TifttonInfo

It's that time of year again folks, and if you live in Georgia, that means another wait for your tax refund check from the Georgia Department of Revenue. As a former "insider" I am frequently asked, "How can I get in touch with a live person at the Georgia Department of Revenue?" If you happen to be one of the several hundred thousand individual taxpayers calling about a tax refund for this, or any prior year, it's not that easy to actually get a live person. But, it can be done. Here's how: • File electronically. Statistically, you have a better shot at getting your refund faster if you file electronically, and especially if you elect for direct deposit. • If you haven't received your refund...

Many Atlanta people want to believe that a home invasion or burglary will not happen to them.  But as an expert in the security industry and Founder of Global Security Experts, I can tell you firsthand that criminals don't discriminate.  No matter if you're white, black, male, female, wealthy, or poor, you and your loved ones could be the next victims of a burglary or violent intrusion.  Few events are as scary and potentially fatal as an intrusive Atlanta home invasion or robbery. Though the daily risk of these crimes upon citizens and their dwellings is not typically tracked, news headlines tell the true story—vicious home attacks are now, sadly, part of our everyday lives.  Because...

It can be very beneficial if you are going to look for repossessed cars for sale in Georgia especially if you are looking for automobiles that are both affordable and functional. As a matter of fact, even those who came from the other parts of the United States go to this state just so they can attend some auto auction sites that feature these kinds of vehicles. So if you are really interested, then this is certainly an option that you should learn more about. One of the main reasons why a lot of people look for repossessed cars for sale in Georgia is because they are very affordable. If you are going to estimate, most of them are priced about 80 percent down their original market value. However...

The online Georgia payday loan industry has grown to a phenomenal multibillion dollar worth in the recent years, despite the stringent lending acts imposed by the State government! Relative to other loans, an online cash loan can be availed very easily, without any credit check required for approval. All you need is a steady job, that you must have held for the last 3 months at least, and an active checking account with a bank. And you are all set to get your very own cash advance. What Is A Payday Cash Advance Loan? A quick cash loan is a short amount of money that you can borrow against your next paycheck, to take care of emergency needs, like medical bills, school fees, any unforeseen repair work...

div class="googleright"> Being sued can throw sensible people into a panic. A lawsuit is an adversarial process that looks a lot like a very polite fight, and the sums of money at stake can be high. You might feel angry or betrayed by the plaintiff and want to take immediate action. But if you’re being sued, there's no need to panic -- you won’t necessarily end up in debt or in years of nasty litigation. If you’re worried, take some time to learn about your case and your rights. Understand Your Lawsuit If you’re being sued, the chances are that you’ve already tried and failed to resolve the dispute informally. But your first formal notice that you’re being sued in...

You need to know how to apply and obtain a marriage license in the state of Georgia. Well if you are not prepared you might be sorry. So below I have listed the most recent and up to date marriage license laws and regulations in the state of Georgia. You will need two valid forms of identification such as a driver license, social security card, birth certificate, state identification card, pass port or military ID. You do not have to reside in the state of Georgia to apply or obtain a marriage license. Although if you are not a resident you must apply for the marriage license in the county that the marriage is taking place. *Under House Bill 378, a "qualifying premarital education program" shall...

Woodstock is a wonderful place in the state of Georgia to look for homes as it can be the prefect setting for having a dream home. The city is located just outside Atlanta in the northern portion of the state. Today, Woodstock is counted to be the tenth fastest growing suburb in the entire country. If you are searching homes for sale Atlanta area, Woodstock can be a good choice. The city comes with a range of affordable properties for you to take your pick from. You will find homes in this city with acreage, pretty subdivisions and master planned communities. You can search the Internet for a listing of the homes available for sale in Woodstock. Woodstock Georgia real estate is perfect for small...

Georgia offers one of the best places to live in the United States of America. It is small wonder then that the Georgia Real Estate market has seen a lot of activity in recent times. With a lot of people looking to move into Georgia, or relocating to a better home within the state, there has been a steady amount of sales going on in most of the popular real estate hubs in the state. The capital city of Atlanta Georgia has always been amongst the top metropolitan areas in which to live in the United States. It routinely features in ranking lists for the various polls and surveys conducted to gauge the very best places to live in the country. Atlanta forms a major part of Georgia real estate market...

If you're looking for a great real estate opportunity, consider land for sale in Georgia. Located in the Southern United States, Georgia has managed to pique the interest of land prospectors with a variety of tastes. With lots and land for sale in the hustle and bustle of the city or private parcels next to the woodlands, Georgia has it all. Types of Land for Sale in Georgia If you're interested in farming or ranching opportunities, looking for Georgia lots and land for sale can be a smart choice. The state has a long history as one of the top farming locations in the U.S. Georgia is a key producer of rye, tobacco, peanuts, peaches and pecans and has plenty of fertile land for sale. Other important...

Chiropractic schools in Georgia are open to all qualified people interested in learning how to provide good, holistic healthcare. Chiropractic is an ancient healing art that is based on the idea that the body can maintain and restore its health naturally. Consumers today want more ways to achieve natural health and wellness, and Georgia chiropractic schools offer chiropractic training to answer the call for well-educated chiropractors. Chiropractic schools teach aspiring chiropractors to diagnose and treat patients with spinal and other skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems complaints. Natural healers believe that any interference with these systems impairs normal functions and impacts the nervous...

When a plaintiff settles an ongoing case for a large sum of money, the plaintiff's attorney, the defendant or the financial advisor who has been a part of the proceedings might propose installments over payment of a lump sum. Settlements, which are paid in installments, are known as structured settlements. Based on your needs, you can choose to receive these settlements, or sell a part or the the annual payments in whole. Although there are laws in two-thirds of the states in the U.S. to restrict the sale of structured settlements, according to the Georgia Structured Settlements law, you can trade annuity payments for upfront cash. According to the Statute and Bill # O.C.G.A. § 51-12-71 (GA H.B...

The occurrence of crime in every state nowadays doesn't seem to cease at all. In the state of Georgia, it is highly advisable that people gather information regarding Georgia Arrest Records. It is through this file that anyone will know about every necessary detail regarding someone who has been imprisoned or sentenced to jail no matter how long it was. Policemen usually create this type of report, but it also has to be considered that some of the things that it contains are not realistic at all. Various states have their own jurisdiction in terms of the treatment and use of these documents. Depending on the nature of a particular crime and sentencing, an arresting criminal record can actually be...

Six Flags White Water is an amazing park in Atlanta. It opened in 1999 and has since become a top tourist attraction in the Southeast. Prior to being owned by Six Flags, it was originally known as White Water Atlanta. It has been remodeled and expanded with amazing rides and features, and families all across the US enjoy traveling to Atlanta just to spend a day at this park. Discount tickets are available online for those who prefer making reservations ahead of time on the internet. One of the most fun attractions is the Whitewater Lagoon, and young children enjoy spending a lot of time swimming there and going on the rides! Some of the Whitewater Lagoon rides and slides include: Lizard's Tail...

Determining the custody of your children in the state of Georgia just became a little more cumbersome for divorcing parents. As of January 2008, children age 14 or older of divorcing parents can no longer determine which parent they want to live with. In further attempt by the court to foster a cooperative relationship between the parents after divorce, it is now mandated by Georgia state divorce law that parents of minor children in every divorce case must submit a detailed parenting plan to the Georgia family court for approval. There are specific requirements to the content of the child custody parenting plan in Georgia which include which of the parents will retain physical custody of the child...

Nestled in a thickly wooded area twelve miles south of Athens, Georgia, you will find a small, family run RV Park that provides all the basics and quite a few surprises. We had a heavily shaded, level, gravel lot overlooking a small lake, with Free Wi-Fi. There are 30 sites surrounding two small lakes. Some of the surprises are nature trails, fishing, and several humorous exhibits you will find while enjoying one of the nature trails. The exhibits include: a closed down still, rattler's cage, and the nudist colony. You will want to visit the "Bob White" family while strolling about. There is also a pet area including a fire hydrant for your pet's convenience. If you have a group, there is a screened...

So you think you have no chances of winning the lottery? This impression would soon be change if you try the Georgia Lottery Cash 3. Provided by Georgia Lottery, playing the cash 3 is definitely simple and anyone is given the chance to enjoy it but of course, every gambler must first be 18 years old and above. When playing the Georgia Lottery Cash 3, you will notice that two draws happen each day, six days a week and one evening draw during Sundays. You can always monitor the winning numbers just be constantly visiting their official website. Playing the Georgia Lottery Cash 3 is actually not a complicated game for you only need to choose a 3-digit number ranging from 000-999. Each game costs $.50...

type="text/javascript"> Cole City Georgia is a hot bed of historical relics. The Cole City area was once home to the Cherokee people. Once they were driven out on the Trail of Tears the land was sold off by lottery. Cole City history begins in the 1850's when John B. Gordon started the first mining operation in Dade County Georgia. He started with 14 miners before the civil war. Southern leaders were encouraging the use of slave labor for use in the mines and the iron industries. Shortly thereafter the Civil War began. The union troops tore through Cole City and destroyed the operation. After the war the operation began in earnest and they started using convict labor to run the mines. Over...

Aspiring chiropractors who are interested in the practical and philosophical attributes of chiropractic medicine will find a rewarding and satisfying education at chiropractic schools in Georgia. Georgia chiropractic schools are eager to train people who are dedicated to learning how to provide good, holistic healthcare. Chiropractic is based on the principle that the body maintains and restores health naturally. Chiropractic schools in Georgia can provide students with extensive and thorough training in this natural form of effective, non-invasive, and low-cost healthcare. Consumers today are looking for natural ways to achieve health and total wellness, and chiropractic schools are preparing...

The Southeastern States of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina have a lot of beautiful attractions, not only for the visitors, but also for their own residents to enjoy. Some of the great attractions of these States for their residents are the Florida Play 4, Georgia Cash 4, North Carolina Pick 4 and South Carolina Pick 4 lottery games. Even visitors and vacationers can make their visits more enjoyable and memorable by playing and winning any of these Pick 4 Lottery Games during their stay. Three of these State's Lotteries offer two drawings per day. The first drawing is referred to as "Day" drawing. This drawing takes place during the local midday hours: 1:30pm in Florida, 12:29pm...

This is one of the most misunderstood aspects of buyers and sellers of real estate in GA. It is very confusing for all, including some agents who lack a clear understanding of the process. Basically there are two forms of representation available to buyers and sellers in GA. It boils down to being represented (a client) or not (a customer). But within these two categories, there are degrees of representation. Confused already? Let me start with a simple overview of each and then get into particulars of each. CLIENT: Being a client means you have some signed agreement with a broker to be represented in a real estate transaction. First, let me say, in NO case are you signing an agreement with an agent...

My trip to Tybee Island. On the way to Tybee Island that is frequently called Savannah Beach, I looked out on the beauty of the marsh with its ever changing colors as the sun moves across the sky. The Savannah River parallels the road leading o the island and it is a common site to see large container ships moving to and from the Port of Savannah. Tybee Island is about 15 miles due east of our historic downtown. Of course, that depends on where you are downtown. But no matter where you are, it is just a short trip! When I got to the island I passed Douglas's Fish Art and took a right on Butler Ave. A right is the only way to turn unless you want to end up in the Atlantic! I drove down Butler to the...

Why suffer through a year of living in the city so you can enjoy a week at the lake during the summer?? Living at Norris Lake is like being on vacation all year round. This fabulous rural community is close to everything but feels like Norman Rockwell. This beautiful private lake is suitable for virtually all water sports including skiing and wake boarding, and it is only 30 minutes from Buckhead. Leave the rat race of Atlanta and relax in your waterfront home. You will quickly forget the city as you kick back in the rural setting of this charming, tree lined lake.   Cast for dinner off your private dock but don't be surprised if you tie into a 10 pound largemouth bass. Or join the birdwatchers and...

St. Marys, GA is the second oldest community in Continental US. The oldest is in Arizona. In 1562 Jean Ribault, a French Huguenot, sailed into the St Mary's River. A Spanish Mission was established, but nothing remains of the early establishment. The area was permanently restablished around 1765. The Timucuan Indians, many of them over six feet tall, inhabited the area. They were semi-agricultural and had an elaborate system of government. Their diet also included copious amounts of oysters. Their tribe no longer exists. Drawings, however, were made of them and can be seen at The Timucuan National Historical and Ecological Preserve in Jacksonville, Florida. Some of the interesting sights include...

Set on the Appalachian National Scenic trail, the Andrews Cove Campground nestles in among the Blue Ridge Mountains in an elevated position with magnificent views of Rocky Mountain. The site has some amenities including 6 creek-bed pitches, each of which has a prepared base on which to pitch a tent, a picnic table lantern stand and a fire-pit/grill. The pitches are not that far apart so total privacy is not possible but as usual with campgrounds, there is a social atmosphere and sharing campfires with fellow outdoors-people is part of the experience. There are toilet facilities at this site, but like many other campground sites there is no camping shower or other washing area. There is a creek with...

Just a few years ago, getting a driver's license was easy. Go get a learners permit, pick up a driving handbook, study the laws, wait until you are 16, and go take a driving test. You pass the test, you get your license, and you are off driving. That is no longer the case. With the introduction of Joshua's Law, 16 year old students looking to get their driver's license must now accumulate 40 hours of supervised driving (6 hours must be at night) and complete an approved drivers education course. If the two requirements are not met, then the student must wait until they are 17 years old to get their driver's license. Being 17 will waive the requirement for the driver's education course, but they...

Well, it's time to take a good hard look at how the 1st quarter of 2009 stacks up, so here goes: Overall sales are down 17% on 2008 figures for the first three months of the year. March sales rebounded to 11% down on March 2008, much better than January (down 24%) and February (16%) so that 17% figure may go lower as we enter the better home sales months. Expect April figures to decline slightly. A full week of out-of-town guests for the Masters Golf tournament always puts a damper on the April sales figures - and I expect that trend to continue. Since 2005, only on year saw an increase in residential says in April over March - in 2006. Every other year in that period has shown decreased sales...

Although Paris is the city of love, globally and Philadelphia is known as, "the City of Love" in this country, Atlanta is another great place to celebrate love and romance. Atlanta is a great city to visit as well as there are so many great things to do and see and the size of it is smaller making it easier to navigate than some larger cities in the US says an auto accident attorney or auto accident lawyer. If you are planning on surprising your loved one for a special anniversary, a marriage proposal or Valentine's Day there are some great places to stay in Atlanta. This article will detail some of the most romantic hotels in Atlanta and what makes them so special. The first place is called...

ter I became CEO in February 2008, I started to build a new National that would meet the expectations of my partner, employees, corporate clients, clients and the communities in which we operate. I did not realise how challenging that would prove to be. I would like to take an opportunity in introducing Xpertz Solution 'Study abroad and Immigration Counsel' in India with its full fledged processing department in India. Xpertz Solution is Leading Immigration Consultancy firm in India providing personalized consultancy to students as well immigrants at all categories of education (from school to university level) and serving immigrants and professionals in India and has the honour of processing...

For thousands of years ginger has been used in traditional medical systems as an anti-inflammatory pain killer. More recently researchers have found that it has anti-inflammatory action similar to the Cox-2 anti-inflammatory drugs such as Celebrex and, as such, would be expected to help relieve pain and inflammation. The first double blind, placebo controlled clinical trial to test the efficacy of ginger root in the treatment of pain was carried out in 2001. The results of the University of Miami's six week long trial on 261 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee boosted ginger root's reputation as an effective anti-inflammatory agent. In order to confirm ginger's efficacy as an analgesic...

> Turning your travels into home decorations. Heading out of town for a long weekend, or maybe you have a business trip abroad? Whether it is a roadtrip to Charleston, a romantic getaway to Europe, or even a camping adventure in North Georgia, there are always opportunities to collect treasures and mementos from your travels. Here you will find quick tips and easy ideas for bringing back something memorable from even the most mundane of destinations. First take a look at your itinerary, any pockets of time at leisure? It doesn’t have to be more than an hour or so to make it worth finding out a local specialty and locating a source. Okay, so you’ve rolled your...

p>Some people have trouble adapting to any new experience.  Others aren't  happy unless they are living on the edge.  For those thinking of taking the plunge and moving abroad, your reaction to new experiences might be a good indicator of your chances of successfully making the move. As a youth growing up in the provincialism (no negative connotation intended) of North Georgia, my experiences were not exactly international.  My foreign experiences were largely from National Geographic articles. That magazine fascinated me and the seed of foreign adventure was sown.  In fact, until I was in my late teens, my only contact with "foreigners" was a Mexican photographer who came through town once a...

Defensive driving schools are popping up all over the country and exist to assist drivers clean up problems associated with a court order, but these days, a defensive driving school can offer many benefits to voluntary participants as well. In the past, there were complaints from participants of defensive driving schools that instructors were disrespectful, making them feel judged or ridiculed for being there at all. But in the 1990's, many new schools grew out of the increasing demand, and proprietors saw the need to provide better customer service in order to stay competitive. Today, learning to drive defensively is no longer primarily for drivers convicted of a DUI or for unsafe drivers. More and...

Over the course of American history, there have been numerous major gold discoveries. The first one was in North Carolina in the early 1800's, and there was another major gold strike in North Georgia in 1828. The most famous occurrence was the California gold rush of 1849, and that's the one that made the biggest mark in the history books. The man who made the initial gold discovery in California was James Marshall. He had a small work crew building a saw mill in Coloma, near Sacramento. He found some gold pebbles one morning in 1848, and this tiny discovery eventually led to an incredible flurry of activity Travelers came by sea and by land, and quickly increased the population of California. When...

Mr. and Mrs. Will B Homebuyer: "I am looking for your commercial and haven't been able to find it" Mr. and Mrs. Wanna B Homeseller: "Commercial? On T.V.? We don't have a commercial!"Mr. and Mrs. Will B. Homebuyer: "No, not on T.V.! We are talking about your home's commercial on the internet! We are looking on all the channels, Georgia MLS, Zillow, Realtor.com, Trulia, and our Realtors' Web site and we are not finding your home's listing commercial" Mr. and Mrs. Wanna B. Homeseller: "Well, it should be there! The home's been listed! Are you sure you do not see our commercial? There are lots of pictures!" Mr. and Mrs. Will B. Homebuyer: "Oh, there it is! Now we see it. Sorry! We missed your commercial...

Have you experienced exceptional customer service? How did it make you feel? I do not know about you but it gives me a wonderful feeling somebody showing they really care. When I receive service as such, I try to let the person or manager know. In today's world it is rare that you receive comments of satisfaction, much less for superior service. I recently stopped at a Captain D's fast food restaurant in Tifton, Georgia. As my husband and I were walking up to the restaurant, an employee was outside and greeted us with a friendly "hello". We walk into the restaurant and we are greeted by many friendly "hellos". The front counter and kitchen personnel were all wearing big smiles and welcoming...

It's no secret that the real estate market is in the midst of a wide spread correction. Lenders have tightened restrictions on sub-prime loans as well as on prime loans. Owners are finding themselves in seemingly inescapable circumstances. The result reminds me of the Hydra from Greek mythology, the one that had several heads and spit poisonous fumes; not a very likable creature. The effects of these events are having sweeping effects on the current housing market. Then there are the small investors and For Sale By Owners (FSBOs) who for all intents and purposes are usually individuals who have invested a significant amount of their time and money to obtain one or more properties with the intent of...

Mortgage interest rates have never been this low and home prices have fallen to their lowest point in many years and appear to be stabilizing. Buyers who were priced out of the market in the past now have a great opportunity to get the cabin of their dreams. In reality, it's the chance of a lifetime not to be missed. So what is the problem? Where are the buyers? In talking to local real estate agents in the North Georgia Mountains most can't remember a time when rock-bottom interest rates and affordable prices converged in such a way. Where are all the buyers? Please don't remind me of the headlines about the still-iffy economy, European debt crisis, government overspending and the oil spill which...

Location and History of the Withlacoochee River The Withlacoochee River in South Georgia was named when the area was inhabited mainly by the Seminole Indians. Since the river made twists and turns, they named it The Withlacoochee River, meaning "crooked river". It starts near Tifton, Georgia and runs into Florida where it joins the famous Suwannee River. The Withlacoochee River became very busy and profitable in the middle 1800's. It took steamboat trade and travelers into Troupeville, Georgia, where my family and I make our home. From our back door, the Withlacoochee River is about 1/4 of a mile through dense outdoors and a trail with deep ruts from many travelers, current and past. Plant life of...

Pecans anyone? - On my recent trip to Florida with my family we decided to drive. I love driving. As soon as I get past Chicago it's like breaking free of responsibility and I'm able to focus on my family and the adventure we're embarking on. Part of that strategy is a built-in movie system and frequent potty stops. Danica and I like to drive through the night so the kids are sleeping for a good nine hours of the 24-hour drive. People call me crazy, but I grew up with fond memories of taking the long trek. One year (1980) there were six of us driving down in a Chevy Citation ? YIKES! The purpose of this story is to set up an advertising observation that was hard to miss. Located in Tifton, Georgia...

Alpharetta City Info - Alpharetta, GA is located about 20 miles north of Atlanta. - The city's current population as of 2000 was about 34,854. - Crime levels are way below the state and national averages. - Humid summers and mild-cold winters, below average rainfall. - Parks, shopping, and great schools compliment this great city. Shopping & Entertainment Alpharetta, Georgia is close enough to Atlanta for the residents to enjoy all that the big city has to offer. Concerts, shows, museums, and more are plentiful in downtown Atlanta. Along with everything Atlanta has to offer, a quick look around Alpharetta will take you through, plenty of parks, shopping, and beautiful homes in a suburban...

When most people start thinking of moving to a new home in Georgia, the just start searching. Sometimes they will type in Atlanta Homes For Sale, or Georgia Real Estate if they aren't sure what city they want to live in yet. Other times people will search on the Realtor Site, Trulia or Zillow. However, studies show, that more than likely if you are thinking of moving then you've done all of these things. "Statistically speaking, the average person visits 8 websites to search for homes." So the question is, How do you search for the right home? Most likely you are thinking what a silly thing to write about, but if you haven't thought about this, then you are likely setting yourself up for some...

Georgia (GA) homes are high on the priority list of the most discerning house hunters. Amongst the GA homes for sale, Atlanta GA homes and Woodstock GA homes get the most nods. The reasons are not hard to guess: a well-developed transportation system, advanced health care facilities, an exciting arts and cultural milieu, and proximity to the business, entertainment, and recreation hubs of the region. The real estate scene in Atlanta, GA is throbbing with homes to suit every lifestyle, taste, and wallet. There are luxurious condominiums and apartments, sprawling single and multi-family dwellings, and palatial mansions. The most popular neighborhoods of the city are City Center, Hapeville, Morningside...

Finding a perfect real estate or real property need not be difficult. You just need to have a good and canny real estate agent that will help you with your real estate transactions. This might sound simple but before you hire a help, it is best that you already have a fixed target location in your mind. One of the top locations that you should consider is the town of Blue Ridge. This town was once tagged as an elite health resort because of its pure mineral water supply. Not just that, this county also promises all the comforts and amenities you will need. From parks, hotels, boarding houses, restaurants, and resorts, all can be found in this one beautiful and peaceful town. But wait, before you can...

Plant a hosta, a rosebush, or perhaps a Crape Myrtle within your yard, and your neighborhood friends may believe you are "landscaping." Plant a cold hardy palm tree in your yard and your neighborhood friends will certainly believe that you are nuts. "Those things will not grow here," is definitely an mindset that many southeastern palm fanatics have to deal with, unless of course they are inside a seaside region. The good thing is that palms are in general, deaf and dumb. You will find palms happily growing all around the Southeast along with other locations where they are "not supposed to grow." By selecting the right kinds of palms and carrying out a few simple rules, growing palm trees can be...

One weekend in July 2002 Buddy Davis and I set out for a weekend of Gold panning in North Carolina. Our local club was having a common dig where each person that signs up gets a share of the Gold from the dig. Thermal City Gold Mine is a very interesting place. They have cabins for rent and camp sites, we choose to tent camp along the river that ran through the mine. Besides working the common dig, we also bought a front end loader full of dirt and had them place it in the stream just below our camp site. We planned to use the small high banker that I owned to work the dirt for gold. The high banker doubles as a two 1/2 inch dredge or a high banker. It has a small gas pump that sprays water...

Atlanta is known for its extraordinary real estate, and there are many neighborhoods in which you find some of the finest estates and properties in the South, if not the country. Homes with historic significance, lush, sprawling estates, and homes with jaw-dropping architecture and equally impressive grounds are just the beginning of what the upscale neighborhoods of Atlanta have to offer. Alpharetta As one of Atlanta's most stately communities, Alpharetta has gone from wide, open farm land 20 years ago to one of the most-sought after communities in Atlanta. Located just minutes from the North Georgia Mountains, Alpharetta offers a spectacular respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. However...

Some events are never erased from our mind and become reference points for reconstructing our past experiences. Frequently, the most memorable events are chance events, serendipitously occurring when we least expect them. These occurrences become personally defining moments in our live and influence us in ways we could never anticipate. As an individual who grew up in North Georgia in the 1950s and 1960s, to me any world view outside of what I experienced in a five state area (those surrounding Georgia), was a foreign one. This ended after high school when I got the opportunity to begin traveling not only to other areas of the United States, but to other countries as well. Traveling is now in my...

The "baby boomer" generation is in some ways redefining travel. Increasingly, members of this population are finding international travel and specialty niche traveling to be both enjoyable and educational. One of these growing areas of tourism is genealogical tourism, which includes both domestic and international tours. As an amateur genealogist of more than forty years I can well understand the phenomenon. Amateurs usually begin their initial interest in genealogy and family history for a specific reason. They may just be interested in a specific "colorful" ancestor they have heard of, or may think they descend from royalty. Whatever the reason, they have developed a "why" that leads them to want...

I have estimated that when I am working the streams in North Georgia for gold, I can earn about $0.50 an hour at the current price of gold. I understand completely how hard it was for prospectors to make a living looking for gold. However, there is something exciting about finding that shiny speck of metal in the ground. The gold of North Georgia has a deep golden color and is the purest found anywhere. The thrill of that gold appearing in the bottom of a pan of black sand can be addictive. Don't expect to get rich looking for gold, but you can easily collect some color for you home collection and maybe even a bragging nugget or two. You may have heard the story about the man in Africa who went off...