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Radiation is usually our friend, because it provides us with ample power and is reasonably easy to manage under most circumstances. However, there are occasions when the situation gets a little bit out of control. When a situation of that nature comes around, nuclear technology goes from being our wonderful benefactor of power and ease to being an instrument of long-term suffering.

When nuclear power plants fail as several have in Japan, the situation goes from bad to worse. Simply put, people are going to be sick for generations to come because of one day’s natural disaster. While Japan will no doubt survive and continue to thrive as it has since ancient antiquity, the damage done by one earthquake will echo far beyond the physical aftershocks of the event. While the physical harm to structures may be fairly easy to repair, the long-term damage to people and infrastructure will take a long time to mend.

With all of the ambient radiation released by the nuclear power plants compromised by the quake, there have already been problems with local beef. In time these problems may very well escalate into higher than average incidences of cancer in the human population. This may even eventually lead to a level of mutation among Japanese people, as the radiation slowly changes the way their cells reproduce themselves. Generations from now the Japanese may actually look different from the rest of the world in a way their ancestors never could have imagined. All of this from a single day’s events.

 

Cover of GoodFellas

But we’re talking about law-breaking here; and in Charleston, South Carolina, the mob’s even more fun to watch on TV now thanks to enforcers of the law in the great state. If you were to keep watch on all sites regarding Charleston — such as southcharleston.org — you might hear of this.

It’s about the Russian mafia.

Apparently three men — 41-year-old Sargis Tadevosyan, 21-year-old Igo Shevchuk, and 23-year-old Arsen Bedzanyan — were indicted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charleston for health care fraud. The official charge was Conspiracy to Commit Health Care Fraud. Essentially, they obtained money through false Medicare claims. Naughty, naughty.

They actually set up five ‘phantom clinics’ and sent addresses to Medicare to obtain funds for something that didn’t even involve health care! Using fictitious or stolen identities, they opened bank accounts to receive those funds without even taking a temperature or performing surgery on anyone. Not that they would, because they’re not doctors. They’re crooks.

Apparently, these three men were on their way to other states, setting up more ‘phantom clinics’ to obtain more funds from Medicare. Thankfully, it was all halted. Clever. But not clever enough. This was back in the Fall of 2010 all the way to May 6, 2011. No more, though — their days of health care fraud are over.

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Cradled on South Carolina’s eastern curve — carved from a network of rivers and peninsular tides — is Charleston. This charming city (which boasts colonial architecture and a harbor history) was established in 1770. Its conception echoes the evolution of America, with explorers seeking its diverse geography and consistent climate. Progress was common within the streets; and the area quickly became the most noted trade center of its time. Ships flocked to its ports, bringing influences from all over the world.

And these influences are seen still today — chronicled in the Charleston Museum.

Began in 1773, the Charleston Museum is the first of its kind within the United States. It was founded as a way to capture the changes that were occurring throughout the country (as well to offer credence to the area, branding it as more than a mere colony); and its displays now detail centuries of information.

Guests entering the museum will be greeted by diversity. Lowcountry History Hall explains the origins of Charleston, providing glimpses into Native American lives, as well as its original English settlers. The Armory offers an astounding collection of weapons and military strategies. The Civil War: City Under Siege area examines the causes of the country’s most tragic years. The Loeblein Gallery of Charleston Silver boasts impeccable examples of local craftsmanship. And the Kidstory Gallery allows children of all ages to play among the past (interactive exhibits, educational workshops and more are available).

Through the Charleston Museum individuals can experience the world as it was — and as it will possibly become. It’s a can’t-miss attraction: one of many found within the city.

For instance, you can win a free vacation by donating a car to Kars for Kids. This is a charity that sells donated cars and uses the money to help local kids who are less fortunate than others by funding programs and providing food, clothing and shelter. Donating an old car is a great way to help your community, plus you have an additional incentive in the form of a free vacation voucher once the transaction is completed. Not many charities are willing to offer a three-day vacation package just for your donation, so you shouldn’t miss this opportunity.

Sure, you can always enter the sweepstakes that pop-up while you are searching on the Internet, but that is just an entry to win. With a donation to Kars for Kids, you will receive a vacation voucher that can be used in nearly 40 different cities. It is good for a 2-night stay at any participating hotel. Who wouldn’t want to help their community and go on a discounted vacation as a reward? Donate an old car and help your community today.

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Keeping up-to-date on the news is important especially if there are issues that directly affect you or your situation. This could be as simple as looking at the morning traffic to see if there are any problems, seeing what the weather is going to be like, to international problems that can pose a problem. Here are some tips and resources for those who are looking to keep up-to-date on the news.

Look to News Channels

While all day news channels may not give much information about local happenings, they are a good resource for those who need information on what is happening around the world. These channels are good for those who may be following an important story about an event happening overseas or following the world’s finances.  These channels are also a good choice for those who are not able to stay awake for the nightly news or those who work strange hours and cannot watch the morning or noon news.

Sign Up to Receive Updates Via Email

For those who are usually on the go, signing up to receive updates through their email is a good way to keep updated on what is happening in the world. People will get alerts about special events that are taking place or any other type of important news. This is also a good option for those who are wanting to keep up on what is happening with the weather. These updates can easily be read on a computer or even through a cell phone that can be checked regularly throughout the day.

Entertainment can be available in magazines as well. Entertainment is something which you do in your leisure times, but as a rule you do it to calm or refresh yourself. Since this is highly important, you find that there are any things that can provide you with a chance to entertain yourself. Magazines are one such media which are in high demand.

Celebrity magazines are in high demand most of the time. This is because people are eager to know how their celebrities have been carrying themselves around and how they are coping up with different problems. They also want to know about the most personal details of the celebrities’ lives, why they fought with their spouse, who they are having extramarital affairs with and so on.

These emotions are perhaps present in your minds because of some perverse part of the mind which wants to assure you that you are the best. It wants to tell you that you are immune to such things even though the celebrities or the idols of millions of people are susceptible to it.

Entertainment news is also popular because you feel that celebrities are ordinary people with extraordinary luck and talents. So it would be quite interesting to know about the things which tick them off and have them go mad about.

A payday loan company known as Payday One is a great solution for those in South Carolina who are facing emergencies and have a need for fast cash to handle their situation. This company is an Internet-based payday loan service with retail chain stores located right in South Carolina. It also stated licensed which allows it to provide a level of credibility to those that are thinking of using it for a payday loan service. The services that are offered through Payday One can help you out in an emergency situation because it provides you with access to quick money without having to wait a long time to get the money.

If you are a South Carolina resident who is considering using Payday One, there are some lending terms that you will need to meet in order to qualify. Some of those terms include:

• You cannot take out more than $550 in one loan.
• You cannot borrow the money again to pay off the loan, and you must wait one business day to take out a loan again.
• You cannot have a loan that is more than 31 days outstanding. Payment plans and installments are available but you cannot take out a loan during that period of time.
• You cannot take out more than eight loans in a year.

If you meet these terms you might qualify to get a payday loan.

The spree killers are also people who commit multiple crimes but are different from serial killers. This is because they kill on impulse. They are not exactly organized when committing their crime like serial killers, who meticulously follow a regular routine and have clever ideas. The spree killers don’t plan their crime; they simply go on about it.

Another difference between the serial killers and the spree killers is that the serial killers have a cooling time in between the killings, which means that they take some time off before attacking the next time. The spree killers are different. They commit their crimes without much time gap n between. They have to do the crime in order to satisfy their urges to do it.
The serial killers are generally people with strong emotional capabilities. They have the ability to think and plan ahead of time in a way that they are not caught when they commit the crime. The spree killers are more impulsive, they don’t have time to wait and plan, they simply go on about killing people from different parts of the country.

The best examples of spree killing can be the increasing number of school violence you read about. There have been cases of many students going on a killing spree in the school.

There are many types of murders. Some commit the crime to get some sort of financial gain from the act, while others do it to satisfy their emotions like anger, thrill, etc. There may be people who commit murders for no reason at all, while others do it for politics and similar.

You must have heard about serial killers. These are people who have committed murder on more than about three people, with a gap in between and with similar features. The serial killers always have a modus operandi which is a way to describe the basic features common to all the murders or the events that led to the murder.

Serial killing goes unnoticed most of the time, or people are not aware of the multiple killing some people commit because they are not aware of the concept itself. Serial killing, or mass killing are things which do happen in the world and each and every person ahs a right to know about it. Any sort of crime, be it murder o something else which harms the population, is something which everybody should be aware of. Being ignorant won’t help you to be safe and neither would know everything keep your free from all the trouble.

Sports news is something which deals with sports. The reason why the sports news has become so popular in the past years is because the number of sports activities themselves have increased to a great extend. This means that there have been many sports activities going on around the world, enough to form a separate news section for them.

Sportsmen are no longer considered as mere athletes or players. They are considered as powerful celebrities who can influence the public. It is not just the movie stars who are basking in all the limelight and attention; sportsmen have their own way of being attractive. It is perhaps because of the fact that they are people who have proved them to be powerful.
The sports column usually contains the news about sports from different parts of the world. They have news regarding the latest matches that had gone between two countries, or about the way one team had defeated the other. The latest news which caused a lot of crazed fans to buy the newspaper and increase its sales is perhaps that of the world cup.

For example you might have read about the divorce of Tiger Woods or about the marriage of Sania Mirza and Shoaib Malik. All these are considered to be news connected to the celebrities and are in high demand.

Children who play and enjoy sports have great affection towards it. They become conscious of their health and work towards keeping it fit. Their personalities and behavior go through a transformation. This change makes them confident and sure about their skills. Children playing sports from a young age may grow up to be great sports men. They may also attain high levels of fame for themselves and their nation. There are several parents who downplay the importance of sports in front of studies. However this makes them unable to study and lowers their concentration levels even when they are studying. If your child takes more interest in sports, allow him to make a career out of it.

Playing sports makes them healthy and active. They are also able to perform better in other walks of life. All children may not take active participation in all kinds of sports.  Parents must know their child very well to find the right kind of sport for their child. They must be aware of the kind of trainers they are admitting their child with. The child should be very scared of his or her trainers. Fear will hamper your child’s capacity to learn. It is important for you children to enjoy the sport. Do not admit your child in sport classes where there is too much competition and less learning. Let you child play the sport he or she enjoys.

There are several nations like Singapore, Ireland, etc. who are also budding with their cricket teams. Be it the One Dayers, Test Matches or the recently formatted Twenty-twenty matches, all are very popular among the Indians. Cricketing season starts in India from the month of October and goes on till May. There are several national and international cricketing tournaments in the nation during this season. There are several grounds and training hubs for budding cricketers to practice.
The Board of Cricketing Council, India, which is more commonly known as the BCCI, is the governing body of this sport, there. This body sees through the selection and training of its players. In India, there are several sponsors for the sport and cricketers. This sport is very popular among all ages. Both male and female citizens of the nation love and enjoy this sport. Several families and friends love watching the sport together in front of their TV sets or at the stadiums.

Even the Indian form or club cricket, i.e. the Indian Premier League, is extremely popular. This sporting event attracts players from all over the world to play for several clubs in India. Cricket as a sport has evolved over several years and so have its followers.

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If you’re looking to mix a bit of excitement with history on a vacation, look for places that advertise a bit of both in their advertising brochures. For instance, in South Carolina, did you know that the 232-foot roller coaster ride, The Intimidator, was named in honor of race car driver Dale Earnhardt? The state is also home to the Old Slave Mart Museum where there are numerous records and files of historical documents on the slave trade and guided tours through some of the relics of that era.

Planning the perfect vacation takes time and focus, not to mention a little bit of elbow grease in the form of Internet research. Yes, in order to get the most out of your vacation, you need to arm yourself with information, brochures, and a list of website links to check out before you make those reservations. If saving money is a significant area for you to concentrate on, look for discounts or deals listed in the brochures or on the South Carolina websites where you go to for information. There are sometimes specials for first-timers to vacation attractions, so be sure to ask about that at various sites. Also, don’t bypass the South Carolina visitor’s bureau website for targeted information on the top places to see in area attractions, lodging, and kid-friendly locations.

Sometimes, it’s also helpful to get someone else’s input. For information from an opinionated point of view, ask friends and acquaintances for suggestions on where to stay, good places to eat, and sites to see. If you don’t have friends who have visited the area, another great place to get information would be on travel forums where the advice is unsolicited and the opinions are honest. From there, you should be able to get an idea of your vacation plans and things to consider while you’re planning.

Diversions must be healthy and age-appropriate. Keeping these factors in mind is very essential for your child. It is important that you get age appropriate movies and books for your child’s entertainment. Your child needs to learn at least something while he or she enjoys themself. Teaching kids about various values and ethics in life are very essential.

However, children will not be ready to listen to elder’s advices but will follow the ones given in these books and movies.
You must understand that playing games and sports are also a part of their entertainment. Indulge them in activities and sports. It is essential that they spend a lot of time being with kids belonging to their own age group. They must be happy and surrounded by a healthy batch. Make sure you indulge your child in family activities like dinners and family gathering. They must learn that being with family can also be entertaining. They must learn to search fun and entertainment within the family. It is important for them to realize the fun of being together with their family and being there for each other.

Therefore it is important that you don’t pick up or perform any acts which are harmful for your child. Children of all must have some entertainment daily.

During war, famines and economic depressions, the rate of crime are on a surge. There is very little money in hands of people and they are ready to do anything to have more. When begging and borrowing do not work, people take up stealing. Robbery is one of the most infamous crimes in the human society. Right from looting banks and museums to looting people’s houses, all comes under robbery.  Robbers are people like us and they take up stealing thing in order to satisfy their needs and demands.

Crimes against women and children are also very common in the society. Trafficking of women and children is seen across several nations and cultures. Forced labor, sex trade and slavery are all banned by legal government of several nations, but are very heinous forms of crime.  Sale and supply of drugs is also very common in the western nations. Many of these drug sellers belong to nations like Afghanistan. These drug peddlers sell and supply drugs to youth and collect war money against the western world.

It is very easy to be a part of the crime and continue with it but it is important for us to think about the consequences of our actions. Criminals must realize what they giving to the society and gaining for them.

There are people who think that serial killing is something of a hypothetical concept. This is probably because the people have not been directly affected by any similar such crimes in the past and so, they find it difficult to believe that such things can occur. They feel that if they remain unaware of such things they can be vey safe.

The motives for serial killing can vary. Some kill for personal gain, others for money. The most frightening ones among the serial killers would perhaps be the ones who kill people just for fun, and assure you that there are such people. They have been tried and punished for their offense. A serial killer can experience strong emotional feelings which can mostly control them.

One of the famous cases in the history is that of Ted Bunty. He was a very famous serial killer who terrorized the United States for a long time. He used to kill women after abusing them. Hundreds of women had become victim to his actions and millions had been scared out of their wits to do anything or venture outside.

Every human mind has a black part, the one which deals with evil and negative energy. Education and moral discipline are two strong factors which can hold back the strong urges to do something wrong or brutal, but in some people these are not enough. They let themselves go and the people around them fall victims to their temperaments. If you can do it, find articles on such incidences and educate yourself how to take care of yourself. They need to be treated like criminals and nothing else. They should get the cruelest punishment on earth.

Another advantage of entertainment news would be to let your depression fade away when you amuse yourself with news from around the globe. This is one way which most of the people might have tried out at one point of time or the other. They may have read through a paragraph or an article which would have told them about the latest fling of their favorite celebrities or who is back biting whom.

Most people find it amusing but there are those who are not interested in gossip. These people find solace in reading through serious things such as the political news in the world. They find reading informative stuff more interesting and so go for things which are more serious. Nevertheless they find it amusing in their own way and would have taken some off from their work schedule.

Having a column in the newspaper which can provide entertainment to people is essential as it would make the circulation of the paper increase no doubt, but it would also help the publishers to make their customers happy and satisfied, which is very important in this industry. If you are feeling down then you should probably look for some interesting articles. Entertainment has many more advantages. Just know them for your benefit.

Advertising your business is all about giving attractive information to the public. If you can put it alongside the news or have a small clip about it in the local newspaper then you probably would increase the number of customers in a day by a great degree. This is because when you give information about yourselves in the newspaper you are increasing the interest of the people.

Once the interests of the people have been aroused, they would come and visit you to check what exactly you are offering them. Once the newspaper does its part, it is your responsibility to satisfy the needs of the customer. You have to present yourself in a way that the customer gets impressed and wants to access your products and services.

This is the basic of advertising or getting a business to run smoothly. Since the newspaper has to do its part in perking up the interests of the people, you have to be sure that the write-up you have given to the publisher is very interesting and attractive. This way the customers would flock around your business and make it successful by accessing your products and services you are willing to offer.

Getting an advertisement into a newspaper might be costly but it would be beneficial in the long run. When you give the ad in the newspaper you should be sure you give to an agency which is well known and popular. This would ensure that maximum of the people are reading about your business and would come to you. With a few simple tips and techniques you can definitely make your business successful. Advertising can help your business in many way then it will improve day by day.

Entertainment, when asked to define properly, is something which people do to amuse themselves in their leisure time. It is something which would keep you occupied during your free time and let you have fun too. Entertainment can have many examples, like reading gossips, watching movie, listening to music and similar such activities which keep you hooked to it.
There is a difference between watching movies and playing badminton, which implies that both come under different terms. Sports and similar activities are not considered as entertaining because these come under another term called recreation. Recreation would be something which is used to recreate yourself, which goes on to say that it improves your physical and mental persona.

Entertainment news is in high demand all the time. It is one way by which people can let themselves relax and have some time off from the tedious and tiring jobs. They can have some time amusing themselves over other people’s lives and what they do, and mostly this is associated with celebrity gossip. This would be amusing for some more than the music or the movies.

When you feel bored just go to a news site and check their latest updates on various things. It is not just celebrity news that you have for entertainment news, there are various other kinds of news as well, like those on physical well being, etc. these would also amuse you and at the same time give you information on how to do things properly.  Entertainment news is something which everybody would need at some point or the other to get themselves relaxed and cool. Entertainment is certainly the integral part of our life. It is must to be in evry family.

The year was 1861 when cannons were fired on a non-military ship attempting to reinforce troops in Fort Sumter. Although most historians wouldn’t agree that this was indeed the start of the War, residents of South Carolina would stick to the proverbial guns (and not REAL guns, although in their reenactment of the event this January 9th, the guns were REAL) and say that this was the beginning of a period in history that would forever be defined in school textbooks.

It was a Saturday on the 9th when Citadel cadets recreated the event with their cannons and fired off a few shots to commemorate the occasion when a state began a war that would shape the nation to what it is today.

However, these students asked to ‘fire off’ the memories of battalions with friends and relatives facing each other on their own soil weren’t doing it as a celebration, nor simply as an experiment to mark a certain ‘holiday’. Make no mistake: these students in South Carolina were not necessarily ‘happy’ to do this. The commemoration was a solemn remembrance of the day the South entered one of the most dismal times ever faced when over 600,000 soldiers died at the point of guns held by the Union.

The school holding this commemorative event is the Citadel in South Carolina, and it’s something very emotionally important to them. Even James Elliott, a Citadel senior from Walterboro who had manned one of the cannons, stated that it “wasn’t just a game for them”, purely confident that the intentions of these historical soldiers were actually to start the war.

It’s not a light matter. And, like Citadel officials would say, it’s a matter that should be remembered.

Remembering where you came from is important before ever knowing who you are and where you’re heading. That’s history. And every American needs to know about his or her American History–from the Revolution to the Persian Gulf War, without a doubt.

Particularly in South Carolina, history decorates that part of the original American nation with some of the accented events during the Revolution and the Civil War. From the very beginning, this is how it all started….

In 1521, the Spaniard Francisco de Gordillo explored the coast which would later be called “Carolina” to establish (however, failingly) a colony near present-day Georgetown in 1526. Furthermore, the French weren’t lucky to hit the ground either at Parris Island near Fort Royal in 1562. It was only on 1670 that the English settled at Albemarle Point on the Ashley River, but remarkably poor conditions struck them enough to move them toward the future site of Charleston, originally titled “Charles Town”.

After the Revolution, the state of Carolina, which was mostly the center of military action between colonists and British, split into two–”North Carolina” and “South Carolina”, one of three splits, the other two being Virginia (Virginia and West Virginia) and the Dakotas (North and South). That was the year of 1729. Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor was the cornerstone of the Civil War when confederates fired on the stronghold, effectively–at least to some historians, regarded as true–beginning the American Civil War. South Carolina was actually the first state to secede from the Union, creating the great divide in a nation already shadowed by so much history in so little time.

Whenever you walk through the lands deep in South Carolina, remember the history. Remember the lessons learned. Many soldiers in our American history died right under your feet. And that is what shapes your life today, is the history of souls passed on to fight for the movement of a great nation, the United States of America.

Open seven days a week except for Thanksgiving and Christmas, whenever the desire hits you to graze the dirt with your horsepower, go for it. From beginner to advanced levels, they have everything you need to enjoy a day of ATV or motorbike riding–a Kids Track and Tot Lot for the smaller bikes and less-experienced learners, a Flat Oval for practice sessions on your ATV or bike, the Intermediate Track in case you want to up the ante on your skills, the ‘Tween Track where both ATVs and bikes play together (not for beginners), and the last and greatest National MX Track and Supercross Track for riders who’ve done it since they could learn to walk. There’s a place for everyone at TNT.

If tracks are a little too structured for you, TNT even has TRAILS! You really want riding freedom? Try the trails such as the “Pathfinder” and the “Caldwell”. The wilderness is all yours on your speed demon, free and clear.

Even better, it’s not just a day excursion at TNT. They have camping grounds and lodging, too. So bring your tents, trailers, mobile homes, whatever you like. The space is yours. But make sure to hold a spot for your prized ATV or bike.

Right in South Carolina, see it to believe it. It’s the TNT Motorsports Park, Inc., an amusement park for off-roaders!

Everyone loves a good zoo. Even aquariums are fun, if you’re more into the sea life. But raise your hand if you’ve heard of this type of park…. (willing to bet no one will). A Serpentarium. Anyone? Anyone? Can you say “Ferris Beuhler”? Beuhler? Beuhler? Beuhler? No. Many might know particular film, but this article won’t go into detail on the adventures of a rebellious teen and his trip to skip school. No, sir.

However, allow this particular writer the chance to talk about the remarkable “Jurassic Park”, a movie of stunning scientific thought and philosophy. Would you believe that we actually have our own “Jurassic Park”? A crazy thought, indeed. Just know this–

The beasts in this park are maybe slightly different from those lovable dinosaurs of yester-millennium.

A Serpentarium is essentially a park solely dedicated to reptiles. And while dinosaurs aren’t necessarily reptiles (they’re actually related to birds, but that’s beside the point), the idea of specialization of a certain type of animal fits.

Enter: the Edisto Island Serpentarium right in South Carolina. One of only a few reptilian parks in the States today.

Opened to the public in 1999 on the month of July, the Serpentarium carries with it a complete 50-year adventure of snake hunting from founders Ted and Heyward Clamp of Edisto Island, South Carolina. It’s an indoor facility that houses anything and everything reptilian; and trust that none of these beasts will bite you. Hours of operation are 10-3 PM, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays; and rates for adults 13 and up are $12.95 followed by seniors at $11.95, children ages 6-12 with a price of $9.95 and youth ages 4 and 5 for $5.95. Children under 3 are FREE!

Be captivated by your very own modern-day Jurassic Park, the Edisto Island Serpentarium in South Carolina.

This isn’t your everyday zoo stuff. Bee City offers a basic class with all the essentials: standard beekeeping gear and learning materials, plus your very own glass observation beehive. After learning about the workers, drones, and queen of the hive, head for Bee City’s Petting Zoo and watch in awe some of the domesticated and exotic creatures they have–such as deer, monkeys, lemurs, wallabies, alpacas, and llamas. Even their nature center houses lizards, turtles, frogs and alligators. And they call it a ‘bee farm’!

The thing is the Bee City Honeybee Farm emphasizes the importance of wildlife; and bees are a direct portion of that cycle. You learn that in the session you purchase, so not only is it for entertainment, but education. As a matter of fact, field trip packages are available for schools on a school-daily basis! Not your everyday trip for a student, and that’s a big reason for scheduling Bee City into the year.

Even their gift shop is stocked to the brim with all kinds of products, such as locally produced honey, bee pollen, and beeswax. One of the best parts about their products is that Bee City actually makes their own cream, lotion, balm, candles and figurines all out of beeswax.

Visit the Bee City Farm and witness one of the greatest parts of nature, the starting cycle of life. That’s the ‘Exotic Park’ Mentality to a tee. South Carolina’s got it.

HOWEVER…. South Carolina’s very own Waccatee Zoological Farm is NOT par at all. We’re talking 10 under on the 18th hole with a few eagles to boot. That is, what they all say, a ‘top score’ above other scores.

Why is Waccatee so different? How can it be different? The answers are simple. And the easiest way to find out is to actually hop on a plane (or do a road trip if you’re feeling daring, unless you already live in the great Palmetto State) and walk right up to Waccatee. But for convenience’s sake, here’s a brief summary of what you’ll see–

Being only fifteen minutes away from one of the best beaches in the country, Myrtle Beach, Waccatee stands alone in unique quality as a privately owned facility not funded by the government. Therefore you’ve got the best of the best with the best intentions for quality of life regarding the animals. One of the zoo’s most unique traits is its nature theme (hence, NOT a ‘concrete jungle’ like most zoos are). You’re entered into the wildlife straight out. Moreover, you’re dealing with more than 100 species of animals–not too shabby. And over 50 acres of viewing space is impressive for something private and decadent in its style and comfort–that typically means not so many people to shove past! Although the prices are actually still reasonable….

Enjoy a zoo unlike the rest out there: Waccatee won’t disappoint.

So you have your exotics, and your traditionals. Parks vary usually between the two; and to be even more accurate, when you’re dealing with animals, they’re generally called ‘zoos’. But would you be surprised if that wasn’t always the case with certain venues? Sure, you have your zoos, and even public farms. And if you go around the Midwest, you actually might find what are commonly called wildlife parks or sanctuaries. Trust that those venues are probably even more of an experience for the seasoned animal lover (although kids have been known to love those sort of places, too).

Please understand that there is a ‘wildlife park’ (for lack of a better label) that surpasses all. In essence, it ‘brings Africa to you’ once you enter. And you’ll only find this place right in South Carolina.

It is called the Hollywild Animal Park, located on Hampton Road in Wellford. And it’ll blow you away.

Only available on weekends starting in November to February and then open from 9 to 1 weekdays and 9 to 5 on weekends the rest of the year, one would think the Hollywild Park is only an upscale entertainment spot. You’re partly right. The rates aren’t terribly high, but the reason why the hours tend to be limited is the fact that you’re up close and personal with these animals. It’s about the closest thing you can get to a safari! As said before: it brings Africa to you.

You can have picnics there, birthday parties–all sorts of things. But the best part is the ‘Safari Ride’ feature where you actually trek over their wilderness, over 70 acres worth of it. These animals roam free–we’re talking Fallows, Sika and White-tail Deer, Zebras, Bison, Watusi, Scottish Highlander Cattle, even Donkeys and Emus! And that’s only some of the animals they have roaming their fields.

Check it out in South Carolina. You won’t be disappointed!

It’s a breezy trip of relaxation on the boat, running through the river and then out into the ocean to watch the sea life. But the best part of it, really, is the feeling that you have peace of mind on your own, whisked away on sheer whim. Rides on the boat do that to you, you know? On your tour, you’ll get to view the salty marshes of South Carolina as well as the osprey gliding overhead. Numerous other bird species reveal themselves to you with astounding beauty and sanctity as you almost forget time exists in the heart of the Carolina coast.

The actual boat itself is named the Prince of Tides, a 24-passenger ride, and rates are as follows: $18.00 for adults, $12.00 for children of ages 12 and under. The whole tour actually takes about an hour and twenty minutes, so the truth is you’re never bored. There’s always something to see.

When you’re in South Carolina, everything seems pure and simple, real and historical. But nothing compares to the utter silence and tranquility of the sea; and South Carolina carries it with the Beaufort River Tours, a true tourist gem marking the state as a worthwhile place to visit. Come visit one of the oldest states known to Americans someday soon and witness one of the greatest rides of peace on the Prince of Tides. Your royalty on water awaits….

Why would such a relatively short trip be so romantic and wonderful? Think Venice and the boat rides. Just the two of you. A carriage ride is just like that. And when you have the ambience of South Carolina at your fingertips, that’s double the romantic desire and love to boot. As said before, it’s all about ambiance. If you ever had been on a carriage, the close quarters makes for an intimate setting, and when the sun sets over the coast and you’re in the carriage led by a wonderfully suited carriage rider with a pleasing smile on his or her face.

Located right in Camden, South Carolina, you not only have the majesty of nature in the state, but also the budding vintage city life to admire as you see all the little shops, stores, beautiful streets and lamps, numerous palmettos and the skies decorated with many birds flying high. It’s obvious: there’s nothing better anywhere.

But then again, any carriage ride, no matter what, is a must for any romantic couple. This writer, however, promises this: if you’re going to choose a carriage ride that’ll wow you with passion and music in your head reminiscent of Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes”, among your choices, be sure to hit South Carolina’s Camden Carriage Company. The trip will be worth the gas money, time, energy, and extended stay. Who knows? It might actually lead to an engagement ring if it hasn’t already come to that….

We all know baseball is an American pastime. But consider some of the others: football, basketball, video games…. And of course CRUISES! Hello? Can you say “Disney”? Carnival Cruises and Royal Caribbean are two other major cruise companies, too.

But you won’t know the benefit of history with those cruises. Here’s what you do:

Graze the west and east coasts of the United States, and you can be guaranteed of the fact that every state along those coastlines offers their very own cruises on the ocean to give riders a taste of history. Case in point: South Carolina, a state filled with so much history that it definitely begs for a cruise ship.

And here you go: the Fort Sumter Tours and SpiritLine Cruises, still running since 1961. There’s your ticket to some of the most memorable history America has to offer.

The first thing about these 1 1/2 hour-tours to keep in mind is none other than Fort Sumter, the supposed area where the American Civil War actually began. This national monument includes a quick 30-minute tour around the coast on deck along with an hour’s time to explore the fort and its on-site museum after docking. Take a step back on the cruise, and you’re heading out to Charleston Harbor for a look at the great state from the water, showcasing attractions such as the famous Battery, Arthur Ravenel Bridge, Patriots Point, and Waterfront Park. If then you’re also interested in a romantic and/or pleasant dinner on your true American vacation, partake on a 3-hour dinner cruise with some of the best city views of Charleston Harbor, all for you including live music and the best food you’ll probably ever fit in your mouth.

When you’re done, it’s all history. But it’s not over, yet. You have plenty of South Carolina to explore. After all, it’s all history–and history makes you who you are today.

Located in Barefoot Landing, you have a myriad of different activities for all ages: if you want some adult time away from the kids, send them to “Skool 4 Pirates” and JIVE HO! Your kids receive a personalized canvas pirate bag filled with bottled water and snacks for their heavy appetites, fun gold coins, stickers, a pirate tattoo, coloring, puzzles and game pages, jewelry and much, much more!

Then witness the Ghosts and Legends Show and be mesmerized by some of the stories out of South Carolina about ghosts, Captain Blackbeard, and other mysterious legends, inside an age-old building where the spirits roam….

You really want to explore the beach? You can, but be careful…. The ghosts might get you. On Ghosts and Legends “Ghost Walk”, you’ll feel them under the moonlight with your pirate guide leading the way, telling you some of the oldest legends of South Carolina. Don’t get scared, though….

If you like palm reading, astrology, and other psychic phenomenon, Ghosts and Legends even has THAT. A tremendous 90-minute show of the inner mind magic will leave you delighted.

Furthermore, participate in a special seance to communicate with the legendary pirate Blackbeard who used to coast alongside the Carolinas wondering if he could hide his booty and sail off into the rising sun. Spooky….

Amazing that all of that is offered to you, all in fun! But it’s not just another ghost story….

But, no worries, it’s not like you’re going to be possessed or anything. All that’s being said is historical places do have a tendency to be, well…haunted.

Like the Abbeville Opera House in South Carolina, for instance.

Located in Abbeville, South Carolina, 100 Court Square, the opera house is still in operation with numerous showings of great playwrights, musicals, and operas of course! But there’s one little thing about the place….

It’s haunted. At least that’s what everyone says about it.

Although it’s considered the State’s official theatre, attracting over 17,000 patrons and maintaining a steady stable of professional actors and prestigious musicians from all around the country, when you go up to the top part of the auditorium, you’ll notice something chilling about it: the section was actually considered the ‘Negro Balcony’. That’s how old the opera house is. Think about it. This is South Carolina, the state that was said to have begun the Civil War, which centered around slavery and the emancipation of Negroes.

That’s all fine and dandy knowing that the top section of the auditorium was the ‘Negro Balcony’, but you’ll also notice that one chair in that balcony is missing. You know why?

Residents would tell you that it’s where the “ghost of Abbeville Opera House” usually sits. The legend was that a black patron was murdered up in that balcony. Who’s to say that there’s no ghost of that man still lurking about? As said before, history has enigmatic spirit. And South Carolina is full of them. Come and see!

Back in 1855, a little boy without any identification whatsoever had actually boarded a train heading for South Carolina. Why? No one knew. He was so quiet, not speaking to anyone; and once he got off the train stopping right at Graniteville, a few other passengers knew why:

The little boy was horribly ill. So ill that he was practically mute.

The legend continues with an area wagoner named Henry Senn who took the little boy in, not knowing where he was originally from or what he was doing in Graniteville, and brought him to his wife’s business called the Graniteville Hotel, keeping him safe and warm as they tried to break his fever.

They failed.

In a few days, the fever got so bad that the boy died immediately. And no one, not even a cat or dog walking by, had a chance to hear the little boy’s story. No one knew who the boy was and what he was doing–just that he died right then and there in Graniteville.

Needless to say, residents were dismayed and ponied up some money to pay for a coffin and plot for his burial. It took a little fundraising, but they eventually even funded a headstone for the boy as a proper burial. Here’s the sad intrigue of the story: it took so long for them to buy the headstone that no one remembered when the boy died. Just the year and month.

So take a trip to Graniteville this year and see the cemetery in which the little boy is buried. His headstone reads “The Little Boy: October 1855″. To this day, people either living in or visiting Graniteville leave gifts for him–to remind the little boy that he is remembered.

It was originally an inn that was built in 1898. Still operating today, the fact is you’d have to have nerves of steel to stay there. After all, everyone says it’s haunted…. NAH! It’s all just stories. So you want to hear a few of them?

Here are some of the stories people have told while staying at Holly House. Don’t bite your nails, and keep your Adam’s apple down. Because, remember, they’re just stories….

Generally, you’d find most of the happenings in Holly House on the second floor. Noises. And shadows. Housekeepers have reported hearing whispers in empty halls during their rounds. Not something you’d hear if no one’s there. Another story is that one housekeeper did a room on the second floor, leaving her cart right outside the door; when she finished and exited, she’d find the cart all the way down the hall….as if someone pushed it down there. Pretty scary, huh? Guests had also reported numerous times of a lady crying–even screaming. Even toilets flush spontaneously. Your characteristic haunted doors are in effect, too–opening, closing, opening, closing. Basement lights had also randomly turned on. Sometimes that could mess with your head. But the strangest story of all is this….

In Room 225, people have reported a TV turning on with no one staying in there. Spooky.

Again, just stories. But why not discover for yourself in the heart of South Carolina, the Holly House. Who knows? You might meet a ghost….

Case in point: The Cry Baby Bridge of Anderson, South Carolina.

Moreover, not only are there reports of a little baby crying and screaming, there are sightings of a ghostly woman walking the bridge wearing a white old-time gown dress. Furthermore, some have also added that they’ve seen a ghostly car cross. The legend goes like this: it was one silent night when a mother was driving with her baby in the back seat until an accident occurred, which sent her and her baby in the car over the edge of the bridge to meet a watery grave–hence the reports of a woman and a baby crying. You’ll find every county of South Carolina tell you that legend, leaving the area of Anderson and the infamous Cry Baby Bridge a fanatical urban legend.

It’s like Sleepy Hollow. Almost. There’s no flaming Jack-o-Lantern and headless horseman, no petrified trees and scary owls or even Tim Burton and Johnny Depp with their crazy whimsical horror and adventure. But definitely if you’re driving down that bridge, be careful. The same legend might occur with you! (No, not really–just trying to scare you! After all, ghost stories are fun!)

And in mentioning the word ‘waiting’, that’s not to mean ‘waiting for a ride’ or even ‘waiting for a friend’. No. This girl was waiting for a loved one, an actual soon-to-be fiance, who her father hated due to the man’s Catholicism. She was, in fact, an eerie sort of girl, daring to misbehave if not ever going to meet up with her betrothed. But even stranger is the fact that she continually waits because she has in fact already met up with the man of her dreams:

YOU.

It’s a pretty scary thought, you’d think. And to have a ghostly girl fawning over you isn’t an ideal situation–especially when her eyeballs vanish, leaving black sockets and a wide smile as if she was going to swallow you whole. It’s not pretty. In already learning that history, getting out of the college is a must; but you can’t. You’re drawn to the ghostly girl. And she’s drawn to you. So the question remains….

WHAT DO YOU DO?

(So, friends, this is just a story. A ghost story, yes. But keep in mind this amazing truth behind it. Sullivan Music Center in Anderson College right in South Carolina is, in fact, haunted. And there have been sightings of this ghostly girl. So before you take it as just a story, just know that what you’ve read might have actually happened in history! Or at least was told in legend! After all, ghost stories are fun….)

Case in point: Professional sealers when the Chapel of Ease had been closed down. Their experiences would stick the hairs on the back of anyone’s neck.

No one likes crypts, but these sealers did what they had to do. Unfortunately for them, after sealing the crypt, the next morning they always had a surprise waiting for them: the rocks used to seal the crypt were neatly piled away. Now if that isn’t strange, pigs normally fly in your neighborhood and cats, and dogs rain down on your head. Apparently, reports indicated that it happened several times with the sealers as they constantly tried to seal the crypt, only finding the next morning their work was done in vain.

Furthermore, others have reported strange feelings as they walked around the Chapel of Ease cemetery. Maybe even heard the oddest sounds, like growls–and not from dogs or any other deep-throated animal.

Needless to say, the Chapel of Ease was declared haunted. And no one ever set foot on its land again. That comes with the territory regarding an abandoned building. But the story lives on, fears still sit in the back burner waiting to come out as whatever spirits lurking in the shadows of the Chapel and cemetery await the next hapless visitor into their abode.

Of course, if you happen to be that hapless visitor, pray that you’re only running into Casper the Friendly Ghost! And you might not be too scared. He would be just about the only ghost that could say, “Can I keep you?” without being scary. Just adorable!

You’ve already read about “cry baby bridges”, but are you ready for something a little more frightening? As in “Bloody Mary” frightening? Again, don’t bite your nails. Save the DIY manicure, please. And don’t get scared. Remember, it’s just a story….

It is the story of Booger Jim and his home at Cherokee Falls Bridge in Blacksburg, South Carolina. You see, Jim was a man who died in 1979. How did he die? In essence, his wife Becca savagely killed him by tying cables around his neck and shoving off the side of the bridge to hang viciously with the stretch snapping his neck and spine. Not a pretty sight. But that’s not all of the story:

The urban legend actually begins with many newcomers to the Cherokee Falls Bridge arriving there, knowing good ol’ Booger Jim lives in his ghostly grounds underneath the bridge, with the knowledge that if they say his name three times, he will actually answer! Only problem is you really can’t make it out, apparently, because the cables around his neck crushed his voice box. See why it’s like “Bloody Mary”.

Moreover, some have reported seeing Booger Jim standing there…on the bridge…with a giant burn mark on his neck from the cables. Now that is spooky.

No one knows just how much truth there is to the story. After all, it’s an account of which an urban legend bounces off. Silly to think that this ‘call the name three times’ deal is something most paranormal experts would say makes sense. But it doesn’t matter….

We love to be thrilled by stories, by history. So take a trip down to Blacksburg, South Carolina and stroll down the Cherokee Falls Bridge. You just might meet Booger Jim. Don’t be alarmed. Remember one important thing: he’s already dead. And dead people can’t harm you. Much.

Back then a family once lived there. No one does now, though. But you’d be pleased to know that the family was a happy family, except for one member:

The Daughter.

You see, unfortunately, the daughter was mentally impaired and an embarrassment to the family, especially regarding her father. She was always kept in the cellar during the day; but at night, her father gave her one piece of solace: a candle. And the candle was used to light the way as she roamed about the outside at night.

One night she went out farther than usual. Not knowing that candles don’t last forever, the flame died. And she lost her way back. With the flame dying, so did she, eventually.

Now here’s the urban legend:

Anyone who ever lived right on Rock House Road and not even in that particular ancient house after that terrible night of darkness and despair for that little girl could very well experience her mortified gentle spirit. All you would need to do is light a candle–a remembrance of the same candle that lit the way for her that fateful night. When you have the candle lit, head for a window and shine the flame.

The legend is you’d see her face staring back at you.

If you’d like a taste of horrific history, Blacksburg is obviously the place to go! Spirits galore! Just remember one thing: don’t be scared. They’re just stories…. RIGHT?

One particular story in Blacksburg is the unfortunate happenings on the infamous White Wolf Road, near King’s Mountain State Park. There are two stories to tell. So pay attention. And there’s a lot of history behind both.

The first involves the Ku Klux Klan, obviously, given it’s South Carolina, which was known for their Klan killings and slavery issues back in the day. Immediately, a sense of longing and despair fills anyone’s heart to know that they’re walking on the ground of racist action and terror. One particular Klan killing was over a black man and his white wife. A blasphemy to any Klan member, of course. The ghost story ensues with many sightings of this woman dressed in white–probably searching aimlessly, eternally, for her lost love, a love who died at the hands of the hateful Klan.

The second story is about a man who was shot execution-style next to his burning truck. No one knew why. The ghost story actually began for many when people reported sightings of that same truck, a ghostly apparition of it, riding the street with the headlights on. No sign of the man, though. We could only hope the man drives his truck endlessly now and doesn’t suffer from any wrongful death.

That’s Blacksburg for you! South Carolina, the place to be: if you like ghosts, of course. If you happen to be in the area of Blacksburg, don’t hesitate to stop in and visit many of the landmarks. The stories are rich with history, so enjoy them. Lord knows the spirits enjoy your delight in them as well.