London, UK (PRWEB) December 13, 2008

Smythson is the ultimate destination for perfect presents this Christmas. From luxurious leather-bound diaries and notebooks to statement jewellery cabinets and men’s dressing boxes, as well as our signature travel accessories and must-have handbags, there really is something for everyone.

We have a range of exciting collections to choose from, including timeless Brown Mara for him and for her, classically luxurious Red Viana and fresh and feminine Lilac. Our two new collections for Autumn/Winter; vibrant Mustard and decadent Raspberry comprise a mix of purses, travel, beauty, jewellery, diaries and writing accessories.

As always, all Smythson purchases are individually gift wrapped in signature Nile Blue boxes lined in tissue paper and tied with grosgrain ribbon, for the ultimate finishing touch.

And for those of us who are watching the pennies this Christmas, Smythson also offer a range of beautifully made products that won’t break the bank, from signature Smythson leather-bound notebooks to fun and quirky hand-milled motif correspondence cards, not forgetting a selection of card cases, jotters, mini photo frames and key rings, all priced from under £100. And from just £27, the iconic Smythson Panama Diary is a little piece of luxury that you can carry with you every day of the year.

Established in 1887, Smythson are proud to be one of the world’s foremost luxury British brands, renowned for an innovative range of luxury leather goods, as well as an unrivalled range of bespoke and ready-to-write stationery. Following a history of over 120 years of innovation and design, Smythson continue to develop a host of new and exciting collections, drawing inspiration from both archive pieces and the latest trends.

###

Panama City, FL (PRWEB) December 3, 2005

Mitch Townley of Knoxville, TN collaborated with Alison and Rich Stevens of Nolensvile, TN to grab the top honor in the Christian Songwriter’s Network (CSN) Christmas songwriting challenge. Your can listen to their touching entry, “Empty Christmas” at Mitch’s website:

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=145719


or at Alison’s:

http://www.indieheaven.com/view_artist.idh?artist_id=1009

Mitch is the Children’s Pastor at West Hills Presbyterian PCA in Knoxville and has been writing songs for 10 years. Alison and Rich have become more “serious” about their songwriting just in the past 5 years. They are former youth pastors and worship leaders and currently serve on the worship team at Ecclesia Franklin, in Franklin,TN.

The final judge in the Christmas challenge, Guy Zabka (who has had many of his songs recorded by Kenny Rogers, Kristy Starling, Natalie Grant and Brian Littrell from the Backstreet Boys), co-creator of the popular “A Songwriter’s Experience,” DVD (www.songexp.com) said, “Great song. Great lyrics and melody. You really capture the emotion of how the singer is really feeling. Most songs fall apart lyrically in the second verse (in the development stage), … and you really kept it fresh.”

James Moore, Christian songwriter and owner/operator of the Christian Songwriter’s Network site ( http://ChristianSongwriters.org ) said, “the production quality and originality of “Empty Christmas” is way up there.

The Christian Songwriter’s Network (CSN) is an online community of amateur and professional Christian songwriters that strives to teach and hone the art of songcrafting. CSN has several songwriting challenges a year and invites Christian Songwriters worldwide to come and join the free fun and fellowship.

###

When gold was found on his land, John Sutter wanted to keep it quiet, but rumours spread slowly at first. They were fanned by Samuel Brannan, merchant and newspaper publisher. After setting up a store to sell prospecting supplies, Brannan went through the streets of San Francisco holding aloft a vial of gold, shouting “Gold! Gold! Gold from the American River!” He printed special editions of newspapers and put them on the mule train bound for St Louis. He knew that it would take 3 months to get there and that gave him plenty of time to stock up on supplies. The rumours spread, not only through America and but also the world. In August 1848 the New York Herald reported a gold rush in California, by December the President had confirmed it to Congress.

It’s hard to conceive the effect that the news had on the American nation. Everywhere you went people talked of only one thing, “The Gold Rush”. Was it true? How could you get there? When were you going?

Quite literally gold fever gripped the country. But 150 years ago, California was like the end of the Earth. The quickest way from New York was by sea, past the Caribbean, down the Atlantic coast of South America, round Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire) and the mountainous seas of the feared Southern ocean, then north, crossing the equator again, on to San Francisco. The journey would take at least 5 – 8 months. Another route was down to Panama, through the jungle and then wait for a ship going north. 5,000 mile overland routes were pioneered, opening up routes through the Rockies, west of the Great Plains.

It is estimated that 300,000 people made the epic journey in search of riches. San Francisco had a population of around 1,000 people in 1848. By 1850 it had risen to 25,000. It went from shanty town to ghost town to boom town. This tiny hamlet soon had hundreds of ships tied up, abandoned by their crews as soon as they docked, joining the rush for gold. Among the first were those from Hawaii, Peru, Chile, China, Australia and Europe. People came from all over the world to earn fantastic sums of money. They could earn more in 6 months they could in 6 years back home.

It has been estimated that over 350 tonnes of gold were excavated in the gold rush, worth over billion at today’s prices. Some of this was paid to ships captains for their cargos, some immigrants sent their “diggings” back home boosting the economies of home nations.

The effect of the gold rush was immense. It opened up America, California became home for many immigrants and transport links were developed. The Transcontinental Railway, spanning America, was completed in 1869, financed in part by Gold Rush money. A journey that took months could now be done in days.

Why does this excite me so?

Because I believe that we are about to experience our own Gold Rush. Findel have publicised our opportunity and filled a store full of prospecting equipment. There are exciting opportunities to earn more money than ever before in a shorter space of time. I believe that people everywhere will start whispering “Is it true? Can you earn that much money? How do we get started? Where do I go?”

Those who are prepared to get out there and start prospecting will be rewarded with abundance. We are on the threshold of more retail, more sales, more prospects, more sponsoring than any time ever before. If ever there was a time to be in Kleeneze now is it.

The first 9 months of the year have been described by Mike Bibby as wading through treacle. From now to Christmas is the time to reap the harvest. I have always thought of this as relaxing, earning a royalty on all that effort put in during the early part of the year.

Not this time. I have learned the fierce urgency of NOW!

Now is not the time to relax, rest and reap the rewards of early endeavours.

Now is the time to sell more than ever

Now is the time to earn more than ever

Now is the time to proclaim our opportunity

Now is the time to shout GOLD! GOLD! There’s Gold to be had in this business.

St. Andrews Bay sets the stage for a magical celebration at sea during the 22nd Annual Boat Parade of Lights in Panama City Beach, Fla.

Panama City Beach, Fla. (PRWEB) November 4, 2008

Celebrate the season with a bounce and a bang at the Pier Park New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop in Panama City Beach, Fla. This first annual event rings in the New Year with larger-than-life festivities, including a spectacular fireworks display, amidst dazzling beaches and holiday lights.

It’s just one of the singular treats that promise to transform this destination known for its snow-white sand beaches and glistening emerald green waters into a winter wonderland by the sea. With shopping extravaganzas, boat parade of lights, horse-drawn carriage rides, Great Russian Nutcracker ballet and traditional tree lighting ceremony, Panama City Beach presents a kaleidoscope of holiday delights. Making sure no family member is left out of the merriment, pets can also enjoy a visit with Santa to have their photo taken. For beach lovers dreaming of a white-sand Christmas, here’s the lineup.

Holly Fair – Fri. – Sun., Nov. 7 – 9

Location: Boardwalk Beach Resort & Conference Center, 9450 Thomas Dr.

The season kicks off with the 20th annual Holly Fair. This four-day, shopping extravaganza showcases unique gifts from more than 75 merchants across the country. Voted “Best of the Bay,” the event offers something for every member of the family, from Christmas carols and decorations to incredible edibles and handcrafted gifts. As the Junior Service League’s signature fundraiser, Holly Fair draws 13,000 visitors annually. For more information, visit http://www.jslpanamacity.org or call 850-785-7870.

Pier Park Holiday Display – Nov. 7 – early Jan.

Location: Pier Park, 600 Pier Park Dr.

For more shopping, Pier Park shines with stores, eateries and thousands of ornaments and lights. Spanning nearly 1 million square feet, Pier Park is Northwest Florida’s largest shopping, dining and entertainment venue, housing local boutiques and popular national chains. Find the perfect gift and savor the food, music, warmth and cheer, while strolling through shops adorned with red ribbons, wreaths and festive décor. Families can enjoy special holiday activities like the first annual Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, held Nov. 28, and children can visit Santa’s house to meet Mr. Claus himself, Nov. 15 – Dec. 24. Ensuring the whole family is included in the festivities, pets will have the chance to meet and take a picture with Santa too, available only on Dec. 6 and 13. For more information, visit http://www.simon.com or call 850-236-9979.

2008 Panama City Christmas Parade – Sat. Dec. 6th

Location: Downtown Panama City

Historic downtown Panama City welcomes the holiday season with a parade of more than 130 festive floats, marching bands, car and motorcycle clubs, equestrian groups and live musical ensembles provide an annual holiday spectacular not to be missed. For more information, go to http://www.pcjaycees.org or call 850-763-8282.

Plus, every Friday evening, Nov. 28 through Dec. 19th, the merchants of Panama City get into the spirit of the season with Home for the Holidays, turning downtown into a winter wonderland. Swoon over sweet scents of gingerbread cookies and hot cocoa, while shopping and strolling down streets lined with wreaths, mistletoes and lights. This classic holiday celebration features horse-drawn carriage rides including guided narration from the Historic Preservation Society sleigh bells, carolers and guest appearances by Santa and Mrs Claus. For more information call 850-785-2554.

Panama City Beach Tree Lighting Ceremony – Mon., Dec 1

Location: Frank Brown Park, 16200 Panama City Beach Pkwy.

Take part in one of Panama City Beach’s historic and time-honored holiday traditions. Join Mayor Gayle Oberst as she officially rings in the season with a switch of the lights to the Grand Christmas Tree, resplendent with ornaments and lights. Families can also enjoy carols by local school children, while feasting on Christmas cookies, cocoa and other treats provided by local church groups and community clubs. For more information, go to visitpanamacitybeach.com or call 850-233-5045.

22nd Annual Boat Parade of Lights – Sat., Dec. 13

Location: St. Andrews Yacht Club, 218 Bunkers Cove Rd.

For more than two decades, this Florida festival of lights has spotlighted boats of all sizes dressed in their holiday best. The Boat Parade of Lights sets sail, 5:30 p.m., from St. Andrews Yacht Club to cruise past historic Panama City Marina, where judges and thousands of spectators gather to catch a glimpse of the magnificent light displays at sea. The parade concludes at St Andrews Marina. For more information, go to http://www.historicstandrews.com or call 850-872-7208.

Christmas at the Beach Parade – Sat., Dec. 13

Location: Pier Park, 600 Pier Park Dr.

Enjoy Panama City Beach’s annual holiday parade along the beach. Festive floats mixed with holiday music performed by local bands are just part of the show. Presented by the Optimist Club, this parade will travel through Pier Park. Floats, bands, dance teams, community organizations and of course Santa will help ring in the holiday season. For more information visit visitpanamacitybeach.com or call 850-234-0854.

Great Russian Nutcracker – Sat., Dec. 27

Location: Marina Civic Center, Panama City

The Moscow Ballet brings its signature production – the Great Russian Nutcracker – to Panama City Beach. With its enchanting sets and lavish costumes, the Great Russian Nutcracker is a visual delight. Imaginative storytelling and the incredible grace of Russian classical ballet add to the magic. For more information visit http://www.marinaciviccenter.com or call 850-763-4696.

New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Bash – Wed., Dec. 31

Location: Pier Park, 600 Pier Park Dr.

The Beach Ball Drop is the first of what promises to become an annual tradition at Pier Park, Northwest Florida’s largest shopping, dining and entertainment venue. Festivities begin with activities for the entire family, 6:30 – 9:00 p.m., including music, food and a spectacular fireworks display. The New Year’s Countdown begins at 9:00 p.m. – till the New Year! For more information, go to visitpanamacitybeach.com or call 850-233-5070.

About Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach boasts 27 miles of sugar-white sand beaches bordering the clear, emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrews Bay. The Northwest Florida community is home to St. Andrew’s State Park, a Top Two beach on the 2008 TripAdvisor list of America’s best beaches. Panama City Beach also enjoys recognition as a premier beach destination by Condé Nast Traveler, The Travel Channel, USA Today, Southern Living, Dr. Beach and the Clean Beaches Council. Family attractions, championship golf courses, sporting events, award-winning dining, predictably sunny weather and a vast number of recreational activities draw visitors to this seaside community. For more information, call 1-800-PCBEACH (850-233-6503) or check out the official Web site of the Panama City Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau, visitpanamacitybeach.com.

# # #

Initially it seemed like the kind of story designed to whet the festive appetite for heart warming fare. Then increasingly it looked like a stunningly bold (and ill executed) stab at life insurance fraud. When John Darwin reappeared just before Christmas five years after his supposed demise in a canoeing accident he claimed he could not remember anything.

In the media, his wife expressed her relief at this turn of events and that looked to be the happy (if mysterious) conclusion to the matter. However, things got complicated when a photograph emerged of the couple together two years after Darwin’s death. The photo showed them smiling broadly in an apartment in Panama (the estate agent was also in the shot). The place was purchased with proceeds from Mr Darwin’s life insurance policy. After her complicity was brought to light Mrs Darwin was quickly arrested.

However, the police themselves emerged from the affair with little credit. Scarcely a year had gone by and the police declared there were no suspicious circumstances connected with the “death”. This conclusion was the basis for the

life insurance provider to pay out. However, normally the police would only declare a missing person dead after an absence of seven years. This oversight allowed the Darwins to progress the deception quicker than they might have expected.

Subsequently, and in part due to all the publicity generated by this case, life insurance providers have tightened up their anti-fraud procedures. This can give the customer peace of mind. There is really a lot to recommend

life insurance for those looking to secure the financial futures of loved ones (or business partners) in the event of their death. Insurance pay outs can be designed to redeem outstanding home loans, replace a lost source of income, cover childcare expenses and, needless to say, the cost of a funeral. Seen this way, the real benefits of the policy do justify the burden of the monthly premium.

10.4.08

Palm City, Fla. (PRWEB) December 9, 2008

Celebrate the holidays in Florida with snow, ice, a freshly cut Christmas tree and the worlds largest Christmas Theme Park. There are hundreds of holiday events in Florida from Panama City to Key West and everywhere in between all designed to spread the holiday spirit.

The team at InsideFlorida.com put together a list of they’re favorite holiday events in Florida. The highlights include Ice Carvings in Orlando, Sleigh Rides in St Augustine, and the world largest Christmas Theme Park in Miami.

Also highlighted are 23 Florida tree farms, including the farm that supplied the state’s Christmas tree to the Governor in Tallahassee. At these Florida Christmas Tree Farms customers can select and cut down a Christmas tree, get a potted tree, and pick strawberries.

Two Million Pounds of Ice in Orlando

A team of 40 artisans from Harbin China spent over a month transforming two million pounds of ice into Santa’s Arctic Blast. The entire display is interactive. As visitors enter the room, which is kept at 9 degrees Fahrenheit, they are given a hooded winter coat and can walk through the candy house, slide down the slide, and see Santa himself, all carved out of ice.

Winter Wonderland in St Augustine

Outdoor ice skating is rare in Florida but this holiday season Floridians and visitors can skate on the ice in St Augustine. The Winter Wonderland has ice skating, sleigh rides, visits from Santa, an Elf Village, a 20 foot high – 100 foot long ice slide, and a 30 minute show in the St Augustine Amphitheater about the joy of giving.

Christmas in Miami

Miami is home to Santa’s Enchanted Forest and has a 92 foot Christmas tree, 3 million Christmas lights, a petting zoo, dozens of rides, and tons of food.

Other favorites include Milk and Cookies with Santa at the Jacksonville Zoo, a Holiday Cruise and Dinner at Wakulla Springs, and a New Years Eve Party just for kids at Longwood Park in Sarasota.

The Smell of Pine, Cedar and Cypress

Florida Farms produce over 200,000 trees each Christmas season. The natural trees smell great, can be recycled into mulch, and each acre of trees produces enough oxygen for 18 people. They also look great. InsideFlorida.com encourages everyone to Support a Florida farmer and visit one of the 23 Florida Christmas Tree Farms highlighted on InsideFlorida.com.

###