(NAPSI)—Whether you’re an avid environmentalist, a Western movie fan looking for a little tranquility, or just someone who’s seeking a fun vacation for your family, you can experience the undisturbed beauty of the American West at hundreds of places around the country. Over 28 million acres of National Conservation Lands are permanently conserved by the federal government for the public to enjoy.

Here are a few facts and figures:

• These lands, especially those around the Empire Ranch in Arizona, have been a calling card for Hollywood Westerns.

• With a plain of saguaro cacti beneath it, nearby Ragged Top Mountain in Ironwood Forest offers a striking reminder of the Old West.

• Historic Fort Stanton in New Mexico is one of the few intact frontier forts, with many of its original buildings and surrounding lands looking just as they did when the fort hosted such legendary personalities as Billy the Kid, Colonel Kit Carson and the Buffalo Soldiers.

• The Santa Rosa/San Jacinto Mountains in southern California has an old brush corral and views from the highway that harken back to the southern California of a century ago.

• Rock caves and formations in Red Rock Canyon of Nevada dominate the landscape once crossed by cowboys and Native Americans.

Since they were established a decade ago, the National Conservation Lands have not gotten the level of funding, protection, recognition or support that they need from the federal government. They face other challenges such as recreational target shooting, reckless off-road vehicle use, vandalism, encroaching development and trash dumping.

The Conservation Lands Foun- dation is the only organization dedicated solely to conserving, restoring and expanding the National Conservation Lands through education, advocacy and partnerships.

To that end, the Foundation:

• Provides grants, training and networking opportunities to build a constituency of grassroots advocates;

• Works with Congress and the Bureau of Land Management to help shape the future of the National Conservation Lands; and

• Promotes greater public awareness of and appreciation for the National Conservation Lands and the irreplaceable human and natural history they contain.

You can discover more about the Foundation and the sites and monuments it protects, how to visit them and how to help protect them at www.conservationlands.org or (970) 247-0807.

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It 2011! Wow, how time fly, seems like 2010 only lasted a couple of months. I do remember most of the good, thanks to planning and getting things done on a schedule. As administrator here at City5nc I get to talk to lot of people from all over the world, and I get many thoughts and views, on how to make life better, as far as day to day living, some good and others not so good.

These are things we consider essential for most people, from low income to middle class trying to survive in this economy.

1. Try to pay your credit cards down or off, spend cash if possible, pay a few dollars more than the minimum, use only one card with low interest rate, and low balance for emergencies.
2. Eat healthy foods, buy local fruits and vegetables when you can, or grow your own when the seasons are in. buy food in bulk when appropriate, not just when it on sale.
3. If times are really tight, try turning your hobby or crafting idea into a money making venture. Do a search online for crafts and hobbies ideas, go to craft shows, take an online course from your local Community College, use what you already know as a starting point.
4. Remember that what goes around comes around, so don’t wait for someone to do something nice for you first, start by giving or helping someone along with an act of kindness, it just might come back to you when you really need it, or you just might feel good.
5. If you live in the City riding the bus a few days a week, could save you lots of money, gas, less traffic, and no headache.
6. Banking and Savings in the major banks is more expensive, with more fees and banking cost, using your debit card could cost you more at some banks, not just at the ATM but news fees. If you have a saving account and it’s been hard to keep the minimum balance that your bank have on that account, then you are paying the bank to save your own money. Find a bank that has a low minimum balance.
7. Make a plan to become debt free, it’s not impossible to do. Start paying a payment and a half each time you make a mortgage payment, credit card, car, medical bills and before you know it your bills are paid. Start small and test the waters, if you can do this without breaking your bank, then you’re on your way.
8. Down time, well it’s also important to get in your rest and relaxation, so budget enough for that special get away. Whether you are young, older, retired a break from the routine, same old same can can make Jack a dull boy and Jill too. Taking time off for that fishing trip, traveling, sight-seeing, visiting another Country or US State or just taking a break to pamper yourself is all good.
9. Small Businesses should try to invest in their companies, but don’t forget about the employees, before you pass out those lay-off or pink slips try working with your employees to maybe work out a salary or benefit compromise until the economy improves.
10. Don’t Complain about what you dis-like about your life, just add some things you do like, and the rest will fall in place.

Got a craft business idea you think could earn you extra income? Read how other craft artists have profited from James Dillehay’s craft business guides…..

“We couldn’t have imagined how much of an impact James Dillehay’s advice would make on our business. We thought after perfecting our product everything would just fall into place, but it didn’t until we started working with his suggestions. To our delight we are seeing results on a faster and larger scale than we expected in such a short period of time.” ~ Ken Kobrick & Angela Greene, www.Passchal.com, featured on the Today Show

“Since reading your books, I have implemented many of the ideas. I am now happy to report that I have had some surprising success here in Santa Fe. My hang cards, booth design, and even my products themselves have been changed by your books. I have only been there 5 partial days and have sold about 4 times what I sold in the equivalent time last year. I changed the color of the walls, the height of the tables, the displays, the hang cards, the pricing and more. So, IT WORKS!” ~ Julie Anderson, CostumeSalon.com

“After reading his books, my business took on a new life. I changed my product slightly and the response was remarkable! My first order was triple what I had planned for, and other orders are pouring in! I continue to look to James for inspiration and I love his approach. Because of the techniques I learned from him, my business is thriving.” ~ Cathy Marble, Chamisa Hill Designs

Ready to increase your craft sales and profits? Just click here to learn more about our craft business guides. Click Here Free Wake County Business Listings

RALEIGH — N.C. State’s celebratory postgame locker room gathering was just about to break up Saturday afternoon when senior linebacker Nate Irving called the team to a halt.

After three straight losses to his former team, coach Tom O’Brien finally had directed N.C. State to a victory over Boston College, the Wolfpack winning 44-17 at Carter-Finley Stadium.

It was a radical turnaround for O’Brien and N.C. State, which suffered an embarrassing 52-20 defeat at Boston College a year ago. Irving, a senior tri-captain, wanted to reward O’Brien.

Read more: http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/10/10/731970/wolfpack-powders-bc.html#ixzz11xJsK8rn

(NewsUSA) – During these tough economic times, as America continues to look at cost cutting options, many people will be shopping for a health insurance plan. It’s important to know that there are health plans that are affordable and are a fit for you and your family while still offering the coverage you need to protect your family.

Know your needs. What types of coverage are most important to you? Do you or a family member take a prescription regularly? Knowing how much coverage you need is important when deciding which health care plan is best.

Learn the lingo. Some insurers are working to use more consumer-friendly language. Learning how a high-deductible plan tied to a health savings account (HSA) that offers choice among physicians and hospitals and how it works best with your needs, is important.

Availability when you need it most. Many insurers are working hard to ensure customers have health-related information when they need it, such as:

* Use of understandable consumer-friendly language

* Access to customer call centers and nurse hotlines 24/7, 365 days a year, giving constant access to a nurse or person to help solve a claims issue

* Online tools to search for claims information and check for benefit qualifications, co-pays, and deductibles

* Tools to compare prices on the drugs you need, helping find the best prices available

Schedule that yearly appointment. Regular checkups can help prevent potential problems or catch conditions early, saving money.

Note to editors: The following states may find this story useful: CA, CO, AZ, TX, TN, FL, GA, NC, CT, SC

Look for “extras.” Many insurers offer discounts for programs such as smoking cessation, weight loss, fitness club memberships and other services already being used by an individual.

Quality matters. Feel confident about choosing the right individual plan for you. Check out report cards for different plans on the National Committee for Quality Assurance’s Web site, available at http://reportcard.ncqa.org/plan/external/plansearch.aspx.

For information about individual health products from CIGNA, visit www.cignaforyou.com/hctips.
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Father’s Day gift ideas for any dad

(ARA) – Don’t let Father’s Day shopping get you worked up. The dad in your life will be excited about any gift you give him. But to really blow him away, forget flipping through Sunday’s ads, scouring online and spending sleepless nights debating your purchase – here are some great Father’s Day gift ideas that are sure to please.

For the snacking dad
Keeping dad’s stomach happy long before the dinner bell rings has never been easier. Naturally high in protein, Jack Link’s Beef Jerky is the perfect way to leave dad feeling satisfied between meals. Whether he’s watching a game, hitting the gym, in the car or anywhere in between, nothing cures snack cravings like a bag of  beef jerky.

Using only the finest cuts of 100 percent meat and seasonings that dads – men, for that matter – can’t seem to get enough of, there are more than 100 great meat snacks to choose from. Here are a few snack favorites that will fill your dad up … not out:
* The Original: Jack Link’s Original Beef Jerky
* The Classic: Jack Link’s Steakhouse Recipe Beef Jerky
* The Spicy: Jack Link’s Flamin’ Buffalo Chicken Nuggets

Jack Link’s is available in grocery stores, mass retailers, convenience and drug stores nationwide. With this gift, satisfaction is in the bag. (Suggested retail price: $5.99)

For the dad hooked on angling
Does dad come home with fish stories and a smile on his face? If so, let him enjoy the new Flat Rap lure from Rapala. The Flat Rap is ideal for nearly all styles of fishing. It resembles the tried-and-true Rapala Original Floater, but features flat sides and a scooping triangular lip that generates a hard flashing side-to-side action that fish go crazy over. Put this fishing lure in dad’s tackle box and he’ll be smiling long after Father’s Day. (Suggested retail price $8.99)

For the beer connoisseur
Make your dad the envy of his friends with a beer brewing kit. Easy to set up and loads of fun, a home brewing kit allows your dad to create his own flavor of beer that will be all the rage. Brewing kits are sold with all the components that dad needs to get started. For even more fun, your dad can pair his best homemade brew with his favorite jerky flavor. (Home brewing kits are available online or at a local brewing supplies store.)

For the original chef
What better way to celebrate Father’s Day than with a mouthwatering grilled meal outdoors? If the dad in your life considers himself a grill-master, a charcoal or gas grill is the perfect gift. With a new grill, dad can bring the flavor back to the patio by preparing your favorite grillable foods.  (Check your local hardware store or other retail locations.)

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Field test explores ability of pointing dogs in hunting situations

STURGEON LAKE, Minn. — Riley and Ruger eat up the grassy countryside, loping elegantly across the landscape at a farm near Sturgeon Lake. A pair of pointing dogs, they winnow the air for molecules of quail scent as they move.

They’re a study in contrasts. Riley is a 7-year-old Irish red and white setter. The dog’s coat is long, mostly white, with large dollops of Irish-setter red. He seems to flow over the land.

“We’ll see if our week and a half of training pays off,” owner Craig Wilson says, joking.

Ruger, a 4-year-old Gordon setter is petite and lean, mostly black with splotches of tan.

Both setters are taking part in the Lake Superior Pointing Dog Club’s annual spring hunt test in mid-May at the Sunflower Farm near Sturgeon Lake. They’re among 49 dogs in this American Kennel Club-sanctioned event. They are not competing against each other. They’re being measured against AKC standards for pointing breeds to determine if they merit the titles of Junior, Senior or Master hunters.

“It’s one way to give the public some proof that your dog can do what you say it can,” said Steve Koskovich of Hibbing, Minn., who will run his Irish red and white setter Padraig in the Junior test. “We all think we’re God’s gift to dog training. This is where we stand up and see if that’s true.”

The variety of breeds at such a test is impressive. Owners or trainers brought German shorthairs, English pointers, Irish red and white setters, Gordon setters, English setters, Vizslas, Brittanies and at least one wire-haired pointing Griffon.

Some of those dogs came with Duluth connections. Some of the red and white setters, including Wilson’s Riley, were bred by Bob and Evan Devlin of Duluth, who introduced the breed to this region. At least one Gordon setter came from Dean Fries’ Clearcut Kennels. Fries is a judge for this hunt test.

The tests are set up to represent the kinds of situations hunters and dogs would encounter in the field. A dog is judged for its desire to hunt, its ability to find birds, how it points birds, whether it remains steady when the bird flushes and how the dog retrieves the bird.

Riley and Ruger move into an area planted with small conifers. Along a row of small spruces, Ruger locks up in a handsome point, one foreleg lifted, tail a wand pointed at the sky, head low and focused. Jodi Hines. Ruger’s handler, flushes the quail and a gunner drops it.

Ruger charges back to Hines to deliver the bird. Nicely done.

Read More:News & Observer   http://www.newsobserver.com/802/story/1554552.html

(ARA) – Warmer weather brings more outdoor sports – and with them, the increased risk of eye injury. Every year in the United States more than 40,000 sports-related eye injures require emergency room attention, with almost half happening to people younger than 15. The majority of these injuries could be prevented simply by using appropriate protective eyewear when playing sports.

“Even if they’re just playing a quick pickup game in the park, eye protection should be a major concern for kids,” says Florida optometrist and former University of Miami football player Dr. Pat Del Vecchio. “This is very important when playing certain sports – like baseball, basketball or football – where there is a higher risk of eye injury.”

When choosing eye protection for children, first make sure the eyewear is specifically designed for sports, Del Vecchio advises. Conventional frames and lenses can shatter and turn a small impact into a sight-threatening injury. “The eye protection should also be comfortable and not obscure vision during the game” he adds. “If it doesn’t meet these two criteria, then kids just aren’t going to wear it.”

While on-field collisions remain the most frequent cause of sports-related eye injuries, sometimes the playing field itself can be the culprit. Playing outdoors kicks up dust and dirt that can adhere to the eye and cause scratches or even more severe problems. This is a particular concern for young contact lens wearers. For these situations, Del Vecchio recommends taking along a multi-purpose solution in case you need to remove your lenses. “A good multi-purpose disinfecting solution, like OPTI-FREE RepleniSH MPDS, removes the irritants, and is an effective way to kill the germs that can cause eye infections,” he says.

Ultimately, the most important tip of all is to see your eye doctor at least once each year, Del Vecchio says. “Your eyes need to be taken care of just like any other piece of athletic equipment. As a former athlete, I can tell you they are the most important part of any sport, so a yearly visit to the eye doctor can identify any problems early, help maintain healthy vision and ensure you’re able to keep your eye on the ball.”

Quick Tips for Protecting Your Eyes

* Wear protective eyewear. Do not substitute ordinary glasses for appropriate protection. Sports-protective eyewear is specifically tested to meet rigid impact standards.
* Know your eye safety options. If you are not sure what protection works best, visit your eye doctor to see what is available.
* Add eye protection to other protective gear. If you are playing a sport that requires a helmet, consider wearing a helmet with full face protection.
* Take out contacts before getting in the water. Don’t wear your contact lenses while swimming. Certain organisms present in the water can attach to contact lenses and can cause eye infections. Remember to always care for your contact lenses with a Multi-Purpose Disinfecting Solution, like OPTI-FREE RepleniSH.
* Protect your eyes from the sun. To prevent eyes from being over exposed to UV rays, give your eyes a break by wearing sunglasses when not playing on the field.

HOLLY SPRINGS, N.C. — A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the inaugural game of golf at the 18-hole championship Nicklaus Design Golf Group golf course at 12 Oaks, Wakefield Development Company’s newest master-planned community in Holly Springs. Builder representatives and city officials joined Wakefield Development Company employees to witness John Myers, president of Wakefield Development Company, and Steve Sandler, president of L.M. Sandler & Sons, Inc., the parent company of Wakefield Development Company, cut the ribbon at this championship golf course. After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, a dozen foursomes participated in the course’s first round of golf. “The opening of the 12 Oaks golf course is a huge milestone for this community,” said John Myers, president of Wakefield Development Company. “The course complements the lifestyle offered in this Holly Springs community, and we are eager to complete the other amenities offered here.”

A ClubCorp golf course, the 7,219-yard layout course covers a varied terrain, from narrow valleys and ridges to shallow valleys accented with streams and wooded areas. To complete the golf course, an antebellum-style clubhouse featuring formal dining, a ballroom, member’s grill and golf pro shop is slated to open Fall 2009. The course at 12 Oaks marks only one of 10 other Nicklaus Design Golf Group golf courses.

“The natural beauty of 12 Oaks is perfectly captured with this golf course,” said Ken Kasten, executive vice president of new business development for ClubCorp. “The terrain change is picturesque, and the different options of tee boxes make this course a fun challenge for touring professionals and beginning golfers alike.”

Covering 687 acres and offering more than 1,300 townhomes and single-family homes, 12 Oaks is a classic southern community featuring Colonial, Greek and Southern Antebellum Revival and Victorian architecture. Amenities at 12 Oaks will include a Sports and Aquatic Center complete with fitness facilities, snack bar, tennis courts and pro shop, competition and family pools, and a children’s playground. In addition, parks and open spaces will be placed throughout the community. For more information on 12 Oaks and Wakefield Development Company, please go to www.12OaksNC.com or call 919-622-3779.

About Wakefield Development Company
Signature Communities. Ideal Opportunities.

Read More:CarolinaNewsWire