British Colonialism in Sydney

By Phin Upham

You may have heard that Australia was once a drop-off point for British convicts. There is definitely truth to this description, but it had to do with the Declaration of Independence. England used to send its convicts to America, but the July 4^th Declaration ended that and left England with a surplus of criminals.

So Britain looked at territory that was claimed in the name of England by James Cook, and founded a penal colony on what would become Sydney. The first fleet consisted of 11 ships and transported 850 convicts, but the location chosen was deemed unsuitable because the soil lacked nutrients and fresh water was scarce.

Eventually, Sydney was founded in February of 1788 named after Thomas Townshend, Lord Sydney.

43,000 convicts would come to call Sydney home within just 4 years of the founding, and the colony seemed to be a barebones facility. Maps from the time don’t show structures onsite, and convicts were basically expected to fend for themselves once they arrived on the island.

Supplies quickly ran low, and residents (including officers of the Crown) began to suffer from starvation and outbreaks of smallpox. In 1810, things began to take a turn for the better. When Lachlan Macquarie became governor in 1810, he brought Christianity and education to the colony under Macquarie’s watch, Sydney began trading wool and quelled the Rum Rebellion of 1808. Sydney continued to come out of isolation, and by 1822 the town was basically modernized with banks and markets. Sydney even had working roads and other infrastructure. A true marvel in innovation, but a cruel form of capital punishment.

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Phin Upham is an investor from NYC and SF. You may contact Phin on his Phin Upham website or Twitter page.

Destination: Frozen Yogurt Party!

Written by: Gelato Products

Spring will be upon us before you know it, and there is no better way to celebrate the season than with some delicious gelato to cool you off as the temperatures rise. You’ll need to start by cataloguing what frozen yogurt supplies you need, how you will keep everything cool throughout the day, and then scouting a location. Here are some tips to get started.

Supplies

No kids party is complete without some themed decorations. Start at your local party stores, or browse online looking for table cloths and cups for your child’s favorite heroes and characters. Next, order colored plastic spoons that match the theme you’ve built. Don’t forget the details either! Pan liners for the gelato or frozen yogurt will keep everything tidy, and you’ll need separate containers for the toppings (preferably with covers to keep away the creepy crawlies).

Aside from plastic yogurt spoons, you’ll want some paper cups that are easy to recycle. Biodegradable cups are only a slight bump in price, and the cost is worth it to teach kids about recycling. If you want to avoid leftovers, opt for lids to make a to-go container.

Preparation

The number one priority you have in preparation for a frozen yogurt party is keeping the yogurt cool enough to serve. Yogurt can melt very quickly if the temperature gets too hot, so it’s best to choose  a mild day to host your gathering. You will most likely need several ice chests, and it may be a good idea to do any fresh fruit cutting on-site so you can keep everything delicious without getting soggy.

The next priority is coverage. The outdoors are full of bugs and they get everywhere there is food if you let them. Your local sporting goods store or even supermarket will carry small netted tents you can use over fresh items. Pan liners tend to come with plastic covers, or you can just use the containers themselves. Pan liners tend to look professional, and they last too. If you like the experience, you can use them in a part time catering business.

Location Scouting

Many municipal parks have picnic sites, but those sites tend to be first-come-first-serve. If you can, have someone appear early in the day to do some set up work and stake out a good site. Another idea is to travel to a more secluded park, but that may require a short drive to get there. Coordinate with parents to see who is willing to drive, and arrange for a carpool to make things easier.

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Richmond in the Winter Season

Written by The Steele Group Sotheby’s International Realty

The state of Virginia is not only beautiful during summer. It also offers a wide range of activities during the winter season. The city of Richmond is known to offer a great deal of outdoor activities. You might for instance, be able to make the most of the powdery mountain resorts if you are seeking some adventure. You would need to be mindful about dressing for the cold and bringing the right equipment.

Snow Activities

There are several resorts available in Richmond that would enable you to indulge in activities such as cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, dog sledding, snowboarding and backcountry skiing. The slopes and snow of Richmond are ideal for these adrenaline-packed activities for the family or as a couple. Some resorts also offer ski school services for both children and adults.

Wineries

If you are considering Virginia more as a gastronomical getaway, you might not be disappointed. Richmond offers the possibility of several fine dining restaurants. Most importantly, the state boasts over 230 wineries, some of the most popular of them are found in Richmond. You would thus be able to indulge in wine tasting during winter time.

Relaxation

Richmond offers the possibility of relaxation at several spas that use the healing properties of natural springs. These places have become ideal spots for retreat and rejuvenation of the body and mind.

The Steele Group Sotheby’s International Realty is a good of realtor Richmond Virginia and offer advice to people wishing to relocate to Richmond. A realtor in Virginia might be able to guide you on Chesterfield county real estate.

Start-ups in Richmond

Written by The Steele Group Sotheby’s International Realty

The economy of the city of Richmond is mainly composed of companies in the finance, law and public sector. The city holds a number of local, federal and state government agencies. Richmond is also host to some well-known banking and legal companies. Having a nice blend of traditional occupations and more modern ones, in Richmond you will also be able to find the Great Turning Basin which is mostly used by boats.

In the month of May 2013, the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond had made public its Annual Report covering the year 2012. The report also featured an article that depicted the economic mobility situation in Richmond. Economic mobility has declined in Richmond, this was mainly the case for people either at the top or bottom of the income ladder. A number of factors were cited as being conducive to the retention and achievement of a change in economic status. One common factor that has brought this advancement was the ability that people in Richmond have of acquiring cognitive and noncognitive skills. These skills acquisition strategies were at first targeted at children in poor families. In a positive way, educational initiatives have brought a large returns on investment to the city.

Start-ups have also sprouted in Richmond and there are even regular events mostly for IT start-ups. One such event is the 54 hour Hackathon or the Startup Weekend. Richmond has become a location where startups thrive.

The Steele Group Sotheby’s International Realty might be an option if you are seeking a Chesterfield realtor in the state of Virginia. Making the choice to relocate to Richmond might be an interesting business decision. A Virginia real estate agent would be able to provide advice on home Richmond Virginia.

Traveling to attend a soccer game

Written by Soccer Garage

If you are used to travelling to attend soccer games, you might already have a checklist of things to bring along with you. Generally, travelling with sports gear tends to be secure. People only need to take extra care when packing the equipment in order to prevent any damages or the occurrence that the item is stolen.

Generally, when packing sensitive equipment, you might consider either bubble wraps or getting the right casing. If you wish to bring along a soccer ball to play some games yourself, you might either get it stored in your luggage or keep it in a bag.

If the place that you would be travelling to is going to be the host of several matches involving different teams, you might consider packing different soccer jerseys to match the colors and logos of the different teams. You could also pack some extra soccer apparel in the event that you would be looking forward to playing a friendly match yourself with friends or family.

Before deciding where to play the match, you might want to check beforehand whether there are any soccer or football grounds available to the public in the area where you are travelling. It might also be a great experience to indulge in a soccer match with the local people, especially if they have the reputation of being good soccer players.

Soccer Garage specializes in the online retailing of several sports equipment and clothing. They have a large choice of soccer t-shirts and other types of soccer apparel.

Upgrade your RV with New Bedding

TheFoamFactory.com

Your RV might be made to last but unfortunately cushions and foam elements might be quickly damaged with weather elements such as the rain, mold and mildew. Some other forms of deterioration in cushions and beddings might be due to moth infestation or just plain wear and tear. If you wish to keep on using your camper for more years to come, you might consider replacing your camper cushions and beddings. This can also be achieved by a foam replacement. If you are used to DIY projects, you could perform the project yourself or you might have it changed by a professional auto-body shop.

The DIY method could be a cost-effective and gratifying solution. You would first need to select the right type of foam suited for your RV. Generally, durable and good quality foams would enable you to enjoy your RV longer. Several foam companies offer the possibility of having custom cushion sizes to fit your project’s dimension. You might want to enquire with foam companies’ staff to gain information on this.

Since the year 1980, Carlo Badalamenti has worked in the foam industry. His experience has enabled him to gain insights on how to choose the right foam for different applications. For RV beddings, the most adequate foam would have to be dense, soft and firm as well as being fast-drying in order not to absorb moisture and to deter the proliferation of bacteria.

The Foam Factory specializes in providing foam products for different types of foam replacement projects, including RV bedding solutions.

Replacing Your Boat’s Foam Cushions

Cushions on a boat’s deck or hull can make your sailing experience far more pleasant. Seating space is the perfect complement to a lovely day out on the open sea, so refinishing your cushions is an important part of boat renovation. You need to decide what type of floatation your desired foam can provide in the event of an emergency, how comfortable each type is going to be, and of course what the cost of your foam replacement will be after all of your modifications are completed. Before you call a professional and pay exorbitant prices, consider these options before changing your foam cushions.

If you want to add or replace a mattress in your below-deck area, the first thing to consider is how comfortable you will be when sleeping or relaxing on different types of foam. Some is more dense and firm, while other types are more spongy and soft. You can even use foam pillows to add more floatation options if you so desire. Mattress replacement on a boat isn’t just about looks. They serve the practical purpose of providing a flotation device in the event that you need one.

Cushions for on-deck seating are also very important. The foam in these is usually firm to absorb the movements of the waves and the boat itself while you enjoy the ride or while fishing. Most boat owners cover their cushions with either leather or vinyl. The vinyl works well with foam because the slick coating doesn’t allow most water to penetrate the filling, and most boat owners who have previously had leather seats tend to replace them with vinyl to keep moisture away from the foam. Moisture, especially from salt water, could cause disintegration if left unchecked.

Whether you are replacing a mattress or the seating on your boat, the foam contained within them is very important when it comes to comfort and safety. Since most of these also double as floatation devices in emergency situations, it’s important to realize boat cushions are more than just back support. Even if you are just thinking about adding a mattress below deck for those overnight fishing trips or for napping during a leisurely trip around the lake, it is important to think about the foam that you choose for your boating needs. Replacing the foam yourself can be tedious, but well worth it when you think about your individual desire for your boat. Choose your foam cushions carefully for a comfortable, safe boating experience every time!
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TheFoamFactory.com sells foam custom cut for new cushions of any size or use. Order your next foam inserts from The Foam Factory today!

Traveling with Sports Gear

Written by Soccer Garage

 

Generally, travelling with your sports gear could be quite safe. You would just need to care about the way you pack your equipment and safeguard against the chance of your equipment getting broken, lost or stolen. There are certain considerations that you might take before packing your sports gear.

 

Consider What is Essential

You would need to be aware of the risks involved in traveling with your equipment. Apart from getting broken or stolen, there is also the risk that they might be subject to additional baggage charges. Unless you are particular about playing with your Adidas soccer cleats, you might consider the reason to bring your equipment or whether you would have alternative solutions to where you are traveling.

 

Use Bubble-Wrap

Some airlines are known to toss around sporting equipment when loading them, so you might take some extra caution by wrapping your equipment with some bubble wrap for cushioning. You might also use some towels to wrap your goods.

 

Consider Travel Insurance

Not all sporting goods are covered by travel insurance companies. You might want to get insurance if you are transporting valuable equipment. This would protect you against getting your goods stolen, lost or broken.

 

Have the Right Casing

The right casing and storage facility would facilitate your declaration at the check-in counter. It might be to your advantage to be open as open about your baggage as possible.

 

Soccer Garage is an online store specializing in sports gear including Adidas soccer shoes and Adidas soccer balls.

The Museum of the Confederacy in Richmond

Written by: The Steele Group Sotheby’s International Realty

The Museum of the Confederacy is a historical museum found in the town of Richmond in Virginia. The museum features the previous White House of the Confederacy and is home to a large collection of manuscripts, artifacts, photographs and Confederate publications such as books and pamphlets dated from the Confederate States of America and from the American Civil War that was fought between 1861 and 1865.

This Museum offers the possibility to its visitors to learn further about famous leaders of the Confederacy. Indeed, you will have the opportunity to get information on Jefferson Davis and Robert E. Lee via stories that are told and by looking at what used to be their own belongings. The museum would also offer you the possibility of getting a glimpse at what it could mean to be a soldier and how life on the homefront was. This is made possible through exhibits.

Last year, in November 2013, some changes happened within the administration of the Museum. Its governance was merged along with the American Civil War Center at Historic Tredegar. This January 2014, further to that change, it was made official that the newly merged institution would now be referred to as the American Civil War Museum.

If you are interested in history and would like to relocate to Richmond, you might want to gather information on Richmond homes for sale. You could also contact a realtor in Virginia who would be able to guide you on making your choice.

Caribbean Vacation Homes for Sale in the Cayman Islands

Summary: Learn how to perform due diligence on properties in the Cayman Islands.

Making the decision to purchase a home in Grand Cayman is not something you do spontaneously. You should research how to make a great investment. A property in the Cayman Islands will always be nice, but if you have long-term plans for it then it pays to do some due diligence on your options for the area.

Secure an Agent

The first step in buying Caribbean vacation homes for sale in the Cayman Islands is to secure yourself a real estate agent. It’s best to find someone knowledgeable in the area, especially if you plan to invest. Sales figures are up this year, but an experienced agent will be able to tell you where new developments are occurring, so you can find the hot spots to buy into and gain value on your property.

Find a Great Location

New ultra-luxurious developments are occurring on Seven Mile Beach, one of the best beaches in the world. This stretch has easy beach is never crowded and one can always find a quiet and tranquil spot to relax. Your agent will be able to show you where the newest properties are built, and provide sales figures from comparables in the area.

Invest Well

You have to think about what you ultimately want out of your investment to determine the type of Cayman Island real estate that will be best for you. Many of the developments on Seven Mile beach have short-term rental pools, managed by on-site management. Some of the newer, ultra-luxurious properties may have restrictions on rental terms, so thinking about how much time you want to spend enjoying your vacation condo may help determine your choice. Larger residential properties situated on a canal with dock and boating access to the sea provide a different type of allure, but a property management services are readily available.

Source: James Bovell writes on behalf of Cayman Island Real Estate brokerage firm DreamFinders. Find properties in Grand Cayman and start living the dream today.

 

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