SCUBA TRIPS News

Author Interview: Wendy Taylor on Thailand's Islands & Beaches
I was mugged on Ko Pha-Ngan while riding a motorbike. A real bummer, as it really rarely happens in Thailand. I made the mistake of keeping my bag in the front basket. Also, I found the city of Pattaya seedy and gross. What were the defining moments, people, places you encountered on the road? I chatted with a nun in a Petchaburi temple for about half an hour while she mended a shirt, and even though we didn't understand each other's languages, we understood each other. Every once in a while, she would put down her sewing to pick up a slingshot and chuck a rock at a monkey trying to get into the sacred building.

Intellivu - Editorial Columns
	AUSTIN, Texas -- Gosh, we are having such a swell time here in Texas. For starters, once again the speaker of the Texas House is under investigation by a grand jury. We're so proud. We have nothing against this guy personally, we're just rooting for an indictment as a matter of Texas tradition. This would make five out of the last six House speakers indicted for one thing or another, and you must admit, that's some record. 	(As a matter of strict accuracy, I should note that there was one speaker in there who was not indicted, but rather was shot to death by his wife.

Sailing on the Voucher Boat
AUSTIN, Texas -- Gosh, we are having such a swell time here in Texas. For starters, once again the speaker of the Texas House is under investigation by a grand jury. We're so proud. We have nothing against this guy personally, we're just rooting for an indictment as a matter of Texas tradition. This would make five out of the last six House speakers indicted for one thing or another, and you must admit, that's some record. (As a matter of strict accuracy, I should note that there was one speaker in there who was not indicted, but rather was shot to death by his wife.

Across the threshold
Honeymoons range from low-budget camping trips to extravagant $900 per night over-water bungalow packages in the Tahitian islands. Decide how much you want to spend, and stick to your budget. Going into debt on the honeymoon is a stressful way to begin a marriage. All inclusive packages to Mexico often start at $1,300 per person for a week, said Val Sundell from Breckenridge Travel. As of Jan. 3, charter flights offer direct service to Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, said Suzi Mirus, manager of Carlson Wagonlit Travel in Frisco. All inclusive trips to these destinations range from $1,500-2,000 per person.

DIVERNET- Bubbling February 2004
DEEP STOPS Incorporating Bruce Wienke's RGBM modified Mares algorithm, said to make diving safer by incorporating deeper deco stops, the new Mares MI Airlab is a nitrox diving computer that integrates with your breathing-gas supply by means of a high-pressure hose to your regulator first stage. The MI RGBM was well-liked during our recent computer comparison and this M1 AirLab gives the added safety of helping you manage your air-supply properly. The Mares M1 AirLab costs 365. Blandford Sub-Aqua 01923 801572 GOT SOME GOOD PICS?

Dive, he said - and they did
Hilary Noonan, Erica Scheckel, Tyson Lybeck, instructor Matt Myers, and Jesse Vislisel practice scuba-diving techniques in the Iowa City Recreation Center pool on Feb. 29. Amanda May/The Daily Iowan With a firm belief that he should leave things better than the way he found them, UI senior Matthew Myers has transformed the once-defunct UI Scuba Diving Club into a thriving student-run organization with sponsorship from his business. In 2001, the club "dwindled and died," but today, its numbers are once again flourishing, with more than 40 active students. The club provides members with scuba lessons and diving trips to improve their skills.

Welcome to the Argonaut
VacationFest travel expo arrives at SM Civic Sunday, March 7th BY ROB WASSERMAN The independently-owned TravelStore is hosting the fifth annual VacationFest consumer travel show and sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 7th, at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, located at 1855 Main St. in Santa Monica. The six-hour event is free and open to the public.