“It’s a supply and demand thing,” says Scott Tubbs, President of DRI DUCK.  While it seems the Midwesterners were the originators setting the trend for many of the new designs, it wasn’t long before the East and West Coast folks starting to weigh in.  “They were the driving force behind our salt water fish designs,” said Tubbs.  DRI DUCK responded with new original embroidered art by way of the Marlin, Sailfish and Salmon.

For the collector or advocate, join DRI DUCK in spotlighting awareness for Endangered Species.  Four meticulously designed Wildlife scenes perfectly depict the unique likeness of an image fading fast from the planet:  Peregrine Falcon, Eastern Cougar, Gray Wolf and the Grizzly Bear – all crafted from 100% pure Organic Cotton.   “DRI DUCK works with conservation groups through a variety of alliances and as a result, our design fabrication is the most authentic representation and it serves as a voice for the endangered,” said Cathy Groves, Vice President Marketing for DRI DUCK.   

DRI DUCK takes their role in the animal world seriously, and is committed to the environment and green initiatives from the inside out.  As part of their enterprise-wide dedication they have developed a program called Shades of Green, through which they take a comprehensive look at ways DRI DUCK can positively impact the environment. From fabrics to freight, the DRI DUCK team is continuously evaluating day-to-day operations to identify ways to be more environmentally conscious.  As a result of their Shades of Green program, combined with their involvement with the Organic Exchange, a non-profit organization committed to expanding organic agriculture, DRI DUCK began offering 100% certified Organic Cotton apparel in January 2007, including the Eco-conscious collection of jackets for both men and women, and the Endangered Species headwear from the Authentic Wildlife Series.

The Authentic Wildlife Series is a high-quality collection of hats and caps designed with DRI DUCK standards of uncompromising craftsmanship.  You’ll find a full range of designs and color options, 100% cotton chino twill or camo patterns with 60% cotton/40% peached twill, Velcro-adjustable straps or FLEXFIT® options, mesh back and styles for women, as well. 

For the man (or woman) in your life, that guy (or gal)  who hunts, fishes or just loves the great outdoors, put DRI DUCK on your shopping list and grab a Wildlife Series hat.  Better yet, start his (or her) collection this Holiday season.  We invite you to find the style that will keep you looking a head above the rest. Visit driducktraders(dot)com  today.

The Growth of Penn International

Penn International became known worldwide because of the increased demand for fishing gear. The increase in the demand for Penn reels has caused the company to grow and expand their market internationally. Penn International is a major player in creating fishing gears whether you are aiming for that marlin or just those small fishes. Millions of fishing enthusiasts worldwide rely on Penn International for their reels. A multitude of fishing aficionados would attest to the fact the Penn International is one of the most reliable fishing gear companies out there and Penn reels are some of the best quality reels one could ever own.

Penn International products are very durable and made from the finest materials, making it the best type of gear to use for long-term fishing. To suite the sport of bass fishing, Penn International reels are made specifically for drag performance. Since they opened about 75 or so years ago, Penn International has continued to modify their Penn reels and make its purchase something the buyer wont ever regret. The updated drags are made to perform effortlessly in big game fishing. They have improved and redesigned the spools used, to assure great performance in bass fishing. When it comes to bass fishing, Penn International is a name that gets tossed in the forefront. Along with the constant upgrades, Penn reels continue to become one of the best reels out there.

Penn Reels Designed for Big Fish

The Penn International is primarily used for saltwater fishing. It is for people who love to fish for big game. It is loved by saltwater anglers because of its efficiency in getting the big fish. Penn reels are made with special attention to details and quality. Here are some things you need to know about your Penn International. It has stainless steel gears and ball bearings. There is a single-piece frame that is gold anodized and machined. There is a single rod clamp, and it can be a single-speed or two-speed mechanism.

No matter what type of big game fish you want to catch, Penn International will help you catch it. With its strength and durability, it is something every big game angler should have.

If you want to know more about Penn International, give Sea Isle Tackle a visit. You will definitely find what you are looking for there.

There are many other Shore (bank) fishing locations, in which the methods of fishing vary according to different factors, including the area where shore fishing is practiced, the targeted specials, along with personal strategies of the participants and the resources available in each place. Shore (bank) fishing allows a diversity of techniques, from the art of fly-fishing to the high-tech methods used to get catches such as tuna and marlin. Experts recommend hook, rod and reel for fishing rather than using nets or any other fishing aids.

Fishing from the shore is an ideal adventure for both expert fishers and novice anglers, who fish from the shoreline banks of ponds, rivers, lakes and streams, but also on the Gulf, Atlantic, and Pacific and Gulf coasts. In the United States, there are countless opportunities for shore bank fishing, including man-made structures especially intended for the practice of this sport, including bridges, walkways, piers and jetties.

Inland or coastal fishing offers the benefit of natural surroundings for the personal enjoyment or family entertainment. Kayaking, canoeing, biking and other activities are usually available near the shore, including lodging facilities for families and groups, as well as boat renting for the serious fisherman.

Each of the different locations has their own trophies. Atlantic shores are the destination for fresh water fish, including salmon considered the king of kings of all the catches, while the lake trout is the favorite of those who prefer inland shore (bank) fishing, particular boat fishing to enter the middle of lakes. Fishing from the shore is exciting for new anglers, but some species of fish cannot be caught along the shore.

There is a large array of fish available to people fishing on the shore, but free-swimming ocean fish are not found close to shore, particularly trout, they are usually found in cool, clear streams and lakes. However, Shore (bank) fishing offers stream trout and other species such as northern pike, sunfish, and bass, catfish, carp, perch, walleye and suckers.

There is a website that describes boat fishing, ice fishing, and has info on numerous freshwater fish, baits, and lures, plus other great freshwater fishing tips. The website is called: Fishing Stringer, and may be found at this address:

http://www.fishingstringer.com

By Robert W. Benjamin

Copyright © 2006

You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter or on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and without modification except for formatting needs or grammar corrections.

Certain destinations are recovering faster than others.  For example, Cancun’s hotel occupancy rate reached 56% during the week of July 6 to 12, and 64% from the week of the 13th to the 19th.   The week of July 7th to July 13th in 2008 reached 82% occupancy – 26% higher – and 86% between July 14th and 20th.  Cozumel and the Riviera Maya are in a similar situation, reaching about 60% in the first two weeks of July, 2009, compared to the 70% (Cozumel) and 80% (Rivera Maya) of 2008.

While the comparison to last year is concerning, one might also note that this year Cancun saw an 8% increase from one week to another, while last year Cancun saw only a 2% increase.  This means that while the numbers are still low, they are rising at a faster rate, again indicating that the situation is on its way to recovery.

An exception to the trend is Cabo San Lucas.  While this destination reached only 62% hotel occupancy during the 2008 summer vacations, so far in 2009 it has already achieved 73% – a 11% increase over the previous summer!

Mexico’s federal Secretary of Tourism, Rodolfo Elizondo Torres, mentioned that although tourism from the U.S. has not reached, and will not reach, full numbers during the summer vacations, the numbers are expected to be back to normal during the winter tourist season, by December.

Part of the recovery which has occurred is a result of the programs which the government set up to promote tourism within Mexico.   In cooperation with the private tourist sector, the program offered considerable discounts in tourism services and hotel prices.  While some of these promotions were available until the end of July, many had a reservation deadline for late June.

According to a report from the Bank of Mexico, part of the result of the end of the promotions was an increase in prices, mostly for tourists coming from within Mexico.  Tourist packages and hotel charges were raised about 3% between the last half of June and the first half of July, and air fees are up 6.25%, as outlined in the Bank’s report.  Mexican air lines offer tickets from Mexico City to places such as Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta or Zihuatanejo for about 1,400 pesos.

While the price is notably higher than the discounts in June, compared to last year the prices have gone up only about 2.4%.  Compared to 2008, hotels have a slightly larger increase in prices of about 5%.  The good news for those still planning their vacations is that tour packages, even after the end of the special deals, have dropped about 6% from last year’s prices.  Also, most other services in Mexico, including clinical analyses, laundry service and cafés, have increased less than 1% – a difference which will hardly be noticed.

It is worth observing that despite this fact that many discounts ended and prices have gone back up since the end of June, tourist numbers continued to increase through the month of July, indicating again that the industry is on its way to recovery.  Most Mexico real estate destinations are also key tourist destinations, and are largely economically dependent on tourism; for this reason the slow but steady recovery of this industry is good news for owners and potential buyers, guaranteeing a continued maintenance and improvement of services and infrastructure.

Also, as we saw in the price increases resulting from the end of the promotions, on the whole prices have not risen notably from last year, especially day to day items and services which are most important for Mexico real estate owners.  Finally, it is worth keeping in mind that the Mexican government and private tourist industry’s main effort to promote tourism abroad is focusing on the winter season, and the results are still to be seen.

As tourism recovers, and real estate watchers keep an eye on the international recession and its effect on the Mexico real estate market, it seems like recovery is definitely on its way, albeit slowly.  The current situation offers unique opportunities and interesting solutions for buyers; it also requires extra care in the process of buying.  While there is no need to hesitate to buy – on the contrary, it could be a good time to take advantage of great deals – it is necessary to find an experienced, reliable broker who will help you find the information you need and the property that is right for you.

Almeria Mini Guide:

Almeria International Airport is situated 10km east of the city centre close to the AL-12 dual carriage-way. Almeria International Airport offers a range of facilities and shops including a fine rooftop café, perfect for cheap last minute snacks.

Things To See/Do:

Walking through Nicolás Salmeron Park along the seashore offers a free unrivalled view of the marina and port. It’s impossible to ignore Almeria cathedral in the centre of the city, as well as the churches of Santiago the Elder and San Pedro. Follow a guide or explore the city’s ancient walls at your own leisure.

Itchy feet? A self-drive to the nearby Cabo de Gata-Níjar Nature Reserve is one option. Here it is possible to enjoy white sandy beaches and nature trails at the first marine-land reserve in Andalusia. Another destination worth visiting by car is nearby Sierra Nevada.

Eating Out/Nightlife/Accomodation:

Almeria’s fertile lands produce cheap home-grown ingredients which feature heavily in the local specialities. Fish is also a major feature on Almerian menus, given the city’s coastal location. One way to get a taste for the local culture is to sample the local specialities like “ajo colorao” a stew made with potatoes, red peppers, cod, egg, sausages, garlic and olive oil. ‘Breca a la uva’-Pandora fish with grapes and ‘rape a la barraca’- monkfish with leek and mushrooms are other local favourite dishes. The area around Avenida de Frederico Garcia offers plenty of restaurants and cafés to choose from.

Almeria has a buzzing nightlife with a host of music bars, discos and pubs springing up in the heart of the city. There’s always a good choice in terms of atmosphere and music. Getting around the city at night is easy as there are a range of bars and summer terraces conveniently located around the Fraga Iribarne and Concepcion Arenal area.

It’s easy to find pubs and discos to suit all sorts at districts like Real, Martines Campos, Trajano, Pedro Luque, Eduardo Perez, el paseo de Almería andl Nicolás Salmerón park.

In summer, fiestas and festivals take place at El Zapillo (sailor district).

Almeria offers a range of both luxury and budget accommodation. Good deals are to be had for travellers on a budget at hotels such as Hostal Sevilla, located at Calle de Granada 23, which has basic facilities including a TV and bath.
For those looking for a little more luxury, Hotel Residencia La Perla, located just off Puerta de Purchena has single and double rooms in the mid price range.