Stress Relief

Bubble Wrap

I just love this silly game... Popping Bubble Wrap! I know we've all done it with the real stuff -- well here's the virtual version, and it is good mindless fun, just like the original.

I'm particularly pleased to find this link to share because a year or two ago, a friend had shared this with me, but shortly afterward, it disappeared. I always suspected that the person who designed it got too many hits on it, and had to shut it down. Well.... It's baaaaaa-aaaak!

What do old rock climbers do?

Sticking with it

Invent new climbing shoes, of course! I felt a serious sense of comeradery with Charles Cole, developer of the "Stealth" rubber that's used on the soles of the world's finest climbing shoes. When he tumbled off a 1 foot climb blaming it on being "old,fat, and out of shape", I was convinced he is really just an extension of ME.

Grant you I have never climbed a rock, but that's just because I've never had the chance. My adventure years were spent aboard a sailboat, and back then you didn't find many rock climbing walls at sea! (We know they're out there now because we hear about them on the adverts for some cruiseship or other.)

I also warrant that the Charles Cole version of me has been a little more successful than ME, but perhaps that's just a matter of perspective. I prefer to think that his success just came first. The potential certainly exists for ME to be as successful if not more so.

To be serious for just a moment, what this man does, and what I strive to do is to use what we know. Cole took his passion for climbing and used it to create something where there was nothing. That's what I do every day when I get up and write for those who want to work outside the 9 to 5 realm. The business of living a life apart is what I've always been about -- both as a 20 something kid and now as a housebound Mommy. My passion is still about living the adventure, and I want to share that with others.

Horse OX-USA Inc. Brings New Sport to the U.S.

'Ox Game' Introduces Americans to Afghani Culture and is a Favorite of U.S. Soldiers Overseas

ONTARIO, Calif., June 9, 2005 -- Horse OX-USA Inc. has announced the American debut of 'Ox Game' - a horseback sport that has been a favorite in Afghanistan for over two thousand years - as well as a favorite of U.S. soldiers based overseas. The American debut of Ox Game is the dream-come-true of Sonny Amin, who for 25 years has wanted to bring the sport to his new home in America and to see it played in every American city. Ox Game's American debut is scheduled for Sunday, June 12, 2005, 11:30 am, at 7330 Jurupa Road and Camino Real in Riverside, California.

Horse OX-USA projects that this very old - but new to the U.S. - horseback sport will be adopted into American horse sports and move through America like "wildfire." Amin notes, "There was a song called 'Wildfire' about a horse, and it was very magical - and so is Ox Game. Ox Game's destiny was to come to America, no doubt about it."

Amin says that Ox Game will prove to be an all-American horse sport and become an American sports favorite quickly. He believes this is because Ox Game features every aspect of what Americans want to see in sports: It is exciting, fast-moving, very aggressive, and at the same time "art in motion."

Spectators of Ox Game can watch expert riders/players as they play Ox Game on beautiful, well-trained and agile horses. Amin observes that spectators are often spellbound watching players fighting aggressively for the prize - a heavy, burlap, tailed object that serves as a substitute for the real goat that was used in the game for two thousand years. In addition, the horses seem to be as competitive as the horsemen; they appear to want to see their rider seize the prize. Says Amin, "Seeing those beautiful animals tangled together at times, along with their riders, keeps you on the edge of your seat - all great sports have that effect on us."

The rules of Ox Game have been Americanized and are similar to a combination of basketball and football rules. Amin commented, "The game rules are easily understood, but don't blink your eyes or you might miss the moment! This game is way beyond fast-moving. To say this game is exciting is indeed an understatement. It's thrilling, and you will love it!"

Don't miss Ox Game's premiere performance: Once again, the "Ox Game Exhibition" will be held on Sunday, June 12, 2005, 11:30am, at 7330 Jurupa Road, Riverside, California, prior to the annual Jurupa Rodeo.

"Come see for yourself, and be a part of horse sports history in the making," concluded Amin.

Contact:

Diana Nelson
General Manager
Horse OX-USA Inc.
909/917-3221
horseoxusainc@yahoo.com

The Best of BedandBreakfast.com Awards: Winners of the Favorite B&Bs in the World Announced

YARMOUTH, Maine, June 6, 2005 -- BedandBreakfast.com, the leading online bed and breakfast directory and reservation network, featuring the most comprehensive database of inns and B&Bs worldwide, is pleased to announce the winners of its second annual web-based awards program. More than 18,000 votes were cast in the Best of BedandBreakfast.com Awards
2005 as B&B travelers chose their favorites throughout the world.

BEST OVERALL - International

THE SALLERHOF, Salzburg, Austria: Beautiful surroundings, personalized service, and cultural tour packages. Info: 011-43 (6246) 72521, http://www.sallerhof.com

BEST OVERALL - United States & Canada

1. WOOLVERTON INN, Stockton, NJ: An elegant stone manor with romantic cottages. Secluded country setting, minutes from New Hope. Info: 888-264-6648, http://www.woolvertoninn.com

2. EASTMAN INN, North Conway, NH: Southern hospitality with New England flair, plus whirlpool tubs, fireplaces, and private balconies. Info: 800-626-5855, http://www.eastmaninn.com

3. JACKSON HOUSE, Railroad, PA: Ideal location next to the Heritage Rail Trail, with historic ambience, plus superb hospitality. Info: 877-782-4672, http://www.jacksonhousebandb.com

4. TWIN GABLES INN, Saugatuck, MI: Harbor views, fireplaces, swimming pool and hot tub. Cottages are perfect for families, the suites for romance. Info: 800-231-2185, http://www.twingablesinn.com

5. GARTH WOODSIDE MANSION, Hannibal, MO: Steeped in Mark Twain history, this antique-filled mansion is perfect for romance, complete with a fine-dining restaurant. Info: 888-427-8409, http://www.garthmansion.com

6. GRAYSTONE B&B MAIN FLOOR SUITES, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada: Peaceful setting minutes from all NOTL attractions. Rooms feature whirlpool tubs and orchard views.
Info: 888-414-0099, www.bedandbreakfast.com/ontario/graystone-b-b-main-floor-suites.html

7. NOTCHLAND INN, Harts Location, NH: On a 100-acre estate in the heart of the White Mountains, this granite mansion is great for adventure and romance. Info: 800-866-6131, http://www.notchland.com

8. HIGH POINTE INN, West Barnstable, MA: Spacious suites with ocean views and easy beach access. Guests return for supreme hospitality and tempting breakfasts. Info: 888-362-4441, http://www.thehighpointeinn.com

9. THE STEEL MAGNOLIA HOUSE, Natchitoches, LA: Relax in the historic home where the movie "Steel Magnolias" was filmed. Antique decor, peaceful gardens, and spacious guest rooms.
Info: 888-346-4095, http://www.steelmagnoliahouse.com

10. EMPRESS OF LITTLE ROCK, Little Rock, AR: The state's only four-diamond inn, this Victorian mansion comes has a secret watch tower, plus candlelit breakfasts. Info: 877-374-7966, http://www.theempress.com

THEMED CATEGORY WINNERS

MOST ROMANTIC: Lake La Quinta Inn, La Quinta, CA, 888-226-4546, http://www.lakelaquintainn.com

BEST BREAKFAST: Eastman Inn, North Conway, NH, 800-626-5855, http://www.eastmaninn.com

BEST HOSPITALITY: The River House, Lewisport, KY, 270-295-4199, http://www.riverhousebnb.com

MOST PET-FRIENDLY B&Bs - tied: Travelers Rest, Montezuma, GA, 478-472-0085, http://www.travelersrestbb.com Lazy Dog Inn, Chocorua, NH, 888-323-8350, http://www.lazydoginn.com

MOST FAMILY-FRIENDLY B&B: Twin Gables Inn, Saugatuck, MI, 800-231-2185, http://www.twingablesinn.com

For more information, great story ideas, and a complete list of regional award winners, visit the BedandBreakfast.com Press Room.

BedandBreakfast.com is the leading online bed & breakfast reservation network, listing bed & breakfasts and inns throughout the United States and internationally.

Visit BedandBreakfast.com's sister site, http://www.Inns.com, offering information on a range of independently-owned distinctive lodging.

CONTACT:

Marti Mayne, 207-846-6331, Marti.Mayne@BedandBreakfast.com Sandy Soule, 203-637-7642, Sandy.Soule@BedandBreakfast.com