There’s an epidemic sweeping the world in today’s technologically enhanced world. And it is affecting our children at an alarming rate.

Kids just do not get outdoors anymore. The Nature Conservancy and other organizations have produced studies that show that all of us, and especially children, are drastically reducing the amount of time spent with outside activities in favor of television, movies, Net surfing and video games.

A Kaiser Family Foundation study said that children spend 6.5 hours of quality time daily with electronic equipment. Another study put children aged 6 to 11 in front of the TV or a computer screen 30 hours a week on average.

While some time with electronic gadgets isn’t so bad, consider this: if children do not make a connection with nature at an early age, they may never do so. And that is a frightening fact that can have major implications for our environment as the younger set grows into adulthood.

There is no denying that a Wii, Playstation or cool cell phone will certainly be drooled over gifts this Christmas, but it might be a good idea to balance those desires with gifts designed to get children introduced to the outdoors. Here are a few ideas to jump start that thinking:

Something with wheels. A new bike, rollerblades, scooter, skateboard, wheeled shoes. The outdoors doesn’t have to be the deep woods or a quiet pasture. Cruising down the sidewalk or up the road is a good start.

Binoculars. A good set is not very expensive and opens up a new world outside.

Telescope. Also fairly inexpensive for a starter set and one look at the surface of the Moon, the rings of Saturn or Jupiter’s moons may just be enough to get them interested for a long time to come.

Fishing rod and some tackle. Fishing gear comes in all different sizes, even kid-sized. Throw in some tackle, lures and a box to hold it all and you could introduce those children to a lifelong passion.

Kites. Name your price range and you are likely to find a kite to match. Remember how much fun it was to catch a breeze running and feel the tug of the wind on your string? What child could resist?

Night vision goggles. Believe it or not, they are available for under fifty bucks at some large department stores and they let kids see up to fifty feet in total darkness. How awesome is that?

A sled. It won’t take much snow to make a sled go. They come in all kinds of shapes and sizes and there are few kids on the planet who wouldn’t jump at the chance to fly down a hill on a sled.

Inexpensive digital camera. Some of the lower megapixel models have gotten very affordable as higher end models saturate the market. It’s an electronic device, but one that can be used outside to capture all kinds of bugs, birds, or maybe you sledding down a hill. All right, so they will have to upload the pictures to MySpace or Facebook later on, but at least they spent time outside taking the shots.

A canteen. Hiking, biking or just walking to a friend’s house can work up a thirst and it’s good to stay hydrated.

Backpack. Great for stuffing a take along lunch, snacks and gear for a long hike outdoors.

Net and a bug jar. For the younger ones, but a great way for kids to find out about bugs and stuff.

So put down the remote, turn off the computer, step away from the couch and get outdoors. Explore. Breathe. Relax. And feel good about introducing children to nature and to their own backyards.

Robert J. Korpella
http://www.articlesbase.com/parenting-articles/great-outdoors-gift-ideas-for-kids-690300.html

The phrase, “The Long Tail” was first mentioned by Chris Anderson in 2004. Chris was the executive editor of Wired magazine. At that time, he was writing about an important aspect of internet niche marketing, one that Amazon.com used to become the most successful online bookseller.

If you plot a line on the graph to show book sales, from the number one bestseller to titles that have sold just a single volume, what you will have is a very long descending line. It is the long descending line that is referred to as the “long tale”. This kind of line can be plotted for any market, not just books.

Although Amazon dominates a huge number of relatively narrow online niche market sectors all along the long tail of book sales, that does not mean that Amazon has a monopoly or that there is no opportunity for anybody else to build a successful business of their own using long tail keywords that are targeted at just one or two niche markets. Simply by learning to dominate one or two well-chosen niches, you will be able to establish yourself in a very comfortable position for doing business on the Internet.

When someone is new to internet marketing, they should not attempt to compete with the big companies at the top of the tail where the competition is very strong. Instead, focus on an online market niche that is lower down and you will stand a much better chance of dominating it.

So, how exactly should an Internet marketing newbie go about finding a niche and dominating it?

Firstly, find something which you are interested in. Then narrow it down to specifics. A sharp focus is vital for successful niche marketing. You are aiming to find a specific niche that is both small enough for you to stand a good chance of dominating, but large enough for you to be able to make enough money out of as the leading expert in the field.

Let’s suppose that are an avid fisherman. “Fishing” is a huge niche so you need to be more specific. Now “fly fishing” is an improvement but you still need to narrow it down to something more specific such as “fly fishing equipment”. This would be your primary niche. The name of your website will preferably be the same as your keyword phrase i.e., flyfishingequipment.com or fly-fishing-equipment.com.

Using your online niche market site to set yourself up as a fly fishing equipment supplier might be a viable idea if you have time to deal with wholesale buying, packing and shipping and enquiries.

The big drawback with this business model is that there is only a finite amount of goods that you can turnaround in a given time, so you will either have to stay small (which you can do by choosing a tighter niche) or hire staff to meet growing demand.

Another option would be to make your own information product. With this you will have to do a lot of research and writing before you see a return. However, once you have your information product up on your site you can sell it as often as you like without needing to handle stock or take on employees.

You may also want to find some relevant affiliate programs to promote in order to generate extra revenue on the back end. You will need to market your website so that you rank well for the keyword phrase, “fly fishing equipment”. Again, you are not attempting to compete with the big boys or trying to sell to the entire world. Your aim is simply to attract a few hundred people to your online niche market site each week and work on turning them into loyal customers.

John Baril
http://www.articlesbase.com/internet-articles/succeed-in-your-online-niche-market-by-using-long-tail-keywords-685781.html

If you have not taken the class for fly fishing and have not experience fly fishing, I advise you to choose a guide. A good guide will offer you lots of help, and you can learn much knowledge from him. This article will teach you how to choose a good guide.

Step1
Check your local fly shop for recommendations on guides. Not only will this connect you with fishers specific to the areas you want to fish, but many guides work out of local fly shops and get clients through their referrals. But book early; if you wait, you may end up with whomever the fly shop can muster at the last minute.

Step2
Decide if you want to do walk-and-wade fishing without a boat, or if you want to try out fishing on a drift boat. This may point you in the direction of one guide over another.

Step3
Ask what skill level the guide specializes in, and match your skills appropriately.

Step4
Determine what the guide’s price covers. Things to consider when evaluating the price are: What equipment is included; are there extra charges for flies; what gear should you to bring; how long will you actually spend on the water; is there a fee for use of private water; is lunch included and does it cover a shuttle to the fishing site?

Step5
Ask how many fishers the fee covers and how much it is to add another person. See if you can partner with a fisher of similar ability. Sometimes adding on an additional fisher and splitting the trip that way is cheaper than going alone.

Step6
Choose someone who is not going to fish while you are, but who is going to help you fish. The best way to learn is to do it, not watch someone else do it for you.

sunshine01
http://www.articlesbase.com/fishing-articles/hire-a-fly-fishing-guide-700414.html

Based on this myth there is no such thing as a one size fit all fly fishing rod. Often, advertisers claim that their products are one-size-fits-all – even purveyors of fly fishing rods. This is not the case as most fly fishermen know.

While there are a multitude of fly fishing rods available, no one choice can be considered the “ultimate”. When you look for a fishing rod, look for one that is just right for you. Don\’t waste your time looking for a one-size-fits-all kind of rod. Here are a few qualities the right rod should have.

When picking how and where you would like to fish, it is a good idea to know what kind of fish you are looking for prior.

There are many types of fish that can be caught through fly fishing. Fly fishing is perfect for the following species: crappies, sunfish, small mouth bass, black bass, rainbow trout and redfish. The types of fish mentioned above do vary in size and weight, and therefore you will need the right type of fly fishing rods and fly fishing tackle to catch them.

Heavier tackle is required for larger fish, and also, smaller tackle is needed for smaller fish. Once you have decided that you want to try fly fishing, the key is to determine what kind of fish you would like to catch and choose the appropriate fly fishing rod for that type of fish.

Think About The Location You\’d Like To Go Fly Fishing.

You need to have the right information, such as where to use one, before you go out hunting for a fly fishing rod. When you go to the store to buy your fishing tackle, be sure that you already know where you plan to fish. The reason for this is that you will need different equipment for different types of locations. A light rod is needed if you are planning to fish in an area with a small, tranquil river surrounded by a lot of trees, this will allow you to cast at short distances.

Rainbow trout tend to live in small streams and do not weigh much. Light tackle and a short line will work nicely for catching them. However, if your goal is to secure a prize-winning catch while fishing in a large lake, you may want to consider investing in the heavy fly fishing rods.

Malc Moore
http://www.articlesbase.com/fitness-articles/the-best-selection-of-fly-fishing-rods-for-you-738545.html

Based on this myth there is no such thing as a one size fit all fly fishing rod. Often, advertisers claim that their products are one-size-fits-all – even purveyors of fly fishing rods. This is not the case as most fly fishermen know.

While there are a multitude of fly fishing rods available, no one choice can be considered the “ultimate”. When you look for a fishing rod, look for one that is just right for you. Don\’t waste your time looking for a one-size-fits-all kind of rod. Here are a few qualities the right rod should have.

When picking how and where you would like to fish, it is a good idea to know what kind of fish you are looking for prior.

There are many types of fish that can be caught through fly fishing. Fly fishing is perfect for the following species: crappies, sunfish, small mouth bass, black bass, rainbow trout and redfish. The types of fish mentioned above do vary in size and weight, and therefore you will need the right type of fly fishing rods and fly fishing tackle to catch them.

Heavier tackle is required for larger fish, and also, smaller tackle is needed for smaller fish. Once you have decided that you want to try fly fishing, the key is to determine what kind of fish you would like to catch and choose the appropriate fly fishing rod for that type of fish.

Think About The Location You\’d Like To Go Fly Fishing.

You need to have the right information, such as where to use one, before you go out hunting for a fly fishing rod. When you go to the store to buy your fishing tackle, be sure that you already know where you plan to fish. The reason for this is that you will need different equipment for different types of locations. A light rod is needed if you are planning to fish in an area with a small, tranquil river surrounded by a lot of trees, this will allow you to cast at short distances.

Rainbow trout tend to live in small streams and do not weigh much. Light tackle and a short line will work nicely for catching them. However, if your goal is to secure a prize-winning catch while fishing in a large lake, you may want to consider investing in the heavy fly fishing rods.

Malc Moore
http://www.articlesbase.com/fitness-articles/the-best-selection-of-fly-fishing-rods-for-you-738545.html

Wanting the perfect Golf Swing?
Then here’s how!

‘PERFECTING YOUR GOLF SWING – A step-by-step Guide to Mastering the fundamentals of a Winning Swing’ will teach you the secret of the perfect golf swing as well as specific strategies and techniques for improving your game in general. This amazing guide will help you to completely eliminate having an “off day” of the course and teach you to consistently play your best game.

Isn’t it frustrating watching someone else on the golf course have a relaxed and easy swing and achieve the results you only dreamed of?

For a limited time only we are offering with our ebook ‘PERFECTING YOUR GOLF SWING’, a FREE GIFT of an audio version so that you can listen and practice at the same time, or listen during your drive to work or even your drive to the golf course. HOW EASY IS THAT!

Funny isn’t it. Following a little white ball around a golf course should be real easy, but it is not. I have seen some really funny things on the course. One day I saw a man throw his whole golf bag in the creek!! All of a sudden he remembered his mobile phone was in the bag and he was diving in after it! It was the funniest sight! No-o-o it wasn’t my husband. (We could go on forever with these stories couldn’t we. A bit like the fish stories!)

ANY RATE, this incredible ebook will guide you every step of the way with detailed instructions for everything you need to know from how to choose the right equipment,to taking your golf game to the next level, where your golfing buddies will swear you hired a private golfing coach!

You will be shown how to master the principles and actions towards having a winning swing. After all, the swing is the beginning and end of every stroke.

Discover the 5 steps you MUST follow each and every time you put a golf club in your hands.

If all else fails, you could look at our Complete Guide to Fly Fishing!

KAYE DENNAN
http://www.articlesbase.com/golf-articles/searching-for-the-perfect-golf-swing-274534.html

Each year Telluride Colorado attracts thousands upon thousands of fans that love bluegrass music, the summer season and the town itself. The Telluride Bluegrass festival put on each year by Planet Bluegrass started in 1974 and attracted a little more than 1,000 participants. In recent years the cap limit on festival participants has been placed at 10,000 people. People love this event because they are actually able to camp in the town park. The trick is to look online early because the lottery is often closed many months before the event is scheduled to take place. This event is for people of all ages, and is not to be missed if you are in the area in mid to late June.

What you may not know is that Telluride is known for more than just this wonderful event. Telluride is definitely a four season town with more emphasis on summer and winter activities. In the winter world class skiing can be found in the gorgeous San Juan Mountains. In the summer, you can enjoy miles of pristine waters to raft or fish on. The spring and fall are typically a little less busy, but this is also the best time to get some great deals on lodging in great hotels.

Let’s take a look at some of the many activities that you can participate in by season.

WINTER ACTIVITIES

Skiing
Telluride Ski Resort is a hidden gem nestled in the gorgeous San Juan Mountains. The skiing here is world class and the snow is always good. This ski resort offers two types of town atmospheres. The actual town of Telluride resembles a rugged town that was once famous for mining. Unlike most ski towns, Telluride is not pretentious and is definitely not a see and be seen town. From downtown Telluride you can take the free gondola up to Mountain Village. Here you will find a more refined town with everything you need for a perfect vacation. Perched just above 9,000 feet, this town offers luxury hotels, condos, a spa and world class dining. To choose between the two towns can be a difficult choice, but you will not be disappointed with either choice. If you are looking for more of a challenge to test your skiing ability, you have come to the right place. Telluride offers the only place in Colorado where you are able to go Heli-Skiing. The Heli-Skiing tours offer intermediate to advanced skiers untouched powder with 12,000 to 14,000 vertical feet skied per trip. These guided trips are a great way to see the San Juan’s and the best way to enjoy skiing.

Telluride offers many other activities besides skiing. If you need a break from skiing, or you are the family member that doesn’t ski you will not be bored. You can take a snowmobile tour, much a team of dogs from your dog sled, go shopping, snowshoeing or cross country skiing. These are only a few of the many activities that Telluride offers, so for more information please visit http://tellurideskiresort.com/TellSki/info/act.aa.aspx .

SPRING AND SUMMER ACTIVITIES

Fishing
Once the snow starts to melt, the runoff flows into the many rivers and ponds surrounding this town. Once the water clears up in later spring, these gold medal rivers and ponds erupt with some of the world’s best fishing. These waters are great for the experienced angler, or the beginning novice. There are many shops in the area that can guide your next trip, or give you some pointers on where to go, or what kind of tackle to use.

Golf
The golf is good, and the views are spectacular! This championship mountain resort course offers some of the most stunning views and challenging play around. The Telluride golf course is surrounded by the highest concentration of 14,000 ft peaks in the Untied States. The resort is perched at about 9,000 feet and will do wonders for your distance. At this altitude, expect your ball to fly about 15% farther than at a sea level course.

Hiking and Biking
Because of Telluride’s unique location, many hiking and biking trails can be accessed right from downtown. Each hike or bike trip offers unique views of the San Juan Mountains and surrounding area. There is no need to worry if you are inexperienced because there are many trails for beginners as well as more difficult trails for more experienced hikers and bikers. There are even trails near town that are suitable for families with children.

Rafting and Kayaking
Spring and summer is a great time to come to Telluride to enjoy the many miles of rivers. Kayaking and rafting trips can be booked through local tour companies, or if you have your own equipment and are experienced, there are many public access points along the rivers. To check where these access points are, it is wise to check with one of the many shops in town, and they will be willing to give you some good advice about what to expect on the water.

Above are just a few choices for spring and summer activities. For more information about these activities please visit http://www.telluride.net/ .

FALL ACTIVITIES
Fall is a great time to visit Telluride. Many of the activities you can enjoy in the spring and summer can still be enjoyed in fall at more of a discount. Lodging deals tend to be easier to find, golf courses are less crowded, and the fishing is still world class. Many people enjoy ski towns in the fall because they are less crowded than any other time of the year. Not only is it cheaper to stay and play here, but the colors on the trees that are changing are spectacular.

Telluride Hotels
Telluride offers some great choices for your lodging needs. You can stay in the rugged original town of Telluride, or you can reside in the slightly luxurious Mountain Village. Each town offers a distinct choice for your Telluride lodging needs. You can choose from a full service 5 star hotel to a more family oriented slope side condo. Many of the hotels have a spa, concierge, bell staff and other amenities you want for your next vacation.

Telluride is a wonderful town and should not be missed for your next ski vacation. In the famous words of Warren Miller: “If you don’t do it this year, you’ll be one year older when you do.”

Michael Buczek
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/telluride-colorado-not-just-a-bluegrass-festival-71606.html