US Outdoor Maps and Books

Put on this lightweight vest to fish the early morning rise. When the day warms up, roll the vest up and pack into its own pocket. It’s so compact that it will easily fit into your vest or pack. The 100-gram Thinsulate Insulation is warm and featherlight, which means it will also fit comfortably under your waders. Polyester shell is wind and water resistant. Drawstring hem cinches to keep out the cold. Mesh interior pocket and zip interior pocket. Zip handwarmer pockets and vertical chest pocket. Polyester insulation. Imported. Machine wash and dry.

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Hunting-Themed Sportsman’s Watch with Compass Captures the Thrill of the Hunt! Exclusive Hunter Watch! – Celebrate the thrill of the hunt every hour with this hunting-themed sportsman’s watch with compass, a Bradford Exchange exclusive! This ruggedly handsome hunter’s watch is a precision timepiece that offers masculine style, exceptional detail and functionality. It’s perfect for your next hunting trip!The striking watch is handcrafted in stainless steel with a shining bezel, three subdials and an accurate quartz movement. The rich, walnut-toned canvas and leather strap is embossed with a 10-point buck at one end and a real working compass at the other. Turn to the watch back for a boldly etched deer silhouette and a humorous inscription: “A bad day hunting is better than a good day working.” This is a great gift for a hunter and strong demand is expected. Order now!

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By Dr. Richard Bayer, Chief Operating Officer of The Five O’Clock Club and author of

The Good Person Guidebook: Transforming Your Personal Life

(Five O’Clock Books, 2008, ISBN: 978-0-944054-16-1, $14.95)

Consider relocating.  A critical mistake that job hunters often make is limiting their search to one specific area. The job market may be oversaturated in your current city, but there may be openings in your area of expertise elsewhere. Remain open to different locations and company structures. Widening your job search horizons may help you find a job more quickly than if you restrict your search to one particular area or company structure.

Expect to be searching for the long haul. These days it’s taking longer for the average professional or managerial worker to get a new job. While it’s possible that you may find something right away, it’s best that you develop a long-term financial backup plan. What kind of side work could you do to ensure you still have money flowing in? How could you reduce your expenses? A great way to resolve some of these issues and to get advice on how to handle being out of a job is to join a job-hunting group to get support, ideas, and contacts. Get to know as many people in your line of work as possible. Building these relationships will be helpful to you even after you’ve found a new job.

Keep your spirits up. An alarming number of job hunters are becoming discouraged and dropping out of the job market. Don’t let yourself be one of them. Be aware that what you are going through is not easy, and that many of the things you are experiencing are being experienced by just about everybody else. Jobs were lost every month in the year 2008, and our country is seeing its highest unemployment rate in four years.  Don’t let the loss of one job fool you into thinking you won’t be great at a job somewhere else. Nothing is forever. Just hang in there, get a fresh start, and remember that you will find something eventually.

Develop new skills.  If you suspect your old skills are out-of-date, use your out-of-work time to develop new ones. If you’re being told you aren’t being hired because you don’t have the right experience, get the experience. Depending on your area of expertise, there are lots of great ways to hone and expand your skills. Take a class. Do volunteer work to gain expertise that you can later market. Or join an association related to your new skill area. If you need to get a job to help increase your cash flow while you are unemployed, try to find something that will enhance your résumé even if it doesn’t necessarily fit in with the kind of work you would like to do long term. For example, one Five O’Clock Clubber got a twelve-week assignment with a Sears consignee during the Christmas rush. The pay wasn’t great, but the job title was Regional Manager, which looked great on his résumé.

Become a skilled job hunter. Being good at your job does not necessarily mean that you will be good at getting jobs. Good job hunters know what they want, what the market wants, and how to present themselves. Having a well-written résumé and cover letter are key to being competitive when job hunting. A poorly crafted résumé or cover letter can prevent you from ever getting your foot in the door at most businesses, particularly in an economy that is flooded with people looking for jobs. If you don’t think that your résumé and cover letter are up to par, find someone to help you write them or visit any of the myriad websites set up to help people out with résumé and cover letter writing.

If it’s been a while since you’ve been in the job market, it may be time to brush up on your online job hunting skills. Familiarize yourself with online services such as Monster.com, Craigslist, and LinkedIn. Check for job postings every day and Google yourself to see what (if any) information may be available for a potential employer to find out about you online. If you have a Facebook or MySpace page, make sure it doesn’t contain any information that is inappropriate. Remember that you are marketing yourself to your future employer and you want to do everything you can to put your best foot forward.

Go on an informational interview. We all know that in most businesses, it’s all about who you know. The same goes for job hunting. Make some calls to companies that interest you or are in your field (even if they aren’t currently hiring). Ask if you can come in for an informational interview with someone who is working in a position similar to the one you desire. Find out about their experiences, who they work with, and what their qualifications are. Getting to know people in your industry can open doors you didn’t even expect. Keep in touch with these people after the interview, and you will increase your chances of being at the forefront of their minds when a position becomes available. No matter what, it will arm you with more knowledge for your search and can help you to determine if the path you are on is the right one for you.

Target what you want. As Lily Tomlin said, “I always wanted to be somebody, but I should have been more specific.” How specific you are in your job search can be a deal breaker. When you are searching, be sure you select specific geographic areas, specific industries, and specific positions within those industries. For example, you may want to be a writer in publishing or corporate communications in Los Angeles or Chicago. So you start by compiling a list of companies where you could find a job in these fields in each of these cities. Research them to figure out which ones you think best fit with the kind of place you would like to work. And then find out who is in charge of hiring at these companies. Sending a résumé or cover letter to the wrong person or without mentioning a specific person can ruin your efforts. By targeting specific companies or cities and then gradually narrowing your search, you will be setting yourself up with the best opportunity to find a great new job where you will thrive.

Learn how to get interviews. There are a lot of techniques for generating interviews. Everyone knows the basics: answering ads, using search firms, contacting companies directly, and networking. But what you might not know is that only 10 percent of all jobs are filled through ads and search firms, so it is wise to learn the best methods for contacting companies directly and for networking successfully. A coach can help you develop an effective cover letter and Five O’Clock Club book Shortcut Your Job Search: The Best Ways to Get Meetings will tell you how to make those follow-up phone calls that result in meetings. It may seem like a lot more work than hitting that send button on the Internet, but it results in a much quicker search.

See people two levels higher than you are. When you have the list of companies that you would like to approach in your job search, contact people at your level who work there to find out how well your skills match up. If you discover that your skills do indeed match up, then contact people who are in a position to hire you or recommend that you be hired. If you can talk to as many people within a company as possible, it will help you raise your stock with the HR people there and will help you to be more relaxed when it comes time for an interview.

Follow up, follow up, follow up. After an interview—whether you think it went well or not and whether you think it will lead to a job or not—always follow up with a handwritten note that thanks them for the interview and includes all of your contact information. Stay in contact with the people you’ve interviewed with as much as possible. For example, you might forward a magazine article that you think would be of interest. Not only will you ensure that the person will be thinking about you post-interview, but it will provide you with an opportunity to show them that you are both interested and knowledgeable in your projected field.

If you are turned down for a position, use the opportunity to find out from your interviewer in which areas you should improve. Get as much detail as possible regarding what influenced their decision not to go with you. This information will be invaluable as you continue your search. Following up is a great way to turn a job interview into a job offer, and if you aren’t fortunate enough to do that, you can at least get some great feedback that will help you in your search.

# # #

C. Hand
http://www.articlesbase.com/career-management-articles/from-hunting-to-hired-ten-solutions-for-job-searching-in-a-tight-market-676841.html

Sri Lanka is a beautiful country full of memorable days out and things to do. Some of the best of these are the various sports and activities you can take part in. The lovely climate and great facilities makes a Sri Lanka holiday the ideal time to do some of these:

Canoeing/Kayaking

With its large quantity of rivers, reservoirs and lagoons, luxury Sri Lanka holidays are the ideal time to try some canoeing or kayaking. The pick of places to do this is on the Kalu Ganga, which as well as being interesting to traverse offers the chance to see the rare plants and wildlife which dot the banks. For the more adventurous, white water kayaking offers an adrenalin-soaked alternative – but only for those who can handle bumpy boulders and 700ft waterfalls!

Hiking

If you prefer something a little more sedate and considerably less dangerous on your luxury holiday to Sri Lanka, you can’t beat hiking through the country’s dramatic scenery. Hiking in Sri Lanka can take you all kinds of places – from big cities, to rural communities all the way into the Knuckles Mountain Range. There’s a trail to follow for everyone, from experienced hikers to those who just want to breathe some fresh air and see the sights and walking remains one of the best ways of getting around the country.

Mountain Biking

Speaking of the Knuckles Mountain Range, there’s few places on earth better to take a mountain biking holiday than here. The environment is varied, and with an altitude of 1230 metres, the temperature is warm in the days and cool at night – ideal for cycling. If this sounds a little too challenging, there’s plenty more to see throughout the country’s breathtaking landscapes, and the national cycle trail network has marked out a series of excellent biking routes for all itineraries.

Rock Climbing

Walking and cycling along mountains is one thing, but if you really want a satisfying challenge, then rock climbing is the answer for you. For those who feel fit enough to enjoy it, this really is the best way to enjoy the sights of the Knuckles Mountains. It’s a wonderful combination of exploration, discovery and physical challenge. There can be few places on Earth better for this than on holiday in Sri Lanka.

Scuba Diving

Of course there are some Sri Lanka holiday activities that cannot be done in the mountains, and top of this list comes scuba diving. Sri Lanka’s coast is surrounded by a vast coral reef making the diving exceptional. Just below the surface of the turquoise waters, divers will find a huge selection of varied and colourful coral, shells and fish.

More experienced divers will want to look out for some excellent shipwreck diving just off the coast, giving them the remains of centuries worth of maritime history to explore. For those who have never dived before, you will need to get the qualifications first – but there are a number of Sri Lanka holiday providers who provide full training, and there are also some excellent dive schools in the country that will have you at home in a wetsuit in no time.

Paragliding

Tired of the land or the sea? Why not take to the air, with a spot of paragliding? Sri Lanka’s climate allows for paragliding all year round, and it really does offer the best way to see the country’s amazing natural landscapes. It’s most likely that your paragliding experience will take place over the Makaldeniya ridge which offers a breathtaking view of the vista: an image that you’re certain not to forget until long after your luxury holiday in Sri Lanka has ended.

Ricky Coates
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/staying-active-on-your-sri-lanka-holiday-699308.html

The term “sea fishing tackle” is a general term that covers all equipment used by fishermen when they go fishing at sea.

When we talk about sea fishing tackle, we are actually referring to all the equipment that fishermen use when they go out to the sea to fish. The term “sea fishing tackle” is a rather general term, since it is used on different kinds of fishing gear and equipment.

What exactly are we talking about when we speak of sea fishing tackle? Below is a rundown of what makes up the basic sea fishing tackle that anglers ought to have with them on their fishing trips.

1. Fishing rod and reel. Naturally, the first thing that comes to mind on the topic of sea fishing tackle is the fishing rod and the accompanying reel. This is the most basic item in a fisherman’s gear because one simply cannot fish without it. The rod and the reel can be bought separately from a local tackle store, but they often come as a set. The rods used for saltwater fishing are often six feet long or more.

2. Fishing line. The fishing line is the cord used to reel in the catch. It comes in different strengths or pound-tests. What pound-test fishing line you should buy depends on the kind of fish you are planning to catch and the bait you want to do it with. Typically, the more popular fishing lines have a pound-test of eight to 16.

3. Fishing net. The net is used not to catch the fish but to land them. However, it can be handy for catching bait, such as minnows and frogs.

4. Bait. Baits come in a wide variety of forms and colours. They are either live or artificial. Live bait can be earthworms, minnows, crab or shrimp. Artificial baits are often made of plastic.

5. Hooks. The hooks hold the fish that go for the bait. The size of the hook that you should use depends on the size of the fish you are going for.

6. Bobbers. The bobber is supposed to dangle the bait to the fish and to put a bit more weight to your cast. When it sinks, it means there is a catch at the end of the line.

7. Sinkers. Sinkers add weight to the line to prevent it from floating to the water’s surface. The good ones weigh only a pound and are free from lead.

8. Leaders. Leaders are bits of metal that you attach to your line to protect it from being cut by toothy or sharp-gilled fish.

9. Swivels. Swivels are attached to the line and are sometimes used to hold the bait, the leader and the hook instead of being tied directly to the line. A swivel keeps the line from tangling and makes it easier to remove leaders without cutting the line.

10. Utility knife. A knife is used for a variety of tasks when fishing. They can be used to cut tangled lines, clean fish and making fillets.

11. Tackle box. The tackle box is the container where you store all the small items that make up your sea fishing tackle. It is always best to keep the tackle box organised.

There are a lot of items that make up sea fishing tackle. All these items that are called sea fishing tackle are essential to having a fun and productive time of fishing at sea.

ian nicol
http://www.articlesbase.com/fishing-articles/what-makes-up-the-basic-sea-fishing-tackle-749364.html

My girlfriend and I are planning a trip to Sedona and bringing our dog. Is there any Hiking Trails that are pet/friendly? Which do you recommend? What other activities is there that allow pets?

Trouble with the trails you see to many people so you’d be stuck keeping the dogs on a leash. I run my younger dogs 3 of them down the forest roads 2 or 3 times a day. No need for a leash there. But with all the goofs moving into Arizona I look for that to change in a few years

I’ve been fishing all my life, and enjoy the solitude of it, but haven’t had much luck, unless at a highly stocked private lake.
I would like some how to books on fishing, but don’t know which ones to look at. I’m fishing at lakes in the midwest…for whatever will bite.
Any ideas would great! Something along the lines of Fishing for Dummies, but I haven’t been able to find that one.
Thanks.

Go on line to in-fisherman magazine. They are truly the best multi species magaziine in the business. They offer paperback books that are species specific with all of the techniques, seasons, and baits need to be successful. They list Bass, Crappie, Walleye, Panfish, Northern Pike, plus the salmonoid species.

Many of the stores that I browse and buy at, including Barnes and Noble as well as Half-Price Books, seem to have shrinking chess sections. Am I the only chess-book addict hunting for and securing as many chess books as I can find?
I also frequently peruse Jeremy Silman’s site for his reviews and reviewers– no better feel for a book’s quality than John Watson’s intense critiques. Combined between ebay.com and bookfinder.com, I am able to find good books, but I still occasionally buy at brick and mortar stores because I want them to carry them too. I found a great book, Imagination in Chess, that I would not have known about otherwise in a Brick and Mortar store.

Hello;

I am a big fan of used book stores for getting good chess books … I have found any number of interesting chess books used.

I am not so sure that there are fewer chess books than there used to be … new books (and periodicals) are always being written. The best of the older books are kept in print. So I would guess that the number is increasing.

Best of luck,

Bill

Small game hunting involves pursuing small animals like rabbits, squirrels, and ducks. Since these animals are small, high power weapons are not needed to hunt them. You are better off investing in a weapon that has greater accuracy to be able to target the small game better.

Also, the price of ammunition should be considered, too, since a hunter can take a great number shots in one day.

Under these conditions, a rim-fire rifle would be perfect weapon to use in the small game hunting category. When selecting a rifle, you must consider the following – its fit, sights, weight, its action and caliber. A gun that fits properly will help assure you of getting more accurate shots.

When using a rifle with a stock that is too short, the scope might hit your eyebrow, giving you “scope bite,” while one that is too long could get caught in your armpit if you are wearing a heavy jacket.

A full size stock is better for adult hunters because of its perfect fit. Good balance and stock design is vital for a small game rifle so that it can be handled quickly and readily. When you are small game hunting, most shots are done from a short distance where the animal can possibly detect the hunter, and small animals do not sit still for very long once they sense danger.

It is better to get a light rifle rather than an ultra light one, because ultra light rifles are difficult to keep the balance and make accurate shots. An ideal weight should be about 6 pounds. The rifle’s action can be either repeater or single shot as long as it gives you a more accurate shot. Barrel length also needs to be considered – mostly for balance more than for ballistics. A medium weight barrel of about 20-22 inches in length is ideal.

A perfect small game rifle should have a small action to match its cartridge and a good, solid feel. A rifle with a smooth action is always best with a clean and light trigger pull, which is needed for accuracy. Given the standards of production today, a trigger revamp might be needed for every new rifle.

It is much more important for a small game rifle to be accurate, rather than fancy. There are various different types to choose from: auto-loading, lever, pump, and bolt action repeaters. Among the widely known calibers are the .22 WMR, .17 HMR and .22 LR, from manufacturers such as Anschutz, Ruger, Browning, Kimber, CZ, Winchester, Henry, and Savage, among others.

A quality rim fire rifle deserves to have a quality scope. A fixed power scope of around 4 times or a variable one in the 2 to 7 times range can serve a small game rifle well. Good rim fire scopes are not inexpensive, but are not overly costly either.

A first-rate small game rifle should be:

- as accurate as possible, but not necessarily too powerful. It can be as powerful as .22LR, but no more powerful than .30 Carbine
- light: for carrying ease and fast handling, but not ultra light
- well balanced and able to swing properly
- with a smooth action and a stock that perfectly fits the hunter
- with light and terse trigger pull
- with a scope of good quality and medium power

A superior rifle may be a little too high priced for a amateur hunter but its quality will prove to be rewarding in the long haul.

Steve Searls
http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/small-game-hunting-weapons-rifles-98229.html

Catskill Mountains are New York’s natural area of mature dissected plateau. It is a three-season vacation destination with an elevated region, and is famous for its wilderness.

Catskill Mountains provide a perfect environment for people who seek reflection, challenge, inspiration, creativity and beauty. Majestic landscapes include streams, mountains, rivers, forests and even lodge accommodations for country clubs.

Many different places and lodges have been appreciated by most visitors. Among the best places are as follows:

Mohonk Mountain House

Mohonk is surrounded by forests and winding trails. The house is a rambling Victorian castle with 251 rooms beside deep blue waters of Lake Mohonk. The place is great for outdoor activities.

Emerson Place Lodge

This lodge was formerly known as Lodge at Caskills Corners. It is 20 minutes away from Woodstock, featuring spacious rooms overlooking the Esopus Creek. It is conducive to a romantic trip along with some pampering at their award-winning spa.

Kate’s Lazy Meadow

Kate’s Lazy Meadow is a motel owned by the B-52 host, Kate Pierson. This motel features breathtaking mountain views and a lazy meadow on the banks of the Esopus Creek. Local activities include:

• Cross Country Skiing
• Horseback Riding
• Snowboarding
• Canoeing
• Golf
• Hiking/Biking
• Ice Skating
• Trout Fishing
• Downhill Skiing
• Snowmobiling
• Tubing

Nearby attractions:

- Tibetan Buddhist Monastery
- Hudson Valley Wineries
- Woodstock Art Colony
- Woodbury Common Factory Outlets
- Bradley Field
- Franklin D. Roosevelt Home and Museum
- Hunter, Windham and Belleayre Ski Areas
- Howe Caverns
- Culinary Institute of America
- Saugerties Antique District
- Baseball Hall of Fame
- Historic Kingston

River Run B&B

River Run is a pet-friendly place featuring a classic Victorian mansion. The place is a minute away from splendid snowshoeing and Hiking Trails along the Catskill Forest Preserve. Visitors can do antiquing, snow tubing, horseback riding, fishing and skiing for the best slopes of Belleayre Mountain and Ski Platterkill.

Kutshers Country Club

Kutshers is a resort and country club located along Monticello. The place offers golf, accommodations, dining, fitness center, swimming, outdoor and indoor sports, horseback riding, tennis and kid’s programs.

Scribner Hollow Lodge

Cribner Lodge is located at the breathtaking Northern Catskill peaks. The lodge operates as one of the best Catskill restaurants. It won the Wine Spectator magazine award of excellence. Scribner offers a classic ambience of mountain lodges having world class cuisines and modern amenities. The lodge is an ideal venue for ski enthusiasts.

Places to visit:

Woodstock

Woodstock is a favorite destination for most artists, musicians, adventurers, athletes and writers. It is north of the New Paltz, only an hour ride away. There are many art sceneries to see. There’s also live music and gallery shows.

Other attractions:

• Stone house of Hurley
• Beaverkill Stream fly-fishing
• Belleayre Mountain snowy summit

Catskills Park

Catskills Park is designated at the Catskill Mountain range in New York. It has 98 peaks, encompassing the Delaware, Greene, Sullivan and Ulster counties. The park has many state run campgrounds and 300 miles of all purpose trails. It offers activities mainly for hiking, biking, camping and scenic drives.

Catskill Streams

High quality streams are one of the natural, cultural heritage of the region. The streams provide 1.4 billion of drinking water for its 9 million residents. The three main stream locations are the in stream, the watershed and the streamside community.

Catskills Mainstreams include:

• West Branch Delaware River
• East Branch Delaware River
• Esopus Creek
• Schoharie Creek
• Rondout Creek
• And the Neversink River.

Some of the Catskill historical sites to visit include the:

• Museum at Bethel Woods
• Fort Delaware
• and the Sullivan County Museum

This is while the Apple Pond Farm and Renewable Energy Education Center are the main sites for agri-tourism.

Catskill Mountains are good locations for many outdoor activities. The big and vast land area is suitable for fun activities with nature. Nothing compares to the pristine beauty of its wilderness. Catskill Mountain is truly one of the best sites to enjoy the beauty of nature.

David H. Urmann
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/catskill-new-york-where-to-stay-where-to-go-679095.html