otago and the town is spreading on the shore of Lake Wakatipu, surrounded with mountains and valleys. I’m wondering if you know there is a Maori history regarding Central Otago, if not I will tell you later as you read on. Keep on reading. Queenstown is the quintessential year-round holiday resort. Start off your visit by visiting the Queenstown i-SITE Visitor Center. The visitor center is centrally located at the corner of Shotover and Camp Street. You might want to go in and pick up maps and brochures and see what Queenstown can offer you.

The first activity to embark on is to take the Skyline Gondola. The gondola rises up to Bob’s Peak (about 450m) where you can enjoy a magnificent view of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables mountain range. Over here, you can spend some time at the gift shop and also have some snacks at the caf or restaurant.

Next, if you want to dare yourself, you might want to jump down from the cliff! “Are you sure, I am on a holiday, mind you”. Take it easy, I am referring to the bungy-jumping at Bob’s Peak. The jump offers you a spectacle view of Queenstown, only if you can keep your eye open as you take the plunge.

Next on the visit is the Caddyshack city along Brecon Street. At this city, there is an elaborate mini-golf center and the Kiwi Birdlife Park. This is an ideal place to spot kiwis if you haven seen one so far during your stay in New Zealand.

On yes, regarding the Maori history concerning Central Otago. In the early days, Central Otago was the great divide and Maori had to cross in order to access the greenstone (pounamu) from the mountains of the West Coast. But why does the Maori need the greenstone? Well, they need it to make tiki, which are Polynesian amulets made in the shape of a human figure and believe to be endowed with mana or power. You can easily pick one up from the souvenir shop. So much on the Maroi history, lets move o with the Queenstown adventure.

By now, it could be lunch time, take a slow walk to Steamer Wharf, where you can do some shopping and have lunch at the 19th Restaurant. Over here at the wharf, you will see “The Lady of the Lake” as what the locals call. She must be very elegant and beautiful! You guess as right, she is non other than the TSS Earnslaw ship which was launch in 1912 that carries passengers on sightseeing tours.

At 2pm, the TSS Earnslaw will depart to Walter Peak which is the original homestead of one of New Zealand’s most famous sheep and cattle stations. Over at Walter Peak, you will enjoy the homestead’s garden and watch a sheep-shearing demonstration and herd of Scottish Highland cattle. When you are back from the cruise, you might want to walk around the Cavell Mall area to do some shopping.

On the far side of the Queenstown Bay is the Queenstown Gardens. Take a leisurely walk along the garden. This is a great place to relax and watch the sunset before finishing your day tour at Queenstown. For more information on Queenstown, please visit “Queenstown In New Zealands at:: http://www.fibcool.com/cheap- flightss

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