Travel Blog

The Jodi Arias Trial has gone on far too long. She is guilty of pre meditated manslaughter and deserved the death penalty! However we think she may even get away with time served because one juror and it only takes one is going to find her not guilty!

She planned this murder. From stealing the gun from her grandfather to finding a knife. She used  the same knife to murder him.  She used this knife to slash the tires. Hence this girl should never see the light of day. The Jodi Arias trial should end now and she should be locked up for ever.

Jodi Arias Trial – Guilty

If she gets out she will stalk someone else and probably murder them as well. Fortunately she was found guilty and will go to jail for a very long time. She will do well in jail, since she has the ability to connect with people and turn them in her favor. In addition she is actually quite intelligent. Hence it is a shame she could not turn her ability to more positive things.

Even after being found guilty, she was giving interviews and obtaining privileges that many other inmates dream about while in jail. She just seems to have a way of getting what she wants. I have no doubt there will be lots of men who will write to her or even visit her at her jail location. She does not have many friends or family who will visit. She will die a very lonely person in jail. In addition she will only have the other inmates to chum with and spend time with.

Many people hope she never sees the light of day outside jail. If she does she will find another gullible guy who will succumb to her. If he does not and she likes him, he could end up dead just like her former boyfriend.

What is your opinion?

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Will there be a stock market correction any time soon? As of May 2017, the market has dropped a bit over 400 points. It is still doing very well if you are in blue chip stocks that pay excellent dividends. The market  is still much higher than it was in 2008 and it does not seem to be in any danger of a serious Stock Market Correction at this time. We are in the middle of a continuing bull market which is driving the markets to new highs. UPDATE – it is now 2019. there has been a lot of volatility over the past two years. As long as you can stomach the roller coaster, the market is above where it was in 2017 and investors are making money.

Stock Market Correction

But even these types of companies can be impacted if there is a stock market correction. So lets assume there will be a correction sometime in the next few months. Conventional wisdom says sell high and buy low , but do not try to time the market!

But what if you are invested for the long term and focused on dividend income. Should you sell or stick it out and enjoy the dividend payments? Thus investor thinks that this would be the best strategy, since the income is maintained and as long as the companies you are invested in are high quality, the stocks will rebound! This is exactly what occurred in 2008. first the market dropped like a stone and then rebounded to even higher levels than it was pre 2008.

What do you think will happen? Should you stick with your investments as they are now?

Take the Tram to San Jacinto Palm Springs. Palm Springs is in a valley surrounded by mountains over 10,000 feet high.  The views from the valley are spectacular. There is something really great about walking in your shorts in 85 degree weather while looking at the snow on the mountains.  The view from the top of one of these mountains is equally spectacular. Although the pictures are really great , they just do not capture the grandeur of the mountains and the valley below. If your planning to head up the tram for some hiking or just to see the views, take a lunch with you, lots of water and hiking clothes.

Tram to San Jacinto Palm Springs

Visitors can take the tram into the San Jacinto mountains up to 8500 feet and hike on any of the 54 miles of hiking trails. While going up the tram, the views of the valley, the side of the mountain and even the construction of the towers supporting the tram are amazing. This tour up the mountains is one of the must see things to do while in Palm Springs.

If you are a hiker, there are over 54 miles of trails to hike on in the mountains. We suggest that you always tell someone where you plan to go. Take a lunch and always take lots of water as well with you just in case you get delayed or lost on the trail. Taking extra clothes with you as well is also a good idea. It is usually about 20 degrees cooler on the mountain and can go down to freezing temperatures at night.

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For as long as we have recorded history, man has been fighting over religion, land, food, water and power. It seems nothing has changed and we have the temerity to call ourselves civilized! Somehow we all get along, but so far we have been lucky. If a visitor from another planet arrived what conclusion would they come to after they ignored the politicians and looked at the facts?

In today’s world we still fight, blow up people and start wars over religion and energy, oil. You would think that we would have figured out by now that the majority of people just want to feed their families and have a safe, prosperous life! We all get along one way or another, but many people suffer as a result.

Why Can’t We All Get Along

Unfortunately there are those among us that just do not seem to understand. For some reason they  have so much hate that they have to do things such as what happened in Boston, California. Also in other places around the world. Everyone, we must be vigilant if we are to protect our way of life in North America!

Eventually the current fanatics will be defeated. Then another group will come along. It seems that there is always a group of people who are lusting after power. Or they feel that their group of people have been taken advantage of and they need to take revenge. There will always be some form of conflict as one group or perhaps a dictator tries to take over the world. Or make life difficult for neighboring countries.

The answer to the question, “why can’t we all get along” is that there will always be some country or group that does not want to get along or takes advantage of the people who are in their country or living near them.

The tram in Palm Springs takes you up to 8500 feet elevation into the San Jacinto mountains. This is rugged mountainous territory. Palm Springs is at an elevation of 485 feet. While the Salton Sea to the south about 30 miles is actually at sea level. Driving from Palm Springs to the Tram Station at the bottom of the mountain takes you up to 2000 feet above sea level. Then the tram itself takes you up another 6500 feet. It is apparently the 2nd steepest tram in the world.

Tram Palm Springs

There are five towers like the one shown in the picture and each one has a helicopter landing pad at the top of it. This pad was used during construction and is now used when they need to get someone up to the tower to complete maintenance activities on the towers. I think it would be pretty scary having to land on that tower and then disembark to get off the helicopter and climb down onto the tower to do whatever maintenance is required. Quite and exciting job I would say.

There is often high winds which interfere with the operation of the tram. There are a few days every year where they must stop operations because the wind is just too strong.

The scenery is absolutely beautiful as you head up the mountain and are quite close to the rock faces. There are landing pads at various points on the mountain as well. We are not sure what they are for. The tram operates year round except in windy conditions. It is not safe to be on the tram due to the high winds.

There are several restaurants to enjoy at the top and the scenery is truly fantastic. There are actually over 85 miles of hiking trails. Also people enjoy the high elevation and the crystal clear skies on most days.

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The Palm Springs Tram takes you from 2100 feet in elevation to 8500 feet in elevation and the temperature drops 20 degrees in temperature. This is really a fantastic excursion that can be taken in a day. It is within 20 minutes of downtown Palm Springs, California. The trip up is spectacular as is the area at the top of the mountain itself. There are over 85miles of hiking trails for people to enjoy. Many people living in the desert will purchase season tickets. They go up the Palm Springs Trams several times a week. It is a great way to escape the heat. Also experience nature in a totally different environment and eco system.

During the summer time, the temperatures in Palm Springs can be as hot as 120 F degrees during the day. It will barely cool down into the low 90’s at night. Many people will escape into the mountains to cool off. The Palm Springs Tram up the mountain is a perfect way to get away from the heat of the summer time. We have included a few pictures of this tram that takes you from the desert floor into the mountains. There are five towers that support the cables that carry the tram up and down the mountain. There are actually two cars that act as counterweights to each other.

Palm Springs Tram – Maintenance

Helicopters would land on top of the towers to take maintenance people to the towers. These are small platforms that sit on top of the towers surrounded by mountains that would be very difficult to traverse on foot. The tram rotates as it climbs the mountain so that every person gets a 360 degree view of the mountains and the valley below. This picture shows part of this view and although they say a picture is worth a thousand words, they really do not do justice to the beautiful scenery that is seen on the way up the mountain.

If you have an opportunity to visit Palm Springs, take a day and spend it up the mountain hiking among the tall fir trees. It is a day well spent. Check the weather before you go and dress appropriately to avoid any discomfort and also wear lots of sun screen.

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Cyprus has faded from the news after they took a large haircut on the savings of all accounts in the banks. This represented a large contribution by anyone with an account in the bank including residents and foreigners as well. It was particularly significant since it set a precedent and there is a lot of foreign money in Cypriot banks! Who is next? Some say that Spain is the next EU problem for politicians to deal with.

Spain is rumored to be the next country to cry for help. With Germany in the driver’s seat will they make the same demands of Spain? With the precedent set, you can be sure Germany will demand a great deal and the Spanish know that. They will work hard to avoid further bailouts to be sure. Germany is very powerful in the EU today because its economy is strong and resilient. Right now they get to make the rules.

World stock markets will be affected since Spain is larger than any of the other countries. We will have to wait to see what happens, but to be sure there will be lots of volatility in the markets in the coming year! so far as of the end of 2015, Spain is really not the issue for the markets and for the EU economy.

Next EU Problem – Migrants

The real issue now is all of the migrants from Syria, over 1 million people at last count. They keep pouring into Spain as well as the rest of the EU. This is the Next EU Problem and it is a big one.

Not that I am against the Syrian refugees, but what about all of the other areas in the world. There over 300,000 people living in tents in Kenya for the past couple of years and no one is talking about them. Why the Syrians and not the Kenyans?

Another month and the Jodi Arias trial continues on! Can you believe that this obviously guilty women has not been already convicted of premeditated man slaughter? It is so ridiculous that she is even trying to mount a defense and making the person she killed out to be a bad person.

The expert has lied on the stand, Samuels gave her a book to study so he could diagnose her accordingly! And of course Laviolet has lied repeatedly and hates men. She does not even have the skill level to do the job. For that they both get $250 an hour! This is atrocious and shows just how bad the justice system and the defense lawyers can be.

More and more witnesses are being called to refute the experts and also Jodie’s testimony. This is looking bad for Jodi Arias.

Jodi Arias Trial

We wrote this particular piece during the trial and it was really to express our frustration at how this trial was being handled. It is unfortunate that so much time and money was actually spent on Jodi Arias, but that is how our court system works. Hire a good lawyer and you can be assured of a long drawn out process as long as you have the money to pay for it.

Which brings us to the next questions. Were does she get the money to pay for a lawyer for this length of trial along with the expert witnesses. At best she was a cocktail waitress making minimal amounts of money. She was essentially broke until she hooked up with her victim.

Jodi is attractive and she knows how to manipulate people. She also has the sympathy vote. After all how could a cute petite thing like her commit such a crime? Fortunately the jury did see through it all and convicted her. But it cost the state and tax payers a great deal of money to do so.

Dancing With the Stars 2013: Zendaya Coleman, Kellie Pickler and Aly Raisman are top contenders for the mirrorball trophy with Kelly Pickler at the top of the leader board. She is a sweet country girl that is also extremely good looking as well. We hope she does well. In fact all of the contenders at the top of the list have great personalities and are also very attractive which helps when it comes to popularity votes on a show like dancing with the stars.

This show is by far the best show on TV for TV viewers. Lots of entertainment, family oriented and humorous. Last night they also had Stevie Wonder and all dancers danced to one of his musical hits. What a night!

The dancers find it very challenging with the long days of practice and all of the physical work that goes into it. They find it hard and challenging, but they love it, especially to hear the audience appreciation for their efforts.

Dancing With the Stars

This is one of the best entertainment shows, reality shows, whatever you want to call it on TV right now. It is interesting to watch how the various contestants improve over the season. Even Nancy Grace was on Dancing With the Stars on one of the seasons. She did moderately well compared to some of the younger people who are more flexible and agile.

We have to give her a lot of credit for just getting out there and being on the dance floor. Personally this writer would find it very intimidating to be on the dance floor with millions of people watching. My two left feet would trip myself or my partner for sure. So we applaud Nancy Grace and all of the other participants for being out on the dance floor taking on some of the more challenging numbers.

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The Corridor in Palm Springs is actually a backyard for several restaurants including a coffee shop. Patrons love to sit in the shade and enjoy a coffee and pastry. Or even consume their meal at one of the tables. It is a very pretty setting. There are stores that can be visited surrounding the outdoor area. I find it particularly nice in that I can relax in the shade and enjoy my coffee. As a result my partner can go window shopping at one of the stores. As you can imagine I am not a shopper and not interested in just looking for things that I really do not need.

The Corridor – Relax in the Sun

Anyone who makes a purchase of a coffee or food can use the tables and chairs to enjoy their purchase. Or visit with other people who have joined them. In the mornings it is not uncommon to see customers reading their morning paper while enjoying their coffee in the patio area.

This is a popular spot in Palm Springs and is often crowded. Patrons can choose to sit on the lawn or on the patio stones that are distributed around the areas. There is lots of seating however even that fills up. Hence you need to be patient, someone will move and you will get a seat. Patrons tend to stay longer and enjoy the environment. Of course during the summer, it can also become quite warm sitting in the sun.

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CPAP equipment and supplies purchases can be a little confusing to consumers who have recently been diagnosed with sleep apnea. I know I was confused and wondering if I would be able to tolerate wearing a mask every night. Also weather I would sleep or not with this thing on my head. Well the short answer is that I slept very well the first night and almost every night since them. I guess I was so tired that just being able to breathe properly made the difference.  I had my first good night in many years.

You can purchase the CPAP equipment online and pretty much find everything you need. The big difference for me when I purchased my CPAP machine was the support that I received from the nurse practitioner who worked at the medical supply store. She was able to answer all of my questions and fitted a mask for me that I was comfortable with. She adjusted the straps to ensure that the mask was being held properly in the correct place all night long. It is also important to purchase a mask that is the right size for your face and nose. She helped with this also.

CPAP Equipment – Adjusting the Air Pressure

Based on the initial sleep apnea testing that took place in a sleep lab, the doctor prescribed a CPAP machine for me. He recommended the appropriate air pressure for the severity of sleep apnea that I apparently have. The medical store set me up with everything I needed. They set the air pressure according to the prescription given by the doctor.

All of the modern machines come with memory cards that record a tremendous amount of information about you as you are sleeping. If the air pressure is set properly, the body will respond to this air pressure and the brain will adjust the bodies breathing system to breath with a pressurized machine. Prior to being diagnosed, the brain is also dealing with sleep apnea and adjusting your breathing accordingly. I was waking up or having a sleep interruption 37 times on average every hour. It takes a while to recover from this. Your machines memory chip will record how you are breathing with the machine and improving night after night.

After one month the medical store personnel review all of this information and based on the data suggested making one adjustment to lower the air pressure by one point. I have been using the CPAP machine for the past four months and I am totally satisfied with it, so much so that I would never be without it.

Why Purchase from a Medical Store vs. Online

The reason for the comments in the last several paragraphs was to illustrate just how important it is to have some kind of service and support for the purchase of a medical device like the CPAP machine. I could have purchased it online; however it would be impossible to have the kind of medical support that I received from an online store.

Now that I have my CPAP equipment, I may purchase my supplies i.e. my CPAP accessories online. If they are cheaper taking into account taxes and shipping costs. This is important in my mind since saving or reducing my cost is a priority for us. On the other hand if it is only a few dollars difference, I will stick with the medical equipment store that I purchased the equipment from in the first place.

How Often Does the CPAP equipment and Supplies Need to be Replaced

We were told by the personnel at the medical store that the equipment should last at least 5 years if not longer. The hoses, the mask and the straps should last approximately one year if they are properly cleaned each week. The mask may not last quite as long depending on cleaning every day. The amount of body oils it comes in contact with from your skin. It should be cleaned with mild soap every day. Since all of these items are relatively expensive, most consumers who use a CPAP machine will take good care of them.

As time goes on we will learn more about the use of this equipment. We will write about it on our posts. If you have just been diagnosed to need one of these, do not hesitate. Once you are set up and sleeping with your CPAP, you will have the best sleep you probably have had in years. For more information about CPAP supplies, click here.

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All inclusive vacations Puerto Vallarta are available for people who really want to be pampered and not need to lift a finger while they are on vacation. Most rental units available in Puerto Vallarta are one step down from this level of all inclusivity. They typically come equipped with everything you will need to set up home while you are in Puerto Vallarta. All furniture, dishes, cutlery, and linens are usually provided. You just need to  purchase the food that they wish to prepare.

All Inclusive Vacations Puerto Vallarta

Inexpensive Alcohol

Alcohol is very inexpensive in Puerto Vallarta, regardless of how and where you purchase it. Compared to the US and Canada, alcohol will be a fifth or a seventh of the price that you might be used to paying. Restaurant meals are also inexpensive as well. Most people will eat out most nights instead of preparing their own meals. Of course there are places which are very expensive. But if you eat at a traditional Mexican restaurant, the food was excellent and very inexpensive along with the alcohol that comes with the meal. Beer will cost you a dollar, and the tequila will be included in the price of beer.

All Inclusive Hotels

All inclusive vacations in Puerto Vallarta include all meals and alcohol as well, but if you stay longer than a week, most people want to get out and see the city and the beaches in the area rather than stay at their hotel. It is perfectly safe to roam the city during the day time and in the tourist areas as well in the evenings.

Also for those people who stay in the city for periods ranging up to a month or longer, there are less expensive ways to arrange accommodations. All inclusive hotels are excellent for a wee or maybe two weeks at the most.

Safety in Puerto Vallarta

As with all cities anywhere it makes no sense to be out in the wrong area of town late at night. Check with your concierge at you hotel to confirm those areas that is safe to go to. Better to be safe than sorry and the price of a taxi ride is certainly a lot cheaper than trying to walk in areas that might not be safe at night.

There are lots of taxis and taxi stands throughout the city. They are safe and dependable. The buses stop running around 10 or 10:30 pm, so you may want to time your events around this schedule.

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We went to Perkins Restaurant in  Ottawa for breakfast this morning. Perkins restaurants are very good and although among the more pricey in terms of breakfast, you do get excellent value for your dollar. You can go to less expensive places. But Perkins Restaurant Ottawa provides you with a bottomless cup of coffee. They place a coffee urn right on your table, so you do not need to wait for the waitress to refill your cup. We were there for a while. The waitress even brought us a second urn of coffee to us at no extra charge.

The other thing I like about Perkins Restaurant Ottawa is the  home fries that come with the eggs. You can have the frozen type or the home fries that are shredded. I prefer the shredded type. Since they are more natural and taste better as well compared to the frozen type.  All it was an excellent breakfast and we have never been disappointed with any meals that we have had at this restaurant. The location of this Perkins Restaurant is at the corner of Ogilvy and St Laurent roads. There is lots of parking, in front and also at the back of the restaurant.

Perkins Restaurant Ottawa – Menu

Perkins Restaurant has a full menu for lunch and dinner and they also offer meals to large groups as well, so if you have an office group or a small party, they can also accommodate these groups as well. There are lots of deserts on the menu as well.

They are very busy on the weekends and if you go in the morning for breakfast, make sure that you are there early, since you will probably need to wait in line for a table.  Just provide your name to the clerk at the front and they will call you when a table is available.

There are tables that can be configured for 2, 4 or 6 people as well as booths that will seat 4 people. You can seat 6 people in a booth, but it would be very cozy for 6 people in a booth. They have lots of room and lots of combinations to accommodate just about any needs.

This is a great family restaurant to take your family to or to just grab a quick meal. Either way you will not be disappointed unless you are looking for a gourmet restaurant which this is not.

If you have been to Perkins Restaurant Ottawa and would like to leave a comment, please do. Constructive and helpful comments are always welcome and we will even include a link to your site for a well written comment. Click here for more details about Ottawa.

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Rafting in the Grand Canyon has to be one of the premier trips to take in the world. Every trip has a variety of things that make it worthwhile. For some it will be the speed of the river. For others it will be roiling of the water as you shoot the rapids, holding on for dear life. Many will enjoy the tranquility between rapids as you rest and enjoy the scenery and the beauty around you. But the Grand Canyon trip is for the sheer size and beauty of the canyon itself.

Imagine rafting down a river with cliffs on either side that reach up over a mile. That’s right, the grand canyon is over a mile deep in some places. You will feel dwarfed by the sheer size of everything. Stand on the south rim and look across to the north rim which is over 10 miles away. If you are lucky you may observe several thunderstorms on the north side that are separated by blue sky. That is how immense everything is.

Rafting in the Grand Canyon –  Fantastic Scenery

A rafting trip in the Grand Canyon is so exciting. It has to be the sheer size of the canyon, the height of the walls and the literally fantastic scenery. For example have ever gone to the south side of the Grand Canyon and gazed across to the other side. You will have some idea of the size of this natural landmark. Fully 10 miles across and over a mile deep the Grand Canyon is truly spectacular. If you have never been there you will not get an appreciation even from a picture. Consequently they just cannot portray the sheer size of the place!

Imagine being at the bottom of this huge gorge floating along the Colorado river which runs through the canyon. Imagine looking up a mile in height to try to find the rim at the top. In fact in some locations were the canyon narrows all you will see is sheer walls that seem to go up to reach infinity. Hence this really has to be one of the most spectacular trips to take.

Getting to the Grand Canyon

You cannot reach some of these locations by car, by plane, by helicopter or even on foot. The only way to see some of this beautiful scenery is to take a rafting trip down the river to enjoy the beauty that is simply breathtaking. There are a variety of trips offered by various excursion tour companies that last from 3 days up to as long as 16 days. If this is a first time rafting you may only want to take the 3 day trip to test your enjoyment and experience.

Drivers can visit the south rim and the north rim of the Grand Canyon by car and they can even hike down to the river. A hike of this sort must be planned and reservations made as well to stay at the bottom. In addition it is not recommended to hike down and back in one day, although people have accomplished this feat. For example you will be really tired and possibly dehydrated at the end of it if you are not carrying enough water. Rafting locations must be traveled to up river and your car left at one of the launching spots.

We visited Hermosa Beach in California in early April on a rather windy day. There were not too many people on the beach on this particular day. Although there were a couple of couples surfing in the  water with wet suits. This is a huge beach that runs for at least a mile or perhaps longer with beautiful sand and very wide. There is also a wide sidewalk that runs along the length of the beach. People ride their bikes and also stroll along enjoying the sun and the sites.

It can accommodate thousands of people easily. Hermosa beach is actually a suburb of Los Angeles and is about 20 minutes from LAX airport.

There is also a short street closed off to car traffic with many restaurants. Although we were there on a cool day, all of the restaurants were open for business and there seemed to be lots of local people who were out for lunch, having a beer and just relaxing over lunch. We can just imagine how busy this area is in the summer time when the beaches are crowded. There is a large selection of different kinds of foods at these restaurants, something for everyone.

Hermosa Beach California – Biking

The bike path runs along the beach and separates the beach from the houses along the beach from the beach itself. There are lots of really nice beach homes along the beach, some, I am sure well over a million dollars in value. We saw lots of people biking along the bike path as well as many people walking their dogs or just going for a walk. Looks like a great place to spend a week in the summer time.

More details for those people looking for General travel info, click here.

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There are lots of really good areas to go biking in Palm Springs. There are well marked lanes on many streets as well as bike paths that go along neighborhoods, golf courses and parks. Every year cycling in Palm Springs improves as well. The city and other cities in the valley are adding more and more designated cycling lanes for riders.

Even with these lanes, riders must be careful. Not all car drivers respect these lanes and some are upset at these additional restrictions. Be careful when biking around Palm Springs and any other city in the valley. The law recently passed, requires drivers to give you at least 3 feet of clearance, but many do not.

White Water Wash

These pictures were taken from the Levy along the whitewater wash with the golf course in the wash. This particular course gets flooded every couple of years and needs repairs from time to time. Never the less what a great place to bike and enjoy the scenery. The mountains in the background provide a great backdrop to the golf course and of course cycling. Be careful passing under overpasses.

There is often lots of debris and sometimes vagrants are living under these overpasses. They seem harmless but then you never know when one of them might challenge you or ask for money.

Make sure you have heavy duty tubes and tires, because there are lots of thorns on the roads and sidewalks to stick into your tires and flatten your tires. One year I had over 10 flats due to the thorns.  Heavy duty tubes as well as using green slime in your tubes will help to prevent a flat tire. The green slime will plug a hole and at least get you home.

Biking around Palm Springs is best done early in the morning to avoid the heat. It can get pretty warm at times during the day. Take lots of water with you as well to ensure that you do not be dehydrated. Many people will also bike for some distance and then take the bus home. Load the bike on the bike rack on the front of the bus and ride the bus for $1.00 or $0.50 if you are a senior.

For a lot more information about things to do in Palm Springs, click here.

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Shanghai Reds has been in Palm Springs for the past 15 years and is a must place to visit ! Located on Indian Canyon road behind the fish market restaurant, you might never know it was there unless someone told you about it. For some people it reminds them of a bar in Shanghai while for others it reminds them a small bar in the heart of Mexico. This is not a large restaurant and sometimes you cannot get a seat for a short time. But be patient or just get their early. They also have entertainment some nights. If interested you will want to ask at the bar which nights they have entertainment.

Shanghai Reds – Seafood

Their seafood comes from the fish market restaurant next door and all of the food is fantastic. We had fish tacos the last time we visited and they were the best we ever had. They also serve free hot garlic bread to all of their customers sitting at the bar! This is a must place to visit. It is also Zagat rated and they deserve it! this is a place we really enjoy and will be going back many times in the near future.

We find sitting at the bar to be the most entertaining. Not only can you watch the cooks prepare various orders, you can chat with other patrons. Pretty much everyone is on vacation and looking to have an enjoyable time. They like to meet people from different parts of the continent and learn about other bars and restaurants that are good to go to on the Palm Springs area.

The cooks are very busy. We find it amazing how the put out so much food in a small space that is also so good. Many people like to sit outside, however it is much more interesting sitting inside at the bar. You have to go early in order to get a good seat.

Ottawa Topcharts (@otta_twopcharts) 4/5/13, 11:07 AM Your Topcharts stats for March. New followers: 41, new tweets: 134. Check your ranking here: http://t.co/zaGiaAHPt8 Ottawa Topcharts (@otta_topcharts) 3/5/13, 12:10 PM Your Topcharts stats for February. The point of this post is that you can follow how much traffic you are getting from Twitter, how many tweets you send, how many followers, etc. I still have not figured out if this information is actually useful or not and whether it is worthwhile even having this post. Appreciate any comments you might have on this subject or whether Ottawa Twopcharts provides a good service or not.

Ottawa Topcharts

New followers: 23, new tweets: 117. Check your ranking here: http://t.co/zaGiaAHPt8 Ottawa Topcharts (@otta_topcharts) 2/5/13, 12:10 PM You have gained 15 new followers and finished #2,945 in January in the Ottawa Topcharts.

Check it out here: http://t.co/rouzwn9 Ottawa Topcharts (@otta_topcharts) 1/21/13, 11:10 AM Your mid-month stats in the Ottawa Topcharts: new followers: 11, new tweets: 73, position #2,805: http://t.co/rouzwn9 Sent with Twitter for iPhone

They used to send this tweet every week, however, in the past month, the tweets have stopped. I guess the guy decided that he was not making any money off the business and decided to stop the service. How do you make money on Twitter is a big question which I have not figured out.

The only way it can be useful is if you tweet links to your website posts and then people see this and come to your site for information. Otherwise, the stats are not useful at all. I regularly tweet a link to posts randomly selected from this blog to Twitter and I get a few likes, links, and retweets. does this do any good or does it bring in any revenue? It is difficult to tell from the stats that I have at the moment. Will have to dig into this more before I spend any more money on this.

For more general posts, click here.

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The Arias trial has been going on for many weeks and if there was ever an x-rated trial this has to be the one. It is a shame that she is probably going to get away with pre- meditated murder. Because the jury is confused. She is young and an attractive white women. Not many people can give someone like this the death penalty! Although this picture does not do her justice, with a little makeup she is quite attractive and has a nice figure. Who could convict this innocent looking, slightly built women of murder?

Well she eventually got convicted of murder. But the jury could not agree on whether she should be given the death penalty.  Apparently there were four people who could not vote for the death penalty. This is a sad day in our opinion when such a sophisticated liar who admitted to killing her boyfriend should get off because someone does not agree with the death penalty.

Arias Trial and Future Boyfriends

I really pity the poor guy that meets up with Jodi Arias when and if she eventually gets out of jail. She obviously has anger issues and she has control issues. If she is rejected or does not get her way, then someone is going to pay big time. The poor guy that gets tired of her or does not spend enough money on her, is probably going to pay with his life.

Even in jail she will be manipulating the guards and other inmates. She may even cause problems of a serious nature while in jail. Maybe she will not get out for a very long time. We can only hope so. If she does actually have good behavior, she may be paroled and look out guys.

For more notorious crimes, click here.

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This is a list of great places to eat in Palm Springs.  Most of these restaurants have happy hour Palm Springs deals. Try them and let us know! Many visitors to Palm Springs only go out for happy hour and avoid the more, expensive main courses. It is also a great way to try out a restaurant to find out what the food is like and also the service. If you enjoy the experience you can always go back for happy hour or for a main course. A great way to try out and then go back if you like it. All of these places are found by using Google with the name of the restaurant and the city indicated.

Happy Hour Palm Springs

– The Polish/Soda combo @ Costco. $1.49, 21 yrs & counting… In Rancho Mirage
– In town?? A slice @ Bill’s Pizza on La Plaza with a window shopping stroll to walk it off. In Palm Springs

– Happy Hour bar menu at LuLu on S. Palm Canyon In Palm Springs

– Happy hour at Matchbox is good too as is Geuseppe’s. Early Bird menus there. In Palm Springs

– And Grind Burger has a happy hour menu… real good. In Palm Springs

– Appetizer dinner on the patio during Happy Hour at Wang’s is cheap and good. In Palm Springs

– Ruben and Ozzy’s. Fish taco, shrimp taco, and Pacifico beer, $11. In Palm Springs

– We like the cafe at the Camelot and Rick’s Grill for okay and inexpensive dinner . Just looking for a change tonight.

– Rick’s Desert Grill or don’t laugh, either the Fish & Chips or Cobb Salad at Billy Reeds. And my new fave is the sole at Twin Palms. (All in Palm Springs)

– NEW FORTUNE is good Chinese in Cathedral City across from Trader Joe’s and below Elevations.

More Great Restaurants

– Soup and half a sandwich at Manhattan In The Desert. And if you’re like me you have leftover meat to make another sandwich later. (They’ll even give you the extra bread if you ask nice.) In Palm Springs

– John’s Diner… SO GOOD and SO GUILTY!!! In Palm Springs

– Guacamoles on Sunrise at Ramon. In Palm Springs

– Also Villa Bakery….atmosphere way lacking but good authentic food and bakery goods. In Palm Springs.

– Actually Native Foods and Palm Greens Cafe are reasonable too. In Palm Springs

– Happy Hour at THE FALLS & CASA de FRIDA! In Palm Springs

– Lulu, and Mario’s. In Palm Springs

– Jiao, or El Mirasol In Palm Springs

– The new Greek place in LaPlaza ! (Greek Islands Cafe) In Palm Springs

– Natures health food store makes great meals all for under 10.00. In Palm Springs

– Chipolte….healthy,filling, 2 can eat for 17.00 In Palm Springs

– I really liked Jiao, but don’t know that I’d qualify it as “cheap eats”. Looking forward to their Sunday dim sum menu soon.

– Been curious about Ruben & Ozzy’s too. (Right now if I’m in the mood for something on the half-shell..it’s Zin or Shanghai Red’s.) In Palm Springs

– Fish taco plate at Fisherman’s Market too. Lunch $8. In Palm Springs

– I keep forgetting Ruben and Ozzy’s. Maybe tomorrow night, giving up on the hour and a half wait Birba.

– Love, love, love RUBEN & OZZY’S…everything is delicious & reasonably priced + happy hour menu after 8:00pm:-) They’re open for lunch, too!

Inexpensive Eateries

– My favorite inexpensive eateries – John’s for American food, El Taco Asado for Mexican, China King for Chinese. Plus all kinds of great happy hours downtown and uptown! (I don’t drink very often as my husband said it is not appropriate for me to dance on tables anymore…) In Palm Springs

– I always forget about El Taco Asado. I understand they are owned by the same folks who own Talaquepaque? Do you know if they do dinner too? I only think of them at lunch time. In Palm Springs

– The Taco shop on Sunny Dunes corner of Palo Fiero. I think it’s called Talaquepaque. In Palm Springs

– Oh yes dinner too. I only eat meat occasionally but try the carnitas nachos. I want to live in a big plate of those!

– Also Dehli Palace has a great buffet and under 10.00 during the week and I think 12.95 on the weekends. In Palm Springs

– Don and Sweet Sue on Ramon in Cathedral City along with Michael’s Cafe on Date Palm at Gerald Ford

– Cafe Italia (N Palm Canyon at Racquet Club) is a good bargain too.

For more information about Palm Springs Restaurants and also happy hour in Palm Springs, click here.

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Consumers looking for CPAP supplies may want to compare both online prices as well as prices at a full service medical store. We have found that there are many web sites offering CPAP supplies online. The prices appear to be pretty good. They suggest that they have deeply discounted prices and are much cheaper than full service stores. As with all products that you purchase whether it is online or from a regular store, the price is only part of the story.

Consumers who take the time will know that price is a large factor, but so is the quality of the item that you are purchasing. Another factor to consider is the level of service that you receive and how important that is to each person. Each person applies their own level of priorities to each factor when making their own personal decision. Finally another set of factors is shipping cost if you order online and the taxes that you pay.

What CPAP Supplies Do You Need

Your CPAP machine should be fine for many years so we will assume that the machine itself does not need repairs etc. The other components that may be needed from time to time include the following:

• CPAP connector hose
• CPAP hose attaching the mask to the main hose
• Mask for CPAP
• CPAP straps
• CPAP filters
• Distilled water

Consumers should really use distilled purified water in their machines for several reasons. First the water is pure and all impurities have been removed. This includes calcium and also chlorine which you really do not want to ingest into your lungs. The distilled water is used in the humidifier section of the machine and keeps your nasal passages and throat from drying out while sleeping. If consumers were to use tap water in this humidifier, calcium deposits would also build up in the humidifier after a short time as well making cleaning more difficult.

Why Do I Have to Replace These CPAP Supplies

The answer is that you do not have to replace them until they start to deteriorate. As the plastic and rubber ages, cracks will from in the hoses and also the mask allowing air to escape and making it difficult for the machine to maintain the proper pressure. In addition the sound of the air escaping may also be annoying as well.

Oils from your skin and any makeup or aftershave can also cause the rubbers to deteriorate over time as well. Regular cleaning will help to remove these oils and protect the accessories. Consumers using these machines should always make sure their face is clean and clear of all oils and makeup before using the mask. The mask should be cleaned with warm water and mild soap every day after you get up to avoid buildup of these oils on the mask. In addition this will also ensure that the mask and hoses do not begin to smell. In addition the hoses and straps should be washed once a week in the same manner.

By applying this cleaning regime on a daily and weekly basis your CPAP accessories should last six to 12 months with no problems. Some will last much longer depending on the level of care provided by the user.

Why Wait Until You Have an Emergency

Most people wait until something breaks and then they repair it or replace the item as needed. Your CPAP machine is really helping you sleep much better. In addition also avoiding potential strokes and heart attacks. Why would you wait to replace an item until it breaks? Once your accessories are six months or more old, why would you not at least purchase the CPAP supplies you need and keep them in a safe place until they are needed?

Another reason for taking this approach is to ensure that you also have these accessories with you while traveling. It may not be as easy to find a CPAP supplies store when you were traveling so why not buy your supplies in advance to ensure that you have everything you need while traveling.

CPAP supplies can be purchased online and also in stores. Advice and service support are also important attributes to consider when purchasing your supplies. For more information about CPAP supplies, click here.

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Puerto Vallarta resorts are pretty much just like other resorts all over the world. Some are very modern and up to date, while others bring a sense of old world charm. Some resorts are in secluded areas, that are hard to get to but when you do there is a huge appreciation for the privacy and enjoyment they offer. Be careful of old world charm locations since this could mean that the amenities are not up to par with what you may expect from North American standards perspective. Before you book read the comments and if possible talk to people who have been there.

Puerto Vallarta Resorts – Beach Front Access

The majority of Puerto Vallarta resorts are located along the coast with beach front access for everything from swimming, snorkeling, fishing and boating. One of the neat things about staying at a resort in Puerto Vallarta along the ocean is that you can have a massage on the beach with the wind blowing off the ocean and a beautiful view of the boats, the waves and even the odd hump back whale that may surface.

Resorts in Puerto Vallarta include hotel style resorts as well as condo style resorts. Condo style resorts provide an opportunity to cook your own meals and live almost as if you were at home. Many people will eat out for breakfast, eat in for lunch have a siesta and then head out for a nice meal in the evening.

Hotel Resorts in the City

We have visited several hotel resorts in the city. We found wide variations in the amenities and the rooms as well. One hotel in downtown had a very small roof top pool, a rickety elevator and the rooms were dark and dingy. This was a quiet place with not a lot going on in the hotel. Unfortunately it was also right beside a bus route which was convenient if you are taking the bus but terribly noisy until 10:30 at night when the buses stopped running.

Another resort, a little away from down town, on the beach boasted several pools, with activities in the pool during the day and events at night on the beach. This was an interesting place if you enjoy lots of people and want to be right on the beach. Location means a lot and in this case you could walk on the beach all the way down town.

There is lots to do in Puerto Vallarta. If you get tired of the resort, just head down to the malecon in old town Puerto Vallarta. There is something going on every night. There may be entertainment, markets, dancing and even fireworks from time to time. Many people love to watch the sunset from downtown Puerto Vallarta on the malecon.

For more posts about taking a vacation in Puerto Vallarta, click here.

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We have been fortunate to eat at Louie’s Restaurant in Ottawa several times with friends and each time we were pleased with both the service, the food and the prices. Louie’s is a local Ottawa restaurant in a location that is semi industrial and retail with several big box stores nearby. We actually had a difficult time to find the restaurant the first time. We were meeting several couples at the restaurant and were 30 minutes late. Fortunately, they waited for us before ordering.

They have ice cold beer and they keep their white wine cold as well. We ordered several different kinds of pizza which we all enjoy very much. The restaurants has never been busy when I have been there, however, our friends have told us that it is often very busy when they are eating there.

Louie’s Restaurant – Great Pizza

We have only had pizza at this restaurant; however, they carry a full menu and can seat many people as the picture shows. There is another separate room which is more suitable for groups of people who want to celebrate a special occasion.

From the outside, it does not look like much. There is an outside patio that faces onto the parking lot for use in the summer time. We have never used the patio. The staff is friendly and provide great service. This is the kind of restaurant that provides good food at reasonable prices and one to visit for this purpose.

Many people prefer downtown and more upscale locations. This restaurant is a great little place to spend an evening. Enjoy a nice meal away from the hustle and bustle of downtown. Now that I know how to get to Louie’s restaurant just 3 minutes off the 417 exit at Innes Rd. It is on the South side of Cyrville, before the Home Depot Cyrville Rd.

For more information about Canada’s capital city, click here.

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Rafting tours are starting up in the spring. With the snow melt in the mountains there will be some really wild white water rafting tours available. For those people who love the thrill of the white water trips down the rivers there is lots to choose from. There are basically two types of trips that many people will go on to satisfy their thirst for thrills and fun. Before you decide, check for safety concerns and match your experience and physical capabilities to the type of tour you are planning to take.

High Intensity Rafting Tours

The first is the high intensity white water rafting tours that provide thrilling rides down fast flowing rivers . There are lots of rapids that twist and turn around embedded rocks in the river. These types of tours are usually in the spring. Especially when the river flows are at their maximum and rafting guides are geared up for these thrilling and challenging rides.

Mild Rafting Tours

The second type of rafting tour is when the water flows have calmed down, the weather is mild or even hot in the summer time and river tours can take the time to enjoy the scenery and maybe even go swimming in warmer waters between the rapids. There still are rapids to go through, but these are much more calm compared to the spring run off or even the fall tours which have more water due to the additional rain we receive in the fall. You can actually enjoy the scenery while you are floating down the river in these calm stretches.

Beware of Unusual Flows

Occasionally there are large storms in the area that feed these rivers were rafting tours take place. This extra run off may only last for a day or so. However if you are fortunate enough to time your trip with one of these summer storms, operators can provide a truly thrilling ride. Always go with an expert guide. One who is familiar with the river to ensure a safe and fun ride when white water rafting.

At times water management control groups will release water from behind dams to lower the water level. This can be spontaneous and provide for really great white water. If you are not prepared for this situation, it can also be quite dangerous. If there is a warning about water lowering at the dam, take them seriously and avoid the area. It could mean the difference between your life and not living.

Match Your Rafting Tour to Your Family

Select the best time to go on your rafting tour based on your experience level. Also swimming abilities and comfort level with the challenges of the various classes of river rapids. Talk to your tour guide to find out what the best fit would be for you own experience and skill level. If you are looking for thrills then you may want a high intensity rafting tour. While on the other hand if the whole family is coming along, you may want something that is would be more enjoyable for those not looking for a thrill.

Riccio’s restaurant is in the uptown area of Palm Springs at the corner of Palm Canyon road and Alejho. They offer a $28 special which includes a salad, main course, and dessert.

I had a Caesar salad, petite filet with baked potatoes and vegetables. The service was excellent and the food also. I had a red house wine, Cabernet, for $6 which was very good.

We dined with friends on a warm spring night in Palm Springs, probably around 80 degrees F, in shorts and T-shirts. A very comfortable evening in a town that offers a great deal to do. There are many restaurants to choose from, so many in fact that you might not revisit the same restaurant twice in a season unless you found one that you really enjoyed. This restaurant, Riccio’s in Palm Springs could be one of them!

Riccio’s Restaurant

Check them out if you are in the Palm Springs area. We enjoyed our evening very much.
This restaurant provides a choice of indoor dining vs. outdoor dining. We sat outside and enjoyed the warm evening while people watching. The atmosphere was very nice and the service was also excellent. If you’re in town, this is a great place to try out. It is a little north of the main downtown area, so it is a bit quieter than some of the other restaurants. This is just fine in our opinion.

For more restaurants to try in the Palm Springs area, click here.

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NOTE: The California Pizza Kitchen Palm Springs is no longer at this location. As a result we will provide more updates to come, stay turned.

We just got back from the restaurant. It was located on Palm Canyon road, just down the street from Starbucks and the Marilyn Monroe statue. We enjoyed our meal at California Pizza Kitchen Palm Springs very much. We had a Caesar salad and a chicken pasta dish. Very good!

Thursday Night Street Fair

This was on a Thursday night in March with the temperature at 75 degrees! In addition this is the night of the street fair and we sat outside for our a meal. In addition we enjoyed watching people walking up and down the street! The street fair is held every Thursday night. As a result thousands of people come to stroll up and down the street every week in the year.

Moving?

The California Pizza Kitchen is located in the old  mall that has been closed for over 10 years. Fortunately for them they have an outdoor entrance with a patio on the street sidewalk. Unfortunately the mall has been torn down. Hence the restaurant is closed. Subsequently we will provide an update once we hear what is happening to this restaurant.

In addition for more Palm Springs restaurants to try out, click here.

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I have friends who actually brag about how expensive some of their trips are and we believe that they are paying the highest prices for all of their travel plans. We just do not understand why someone would not ask for a discount or actively seek out travel discounts. Some people think that you only get what you pay for and this can be true in many situations, however when it comes to travel, you need to be very careful how much you are paying and what you are receiving in return even if you are paying for a trip that is really expensive.

Our motto is that if you do not ask, you will never get a discount. The worst that can happen is that they say no we will not discount your trip, your hotel reservation etc any further. But many times they will offer 10% or even more off the cost and 10% is far better in my pocket than someone else’s!  Always ask and if they will not offer you anything further then you can decide to accept their initial offer or move on and try another location.

Recently a friend of ours followed this approach on a cruise they had recently booked. They had reserved the cruise about 3 months ago and noticed that prices for the same cruise, room etc had declined. They called and asked their travel agent to follow up. Unfortunately they had to be a little bit pushy with the agent. She did not want to waste her time. Besides the commission would be smaller as well, plus she has to do more paperwork for nothing.

My friend saved $1500 on a two week week trip on a cruise from fort Lauder-dale to Los Angeles via the Panama Canal, Talk about discounts and savings!

Travel Discounts – Always ask

We stay in hotels a great deal and they are by far the best at offering discounts. If you do not get a seniors discount, AAA discounts, group discounts,  a corporate discount etc, then you are paying too much for your hotel room. Always ask for these discounts, the worst they can say is we do not offer any discounts. Compare prices and know what your market should be charging for the travel service that you are receiving. A good example is as follows.

We were checking into a hotel one night with no reservation and were quoted a price $50 higher than what we had previously paid at this hotel and this new price was at least $50 higher than this chain usually charges. Turns out that there was a festival going on and they felt they could charge more due to the increased business. This is perfectly legitimate, but we did not want to pay this higher fee, so we asked if we could use their phone. I called the central reservations number of this chain with the idea of finding another hotel in the same area at a better price.

Imagine my surprise when they quoted me the regular price for the hotel I was standing in at the lower price less discounts for senior rate and triple A. I immediately asked for a reservation and went back to the front desk and checked in. The manager was a little upset, but there was nothing he could do.

Always ask for travel discounts and be prepared to shop around. You will be amazed at how much money you will be able to save!

For more travel related discounts and savings, click here.

These are a few pictures taken from our room at the Encore Hotel. Also of our room on the 30th floor. If you ever get a chance to stay at this luxurious hotel, take it. It is fabulous and top notch in all areas. Of course we loved our stay at the hotel, which is a sister hotel to Wynn.

Both places are really fantastic, extremely clean and modern. However of the two we prefer Wynn, just edging out the Encore by a very small margin.

Encore Hotel – Connected to Wynn

Vegas is a very exciting town to spend your vacation in and staying in a lovely hotel like this one is truly the best way to do it. Note that if you are playing video poker at the bar, you must pay for your drinks, while if you are playing at the slots on the floor, all of the drinks are free as long as you have money in the slot machine and are playing.
Both hotels, the Encore Hotel and the Wynn Hotel are connected by a corridor that runs between the two properties. A collection of high end shops, restaurants and the pool area can be found along this corridor. It is a beautiful place to spend some time, relax and enjoy.

The pictures really do not do justice to the rooms or the hotel. If you are visiting Las Vegas, take the time to visit the Encore Hotel or the Wynn Hotel to see for yourself. For more details about Casinos, click here.

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We recently stayed at the Fairfield Inn in Las Cruces, New Mexico, on our way to California for a three-month stay in Palm Springs, California. We have cruised across Texas, where the speed limits are 80 miles an hour, and were looking for a good place to stay for the night. We decided to try the Fairfield Inn for a change.  They are part of the Marriott chain, and we enjoy the Marriott hotels, so we thought we would try one of their other chains of hotels.

Fairfield Inn – Marriott

The WiFi did not work well. It was slow and unpredictable, and pages took a very long time to loan. I used the internet a great deal while traveling and found it unsatisfactory. Breakfast was ok. They provide a cold breakfast in the same way that many of their competitors do. It met our needs but was nothing to write home about.

The rooms were clean and comfortable; if you just stopped for the night, they met this need very well. Prices were competitive, and for what we were looking for, there was no problem. We went to the Unno restaurant next door for a couple of beers and something to eat. On a scale of 1 to 10, where a Texas Roadhouse is an 8, this restaurant was around a 5. It met our needs, but not a place I would go back to.

Having stayed in this area. I do not think I will return to this particular hotel or even this chain of hotels. There are better choices at the same prices.

For more about locations in New Mexico, click here. Click here for Snowbird articles and posts.

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We recently visited the Three Sixty North Palm Springs restaurant in Palm Springs for happy hour. It had been recommended to us by some people who are staying in the same condominium as we are. We found the prices for happy hour to be on par with most other places in Palm Springs. The food that we had was quite good. We had sliders with caramelized onions. We would have liked something else with them such as the standard mustard and relish. However these are not offered. We also had baby clams which were excellent.

Normally happy hour is only inside around the bar area, however they allowed us to sit in the sidewalk patio area since it was not that busy on the evening we went. They seem to be pretty flexible. The only complaint that I have is that the chairs are not that comfortable. they also had a jazz band playing which was very pleasant to listen to.

Three Sixty North Palm Springs

The following is an excerpt from their website:

One of the valley’s newest restaurant and entertainment venues, Three Sixty North is located on the strip in the heart of downtown Palm Springs, California. Drenched in dark woods, linen, granite, and stacked stone, the atmosphere is comfortable, stylish and relaxed.

THE LOUNGE.
A great place to hang with friends or just shoot the breeze with the friendly bartenders, The Lounge features HDTV’s to watch your favorite sporting events, as well as unique specialty cocktails, fine wines and an enticing, yet varied, selection of appetizers and small plates from $4-$8. With “Happy Hour All The Time”, this is a great place to unwind at the end of your day.

THE RESTAURANT.
Similar to the famous “supper clubs” of the 50’s and 60’s, Three Sixty North reinvents this popular era with live entertainment and dancing every night in our dining room. Enjoy great steaks, chops, seafood, pasta and pizza, along with great specialties from our famous “Little Italy Menu”, all at very affordable prices.

THE ENTERTAINMENT.
Three Sixty North features Live Entertainment Wednesday-Sunday! Enjoy great bands, musicians and singers performing Standards, Jazz, Rhythm and Blues, Pop and more!

For other restaurant locations in Palm Springs, click here.

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