Halloween party & This it it, October 30, Oranjestad

Friday October 30, Cafe the Plaza, Cilo, Tropical cafe, cinema @ Renaissance Market place. Kids activities, Dinojump and trick or treat from 4pm.

Live music from 8pm with Tsunami, Tropical Heat & los Intocables.

interesting link on Green Building information

http://greenbuildingfocus.com/images/handbook/gbf%20handbook%20abstract.pdf

Divi and Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusives are the Ideal Escape for Beach Lovers

Anyone whose idea of a perfect vacation involves abundant sunshine and sandy beaches will find their idea of paradise at the beachfront Divi & Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusives.

With over a mile of powder-soft sand stretching along Druif Beach between both resorts, Divi & Tamarijn Aruba offers plenty of beach for any type of activity a guest might choose. From simply soaking up the sun to swimming or playing beach volleyball, there are many other options available at these two adjacent resorts.
For guests who like to stay active during their beach vacation, the resorts offer plenty of activities to stay “on the go” while in the sand.

A good first stop is the well-equipped Divi Winds Sports Center, which features an air-conditioned oceanfront fitness centre with the latest equipment as well as a 30-foot outdoor rock climbing wall set right on the beach.

There, guests will have access to all non-motorized water sports including snorkelling equipment, snorkel clinic and tour. Sunfish sailing, floats, kayaks, beginner’s windsurfing equipment and “Learn to Windsurf” beach clinic are all available and FREE for guest use. Out of the water, guests can choose to get active with beach volleyball, beach olympics, beach soccer and much more. When enjoying indoor activities, no one is ever more than a few steps away from sinking their toes in the sand.

At Divi & Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusives, guests don’t need to leave the beach when it’s time to eat! There are numerous beachfront dining options to suit any taste, such as Divi Aruba’s Red Parrot restaurant, which has a beachside open-air dining terrace just steps from the water. At the Tamarijn Aruba, guests can indulge in a variety of culinary creations in a casual, relaxed environment at the oceanfront Cunucu Terrace for a panoramic look at the sea. Or, opt for cocktails at the beach at the over-the-water Bunker Bar, poolside Coconuts or oceanview Pizza per Tutti located at the Tamarijn Aruba. Step off the sand and right up to the beachfront Pelican Bar or Sandpiper Bar located at Divi Aruba, famed for its spectacular sunset view.

With an expansive beach and opportunities for many seaside romantic moments, both Divi & Tamarijn Aruba also provide a picturesque setting that sparks intimacy against the backdrop of the sparkling Caribbean. Families traveling with kids will appreciate all the activities taking place on the beach that keep the young ones entertained, from beach volleyball or movie night on the beach to simply building a sandcastle.
Located just ten minutes from the airport and five minutes from Aruba’s capital city, Oranjestad, the Divi & Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive resorts are set on beautiful Druif Beach, with a shopping arcade and the Alhambra Casino nearby. Guests staying at either the AAA 3-Diamond Divi Aruba or the adjacent, oceanfront Tamarijn Aruba have use of all facilities and services of both properties. All stays at the Divi & Tamarijn Aruba include all meals and snacks at a choice of ten dining options, unlimited beverages at seven bars, the use of three freshwater pools, a wide range of activities including non-motorized watersports and nightly entertainment and offer a variety of packages. In addition, all guests may use the well-equipped Divi Winds Sports Center, which features a 30-foot outdoor rock climbing wall on the beach.

For reservations and more information about Divi & Tamarijn Aruba, contact your travel professional or 1-800-554-2008, 207-594-7888 or visit the resorts’ websites at http://www.diviaruba.com/index.php or http://www.tamarijnaruba.com/index.php.

Saturday party

rich dad, poor dad

https://www.richdadworld.com/rich_dad_poor_dad_story.html

help children eat more healthy, just 5 seconds to join

http://www.jamieoliver.com/campaigns/jamies-food-revolution/petition

Forbes Traveler advises Aruba is very safe to visit, we already knew that!

see link: http://www.forbestraveler.com/best-lists/worlds-safest-places-slide-10.html?thisSpeed=25000

19TH ARUBA HEINEKEN CATAMARAN REGATTA

http://www.aruba.com/OurPeoplePlaces/Events/19th_aruba_heineken_catamaran_regatta.aspx

Date: 09-Nov-2009
Address: Aruba
Phone: (297) 582-3777
Celebrating its 19th anniversary, this annual international catamaran regatta will decorate Aruba’s turquoise waters with the colorful sails of catamarans from Europe.

Contact ATA Special Events at Tel. (297) 582-3777 / Fax. (297) 583-7403 or e-mail a.boekhoudt@aruba.com or go to www.arubaregatta.com for additional information.

the smallest houses in the world, in Amsterdam & London.

Tankless Water Heaters

Thinking about switching to a tankless water heater? Here are the pros and cons. Q: I've heard tankless water heaters have several advantages over traditional water heaters. What's the difference? Should I consider replacing my current water heater with a tankless unit? --John A: Manufacturers of tankless water heaters claim several advantages for these units. They are supposed to reduce energy bills by about 50% compared to traditional water heaters because these units heat water only as its needed, rather than continually warming 40 gallons or more of water. Another touted benefit is an "endless" supply of hot water; because the water is heated on demand, you (usually; see below) won't run out of hot water as you can with a tank.
One definite advantage of tankless units is their size. In crowded basements or utility closets, mounting a tankless unit the size of a small suitcase on the wall is a major space saver compared to barrellike traditional water heaters. Plus, the absence of a tank means you don't have to worry about a tank leaking and causing water damage.
You should note that some users of tankless heaters complain that when demand for hot water is high, such as when two showers and a dishwasher are running, the units can't keep up. Even manufacturers of these units suggest that heavy-use households, especially those in cold climates where water comes into the house at a lower temperature, use a tank model or buy a special booster for their tankless unit.

http://www.arugas.com/

Home Improvement Tips If You Can’t Move

Money is tight nowadays, which means some homeowners are being forced to postpone their moving plans or home improvement upgrades. Not to worry though, there are still many ways to make improvements to the home without breaking the bank.

If the cabinets in the kitchen or bathroom are looking shabby, that doesn’t mean you have to replace them. Try freshening up the cabinets by resurfacing them, or, for a less extensive fix, try a new coat of paint. You can also change out the old handles with newer, more modern ones. Also consider upgrading the faucet to a more modern design, and replace the lighting with more attractive fixtures. You can choose fixtures that are energy-efficient, which will save you money as well.Another helpful improvement would be to give your rooms a new coat of paint. Paint is a great way to brighten up any home and give it a fresh feel as well.

If you plan on selling the home, go for a neutral color that won’t distract a prospective buyer from the rest of the home’s beauty.If the carpet in your home is looking dingy, why not replace it? Having it cleaned is a less expensive alternative if a complete replacement isn’t in your budget. You can have the carpets cleaned professionally, or rent a carpet cleaner and do it yourself.

Signs That You're Ready to Buy a Home

Six tips that tell you it's time;

Figuring out whether you're ready to buy a house -- whether you're a renter or are aiming to move up or size down -- can be a daunting task. But there are signs that will indicate whether you're ready to take the buying plunge.
If you are thinking about buying, you're not alone. So are you ready to make the move? You might be if you:
1. Are familiar with the market. If you've been paying attention to how much houses are listed for in the neighborhoods you're eyeing and have a realistic view of how much a house will cost you, you're in good shape. But if you're dreaming about that big corner house with no clue about it's asking price, you may want to spend some more time becoming familiar with the market and how much houses are going for.

2. Have the money for a down payment and closing costs. The down payment is a percentage of the value of the property. Freddie Mac says the percentage will be determined by the type of mortgage you select. Down payments usually range from 3 to 20 percent of the property value. Also, you may be required to have Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI or MI) if your down payment is less than 20 percent. Closing costs include points, taxes, title insurance, financing costs and items that must be prepaid or escrowed and other settlement costs. You can expect to pay between from 2 to 7 percent of the property value. Generally, buyers will receive an estimate of these costs from your lender after you apply for a mortgage.
3. Know how much you can afford. Freddie Mac says that as a general guide, your monthly mortgage payment should be less than or equal to a percentage of your income, usually about a quarter of your gross monthly income. Also, your income, debt and credit history go into determining how much you can borrow. As a general rule, your debt -credit card bills, car loans, housing expenses, alimony and child support -- should not be more than about 30 to 40 percent of your gross income.
4. Know what additional expenses will come with owning a home. This includes homeowners insurance, utility bills, maintenance costs -- roofing, plumbing, heating and cooling.
5. Have your credit in good shape and make sure your credit report is accurate. Potential lenders will view your credit history -- how much debt you've accrued, how many accounts you have open, whether your payments are made on time, etc. -- to determine whether they'll give you a loan. You should get a report from each of the three credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union.
6. You haven't made any recent major purchases, particularly a vehicle. If you do, you may have a harder time getting a loan -- or it could potentially lower the amount you'll be approved for.

Cut Your Electric Bills Painlessly

Besides switching off lights, there are several other painless methods to conserve energy and save money on your electric bills.
Plug ins
Look for those electronic devices, especially those with digital time and date displays that are infrequently used such as alarm clocks, TVs and VCRs in a guest room and unplug them.
Unplug devices used to recharge electronics/batteries when they're not being used.
Transformers consume energy. Consider unplugging devices like calculators that are not in use.

Refrigerators
Refrigerators use more power than any other appliance in the home and deserve special attention. Although rushing out to buy a new refrigerator may not be in your budget, it is important to know that new models are more efficient and use as little as half the electricity of older units.
Full refrigerators run more efficiently than ones that are only partially full. So buy more food and save some energy.
If you have two refrigerators, or an additional freezer, decide if the extra expense is really worth it. Cram as much as you can into your primary refrigerator or consider disposing of two older refrigerators and replacing them with one larger, newer and more efficient model.
Make sure the refrigerator door seals are tight. Test them by closing the door over a piece of paper or a dollar bill so it is half in and half out of the refrigerator. If you can pull the paper or bill out easily, the latch may need adjustment or the seal may need replacing.
Place food and liquids in airtight containers. Uncovered foods release moisture and make the compressor work harder.
Move the refrigerator away from the wall and vacuum its condenser coils yearly unless you have a no-clean condenser model. Refrigerators will run for shorter periods with clean coils.
Maintain a consistent temperature in the refrigerator and freezer. Recommended temperatures are 37 to 40F for the fresh food compartment of the refrigerator and 5F for the freezer section. If you have a separate freezer for long-term storage, it should be kept at 0f.

Lighting
Its obvious, but true: Turn off lights that are not being used. Consider installing timers or photo cells on some lights. And instead of constantly nagging the kids, try occupancy sensors that turn on and off automatically when someone enters or leaves a room.
Rather than brightly lighting an entire room, focus the light where you need it. For example, use fluorescent under-cabinet lighting for kitchen sinks and countertops
Consider dimmer switches and three-way lamps. These provide low light levels when bright lights are not necessary.
Use linear fluorescent and energy-efficient compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) in fixtures throughout your home to provide high-quality and high-efficiency lighting. Fluorescent lamps are much more efficient than incandescent bulbs and last six to ten times longer. Although fluorescent and compact fluorescent lamps are more expensive than incandescent bulbs, they pay for themselves by saving energy over their lifetime.

Fonseca & Paulina Rubio in Aruba- live!!!! Oct.9

Fonseca’s EMI Latin United States debut Corazon is amongst the most impressive releases in recent Latin music, instantly garnering three Lain Grammy nominations, four Latin Billboard Nominations, two MTV Latin America Music Award nominations and four Premio Lo Nuestro nominations (at which he also performed). From these nominations, Fonseca took home a Latin Grammy for Best Tropical Song of the Year, a Latin Billboard Award for Tropical Album of the Year, a MTV Music Award for Best New Central Artist, and a Premio Lo Nuestro for Best New Artist. In 2008, Fonseca was nominated for two Premio Lo Nuestro Awards for Tropical Mail Artist of the Year and Tropical Traditional Artist of the Year. He released his highly-anticipated sophomore album Gratitud and first hit single “Enredame” which was #1 in Columbia for nine consecutive weeks. Most recently, his second single “Arroyito” was released and within two weeks hit the #1 spot in Columbia.
Fonseca’s album and mega hit Te Mando Flores reached top 10 spots on the Latin Album, Pop, Tropical, and Hot Latin Tracks charts. Over a year past its release, Te Mando Flores is still on significant rotation at radio stations. His follow-up hit single “Hance Tiempo” also slated both the Latin Pop and Tropical Airplay charts. Fonseca has additionally shared the stage with fellow Colombian luminaries Juanes at Campin Stadium in Bogota and Shakira in her home town of Baranquilla.

The Aruba Entertainment Center is located 5 minutes from downtown Oranjestad, and 15 minutes from the hotel district. The outdoor venue provides excellent sound quality in an intimate setting for a truly unique concert experience. Seating is open seating within the venues three ticketed sections. Taxi service is available, or you may purchase a private bus transfer to and from the concert, which picks you up at your hotel and brings you back after the show. For more information, please call 1-800-390-4936.