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Health Insurance Quotes
2008-05-10 02:41:00
Free health insurance quotes is now available online. It is now easy to find affordable health insurance that suits the need of everyone. By submitting an application, you'll get instantly matched with the least expensive health insurance or healthcare plan that works for your healthcare needs. Please take the time to submit an application and give yourself the opportunity to choose a cheap health insurance coverage.
More About: Health , Insurance , Quotes , Health Insurance

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch
2008-04-09 15:49:00
A little-known island continent of floating toxic plastic garbage, TWICE the size of Texas, is growing in the pacific between California and Hawaii. Officially known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch is still completely ignored by U.S. officials. In the past 50 years it has grown 1000 times, and continues to grow until we stop using plastics. The enormous stew of trash - which consists of 80 percent plastics and weighs some 3.5 million tons, say oceanographers - floats where few people ever travel, in a no-man's land between San Francisco and Hawaii. In the Great Pacific Garbage Patch it is said that there is a ratio of 6 to 1 plastics over plankton. Plankton is the number one food source for fish and they mistaken the tiny plastic pellets that have broken down due to the Sun and eat them. Eventually, we fish these plastic eating fish and the plastics return right back into our diet!

Plastics and us!
2008-04-09 15:41:00
Plastics, like diamonds, are forever. Plastic floating in the ocean is the number one source of pollution of the world ocean.  80% of marine debris comes from land and 20% from boats. The problem is many marine birds, turtles and fish confuse floating plastic particles with food. Plastic does not biodegrade, it photo-degrades, or slowly breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces, but still remains a polymer. And plastic has been proven to absorb toxins up to one million times background levels in ambient seawater, making the floating plastic a poison pill. Because of their buoyancy and persistance, most of the debris that either entangles sea creatures or found in their stomachs, is made of plastic.
More About: Plastics

QUICK IDEAS TO GREEN UP YOUR LIFE!
2008-04-02 15:57:00
1. Keep your trash off the street and out of the storm drains so they don’t end up in the ocean. EVERYTHING ENDS UP IN THE OCEAN! 2. Overwatering is wasteful. It moves trash and toxins into the ocean. Turn the water off when not using it, fix leaky pipes and conserve our water supply. 3. Throw away your balloons. All released helium balloons eventually pop and fall back down to Earth and end up in the ocean where animals mistaken it for food. Always pop balloons and put them in the trash. 4. Beware of Six Pack Rings! Cut them up before throwing them out. Marine animals choke on then and get tangled in them. Unlike us, they don't have hands to remove them from around their necks. 5. Use Non-Toxic! Try not to buy products like liquid drain openers, don't use pesticides, and always look for non-toxic alternatives. 6. Sack the Plastic Bags. Instead of taking plastic bags at the grocery store, bring your own bag. Plastic bags create loads of unnecessary litter; they are...
More About: Ideas , Life , Green , Quick

10 BENEFITS OF ECO PUBLISHING
2008-04-02 02:36:00
1. Green printing means leaving zero footprint on the environment. 2. A ton of recycled paper equals a ton of new paper. No need to cut virgin wood. 3. 100% Chlorine processed free paper. When paper is bleached with chlorine and chlorine compounds releases a huge amount of toxic compounds into the water.One in particular is called DIOXIN and it is a human carcinogen! 4. Switching over to recycled wood emits 13% less carbon dioxide. 5. Switching over to recycled wood means 35% less trees are cut. 6. For every ton of recycled paper that displaces a ton of non-recycled paper saves up to 25 mature trees, 10,000 gallons of water and 2200 pounds of green house gases. 7. Vegetable and soy based inks use less than 5% of VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds). They are all renewable resour...
More About: Publishing , Benefits

FAQ's
2008-04-02 02:29:00
FAQ's 1. What is eco publishing? Eco publishing, eco printing, and green printing all stand for the same concept: TO LEAVE ZERO FOOTPRINT ON THE ENVIRONMENT! 2. Isn't all paper used these days recycled?Only about 10% of printing and writing paper for the entire market is recycled.  And even those papers are full of virgin materials.More than 90% of the paper is virgin materials, and the main reason why is because consumers believe that they don't have to ask for it, because the think that it already is. If we don't voice it, the printing, publishing and paper industry will continue to cut down virgin forests and pollute our waterways!TELL THEM WE WANT RECYCLED PAPER ONLY! 3. Doesn't recycling paper make the fibers too short for paper making?Not at all. The fibers in paper can be recycled over a dozen times before they become too short. Plus the amount of resources, water and energy saved decreases the strong footprint left on our enviro...

10 IMPACTS OF THE PUBLISHING INDUSTRY AND PAPER MILLS ON OUR ENVIRONMENT
2008-04-01 21:33:00
10 IMPACTS OF THE PUBLISHING INDUSTRY AND PAPER MILLS ON OUR ENVIRONMENT 1. The publishing industry is #3 in the world to leave the largest footprint (loss of carbon dioxide storage) on the environment from pollution and deforestation. 2. Water is the main ingredient used in the process of making paper.  So much is used, that it is the largest consumer of water and is also the #1 polluter of water. 3. The paper industry is one of the most brutalest industries on our environment: cutting down trees, polluting the waterways, and eliminating wildlife habitats and ecosystems. 4. Paper and packaging are the #1 contributors to landfills. 26% of landfills is paper. 5. The US publishing industry alone emits 12.5 million tons of carbon dioxide each year. (8.85 pounds per book) 6. Deforestation is 25% of human caused CO2 emissions. 7. More than 20 million trees per year are cut down for books and more than 95 million trees per year are cut down for newsprint in the US ...
More About: Environment , Industry , Publishing

Mary Osborne a true Soul Surfer!
2008-02-27 15:21:00
Mary Osborne is not only one of the best long board surfers on the pro circuit, nor is she only known for being chosen as the MTV Surf Girl! No, Mary Osborne is a true role model that knows how to use her public profile figure to help inspire young girls and help the less fortunate. Her perseverance to succeed and push the envelope for whatever endeavor she takes on personifies her belief in living life to the fullest. Even with her grueling schedule as a professional surfer Mary understands how important it is to be a role model and is constantly doing charity work with Surfer s Healing, a foundation for autistic kids helping them enjoy surfing, Free Wheelchair Mission--transforming lives through the gift of mobility and many others.     Mary even had time to read my book and this is what she said about it: "We must all learn about how our actions effect the environment we love, live and play in.  Every little bit helps. As surfer's we must pro...
More About: Soul , Mary , True

LEATHERBACKS IN ACTION!
2008-02-14 21:18:00
If you've never seen a leatherback turtle, here is a great video with a lot of description about exactly what these wonderful creatures are all about. And it is filmed right here in Costa Rica, Playa Grande.
More About: Action

The Leatherback Turtle
2008-02-14 15:15:00
Since my book focuses on the Pacific Leatherback turtle which is the number one most endangered marine animal in the world, I thought I'd give you guys a bit of info on this precious creature so that you can see why I'm so partial to this particular animal! Sixty-five million years ago the Leatherback Turtle wandered the Earth beside dinosaurs, mammoths and hundreds of other ancient species who were prone to natural disasters. Yet it survived and prospered for millions of years until the rise of the human. Today the Pacific Leatherback Turtle is the world’s most endangered sea turtle. In the past twenty years the adult females’ numbers from the shores of Costa   Rica have plummeted from 1500 to 60 and continue to fall unless we do something. 1989—1370 Leatherbacks nested on Playa Grande 2006—125 Leatherbacks nested on Playa Grande 2007—57 Leatherbacks nested on Playa Grande DON'T LET OUR TURTLES END UP LIKE THIS   Join us today to start to m...

Calling all People to TAKE ACTION TODAY!
2008-02-12 17:40:00
I’m starting a contest TO TAKE ACTION AND SPEAK OUT TODAY! I want anyone who has had an interesting story of an experience with endangered marine animals and, more specifically, focusing on realistic stories about how a movement or actions have saved or are saving certain species, ecosystems, etc… Plus, if you know of a true life, eye-opening story about what is happening with our marine life and habitats, with details, facts I want to hear about it. We are way past the age of talking in generalities. We need to EXPOSE what is taking place, and how we can stand together and take action, NOW! Once I start to receive these stories, photos, and ideas I will post all of them and have a contest for the best one in each category. Who ever gets the most votes will receive an autographed copy of ‘Turtle Feet, Surfer’s Beat’ with a kick-ass gift. Let’s start working together to help save our precious and oh-so-quickly-destroyed marine life today! Pass this on to you...
More About: People , Action , Today , Calling

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT ME:)
2008-02-09 21:44:00
INTERVIEWS BOOKTALK 3r BLOGGING THE BOOK CONNECTION TEEN BOOKSHELF
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WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT THE BOOK
2008-02-09 21:02:00
REVIEWS"Marina Kuperman's Turtle Feet, Surfer's Beat marks the beginning of an entirely new genre: The Eco-Teen Romance!"                                                                 green LA girl THE BOOK CONNECTION"Kuperman's knowledge of surfing comes to life in this book. From the lingo, to the fashion, to the the thrill of the competitions, Kuperman brings you onto the beaches of Costa Rica and gets you hanging ten with the locals."READ MORE... ARMCHAIR INTERVIEWS"Despite the underlying aim of the book to garner the reader’s sympathy for the cause of an endangered species, it is very much a young adult novel laden with teenaged concerns. Kuperman packs the story with interesting facts about the Leatherback turtle, introducing the re...
More About: People , Book

MY BOOK REVIEW PART #7-NATURE MOMS
2008-02-08 11:17:00
I recently read the book Turtle Feet, Surfer’s Beat by Marina Kuperman. It is a teen romance with a strong environmental theme and back-story and I enjoyed reading it. The story revolves around a teenage girl named Penelope who finds herself in the middle of a tense situation with her parents. They don’t know if their marriage is going to work out and divorce looks like it might be imminent. Her father is a famous photographer that specializes in bringing attention to wildlife crisis and poaching and his work takes him away from home for extended periods of time. When it looks likely that his next assignment might be the last nail in the coffin of his marriage he decides to take his wife and two kids on location with him to Costa Rica. His assignment is to photograph the endangered Leatherback turtles and to keep his kids occupied while he and his wife hash things out they enroll 16 year old Penelope and 12 year of Sammy in a 2 week long volunteer program that helps to protect t...
More About: Nature , Book Review , Review , Book , Part

MY BOOK REVIEW PART #6- TEEN BOOK-SHELF
2008-02-07 11:12:00
5 Stars"What happens when a suburban girl gets transported to Costa Rica's most famous surf town with one of the only Leatherback Turtle sanctuaries in the world?Two unexpected and extraordinary loves!Penelope takes you on a journey of discovery as she fights the updhill battle to save the critically endandgered Leatherback from complete extinction. But hang ten dudes! In the process she gets some help. One lonely night, as she's patrolling the beach for turtle poachers she stumbles and falls directly into the arms of the local surf champ. Together they are submerged into an epic romance with head-high waves, perfect barrels, and a strong determination to preserve marine life" -Description from book.First off, I love this book. It's something original, romanctic, and amazing. The author worked hard to get the feel of Costa Rican life, as she lives there herself. I love how it's not just romance; it's an adventure to save these endangered turtles! And with that being s...
More About: Book Review , Review , Book , Part , Shelf

MY BOOK REVIEW PART #5- Chicklish
2008-02-06 11:04:00
Penelope is dragged away from her comfortable life in the New York suburbs when her father gets a photography job in Costa Rica. Dumped by her long-term boyfriend just before the move, Penelope's not very happy about her new life, especially when she finds out she's been registered to do a two-week volunteer session at the Leatherback Turtle Biological Center. Oh, plus her parents are on the brink of divorce, and the move turns out to be a last-ditch attempt to save the marriage. But things take a turn for the better for Penelope when she meets the amazing sea turtles. She vows to do everything she can to save them from extinction. She also meets Kendall, Central America's surf champ. He's gorgeous, he's kind-hearted, and he's interested in Penelope... This book is full of gripping adventure, fantastic turtles, thrilling surfing, and a very sweet romance. Penelope is a great, feisty character and her brother Sammy is funny and likeable, even though you can see why Penelope...
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MY BOOK REVIEW PART #4- BOOK CHIC
2008-02-05 10:49:00
Penelope is losing everything- her boyfriend (who doesn't want to do the whole long-distance thing), her comfortable life in New York, and any shred of sanity she had left in her. Her father is relocating her and the rest of the family to Costa Rica while he does a photo shoot to show the world the plight of the Leatherback Turtle. Penelope is adamant against being forced into a volunteer session at the Leatherback Turtle Biological Center for two weeks. But once she sees and vows to protect the prehistoric creature, as well as chatting it up with a really hunky surfer guy, Penelope decides that maybe this time in Costa Rica won't be so bad after all, at least until things begin to spiral out of control… This is quite honestly an amazing book with a very engaging story and a good message. It is quite obvious through the writing that Kuperman is very passionate about this line of work, and helping out the Leatherback Turtle. Told from a regular teen girl's point of view, this ma...
More About: Book Review , Review , Book , Part

BLOG ACTION DAY
2007-10-15 19:53:00
Today is blog action day!!! And what does that mean? This is what the website says: What would happen if every blog published posts discussing the same issue, on the same day? One issue. One day. Thousands of voices. My cause was chosen by a great blog: A Readable Feast Let's all find a way to make a difference. It can be something as simple as recycling to donating money to joining Greenpeace. Whatever you can do, will make a huge difference today, tomorrow and forever!
More About: Action , Blog

WOW! WOMEN ON WRITING
2007-10-11 19:19:00
Have you checked out the great online ezine called: WOW! WOMEN ON WRITING? This magazine is insightful, inspirational, and an all around resourceful tool for aspiring and professional writers. I am also a featured writer for them in my article HOW TO WRITE FOR TEENS.
More About: Women , Writing , On Writing

3r Living
2007-10-10 21:12:00
Hi everyone. I had been given the honor of Mark Caserta writing about my book and me on his super fun blog: 3r Living . Mark and his wife own two eco-friendly home and lifestyle stores Known as 3r Living. One is based in Park Slope, Brooklyn and the other one, just opened, is in Maplewood, NJ. Come and see what they've got in store for you! 3R Living sells the worlds highest quality eco-friendly, organic products and gifts. Visit our online retail store at www.3rliving.com or in person at 276L 5th Ave. in Brooklyn, New York. The posts on this...

Costa Rica Crazy
2007-10-08 03:11:00
Here's a crazy lady who is full of adventure and excitement living in Costa Rica with her family. Check out her fun blog COSTA RICA CRAZY and find out what life in this country is all about! She's also done me the honor of interviewing me about my book, so come and check it out here!
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Shannon Greenland
2007-10-05 21:28:00
Hey today I'm blog touring with Shannon Greenland. She's a fab teen author who's coming out with a new book in her series THE SPECIALISTS. Check out her latest book:
More About: Anno

LIVE IT!
2007-10-05 18:29:00
This is a must for everyone not only to see but to live:
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Author Pamela Kinney
2007-10-03 00:50:00
Today I have the special honor of having Pamela Kinney do a blog tour with me. This is one devoted author of published fiction and poetry. She writes horror, fantasy and science fiction and has the nonfiction ghost book, Haunted Richmond, Virginia published by Schiffer Books as Pamela K. Kinney, and erotic and sweet paranormal/fantasy/SF romance by the pen name, Sapphire Phelan. She lives in Chesterfield, Virginia with her husband, Bill and their cat, Ripley. You can find out more about her and what she has or will be coming out at her website: Fantastic Dreams, also her blog at...
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WALLACE 'J' NICHOLS
2007-10-02 23:18:00
For Dr. Wallace ?J? Nichols hiking, kayaking and enjoying the great ocean surf with his daughters is as natural as heading some of the top ocean and marine life conservation organizations, working on Leonardo DiCaprio?s latest project ?11th HOUR?, traveling to exotic spots to save endangered sea creatures, starting Ocean Revolution for kids, and campaigning for sea turtles. He is an extremely energetic, friendly and down to earth guy who knows that saving our oceans is all about having a good time. INTERVIEW: MARINA KUPERMAN: People are always under the misconception of what scientists and conservationists do. Before moving to...
More About: Alla

CARL SAFINA
2007-10-02 22:42:00
Carl Safina is one of the true ocean conservationists of today. Profiled in the New York Times and on Nightline, and named among "100 Notable Conservationists of the 20th Century" by Audubon magazine. He founded the Living Oceans Program at the National Audubon Society, and served ten years as their vice president for ocean conservation. Now he is president of Blue Ocean Institute, which he co-founded in 2003. The Blue Ocean Institute uses science, art, and literature to inspire a closer relationship with the sea. "Go and see the Leatherback turtle in person. Tell everyone how awesome they are! Find...
More About: Carl

KAREN STEELE
2007-10-02 20:59:00
One of the most influential and active campaigners for the Sea Turtle Restoration Project, Karen Steele is also her passion for animals comes through with each project she tackles. Her biggest achievement with STRP is helping to keep the Leatherback Conservation Area off the US west coast closed to drift gill net fishing during the 2006 migrating season, which directly saved the lives of sea turtles and other endangered marine creatures. An environmental educator for both kids and adults, Karen Steele has some wonderful, easy and fun ideas on how we can start to make a difference today. "The leatherback,...

THEE SWANK BASTARDS
2007-09-29 22:29:00
Marine Preservation doesn't have to begin in the ocean, it can happen anywhere in the world. For instance, check out this great instrumental surf band from Las Vegas, USA. Now you couldn't be anywhere further from the ocean here. However, these guys are doing everything in their power to live a greener more sustainable lifestyle, which will inevitably reach our oceans. "The bottom line is impressing personal responsibility. I don't really know how to make that fun, but I think it?s a far greater issue than just environmental. I think people need to realize and act as if we are...
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THE SOUTHERN BEACH TERROR
2007-09-29 22:22:00
Here's a great surf rock band all the way from Jogiakarta, Indonesia. I bet you didn't realize that even all the way out there people are making a stand to make a difference. Well, this awesome band, who is producing their first album right this minute, believes that change starts from the person. "Take small steps at first, like cleaning the house and disposing of the garbage properly. And take care of your own body, when your are taking care of yourself, you are in a better position to make steps to taking care of the earth. If we appreciate...
More About: Terror , Beach , Southern , Hern

THE LOST BOYS OF PENZANCE
2007-09-29 22:14:00
Jonathan Villegas is an inspiration to me, I've listened to his music over and over again and am constantly impressed with the sounds that he produces. Being a true surf music artist he draws a lot of his energy from his backyard, the world famous surf spot: Swami's Beach in Encinitas California. But that's not the reason this guy harbors my respect, Jonathan was diagnosed a while back with progressive hearing loss, and has had cochlear implant surgery. The soul of his music comes from the inside and it's heard in every song! "Awareness and education are the key in...
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