Give the Gift of Woodworking This Holiday Season

(MS) -- Finding a gift for that special someone can be hard. When that special someone seemingly has everything, that task gets even harder. But holiday shoppers find themselves in that familiar position every year, wherein one or two people on their list prove harder to shop for than everyone else combined.

But a hard to shop for loved one could create the ideal gifting opportunity this holiday season. In lieu of scouring the malls for that perfect gift, give the gift of a hobby this holiday season. Enroll a loved one in a class to further cultivate an existing hobby or even inspire a new one. Such classes are available to hobbyists of all ages and experience levels, and can truly become a gift that keeps on giving.

Beginners

For that special someone who truly does have everything, a new hobby can be the ideal gift. In such cases, a beginner's course can help a loved one get their feet wet and see if a given hobby is a good fit. Woodcraft's "Carving 101," for example, allows those with a potential interest in carving the chance to learn this fulfilling art from a host of expert carvers. Such classes require no previous skill or experience, and students learn different cutting techniques that encourage them to add shape and form to the basswood carving blank that's provided at the onset of class.

Intermediate

Not all hobbyists are necessarily wet behind the ears. Some have past work experience and might have moved on but maintained an interest or passion for a given skill. To holiday shoppers, the intermediate level hobbyist presents the perfect gifting opportunity. For instance, a spouse, brother or in-law who was interested in woodworking as a child but lost touch with the hobby would no doubt find an intermediate woodworking class a welcomed chance to reconnect with a hobby they once enjoyed.

A class on woodturning, which is where you make objects on a spinning lathe, can result in the creation of ornaments, small bowls and other items that will inevitably become family heirlooms.

Additionally, a course such as Woodcraft's "Intermediate Carving" is perfect for the hobbyist who still remembers the basics but wants to take his or her carving skills to the next level. Over a 10-week period, students will learn more complicated techniques while more extensively developing a new hobby or reconnecting with a previous favorite pastime.

Experts

Because hobbyists come in all shapes, sizes and experience levels, a course that allows a weekend warrior to become an expert at his or her passion can also be a great gift this holiday season. What's more, an expert class doesn't have to require much time and can actually be a great way to help that special someone combine two passions. With their "Perfect Picture Framing" class, Woodcraft helps art enthusiasts avoid those costly custom frame jobs that can add hundreds of dollars to hanging art around the house. Students will learn how to cut frames, mats and glass while beautifying and protecting their works of art and family photos. Such a class can be especially valuable to the artist in the family who's hoping to learn how to frame his or her own work.

For more information about Woodcraft, which has more than 80 stores nationwide, or to find a class near you, visit www.woodcraft. com.

CAPTION: Woodworking enthusiasts, be they a novice hobbyist or an expert, would no doubt appreciate the gift of a class that can help them further their skills this holiday season.

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woodworking gift holiday season holiday shoppers woodcraft hobbyist

Holiday Gifts That Kids Can Create

A hand-painted pencil holder made from a soup can will keep its place of honor on a busy executive's desk for decades. A sewing box made from a shoebox and covered in decoupage will get a smile every time it is used over a lifetime. Handmade gifts from children are creative, inexpensive and show them that giving can be fun.

While decorated tin cans, shoeboxes and oatmeal containers have been the beginnings of countless homemade gifts over the years, arts and crafts gifts are only limited by your child's imagination. Kits or gift baskets are fun to make and receive -- and the possibilities are endless. For example, a hand painted terra cotta flowerpot with a few packets of seeds and a pair of bright cotton gloves tucked inside is an inexpensive gift for someone in the family with a green thumb, while a "Movie Night Kit" can include a favorite film, a package of microwave popcorn and assorted sweets and snacks. Your child can also create colorful movie passes for admittance to the show. If you can find one, a theater popcorn tub would be the perfect package to hold all the items.

Another favorite is a coupon or gift certificate, usually redeemable for a service to be performed by the child. It can be as simple as "Good for 2 Hours of Weeding" or "Good for 1 Car Wash" for a parent or other family member. For a sibling, a coupon that reads "I'll Do Your Chores for One Full Day" is sure to be appreciated. And, of course, there's no better gift than love: "Free Hugs All Day Long."

Encouraging children to consider recipients' interests when creating personalized coupons not only makes for welcome gifts, but can be a great lesson in caring and compassion. Giving homemade gift certificates can also be a great opportunity for your child to explore their interests and interact with adults in new settings. For instance, an offer to serve as a parent's or grandparent's "Personal Assistant for a Day" can create opportunities for family members to share quality one-on-one time.

Once your children have produced a treasure trove of future family heirlooms, they can put the final touches on their gifts by creating handcrafted wrapping paper, gift bags and gift tags. Start with a roll of white butcher paper and paper bags (handles optional). Break out the paints, colored paper, beads, ribbons, buttons and bows and let the creativity flow. Last year's holiday and greeting cards are perfect for cutting into gift tags and can also be used to create holiday collages on gift bags. Your newspaper's Sunday comics can be used whole as a fun wrapping paper or cut up and used for decorating the gift packages.

The bottom line on homemade gifts? By encouraging kids to give of themselves through creative and thoughtful holiday gifts for others, they will not only learn the joys of giving, but have a blast in the process.

CAPTION: Kids can have fun and learn the joy of giving by creating handmade gifts for loved ones this holiday season.

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Astronomy Hobbyists or Students Get an Intimate Glimpse of the Sky

(MS) -- It used to be that the only way astronomy enthusiasts could experience the skies, stars and solar systems was to point a trained eye upwards. High-powered telescopes changed the way the heavens were studied, and now low-cost software is changing it even more.

Did you know that the sun is 4.5 billion years old and produces 383 billion trillion kilowatts of energy? Or that Venus is the only planet that rotates from east to west, and a year on this planet is equal to 225 days on Earth?

Astronomy is the scientific study of celestial objects like stars, comets, planets and galaxies. The word is derived from Greek words astron and nomos, which mean "star" and "law." In fact, the ancient Greeks were some of the first people to look skyward and ponder about the stars.

Astronomy is an interesting science filled with many fun and thought-provoking facts, whether you are a hobbyist or a student who is looking for more information on celestial objects. To make the research and education process even more hands-on, Redshift(TM) announced its astronomy software Redshift 7 and the new portal Redshift live are available at www.redshift-live.com. During 2009 -- the International Year of Astronomy -- the Redshift software and plug-ins are offered at affordable prices, as well the launcher for free. Whether you have a MAC or a PC, the free launcher and the plug-ins at redshift-live.com are a great way to start sampling the best available astronomy content on the web at little or no cost.

The software package allows astronomy fans from around the world the opportunity to share and enhance their passion for the sky. The user-friendly program includes new articles about astronomy and space flight, the latest observation tips, exclusive guided tours and an active community of other star gazers. Redshift has a wide variety of multimedia content and covers space missions, the solar system and constellations.

"The software allows everyone from beginners to experts and parents to professionals to experience the galaxy while learning and having fun at the same time," says Raphael Steinbach, product manager at USM, the company that publishes the Redshift software. "The advanced tracking and visualization tools enable the user to chart thousands of asteroids, comets and even meteor showers."

Some interactive and entertaining features include:

* deep sky photography based on the latest discoveries and star catalogs with the ability to chart asteroids and comets;

* online community that provides added value in the form of tours and information sharing;

* access to the online Google map to view anywhere on the planet in more detail;

* special "3D-flight" mode to study celestial bodies from a close distance with the option to use a joystick to control the 3D-flight;

* option to travel back in time and learn what happened in the sky on the user's important dates, such as a birthday or anniversary.

Students may find the software is instrumental to illustrating what they have learned in the classroom. Astronomy enthusiasts can get together and share what they have learned and discovered. Even individuals new to astronomy can be wowed by the mysteries and discoveries waiting to be explored millions of light years away.

For more information, visit www.redshift-live.com.

CAPTION: Software enables individuals to get up close to celestial bodies, and share their passion for astronomy.

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Recreational Read Teaches How to Climb that Social Ladder

This article gives review and some insider tips on a fictional book "Social Climber" written by Beth Dunn.

(MS) -- Despite "The Real Housewives" franchise sprouting new regional incarnations each TV season, these ueber-rich vixens from all over the country have nothing on a different set of ladies who can teach all about the proper clothing labels, the key to a pedigree, how to marry an asset husband, and so much more about climbing to the top of social standing.

Not many people get the chance to experience "how the other half lives." These are the cliques who are born with the right last name and grow up in the elite suburbs of the country. They attend the desireable schools, socialize at the country club, and later on go on to marry for the added status that it will bring. After that they spend their time vying for invites for the latest fundraiser, or working toward chairing the next committee.

There are the lucky few who are "already there," (AT) who have social status inherent from birth and don't need to worry about climbing to the top. But many more are "social climbers," (SC) who aspire to aquire that out-of-reach status, and may do whatever it takes to get there.

In her seemingly autobiographical, yet albeit fictional book, "Social Climbers," author Beth Dunn shares the secrets of this superficial crowd others only read about in the society papers. She sheds light on the ATs, SCs and NRs (nouveau riche) who make a name for themselves on the Main Line -- a well-known enclave of old money outside of Philadelphia. These are the women who compete for invites, wouldn't make it through a week without a mani/pedi at the top salon, and do their best to emotionally pick away at others social standing for the gain it may bring themselves.

"While ground rules for social 'acceptance' may have changed since I was in school," offers Dunn, "The ladies definitely haven't. Being sick of cliques and mean girls grown up, I was motivated to write about them."

Whether you're looking for a glimpse inside this eye-popping world, or are just looking for an escape from your own social circles, "Social Climbers," is a fast-paced, entertaining read perfect for pool- or beachside.

Can you relate to the catty Kitty Kimmel, who seems to chair every committee and enjoys a love/hate relationship with all of her acquaintances? What about the alluring Allegra, who doesn't have to work so hard for social status because she is Greek aristocracy, enjoying a few-rules approach to living? Then there is main character Elizabeth Quinn, who knows how to play both sides of the game but is always a step away from realizing her true potential.

Author Dunn has first-hand experience of this special world, having been a former social climber herself. But things have certainly changed for the author. She says she is now reformed, putting her family and giving back first, and worrying less about the catty side of social climbing.

Although becoming a socialite may seem elitist, there are many positive aspects that women can include in their own lives. Here are some pointers to consider:

* Volunteer and support a charity: In today's economic climate there are many individuals and groups that could use extra manpower and support. Get out there and become involved.

* Put your best foot forward: While the socialite would say to put your best Prada-clad foot forward, dressing up and looking your best can improve self-esteem and make a difference in how you present yourself to others.

* Smile: The uninspirational evening news has left many with few things to smile about, but the funny thing about smiles is that they tend to be contagious. Show off your pearly whites and embrace a good mood.

* Have fun: There's no harm in enjoying yourself once in a while. A socialite knows how to get on all the party lists. Investigate bashes thrown by public relations firms or nonprofit organizations. They're usually fun and free!

* Have confidence in yourself: A socialite knows that she has every right to be at an occasion or gathering. Present an air of confidence in everything you do, and when meeting new people. You never know how you can network new relationships to your advantage.

For more insider tips on social climbing, pick up a copy of "Social Climbers" from your favorite online retailer, or by visiting http://www.socialclimbers.net/.

CAPTION: Behind the smiles and compliments may lie a social climber.

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Find the Right Golf Clubs

Golf is a game of subtleties. A slight rotation during a swing of a degree or two can mean the difference between hitting the green and landing in the bunker. Those same subtleties are no more apparent than in a set of golf clubs.

With continued advancements in club technology, it is possible to see a difference in your game as a result of new clubs, whether you desire increased power, accuracy or forgiveness. But if there are flaws in your swing, new clubs will not make them disappear. Clubs can only improve on what's already there.

You don't have to go out and purchase the most expensive set of clubs -- concentrate on getting the right set. Selecting golf clubs that are the correct size is the first step. Unless you stand over 6 feet or under 5 feet, standard-size clubs should be correct for most men and women. Men's clubs are generally 1 inch taller per club.

The shaft is the next essential consideration. Today's shafts are usually composed of steel or graphite. Steel shafts are more durable and generally less expensive than graphite. They offer more control but require a faster swing to generate distance. Graphite is popular because of its light feel. However, ball control is sacrificed by the increased power generated from the swing. Shaft stiffness is also a factor. You will find a range of flexibility, from extra-stiff to shafts for seniors with more "bend" to them. Beginners and players with less powerful swings will find a flexible shaft more effective, while players with powerful swings will gain more control with a stiffer club shaft.

Loft is another term you will come across in your search. It refers to the height the ball will achieve in flight. Inexperienced players are generally encouraged to choose clubs with more loft as they are more forgiving on less accurate swings.

Driver designs have recently reached the United States Golf Association's (USGA) limits for size and length. In the case of such drivers, bigger seems to be better. A bigger club head generates more speed through the swing and can offer a larger sweet spot and more forgiveness.

Irons also offer a variety of styles and options, broken down first into two categories: cast irons or forged irons. Cast iron heads are recommended for beginners. They provide a larger sweet spot and are more forgiving on accuracy. Forged irons feature a head with a flat, weighted back. This higher center of gravity (CG) means a more concentrated sweet spot and more control for experienced players.

If you're in the market for new clubs, remember that what's right for one player may not be right for another. Club fitting with the help of a professional is a good place to start. A pro will analyze every facet of your game and help you determine which equipment is right for you.

CAPTION: Improve your game with the right set of clubs.

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Maximize Your Fun in the Summer Sun

(MS) -- Summer is back in full swing. For kids, that means no school and lazy days spent playing with friends. For adults, it likely means vacations with the family and a more relaxed and jovial atmosphere at the office.

For all of us, however, summer is a time to get outdoors in the warm air and have as much fun as possible. Oftentimes, this equates to summer trips to the beach or a boat trip to a favorite lake or other watering hole. Such locales are synonymous with summer smiles and fun. To get the most out of your next waterside jaunt, consider the following tips.

* Don't forget sunscreen. Nothing can ruin a day out in the sun more than a bad sunburn. Even for those used to being outside, be sure to pack along sufficient sunscreen to keep both kids and adults from turning into lobsters. Ultraviolet rays from the sun are at their strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so be sure to wear sunscreen during those hours and limit your time in the sun as well. Sunscreen with a minimum SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 is best for adults, while an SPF 30 is more appropriate for kids. Remember, cool breezes on the water can be deceptive --leading you to think it's cooler than it is. Sunscreen is always necessary, even on slightly
overcast or hazy days.

* Bring the fun with you! While the water offers plenty of fun as it is, savvy recreationists bring some extra fun with them as well. Inflatable towables, for example, have long been making beach and boating trips more fun for adults and kids alike.

What's more, towables are now safer than ever thanks to the new DOABLES line from Sportsstuff. The first 'controllable towable' ever introduced, DOABLES use a bottom centrally located VEER tow system that allows users to slalom, spin and do a combination of moves in a straight line boat pattern. Unlike traditional towables, wherein the boat driver must make a series of dangerous turns and swerves for the towable rider to make the most of each ride, DOABLES riders control their own movements, allowing the boat driver to simply drive straight and focus on the water ahead, making for a much safer trip each time you hit the water.
Each of the four different DOABLES series allows users to progress at their own speed while learning a variety of moves. Both the Slalom Solo and the Slalom Jockey allow riders to spin, while parents and kids can even hone their towable skills together on the Team Slalom, which allows for up to 4 riders at once.

"Safety is a major priority for us, and our boat never goes above 25 miles per hour," says Andrew from New York. "But the kids absolutely love it. I love the tall sides so when we have small children in it, there's no worry of them falling out. And the bigger kids love that they can ride four kids to a tube."

* Pack plenty of water. Much like sunburn isn't any fun, neither is dehydration. Unfortunately, dehydration is an all too common occurrence during the warm months, causing many to feel tired and cranky when they should be resting and relaxing in the warm summer sun. To avoid this health hazard, bring along a cooler of ice cold water, and save some money by packing some snacks and sandwiches as well.

* Don't forget the camera. Most families have fond memories of summer trips. Such memories are preserved much more successfully with a camera. Waterproof disposable cameras are inexpensive and perfect for families wary of bringing their more expensive cameras to the beach's sandy shores or out on the water. There are even cameras that are submersible, allowing you to capture underwater hijinks in addition to above-the-waves action as well.
DOABLES are available worldwide through marine distributors, marine dealers, sporting goods retailers, and outdoor retailers. For more information, visit http://www.sportsstuff.com/

CAPTION: Safe and fun towables such as the DOABLES line from Sportsstuff can make weekend getaways to the beach or lake more enjoyable for kids and adults alike.

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Beat the Heat with These Hot Handhelds Perfect for Summer Travel

(MS) -- When the long-awaited final bell rings in the classroom on that warm day in June, freedom for the next three months awaits thousands of students. Summertime is the most-traveled time of year for many families, and although the destination is highly anticipated, a long and often boring journey can postpone the fun in the form of lengthy layovers at airports and time-consuming car trips. This summer, whether you experience some delays along the way to your final destination or include downtime lying on a beach, camping in the middle of the woods or a long road trip across the country, prepare yourself with the latest assortment of handheld video games from Activision to ensure there's never a dull moment:

* "Transform" from vacationer to a giant robot! Beachbound vacationers can transform the airport terminal into the backdrop for the summer's most anticipated films as they jump into the Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen video game. Based on the upcoming film from Paramount Pictures and DreamWorks Pictures, the video game is available for the portable Nintendo DS and PSP systems, making it the perfect companion this summer. Featuring popular characters like Optimus Prime, Starscream and Bumblebee, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen throws players into a global battle for supremacy. The DS game is available via two options -- Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen: Autobots and the Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen: Decepticons version. Each version gives players the option to choose a side, customize their very own Transformer and use that Transformer to fight through a variety of adrenaline-pumping missions. The PSP platform features action-packed arcade-style levels thatgamers will want to play again and again as they compete for the highest score. All versions allow players to drive, fly, fight and blast their way through gripping levels featured in the film. Transformer fans can start the summer off right, as they fight to determine the fate of the world on their DS and PSP.

* Turn your travels into your "tour". Whether you're stuck in a car or an airport terminal, thanks to Guitar Hero On Tour: Modern Hits, on-the-go gamers can now rock out to tracks from their favorite contemporary artists, including Coldplay, Fall Out Boy, Tenacious D, The Strokes and Weezer. Available now for Nintendo DS, Guitar Hero On Tour: Modern Hits lets players shred along to 28 master tracks as they tour through five all-new venues, including Rusty Rocco's and Casino Vicarious. And just as you choose which roads will get you to your vacation destination, for the first time ever players can choose how they take their band from the underground music scene to worldwide rock stardom with the game's new non-linear gameplay progression. Gamers can also experience Fan Requests, where players build their fan base as they open up new challenges. Now, players can even involve their fellow vacationers with song-sharing capabilities between Guitar Hero On Tour and Guitar Hero OnTour: Decades, for a lofty set list of more than 75 songs. Time flies when you're having fun, and this summer's travels will be a breeze with Guitar Hero On Tour: Modern Hits as the ultimate travel companion.

* Keep cool by taking a trip to the Ice Age. As young gamers hit the road with their friends and family, they can join some of their favorite Ice Age characters on their wildest, most exciting escapade yet. With Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs on DS, players are reunited with Scrat, Sid and all-new adventurer Buck as the unlikely herd stumbles upon a world teeming with jungles, mysterious plants, wild new adventures, and, of course, fierce dinosaurs. Players will learn and master Buck's acrobatic moves, including his ground stomp, wall jump and catapult kick as he embarks on a rescue mission to save Sid. Along the way players will unlock mini-games, including Touch Screen and Microphone-enabled challenges, and animated sequences. With over a dozen levels, Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs offers a wide variety of gameplay, each presenting new and exciting challenges as players aim to defeat enemies, traverse dangerous landscapes, avoid obstacles, and escape from periloussituations.

More information on these games and the rest of Activision's line-up can be found at http://www.activision.com/.

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