Online exchanging has exploded significantly within the earlier ten years. A stock options dealer ought to make use of a agent for you to get into his or her investment purchases.

While some people don't like to invest in so called "sin stocks," owning shares of tobacco companies could potentially fill an important gap in your investment portfolio. Tobacco stocks are characterized by low P/E ratios and high dividend yields. As a result, many investors seeking a steady stream of income find them to be attractive, especially when interest rates are low. Investing in tobacco stocks is inherently risky, because the companies are exposed to near constant litigation from former smokers seeking damages. While tobacco companies have generally been successful at fighting this litigation, it is a constant source of hesitation for the industry. Additionally, there is uncertainty associated with the future of tobacco companies now that they are regulated by the FDA. At this point, it is unclear if tobacco companies will be forced to further curtail their marketing practices, change ingredients, or drop brand segments all together.

The domestic tobacco industry is mature, and cigarette volumes are declining in the United States and Western Europe. Draconian taxes and smoking bans have made cigarettes less accessible. Marketing restrictions imposed in the 1990's have severely restricted the ability of tobacco companies to reach new customers. Additionally, the public's perception of smoking is more negative than at any time in the past. However, cigarettes are very addictive, and smoking is an extremely difficult habit to quit. Add the fact that smokers tend to be extremely brand loyal, and it becomes clear why this slowly declining industry is still very profitable.

Internationally, cigarette volumes are increasing. Most developing nations lack strict smoking bans like those seen in much of the United States and Western Europe. Smoking in bars, restaurants, and the workplace is still legal in many parts of the world. Combine this with low taxation and it's easy to see why smoking cigarettes is still extremely popular in many countries around the globe. Smoking is also perceived differently in many developing nations than it is in the United States. In America, a smoking habit is often seen as a sign of weakness, while smoking a Marlboro or Camel in a developing nation is frequently considered a status symbol or an affordable luxury.

The long term future for both domestic and international tobacco companies is inherently negative. Increasingly, governments are gaining the political will to pass strict laws taxing and regulating tobacco products. However, as we have seen in the United States and Western Europe, the industry is much more resilient than anyone could have previously thought. Although cigarette volumes are slowly declining by a few percentage points each year in developed markets, the business is still extremely profitable. While tobacco companies know that manufacturing cigarettes may not always be a viable business, the day of reckoning will not come for a very long while.

In the meantime, tobacco companies are increasingly diversifying by developing new tobacco products seen as less harmful than cigarettes. These products, mainly variations of smokeless tobacco, can be used discreetly in places where smoking cigarettes is forbidden. Smokeless products provide the user with a nicotine fix while not upsetting bystanders or impacting the health of others. Analysts estimate that the smokeless tobacco segment will grow by 5% in 2010.

All of the large tobacco companies are publicly traded, meaning that anyone can easily buy their stock through a stockbroker. Domestic companies include Altria Group (MO) Reynolds American (RAI) Lorillard (LO) and Vector Group (VGR). Tobacco companies with international exposure include British American Tobacco ADR (BTI) Imperial Tobacco Group ADR (ITYBY) and Philip Morris International (PM).

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Hover bike: Star Wars technology brought to life (VIDEO) — RT

A hover bike resembling the ones from 'Return of the Jedi' has been developed by a US firm, bringing science fiction to life.

Hover bike: Star Wars technology brought to life (VIDEO) — RT

ABC <b>News</b> Stumbles in Report on Tony Scott&#39;s Suicide - NYTimes.com

Late Monday, ABC backed off an earlier report saying that Tony Scott, the movie director who committed suicide on Sunday, had inoperable brain cancer.

ABC <b>News</b> Stumbles in Report on Tony Scott&#39;s Suicide - NYTimes.com

RT&#39;s &#39;Occupy&#39; coverage nominated for Emmy <b>news</b> award — RT

RT has been nominated for the International Emmy Award in the news category for its coverage of the Occupy Wall Street movement which began in New York last year. RT was one the first channels to thoroughly report about ...

RT&#39;s &#39;Occupy&#39; coverage nominated for Emmy <b>news</b> award — RT

How to make your own home Wheelchair available. Nicely one thing to discover could be the level that you get.

When it became apparent last month that my mom would soon be needing a wheelchair, building a wheelchair ramp for her home was moved to the top of the priority list. Wheelchair ramps come in all shapes and sizes, and many of the ramps one might see in private residences are often built without any regard to the ADA (American Disability Act) guidelines. While it's not necessary to follow these guidelines when building a wheelchair ramp in a private residence, these guidelines can help guide a homeowner as to what is safe and what is not.

If one of your parents will soon be needing a wheelchair ramp, this easy reference guide will help you design a ramp that meets the ADA safety standards as listed in the ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities (www.access-board.gov/adaag).

Slope: According to the standards, the least possible slope should be used for the placement of the wheelchair ramp. While most doors open up onto level sidewalks, in the case of split levels or hillside homes, a little thought needs to be given as to what direction will provide the least slope.

Rise: The rise is the angle of ascent, and the ADA standards are for a slope of 1:12. This means that for every foot of ascent (or descent), the ramp has to be 12 feet long. For a front door that rises 3 feet above grade, the ramp must be 12 x 3, or 36 feet.

While this seems excessive, a shorter rise means that the wheelchair can't be easily pushed up the ramp. It also means that the wheelchair will be more difficult to control on the way down.

Width: The ADA standards for width is 36 inches.

Landings: Wheelchair ramps need a level landing both at the top of the ramp and at the bottom of the ramp. The landing must be at least 60" long, however, if the wheelchair needs to change direction on the landing, the landing must be 60" x 60" which will allow for adequate turning space.

Handrails: Many of the wheelchair ramps I see in my neighborhood don't have handrails. Since I worried about my mom falling off her ramp, we decided that handrails were absolutely essential. According the ADA standards, any ramp that rises for more than 6" above the ground or projects horizontally more than 6 feet should have handrails. Handrails on wheelchair ramps must be on both sides of the ramp, rise between 34-36" above the ramp, and should be continuous. If the ramp is designed with banisters, it's wise to follow the Universal Building Code and space the banisters 4" apart .

Side slope: Side slopes refer to slightly angling the ramp sideways so that water can run off. Side slopes should not be any greater than 1:50.

Edge protection: To prevent the wheels of the wheelchair from rolling off the ramp, edge protection is also important. Edge protection can be either banisters, curbs, or walls.

Will work safely in adverse weather conditions: Instead of building a wheelchair ramp out of the cheapest material possible, think ahead as to how the ramp will hold up in the weather. Wheelchair ramps should be constructed with durable material such as redwood or cedar, and designed so that water isn't able to accumulate on the surface. Water that pools can ruin the wood and create a slippery surface (especially in the winter) that can be a hazard to a person in a wheelchair.

Sources: http://www.access-board.gov/adaag/html/adaag.htm#4.8

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After Tony Scott error, will <b>news</b> orgs now think twice about following <b>...</b>

Standing for journalism, strengthening democracy | Journalism training, media news & how to's.

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Local <b>news</b> sites form new trade association : CJR

Next month, at the annual Block by Block conference for local news sites, around 100 independent publishers will celebrate the launch of a new nonprofit trade group that will offer support for the growing hyperlocal news ...

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Xbox Live Adds NBC <b>News</b>, Bringing Rachel Maddow, Hardball <b>...</b>

Microsoft continues to add content partners for Xbox, pushing the game console into the center of the living room as more of a digital entertainment hub. The latest update, which goes live today, will bring a lot more news ...

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What exactly is the Stock Market? It is a sorted method where by anybody along with everyone can certainly often buy or advertise their own stocks as well as shares

A lot of people are talking about the credit downgrade and the stock market slide over the past couple of weeks. Questions are being asked about the recent events - what will they mean for the markets, for business, and the economy in general.

Well, not a lot of people have an answer to any of those. But it is possible to take a look at some recent news and reports about current hiring statistics to get a better idea of how the job creators feel.

Bloomberg News wrote an interesting article about companies that want to hire in the U.S. but can't find qualified workers. Despite the nine plus unemployment rate, employers are having a hard time locating people with the right skills and experience. Entrepreneurs in particular are saying that talent searches now are as challenging as they've been before recent market conditions.

Crain's also spoke of employment recently and wrote an article about the rise in freelance workers. As businesses continue to move to a contingent workforce, employers find that leveraging freelance talent provides benefits such as increased flexibility and reduced overhead. Though this model could be challenging from a management perspective, the economic efficiencies seem to outweigh any changes that need to be made to Human Resources infrastructure. On the talent side, there also seems to be a shift among professionals across a wide variety of industries, as they build "portfolio" careers from a number of freelance opportunities.

So let's see -- Those businesses that are actively looking to hire full-time employees cannot, while those talented job seekers who could have a full-time job may instead want to freelance? Interesting, confusing -- Yes!

The very best strategy for building a strong team is to invest in identifying good people. And what better way to do that by starting out on a project or short-term basis. If the relationship is successful, you found the folks you will turn to when you're ready to hire full time. Alternatively, perhaps you'll identify your go-to group of freelancers. In either case, it all begins with finding the talent. And of course, that includes interns, who may in fact have the most cutting edge skill set of all.

One great thing about taking a "slow build" approach? It's recession proof. Regardless of the direction of the markets, having great people on speed dial allows you to quickly staff up (in whatever form) at whatever time is right for your business.

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Stocks with lower price/book percentages as well as price/earnings percentages. In times past, worth stocks and shares get enjoyed increased normal profits compared to progress shares (shares along with substantial price/book or P/E ratios) in several nations

It is apparent to anyone watching the stock market, the falling AIG stock price, the potential for the Lehman Barclays deal, and a possibly disastrous AIG bankruptcy, that consumers are afraid to lose what is left of their nest eggs.

In the wake of a tumbling Dow Jones, hushed whispers of a stock market crash and frantic activity at the New York Stock Exchange, Wall Street mavens are calling for the Fed to cut interest rates in a last ditch effort to overcome Bank of America stock prices -- and Merrill Lynch as well as Morgan Stanley stock price doubts -- with a shot in the economic arm.

Stock Market Analysis

Stock market analysts claim to know what ails a floundering Wall Street: the aftermath of the mortgage crisis. USA Today reports that the seemingly unprecedented drop in the stock market is due to the precarious fiscal empires of Lehman Bros, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, Countrywide, and even Merrill Lynch finally toppling.

As the DOW took a 504 point nosedive, other companies are being sucked down the spiral as well. The Street pulls no punches as it details the downgrading of insurer AIG stock prices. Once known as AIG Valic, AIG stock prices join Con Edison, Eli Lilly, and even PG&E stocks; investors are eyeing the Dow Jones and worry about another stock market crash.

The British Are Coming, the British Are Coming!

The news is not all bad, however, since across the pond there are some signs that foreign investors are taking a closer look at America's floundering Wall Street. According to the Associated Press, London's Barclays PLC is making overtures to buy some of the assets Chapter 11 bound Lehman Brothers has for sale. Whether or not advantageous for Lehman, Barclays' interest might inject some much needed capital into the transaction.

As rumors of an AIG bankruptcy send not only its stock prices but also associated industry stocks -- such as the Merrill Lynch stock price and also Morgan Stanley stock price - onto a topsy turvy course, it bears remembering that the much feared New York Stock Exchange Black Monday is not a new occurrence.

A Brief History of Time

As a matter of fact, even recent history shows a cyclical appearance of Black Monday responses to late Friday company press releases and weekend world news. For example, the Black Monday Wall Street jitters that rocked the stock market yesterday occurred in the wake of Lehman Brothers' Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing and also the news that Bank of America had acquired Merrill Lynch.

Take for another example January 21st, 2008. Even as there was no trading on Wall Street itself due to the federal Martin Luther King, Junior holiday observance, stock market movers and shakers were not idle and watched with apprehension the tumbles of India's and also Hong Kong's stock indices.

KPTM Fox 42 quotes the Associated Press account that points to the combination of international fiscal shenanigans and a serious doubt over the Bush Administration's economic stimulus package that led to an investor led run on Wall Street on the next trading day. A scant day later, BBC News reported of a stock market recovery in the wake of an interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve.

The BBC pointed out that even spiraling commodities markets quickly recovered and once again picked up appreciably.

2008 a 1987 in Disguise?

21 years prior to this occurrence, there was another Black Monday that sent the stock market reeling. During the onset of the holiday season on October 19th, 1987, the Dow Jones Industrial Average went down by more than 22%. The Motley Fool put together a stellar account of the year 1987 and a snapshot of the stock market which, at that time, appeared to be plagued by fraud, and empty promises.

Sent over the edge by the 10-19 shelling of the Iranian oil platform located in the Persian Gulf, the Motley Fool concludes that it was not a single event, but instead a series of seemingly only tangentially related incidents that - much akin a slow fuse to a powder keg - finally set off the explosion.

Back to the future, today is not really that different from 21 years ago. A series of unfortunate events, speculation driven transactions, poor planning on the parts of consumers, corporate greed, and a failure to put down the governmental foot a lot sooner on haphazard corporate accountability have brought America's chickens home to roost (maybe this is what Jeremiah Wright was talking about?).

The worst thing you could do right now is place all of your nest eggs into one basket, while the best thing to do is to diversify your investment portfolio, keep a good chunk of cash in an FDIC insured high interest savings account, and then hold on for the ride. If your blood pressure permits, get in on the action and speculate, but you stand a good chance of losing your shirt.

Sources:
http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/banking/2008-09-15-wall-street-meltdown_N.htm
http://www.thestreet.com/story/10437582/1/analysts-upgrades-downgrades-aig.html?puc=googlefi&cm_ven=GOOGLEFI&cm_cat=FREE&cm_ite=NA
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5ju2ZNQJKzPMYpXCucI3pKpp0BWuQD937PCGO0
http://www.kptm.com/Global/story.asp?S=7750403
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7201658.stm
http://www.fool.com/features/1997/sp971017crashanniversary1987timeline.htm

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Stock Market <b>News</b> for August 20, 2012 - Zacks.com

Encouraging earnings results coupled with consumer confidence data and leading indicators drove the markets higher on Friday.

Stock Market <b>News</b> for August 20, 2012 - Zacks.com

<b>News</b> Corp. PR Veteran Jack Horner Jumps to Warner Bros <b>...</b>

Horner will take a senior publicity role at the film studio.

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The Sun says: Kennel killjoys | The Sun |<b>News</b>|Sun Says

The Work and Pensions Secretary is furious that the Labour-loving corporation presented the good news as bad, and made scant mention of how his tough love assault on the workshy is succeeding. What do you expect from ...

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Precisely what is your Currency markets? It truly is a great arranged process exactly where anyone and everyone can easily both invest in or advertise their particular shares as well as stocks

Many people want to get involved in the stock market but they just don't think they can. Blue-chip stocks are too expensive; even mid-cap stocks present barriers due to the several hundred to low number thousands of dollars which would be required to get into the game in any meaningful way. However there is another way! With the low thresholds to entry by many of the online brokers and their low/no-broker fee for a certain number of trades, this barrier is no longer a problem. Particularly if you're interested in the small-cap stock market.

When it's time to get into the small-cap stock market, you should be mindful of some facts. You can't just throw money at the market and hope it sticks; you have to have some kind of an idea about what the company you want to invest in is all about. While you may feel lost to this end, the fact is that you know many of the products and services which are offered from small-cap companies. Even if the companies themselves may be offering specific products that you are unfamiliar with doesn't mean you're out of the game. Quite the contrary as small-cap stocks often end up becoming the large blue-chip names we're all very familiar with. So you should bear that in mind.

What is a good way to getting started with small-cap stocks? Well for the average investor or the risky trader who has money to burn, the situation is quite different. If you're a long-term investor who would just like to put a few hundred dollars to work with the hopes of striking it big, you should probably invest in a company that deals in something that you are familiar with. For example, what do you spend your free time on? Playing video games? Playing with the dog? Playing with infants? All these things could lead you to small-cap companies to find out about what they're offering.

If you find a new company for children who is working with some breakthrough technology, but the stock is still unrecognized that may be a place for you to try your luck. If you are going into the video game sector and you know the game is coming out from a certain manufacturer and their stock is depressed from the lead-in time, then a good thing for you to do is to check out their stock and see if that's something you could trade. If you have a dog or a cat and there is a new pet sitter service company that does something unique for your pet, why not consider that? You can only understand what you are familiar with so you should only invest in things that make sense to you.

Once you have decided it where you are looking to invest your money you should do some research. Find out about the company's history. Find out how long they've been around. Find out who the company is partnering with and find out as much as you can about their prospects for the future. If there are a couple of rumbling voices in the investment community talking about how this stock could be the next big thing, and you can afford to lose all of it, then it can't hurt to put some of your hard earned dollars to work. I want to stress that though; you should not be betting the rent money on some small cap start up; even if it's poised for success. It may break out and make you a mint, but probably not in the time frame you need necessarily. And that's the point; if this is your survival money you should not risk it because you could lose it all.

However if you've got some discretionary income that you'd just drink away at the bar or tuck away into a low-interest savings account, why not drink at home and put that money to work in some small cap stock? Who knows, you could look away from your account for a few months and come to find that your stock has made you a tidy profit!

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Darrell Issa to Sue Eric Holder Monday : Roll Call <b>News</b>

House Oversight and Government Reform Chairman Darrell Issa plans to sue Attorney General Eric Holder on Monday for refusing to provide documents related to the Fast and Furious gun-smuggling operation.

Darrell Issa to Sue Eric Holder Monday : Roll Call <b>News</b>

<b>News</b> Quiz | August 13, 2012 - NYTimes.com

This post has been revised to reflect the following correction: Correction: August 13, 2012. In an earlier version of this quiz, question two read "Judges say problems in credit card companies' lawsuits against delinquent ...

<b>News</b> Quiz | August 13, 2012 - NYTimes.com

Guns N&#39; Roses to Take Over Las Vegas With &#39;Appetite for <b>...</b>

Guns N&#39; Roses have announced their impending takeover of the Joint at Las Vegas&#39; Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in October for a 12-date Appetite for Demo.

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How Critical Would be the Stock options trading Method With Investment decision?

If you are a beginner, before you start trading stock, ask yourself what your investment goals are.
Are you investing for income, growth or immediate profits?

If you are investing for income, you want a secure company in a solid industry. The stocks listed in the S & P 500 are a good place to start.Look for companies that produce consumables that people use year after year. Income producing stocks pay dividends. Dividends can be thought of like interest on a bank account. You are generally paid quarterly and the amount you receive corresponds to the number of shares you own. With these types of stocks, you buy and hold them for many years. The price generally stays steady. Income stocks are easy to find as all companies list dividends paid in their annual reports. Although all investments have an element of risk, for the beginner stock trader, income stocks can be considered less risky.

When you invest in a growth stock, you expect to see an increase in the price of the stock over time. It is rare for a growth stock to pay dividends. Growth stock investing can pay off with huge profits in the long run but, generally, has much more price fluctuation. Patience is needed to see your investment increase in value. To find growth stocks, look to industries that are undergoing change. The technology sector has had tremendous growth and has produced some huge stock winners.

If you are investing for immediate profits, you will be buying and holding your stock for short periods of time. Mostly less than one year and in the case of "Day Traders" only a matter of hours or even minutes. You need to do a lot of research, know the industries, know the companies and time your purchases and liquidations precisely. This type of trading depends on the volatility of the stock. Although the profits can be huge, the risk is high and not a type of stock trading for beginners.

Investing in the stock market doesn't have to be complicated. Find a strategy for stock investing and stick to it. Your strategy should fit your lifestyle. Do you want to spend everyday watching the market on your computer or do you want to "set it and forget it?" How much risk are you willing to tolerate? Will you break out in hives if the price of your stock dips by 5%? What about 25%? By determining your investment goals and your tolerance for risk even a beginner can succeed at stock trading.

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Easy Methods To Work With An Handicap Ramps Company: Simple And Easy Steps To Create Your Life Easier

Visiting Yosemite National Park is a favorite vacation destination for many . With the famous Yosemite view of Half Dome and the cascading Yosemite waterfalls dominating most park pictorials, these Yosemite mountain and water icons beckon photographers, naturalists, hikers, and anyone else with a love of nature to visit its natural splendor.

Many people who go here often choose to stay in Yosemite for several days in order to explore all the park has to offer. Without planning far in advance, lodging inside the park can prove difficult. There are many lodging choices outside the park, however. One of these places is Yosemite Lakes Thousand Trails Campground near Groveland, California.

According to Yosemite Lakes website, "Yosemite Lakes has welcomed campers since the 1920s...located only 5 miles from the West Gate of Yosemite National Park." Amenities listed include: Adult Center, Basketball Court, Beach, Country Store, Family Center, Fish Cleaning Stations, Hiking Trails, Horseshoe Pits, Lake, Laundry Facilities, Mini-Golf, Ping-Pong, Playground, Pool Table, Shuffleboard, TV Room, Volleyball Court, Wi-Fi Access." They offer sites for RV camping with hook-ups and several types of cabins, Yurts, and Tent sites.

You need to buy a Thousand Trails membership in order to stay here and, as a member, you are able to have guests stay with you in a limited capacity. Yearly membership starts at just under $500 and up.

Visiting the Yosemite Lakes Thousand Trails website, or the Thousand Trails Campground main website paints Yosemite Lakes as the perfect place to stay for visitors to Yosemite. During a recent three-day visit I had to opportunity to check out exactly what a guest might expect.

I chose one of the air-cooled TT Cabins for $105 nightly (one of 10 available)--with temperatures often soaring over 100 in the summer, it is highly recommended to choose a unit with air. The TT cabin is very small-about 150 sq. ft. of living space. This includes a small table set against the wall, with 4 chairs (unlikely you could fit 4 people around the table), a futon style couch that makes into a double bed, a bathroom with shower, kitchen area, and a bedroom with a queen bed.

There are several steps to climb to get to the front door and a porch where there is enough room for 2 chairs. One unit is equipped with a handicap ramp. Parking is conveniently located right in front of each unit. There is a ceiling fan in the living room and one in the bedroom for added air circulation.

The kitchen was equipped with table settings for four, a refrigerator/freezer, microwave, small coffee maker, toaster, pot and skillet, one mixing bowl, dish washing soap, and a few kitchen utensils. The bathroom was stocked with a small bar of soap, 2 towels, 2 hand towels and 2 washcloths. Each unit had cable TV but the system is tricky to operate. When you arrive be prepared to make your own beds (you will receive a plastic bucket with linens). When you leave you need to strip your beds and remove all trash.

The grounds are located near a river stocked often with brown trout making the potential for catching small fish possible. There is a fish cleaning station near the TT cabins and river access. The river bottom is deep mud in this area. There is also an area of the river behind the lodge that is accessible for wading if you are able to navigate rather short, but steep embankments down to the water.

The water in this area is clearer and more appealing than near the cabins. At one time, this was the site for the lake where they offered life jacket rentals, small boat rentals, and a beach for swimming-it is now long gone however. Only the dock remains on dry land as a reminder of why this campground may have originally been called "Yosemite Lakes".

Getting to Yosemite National Park took longer than expected. West Yosemite gate is about 5 miles from Yosemite Lakes Campground, but it took an hour to arrive at the entrance due to the stop-and-go backed up summer traffic on a very narrow, winding 2-lane mountain road (hwy 120). Yosemite valley was still another 24 miles after the gate.

The Yosemite Lakes Campgrounds offers a mix of pros and cons. While the TT cabins would be incredibly cramped with more than 2 people, they are charming with a "woodsie" feel. The river is beautiful and relatively gentle making wading refreshing on a hot day. The surrounding woods are gorgeous with birds and other wildlife (including snakes).

The staff onsite at Yosemite Lakes Thousand Trails were also a mix of pros and cons-from helpful and friendly, confused and incapable, to hostile and unfriendly-- depending on whom I talked to. Several occupants at Yosemite Lakes reported many disappointing situations to me in my interviews:

--Two units had ant infestations.

--You are only allowed 1 room key and if you lose it there is a $50 fine

--One unit had a broken AC (although the management rented it to them without letting them know or compensating them during weather of 97+ degrees).

--Several issues came up with reservation confirmations for a large party there as the staff apparently was confused about their own booking system. This party was led to believe that there were several amenities for groups that ended up not being available. This party reportedly spent more than $3,000 on their accommodations.

--Upon calling about my own reservation, the staff member was friendly, but unable to offer accurate information on what a TT cabin contained or what size of bed it had. There was no information on their local website about the cabin at the time.

--One person was threatened by security with a $500 fine for having a "covered, approved fire" because it was higher than 18 inches. This group was told they were not allowed to have any more fires by security.

--A person was threatened by security with a fine for hanging a piñata between 2 cabin decks, 4 feet off the ground for 4 year olds who were celebrating (their party occupied both cabins).

--Several campers claimed the staff was rigid, rude and unhelpful.

--One man went to the small store on site and was told to "hurry up and get what you need we are closing" by the male store clerk

--One man was yelled at for going about 7MPH in a 5MPH area

--Trash receptacles were locked up with trashed piled outside. Maintenance had to be tracked down to unlock

--Most of the main buildings had peeling paint and old, worn accoutrements

--WiFi was only available at the lodge, not in the individual units or sites

--Gas was $3.99 a gallon and only $3.19 in Groveland just down the highway.

--The store on the property closed each day (weekend) at 4:00pm

--The miniature golf was void of anything except sun bleached astroturf and holes

--No prepared food is available on site (the restaurant is gone)

--If you stay here in your RV, be prepared to park in very tight spaces

--RV parking spaces are packed tight offering a clear view into your neighbors RV

After interviewing several guests and having experienced an un-welcomed feeling myself, my opinion about Yosemite Lakes Thousand Trails Campground is that it has lost much of its original charm. The facility has lots of potential, however, overall I was very disappointed with what you are led to believe from the website, versus what you get when you arrive. I wanted to love this place...but I couldn't, therefore I cannot recommend it.

I would recommend checking out other possibilities in the area when visiting Yosemite, rather than choosing Yosemite Lakes Thousand Trails Campground (Thousand Trails/NACO camping).

Sources:
Yosemite Lakes Contact information:
(209) 962-0121
31191 Hardin Flat Rd., Groveland, CA 95321
Thousand Trails, NACO, Leisure Time, Outdoor World,
Mid-Atlantic Resorts and Equity Lifestyle Properties, Inc.
http://stayatyosemite.com/
https://www.thousandtrails.com/zonecampingpass/index.aspx
Photogirlstudio.com

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION:
The Contributor has no connection to nor was paid by the brand or product described in this content.

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Ark Park <b>news</b> – Pharyngula

Ken Ham's boondoggle in Kentucky is still mired in sluggish fundraising, but he still believes they'll be open in 2014…only now with an incomplete park. They're now talking about building it up gradually over a decade, ...

Ark Park <b>news</b> – Pharyngula

The Daily Lays Off a Third of Its Staff - AllThingsD

News Corp. officials have publicly defended The Daily, which News Corp. CEO Rupert Murdoch thought would serve as a template for newspapers' transition to the tablet era. Murdoch's team worked closely with Apple and its ...

The Daily Lays Off a Third of Its Staff - AllThingsD

Obama Gets Good <b>News</b> In Swing States, Leads In Florida, Ohio <b>...</b>

WASHINGTON -- New polls in three critical battleground states provide good news for President Barack Obama, as all three show him leading presumptive Republican nominee Mitt Romney by statistically significant margins.

Obama Gets Good <b>News</b> In Swing States, Leads In Florida, Ohio <b>...</b>