Macon

Whether as drinkers or not, or as wives, mothers, sisters or friends, employers or employees, most of us have experienced alcohols destructive intrusion into our lives or the lives of those around us. Perhaps we have felt our own use slipping out of control, or been affected by others, or tried to figure out what we might do to help those we love. Regardless of our involvement, most of us have felt confused and uncertain about how to help ourselves or anyone else.

Alcohol abuse, dependence, and addiction are health matters about which little is said, and much of what is believed is wrong. Because of this, it is easy to start down a treatment path that results in more frustration than relief. It is, however, possible to work one's way out of the alcohol induced fog, to assist another in doing so, and to redirect life to new and productive goals.

As with any complicated and difficult task, in order to succeed, it may be necessary to seek out qualified help. As in most areas of personal growth, (and yes, I consider working your way out of alcohol abuse to be the ultimate in personal growth), it's easier to accomplish with the encouragement, expertise, and the motivation that a good guide will provide. Think of it in the same way you would when hiring a personal trainer, a coach, a doctor, weight loss specialist, or psychologist.

Remember too, as in all areas of personal change, nothing works for everyone. Indeed, most alcohol treatment programs work for less than 10% of those who try them. So to maximize your success when looking for a program, keep these tips in mind:

Seek help that is not committed to a single approach;
Look for professionals who specialize;
Discuss different outcomes (moderation vs. abstinence, for example);
Look for educational diversity in staffing backgrounds (being an alcoholic does not confer any special ability for helping others).

As in most of life, your success with easing your own problems, or in helping others, will be achieved through motivation, optimism, good planning, and consistent effort. Humor will also be required. So will a willingness to give new things, activities, and people a chance.

Begin thinking of change as an adventure, not a sentence inflicted on you. Yes, adventures usually involve some discomfort and a little fear and homesickness for the way things were. But they can also uncover new sides to you and your life, new activities, skills, and pleasures. All things you would have missed out on had you not taken a chance.

Dr. Mary Ellen Barnes is President and co-founder of Your Empowering Solutions, Inc, a southern California based alternative alcohol counseling center. Dr. Barnes is particularly interested in the plight of women who wish to change their use of alcohol, either through moderation or abstinence. Learn more about Dr. Barnes and Y.E.S. and the innovative work being done at: http://www.non12step.com

Mini pocket bikes are targeted at those who are too small or too young to hold the handles of a normal motorbike. A mini bike is the most stylish of the other lots of pocket bikes, and it is an advancement to the concept of pocket bikes. Mini pocket bikes are not only appropriate and fast, but they are a realistic way to begin motorcycle racing and riding. These bikes are more popular for off-road riding.

Mini pocket bikes weigh around sixty-five pounds, with a height of about four feet. The diameter of wheels is about ten inches. The mini pocket bike can be driven at speeds of twenty-six to sixty miles per hour, depending on the engine horsepower of the bike, which ranges from 2hp to 8hp.

These bikes have a fully adjustable rear swing-arm suspension, which provides the exact amount of dampening and street feel to suit each individual riders tastes. This racing suspension setup is, in fact, the first in this class of racing sport motorbikes. The mini pocket bike has become a craze among the new generation. The passion of the new generation is to get a mini bike and then fully modify it into a super pocket bike. There are many additions available to increase the power of the mini motor bike.

The additions available to increase the power of the mini motor bike are custom saddles, headlights, chrome for everything, and engine kits.

Mini pocket bikes have banned in some cities, with the bikes becoming more popular and faster; and other cities have imposed strict safety rules for riding these mini motor bikes. For instance, a rider of these bikes should be at least sixteen years old and riders are prohibited from riding after sunset. Children under eighteen should operate the bikes only under the supervision of an adult. Wearing of a helmet and other protective gears like elbow pads, knee pad and cloves, are a must for safety reasons.

Pocket Bikes provides detailed information on Pocket Bikes, Mini Pocket Bikes, Cheap Pocketbike, Pocket Bike Parts and more. Pocket Bikes is affiliated with Mountain Bike Parts.

Regular people and regular vacations are nice and everything, but sometimes the temptation to surround oneself with incredible, unbelievably good-looking people and scenery is just too much to bear. For these times, there is a place called South Beach that will sate the most demanding appetite not only for aesthetic beauty, but for fun and frivolity as well. A trip here is like visiting a movie/photo shoot/land of amusements, so if thats what youre after then send yourself south sometime soon.

Start with the basics; you know youll be spending plenty of time shopping, lounging on the beach, eating at great restaurants and seeing the sights (including lots of attractive people, yes), but first it is important to book a worthy place to stay. South Beach is filled with hotels in all price range but for this different kind of trip why not consider different kinds of accommodations?

Specifically, check out the prospect of a vacation rental. This broad term may or may not sound familiar, but if traveling is something you take seriously, it should be a well-used part of your vocabulary. A vacation rental could be a condo, a beach villa, an apartment or a cottage. It could be made for two people or twelve, and it could be located amidst the hustle of downtown or tucked a little farther back from the bustling nightlife and swarm of humanity. Just like South Beach itself, the rental offerings here are eclectic, colorful and most likely quite whimsical.

Pastel colors, swimming pools and green gardens characterize many typical homes around these parts, and staying in one will do wonders for a persons state of mind. After a few months (or years) of mind-numbing work in a less-than bright and cheery land, itll be like crossing over the rainbow to a place alive with brilliant hues. Waking up to the Florida sun beaming across your comfortable bed and knowing that a world of excitement lies just beyond your front door will mean each day begins on a positive note.

Before you even leave your home away from home to explore the amusements out there, theres a world of contentment to be taken advantage of right inside your front door. From your master bedroom to your spacious, modern bathroom, from the fully-equipped kitchen perfect for whipping up a healthy South Beach-style breakfast (or bacon and eggs, whatever) to the patio that faces the sea, itll be tough to tear yourself away. Penthouse or villa, itll take some time to properly appreciate your lodgings so do leave room in your schedule for the much-coveted down time your pleasing place will allow you.

Some properties are located within historic buildings in the Art Deco District and sit within two blocks of the beach. This would be the perfect set-up for just about anyone wanting to enjoy South Beachs best features. Art tours and charming sidewalk strolls are prim and proper things to do before eating a sinfully lavish dinner at one of the delectable restaurants or hitting the club scene later on. Dance and carouse to your hearts content and see if you can keep up with the crowd; its a formidable task, but youre only here for a few days so give it your best shot.

Hitting the hay back at your comfortable South Beach Vacation Rental could very well become the best part of your evening. Nothing is better than snuggling up in a comfy place after exerting yourself and having a blast, so remember, take care of this one detail to ensure that the rest fall into place. Your South Beach vacation awaits you, so start planning today.

HomeAway.com has all the information you need to make a smart vacation rental decision for your upcoming trip.

Paris is, quite simply, romance.

Every street corner oozes charm; every park bench seats a dreamy-eyed couple and every restaurant, caf and hotel is eager to squeeze as much money as possible from gullible lovers.

So here are the Mio Destino Top 10 Tips for a romantic Paris weekend, sans le tourist traps.

1. A lovely place to start any Paris sojourn is the Rodin Museum, possibly the loveliest garden in the city. Situated on Rue de Varenne, admission is 4 and the museum opens at 9.30am.

2. Why not indulge in a strolling breakfast? The morning market on Rue Mouffetard is the perfect place to sample a variety of delicacies.

3. If you fancy another park, the Jardin du Luxembourg is the most elegant one you could find. Wander along the gravel paths; theyre wide enough to ensure you wont be disturbed by the other turtle doves!

4. For a superb lunch, Rue de Buci offers a fine selection of restaurants and cafs. Bar du March is a particular favourite.

5. Walk off some of your lunch (youll want to make room for dinner!) with a stroll along the Seine. Yes, its a clich, but, yes, its romantic anyway! A kiss on Pont Neuf as the sun begins to set is to be recommended. And you can watch the Eiffel Tower come alight with sparkles every hour, on the hour.

6. If you want a luxury dinner thats hard to top, book a private wood-panelled chamber at Laprouse (51 Quai Grands-Augustins; +33 1 43266804). Dinner will set you back 80 a head, plus wine. But its worth it.

7. For a less exclusive option, Le Reminet (3 Rue des Grands-Degrs; +33 01 44070424) is cosy and traditional, serving main courses from 14.

8. Enjoy some post-dinner jazz at the newly refurbished Le Bilboquet (13 Rue St-Benoit)

9. A hotel room with a roof terrace provides the ultimate in boho chic. The Hotel de lAbbaye offers exquisite split-level suites at 280 a night, while the Hotel Duc de Saint-Simon provides stylish double rooms with private patios for sunny breakfasts at 150 a night.

10. Finally, dont try and fit too much in youre there to see each other first and foremost after all!

Some of these tips are taken from Brian Schofields article in The Sunday Times Travel supplement.

By Paul Bowers, I write for Mio Destino and for it's blog site MioBlog writing articles of interest to their international clients. The company sells high end, designer lingerie, swimwear, corsets, pyjamas and mens underwear predominantly from Italy and France but also from the US, Canada and other parts od Europe.