Newport Beach Vacation

Something strange happened this week in Amazon.com's apparel section.

For a day or two, a black T-shirt featuring an image of three wolves baying at a full moon claimed the top slot at the online store's clothing bestseller list,, beating out the usual, unremarkable mix of Levi's 505 regular-fit jeans, Crocs clogs and Adidas running shoes.

Three Wolf Moon T-Shirt, Available in Various Sizes

And really, why wouldn't you buy the shirt, which is priced from $7.65 to $17.93, depending on your size? Just read the long and growing list of customer testimonials promising earth-shattering experiences or psychedelic vision quests upon purchase.

"I bought this shirt and instantly old girlfriends started calling me again," wrote one reviewer."My doctor says the cancer has gone into remission," wrote another. "

Thanks for changing my life!"The shirt's page at Amazon.com had quietly existed for years without much comment, but after a snarky link from CollegeHumor.com, the "Three Wolf Moon" shirt suddenly sprouted hundreds of five-star ratings.

Reviewers have dreamed up epics about its powers, weaving fantasies involving everything from the Large Hadron Collider in Switzerland to the pop group Duran Duran.

As the joke caught on and got passed around the Web, Photoshopped spoofs of the shirt started appearing online -- featuring corgi puppies, spiders or haddock instead of the now-famous wolves.

CollegeHumor.com, a comedy site started in 1999 by a couple of high school friends who grew up together in Timonium, Md., also claimed victory this week for rigging an online poll run by the state of Nebraska to select a new license-plate design.

The site urged its readers to vote for what it deemed the most boring design available to Nebraska drivers. That gray-and-white plate won.Officials in Nebraska said they monitored Web traffic to screen out visitors coming directly from the humor site, but CollegeHumor.com was still, credibly, claiming the joke a success this week.

"Together we pranked the entire automobile-owning population of Nebraska," wrote a CollegeHumor.com editor, in a Wednesday posting. "Congratulations."

This type of online rabble-rousing appears to be catching on more than ever over the past year, said Tim Hwang, the organizer of ROFLCon, a convention dedicated to celebrating Internet memes.

After all, another Web-based prank crossed over into the real world just last month when a 21-year-old college student, known by the online moniker "m00t," sailed to the top of Time's "most influential person" list in an online poll, beating out the likes of President Obama and Oprah Winfrey.

Gathering nearly 17 million votes, the world's "most influential" person is the founder of another jokey Web culture site, 4chan.org, whose proprietor is known offline by the name Christopher Poole. If you don't get why the shirt, and its reviews, are so funny, don't worry.

CollegeHumor.com co-founder Josh Abramson said it's a case where the shirt is so uncool that it's cool."A lot of things that become popular on the Web are based around just being ironic and being an inside joke," Abramson said.

"This resonates with a geeky, hip crowd that is very Web-savvy. When something resonates with that circle, crazy things can happen."Abramson said his team had considered licensing the wolf shirt for sale.

CollegeHumor.com, which had 7 million unique Web visitors last month, also has an online store that sells T-shirts with ironic catchphrases and designs, called BustedTees.com. But it appears that the site may have been a bit slow to catch on to its own meme.

"We're kicking ourselves that we didn't," he said.The New Hampshire company that makes the "Three Wolf Moon" shirt said that it doesn't generally mind being the butt of this joke."You have to be able to laugh at yourself," said Michael McGloin, a partner and art director at the Mountain, who added that he finds some of the reviews to be "freaking hilarious."

The company certainly doesn't mind the shirt's recent uptick in sales: "Three Wolf Moon" is sold out, and the Mountain has started printing up a fresh batch.

It seems that the wolf theme was growing in popularity even before the Internet hipsters descended, McGloin said."Wolf shirts are super hot right now," he said. "It's the year of the wolf, I guess."

Click now to Three Wolf Moon T-Shirt, Available in Various Sizes

By Mike Musgrove, Washington Post Staff Writer

Labels: ironic tshirt, the mountain, three wolf moon, tshirt, wolf moon, wolf shirt, wolf t-shirt

It's been a tough season for spring break destinations. With students and parents tightening their belts in the face of a major recession, the annual tradition of letting off steam - ideally on an exotic beach, with access to plenty of cheap beer - is suffering.

This spring break season - typically, March 16 to April 5 - flights from the U.S. to the Caribbean have dropped as much as 20%, according to data compiled for TIME by the online travel agency Expedia.

Meanwhile, safety concerns over Mexico's increasingly violent drug cartels may be helping keep students away from its beaches in droves; travel to the spring-break Mecca of Cancun is down 22% over last year.

But that doesn't mean spring break is canceled. When it comes to scaling back expenses, that's where many college students are drawing a line in the sand. Sun-drenched revelers are spending less, and service-oriented spring breakers are reaching out to communities closer to home.

"For college students, spring break is really a once in a lifetime experience," says Matt Scriven, founder of spring break tour operator ParadiseParties.com. "So they're finding a way to do it."

For many, that means forgoing a far-flung trip - which can cost upwards of $1,000 - and soaking up some less exotic rays. According to Expedia, spring break flights to Orlando, Los Angeles and New York all jumped more than 25% this year.

At ParadiseParties.com, the uptick in sales of cheaper, domestic options - including a $400 party cruise from Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., and a $300 trip to Panama City, Fla., where MTV films one of its spring break specials - kept the overall number of bookings from dipping substantially, despite a drop in international sales. "We definitely sold a whole lot more of the affordable stuff," says Scriven.

Affordability may also help explain why service-oriented spring break trips, which can cost as little as $300, are more popular than ever this year. At St. Michael's College in Burlington, Vermont, applications doubled for trips to serve in soup kitchens or build homes around the country and abroad. Harvard's alternative spring break program recorded a 90% increase in applications.

And Break Away, an organization that helps coordinate service-oriented break trips for over 150 college campuses nationwide, has tracked a 10-15% increase in participation for the sixth year in a row. "Most alternative break programs are very student-led and small-donor based, very grassroots," says Jill Piacitelli, executive director of Break Away. "Students are still willing and able to raise the $300 to go on the trip."

Some students, however, are less able than they used to be. The University of Maryland, Baltimore County, for example, sent some spring-break volunteers to Kentucky last year to help rebuild an elderly woman's home after it burned down. This year, they're offering a staycation instead: 30 students are living on campus and working at local nonprofits.

The per-student tab for the week comes to $75, compared to $350 a pop for one of last year's trips. "Students were not as interested in paying that much," says Jordanna Spencer, graduate coordinator for service and volunteerism. (Read more about volunteer vacations.)

Other alternative break trips are being refocused to help people especially affected by the recession. About two dozen schools, for instance, have retooled their Habitat for Humanity-style affordable housing trips to focus on rehabilitating foreclosured homes instead, says Piacitelli.
"The idea with alternative breaks is to address pressing social needs," she says. "When there's a demonstrated, clear one, the students are on to that, and plan trips around it."

There are other students, of course, who are simply staying home. Melissa Bubb, 20, a junior marketing major at Temple University, took a bus home to Brooklyn, New York, where she spent spring break visiting her grandmother and catching up with high school friends.

"Honestly, I couldn't afford to go on vacation," she says. "The way the circumstances are now with the economy, you have to pick and choose."

For her senior year, though, Bubb has already made her decision. "It will be my last year and my last semester," she says. "I'll probably just treat myself to a trip."

By LAURA FITZPATRICK

Labels: 2009, spring break

- Do you have scars, problems with acne, excess fat and skin, or is your face starting to show the early signs of aging?

- Do you feel that your teeth are having a negative impact on your otherwise glowing smile?

Whether you are looking to get a tummy tuck, a facelift, or a breast reduction, you may be curious as to what all of your options are.

Despite the fact that you do have a number of different treatment options, many men and women in your shoes opt for cosmetic surgery.

So, is cosmetic surgery right for you?

It is a big step. Before you move forward, it is important that you examine the pros and cons.

Read more Cosmetic Face Lift Surgery at http://mysearch.ph/cosmetic-face-lift-surgery/signs-need-cosmetic-surgery-face-lift.htm

Are you interested in chartering a private jet? When it comes to air travel, many travelers automatically think of commercial airlines, but did you know that you also have another option? That option is private jet charter services.

You may want to seriously give the chartering of a private jet services some thought. After a close examination, you will likely see that there are a number of benefits to doing so, especially for business, honeymoon, and romance.

If you have engaged a private jet charter services before, have you decided which private jet chartering company you would like to do business with?

There are some instances, where it may be more of a hassle than anything else. While there are still a large number of jets to go around, you will want to make sure that you make your reservations early.

That is why you are urged to examine the advantages and disadvantages of choosing your own private jet to charter.

If you have yet to do so, you will want to do so with caution. In today's society, scams are at an all time high.

Click now to all the tips and guide about private jet charter services. http://www.philippine-resorts.com/private-jet-charters/private-jet-chartering-scams-aware.htm

During the year, the Aquatic Center offers many different activities and events.

A majority of these test team skills and individual skills, which is perfect for anyone looking to get into the Olympics or just learn more about water based activities.

The Aquatic Center offers direct access to Newport Harbor and North Star Beach, offering rowers and paddlers their choice of water activities and sports.

Read more Newport Beach Aquatic Center at http://www.philippine-resorts.com/newport-beach-vacation/newport_beach_aquatic_center.htm

Nightlife at the Beach is no secret either, as there are many different restaurants and clubs.

During the day, there are many different amusement parks and arcade games.

For the kids, Newport Beach is truly an amazing vacation

Read more Newport Beach Beauty at
http://www.philippine-resorts.com/newport-beach-vacation/newport_beach_beauty.htm

Praise Realty Marketing Corp. and Aredconsult, Inc. have joined forces this February 23-25 by launching The Global Filipino Conference that will unite different Pinoy organizations, local and abroad.

The date cannot be lost to majority of Filipinos because it is the date of the EDSA Revolution.
The PinoyConference.com homepage shall be launched on February 26.

The Global Filipinos Conference initiative shall create a big directory of organizations, associations, and movements that the members can join later.

It will initially offer online learning modules for individual subscribers such as self-improvement, online entrepreneurship, work-at-home, investing, personal finance, blogs, forums, and chats.

In the immediate future, Instructor-Led Training (ILD) will be held.

Praise Realty Marketing Corporation owns PraiseRealty.com.ph, one of the Top Ten real estate marketing websites in the Philippines based on Alexa.com.

Aredconsult.com specializes on business marketing and one of the pioneers of internet marketing in the Philippines since 1999.

We are now accepting free membership at http://mysearch.ph/pinoy-network/

Along with the private boats, many charter companies offer the chance for parade goers to participate in the parade and view the "Ring of Lights", a group of spectacular homes all around the harbor.

The "Ring of Lights" is a popular addition to the parade, with prizes given for those who have the best decorations on their homes.

Read more Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade at http://www.philippine-resorts.com/newport-beach-vacation/newport_beach_christmas_boat_parade.htm

On a typical night, you can find mounds of shrimp, a variety of oysters, fish, pasta, and many other types of seafood and exotic treats. Along with the wine, this festival is a great attraction to Newport Beach.

A highlight for the festival is the cognac and cigar seminar, provided by Martel Cognac and Hamilton Cigars. During the seminar you can sip superb cognac while learning all about them. Also, you can learn all about fine cigars as well.

Read more Newport Beach Food And Wine Festival at http://www.philippine-resorts.com/newport-beach-vacation/newport_beach_food_wine.htm

Increasingly more "social tourists"are saying "no" to cocktails by the pool in the Caribbean, the exclusive cruise ships of the Balearic Islands, or five-star hotels in major U.S. destinations.

And "yes" to learning first-hand about the realities of the developing South or Eastern Europe, and sharing the lifestyles and the problems of local communities.

Read more Unique Experiences on Social Tourism at http://www.philippine-resorts.com/travel-philippine-resorts/2008/01/unique-experiences-on-social-tourism.html

When the sun sets, you'll pass other gandolas as they travel through the canals. On a couple ride, the gandola can help to rekindle the flame or just take you to a whole new world. Once you return to the docks, you'll probably find yourself wishing that the ride would never end.

If you've never experienced a gondola ride, it's one thing that you simply must try. As a wedding ride, honeymoon ride, couple ride, or just a couple of friends, the gondola ride is something that will make you feel as never before.

Read more Newport Beach Gondola Ride at http://www.philippine-resorts.com/newport-beach-vacation/newport_beach_gondola_ride.htm

From dancing to the beats of Latin rhythms to high energy rock and roll, Newport Beach provides cutting edge entertainment for the lovers of the night.

With hip restaurants and trendy oyster bars, the Little Inn by the Bay provides its fair share of helping you enjoy the night.

Read more Newport Beach Nightlife at http://www.philippine-resorts.com/newport-beach-vacation/newport_beach_nightlife.htm

Fashion Island is one of the best areas of Newport Beach, containing over 200 stores. The Island has everything you could ever want, from toys to expensive clothes.

If you've ever tried Fashion Island before, you're probably aware of just how great it can be. With over 200 stores, it'll take hours and hours to explore everything here - and possibly even days.

Read more Newport Beach Shoppers Paradise at http://www.philippine-resorts.com/newport-beach-vacation/newport_beach_shoppers_paradise.htm

Here are the problems a foreign tourist usually encounters when traveling to any overseas country:

Nobody meets you at the airport and provides you with the transportation out of that place.

This is just the beginning of your problems until you go back to your own country.

But you're supposed to be on vacation.

When traveling to the Philippines, simply contact your Travel Buddy...

- who can run errands for you and provides you with useful information.

- finds you a place to stay that suits your budget

- accompanies you to your various appointments

- arranges your transportation for you to go around the place

- arranges your travel plans and documents

- guides you around the Philippines

- checks on your safety and security


Contact now Travel Buddy at http://www.philippine-resorts.com/travelbuddy

Featuring vintage art, the Newport Harbor Art Museum is the primary showcase in Newport Beach or California for that matter for the best in contemporary art.

Being founded in 1962, the museum is dedicated to the collection, exhibition, and the interpretation of both contemporary andmodern art.

Read more Newport Harbor Art Museum at http://www.philippine-resorts.com/newport-beach-vacation/newport_harbor_art_museum.htm

Club Travellers Mall is an online home shopping mall of travel solutions that includes USA, Canada, and International products and services.

We wish you a Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year.

Click now to Club Travellers Mall at http://www.philippine-resorts.com/travel-mall.htm

Founded as a mining camp in the Colorado Silver Boom and named because of the abundance of aspen trees in the area, the city is now a ski resort and cultural center.

Finding things to do in Aspen, Colorado during the day isn't difficult - get out on the slopes and ski or enjoy one of the other winter sports that you love.

At night, however, Aspen really comes to life with Aspen nightlife! No matter how old or young you are, there is something to do in Aspen twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

Read more Aspen Nightlife and Vacation at http://www.philippine-resorts.com/aspen-vacation/main.htm

Lying cradled within the Balboa Peninsula, the seven islands that make up Newport Beach happen to have some of the most expensive real estate in California.

Many of the homes here are 1.5 million and up! When you consider that many are surrounded by small yacht harbors and a peaceful yet tranquil environment, you know the price of the homes are more than well worth it.

Read more Overlooking Newport Beach at http://www.philippine-resorts.com/newport-beach-vacation/overlooking_newport_beach.htm

With 2 golf courses, the course will provide challenges to beginners and avid golf players alike.

While both are great courses, the toughest decision you'll make is deciding which one to play first.

Even though you can go back and play the course you didn't select later, choosing the one to start with is almost as fun as playing.

Read more Pelican Hill Golf Course at http://www.philippine-resorts.com/newport-beach-vacation/pelican_hill_golf_course.htm

For honeymooners or those in love looking to re-kindle the flame, Newport Beach has a lot to offer when it comes to romance. The entire environment and setting around the Beach is romantic, with romance budding at each and every turn.

On the harbor of Newport Beach, a romantic gondola ride remains one of the most romantic things to do.

Read more Romance In Newport Beach at http://www.philippine-resorts.com/newport-beach-vacation/romance_newport_beach.htm

Although The Wedge isn't classified as a wave, it's actually a 20 foot plus battering ram that was created by sheer intelligence.

For many years, The Wedge in Newport Beach has proven to be the best place in the world for surfing. Over the years, professional body boarders have headed here as well, to test their skill and experience with the one thing that's very hard to top.

Read more The Wedge at http://www.philippine-resorts.com/newport-beach-vacation/wedge.htm