DO THE TIME WARP AGAIN

Whether you're looking for a retro date night

A fun day out with your mates or to relive the 1980s, it's time to get your fluoro gear out, put on some fun retro tunes and try some of the best flashback experiences Sydney has to offer. STRIKE BOWLING Ever bowled and wished you could have a glass of bubbly or a cold beer in your hand to mix things up a little? Now you can, with Strike Bowling combining bowling and drinking for a somewhat adult retro experience. Register in homeimprovement9.yolasite.com for bookings

"We have fluoro lighting, mirror balls and the ongoing video clips to make your night as fun as possible," spokesman Matt McIntosh says. You can also hire the karaoke room or chill in the champagne lounge while your friends battle it out in the bowling lanes. It costs $14 a game, including shoe hire; on Tightass Tuesdays there's $10 bowling and free popcorn from 8pm; karaoke room hire is $80 an hour. Monday-Friday, 11am until late; Saturday-Sunday, 10am until late; 18-plus from 8pm. King Street Wharf, 22 The Promenade, city. Phone 1300 787 453 for bookings. 

DRIVE-IN CINEMA

If you thought the drive-in was a relic of the past that only featured in movies such as Grease, think again. Greater Union Blacktown Drive-In is the only remaining drive-in in Sydney. It does a roaring trade with couples, families and groups of mates who want to watch the latest movies in the comfort of their car, tuning into old-school speaker boxes or FM and AM radio stations for a real surround-sound experience. "We've been operating for 47 years," general manager Maureen Black says. "In the warmer months, people bring picnic blankets and deck chairs to sit outside and in the colder months they all rug up with doonas in their cars." Open seven days a week, it lets customers sit back, relax and watch new releases. 

A perfect retro first date. Adults $15.50, children $10.50, concession $11.50. Cricketers Arms Road, Blacktown. Phone (02) 9622 0202. ROLLER SKATING HIRE If you're more into the active side of retro, why not take up roller skating for the day? Manly Blades hires out roller skates for those keen to glide down the Manly promenade and enjoy the beachside lifestyle in eight-wheel style. "We've had an increase of roller-skating hire this year, with many people hiring them out overnight for '80s parties," store manager Chris Williamson says. If you want to combine roller skating with partying, Manly Blades also organises roller discos, with staff heading out armed with 100 pairs of skates. Roller-skate hire costs $20 for an hour, $25 for two hours, all day $30 and overnight $35. Manly Blades is open seven days a week, 9am-6pm. Shop 263 Crown Street, Surry Hills. 

BRISTOL ARMS RETRO HOTEL With a name like "Retro", this nightclub lives up to its name - musically, anyway. It might be a little seedy - you'll need more than a few drinks before you get there - but there's fun to be had. The Retro nightclub hosts weekly retro nights on Fridays and Saturdays, mixing it up with different themes, such as rock'n'retro and toga and pyjama parties. It's also extremely popular for hens' nights and bucks' parties, so look out for marauding groups of people dressed in crazy gear. Entry before 9pm is free; entry after 9pm on Fridays is $10; $20 on Saturday after 9pm. 

"COLUMBINE?" INQUIRED GRACE. "AND HERE - BLEEDING HEART?"

Eleanor shook her head. "Looks rather like rows of false teeth," she answered. She observed that the underside of the tray contained four simple little black legs touched with gold. They were collapsible, so the tray could be used for serving or as a decorative wall piece.

"It would look nice by a fireplace," said Grace.

"Will you and Freddie have a fireplace?" asked Eleanor. She regarded the modest price tag and said, "I've seen modern trays in New York for three times as much." Her eyes brightened. "Would you like it, Gracie?" she asked. "I've been wondering what to give you besides the family tea service."

Shortly thereafter, they stood outside the shop and hailed a taxi, which conveyed them, the Wedgwood, and the tea tray to their hotel. Three days later, they crossed the St. Lawrence and were on their way to New York.

In due time, Grace and Freddie married. When they returned from their honeymoon, they settled in a pleasant apartment on Chicago's Gold Coast. It was filled with fine linen, porcelain, and such elegant items as a Sheraton desk, a Sheffield tray, the family tea service, and the tea tray. Also, six table lighters, 18 candlesticks, five cigarette boxes, four traveling clocks, and two occasional tables.

In late spring, Mrs. Anderson and Eleanor returned to the Thousand Islands to open their summer home. They'd been there only a few days when Mrs. Anderson said, "Let's go back to Ottawa. That nice woman who owns the shop said a few pieces of my Wedgwood pattern might come in.

So they returned to the antiques shop. Mrs. Anderson was browsing among Spode, Minton, and Sevres when she perceived the stately form of the establishment's owner, Miss March. Mrs. Anderson said brightly, "I'm sure you don't remember me, but I was here last fall--looking for Wedgwood pieces. My name is Anderson," and then quailed before the steely look she received.

"I remember you quite well," replied Miss March. "You bought Mrs. Tamerlane's tea tray."

There was something accusing about the statement. Mrs. Anderson said feebly, "Mrs. Tamerlane's--oh, the tea tray. My cousin, Miss Jones, bought that as a wedding present for my daughter, who now lives in Chicago. She has so enjoyed it."

"It was not for sale," said Miss March. Eleanor overheard. She moved forward and inquired practically, "Then why was it sold to me?"

My fault," Miss March admitted. "It appears that the tea tray had been brought in by a customer some weeks before, for repair. It had been a wedding gift to her mother. About half an hour before your arrival, Miss Jones, I saw it standing in a corner. I had not been in the shop when Mrs. Tamerlane's daughter brought it in. 1 noted that it was not priced, and I put a tag on it. Twenty minutes later, it was sold. The following week, our customer inquired about her mother's tray."

Eleanor said, "But you had my Address--"

"Naturally" was the testy response. "But you had purchased the item in good faith. The error was mine, so I gave Mrs. Tamerlane a rather good little table and took my loss."

When Mrs. Anderson returned to the hotel, she sent a long letter to Grace.

"Now, Grace," she wrote dramatically, "you own Mrs. Tamerlane's tea tray!"

But Grace didn't own it. A wire was waiting for Mrs. Anderson when she got back to the Thousand Islands. It was from Grace, explaining that she and Fred were about to leave for Hawaii, where Fred, an engineer, had been transferred.

Grace and Fred had shipped the furniture they thought might be useful, stored other pieces, and given away the remainder. To her closest friend in Chicago, an ex-schoolmate, now in business, who lived alone and was trying to remedy it, Grace had given the tea tray.

Encourage Activity Outdoors

Do you ever wish you knew how to encourage activity outdoors with your children? As parents, if we want to see our kids spending time outside and loving it we need to start early but if we did not start early we can still do things to get the kids out of the house and away from video games and the computer. There are so many things that keep our kids entertained, inside, that we forget how much they need to be participating in outdoor activities. What can we do to encourage activity outdoors that will be fun and make them want to be outside even more?

If we are the parents of a baby or toddler it will easy to get your child outside. It is as simple taking a walk with the baby in the stroller. It is not important at this stage to entertain as it is to expose. We do not need to encourage outdoor activity at this point with the child as much as we need to be encouraged to be outdoors ourselves.

We can not monitor our children with a security camera  system As a child gets a little older we can always find a nice park nearby for them to play in. If possible find a friend to take along to make it more fun. Of course there are sports-related activities that can encourage outdoor activity in young children. In addition, most kids love to go to the zoo. This is one thing that all kids seem to enjoy and while you are at it pack a lunch and have a picnic. It does not have to be fancy, just fun.

It gets a little harder to encourage outdoor activity as the kids get older. This is when they prefer to play video games and be on the computer for hours at a time. This is when you have to set limits and perhaps add some more active and entertaining activities. This is a good time to start hiking, or learn to water ski, or if your child does not swim, how about some swim lessons. If your family is more adventurous then you might try an overnight camping trip. Of course, each area of the country has special feature may encourage, certain types, of outdoor activity.

Hopefully, by the time you have teenagers they will appreciate the times you encouraged outdoor activities in their lives and it will provide you with a special connection that will allow the lines of communication to always be open. I know this is not a fun activity but now may be a good time to teach the kids how to take care of a yard by learning to mow the grass, use the weed eater, and plant flowers. Some of these skills may even lead to a part-time job for them.

Be creative; use what you like to encourage outdoor activity, in the beginning. As your child grows they will let you know what they like and that will give you more opportunities to enjoy family time and it all starts with encouraging outdoor activities.

Things to Consider When Buying Hiking Tents

Hiking tents come in variations. One may not really be able to categorize in what aspect would make a tent better. But there are so many things to consider before one can get the right tent for their hiking activities. Hiking tents are carried onto one's back. For some, it should be lightweight since one will be hiking or walking down long roads. However, for some, it is better to choose one that has the right material for its durability. These products come in so many variations like the sizes, shapes and designs. One will definitely be confused with what to purchase because of these. But as long as you have certain considerations to look into, you will definitely land on the right decision.

The first thing to consider is its weight. Keep in mind that during hiking, you will be carrying all of your things on your back. So, it is better if the tent will not be too much on its weight so that you can have an easier time walking to your destination. Some hiking tents can fit in regular backpacks. This can be better as you are taking off excess weight from carrying the carry-along bag of your tent. You can also share the weight of your things. If you hike in groups, some other members of the group may carry the poles of the tent while others carry other stuffs.

The inner space that the tent provides is an important factor to look into. If you will be going in tandems, then the tent should be able to accommodate at least two to three persons. This should provide the both of you enough space in the tent to move around. It can also keep all of your things. Always ask how many people the tent can accommodate. This is to avoid crowding inside the tent. This will also give way to your backpacks and other things.

The way it is set up is also an important point to consider. Choose one that is easy and quick to set up. Check on the instruction manual first so that you can make sure that it is easy to follow and you are capable of setting it up. The most common complaint about tents is that it is difficult to build and takes time before one can set it up. To avoid this, make sure that you have read its instruction guide.

And lastly, check on its durability and how it can withstand weather conditions. During hiking, no one can really predict the weather. And it is important that the tent can withstand rains and extreme sun rays. This should be your weather defense while you are outdoors. Check on its material if it does not easily break or get damaged. It is important that your tent can protect you while you are out in wilderness.

Choosing the right tent will provide the most comfortable and best outdoor adventure. So, thorough inspection on the tent will help you achieve this.

A Camping Trip With the Family - More Fun Than You May Imagine

Do you remember when you were a child. If you were lucky as I was, you were introduced to camping at an early age. Well, we did not go to a camp in a tent until we were about eleven years of age but we used to go to a wonderful old farmhouse in the countryside from the time my siblings and I were old enough to walk. It was a beautiful old house. It did not have electricity nor running water. It had a big wood stove in the kitchen. Above the stove was a big round oven where our mom baked bread. Not far from the house was an old mysterious barn with old things like a huge, handmade loom. A few spray cans with stuff to kill flies. Hand operated of course. In a corner near the back step was a rain barrel for use in the kitchen. A deep well not far from the house was where the food was kept cool. Upstairs the floor creaked when we walked on it. The outside toilet was a two hole type. A bag of white lime had a wooden scoop to help to spread a coat over the poop. It kept the smell away. Everything was whitewashed.

When dad drove us there on the weekends we made a game of sorts, trying to identify houses of people we met at church on Sunday. We loved electrical storms as they lit up the sky and the thunder rolled through the hills.

A little later dad bought us a tent. We pitched it near the lake below the house. Our whole family enjoyed the campfires our dad taught us to build. We used to visit the folks next door who also camped nearby. One evening we had a campfire at their tent and toasted marshmallows. We returned after dark to our tent only to find a rabbit was inside eating our bread.

Our mom and dad would tell stories after dark by the campfire. They were both very smart and taught us how to identify certain stars, constellations and of course the big and little dippers. There were no lights in our part of the countryside at that time. Electricity came a little later. When it was dark it was really dark.

During the day we swam in the cold waters of the lake. Our dad taught us how to build a wharf. We had to scrounge driftwood along the beach, always on the lookout for a diving board we could use.

As the years passed by and we ended up with our own children, we tried to emulate some of the fun things our parents taught us while camping. The one lesson we all learned was that children are the ones that count when it comes to camping. Let their imaginations loose and you will enjoy camping for years to come as we have done.

Motorcycle Camping Gear Tips

First let me start this article by saying that there is a difference between a motorcycle camping trip and a road trip. The major difference is that on a road trip you usually spend your nights in motels along the way. On the other hand if you plan to do a real motorcycle camping trip you will need to plan your overnight stops ahead of time. Be aware that some camping grounds are not friendly to motorcycles. Also the amount motorcycle camping gear you will need will depend mostly on the type of trip you are planning.

Motorcycle camping is like hiking

Motorcycle camping gear is very similar to the type of materials hikers bring on their trip. It should always be small and light. Try to buy quality camping gear that you can easily set up at night and tear down in the morning. Make sure that all you motorcycle camping gears are packed as compact as you can. This will make your trip safer and will prevent any part of your equipment to come loose when you ride your bike. If you are planning a long trip you might want to consider the use of a small motorcycle trailer. They are usually very light and are easy to pull depending on the type of motorcycle you ride.

Since you don't have a lot of space when camping in motorcycle a good tip you might consider is to buy your food and water on a daily basis, by doing this you will save a lot of space. For cooking, buying a metal mess can be a very wise decision; you will be able to clean it at every campsite facilities. Just remind to bring with you a small bottle of liquid dishwashing detergent. As a precaution you should always bring along freeze-dried or dehydrated meals. Those can be purchase in almost every camping supply stores.

Be prepared for any type of Weather

Since you are used to riding your bike you already know that riding under the rain is not that fun so you should always be prepared for this kind of weather by bringing along at least one change of clothing. Since you can easily pack your lightweight tent and sleeping bag right on your bike you should consider bringing a small air mattress for comfort.

Another type of items you need when packing your motorcycle camping gear is to bring your hygiene items such as toothpaste, shampoo and soap. Small tips: Shampoo can easily double for body soap and although it's not very pleasant salt can effectively replace toothpaste. Make sure you bring along a first aid kit, whether you have space or not, you need to make room for this item, it could save you under extreme conditions.

7 Things to Know When Taking Up Fishing As a Sport

Fishing is considered a national pastime in United States. Many people took up fishing as a fun and tranquil sport that allow them to spend some quiet time with their friends and family.

Here are seven things you should know if you are considering taking fishing as your favorite pastime.

1. Is a license required?

You should first check your State's fishing requirements and make sure if a license is needed for you to fish. One of the easiest ways is to step into a sporting good store, which sell fishing equipment. The sales persons will be able to advise you about license requirements as well as the procedure on acquiring it. Some shops will even help you with the necessary paperwork.

2. Set a budget for fishing expenses

You will need to budget for fishing equipment purchase. Make a list of the equipment that you need and set a budget. If the total equipment cost exceed your budget, you will want to consider borrowing some equipment or buying from second-hand stores. You can also go to online auction sites to look for the fishing equipment that you need. As a beginner, get only the basic things that you need. There is no need to spend too much money buying branded and expensive equipment that is usually reserve for experienced anglers.

3. Practice at home first.

If you have a back yard, mark off an area using a rope and use this as your guide in aiming your cast when practicing with your fishing equipment. Rehearse and study your movements to find a method that will work for you.

As fishing hooks are very sharp, you need to be careful when handling it avoid injury to yourself or others. Before casting, look around you and try to stay unobstructed to avoid hurting other people with your hook.

Learn to cast your line ahead of the fish, making your bait land slowly, with as little splash as possible. The fish can see well at close quarter but not behind.

4. Research the locations to fish and plan a travel budget

When the right time has come and you go fishing for real, you need to do some research on the fishing location. You can check with your state's fishing regulation authority for information about fishing locations around your state. Alternatively, you can also visit the fishing equipment stores and ask about hot spot for fishing. List down the cost of accommodations, boat rental, guide and other miscellaneous items. It may be difficult but try to keep the cost within you travel budget.

5. Go with a buddy

The fishing trip can be very fun when you can share your joy of fishing with a friend or family member. For safety reason, you should avoid fishing alone. In the event of an emergency, there is at least someone you can count on to call for help.

6. Fish in shallow water first

For beginners, it is wise to start fishing in shallow waters first. Aim your cast in shady or rocky areas where the water is deep, as this is where the fish is hiding. As your skill level improve, you can attempt to fish in deeper waters.

You can move closer to the water so you can gain better accuracy if your casts are going in a disorganized manner. Keep an eye on the bobber and watch closely for any movement. When a fish grabs the bait, the bobber will be pulled under water. Remain calm as you keep your line tight and reel in your catch slowly. You can use a net bring in the fish if you reel in enough. Remove the hook from the fish with great care.

7. Adhere to the fishing regulation

If you got an undersized fish (as noted in the state's regulation book), return it to the water quickly. Likewise, if you have no intention in eating your catch, return it to the water too. This ensures that the water has a consistent supply of fish, which will provide future fishermen the thrill to experience a catch.

Regardless of the result of your catch, remember to have fun and enjoy the calm, restful and serene view of the river.