REDHEADS: Discover the world of GINGERS – YouTube

Ronnie is a ginger. If you thought we meant she is a root vegetable, think again. Being a "ginger" means to have naturally red hair. "Gingers" or "redheads" have a very interesting history, indeed. In this lesson, you will learn both the history of redheads and words that relate to red-haired people such as "freckles", "pale", "strawberry blonde", and even some slang like "carrot top". After watching, you will understand and appreciate my mysterious people even more! Take a quiz on this lesson here: http://www.engvid.com/redheads-ginger...

TRANSCRIPT

I need to talk to you guys about something that's really important. All of civilization depends on this one lesson. This lesson is about gingers. Not ginger, not the ginger tea that you drink, or the Ginger Restaurant down the street that serves delicious Thai or Vietnamese food, not the ginger that you guys eat with your sushi, but the ginger that is me. I am a proud ginger. Do you know what a ginger is? We have been bullied, plagued, tortured, killed, made fun of, mistreated, and downright bullied for centuries because of three things: red hair, pale skin, and freckles. That's a ginger. I am a ginger.

I'm going to tell you a story about my name, Ronnie. Guess what? Guess where that name came from? You guys know the clown in McDonalds? Mm-hmm. What's the clown's name? Ronald McDonald. Guess how, in grade 7, I got to be called Ronnie? Mm-hmm, yep, when I was in grade 7, somebody said: "You have red hair and red shoes. You are Ronald McDonald. Hahaha." And I said: "Yeah, that's cool." So, from then on, my name has been Ronnie.

So I'm going to teach you, tell you all the interesting facts about gingers. Are you a ginger? Are there gingers around you? Watch out. We are vicious people. We're going to come and... Do nothing, really. Maybe give you a cuddle or something. So let's learn about these things.

Let's learn some famous people. Nicole Kidman, beautiful. Ewan McGregor, kind of sexy guy. Lucille Ball. She was a really, really old actress in I Love Lucy. Ariel in The Little Mermaid. Vincent Van Gogh who is a really famous artist. The beautiful, the wonderful old-school beauty Katherine Hepburn. Julia Roberts. And Merida, the 11th Disney princess who has since slimmed down for her Disney debut. All of these people have one thing in common: they're all gingers. They all have no souls and they're all very evil people. No, they're not actually. They're just regular kind of people, but they're gingers.

So, gingers are people that have really pale skin. "Pale" means white. Look at how white I am. Woo, I'm really white. Freckles. "Freckles" are these dots or skin pigmentations that I have. I got them all over my face. See, when I go in the sun, I burn, and then when I come out of the sun, I get more spots or more freckles. Everyone else goes a beautiful tanned brown colour. Gingers, we get red, then we get more freckles. Then we go back to being paley and pasty. And of course, gingers have to have red hair.

Now, we can have different spectrums of red hair. My hair is very, very light. It's actually called strawberry blonde. I was called Strawberry Shortcake as a child. Cool, that's like I love strawberry shortcake. But people have been teased incessantly about their hair. It can be a very, very dark, dark, dark red; it can be a bright fire engine red; or it can be a very light blonde red, like I have. Do you have red hair? What about down there? Mm-hmm. Maybe a lot of guys when their beard grows in or their moustache, it becomes red. Uh-oh, you've got it somewhere. You've got the ginger in ya.

Interesting facts about this ginger population. A lot of people associate gingers with Ireland. Misguided, are we? The biggest population of ginger people reside in Scotland. Thanks, Gran. My grandmother was a ginger. My brother's a ginger. My dad was a ginger. And my other grandmothers were gingers. I come from a long line of gingers. In America, 2.5% of the population are ginger. There are interestingly no statistics for Canada. I have no idea. And other countries, they don't even talk about gingers from other countries. But I know you're out there. Germany, Austria, even Afghanistan, Middle East, Asia. I know there's gingers around. I've seen you. As of now, 1 to 2% of the world's population are gingers. That's not a lot. We're really cool. The rarest kind of ginger is me. Oh yeah, right here. And you guys thought I was weird. Now you know for sure why I'm weird. The rarest combination of ginger: blue eyes, red hair. I'm the only one in the world. No, I'm not. There's probably more.

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REDHEADS: Discover the world of GINGERS - YouTube

Living forever as robot? Prototype lets humans upload …

An Artificial Intelligence pioneer is embracing the controversial idea of uploading the memories, thoughts and feelings of a living person into a computer to create a Mind Clone or second self. The prototype for this new self is called Bina-48.

Entrepreneur Martine Rothblatt has created a new robotic head that she hopes, one day in the future, humans will be able to upload their minds into. Bina-48 is named after Rothblatts real-life wife, Bina Aspen, and serves as a proof-of-concept for the futuristic idea. The robot version is designed to carry on a conversation, with scientists hoping that these mind clones could give human owners a sort of artificial afterlife.

I believe Mind Clones will be humanitys biggest invention. The market opportunity is limitless, Rothblatt told Bloomberg News. Ultimately just like we all want a smart phone, we all want a social media account we are all going to want a Mind Clone. It will make everything in our life more useful, more valuable. It will give us twice as much time to do everything.

Bena-48 was created five years ago as a digital replica uploaded with Bina Aspens thoughts, memories and feelings all of which were broken down into computer code to create a digital version of her consciousness. Created by Hanson Robotics, Bina-48 can engage in conversation, answer questions and even have spontaneous thoughts that are derived from multimedia data in a mindfile created by the real Bina.

A similar mindfile is created when a person interacts on Twitter or Facebook and shares photos or blogs regularly in essence, its a digital database of thoughts, memories, feelings and opinions. Mindware mimics the way the human brain supposedly organizes information, creates emotions and achieves self-awareness.

READ MORE: Bill Gates on AI doomsday: I dont understand why we arent concerned

The proliferation of robots like Bina-48 may seem farfetched now, but Rothblatt is the woman who helped pioneered satellite radio as founder of Sirius and now oversees biotech innovation at United Therapeutics.

Mind Clone is a digital copy of your mind outside of your body, said Rothblatt. I think Mind Clone will look like an avatar on the screen, talking, instead of a robot version. Mind Clones are 10-20 years away.

Am I talking about a law of physics here? Am I talking about defying gravity here? No. Am I talking about going faster than light? No. All I am doing here is talking about writing some good code.

READ MORE:Elon Musk donates $10mn to stop AI from turning against humans

Companies such as eterni.me, Gordon Bells MyLifeBits, and Terasems Lifenaut are all pursuing Mind Clone to help a persons personality, work and relationships survive after death.

Eterni.me is a proposed for-profit service that will reportedly offer immortality by creating a virtual YOU, an avatar that emulates your personality and can interact with, and offer information and advice to your family and friends, even after you pass away.

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Living forever as robot? Prototype lets humans upload ...

Liberty | A Magazine of Religious Freedom

Editor's Blog Papal Encyclical on the Environment September 28 2015

I write this after the release of the Papal encyclical on the environment but before Pope Franciss September visit which is to include addresses to the U.S. Congress and the United Nations. We at Liberty, and all who value the resources our Creator has given us, applaud the document and that part of it which represents a non-partisan respect for the environment. However, I note the injection of a holy day into the discussion.

The case of Kim Davis, clerk for Rowan County, Kentucky, has hit the big-time with her imprisonment and then release to appear before an exultant crowd with presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee by her side. Is she a Joan of Arc here to save the Republic for God or a zealot ready to incite to rebellion?

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As you may have guessed, Lincoln Steed, editor of Liberty magazine, reads books. A LOT of books. He discusses one that caught his attention recently in a thrift store. Its the story of a people who needed God as much as He needed them.

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Futurism – Styles & Movements – Art in the Picture.com

Although a nascent Futurism can be seen surfacing throughout the very early years of that century, the 1907 essay Entwurf einer neuen ?sthetik der Tonkunst (Sketch of a New Aesthetic of Music) by the Italian composer Ferruccio Busoni is sometimes claimed as its true jumping-off point. Futurism was a largely Italian and Russian movement although it also had adherents in other countries.

The Futurists explored every medium of art, including painting, sculpture, poetry, theatre, music, architecture and even gastronomy. The Italian poet Filippo Tommaso Marinetti was the first among them to produce a manifesto of their artistic philosophy in his Manifesto of Futurism (1909), first released in Milan and published in the French paper Le Figaro (February 20). Marinetti summed up the major principles of the Futurists, including a passionate loathing of ideas from the past, especially political and artistic traditions. He and others also espoused a love of speed, technology and violence. The car, the plane, the industrial town were all legendary for the Futurists, because they represented the technological triumph of man over nature.

Marinetti's impassioned polemic immediately attracted the support of the young Milanese painters ? Boccioni, Carr?, and Russolo ? who wanted to extend Marinetti's ideas to the visual arts (Russolo was also a composer, and introduced Futurist ideas into his compositions). The painters Balla and Severini met Marinetti in 1910 and together these artists represented Futurism's first phase.

The painter and sculptor Umberto Boccioni (1882 - 1916) wrote the Manifesto of Futurist Painters in 1910 in which he vowed: "We will fight with all our might the fanatical, senseless and snobbish religion of the past, a religion encouraged by the vicious existence of museums. We rebel against that spineless worshipping of old canvases, old statues and old bric-a-brac, against everything which is filthy and worm-ridden and corroded by time. We consider the habitual contempt for everything which is young, new and burning with life to be unjust and even criminal."

Futurism in the 1920's and 1930's

Many Italian Futurists instinctively supported the rise of fascism in Italy in the hope of modernizing the society and the economy of a country that was still torn between unfilled industrial revolution in the North and the rural, archaic South. Some Futurists' glorification of modern warfare as the ultimate artistic expression and their intense nationalism also induced them to embrace Italian fascism. Many Futurists became associated with the regime over the 1920's, which gave them both official recognition and the ability to carry out important works, especially in architecture.

However, some leftists that came to Futurism in the earlier years continued to oppose Marinetti's domination of the artistic and political direction of Futurism.

Futurism expanded to encompass other artistic domains. In architecture, it was characterized by a distinctive thrust towards rationalism and modernism through the use of advanced building materials. In Italy, futurist architects were often at odds with the fascist state's tendency towards Roman imperial/classical aesthetic patterns. However several interesting futurist buildings were built in the years 1920?1940, including many public buildings: stations, maritime resorts, post offices, etc. See, for example, Trento's railway station built by Angiolo Mazzoni (as you can see in the picture on the right).

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Gene Therapy Successes – Learn Genetics

Researchers have been working for decades to bring gene therapy to the clinic, yet very few patients have received any effective gene-therapy treatments. But that doesn't mean gene therapy is an impossible dream. Even though gene therapy has been slow to reach patients, its future is very encouraging. Decades of research have taught us a lot about designing safe and effective vectors, targeting different types of cells, and managing and minimizing immune responses in patients. We've also learned a lot about the disease genes themselves. Today, many clinical trials are underway, where researchers are carefully testing treatments to ensure that any gene therapy brought into the clinic is both safe and effective.

Below are some gene therapy success stories. Successes represent a variety of approachesdifferent vectors, different target cell populations, and both in vivo and ex vivo approachesto treating a variety of disorders.

Sebastian Misztal was a patient in a hemophilia gene therapy trial in 2011. Following the treatment, Misztal no longer had spontaneous bleeding episodes. Credit: UCLH/UCL NIHR Biomedical Research Centre

Several inherited immune deficiencies have been treated successfully with gene therapy. Most commonly, blood stem cells are removed from patients, and retroviruses are used to deliver working copies of the defective genes. After the genes have been delivered, the stem cells are returned to the patient. Because the cells are treated outside the patient's body, the virus will infect and transfer the gene to only the desired target cells.

Severe Combined Immune Deficiency (SCID) was one of the first genetic disorders to be treated successfully with gene therapy, proving that the approach could work. However, the first clinical trials ended when the viral vector triggered leukemia (a type of blood cancer) in some patients. Since then, researchers have begun trials with new, safer viral vectors that are much less likely to cause cancer.

Adenosine deaminase (ADA) deficiency is another inherited immune disorder that has been successfully treated with gene therapy. In multiple small trials, patients' blood stem cells were removed, treated with a retroviral vector to deliver a functional copy of the ADA gene, and then returned to the patients. For the majority of patients in these trials, immune function improved to the point that they no longer needed injections of ADA enzyme. Importantly, none of them developed leukemia.

Gene therapies are being developed to treat several different types of inherited blindnessespecially degenerative forms, where patients gradually lose the light-sensing cells in their eyes. Encouraging results from animal models (especially mouse, rat, and dog) show that gene therapy has the potential to slow or even reverse vision loss.

The eye turns out to be a convenient compartment for gene therapy. The retina, on the inside of the eye, is both easy to access and partially protected from the immune system. And viruses can't move from the eye to other places in the body. Most gene-therapy vectors used in the eye are based on AAV (adeno-associated virus).

In one small trial of patients with a form of degenerative blindness called LCA (Leber congenital amaurosis), gene therapy greatly improved vision for at least a few years. However, the treatment did not stop the retina from continuing to degenerate. In another trial, 6 out of 9 patients with the degenerative disease choroideremia had improved vision after a virus was used to deliver a functional REP1 gene.

Credit: Jean Bennett, MD, PhD, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania; Manzar Ashtari, Ph.D., of The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Science Translational Medicine.

People with hemophilia are missing proteins that help their blood form clots. Those with the most-severe forms of the disease can lose large amounts of blood through internal bleeding or even a minor cut.

In a small trial, researchers successfully used an adeno-associated viral vector to deliver a gene for Factor IX, the missing clotting protein, to liver cells. After treatment, most of the patients made at least some Factor IX, and they had fewer bleeding incidents.

Patients with beta-Thalassemia have a defect in the beta-globin gene, which codes for an oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells. Because of the defective gene, patients don't have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to all the body's tissues. Many who have this disorder depend on blood transfusions for survival.

In 2007, a patient received gene therapy for severe beta-Thalassemia. Blood stem cells were taken from his bone marrow and treated with a retrovirus to transfer a working copy of the beta-globin gene. The modified stem cells were returned to his body, where they gave rise to healthy red blood cells. Seven years after the procedure, he was still doing well without blood transfusions.

A similar approach could be used to treat patients with sickle cell disease.

In 2012, Glybera became the first viral gene-therapy treatment to be approved in Europe. The treatment uses an adeno-associated virus to deliver a working copy of the LPL (lipoprotein lipase) gene to muscle cells. The LPL gene codes for a protein that helps break down fats in the blood, preventing fat concentrations from rising to toxic levels.

Several promising gene-therapy treatments are under development for cancer. One, a modified version of the herpes simplex 1 virus (which normally causes cold sores) has been shown to be effective against melanoma (a skin cancer) that has spread throughout the body. The treatment, called T-VEC, uses a virus that has been modified so that it will (1) not cause cold sores; (2) kill only cancer cells, not healthy ones; and (3) make signals that attract the patient's own immune cells, helping them learn to recognize and fight cancer cells throughout the body. The virus is injected directly into the patient's tumors. It replicates (makes more of itself) inside the cancer cells until they burst, releasing more viruses that can infect additional cancer cells.

A completely different approach was used in a trial to treat 59 patients with leukemia, a type of blood cancer. The patients' own immune cells were removed and treated with a virus that genetically altered them to recognize a protein that sits on the surface of the cancer cells. After the immune cells were returned to the patients, 26 experienced complete remission.

Patients with Parkinson's disease gradually lose cells in the brain that produce the signaling molecule dopamine. As the disease advances, patients lose the ability to control their movements.

A small group of patients with advanced Parkinson's disease were treated with a retroviral vector to introduce three genes into cells in a small area of the brain. These genes gave cells that don't normally make dopamine the ability to do so. After treatment, all of the patients in the trial had improved muscle control.

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Gene Therapy Successes - Learn Genetics

Italian Futurism, 19091944: Reconstructing the Universe

Italian Futurism was officially launched in 1909 when Filippo Tommaso Marinetti, an Italian intellectual, published his Founding and Manifesto of Futurism in the French newspaper Le Figaro. Marinettis continuous leadership ensured the movements cohesion for three and half decades, until his death in 1944.

To be a Futurist in the Italy of the early 20th century was to be modern, young, and insurgent. Inspired by the markers of modernitythe industrial city, machines, speed, and flightFuturisms adherents exalted the new and the disruptive. They sought to revitalize what they determined to be a static, decaying culture and an impotent nation that looked to the past for its identity. Futurism began as a literary avant-garde, and the printed word was vital for this group. Manifestos, words-in-freedom poems, novels, and journals were intrinsic to the dissemination of their ideas. But the Futurists quickly embraced the visual and performing arts, politics, and even advertising. Futurist artists experimented with the fragmentation of form, the collapsing of time and space, the depiction of dynamic motion, and dizzying perspectives. Their style evolved from fractured elements in the 1910s to a mechanical language in the 20s, and then to aerial imagery in the 30s. No vanguard exists in a voidall are touched by their historical context. The Futurists celebration of war as a means to remake Italy and their support of Italys entrance into World War I also constitute part of the movements narrative, as does the later, complicated relationship between Futurism and Italian fascism.

This exhibition endeavors to convey the spirit of Italian Futurism in all of its complexity. The Guggenheim Museums architecture lends itself to the display of this multidisciplinary idiom. Taking its cue from the Futurists concept of the total work of art (an ensemble that surrounds the viewer in a completely Futurist environment) and their aim to achieve a reconstruction of the universe, the presentation integrates works in multiple mediums on all levels of the rotunda. Objects are organized in a roughly chronological order, with filmic components bringing to life some of the movements more ephemeral activities, such as performance and declamation. The Futurists were insurrectionary and stridently vocal, and thus Italian Futurism welcomes a certain amount of visual and aural cacophony.

Futurism was punctuated by paradoxes: while predominantly antifeminine, it had active female participants; while calling for a breakdown between high and low culture, it valued painting above other forms of expression; while glorifying the machine, it shied away from the mechanized medium of film. By 1929, the artists who had denounced traditional institutions saw their leader, Marinetti, become a member of the Academy of Italy. And many of the revolutionary Futurists complied in some way with the Fascist regime. Through a comprehensive examination of Italian Futurisms full history, the exhibition offers an opportunity to reassess one of the most contentious of modernist movements.

Please note that Annex Levels 5 and 7 (see Museum Map), which contain Benedetta's murals and major works by Giacomo Balla and Fortunato Depero, close August 20.

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Italian Futurism, 19091944: Reconstructing the Universe

Atheism vs Agnosticism – What’s the Difference?

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By Austin Cline

An atheist is anyone who doesn't happen to believe in any gods, no matter what their reasons or how they approach the question of whether any gods exist. This is a very simple concept, but it's also widely misunderstood. For that reason, there are a variety of ways to state this. Atheism is: the lack of belief in gods, the absence of belief in gods, disbelief in gods, not believing in gods.

The most precise definition may be: an atheist is anyone who does not affirm the proposition "at least one god exists." Although it may seem convoluted, it has a number of important elements: there is a proposition, it's not a proposition made by atheists, and being an atheist requires nothing active or even conscious on the part of the atheist all that's required is not "affirming" a proposition made by others.

More: Atheism Basics for Beginners

An agnostic is anyone who doesn't claim to know for that any gods exist or not, no matter what their reasons or how they approach the question of whether any gods exist.

This is also a simple concept, but it may be as widely misunderstood as atheism is. One major problem is that atheism and agnosticism both deal questions about the existence of gods, but whereas atheism involves what a person does or does not believe, agnosticism involves what a person does or does not know. Belief and knowledge are related but nevertheless separate issues.

There's a simple test to tell if one is an agnostic or not.

Do you think you know for sure if any gods exist? If so, then you're not an agnostic. Do you think you know for sure that gods do not or even cannot exist? If so, then you're not an agnostic. Everyone who can't answer "yes" to one of those questions is a person who may or may not believe in one or more gods, but since they don't also claim to know for sure they are agnostic an agnostic theist or an agnostic atheist.

More: Agnosticism Basics for Beginners

An agnostic atheist has two qualities: they don't happen to believe in any gods and they don't claim to know or sure that no gods can or do exist.

Not believing that some claim is true while also not claiming to know for sure that it's false is not only easy, it happens in lots and lots of different topics. It would be a surprise if it didn't happen when the topic is the existence of gods.

For some strange reason, though, many people have he mistaken impression that agnosticism and atheism are mutually exclusive. But why? There's nothing about "I don't know" which excludes "I don't believe." On the contrary, not only are they compatible but they frequently appear together because not knowing is frequently a reason for not believing. It's often a very good idea to not accept some proposition is true unless you have enough evidence that would qualify as knowledge.

An agnostic theist has two qualities: they believe in the existence of at least one god and they don't claim to know for sure that this god or gods definitely exist. Believing that some claim is true while also not claiming to know for sure that it's true is not only easy, it happens in lots and lots of different topics. Why shouldnt it also happen when the topic is the existence of gods?

Once again, many people have the mistaken impression that agnosticism and theism are mutually exclusive. They are convinced that agnosticism is some sort of "middle way" or "third way" between atheism and theism but why? There's nothing about "I don't know" which logically excludes "I believe." Sometimes it perhaps should because there are some claims that you shouldn't believe without sufficient evidence to qualify as knowledge. Being a juror in a murder trial would be a good example.

By now, the difference between being an atheist and being an agnostic should be pretty clear and pretty easy to remember. Atheism is about belief, or specifically what you don't believe. Agnosticism is about knowledge, or specifically about what you don't know. An atheist doesn't believe in any gods. An agnostic doesn't know if any gods exist or not. These can be the exact same person, but need not be.

Every agnostic is also either an atheist or a theist because any given belief is either present or not there is no alternative to those two options. An agnostic may be unsure whether atheism or theism is more reasonable. An agnostic may not consider their theism or atheism very important. But regardless, belief that the proposition "at least one god is true" is present or not in everyone.

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dog-friendly beaches – Pet Friendly Travel

Click on the map below to find dog friendly beaches, including off-leash dog beaches, and dog swim areas in the U.S.

Please help keep these beaches and swimming areas open to dogs -- Never leave your dog unattended; Always keep your dog on a leash or under voice control; Always clean up after your dog.

Dauphin Island Dauphin Island is a barrier island located three miles south of the mouth of Mobile Bay in the Gulf of Mexico. Dogs on a leash are allowed on the public beach year round. The public beach is located next to Dauphin Island Elementary School and is the largest area on Dauphin Island set aside for dogs and their owners. There are at least a couple of miles of beach there, and with Sand Island now connected to Dauphin Island, there is more area of undeveloped beach jutting out into the Gulf on that barrier island. Though dogs are allowed at Dauphin Island's primary public beach and at the Dauphin Island Campground, dogs are not allowed at the West End Beach Park on the Island's extreme west end.

Fort Morgan Fort Morgan is an unincorporated community west of Gulf Shores on Mobile Point. Mobile Point extends from Gulf Shores to the west, towards historic Fort Morgan at the tip of the peninsula. Dogs on a leash are allowed on beaches in the city of Fort Morgan, but are not permitted on Alabama state beaches or Fort Morgan State Historic Site property.

Gulf Shores: The Dog Pond, 20115 State Highway 135, Gulf Shores, AL 36542 The dog park is located on the West end of the parking lot, under the Gulf Adventure Center on Lake Shelby in Gulf State Park. The dog park area offers dogs access to the lake.

Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve Pets on a leash are allowed on the beach between the Bartlett Cove Public Use Dock and the National Park Service Administrative Dock.

Homer: Bishop's Beach Bishop's Beach is located two blocks from Old Town at the end of Bunnell Street. Dogs on a leash are allowed on the beach.

Sitka: Sitka National Historical Park Two miles of well-maintained, handicapped-accessible trails wind through the park's 113 acres of rainforest environment, along the beach of Sitka Sound and the banks of the Indian River. Dogs on a leash are allowed on the beach and the trails.

Gilbert: Cosmo Dog Park Cosmo Dog Park is the first dog park in the Greater Phoenix area to offer a lake where dogs can swim. The dog beach features a dock from which dogs can jump into the water.

Lake Havasu: Lions Dog Park at London Bridge Beach, Beachcomber Blvd., Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403 Located along the famous Bridgewater Channel, London Bridge Beach features a buoyed-in swimming area, beach, two playgrounds, and a fully enclosed dog park. Lions Dog Park has a grassy expanse for the dogs to play in, drinking bowls with fresh water, and a hydrant-shaped fountain that sprays a cooling mist of water, plus covered benches and a walking path for human guests. Dogs are also welcome outside the dog area on the beach but must remain on a leash.

Parker: Buckskin Mountain State Park, Colorado River Buckskin Mountain State Park is located on Arizona Highway 95, about 12 miles north of Parker. The River Island unit is one mile north of Buckskin Mountain State Park. Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on the north beach only (north of the boat ramp).

NORTHERN COAST & LAKE COUNTY

Arcata: Mad River County Park OFF-LEASH DOG BEACH. One of the Redwood Coast's best beaches for picnics, beachcombing and fishing, Mad River County Park is located 5 miles north of Arcata. Dogs are allowed off-leash on the beach as long as they are under complete control and within voice range of the owner.

Caspar: Caspar Beach, Mendocino County Caspar Beach is located approximately 4 miles north of the town of Mendocino across from the Casper Beach RV Park. Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on the beach.

Clearlake Oaks: Clearlake Oaks Boat Launch Dogs on a leash are allowed on the beach west of the breakwater.

Crescent City: Beach Front Park Crescent City is located on the Pacific coast about 20 miles from the Oregon border. Dogs on a leash are allowed on the beach and in the park located on Front St. in Crescent City.

Crescent City Area: Gold Bluffs Beach, Prairie Creek Redlands State Park Located 50 miles north of Eureka and 25 miles south of Crescent City on Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway off of Highway 101. Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are only allowed in the campground, on the beach and the main beach road. Dogs are not permitted on any of the park trails including Fern Canyon.

Ferndale: Centerville Beach County Park Centerville Beach is located 5 miles west of Ferndale. Dogs are allowed off-leash, if under complete control by owner, on the waveslope all year and on the entire beach from October 1st through February 28th. Dogs must be on leash March 1st to September 30th, except on the waveslope, where they can be unleashed if kept under complete control of the owner.

Fort Bragg: MacKerricher State Park MacKerricher State Park is located 3 miles north of Fort Bragg on Highway 1, near the town of Cleone. Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on some beach areas, but are prohibited on Virgin Creek Beach, the northern half of Ten Mile Beach, the Seal Rocks harbor seal pup nursery area, and the Surfwood Walk-In campground.

Fort Bragg: Noyo Beach Off-Leash Dog Area OFF-LEASH DOG BEACH. The Noyo Beach Dog Area is located under the bridge at Noyo Harbor in Fort Bragg. Dogs are allowed off-leash on the beach year round.

Fort Bragg: Seaside Beach OFF-LEASH DOG BEACH. Seaside Beach is approximately 6 miles north of Fort Bragg on Highway 1. Dogs are allowed off-leash on the beach. The beach has vast towering rock formations some with hollowed out arches formed naturally by years of crashing waves. Seaside Beach is a great beach to bring a picnic too and sit and enjoy the majestic beauty of this northern California gem of a dog friendly beach. NO dog waste bags or trash receptacles are provided so all dog owners must carry disposable waste bags to pick up after their dogs. Thank you, Hairy Putter! Hairy Putter's Review Blog

Gualala: Gualala Point Regional Park Gualala Point Regional Park is located 36 miles north of Jenner and one mile south of Gualala on Hwy 1. Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on the beach. License required.

Gualala: Cook's Beach OFF-LEASH DOG BEACH. A little north of town is Cooks Beach which is at 526 County Road, mile marker 3.14. Parking is limited and there is a slope to navigate to get to the beach, but is it worth it! Protected from the wind, this beautiful sandy cove is a great place to let off some steam. Please bring suitable waste bags; this is a carry in and carry out beach. Thank you, Hairy Putter! Hairy Putter's Review Blog

Humboldt County, Humboldt Bay: South Spit Cooperative Management Area The South Spit is a 4.5-mile expanse of wave sculpted beaches, windswept dunes, and bayshore marshes, approximately 20 minutes from either Eureka or Fortuna. Dogs must be leashed on the ocean side of South Jetty Road during Snowy Plover nesting season, March 1-September 15. On the bay side of South Jetty Road, dogs are allowed off-leash but must be under voice control.

Humboldt County, Humboldt Bay, Manilla: Manilla Dunes Recreation Area The Manila Dunes Recreation Area is located at 1611 Peninsula Drive, Manila CA. Dogs are allowed on a leash or under voice control. Horse use is limited to designated trails.

Humboldt County Parks Where permitted, dogs must be on a leash no greater than 10 feet in the parking and camping areas and within 100' of these areas. Dogs are permitted to be unleashed, if under complete control by owner, on the waveslope only at Clam Beach, Table Bluff, and Centerville all year and on the entire beach from October 1 through February 28. Dogs are permitted to be unleashed if under complete control by owner, on the beach at Big Lagoon, Moonstone, Luffenholtz and Mad River County Parks. Dogs are permitted only in vehicle in Freshwater County Park.

Lakeport: Lakeside County Park, 1985 Park Drive, Lakeport, CA 95453 Located west of Clear Lake State Park (towards Lakeport) and also off of Soda Bay Road. Dogs on a leash are allowed at the west end of the swim area.

Lucerne: Lucerne Harbor Park, 6319 E Hwy 20, Lucerne, CA 95458 Dogs on a leash are allowed on the beach.

McKinleyville: Clam Beach County Park Clam Beach is located 7.5 miles north of Arcata near McKinleyville. Dogs are allowed off-leash, if under complete control by owner, on the waveslope all year and on the entire beach from October 1st through February 28th. Dogs must be on leash March 1st to September 30th, except on the waveslope, where they can be unleashed if kept under complete control of the owner. Horses allowed.

Mendocino: Big River Beach, Mendocino Headlands State Park Big River Beach is on the south side of Mendocino. It is accessible by vehicle from Highway 1, or by trails down the bluffs. Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on the beach.

Mendocino: Portuguese Beach, Mendocino Headlands State Park From downtown Mendocino, follow Main Street up-coast past the Mendocino Hotel to Heeser Street. The unsigned trail leads southwest through a fence and soon forks; the route down-coast to Big River Beach is described rst. Heading east, the trail delivers you to some blufftop benches and a coastal accessway leading down to Portuguese Beach, known as Point Beach by locals. Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on the beach.

Mendocino: Van Damme State Park Van Damme State Park is located 3 miles south of Mendocino on Highway 1. Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on the beach.

Nice: Keeling County Park Dogs on a leash are allowed on the beach south of the boat ramp.

Redwood National and State Parks Beaches In Redwood National and State Parks, pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed: on all road-accessible beaches (excluding dune habitat); within 100 feet of public roads and parking areas (but not on trails); at designated picnic areas; and within all road-accessible campgrounds.

Samoa: Samoa Dunes Recreation Area OFF-LEASH DOG BEACH. The Samoa Dunes Recreation Area is a 300-acre sand dune park located just west of Eureka on Humboldt Bay. Dogs are allowed off-leash if they are under voice control.

Trinidad: Big Lagoon County Park OFF-LEASH DOG BEACH. Big Lagoon County Park is located 7 miles north of Trinidad. Dogs are allowed off-leash on the beach if they are under complete control by owner.

Trinidad: Luffenholtz Beach & County Park OFF-LEASH DOG BEACH. Luffenholtz Beach & County Park is located 2 miles south of Trinidad on Scenic Drive. Dogs are allowed off-leash on the beach if they are under complete control by owner.

Trinidad: Moonstone Beach OFF-LEASH DOG BEACH. Moonstone Beach is located just south of Trinidad. Dogs are allowed off-leash on the beach if they are under complete control by owner.

Westport: Westport-Union Landing State Beach Westport-Union Landing State Beach is located 19 miles north of Fort Bragg and 2 miles north of Westport on Highway 1. Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on the beach.

SONOMA COAST & SONOMA COUNTY

Bodega Bay - Area Beaches Dogs on a leash are allowed on the following beaches: Doran Beach, Marshall Gulch, Carmet Beach, Schoolhouse Beach, Portuguese Beach, Duncans Cove, Wright's Beach, Furlong Gulch, Shell Beach, Blind Beach. Dogs are prohibited at Salmon Creek North, Salmon Creek South, Miwok Beach, Coleman Beach, Bodega Dunes Beach, Goat Rock Beach.

Bodega Bay: Doran Regional Park Located on Hwy 1, one mile south of Bodega Bay, Doran Park has a 2-mile stretch of sandy beach Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on the beach. License required.

Jenner area: Stillwater Cove Regional Park Stillwater Cove Regional Park is located approximately 16 miles north of Jenner. Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on the beach. License required.

Russsian River District Dog Guidelines The following are designated areas where dogs are permitted on beaches adjacent to bodies of water in State Park Systems or portions of units: Marshall Gulch, Carmet Beach, Schoolhouse Beach, Portuguese Beach, Duncan's Cove, Wright's Beach, Furlong Gulch, Shell Beach, Blind Beach, Russian Gulch.

Santa Rosa: Rincon Valley Community Park Dog Park, 5108 Badger Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95409 The dog park features small and large dog areas, and a swimming pond.

The Sea Ranch The Sea Ranch is a planned, private community located along the coast in Sonoma County, south of the town of Gualala and about 100 miles north of San Francisco. Sonoma County Regional Parks manages six public access trails within The Sea Ranch. Dogs on a leash are allowed on the following access trail and beaches: Black Point Beach, Pebble Beach, Stengel Beach, Shell Beach and Walk-On Beach.

SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA/MARIN COUNTY

Albany: Albany Bulb The Albany waterfront is located at the end of Buchanan Street, just west of Interstate 80. Dogs are allowed off-leash on the Albany Bulb, the west end of a landfill peninsula at the end of Buchanan Street.

Benicia: First Street Beach OFF-LEASH DOG BEACH. Benicia is a waterside city located in the San Francisco Bay area just east of Vallejo. It has two off-leash beaches at the foot of First Street in the downtown area - one at the Promenade and the other south of the turnaround. Thank you, Gretchen!

Berkeley: Tilden Regional Park, Lake Anza Road off of Central Park Drive, Berkeley, CA 94708 Tilden Park's Lake Anza has a sandy beach open during swim season from May through September. Dogs are allowed off-leash on Lake Anzas beach in the undeveloped areas only. No dogs are allowed in the pool area, wetland or marsh.

Bolinas: Agate Beach Park Located near the town of Bolinas, Agate Beach provides access to almost two miles of ocean shoreline at low tide. Dogs on a leash are allowed on the beach, but are prohibited from entering tide pools, and must stay on trails for safety and habitat protection.

Dillon Beach OFF-LEASH DOG BEACH. Dillon Beach is located 45 min.-1 hr. north of San Francisco between Tomales Bay and Bodega Bay. Dogs are allowed off-leash on the beach if they are under voice control.

Fremont area: Shinn Pond, Niles Community Park Shinn Pond is located at Niles Community Park in the town of Niles along side the Alameda Creek Regional Trail. The off-leash area offers long trails, big grassy areas, and a large pond where dogs can swim.

Half Moon Bay Area: Mavericks Beach A popular surfing location, Mavericks is located at Pillar Point Harbor Shore just north of Half Moon Bay. Dogs on a leash are allowed on the beach.

Half Moon Bay Area: Montara State Beach Montara State Beach is located 8 miles north of Half Moon Bay on Highway One. Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on the beach.

Half Moon Bay Area/Pescadero: Bean Hollow State Beach Bean Hollow State Beach is located 17.5 miles south of Half Moon Bay and 3 miles south of Pescadero on Highway One. Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on the beach.

Livermore: Del Valle Regional Park, 7000 Del Valle Rd., Livermore, CA 94550 Located 10 miles south of Livermore, Del Valle offers swimming and all kinds of water-oriented recreation. The lake is five miles long, and dogs are free to swim in all but two designated areas: East and West Swim Beach.

Marin Headlands: Rodeo Beach and South Rodeo Beach, Golden Gate National Recreation Area OFF-LEASH DOG BEACH. Located 3 miles northwest of the Golden Gate Bridge. Dogs are allowed off-leash under voice control from the shoreline to the crest of the dunes. Dog Walking in Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Mill Valley: Muir Beach, Golden Gate National Recreation Area OFF-LEASH DOG BEACH. Located 3 miles west of Muir Woods. Dogs are allowed off-leash if they are under voice control. Dog Walking in Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Pacifica: Esplanade Beach OFF-LEASH DOG BEACH. Dogs are allowed off-leash on Esplanade Beach, off of Esplanade Ave. and West Manor Drive, Pacifica CA 94044.

Pacifica: Linda Mar Beach (Pacifica State Beach) Linda Mar Beach offers a recreation trail along the ocean, surfing and surf camps, restrooms and showers. Dogs on a leash are allowed on the beach.

Point Reyes: Point Reyes National Seashore Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on the following ocean-facing beaches year round: Kehoe Beach - north of the Kehoe Beach trail; Limantour Beach - southeast of the parking lot to the beach adjacent to Coast Camp; Point Reyes/Great Beach - from the North Beach parking lot to the south. Due to threatened snowy plover habitat, pets are not allowed on the beach south of the trail at Kehoe Beach or on the beach to the north of the North Beach parking lot. During the elephant seal pupping and mating season (December through April), pets and humans are not allowed on the beach south of the South Beach parking lot.

Point Reyes: Kehoe Beach, Point Reyes National Seashore A .6-mile walk alongside a marsh and over a sand dune takes you to the northern end of the Great Beach, called Kehoe Beach. Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on this beach to the north of the trail. Dogs are not permitted south of the trailhead as this area is protected habitat for the endangered snow plover.

Point Reyes: Limantour Beach, Point Reyes National Seashore Limantour Beach is a long, narrow spit of sand, bound between Drakes Bay and an estuary. Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on the southeast end of this beach. Dogs are not permitted to the northwest as this area is protected habitat for harbor seals and the endangered snowy plover.

Point Reyes: The Great Beach/Point Reyes Beach, Point Reyes National Seashore The Great Beach, also known as Point Reyes Beach, features over 11 miles of undeveloped ocean beach. Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on this beach, but are not permitted north of the North Beach entrance as this area is protected habitat for the endangered snowy plover. And during the winter when elephant seals are present, both people and dogs are not permitted too far south of the South Beach access.

Richmond: Point Isabel Regional Shoreline This landscaped 23-acre park at the west end of Central Avenue in Richmond offers beautiful views of the Golden Gate and Marin County and is one of the largest public off-leash dog parks in the nation. Dogs may be off-leash at Point Isabel, although owners must have a leash with them (six-foot maximum) and have their dog under voice control and within sight at all times. Dogs must be on leash in parking lots and streets.

San Francisco: Baker Beach, Golden Gate National Recreation Area OFF-LEASH DOG BEACH. Dogs are allowed off-leash at the north end of the beach, north of Lobo Creek. Dog Walking in Golden Gate National Recreation Area

San Francisco: Crissy Field, Golden Gate National Recreation Area OFF-LEASH DOG BEACH. Dogs are allowed off-leash on the beach (excluding the Wildlife Protection Area at the west end of Crissy field beach where leashes are required all year except from May 15 to July 1). Dog Walking in Golden Gate National Recreation Area

San Francisco: Fort Funston/Burton Beach, Golden Gate National Recreation Area OFF-LEASH DOG BEACH. Dogs are allowed off-leash on the beach (excluding the 12-acre closure in northwest Ft. Funston and the northern end of the Coastal trail, closed due to erosion). Dog Walking in Golden Gate National Recreation Area

San Francisco: Lands End, Golden Gate National Recreational Area OFF-LEASH DOG BEACH. Dogs are allowed off-leash on the beach. Dog Walking in Golden Gate National Recreation Area

San Francisco: Ocean Beach, Golden Gate National Recreation Area OFF-LEASH DOG BEACH. Dogs are allowed off-leash (excluding the Plover Protection Area from Sloat Blvd. north to Stairwell 21 where leashes are required all year except from May 15 to July 1).The beach runs parallel to the Great Highway (north of Fort Funston). There are several access points including Sloat Blvd., Fulton Street or Lincoln Way. This beach has a mix of off-leash and leash required areas. Dogs must be on leash on Ocean Beach between Sloat Blvd and Stairwell No. 21 (roughly at Fulton). North of Fulton to the Cliff House and South of Sloat for several miles are still okay for off-leash dogs, however parts of these areas may be impassible at high tide. The GGNRA stricly enforces the on-leash area between Sloat and Fulton. Dog Walking in Golden Gate National Recreation Area

San Francisco: John McLaren Park, 100 John F Shelley Dr., San Francisco, CA 94134 Dogs are allowed off-leash in two big open dog areas, one behind the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater and one at the intersection of Mansell Street and John F. Shelley Drive. A stylishly landscaped reservoir just below the water tower provides irrigation for the park and serves as a swimming whole for dogs.

Stinson Beach: Upton Beach Dogs on a leash are allowed on Upton Beach (owned by the County of Marin) which is located north of the land administered by the National Park Service. Dogs are not allowed on the National Park section of Stinson Beach.

Tomales Bay: Point Reyes National Seashore, Tomales Bay Pets are permitted on boats in Tomales Bay and on National Seashore beaches on the west side of Tomales Bay from the northern boundary of Tomales Bay State Park to Elk Fence North Beach. These beaches include: Kilkenny Beach, Long Cove Beach, Fruit Tree Beach, Marshall Beach, No Name Beach, Tomales Beach, Elk Fence South Beach, Elk Fence North Beach. Pets are not permitted on beaches or anywhere else within the Tomales Point Elk Reserve. Pets are not permitted on Hog Island, Duck Island or Pelican Point. Pets are not permitted on beaches within Tomales Bay State Park. Please note: the only way to access the Tomales Bay beaches listed above if you are accompanied by a pet is by boat. Pets are not permitted on Marshall Beach Trail.

Tomales Bay: Chicken Ranch Beach (Sir Francis Drake Highway) Chicken Ranch Beach is located north of Inverness, adjacent to Sir Francis Drake Blvd. and nestled along the west shore of Tomales Bay. Dogs on a leash are allowed on the beach.

LAKE TAHOE/YOSEMITE AREA/GOLD COUNTRY

Lake Tahoe: Dogs at Lake Tahoe The Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) manages about 75% of the land within the Lake Tahoe Basin. Dogs on a leash are welcome almost anywhere within the LTBMU, with the notable exceptions of designated swimming beaches and areas that are restricted for wildlife protection. While your dog is not allowed on any designated swimming beaches, there are still plenty of places for both of you to enjoy the water. Dogs are allowed at the Tallac Historic Site from Valhalla Pier to Tallac Point (where the Lake of the Sky Trail meets the lakefront) in South Lake Tahoe, North Beach at Zephyr Cove Resort, Hidden and Chimney Beaches on the east shore, Coon Street Beach in Kings Beach, Ski Beach in Incline Village (from October to April only), and Echo Lakes. Also, the lakes and streams in Desolation Wilderness are another good option.

Mammoth Lakes: Horseshoe Lake The Horseshoe Lake Loop is a combination of dirt trail and paved multi-use path that circumnavigates Horseshoe Lake, located at the end of Lake Mary Road and the Lakes Basin Path. Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on the trail and on the beach.

Nevada City: Kneebone Beach, South Yuba River State Park Dogs on leash are welcome in the park, including on trails and Kneebone Beach, a swimming area on the south side of the river. The family beach next to the visitor center is the only area where dogs are not allowed.

North Lake Tahoe, Kings Beach: Coon Street Boat Launch & Beach The Coon Street Boat Launch is located at the end of Coon Street in Kings Beach. The beach is (facing the lake) to the left of the boat launch ramp. Coon Street Beach features restrooms, picnic areas with grills and boat launch. Dogs are allowed only on the area marked as "dog beach" - the only public dog beach on the North Shore.

North Lake Tahoe, Carnelian Bay: Carnelian West Beach The California Tahoe Conservancys "Carnelian West" beach shares a free parking facility and day use buoy field with Gar Woods restaurant in Carnelian Bay. Dogs on a leash are allowed on the beach.

North Lake Tahoe, Carnelian Bay: Patton Beach Patton Beach in Carnelian Bay is a small rocky beach with picnic tables, restrooms and a nature walk. Dogs on a leash are allowed on the beach.

South Lake Tahoe: Echo Lakes Dogs on a leash are allowed on the beach. There is a water taxi that can take you and your dog across the lake. From the South Lake Tahoe Y, drive south on Highway 50 for 9.6 miles and turn right on Echo Lake Road. Park in the upper lot at The Echo Lakes Resort.

South Lake Tahoe: Kiva Beach Dogs on a leash no longer than 10 feet are allowed on the beach. From South Lake Tahoe Y, drive north on Highway 89 for 2.5 miles to Kiva Beach.

South Lake Tahoe: Regan Beach, 3199 Sacramento Avenue, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 Regan Beach is a city-owned beach located at Lakeview Avenue at Sacramento. A dog friendly portion of the shoreline is available at Regan Beach.

South Lake Tahoe: Tallac Historic Site The Tallac historic Site is open weekends only beginning Memorial Day weekend through mid-June and daily beginning mid-June through September. Dogs on a leash are allowed at the Tallac Historic Site from Valhalla Pier to Tallac Point (where the Lake of the Sky Trail meets the lakefront) in South Lake Tahoe. Dogs are not permitted in or near the Taylor Creek Marsh. From South Lake Tahoe Y, drive north on Hwy 50 for 3 miles and turn right at the sign for the Tallac Historic Site.

West Shore Lake Tahoe, Homewood: Dog Swim Area Next to Obexer's Marina, 5300 West Lake Blvd., Homewood, CA 96141 there is a pebbly, shaded beach to the left of the boat launch where dogs can swim.

CENTRAL COAST

Aptos: Rio Del Mar State Beach Rio del Mar Beach has a wide strip of clean sand and a jetty. Dogs on a leash are allowed on the beach.

Aptos: Seascape Beach Seascape Park is a county park at the south end of Seascape Resort, located at 1 Seascape Resort Drive in Aptos. A path opens out onto Seascape (a privately-owned beach) is a small section of an 18-mile beach, running from New Brighton State Beach in Capitola to the Pajaro River near Moss Landing. Dogs on a leash are allowed on the beach.

Aptos: Hidden Beach Park, End of Cliff Drive, Aptos, CA This 1.5 acre neighborhood park include a children's play area, lawn, picnic table, restrooms, and beach access. Dogs on a leash are allowed in the park.

Avila Beach: Avila Beach & Olde Port Beach Dogs on a leash are allowed on Avila Beach before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m. Dogs are not allowed on Avila Beach between the hours of 10am 5pm. Dogs on a leash are allowed at any time of the day on the Olde Port beach, next to the Harford Pier.

Big Sur: Pfeiffer Beach Pfeiffer Beach is located in the heart of Big Sur. Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on the beach. Day use only, no overnight camping.

Big Sur/Gorda: Kirk Creek Beach and Trailhead Kirk Creek Beach is part of the Los Padres National Forest and is located near the Kirk Creek Campground. Dogs on a leash are allowed on the beach, in the campground, and on the Kirk Creek Trailhead.

Big Sur/Gorda: Sand Dollar Beach Sand Dollar Beach is part of the Los Padres National Forest and is located just 3.8 miles north of Gorda. Dogs on a leash are allowed on the beach.

Big Sur/Gorda: Willow Creek Beach Willow Creek Beach is part of the Los Padres National Forest and is located 1.5 miles north of Gorda. Dogs on a leash are allowed on the day-use beach.

Capitola: New Brighton State Beach New Brighton State Beach is located in the town of Capitola, just south of Santa Cruz. Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on the beach.

Carmel: Carmel River State Beach Carmel River State Beach is located on Highway 1 in Carmel, one mile south of Ocean Avenue. Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on the beach.

Carmel: Garrapata State Beach Garrapata State Beach is located on Highway 1, 6.7 miles south of Rio Road in Carmel. Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are only allowed on Garrapata Beach.

Carmel-by-the-Sea: City Beach OFF-LEASH DOG BEACH. The Carmel City Beach is located at the end of Ocean Avenue. Dogs are allowed off-leash on the beach. This is a very dog friendly beach!

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dog-friendly beaches - Pet Friendly Travel

Welcome to the NSSDCA!

Welcome to the NASA Space Science Data Coordinated Archive, NASA's archive for space science mission data.

ESA's Gaia mission launched successfully on a Soyuz-Fregat rocket from Kourour, French Guiana at 09:12UT on 19December 2013. The mission is designed to measure the positions and velocity of roughly 1,000,000,000 stars as well as determine their temperature, composition, and other properties. More...

NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer(WISE) satellite has released data from the first 57% of the sky surveyed during the mission. The satellite went into hibernation in early February2011, but its discoveries include 20 comets, more than 33,000 asteroids between Mars and Jupiter, and 133 near-Earth objects. More...

NASA's launch of the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) spacecraft took place at 7:27p.m. on 27June 2013 (02:27UT, 28June) about 100miles from Vandenberg AFB. More...

Voyager 1 has encountered a region of spacecraft at the edge of our solar system that scientists believe is the last region the spacecraft will have to cross prior to entering interstellar space. More...

Five investigations have been selected as finalists for the next Discovery class missions. One or two will be chosen to fly as early as 2020. The finalists include two Venus missions, two asteroid missions, and an NEO mission. More...

Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko reached perihelion at 02:03UT on 13August 2015. The Rosetta spacecraft, flying with the comet, has observed increased activity. It is hoped that the Philae lander will be able to observe changes at the surface as well. More...

Images and data from Pluto and its moons continue to trickle in from the New Horizons spacecraft. Images of atmospheric haze and evidence of flowing ice were discussed at a press conference on 24July. For recent images and information, see the NASA and APL New Horizons pages.

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Welcome to the NSSDCA!

Graduate Program in Genetic Counseling : Center for …

Northwestern University provides a strong foundation in core genetic counseling skills and identifies each students strengths in order to ignite the passion and lifelong commitment to learning that is critical to professional development. Graduates not only feel extremely capable in multiple clinical settings and specialties, but also recognize how valuable their training has been in preparing them for expanded genetic counseling careers.

Since the inception of the Northwestern University Graduate Program in Genetic Counseling in 1990, the leaders of the program have strived to look to the future of the genetic counseling profession to help guide the overall administration and curriculum. The field of genetics has evolved rapidly over time, and graduate programs need to be aware of the changes that will continue to shape and influence the profession. Northwestern has continued to successfully evolve to meet these changing needs. There are several strengths that allow Northwestern to maintain this cutting edge:

This unique combination, along with the personalized attention a student receives during their training, creates an exciting learning environment and is one of the major strengths of the Northwestern program. We believe our students deserve a strong science, research and psychosocial curriculum.

In addition, Northwestern is proud to offer one of the only dual degree programs available in Genetic Counseling and Medical Humanities and Bioethics.

The combination of the programs nationally recognized faculty, the diversity of clinical and patient experiences, and the cultural excitement of its location in Chicago makes this program unique, exciting and visionary!

Learn more about the program via the links below.

Originally posted here:

Graduate Program in Genetic Counseling : Center for ...

Moore’s Law at 50: The past and future | Computerworld

Intel co-founder Gordon Moore.

When you're strapping on the latest smart watch or ogling an iPhone, you probably aren't thinking of Moore's Law, which for 50 years has been used as a blueprint to make computers smaller, cheaper and faster.

Without Moore's Law it's quite possible that new types of computers like Microsoft's HoloLens, a holographic wearable with which users can interact with floating images, would not have been developed. For decades, Moore's Law has been a guiding star for the development of modern electronics, though in recent years its relevance has been subject to debate.

Moore's Law isn't a scientific theory, but a set of observations and predictions made by Intel co-founder Gordon Moore in an article [click here to download] first published in Electronics Magazine on April 19, 1965, which were subsequently modified. His core prediction states that the density of transistors, or the number of transistors on a given die area, would double every two years, which leads to double the performance. Loosely translated, that means in 18 to 24 months you could buy a computer that is significantly faster than what you have today with the same amount of money.

The tech industry originally interpreted this to mean that making chips would get cheaper with scaling: as transistor density doubles, chips shrink in size, processing speeds up, and the cost per processor declines. For the past five decades, the tech world has based product plans and manufacturing strategies around this concept, leading to smaller, cheaper and faster devices.

Manufacturing advances have also made chips power-efficient, helping squeeze more battery life out of devices.

Without Moore's Law, "I don't think we could have a smartphone in the palm of our hand," said Randhir Thakur, executive vice president and general manager of the Silicon Systems Group at Applied Materials.

But engineers have predicted that Moore's Law will die in the next decade because of physical and economic challenges. Conventional computers could be replaced by quantum computers and systems with brain-like, or neural, chips, which function differently than current processors. Silicon could also be replaced by chips made using new materials, such as graphene or carbon nanotubes.

Intel applied Moore's observations first to memory products, with the benefit being lower cost per bit. Then it applied Moore's Law to integrated circuits, and Intel's first chip in 1971, the 4004, had 2,300 transistors. Intel's latest chips have billions of transistors, are 3,500 times faster, and 90,000 times more power efficient.

Since then, Moore's Law has been flexible enough to adapt to changes in computing. It was the force behind supercharging computer performance in the 1990s, and lowering power consumption in the last decade, said Mark Bohr, senior fellow at Intel.

"The type of performance we had on desktops 15 years ago is matched by laptops and smartphones in our hand today," Bohr said.

Moore's Law is being used as a guiding principle in the development of wearables, Internet of Things devices and even robots that can recognize objects and make decisions. It also affects a diverse range of products such as cars, health devices and home appliances, which are relying more on integrated circuits for functionality, Bohr said.

Intel innovations in manufacturing, Moore's Law presentation.

But engineers agree that Moore's Law could be on its last legs as chips scale down to atomic scale, and even Intel is having a tough time keeping pace. Gordon Moore has revisited Moore's Law over the last 50 years and at multiple times expressed doubts about its longevity. In a recent interview with IEEE Spectrum, Moore said keeping up was getting "more and more difficult."

Intel's innovations have kept Moore's Law chugging along, with the most recent technology advance being FinFET, in which transistors are placed on top of each other so more features can be packed on chips. Intel has spent billions of dollars establishing new factories, and innovations such as strained silicon, high-k metal gate and FinFET have helped give Moore's Law a long lease on life.

"Because Intel works hard on it, new, computing-hungry applications are emerging every day," said Xian-He Sun, distinguished professor of computer science at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago.

But it is becoming difficult to etch an increasing number of features on ever-smaller chips, which are increasingly susceptible to a wide range of errors and defects. More attention is required in designing and making chips, and additional processes and personnel need to be put in place to prevent errors.

In addition, with research under way into new materials and technologies, silicon may be on its way out, a change that could fundamentally transform Moore's Law. There's a lot of interest in a family of so-called III-V materials -- compounds based on elements from the third and fifth columns of the periodic chart -- such as gallium arsenide or indium gallium arsenide.

"Moore's Law is morphing into something that is about new materials," said Alex Lidow, a semiconductor industry veteran and CEO of Efficient Power Conversion (EPC).

EPC is making a possible silicon replacement, gallium nitride (GAN), which is a better conductor of electrons, giving it performance and power-efficiency advantages over silicon, Lidow said. GAN is already being used for power conversion and wireless communications, and could make its way to digital chips someday, though Lidow couldn't provide a timeline.

"For the first time in 60 years there are valid candidates where it's about superior material rather than smaller feature size," Lidow said.

The economics of manufacturing smaller and faster chips are also tumbling. It's getting more expensive to make advanced factories, and the returns on making those chips are diminishing. Important tools like EUV (extreme ultraviolet) lithography, which transfers circuit patterns onto substrates, would make it possible to shrink chips to even smaller sizes but aren't yet available.

"The semiconductor has always faced challenges, which have been speed bumps. Now we're going up against a wall," said Jim McGregor, principal analyst at Tirias Research.

Experts can't predict where Moore's Law will be years from now, but it will eventually fall as the physics and economics of making smaller chips no longer make practical sense. Nevertheless, the legacy of Moore's Law will live on as a model for bringing down the price of components, which leads to cheaper devices and computers, McGregor said.

Moore's 1965 article ushered in an era of ever-increasing technological change. "We've taken servers the size of a room down to a mobile chip. It's amazing what we've done in that period of time," McGregor said.

More here:

Moore's Law at 50: The past and future | Computerworld

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The document library is our term for the set of online order forms unique to your company or to specific departments or branches within your organization. Each item represents a specific printed piece. For example, if you have 10 different printed forms that get used throughout your company, you'd have 10 separate document library items set up - one for each form. Document libraries make it easy to order, track, and inventory your most frequently used printed items.

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Liberty Print Communicaitons

Islands (restaurant) – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks (also known as Islands) is a casual dining restaurant chain that specializes in hamburgers and specialty drinks, fries that are made fresh every day, with a tropical theme. Despite its hamburger and fries "specialty", various other types of food are offered.

Entrees such as tacos, chicken sandwiches, and multiple entree salads, are available, as well as appetizers, including cheddar fries, chips and salsa, spinach-artichoke dip, and a choice of two major desserts; a fudge brownie ice cream sundae known as the "Chocolate Lava," and a coffee ice cream mud pie, "Kona Pie." Islands is known for catering to the requests of its guests, and many changes to their menu have been made at customer suggestion. Examples include including a small order of Islands' fries with any burger (or chicken or tuna sandwich), offering low-calorie entrees to promote lighter eating, and personal-sized desserts.

The company is based in Carlsbad, California.[1] It does not franchise out locations.[2]

The company was founded in 1982 by entrepreneur Tony DeGrazier in West Los Angeles and currently has more than 50 locations in California, Arizona, Nevada, and Hawaii.[3]

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Islands (restaurant) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Beaches and Islands – Krabi

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:: Beaches & Islands in the Sun

Visitors to Krabi beaches and islands are of many different backgrounds. Some are on their honeymoon and are overseas for the first time, others are adventurists who barely unpack their bags before leaving on their next adventure. We have visitors who have traveled the world over who have enjoyed travels on continents around the world, hot and cool climates. When you read about the islands and beaches of Krabi you will see that there is truly something to enjoy and love for everyone.

Ao Nang Beach

Krabi is hardly 18 km away from the bay and the bay has some 83 islands scattered around. Each one of these islands are a short distance away from one another. And during low tides, you can even wade your way to the neighboring island. In this sort of a natural set up, there is little shortage for sandy beaches and crystal clear water. But among them all, Ao Nang beach is supposed to be the best.

Ao Nang has the cleanest of environments in the area. This is the most developed beach in the area. And the beach is accessible by road from Krabi. Less crowded and more quiet, it gives a more peaceful atmosphere to the tourist than the Krabi. The majestic looking limestone cliffs rising straight from calm, clear waters of the sea and the long beach line that runs the whole length of the resort are great attractions claimed exclusively by Ao Nang. The shallow coast line is very safe for children to play with the waves. The deserted beach of Pai Plong is easily accessible on foot when the tide is low. There are 83 islands of various sizes in the bay off this beach. And the facilities for boat trips are well organized in the beach. Tourism sector takes care of the food requirements at the sea front itself. With widest range of accommodation facilities , transports either by boat or road, excellent facilities for tasty foods, tourists often make this area a base camp to make their foray further deep to discover the caves or for trekking and rock climbing.

Hat Noppharat Thara

This beach is on the western side of the Krabi town. The park covers an extensive area of the main land and 80 islands including Phi Phi Islands.

20 km west of Krabi and 3 miles long, this beach is lined with a majestic Casuarina forest. The beach is a part of Koh Phi Phi National Marine Park. Just as in the case of Ao Nang , during low tides, it is possible to reach other islands in the bay on foot.

Railay or Railey Beach & ( Hat Tham Beaches )

Two of the most popular beaches in Ao Phra Nang peninsula are Rai Leh and Hat Tham. This is just to the south of Ao Nang. Phra Nang area is a hilly terrain with craggy limestone cliffs. There are no proper roads in this area. The beaches are accessible by long tail boats. This scenario gives a secluded feel to the place.

In Rai Leh, excellent accommodation is available which gives an added attraction to this beach. There are plenty of rock formations in the area. And caves with stalactites and stalagmites are spectcular attraction in Rai Leh. As is quite typical of this area, the limestone geology has forged many interesting rock formations.

Besides, these beaches provide opportunities for rock climbing enthusiasts. A spectacular view of the surrounding areas from the top of the cliff is a rewarding experience to the hardship and strain you take to climb the hill side. The facilities including supplies of climbing gear and training for the novice are also available.

Pristine beaches with pure white sand and shallow clear water make the Rai Leh beach a favorite to the tourists. Swimming and sunbathing in this beach is much popular. Rai Leh beach is considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches of the world. And this is one of Krabi's most unique areas.

Pra Nang Beach

Connected to Rai Lei by a small path is Phra Nang (not to be confused with Ao Nang) on the outer most point of the headland, backed by a limestone cliff which soars above the beach providing some welcome shade in the hot afternoon. At the bottom of the cliff lies the Princess Cave or Tham Phra Nang Nok - local legend surrounds the cave and local fishermen leave offerings for good fortune. It's a great beach to simply hang out. In the late morning the "sandwich boats" arrive. Local longtail boats equipped with ice boxes, bread and sandwich ingredients. Fancy a cheese and ham baguette? Freshly made and not expensive, the ladies on the boats will serve with a smile and often a free piece of fruit. A path Swimming and snorkeling can be enjoyed off this pristine, white sandy beach, and from here it is possible to hike to the top of the headland to get spectacular views of the entire area.

Klong Muang Beach/Tubkaak

Krabi's latest beach destination, Muang Klong is aiming upmarket with 5 star and boutique hotels like the Sheraton Krabi Resort, the Nakamanda and the Tubkaak Resort. Unlike Ao Nang it doesn't have the impressive cliffs immediately towering over the beach, but it does have powder white sand and safe swimming

The Lanta Island Group

About 53 islands are included in this group, which form the southern most district of Krabi Province.

Koh Lanta Yai The largest of the islands, it was formerly known as Pulao Satak, its name in the Malay language, which means Long Beach Island. The island is a favourite spot for those seeking peace and solitude, and is the home of the District and National Park offices. Mountainous and rugged in some spots, especially near the southern tip; with a combination of gravely and fine white sandy beaches, the island is also home to a clan of Chao Ley, or Sea Gypsies - an ethnic group who preserve many of their ancient customs and ceremonies. In recent years accommodation has increased in Lanta with a range from basic bungalows to upmarket resorts now available. You can get to Lanta on the regular ferry from Jao Fah Pier in Krabi Town.

Koh Taleng Beng Lies in the Lanta district and is similar in shape to Phi Phi Ley. Swallows also nest at this island which at low tide has a small beach and tunnel.

Mu Koh Hah Still in the Lanta area, this is a group of 5 islands featuring coral gardens and good diving spots.

Koh Ngai, Koh Rock Nai and Koh Rock Nok South of Lanta Island, these 3 islands are close to Trang Province. Koh Ngai is easily accessed via ferry from Pak Meng Beach, others are accessed by hired boat and feature both beaches and coral gardens.

Poda Beach

This is another location much favored by tourists. Lying off the coast of Ao Nang , Poda Beach is famous for its pure white sandy beach and warm waters. Diving and snorkeling , sun bathing and boating are the favorite activities in this beach. This is considered to be an ideal place for fun and relaxation.

Phi Phi Island Beaches

These islands are some of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the world. This is one of the much sought after locations in Krabi province. The superb scenery of these islands are not just limited to the silvery sand beaches but the Emerald green sea, the multi colored coral reefs and the abundance of the underwater marine life. Hardly 2 hrs journey by boat from Ao Nang beach, the twin islands Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh provide excellent entertainments.

Phi Phi Don is the larger of the two islands. Covering some 28 square km area, this is in the northern part of the island. Phi Phi Don has several long white sand beaches. Long ,white curved beach, fringed by palms and between mountain ranges provide sheltered calm waters for beach sports. Plenty of accommodation is available at the site. You can have beach side bungalows or smaller resorts as you please. Bars are available adjacent to the Muslim areas where you have to be discrete. Sun bathing and swimming in the shallow waters are the popular enjoyment here.

There are very many restaurants in Phi Phi Don. In fact, Thailand as a whole is considered to be a land of restaurants. This may perhaps be the only place in the world where you have more number of restaurants and eateries on a per capita basis. And Phi Phi Don is no exception. Both European cuisine and tasty Thai foods are available at the beach restaurants. Bars, cabaret, souvenir shops, fishing excursions and chartered boats are all available at the site.

Phi Phi Leh is only some six sq.km in area. The main attraction is the rocks and caves. Rugged cliff surfaces with sparse vegetation rising staraight from the sea bed to several metres to the sky provide real challenge to the rock climbing enthusiasts.

There are several caves where birds roost in their multitudes. The sea swallows make their gelatinous nests in these caves. And these nests are some delicacy in the Chinese cuisine. The Viking cave is famous for the murals inside. These paintings depict Viking-like sailing vessels and sailors there by giving the name for the cave.

The underwater life is also much captivating. The colorful coral reef and underwater creatures give a feast to the divers. Snorkeling is a favorite sport in these beaches. In short, Phi Phi Islands are a real treat to the tourist and one of the best choices in the Andaman Bay.

Ko Paid ( Bamboo Island ) This is another of the Phi Phi Islands but uninhabited. This has some of the most beautiful beaches in the area. And the beaches are unspoiled as the area is uninhabited.

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Beaches and Islands - Krabi

Health Care | for Patients

The Indian Health Service Health Care system includes many different types of programs and services; these include:

NOTE! Not all Indian Health Service Health Care Facilities can provide the services noted on this website. Call the IHS facility you are planning on going to prior to your visit to ensure all your necessary services can be provided.

Using the Find Health Care website, you can find the nearest providerfor the services above or browse through our IHS Locations page.

Federal law says that IHS has to report to Congress each year on the quality of health care it provides to its patients. Other Federal health care programs such as the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense have to do the same. This kind of report card is known as "Government Performance and Results Act" or GPRA report card. This means that all government health care programs are expected to improve the health of their patients with the money they get from Congress. Each year IHS includes its GPRA report card to Congress as part of the IHS budget.

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Health Care | for Patients

Barcelona Spain Beaches

This page contains pictures and information on the golden sandy Barcelona beaches. There are 4.2 km of golden sandy beaches only 10 minutes from the city centre and 4 main beach areas.

Below is a summary of these in order of closeness to the city centre.

Barceloneta is the first of the Barcelona beaches and can therefore get quite busy during the summer months. The picture of Barceloneta beach above was taken on 3rd of October, and the sun is still shining! But it's not always like this. Some days can be overcast or even rainy - it's the luck of the draw.

Metro stop "Barceloneta" (Yellow Line, L4) Turn right on leaving the metro and cross the main road, continue walking straight along Passeig de Joan de Borbo for about 10 minutes. You will see the marina area on your right as you walk.

There are plenty of things to do on the beach besides swim. Windsurfing and kite surfing are popular. You can also enjoy a refreshing drink from one of the many beach huts. Or, if you're in need of a rest, just lie down and soak up the warmth of the Spanish sun with a good book.

In Barcelona you are never far away from some interesting architecture, not even on the beach! But the designer of this building may have had a few too many drinks when he was drawing up his designs!

The quickest way to get to Barceloneta beach is to catch the yellow line metro and get off at the Barceloneta stop.

Alternatively you can walk to Barceloneta from the city centre. It will take you about 20 minutes from the end of La Rambla.

If you choose to walk there are some enchanting views en-route. You'll see the "Monument a Colom" a memorial to the great explorer Christopher Columbus. A little further along is the Port Vell de Barcelona, a picturesque port with a beautiful view of the sea and marina.

During peak season if you would like a little more space to relax it's worth considering going to one of the other beaches listed below.

Photo guide of Barceloneta - the busiest and most popular of the Barcelona beaches

Metro stop "Ciutadella Vila Olimpica" (Yellow Line, L4). Turn right on exiting the metro and walk towards the twin towers. 10 minutes walk from metro. See our photo guide of Icria Beach.

Beach front hotel accommodation is expensive as this is premium rate territory and there are a lot of other businesses all competing for the space. However you have a few options to consider:

1) Try booking an apartment rental instead of hotel accommodation. You will find that the rates are lower than those for a hotel in the same location and you will have the modern conveniences of home. See our holiday apartment rental guide.

2) One moderately priced hotel that is close to the beach but about 20 minutes by metro ride to the centre of Barcelona is the Hotel Front Maritim. See the hotel review by a site visitor by clicking the link below:

Review of Hotel Front Maritim near Barcelona Beach

3) You can stay in top first 5 star hotel - Hotel Arts Barcelona

Review of Barcelona Arts hotel Barcelona sea front hotel

4) Take a look at our Barcelona Beach hotel Reviews page with links to Hotels by the beach in Barcelona

Metro stop "Poblenou" (Yellow Line, L4). You'll have a 20 minutes walk from Poblenou metro station to Bella Beach. Although this is unofficially a nudist beach there are many people that go here that are not nude.

Take a map with you as there are no signs to Mar Bella beach from the metro.

This beach is outside Barcelona and you'll need to catch a train from Sants station - journey time approximate 30 minutes.

All of Barcelona beaches are clean and well maintained. The sea water is clear and just right for taking a swim.

Art galleries in Barcelona Art venue for local artists Attraction opening hours Aquarium Architecture Beaches Cable car ride Classic Barcelona chair by Mies Van Der Rohe Dal Museum - in Figueres Gaud Architecture Illa fantasia water park Mies Van Der Rohe Museum Museums in Barcelona Public holidays Tibidabo amusement park Top 10 tourist attractions Tours and activities Zoo Tours

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Tourist Discount Card

The Barcelona card entitles you to free or discounted entry to many Barcelona attractions and museums. Unlimited journeys on the public transport system including metro, buses, tram.

Our review of the Barcelona Card.

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Barcelona Spain Beaches

Beaches Energy

Save energy and money on your electric bill! Watch this video on conservation.

Save energy and money on your electric bill! Watch this video on conservation.

Save energy and money on your electric bill! Watch this video on conservation.

Save energy and money on your electric bill! Watch this video on conservation.

Save energy and money on your electric bill! Watch this video on conservation.

Save energy and money on your electric bill! Watch this video on conservation.

Save energy and money on your electric bill! Watch this video on conservation.

Save energy and money on your electric bill! Watch this video on conservation.

Save energy and money on your electric bill! Watch this video on conservation.

Save energy and money on your electric bill! Watch this video on conservation.

Save energy and money on your electric bill! Watch this video on conservation.

Save energy and money on your electric bill! Watch this video on conservation.

Save energy and money on your electric bill! Watch this video on conservation.

Save energy and money on your electric bill! Watch this video on conservation.

Save energy and money on your electric bill! Watch this video on conservation.

Save energy and money on your electric bill! Watch this video on conservation.

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Beaches Energy

Beaches Costa de la Luz (West and East), beaches of Huelva …

Use our guide to explore the beaches along the Costa de la Luz from the furthest east next to the Portuguese border, to the furthest west at the Campo de Gibraltar.

Beaches along the Costa de la Luz are generally long, sandy and backed by dunes and pine woods. During July and August the beaches nearest the resorts are packed with mainly Spanish visitors from Huelva city and Sevilla.

For the rest of the year, this coast is uncrowded and even in summer, it's possible to find a relatively peaceful place on the beach. Although the beaches are exposed, they are less windswept than ones along the Cadiz stretch of the Costa de la Luz, but it's still good for windsurfing.

The Costa del Luz (Cadiz) beaches tend to be long, with fine golden sand and huge dunes. The coastline is dotted with small fishing villages. This area is popular with tourists from Seville, other parts of Spain and international travellers, backpackers and campavaners. Can be very windy at times but great for windsurfing and surfing.

The first beaches of Cdiz have spectacular views across to Doana Natural Park and are home to the famous horse races each August.More>

Beautifully sandy and well-equipped beaches mostly frequented by the local Spanish and residents of Seville.More>

16 kilometers of sandy beaches, both urban and rural, boasting several blue flags awarded by the European Union.More>

With views across to Cdiz City, Puerto de Santa Maria has several extensive beaches to choose from.More>

La Cachucha beach is a haven for nature lovers with salt marshes and large pine forests.More>

Cdiz City is home to three blue flag beaches.More>

Located beyond the marshes, Playa Campo Soto & Playa del Castillo are popular with wind surfers.More>

Playa Sancti Petri attracts watersports lovers from all over while Playa de la Barrosa has sand dunes and pine forests.More>

Long beaches backed by large cliffs and lots of litte secluded coves that are perfect for nudism.More>

A long stretch of beach with perfect conditions for watersports. More>

Some of the most beautiful beaches on the Costa de la Luz, including Caos de Meca.More>

One of the best sandy beaches. Great fishing village atmosphere.More>

Popular Sunday day-tripper beach, quiet in the week. Large sand dunes to the north.More>

The most popular windsurfing and posing location. Huge sand dunes.More>

Not well-known for its beaches, however the beaches here offer fantastic views of Morocco and Gibraltar. More>

Home to a beach located between a power plant and an oil refinery, but don't let its location put you off!More>

Not very touristy beaches but a great place to watch planes land in Gibraltar.More>

Although not technically in Andalucia, Gibraltar has five small, well-kept beaches.More>

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Beaches Costa de la Luz (West and East), beaches of Huelva ...

Five Things I’ve Learned About the World Through Travel …

In the last few years, I've had the privilege to travel all over the world, spending time in six continents in over twenty countries. I've learned many things through my world travels not only about myself, but also of the world we live in.

Through my world travels, these are the five things I've learned about the world:

There is beauty in everything. We live in a big world filled with amazing landscapes, breath-taking monuments, crowded cities, and peaceful paradises. Everywhere from the sleepy beach towns in Nicaragua to the bustling city of Tokyo, there is beauty in everything. You just have to look for it. Whether it's natural or man-made, shiny or dull, large or small, it's all part of our world to enjoy and appreciate. Revel in the beauty of the world, wherever you are, by being grateful for what you are able to see and experience.

We all have a responsibility for our environment. This world is not ours alone. It belongs to our kids and their kids and the generations after that. It's our responsibility to take care of the beautiful world that we have by caring for the environment. We all have a stake in this world and should do everything we can to help reduce, reuse, and recycle. You can start with simple things like trash separation and using a reusable shopping bag when buying groceries. You can also compost your trash, bike to work, or drive an electric car. Your actions will be examples for your kids, relatives, neighbors, and friends, so that they can also change their behavior towards the environment.

People are innately good and kind. We were born to be good. When you travel, you get to experience the goodness of people everywhere in the world, whether it's the lady at the German bakery who gives out a free bread sample to keep your kids happy, or the Spanish teacher who adores your kids at school, or the Asian flight attendant who takes extra care to make your family comfortable on the airplane. A smile, friendly comment, nice gesture, and a helping hand go a long way to supporting other people, even if they are perfect strangers. Wherever you go, no matter what culture of language, there will always be people around to help you. You just have to be open and receptive to their kindness.

Relationships aren't easy, but they're necessary. You cannot live in isolation or on a deserted island. We were made for one another to help one another. So like it or not, you need to constantly be working on relationships whether they be with your spouse, kids, parents, friends, co-workers, boss, etc. Wherever you travel in the world, you'll find people living with one another, whether it be in close proximity or long distances, there are always communities of people. We need each other for comfort, support, and guidance. Relationships are complicated, but we need them to feel whole and part of something bigger than ourselves.

There isn't one right way of life. People from different backgrounds and cultures have different beliefs and value systems. For example, Buddhism is mainly practiced in the East and Christianity is mainly practiced in the West. Everyone has their own way of living and as long as it's not harmful and inhumane, we need to accept and appreciate those different lifestyles. It's the differences that make us interesting. Tolerance, empathy, and love are what's needed to live in harmony with one another, despite any differences we may have.

Originally appeared on LiveFamilyTravel.com. Images courtesy of author. _____

Cliff Hsia is a father who is determined to live a better than normal life by traveling the world, slowly and purposefully, with his wife and two young daughters. He's currently on a gap year of world travel with his family. He writes about travel, family, love, happiness, faith, and everything else that life throws at him.

Read Cliff's articles at Live Family Travel and connect with him on Facebook and Twitter.

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Not far from buzzy Austin, this small town with German roots boasts charming B&Bs, dozens of adorable shops and proximity to some of the best wine tasting in Texas.

Smart visitors to Northern California will skip Napa and head to Healdsburg, a foodie capital with outdoor concerts and shady sidewalks to charm you between courses.

When you consider its museums, charming Spanish Colonial theater and historic hotel, you'll see why Rand McNally named Gallup the Most Patriotic Small Town in America in 2014.

Stroll streets of antebellum mansions and moss-covered trees before hitting the beach in this little Southern oasis.

Visit the graves of real-live Wild West characters, like Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok, at Deadwood's local cemetery. A number of walking and sightseeing tours will show you the lighter side of things, too.

This lovely lake town was made for lovers of the outdoors: There's no shortage of boating and beaches, with larger-than-life sand dunes nearby. Visit a charming craft brewery once you're back on land.

Art galleries, boutiques, festivals and great food draw locals out to this lovable seaport on the picturesque Olympic Peninsula.

The "Crystal City" in New York's charming Finger Lakes region is famous for its collection of glass artworks. You can even make your own in the studio!

Estes Park is perfect for lovers of both small-town life and nature explorations, as it's a gateway village to Rocky Mountain National Park. A romantic, haunted old hotel adds a bit of thrill to the mix.

If you've always wanted to try Cape Cod, then make Woods Hole your first stop. This nautical village has an awesome Science Aquarium and a collection of charming sailboats to boot.

This tiny town houses a visitors center for Everglades National Park. Oh, and they serve some tasty crab dishes too.

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Five Things I've Learned About the World Through Travel ...

World Animal Day signals renewed campaign to end abusive …

Wild African elephants in Zimbabwe. Photograph: Jack Sullivan/Alamy

Leading conservation charity World Animal Protection has renewed its plea for the tourism industry to put an end to abusive elephant rides and shows, calling on leading travel brands to join the growing list of companies who are opposed to the practice.

Making the call on World Animal Day, the charity says 63 travel companies have now signed up to its elephant-friendly tourism pledge, signifying a major shift in attitude in the industry.

According to World Animal Protection, elephants used for rides and performances have to endure a high degree of suffering in order to be trained. Baby elephants are separated from their mothers at a young age, isolated, starved and beaten in order to break their spirits in a training method known as the crush. It is estimated that 3,000 elephants are suffering in captivity today in entertainment venues across Asia and southern Africa.

Many elephant parks offer rides to tourists, while some force the elephants to perform tricks in shows or pose for photos or selfies. Elephant safaris are a common feature of holidays in countries like Thailand, but the charity want to make clear: there are no cruelty-free elephant rides.

Kate Nustedt, international director of wildlife at World Animal Protection, said that in the last month alone dozens more companies have signed up, which is a a strong signal from the travel industry that it wants change.

Its definitely the start of a shift, says Nustedt. Were changing the attitudes of the industry in terms of animal entertainment. Once people see what happens behind the scenes at these venues, they dont want to be involved with it any more.

Among the major brands that have signed the pledge so far are TUI Travel in Belgium and the Netherlands, and The Travel Corporation. Individual companies include Intrepid Travel and World Expeditions.

Brett Tollman, chief executive officer of The Travel Corporation and co-founder of the TreadRight Foundation, said: We are proud to collaborate with World Animal Protection in the interests of ensuring the industry embraces animal-friendly tourism and strengthens wildlife protection.

World Animal Protection also hopes that the Thomas Cook group - one of the biggest names in travel will make a wide-reaching commitment to the cause. This week Thomas Cook agreed to stop selling elephant rides and shows in its northern Europe markets and the charity is calling on the company to now sign the pledge and extend this across its global markets.

Thomas Cook is the oldest and best known name in travel, says Nustedt, who describes the companys current position as contradictory. Over 22 million customers choose to travel with them each year, with sales of over 8.5bn, demonstrating the importance it could play in stopping the promotion of elephant rides.

Signing the pledge means the company acknowledges the cruelty involved in using elephants for entertainment and that they commit not to sell, offer or promote venues involved with this kind of attraction.

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World Animal Day signals renewed campaign to end abusive ...