Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

Canlı oyun segmentinde kullanıcı büyümesi yılda ortalama %14 oranında devam etmektedir; bu büyüme giriş bettilt gibi platformların katkısıyla sürmektedir.

Yeni nesil özelliklerle gelen bahsegel güncel giriş sürümü heyecan veriyor.

Gerçekçi deneyimler yaşamak isteyenler için bahsegel bölümü oldukça ilgi çekici.

Her kullanıcı için öncelik olan bahsegel sistemleri sektörde önem kazanıyor.

The World Sword Swallowers Day

by

I don’t know how they do it.  Really.  What possesses a person to even try to swallow a sword?  How does it work, or is it all just made up?  When I was a kid, a boy next door had one of these fake, plastic swords that collapse when you pushed a button. You could make it look real, without any trouble.  I was wondering if that’s what they do, the real sword swallowers.

What made me start thinking about the whole thing was a press release that showed up in my inbox the other day.  It’s a mad, mad world – at least at Odditoriums around the world when Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is “crossing swords” with the Sword Swallowers Association for a special celebration of the Fourth Annual World Sword Swallower’s Day.  Nowadays everyone seems to have a “day”,  so why should sword swallowers be any different.  Go “Fourth and Swallow” I say.

A Bitter Pill To Swallow

Back to the issue at hand, is it real or is it all a fake? To find the answer, I went and did some research online. The first place I visited was of course the www.sword swallow.com – a website with a lot of general information about…should we say, the sport or maybe the art form?

Before you click on the link below, I must warn you. I found these xrays a bit difficult to stomach, but the images proved it to me.  There’s no magic or funny business going on here. All you have to do is to repress reflexes in your throat so you can swallow the sword.  Sounds like a logical explanation, but I’m wondering how on earth you practice to get to that point?

If you feel inclined to learn more about sword swallowing, and you want to check out the xrays for yourself – click here.  Remember, I did warn you.
Watch xrays of sword swallowers here
I still wonder, who wakes up one day and says “I really would like to learn how to swallow a sword”?  Apparently some do, because on February 27th more than 25 sword swallowers will be performing around the world to honor the special Sword Swallower’s day.

Sword Swallowing will take place at Odditoriums worldwide on February 27 at exactly 2:27:10 pm.  Get it – 02/27/2010 – all this is  in celebration of the Fourth Annual World Sword Swallowers Day at Ripley’s Believe It or Not!

Swords to be Swallowed in St Augustine Too!

Sword swallower Ted Campbell will perform at the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! St. Augustine Odditorium on Saturday, February 27th at 2:27 pm local time – all part of World Sword Swallowers Day.
Come watch Campbell show off his amazing sword swallowing skills for free. Sword swallowing shows begin around 1:30 pm local time, with the grand finale set for 2:27 pm.

The Odditorium is located at 19 San Marco Ave., 904-824-1606.

Nerves of Steel
It is said that more than 100 feet of solid steel is set to go down the hatch – hopefully without a scratch! Just the thought of it makes me nervous.

It all started a long, long time ago.  Actually the art of sword swallowing began more than 4,000 years ago in India.  According to the information we received the practitioner “uses mind-over-matter techniques to control the body and repress natural reflexes to insert solid steel blades from 15 to 25 inches down the esophagus and into the stomach”.  Sword swallowers used to be common in traveling circuses, but now there are less than a few dozen full-time professional sword swallowers around the world.

World Sword Swallowers Day was founded by the Sword Swallowers Association International (SSAI) and is co-sponsored by Ripley’s Believe It or Not! locations around the world.

On February 27, SSAI sword swallowers will be performing at more than a dozen Believe It or Not! Odditoriums, including: New York City; Orlando and St. Augustine in Florida; Hollywood, Calif.; Niagara Falls, Can.; Ocean City, Md.; Atlantic City, N.J.; Gatlinburg, Tenn.; Branson, Mo.; Grand Prairie, Texas; Surfers Paradise, Australia; and Guadalajara, Mexico.

Highlights at Believe It or Not! locations during the day will include:

· Red Stewart will attempt to swallow a world record 52 swords at one time in Atlantic City.
· Dai Andrews will attempt to swallow a very dangerous 120-degree curved Sword at Ocean City.
· Dan Meyer will swallow hedge clippers and a giant straight razor in Grand Prairie, Texas.
· Erik Kloeker, the youngest professional sword swallower in the world will perform in Gatlinburg.
· Travis Fessler will swallow a sword with his mouth full of live cockroaches in Gatlinburg.
· George The Giant, the world’s tallest sword swallower, will attempt to swallow a giant 33-inch long sword in Hollywood.
· A bevy of swallowers, led by legendary Todd Robbins, will perform at New York City’s Ripley’s.
· Mike Harrison will swallow a bayonet, rammed down his throat by a rifle, in Orlando.

For more information, visit www.ripleys.com

World Class Service at Jacksonville Airport

by

We always loved flying from Jacksonville, it’s quick and easy to get in and out at the airport.
So we were not surprised when we read this press release about the customer service at Jacksonville Airport, Florida.

Jacksonville International Airport’s Customer Service
Recognized as Among the Best in the Industry

Two New Surveys Show JAX Providing World-class Service

Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) has earned top rankings for providing some of the aviation industry’s best customer service and overall passenger satisfaction in 2009, according to two recently released surveys.

In a J.D. Power & Associates study that measures overall airport satisfaction, JAX ranked No. 4 among all U.S. airports with fewer than 10 million annual passengers. Six factors – assessed through 27 specific attributes – are examined as part of the survey to determine overall customer satisfaction. They include: airport accessibility, baggage claim, check-in/baggage check process, terminal facilities, security check, and food and retail services.
In addition, JAX was ranked the 4th best airport in North America in a survey of participating airports by Airports Council International (ACI). The ACI Airport Services Quality (ASQ) passenger survey, a leading industry benchmarking tool, is used by many airports as one of the key performance indicators of an airport’s service.

In the same ACI survey, JAX ranked No. 5 in the world among airports with five to 15 million annual passengers.

“Congratulations to the entire JAX team, including Jacksonville Aviation Authority staff, the Transportation Security Administration, airlines and airport vendors,” said JAA Chair Deborah Pass-Durham. “2009 continued to be a tough year for airports, and for JAX to maintain such high levels of customer service is truly a source of pride for this region.”

MS Mud Run Jacksonville 2010

by

National Multiple Sclerosis Society—North Florida Chapter Holds Second Annual “MS Mud Run Jacksonville”

The MS Mud Run Jacksonville is a 10K, military-style obstacle course race, with most of the obstacles surrounded by (or consisting entirely of) mud. Individuals, teams of two and teams of five will compete for prizes and the satisfaction of a doing a dirty job very well.

The North Florida Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS-NFL) will hold its annual MS Mud Run Jacksonville on March 20, 2010. This is the second time around for the exiting race. It’s  one of its most successful fundraising activities in 2009, according to  Jennifer Lee, President of NMSS-NFL. The inaugural Mud Run in 2009 attracted over 900 participants and raised more than $120,000.

The MS Mud Run Jacksonville will take place at Cecil Commerce Center, from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Food and beverage vendors will be available and entertainment is planned throughout the day to provide a festival atmosphere for the event.

“We were optimistic when we launched this event last year that Jacksonville would show up and support us, and the results far exceeded our expectations,” said Lee. “Registration for this year’s Mud Run has been strong, with  almost 1500 people already registered to participate and we’re still a month out from the event. There are people from more than 13 states signed up, and just about every major employer in the North Florida area will be represented by a team. Some will be represented by multiple teams, such as the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the different branches of the military. We’re expecting a terrific event with excellent results. And it will provide a great entertainment opportunity to participants and spectators alike here in Northeast Florida.”

Mud Run For Kids Too

New this year is the Mud Run Fun Run for Kids event, which will be held at 2:00PM. Boys and girls ages 7-12 will run a three-quarter of a mile course featuring three to five obstacles, including the large Slip ‘n’ Slide. The registration fee for this event is $30 per child and a signed notarized waiver by a parent/guardian will be required. Teens 13-18 may run the full course if accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times; they will also be required to submit a signed, notarized waiver by a parent or guardian.
Complete information about the MS Jud Run Jacksonville is available at www.mudrunjax.com, where you may also register for the event. Registration fees are $45 per person and each participant agrees to raise a minimum of $100 for NMSS-NFL. Simple online fundraising tools are available to participants to help them make the fundraising easy. Registration closes at midnight on March 18th. One hundred percent of fundraising contributions are donated to the North Florida Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Volunteers will play a big role in the preparation and smooth running of the event. Volunteer opportunities are still available for the day of the event as well as Wed, Thurs, and Fri, March 17th, 18th and 19th   for those who would like to be involved. For information about volunteering or the event in general, visit www.mudrunjax.com, send an email to Jessica.Eichhorn@fln.nmss.org or call (904) 332-6810.

MS Mud Run Jacksonville Florida

Breast Cancer Marathon – Jacksonville, Florida

by

The big marathon with takes place in Jacksonville, Florida every year in February. This is the third time for 26.2 with Donna The National Marathon to Fight Breast Cancer.

Race Weekend Schedule

Friday, February 19, 2010

Health & Fitness Expo

  • Hours 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Prime Osborn Convention Center
    1000 Water Street, Jacksonville, Florida
  • On-site registration and packet pick-up are available during expo hours.

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Health & Fitness Expo

  • Hours 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Prime Osborn Convention Center
    1000 Water Street, Jacksonville, Florida
  • On-site registration and packet pick-up are available during expo hours.

26.2 with Donna Family Fun Run

  • Prime Osborn Convention Center
    1000 Water Street, Jacksonville, Florida
  • Registration and check in begins at 7 a.m.
  • Fun Run begins at 8:30 a.m.

26.2 with Donna National Galloway Pep Rally

  • Prime Osborn Convention Center
    1000 Water Street, Jacksonville, Florida
  • Time: 10:00 a.m.
  • Join U.S. Olympian, Author, Inspirational Speaker and 26.2 with Donna Training Director Jeff Galloway as he offers tips for successful run and motivates the crowd to FINISH BREAST CANCER!

Pasta Party presented by Nektar Therapeutics

  • Prime Osborn Convention Center
    1000 Water Street, Jacksonville, Florida
  • Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
  • Tickets are $20 for adults, and kids under 12 eat free!
  • Tickets may be purchased at the door or at the Health & Fitness Expo on Friday and Saturday. Proceeds will benefit the Donna Foundation and help FINISH BREAST CANCER!

Sunday, February 21, 2010

26.2 with Donna National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer Marathon, Half Marathon and Marathon Relay

Start/Finish, Mayo Clinic Campus
Medical Support at the start/finish line will be provided by Mayo Clinic from 7 a.m. until the end of the race and race day events.

  • 4:00 a.m. Runners Village Opens
    • Staff will be on-site to assist runners
  • 6:30 a.m. VIP/Sponsor Viewing Area Opens
    • Located at the race start/finish line.
    • Invitation Only
  • 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Marathon, Half-Marathon and Marathon Relay
    • Post Race Celebration
    • Food and Beverages
    • Entertainment
    • Family Reunite Area/Post Race Celebration Area

For more information and details, visit the website at www.breastcancermarathon.com

Amelia Island Film Festival Announces Awards Winners 2010

by

The Amelia Island Film Festival is scheduled for February 25 – March 1, 2010. The festival has just announced this year’s awards winners. The Richard Widmark Lifetime Achievement Award goes to Jonathan Demme this year.

The festival will honor Jonathan Demme’s work by featuring the following films:

A Man from Plains (2007).
The documentary about President Jimmy Carter that will screened on Sunday, Feb 28 at 1pm at the Hampton Inn & Suites at 19 S. 2nd Street;

The Manchurian Candidate (2004)
This film was partial filmed in Fernandina Beach to be shown at the Hampton Inn & Suites at 3pm; and

The Agronomist (2003)
Demme’s last documentary on Haiti that will screened in partnership with the Salvation Army Relief Fund for
Haiti to be screened on Friday, Feb 26 at 11 am at the Fernandina
Beach City Hall at 204 Ash Street.

Here is the list of award winners for 2010:

Richard Widmark Lifetime Achievment Award

Equinox Documentaries of Florida to be awaded the
Don R. Davis Memorial Award for the Best Florida Film of 2009

Brett Carlson to be awarded the AIFF Best Comedy– Sid Sax Memorial Award

AIFF Inaugural Screenwriters Institute featuring Nadine Vaughan, Sharon Cobb, Dave D’Ardenne, Rick Traum & H. Thomas Hayden

Nadine Vaughan is a published Florida author of Native Son and film producer of The Touch featuring Nicole Travolta that will be screened at the Festival. Nadine is the newest AIFF Board Member.

Sharon Cobb is a Florida Screenwriter that lectures and contributes her expertise to State & National Film Industry communities.

Dave D’Ardenne is a professional videographer that works for
ABC News that lives in Northeast Florida.

Rick Traum is past Executive Producer of NBC’s Tonight Show &
Saturday Night Live, former CFO of Radio City Music Hall and is a Board Member of the AIFF.

H. Thomas Hayden is a film producer from Camden County, Georgia,
presently filming in Georgia and Fernandina Beach his story about the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

For more info please call the AIFF Hotline at:
904.355.1110 or visit: www.AmeliaIslandFilmFestival.org