One of the things I would like to get on is the Polaris ATV. While I was in New Zealand, I was on a 4×4 adventure and it was fun. We did skydiving and hang gliding and there was no sense of fear at all. Not sure if I will do those things again now but I am glad I did what I did. Perhaps it’s time that I search for something equally fun with a little of challenge that is not so demanding anymore.

After everyone goes out and I’m left alone at home, I did a simple facial treatment with a moisturizing mask. This is something I have been longing to do but my schedule just wouldn’t allow it lately. Some of the best acne treatments can be done at home as long as you have the right products. One of the things I want to do this year is to workout with some Pilates videos apart from attending Pilates classes. As much as I enjoy the classes, I can’t be going for every one on a daily basis. Working out with a video means I can add more exercise to my life, which is a good thing.

Moving forward, we are into the 3rd week of the year and I can’t wait to get my body to be more active!

Nothing is better than the company of a few good friends at the start of the year. It is a wonderful time to revive old and existing friendship and strengthening the bond during these perilous times. Have you caught up with any good friends lately? If not, make it a New Year resolution to do it in 2009.

While I’m tempted to add another 18mm – 200mm VR lens to my photography lens kit, I’m reminded by my other half on the current economy slowdown. Some people got so anxious that they are wondering how they can withdraw from their term life insurance rates or unit trust deposits. Perhaps it may be the time to check out some digital freebies and if you are keen on a new camera you may stand a chance to win a Nikon DSLR too! See below!

But in different parts of the world, good living is a luxury expectation since the basic needs are far from being met. I admit that I do feel guilty each time I read about a needy family or situation or when I see pictures of hungry and sick children in undeveloped countries. For that moment, I will put aside my pursuit for good living and say a little prayer for these suffering ones. Perhaps I won’t be there physically to answer to the needs of these underprivileged ones but I can do my bit by contributing to charities and extending a helping hand to the needs close to me. Therefore, good living is a blessing we mustn’t take for granted for there are many who will never come close to experience a basic and normal life.

Now that we are back from our vacation, he would sometimes ask if we could have an outdoor slide or swing in our little porch. While we love the idea that he likes being in the outdoors, I’m worried about the space constraint and mozzies, especially during the hot periods. While checking out the mini and mega manfred mantis playsets, I am impressed with the simple outdoor fun adventures that can delight any child from age of 18 months to 9 years old. These adventures can surely train your children to be more agile and creative and promote fitness and a healthier growing environment.

With that in mind, the Apple design team has paid an increased attention to all the aesthetical features of the device and the tiny details which actually made the iPod look great at the end. The target buyers of the iPod video are, for sure, young people and adults which are trying to buy a great present for their children. But from what I read in the web, games enthusiasts would prefer to play their games on TV than on a small device. The Atari Flashback seems to be a popular choice among children and adults alike and I believe it’s due to the built-in Classic Games selection as well as the complete entertainment features it provide. And if the built in games aren’t sufficient, there are more games available online including educational ones for the children.

I was truly touched by Idol Gives Back tonight. It was an amazing show with a great purpose that can change and influence the lives of millions out there. Featuring Robin Williams, Celine Dion, Jennifer Connolly, Elliott Yamin, Fantasia and Amy Adams join previously announced international talent and sports figures Bono, Brad Pitt, Reese Witherspoon, Mariah Carey, Eli Manning, Peyton Manning, Fergie, Chris Daughtry, Carrie Underwood, Annie Lennox, Gloria Estefan…etc. The show was intended to raise funds for 6 charities including The Children’s Defense Fund, Children’s Health Fund, The Global Fund, Make It Right, Malaria No More and Save the Children.

Apart from the awesome performances, it is so wonderful that everyone can do a part through this program in small and big ways. It doesn’t matter who you are or how rich or poor you are, even $1 goes a long way to help those who are in need today. What a wonderful way to end the show with this great song ‘Shout to the Lord’… don’t miss Idol Give Back.

If you have a pool in your backyard, your teen may literally be set for the whole summer. Although many teens get bored with certain activities, there is just something unique about a swimming pool. In fact, if given the opportunity, many teenagers would spend their entire summer break in their swimming pool. While most teenagers are experienced swimmers, not all are. If your teenager will be spending their summer break alone, you may want to establish some pool rules. These rules may help to ensure that they are safe while swimming alone.

I’ve always wonder what is the difference between billiards and pool but after much research in the web, I found out that in our time, the two can easily be exchanged and mean the same thing. When people refer to one, it is assumed the other is also being included. On the technical side, there is a difference. Billiards is played with smaller balls. In billiards, only three balls are used white, yellow and red and both the white and the yellow ball can act as the strikers. Billiards is basically pool without pockets. Usually the cloth on a billiards table is much faster.

Most of us are familiar with billiard supplies, including pool and pool tables. Some of us may be aware of the different variations of the pool game, a few being eight-ball, nine-ball and cut throat. As stated above, billiards is played on a table with no pockets. We know that pool tables are constructed with 6 pockets. The game is played with two sets of balls, each containing seven balls, with one set being solid colored and the other striped. The two sets are combined into one set and then completed by a black eight ball. This is a standard set of pool balls, and can be broken up to play different versions of the game.

Though there are vast differences between the two games, they are commonly grouped as one and refered to as cue sports.  If someone says they’re going to shoot a game of billiards, we all know what they are referring to in general.  It all depends on what style of the game you would like to play.  Billiards is a form of pool.  So perhaps in future reference, it should all be covered by using the term pool, unless you are actually playing by billiards rules and regulations.