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Hello all, I found this very interesting article on the Net 

Did you know that for at least a year NYC has been experiencing a bed bug infestation? I didn't. Not until a friend told my wife about their building's problem. Their entire building in the heart of Brooklyn, with considerably more than 100 units, is infested with bed bugs. Every apartment. Every piece of furniture including lamps are infested. My friends are having to spend thousands of dollars to battle this infestation, steam cleaning every item and every surface to kill the hearty pests.

Typically, the bite is painless and rarely awakens a sleeping person. However, it can produce large, itchy welts on the skin. Welts from bed bug bites do not have a red spot in the center – those welts are more characteristic of flea bites...

Although bed bugs may be a nuisance to people, they are not known to spread disease.

Feeling itchy yet? Keep reading!

When I did a websearch, I found a few articles from early 2005 describing the sudden and unexpected explosion of bed bug infestations in the city. This is the first time in 60 years that NYC has experienced a bed bug infestation.

My friends can't sleep. They have a baby and a cat who also suffer. These small critters have taken over their life. There is no real health risk...other than perhaps insanity from the aggravation.

But it's worse. Doing a quick google search brought up some unexpected results. Apparently travelers to NYC hotels are finding the hotels infested! I found travelers' reviews alleging bed bug infestations. Now, this may well not be the fault of the hotels. Simply put, bed bugs are extremely difficult to get rid of.

The NYC Department of Health and Hygiene has this to say about getting rid of them:

The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) recommends that homeowners hire a pest control professional licensed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to evaluate what type of pest is present, and to exterminate them if required.

Time and money can be wasted attempting to eliminate an infestation if the insect is not identified properly. Controlling and removing bed bugs involves different procedures than the removal of other pests and often requires multiple visits. A pest control professional should perform a thorough inspection, find and eliminate bed bug hiding places, and return after several days or weeks to check for new bed bugs. A professional may also use specialized equipment, like steam cleaners, and may use pesticides to help kill the bed bugs.

Behind this bland suggestion of calling in professionals is the fact that professionals have a hard time dealing with them. They can come in and do their thing, but it doesn't work without draconian measures by the homeowners themselves in every unit of a building. Wrapping furniture in plastic, steam cleaning frequently, washing all fabric in hot water with bleach, etc. So NYC hotels are faced with continuing to do business while also having to deal with a tenacious and hungry pest.

But you know, it's even worse. It seems that since 2000, bed bugs have been making an appearance throughout the country, according to a December article from Time Magazine.

I did some searching to see if there were any particular trends that might explain the 60 year gap in bed bug infestations in NYC and why they have chosen now to come back. And, although the 1940's were an unusually warm period followed by an unusually cold period, and we are again experiencing an unusually warm period, that alone doesn't explain it because the we started experiencing the 1940's level warm in the 1980's and have considerably surpassed them long ago. Climate has a huge impact on the life cycles of critters like bed bugs and some more complex interplay of temperature and moisture could be coming into play. Having large numbers of troops stationed overseas might also be a similarity between the 1940's and now, though clearly we have had military presences overseas in between. So far no one seems to know why bed bugs are plaging America today.

Now even though there is an amazing coincidence between the year of Bush's ascendancy to the White House and this infestation, I don't think that the Republican and the bed bug infestations that plague our nation are linked, unless god is punishing America for allowing the Republican take over. Well...it's something to consider!

I will end with the list of what homeowners themselves should do in the event of a bed bug infestation, according to the NYC Dept. of Health and Mental Hygiene (other than begging a professional to help):

Find out where bed bugs are hiding in your home

Use a bright flashlight to examine bedroom furniture for bed bugs or their dark droppings.

You should check:

* behind the headboard
* in the seams and tufts of the mattress, and around or inside the box spring
* along the crevices of bedroom baseboards, especially the baseboard area below the headboard
* inside and around nightstands
* behind or within other items or cracks in the bedroom (for example, window and door casings, pictures, and moldings, nearby furniture, loosened wallpaper, and cracks in plaster and partitions, and clutter)

In addition to using a flashlight, carefully aiming a hot hair dryer into these crevices while looking will help force bed bugs out.

Clean areas where bed bugs hide

* Thoroughly clean all bedding, linens, curtains, rugs, carpets, and clothes. Washing items in hot water and drying them on the highest dryer setting will kill bed bugs. For those items that may be harmed by washing and drying at high temperatures, soak in warm water with lots of laundry soap for several hours before rinsing.
* Wipe away or vacuum all dust from the bed frame, nearby furniture, floors and carpets. Vacuum mattresses carefully. After vacuuming, immediately place the vacuum cleaner bag in a plastic bag, seal it tightly, and throw the bag away in an outdoor container.
* If you find bed bugs on the mattress, buy a waterproof zippered mattress cover. These covers often say “allergen rated,‿ or “for dust mites.‿ Scrub the mattress seams with a stiff brush to dislodge bed bugs and any eggs. Then enclose the mattress in the cover for at least one year. This will trap any remaining bed bugs inside the cover, killing them.
* Throw away and replace an infested box spring if necessary.
* Remove all clutter from bedrooms and any other furniture that people may sleep or nap upon. Place this clutter into a plastic garbage bag, seal it tightly, and throw it away. If you need to save it, make sure it stays sealed for up for a year.
* Repair any cracks in plaster and all loosened wallpaper, especially in bedrooms.

the Above article is a compilation of various sites on the net and in particular the Daily Gotham blog see http://dailygotham.com/blog/mole333/bed_bugs_0

Bed bug infestation treatment is done in a variety of ways. Although you will probably need the services of a professional to eradicate these pests, there are things you can do to help control the problem. Regular vacuuming is a must. You will also want to remove any infested bedding or furniture from your home and clean it with either a vacuum or steam cleaner.

For more details go to Information on Bedbug treatment  or  Email Us

One of my favorites is “Dance of the Bedbugs” which contains these lines:

“Why do you cry,

tiny bug on my sheets?”

“I don’t want to starve,”

said the bug.

“You were my only eats.”

It ends with a picture of ominously empty pajamas.

Bed bugs are small insects that feed on the blood of mammals and birds. Adult bed bugs are oval, wingless and rusty red colored, and have flat bodies, antennae and small eyes. They are visible to the naked eye, but often hide in cracks and crevices. When bed bugs feed, their bodies swell and become a brighter red. In homes, bed bugs feed primarily on the blood of humans, usually at night when people are sleeping.

Bed bug infestation treatment is done in a variety of ways. Although you will probably need the services of a professional to eradicate these pests, there are things you can do to help control the problem. Regular vacuuming is a must. You will also want to remove any infested bedding or furniture from your home and clean it with either a vacuum or steam cleaner.

 

For more details go to Information on Bedbug treatment  or  Email Us

If you're in college or getting ready to begin your first year, you may be searching for your very first apartment. This can seem overwhelming at first, but don't despair! There are lots of helpful resources out there to make your search go as smoothly as possible.

One such resource is the Internet. You've probably used the Internet to communicate, for fun, and for research purposes before. Well, you can also use it to locate the perfect apartment! All you need to do is go to the search engine of your choice and type in your city plus the words 'apartments for rent.' You'll find pages and pages of sites that can help you find great places to rent!

Another good resource are the classifieds in your local newspaper. Most landlords still use this traditional method of advertising their properties for rent. Also, check your college or university's newspaper, as many student-friendly apartments may be advertised in there.

After you've found lots of listings you're interested in, you need to prepare yourself to look at apartments. It's a good idea to have some criteria established first. Such as, how much can you afford to pay for an apartment? If you're paying for your own housing, then you need to take that into consideration. Your apartment should cost no more than one-third of your income. However, if you're a college student, there may be special programs that help you pay your rent. Check with the financial aid office of your college or university to find out if there are any programs available that can help you.

One good way to afford the perfect apartment is by getting a roommate, or even two! Roommates can allow you to live in a place you never could have afforded on your own. However, make sure you choose roommates that are compatible with you. Such as, if you're a non-smoker, it's probably not a good idea to choose a smoker. If peace and quiet is your thing, don't pick someone who you think would have a lot of loud company. The right roommate can perhaps even turn into a close friend. So be sure to pick someone you like!

With a little research, you can find the perfect apartment that will be your home throughout your college years -- an apartment that is affordable, close to school, and a nice place to come home to!

For more details go to Apartments for Rent Online  or  Email Us

If you're a landlord or tenant of an apartment, it's important to understand the upkeep and maintenance of the Apartment that can be involved. The lease will determine who is responsible for each specific task. If there is any question about this, then the landlord and tenant should sit down and figure things out together.

There are tasks you'll need to do on an annual basis. They include shampooing the carpet (if the floor is carpeted) and deep cleaning the blinds and curtains. These tasks can be a part of an annual spring cleaning. Paint should be refreshed as needed, probably every few years.

Once a month, you should change your furnace filters and check lightbulbs and smoke detector batteries. Sometimes the landlord will change the furnace filters, but small things like lightbulbs and smoke detector batteries are usually always the responsibility of the tenant.

Another periodic task that most apartments require is pest control. Because apartment dwellers usually have quite a few neighbors that live in the same buildings, apartments are more prone to pests like mice and roaches, especially if some tenants are less sanitary than others. Therefore, it's crucial to spray for pests every few months and check for evidence of mice. Taking care of any pest problem early is vital to ensure it doesn't turn into a full-blown infestation.

For more details go to Apartments for Rent Online  or  Email Us

Prior to World War II, bed bugs were quite prevalent in society. But following World War II, improved sanitation and the widespread use of DDT worked together to wipe out bed bugs. However lately, bed bugs have experienced a resurgence in today's homes, apartments, hotels and even public transportation. This is partly due to the increased level of immigration and travel from areas where bed bugs are rampant, like parts of Africa, Asia and South America. Bed bugs are so small they can easily stow away in luggage and take up residence wherever said luggage is unpacked.

Bed bugs often live in mattresses, hence the name. This is because they prefer to feed on sleeping humans or animals, and normally live quite close to their feeding ground. Bed bugs feed using a sharp pointed beak that painlessly pierces the skin. The bites may result in welts and bumps that are red, inflamed and itchy. However, some people exhibit no evidence of bed bug bites.

Bed bug infestation treatment is done in a variety of ways. Although you will probably need the services of a professional to eradicate these pests, there are things you can do to help control the problem. Regular vacuuming is a must. You will also want to remove any infested bedding or furniture from your home and clean it with either a vacuum or steam cleaner.

For more details go to Information on Bedbug treatment  or  Email Us

For ages, the Bahamas have been a popular honeymoon destination. If a tropical honeymoon is what you have in mind, then how about taking a Bahamas cruise?

Your Bahamas cruise will most likely depart from Florida and visit two major cities: Freeport and Nassau. Both of these amazing destinations offer the best of the Bahamas, with fun and adventure around every corner!

Freeport offers amazing duty-free shopping and nightlife that's renowned the world over. Spend your days browsing through the great shops, then spend your nights sipping tropical drinks and dancing your cares away!

Nassau is a major tourist destination that is steeped in culture and history. Explore the beautiful architecture and learn about the history of this great city. There's also tons of fun to be had -- try scuba diving, parasailing, surf lessons, or take a romantic horseback ride down the beach.
For more details go to find your perfect cruise 4 U  or  Email Us

There are many reasons why you might decide to start a gift basket business. Maybe you've prepared baskets for friends and family and gotten rave reviews. Or maybe you've seen baskets for sale and thought, 'I could do that!'

There are many different types of gift baskets out there. For example, there are gift baskets especially designed for babies. A gift basket of this type may include a filler material in either pale pink or blue, and lots of goodies that a new parent would love, like pacifers, bottles, blankets, baby wash, rattles, and more. Or, maybe you're doing a gift basket for a corporate client. Such a basket may contain coffee and mug, attractively presented office supplies, and perhaps a scented candle. There's no limit to how creative your baskets can get!

Holidays are often popular basket themes. For example, you can create Christmas baskets, Valentine baskets, Mother's Day baskets, Father's Day baskets, Easter baskets, and much more! There are baskets to say thank you, baskets to say congratulations, and baskets to say 'I'm sorry!' There are theme baskets -- such as spa baskets, chocolate baskets, and even sports baskets. When it comes to making gift baskets, the sky's the limit. And the more creative you are, the more clients you will get.

For more details go to Find a Home Business 4 U  or  Email Us

The Balenciaga fashion house, now owned by Gucci, is a wildly popular choice for fashionistas everywhere! I was just reading my Star Magazine, where Anne Hathaway, the leading lady in the hot new movie The Devil Wears Prada and also the Princess Diaries was interviewed. When asked who her fave designer was, the gorgeous Miss Hathaway answered Balenciaga!

Anne's not the only in demand celeb that adores the Balenciaga name. You can find these designs being worn proudly by today's hot stars like Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan. Even classic beauty Nicole Kidman wore Balenciaga to the Oscars. So, do you want a piece of Balenciaga luxury for yourself? Well then, how about a handbag?

I really like the Balenciaga Motorcycle Overnight Handbag in fiery red. This eye catching bag offers enough room for clothing, books, makeup, books -- anything you need to tote! It's crafted from the finest Italian leather and each beautiful bag is handmade by master craftsmen. However, this gorgeous handbag doesn't come cheap! Be prepared to spend at least $700 for one of these hot handbags!

For more details go to Hand Bag Desire   or  Email Us

If you're seeking the best hot air balloon ride providers in California, then you're at the right place! We've compiled a summary of some of the best places to take a hot air balloon ride in different parts of Cali. Enjoy!

Great American Balloon Company (http://www.greatamericanballoon.com/): This company has locations in Perris Valley, Temecula Valley, and Palm Springs California. You can enjoy low-level flying so that you can see all the beauty of the land below. After your hot air balloon lands, you'll be treated to either wine, champagne or non-alcoholic cider and a picnic. You'll also get a certificate that celebrates your ascension!

Sunballoon (http://www.sunballoon.com): Sunballoon offers hot air balloon rides in the Temecula area, starting at only $99 per person. There are a variety of different sized balloons to choose from for different sized groups. Sunballoon has flown over 111,000 satisfied customers and counting!

SoCal Hot Air Balloon Tours (http://www.socalballoons.com/): With locations in Temecula, Perris, Santa Barbara and San Diego, SoCal Hot Air Balloon Tours are some of the most popular in the area. The Perris flights feature skydivers circling around you, while the San Diego flights are only taken during evening hours, where you'll see the majesty of the sunset over the Pacific. There are various packages available, including romantic packages especially designed for couples in love!

For more details go to Hot Air Ballooning 4 U  or  Email Us

The very first Montessori child center was founded in 1907 by Italy's first female doctor, Maria Montessori. Dr. Montessori first developed her innovative teaching philosophy while caring for poverty stricken children in her very first children's house, or casa dei bambini. She learned that children will naturally teach themselves and each other, and used scientific knowledge to devise an enriching environment that best allowed children to be creative and learn.

Today, there are a variety of Montessori child centers around the globe. Many Montessori child centers offer care for children from ages six weeks to six years, as well as schooling for elementary age children. There are also Montessori high schools as well.

If you're interested in enrolling your child in a Montessori child center, it helps to understand more about the Montessori method. Your child will be allowed to explore and learn freely at a variety of different learning stations. These stations will feature such subjects as art, music, gardening, cooking, cleaning, science, animal care, mathematics, language development and more. There are no corrective marks like red x's applied to your child's work. Instead, your child's work will be honored as is and the teacher will use special methods to make sure your child learns what it is they need to know.

For more details go to Montessori Schools 4 U  or  Email Us

Gastric bypass surgery is a procedure where the stomach is made smaller. This procedure is reserved for the severely overweight who've already tried diet and exercise to shed unwanted weight with no results. It should be noted that gastric bypass is an involved surgical procedure and not considered to be a quick or easy way to lose weight. It can however, be an effective way if everything goes as it should.

By understanding possible gastric bypass complications, you can make a more informed decision about whether or not this surgery is right for you. There are quite a few potential gastric bypass complications that can occur, as described below.

Infection is one of the more common problems. The incision site can become inflamed and infected if not cared for properly, or if the patient does not follow recovery instructions. Excessive bleeding is another risk of any surgical procedure, including gastric bypass. Vitamin deficiencies, gastritis, and vomiting can also occur following surgery.

Then, there's dumping syndrome. This condition features symptoms such as sweating, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and bloating. However, by following your doctor's orders, you can often minimize this syndrome or avoid it completely. Another potential complication occurs when a patient eats more than they should and stretches their band or pouch. This can lead to a whole new set of problems.

For more details go to My Gastric Bypass Surgery Information Site  or  Email Us

I love Burberry perfume. My absolute favorite fragrance from this London fashion house would have to be Burberry Touch. Notes like fig, caramel, cedar and soft woods come together to create a fragrance that's sensual, comforting and soft. A touch of light, creamy florals add a feminine flair. Whenever I wear this fragrance I end up smelling my arm all day long! The bottle that Touch comes in is classic and cute, sporting a wooden top. I have not only a bottle of actual Touch that I wear on special occasions, I have a fantastic dupe of this fragrance in long-lasting oil form.

For the younger generation of fragrance lovers (and adults as well) there's Burberry Baby Touch. This fragrance comes in an alcohol-free version for kids as well as a stronger version for their moms! This adorable fragrance features soft citrus notes, light florals and a touch of milkiness. The result is a soft second-skin scent that blends with your chemistry and becomes part of you.

Now, if you want something a little more...attention getting, take a whiff of Burberry Brit. This fragrance invokes the feeling of sparkling, vibrant youth as well as confident sophistication. Notes of vanilla, almond, lime and icy pear meld together, blending to offer a gorgeous feminine scent that's warm and delicious. The Brit bottle is classic Burberry plaid, and looks adorable on any dressing table.

For more details go to Perfect Perfumes 4 U  or  Email Us

The Bulova company has been around since 1875, providing consumers with quality timepieces for generations. Headquartered in New York, the Bulova company is today owned by Loews. In the early days, a young immigrant named Joseph Bulova opened a tiny jewelry store. Bulova reached massive success, and even had the first multi million dollar advertising campaign in the 1930's.

In the 1950's, Bulova developed what was called the Accutron, the world's first electronic watch. Since then, Bulova has remained a pioneer in the industry. Many collectors these days are in the market for a Bulova pocket watch from the 1950's, and perhaps you're one of them.

So, how in the world can you find a Bulova pocket watch from the 1950's? It may take some searching. You may want to look in your local antique stores and specialty collectible shops. Be especially careful that you ensure that you're getting an authentic Bulova. If you can get a certificate of authenticity with your watch, all the better. However, if you're unable to find what you're looking for in your locality, it may be time to get online. It's simple to find what you're looking for on the Internet, all you need to do is type some simple search terms in the search engine of your choice. A few good ones include Google, Yahoo, Netscape and MSN.

Thomas Proctor:  Pocket Watch Geek at www.pocketwatches4u.com ,  Email Us

If your bathtub is less than desirable, you may think that the only option is replacement. Well, think again! Bathtub refinishing is a great way to give an old bathtub new life, and believe it or not, you can do it yourself.

The first step in refinishing your bathtub is to give it a thorough cleaning and let it dry. Once it's dry, you'll need a palm sander to sand the tub and give the new paint something to cling to. Work in small sections and be sure not to oversand. After sanding, remove all grit and sand thoroughly.

Next, you'll need to apply a waterproof primer and allow it to dry. After priming, sand lightly and once again, remove all sand and grit. Once you've done that, you can apply special paint designed for bathtubs with a spray gun. White is a classic choice for bathtubs, however if you like you can choose a different color. Some people like shades of cream and even more colorful choices like blue or green. Of course, there's always classic black.

For more details go to Refinishing 4 U  or  Email Us

One sought after item of pocket watch collectors is often an antique braille pocket watch. Let's examine why these watches are so rare.

Pocket watches have been around for a long time, first documented in 1462 in a letter from a clockmaker named Bartholomew Manfredi to the Marchese di Manta. In this letter, Manfredi offered a pocket clock to the Marchese that surpassed even the one owned by the Duke. In 1510, pocket watches were manufactured and introduced to society by a man named Peter Henlein.

These watches were wildly popular and often used on railroads, until the 20th century when the benefits of wrist watches were discovered. During the first World War, soldiers discovered that wrist watches were simply better than pocket watches when it came to telling time quickly and easily. These days, pocket watches are often given as collectibles and treated as heirlooms that are handed down from generation to generation.

Braille is a method utilized by the blind that allows them to read and write. Each cell of Braille is made up of six dots. Combinations of raised dots are what makes each individual letter. This system was created in 1821 by Louis Braille and is used to this day. For more details see the Link below

Thomas Proctor:  Pocket Watch Geek at www.pocketwatches4u.com ,  Email Us

If your bathroom sink needs refinishing, you may be tempted to call in the professionals. Hiring a professional contractor to perform bathroom sink refinishing is certainly one viable option, but for the more adventurous handymen and women out there, why not do the job yourself? It's really not as hard as you might think.

The first thing to attend to is safety. Before attempting any sort of bathroom sink refinishing, make sure you have eye protection, gloves, a respirator mask, and plenty of fresh air provided by open windows.

You'll need chemical cleaners designed for the bathroom sink. Give your sink a thorough cleaning before attempting any sort of refinishing, and allow it to dry. A good cleaning, followed by a thorough rinsing, can remove dirt and grime and prepare your sink for the refinishing process.

Next, use a palm sander to rough up the surface of your sink. This will allow paint to bond to the surface of your sink and provide a smooth working surface. After sanding with a vibrating palm sander, remove all dust and grit, then tape off the areas you don't want paint to reach.

For more details go to Refinishing 4 U  or  Email Us

For years now, Britney Spears has been a pop sensation that's dominated the music charts as well as the covers of celebrity gossip magazines. Sure, Britney's had some rough times lately. And, she's so busy being a mom to son Sean Preston and preparing for the newest arrival that she hasn't made any music lately. But that's OK. Britney offers something other than music to the public now -- a collection of wildly popular fragrances that are coveted by everyone from young teens to mature women.

If you're seeking a gift for a special young lady, you can't go wrong with Britney Spears perfume. My personal favorite would have to be Curious. This scent is the first one ever made by Britney Spears, and I would say, her best. Curious is light and fresh, and to me, smells like Finesse Shampoo. So if you're looking for a fragrance that smells like you just got out of the shower, try Curious!

However, if you want a more foody scent, try Fantasy. Fantasy blends elements of white cupcakes, cotton candy, and lychee to create a scent that's absolutely delectable. Joyful citrus adds a light, cheery tone to this scent, and makes it perfect for everyone from sixteen to sixty.

For more details go to Perfect Perfumes 4 U  or  Email Us

If you're considering gastric bypass, then it's important to be educated about what this procedure entails. Reserved for the morbidly obese, gastric bypass is in no way a quick fix. Not only is there a long and arduous recovery period following the surgery, there is a special diet that you will be required to adhere to. Gastric bypass involves changing your entire lifestyle. For awhile following the surgery, your activity will be limited. And even after you've recovered fully, you will still have to follow a strict diet for the rest of your life.

There are also risks involved with gastric bypass. It is, after all, a surgical procedure. There can be problems like infection, excessive bleeding, and even adverse reactions to the anesthesia. With this in mind, you might be seeking gastric bypass alternatives.

There are several gastric bypass alternatives you can choose. One is the mini bypass. This is a procedure that can be performed in around an hour with a lot less recovery time. Because there are smaller incisions, there is a much smaller risk of negative side effects. For more gastric bypass alternatives click this link.

For more details go to My Gastric Bypass Surgery Information Site  or  Email Us

If you're contemplating sending your child to a Montessori child academy, there are plenty of things you'll need to consider. It first helps to understand what a Montessori education entails before deciding if it is right or wrong for your child.

Montessori is an educational philosophy and name for a number of schools and academies around the world. In 1907, Italy's first female doctor named Maria Montessori was given a chance to study a group of children. She took the poorest, most desolate children off the streets and placed them into her Casa dei Bambini, or House of Children. Word soon spread about the progress Dr. Montessori was making with these children using her educational methods. Dr. Montessori believed that each and every child is born with a special unique potential that is waiting to blossom into fruition. By placing the child in a natural environment and allowing them to learn by experiencing, amazing educational progress can be made.

Her philosophy is still at work today at the countless number of schools that bear her name. Do be advised, however, that the name Montessori is not trademarked or protected. That's why it's especially important to thoroughly check out any school that claims to teach the Montessori method.

For more details go to Montessori Schools 4 U  or  Email Us

If you're a hot air balloon enthusiast, then why not make your hobby into a business? Thousands of people around the world make a very good living providing hot air balloon rides. The first thing you need to do is educate yourself about the things you need to do before opening a business.

You'll need land, for sure. And the land must be zoned for giving hot air balloon rides. By visiting your local municipal building, you can find out all the requirements as far as land is concerned. You'll also need to be certified by the FAA to fly a hot air balloon. This is achieved by taking an exam and logging a particular number of flight time hours with a qualified instructor.

Many people start off by giving hot air balloon rides for a company before starting their own business. The money you make working for someone else can be used as capital for your own business. A hot air balloon costs about as much as a new boat or car -- anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000. You'll need accessories such as extra tanks, repair kits, and other components to make your flights safe as possible. These extras will run a few thousand dollars on their own.

For more details go to Hot Air Ballooning 4 U  or  Email Us