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When you are in Rome and you go to see a building from the first century, you expect it to be pretty much in ruins. That is why the Pantheon is such a surprise because it has survived intact all of those centuries and it is the only building of that size, age and span that has been able to do that. But we can’t just say that the Pantheon has done so well because of luck. It is clearly the outcome of genius at work at the engineering level when the Pantheon was envisioned.

The Pantheon holds up well in comparison to modern buildings for architectural innovation so much so that it has been copied often, but few have been able to match or surpass the brilliance of this ancient building. The fact that it stands to this day as a challenge to modern architects to live up to its design is only more amazing considering it was built around 125 AD, during the reign of the Roman emperor Hadrian.

The basic design is one that is brilliantly simple, placing a round enclosure next to a rectangular entryway. The gateway to the Pantheon is built in the style of a Greek portico, using columns made of granite and finished off with a triangular pediment on top. The entrance is supported by three rows of 39 foot Corinthian columns. Eight of those supports are at the front and then there are two sets further in - each with four supports that lead you onward toward the central rotunda. So the rectangular section serves the function of joining the rotunda and the portico.

That design plan is deceptively simple but phenomenally effective.

For example, the massive dome of concrete that is on top of the round central component is of such elegant design and of such high quality of construction that anything less in the design of this dome would have collapsed under its own weight.

That awe inspiring dome is 142 feet across, which makes it 46 feet bigger than the dome over the White House in the USAs capital city Washington. The ocular at the crown of the dome is 25 feet across. And that oculus is the heart of the genius of that dome’s engineering and construction design.

It’s easy to think that the opening in the center of that large oculus is just for artistic design. But it has an important job of reducing the weight of the dome. It is also perfectly balanced to distribute the stress of the dome’s weight around its circumference. This makes the dome as resistant to being crushed as a bicycle wheel that we are familiar with.

Another benefit of the oculus is that it lets in the natural sunlight to illuminate the beautifully designed interior of the building. The designers did anticipate that just as the sunlight comes in, so does the rain and the floor is balanced to permit run off of the water to side drains so a spring shower won’t create undue danger or problems for visitors.

The talent of the designers is also on display in the tapering steps of the dome. That dome is an amazing 20 feet thick at the base of the structure and 7.5 feet thick at the oculus. The composition of the dome is also a part of the balance that keeps it aloft because the lower parts are made of heavier materials and as it rises to the peak, the material that was used is lighter. This simple design plan seems obvious but many architects down through time and to this day do not use such simple design methods to replicate the success of that dome.

The result is a building so stable that 2000 years since it was first built, the stability of the structure is rock solid. But that stability was designed and constructed without any modern tools or devices we associate with building today.

Now you add to that limitation the fact that the creators of the Pantheon had to work with relatively “primitive” means of transportation and the success is even more impressive. Every pound of building materials for this amazing building had to be floated to the site down the Tiber River and then laboriously moved to the building site by cart using nothing more than human or animal power.

Just as amazing are the huge bronze doors of the building. They have been restored to their usual beauty often but they have never shown any need to have any structural work done on them. This is really a marvel considering the Pantheon is built on soft marsh lands.

A good comparison in terms of amazing longevity of the Pantheon is the Leaning Tower of Pisa which seems to need virtually continuous effort to support and maintain that structure. Much of the reason for the troubles of that tower is the marshy ground under the construction. Another great building that was built at the same time as the Pantheon in Rome is the Parthenon in Greece and it is for all intents and purposes a wreck 2000 years after it was built.

In the 8th century, the Roman Pantheon was converted to be used as a church. And unlike buildings of similar age that are carefully left untouched, the Pantheon continues to serve as a church to this very day. Since it was built in the first century, the Pantheon has never known a time when it was not in constant use.

It is such a design marvel that the Pantheon has become a template for great engineering for numerous modern projects including the University of Virginia’s Thomas Jefferson Rotunda and the British Museum Reading Room.

If you have admired those wonderful buildings, it’s worth it to spend some time seeing the building that inspired them all.

Halloween and the Presidential Election come within a few days of each other this year. Is there any connection between the costumes people choose and the outcome of elections?

Obama Halloween masks, John McCain masks and Sarah Palin costumes are flying out-of-the-door. Sorry, Senator Biden - you just don’t seem to be inspiring Halloween purchases this year. So what are people using to transform themselves into their favorite presidential candidate? Obama supporters are mixing a store bought full mask with a standard dark suit. Dark black or dark blue both work. They need to look well tailored. McCain supporters are also starting out with a good McCain mask and a dark business suit. People can look at a few YouTube videos to see how their favorite Presidential candidate dresses.

A Sarah Palin costume consists of the “beehive” wig, glasses, and a campaign button. Depending on whether the purchaser is pro or con Palin, they might add some other touches. What are people saying when they don these costumes? Sarah Palin supporters will show her competency. A business suit, a tasteful brooch or simple necklace, and those hot high heeled shoes make a great costume for a Palin supporter. On the other hand, those wanting to spoof Palin are wearing a tiara, a beauty pageant ribbon, or they have her toting a gun for one of her legendary hunting trips. As they say, the accessories are everything.

Many believe that the candidate whose costume sells the best is the one that will win the election. So, is there any real evidence of that? A major survey is conducted each election year. The Spirit Halloween Presidential Index has shown results that would indicate that it might be accurate over the past few years. In 2004, the George W. Bush mask outsold the John Kerry mask; in 2000, the George W. Bush mask outsold the Al Gore mask, and in 1996 the Clinton mask heavily outsold the Bob Dole mask. Coincidence? It will be interesting to see whether this year follows that trend.

If mask sales todate are any indicator, this is a good thing for Obama. While 67% of the Presidential masks sold are Obama masks, only 33% are McCain masks. But don’t get too carried away with predictors. The only count that really means anything is the final count on Election Day. Even so, you McCain supporters better start buying some masks!

In conclusion, be sure to support your favorite Presidential candidate by voting on November 4. Election Day is a day where we can show our thanks for living in a democratic society where it is our right and privilege to cast our vote. And, just for extra luck, wear his mask this Halloween.

Valentine’s Day is celebrated all over the world on February 14. It is the day when lovers express their love for one another by exchanging Valentine’s card, flowers and also with gifts. This day is named after early Christian martyr named Valentine and has been celebrated since many centuries.

Valentine’s Day is not just for lovers. It is a day to reach out to your parents, Aunts & Uncles, cousins and even the younger relatives like Nieces or Nephews. Gifts are sent to all who are close to your heart and all the near and dear ones. People wish one another and send their best wishes through Valentine’s card and Valentine’s Day gifts.

There are different gift ideas for different people and you can opt for a suitable gift from the different options available to you. If you wish to send some gifts to the kids in your family you have options of treats like chocolates, cookies and other yummy mouth watering delicacies. There are toys and games which will please young minds easily. You can even opt for the Valentine’s Day gift baskets which are packed with the best gift choices. Some baskets filled with stuffed animals, soft toys and candies are quite popular among children.

For those looking for gift ideas for their loved one, many choices are available depending on the person’s interests and likes. Flowers are always an excellent choice for Valentine’s Day. In today’s world, you can send almost any type of flower to any destination. What could be better than receiving a beautiful, exotic bouquet with a perfect fragrance from your loved one!

If you are open to spending a bit more money for this special day, then jewelry is always a good option. A diamond watch, gold jewelry, or a beautiful necklace are items that you cannot go wrong gifting! Expensive gourmet goodies and chocolates are also an option. Everyone loves chocolate, especially when the sweet treat has been specially selected by your loved one.

To locate that special gift, search through the shops stuffed full of fantastic Valentine’s Day gift baskets. Gourmet baskets of chocolates, cookies, and other goodies are the usual indulgence for your lover. You can select the zero-calorie chocolate baskets to satisfy a dieting sweetheart. A basket filled with high-quality wine will be praised and enjoyed. Depending on your budget, you can choose a Champagne basket or go all out with the top wines.

Many husbands and boyfriends are quite thankful to have found the spa baskets that are so popular now. These baskets are filled with fragrant spa essentials that are the ultimate in luxury for a woman. Many baskets are tailored towards men’s taste as well. A basket filled with men’s grooming items, fishing items, cigars, or even chocolate can all be excellent gift ideas. Remember, if you are having trouble finding that perfect basket, one can always be made to suit your needs to the tee! Specialty gift baskets can be found many places, including online, and can be ordered without ever leaving the comfort of your home. Your loved one will certainly recognize and appreciate your thoughtfulness!

Amidst the piles of Christmas decorations, I suddenly land upon the most treasured tradition of them all. “The Book”, as it is now known to all in our family, brings an immediate smile to my face. Joy, laughter and love fills my heart as the timeless memories of these favored stories flood my mind.

Throughout my childhood, and well into my teens, my mother would beckon my sister and I to gather around to listen to one of our most loved Christmas stories. For our family, this was the best Christmas had to offer. Peace and quiet spreading throughout the house, my mother’s loving voice carrying our thoughts off to far away places, the masterful words in these classic stories bringing the heart of Christmas home.

This tradition is perhaps the most loved by everyone in our family. Season after Season, we would bring out the “most loved book”. Season after Season the stories became more rich with meaning.

These classic tales are rich with moral values, connecting oneself to a deeper understanding of the human condition. Each story has a magical twist that inspires and fortifies the soul. As I have grown, so has my appreciation for the meanings found in these story. I am ever thankful that my mother had the insight to read these stories over and over, allowing my understanding of these stories to grow as I grew.

Thank goodness, my mother understood that children never outgrow the desire to hear a story read aloud. She sensed that we loved hearing her comforting voice. Listening to her infuse the literature with life and passion inspired each of us to learn how to train our voices, empowering us to learn how to express heart-felt enthusiasm.

So, as another season approaches, “the book” is being unpacked. My heart is grateful for the strong family traditions I grew up with, my soul anticipating the awakening of the true Spirit of Christmas. My inner child dancing with excitement, wondering which one of these “perfect” Christmas stories I will read to my children this December.

You stare at that tiny card and stress over what to write. Should you be witty? Just sign your name? Simply say, “Congrats!” It can be really confusing to know just what to put on a flower note card to be included with the bunch of flowers that you`re giving to someone.

Those flower note cards are small, so you really want to make the most of the space that you have. Here are some tips on doing just that.

Skip the name. Unless your flowers will be delivered to an office or anywhere there are a lot of people and the flowers might be mistaken for someone else, save space and don`t write the recipient`s name. The delivery person will be delivering them straight to the recipient in most cases, so it`s not necessary.

Keep it short. There`s nothing worse than straining to read crunched up writing on the edge of the card because the writer ran out of space! Keep in mind that you don`t have much surface area and keep the note short and sweet.

Make it meaningful. Mention something special. For example, if you are giving roses to someone you visited the rose gardens with, you can include that incident in the note, to remind them of the fun times you had together.

Write neatly. If you aren`t good at writing, print the note, instead. The idea is that the recipient can read it and that`s going to be awfully hard to do if you end up writing illegibly. While you can have someone else write the note, it`s best in your own handwriting, since this makes the whole gift that much more special.

Get inspired. Still not sure what to write? Then turn to some poems for inspiration. There are also some amazing quotes out there that can be easily found online and these work particularly well if you are looking at giving a gift for something that could use words of inspiration, such as a birthday flowers, a promotion or even an anniversary.

Mention the special occasion. If you are giving flowers for a special occasion, you`ll want to mention that. Just a quick note is fine “Congrats on the promotion” works well. Of course, adding more information can make the note card more personal and is a good idea.

Add a touch of you. There`s nothing wrong with the standard flower note card, but if you want it to be extra special, why not add your own touch, a tiny doodle or something that you enjoy. If you usually sign letters “XOXO”, then do this on the note card. It will help you be consistent and make the gift that much more personal.

Sign the note. You never know how many bunches of flowers the person will be receiving for this special occasion so be sure to sign your flower note card, or they might not realize who it is from. Unless you wish to remain anonymous, in which case, leave your signature off the card!

What you write on the flower note card will make the flowers mean something. While a bunch of flowers are nice to have, they certainly don`t mean that much unless you know who they came from and why.

Flowers make great gifts, but it`s a good idea to make that note count, too, so be sure you write something special on it! Turn it into something the recipient will want to keep and that will make their heart sing. Following the above tips can help you do just that.

The Joker from the latest Batman film, the Dark Knight, was one of the highlights of the film. His menacing laugh and his trademark look - all of which created the ultimate villain. He was a psychopath set on destroying Batman and didn’t care what got in the way. That is what makes him so scary, and such a good option for a Halloween costume. This is one of the most popular costume choices this year, so it is a good idea to try and sort your costume out early. The easiest thing is to buy your costume online, there are a few available but I found that the Grand Heritage Collection costume was by far the best quality.

The Best Costume Available

During my entire search, I must say that the Heritage Collection is the coolest and the most realistic costume I was able to see so far. This is the best choice for those people who wish to look great but would not want to waste too much of their money. It is available with Joker’s trademark colorful outfit, which is comprised of a long purple coat, tie, trousers, and waistcoat combination. Wearing this, most people will give you a second look because of its realistic appearance. It is the most realistic costume that I have come across as I searched for a Joker costume

The Most Important Accessory - the Mask

When you dress as the Joker you will most definitely also need the Joker mask to complete the look. That’s one of the reasons that I chose to buy the Joker Grand Heritage Collection specifically, since it comes with the best mask I found on any costume. Not only does it provide a ready-made mask but it comes with some makeup to perfect the look exactly how you want it - complete with scars! But the best part about it is that it also features attached hair that completely matches Heath Ledger’s disheveled look as the Joker.

Customize Your Makeup

The Grand Edition of the Joker costume is now available to give you that touch of the original attire and you can enhance this outfit to suit your style by using the makeup kit that comes with the package. It will help you complete the transition and to achieve the look of your version of a white face with the signature look with red mouth and scars. Inclusive with the makeup kit is the mask to add the final touches to an eerie rendition of the original Joker. Inside the makeup kit is the white cream, makeup stick color red and facial glue to complete the metamorphosis to the genuine Joker.

Other Costume Hints

The Joker Grand Heritage Collection outfit came with everything I could need for my joker outfit. I got it in Medium, but you can also find it in Large or Extra Large. The great thing is you can be an individual with makeup effects, or find someone else to complete the party by dressing as Batman, Robin or any other character from the film or the comic strip. This costume is specifically designed to imitate Heath Ledger’s Joker, and it does this really well. Batman parties will be the most popular theme this year, so try to get your costume early. Check out the links to see where I got mine.

If you are a history buff, a trip to Virginia will make you feel like a kid in a candy store. While many people flock to Monticello and Mount Vernon, there are plenty of exciting sites off the beaten path. Here are some of Virginia’s best historic attractions, as well as a top Virginia Inn that is conveniently located near these sites and guaranteed to put a little romance into your historic vacation.

If you are exploring Virginia’s historic sites, a historic Virginia inn is a must. The Holladay House is perfect for those who appreciate the past, as well as those who also enjoy a little romance. The inn is located in the town of Orange and located in a historic district. The home is named for its fourth owners who lived in there for more than a century. Some of the antiques that decorated the home were part of the Holladay family’s actual furnishings.

The guest rooms and suites at this Virginia bed and breakfast have been decorated individually. The Garden Room includes a private patio and double spa tub. The Ivy Suite has both a fireplace and double spa tub. Other rooms are equally lovely and all include amenities such as DVD players (the innkeepers have a movie library) and wireless internet. The innkeepers serve a gourmet breakfast, as well as offering homemade goodies, coffee and tea during the day.

After breakfast at the inn, head out and explore historic Orange, much of which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Antebellum buildings are among the many architectural gems, and these pre-Civil War structures were there when Union and Confederate soldiers skirmished on the streets of Orange. In fact, St. Thomas Episcopal Church served as a Confederate hospital.

James Madison, fourth president of the United States, and his wife lived at Montpelier, just a few miles outside of town. The home is popular historic site. Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello is a short drive away in Charlottesville. James Monroe’s home is down the road from Jefferson’s, yet another presidential home to enjoy. The Battle of Wilderness occurred partially in Orange County, and parts of this Civil War battlefield are preserved at the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park.

Fredericksburg is home to many important historic sites, including the United States National Slavery Museum. George Washington’s boyhood home, Ferry Farm, also is in Fredericksburg. Kenmore Plantation, home of Washington’s sister, is another local historic attraction. Wherever you go, your trip to Virginia is sure to make history come alive.

Calpe is a very popular tourist resort which is located in the northern side of the Costa Blanca. This city is just south of Denia and slightly north of Altea. It’s a fantastic place to book a vacation as it’s on the Coast of the Mediterranean Sea.

This city started life as a fishing village. Fishing still remains very important, although tourism has produced many new jobs. This means that gorgeous seafood is available in restaurants. Calpe actually means a steep hill made out of rock.

Most visitors will fly into Alicante airport and then get to the city by car. The airport is around 60km away from the city centre. Some people do fly into Valencia airport, however this is about double the distance away. If you want to hire a car then you will be able to hire a car at both of these airports, however it’s a good idea to book well in advance.

Attractions in Calpe

One of the most popular attractions in the city is the huge rock formation which is what the city is named after. This is known as the Penon de Ifach and is a large rock formation. This is very popular with rock climbers, and there is a great view if you ever manage to reach the top!

The old town is located at the middle of the city. You can find it on your map of Calpe. This old town has an arts and crafts fair during the summer on every day, except money. There are many different stalls so you can find many different types of crafts depending on what you are looking for.

The town walls of the old town can be found near to the Moorish quarter which is in the old area of the town. These walls were used as a defense from pirates a long time ago. There is also the ruins of an ancient roman villa in this area. There is quite a lot of roman history in this city.

Calpe is fairly close to Benidorm. This is a very large city and a very popular tourist destination. Benidorm has a couple of theme parks, wonderful night life and many other interesting attractions. If you plan on visiting this city then you should consider renting a car so that you can get around in comfort.

Where to Stay in Calpe

There are quite a few different places which you can stay in during your holiday. There are quite nice hotels which can be found near the beaches, these have plenty of facilities. It’s important to book up early as rooms tend to run out quickly, especially during the summer months. If you want to stay in one of these hotels look on the internet and make some reservations.

If you don’t have as big a budget then there are still plenty of options. There are a number of different cheaper hostels which are still a nice place for you to stay. However these do not have as many facilities and are not as luxurious.

Walt Disney World is a vacationer?s dream destination, particularly if you have kids. Where else can you explore a pirate?s lair, frolic with your favorite cartoon characters, eat lunch under the shadow of a castle, or transport yourself into a 1950s movie? If you have never been to Walt Disney World before, you are probably a little bit overwhelmed with the planning. Here are some things you can expect when you visit the parks for the first time.

People, People Everywhere

Walt Disney World is crowded, especially during peak travel times like the summer, spring break, and Christmas. You are going to be bumping into complete strangers while you are visiting the parks. The good news is that Disney has taken a lot of steps to control crowds. The Fast Pass system allows park guests to avoid long lines on some of the parks? most popular attractions. If you want to ride Thunder Mountain, for instance, but do not want to wait two hours to do so, you can get a Fast Pass ticket, explore another part of the park, and then come back in two hours to get right on the roller coaster. You did wait two hours, but you had fun while you were waiting instead of standing in the cue.

What You Will Find in the Magic Kingdom

Walt Disney World is made of four main parks. The one most people think of when they think of the resort area is the Magic Kingdom. The Magic Kingdom is the park with the iconic castle as the central point. It is divided into eight themed lands: Adventureland, Liberty Square, Main Street USA, Mickey?s Toontown Fair, Frontierland, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland. Each one has attractions, which are rides and shows, that fall in that theme, and most of the attractions are based on Disney movies. This park is one of the most kid-friendly, and it is filled with Disney characters that kids can interact with. Even though the kids love it, adults will find plenty to enjoy in the Magic Kingdom.

What You Will Find in Epcot

Epcot is the second park most people think of when doing Walt Disney World vacations. It is divided into two worlds, Future World and World Showcase. Future World has several buildings where you can interact with attractions, rides, and displays that relate to science. World Showcase allows you to walk among replicas of landmarks from 11 different countries. The people that work in World Showcase are actually from the countries they represent.

What You Will Find in MGM Studios

The Disney MGM Studios is the movie-themed park. Here you can walk around movie sets, see shows that capture stunts from some of the greatest films, and see how Disney cartoons are made. It has many live stunt and special effects shows that are thrilling for people of all ages.

What You Will Find in Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom is the Disney park that combines a zoo and amusement park into one destination. You will find many live animals at this park, along with the typical rides and attractions. One ride, Kilimanjaro Safaris, actually takes you through an African habitat with live animals at every turn.

Surrounded by Themes

No matter where you go in Disney World, you will find yourself surrounded by imaginative themes. The water parks each tell a story. Every hotel has a theme that is carried out from the lobby to the pool to the room itself. Even the cue lines tell a story while you are waiting in line.

As you explore the parks, be sure to look for ?Hidden Mickeys.? Just about every attraction has some of these. Hidden Mickeys are silhouettes of Mickey Mouse that show up in an unexpected location. For instance, on the Winnie the Pooh ride in the Magic Kingdom, there is a Hidden Mickey made by the drops of honey from Pooh?s pot. You can make quite a trip out of trying to spot these Hidden Mickeys, so have fun!