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Sometimes known as the "Big easy", New Orleans is the largest city in Louisiana, and one of the oldest cities in the United States. As of the 2000 census, its population was 484,674.

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina caused the city's evacuation. Parts of the city were flooded and there was extensive damage from both flooding and the winds. New Orleans has been recovering since then, with people gradually returning - as of october 2006, the population was estimated as 187,525, although this figure is disputed by some.

There are many reasons to visit New Orleans: The city is known for its rich history and French heritage, its unique culture, excellent food, jazz music, and most especially for the Mardi Gras celebrations.

Some of the attractions of New Orleans include:

- Audubon Aquarium of the Americas

- Audubon Zoo

- Bourbon Street in the French Quarter

- Entergy IMAX Theatre

- French Quarter

- Jackson Square in the French Quarter

- Mardi Gras in the French Quarter, especially Bourbon Street,

- National World War II Museum

- New Orleans Museum of Art

- St. louis Cathedral in Jackson Square in the French Quarter

Here is some more information about the area:

- The principal airport serving New Orleans is louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.

- Perhaps the best known educational institution in New Orleans is Xavier University of Louisiana. Xavier University of Louisiana which is a private coeducational liberal arts college..

- Professional sports franchises in New Orleans include the NBA basketball team, the New Orleans Hornets, and the NFL American football team, the New Orleans Saints.

First published at http://www.vacation2usa.com/p1_state_louisiana_cities_new_orleans.php - Visit this link for more details, pictures, attractions, local weather and more!

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We all want to do something interesting but affordable with our kids for spring break. I have compiled a list of the ten most kid and adult friendly places to go.

10. Splash Lagoon indoor water park in Erie, PA. At a dreamy 84 degrees F any day of the year this is a location of guaranteed nice weather. This place is awesome with a lazy river to lounge in atop an inner tube built for two. There are three giant hot tubs, one for adults only to relax in. An enormous tipping bucket perches on a three story tree house waiting to dump a thousand gallons of water on the waiting crowd that gathers below. Monkey Shines Island is an area for little ones only with a pool and mini slides. The biggest bonus is that there are three hotels directly attached to Splash Lagoon so you can go to your hotel room and back even in the coldest weather without having to get changed. They offer packages for hotel and Water park starting at under $200 for a two day pass for four people and one night hotel stay.

9. Cuba is a good deal for families. Some all inclusive hotels offer kids to stay free programs so you only have to pay for the flight for passengers under 12 years old. Cuba can always be booked at the last minute for cheap. The food is not five stars but it'll keep you alive enough to enjoy some spectacular weather and beautiful beaches.

8. Cancun has so many hotel rooms that you can usually find something to your liking and in your price range even for spring break. Cancun hotels have some of the biggest pools anywhere including the 1/4 mile loop pool at the Oasis hotel. Beware of the tide though; danger level flags are raised on the beaches everyday to let swimmers know how the tide is. If the flags are red do not let little ones swim in the ocean as the unseen undertow can sweep you out to sea in the blink of an eye. Cancun can get a touch rowdy during spring break so ask for a room on the quieter side of the hotel. On the other hand if you are one of those creating the party ask for a room on the lively side so you don't keep young families awake with your night owl habits. Most hotels have a variety of restaurants so you are assured of getting food you like. An added bonus to traveling to Cancun is that the entire city has filtered water so not only can you drink the water but you can eat washed veggies and fruit too and add ice to your drinks.

7. Dominican Republic on the Eastern side of the island of Hispaniola, Haiti occupies the Western side of the island, is always an economical choice. March travel means getting your vacation in before the annual hurricane season. Be sure to stay on the Northern side of Dominican, Puerto Plata of Sosua area, for the best beaches. If it's culture you're after one of the oldest churches in the western hemisphere that Christopher Columbus had built is in Santo Domingo on the south side.

6. Walt Disney world in Orlando, Fl seems like an obvious choice and you may wonder why I didn't rate it higher. Although I am a huge Walt Disney world fan I am not so fond of the lines that come with spring break. If you can't resist then you must go to Disneyquest which never seems to be overcrowded and is an indoor theme park that will also give relief from the scorching Florida sunshine. While you are at downtown Disney you also must eat at the Earl of Sandwich restaurant.

5. Kennedy Space Center in Cocoa Beach Florida where you can be educated and entertained simultaneously. You may be lucky enough to visit during a shuttle launch, an unforgettable experience. There are two IMAX theaters showing film of what the first space subdivision could look like on back to back screens. You can see the old space suits complete with the attached vacuum for bathroom use while out in space. You can try out freeze dried food such as ice cream just like the astronauts.

4. Get a hotel in your hometown by bidding on Priceline. You can probably get a nice hotel with an indoor pool for under $60 a night by bidding on Priceline. Often your breakfast will be included with the price of your stay. In any case there is no airfare to shell out for which makes your stay affordable. It's like having a resort near home.

3. Day trips from home are usually affordable. Take a trip to the zoo in the spring and see the animals hopping as you never would in the summer heat.

2. Jamaica is your new island home. The people are friendly and the water is drinkable since they have had filtered water since 1928. The language is English spoken albeit with an island lilt. The food is scrumptious at even roadside stands. There are many hotels and price ranges to choose from but you'll never be disappointed. One of the best beaches in the world in Negril can be right outside your door if you choose.

1. The number one destination of all is a cruise. Carnival is my favored cruise line because they have a wonderful children's program with age appropriate activities for those from 3 years old up to 17. From video games to dances for teens with special recipe mock tails, Carnival's Camp Carnival program will keep you kids busy so you can enjoy a little adult fun in the casino or the dance club or just relaxing on deck. Carnival has something for every member of your group. There is a spa for Mom and gym for Dad and a 2500 sq ft playroom for junior. There are only so many people that are allowed to board any one ship so the crowds are always under control.

Ann Childs is a freelance writer and travel consultant. Her specialty is Caribbean travel including beach vacations and cruises. She is the editor and featured writer at Cruise and Travel Review Post your own reviews at Cruise and Travel Review Forums

Your weight is basically determined by the balance between how many calories you consume and the amount of energy you burn in everyday activities.

Being overweight can become a matter of life and death. People who are overweight and obese are more likely to develop a number of potentially serious health problems.

Obesity and being overweight are kind of interwoven. Obesity is a condition of being overweight. Once an individuals weight is 20% or more above their ideal body weight, they are considered obese. Unusually, a person is overweight before they become obese.

Overweight is defined as a condition of weighing more that what is ideal for their height and body structure. If a person's weight is 20% or more above their ideal body weight, they are considered obese. Excess weight may come from muscle, bone, fat and/or body water.

However, a person is first overweight before he becomes obese.

WHAT ARE THE DANGERS OF BEING OVERWEIGHT?

*You become very prone to high blood pressure.When you have excess body fat, your body retains sodium. When your body retains sodium, blood volume increases and blood pressure rises. High blood pressure causes your heart to work faster, which in turn becomes dangerous to ones health.

*Your liable to have stroke

*Excess weight adds pressure to joints and wears away at the cartilage that protects them. This process is known as Osteoarthritis.

*One develops weak pelvic muscles.

*There is Physical Discomfort: As fat accumulates, it crowds the space occupied by your organs. People who are overweight may have difficulty breathing, walking or sitting

*Gallstones: Gallstones are more common in people who are overweight. The connection between gallstones and weight is ulcer.

*one is prone to diabetes.Obesity is the leading cause of type 2 diabetes. Excess fat makes your body resistant to insulin. When your body is resistant to insulin, your cells can't get the energy they need.

Scary, isn't it. However i got good news for you.

How to Lose Weight?

If you are obese or overweight then you know that your health is at risk. It is important that you loose weight, fast and develop a healthy lifestyle. There are many weight loss program and it is important to find a program that suits you.

These links are a sure way to help you shed some of those unwanted fats. click on them, and see how your total lifestyle will be transformed.

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