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	<title>The LinchPin</title>
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	<link>http://www.thelinchpin.org</link>
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		<title>The LinchPin</title>
		<link>http://www.thelinchpin.org/2011/07/the-linchpin/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thelinchpin.org/2011/07/the-linchpin/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2011 16:31:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[featured]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thelinchpin.org/?p=57</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Beach holidays are probably the most popular choice amongst people looking for a summer getaway. Of course lots of us prefer sight seeing holidays but if it was a majority rules situation I think you will find that the beach wins hands down. We just cant get enough of that summer sun. Many are simply [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Beach holidays are probably the most popular choice amongst people looking for a summer getaway. Of course lots of us prefer sight seeing holidays but if it was a majority rules situation I think you will find that the beach wins hands down. We just cant get enough of that summer sun. Many are simply enthralled with the idea of laying on their backs on the beach for at least a few weeks.</p>
<p>Some will go for the beach nightlife which will normally include plenty of nightclubs for the younger generation. For them life on the beach is as much about socializing and meeting people as it is for relaxing and enjoying the sun. Older members will often choose quieter resorts where the focus is on rest and relaxation rather than partying.</p>
<p>There are many fantastic beach holiday destinations all over the world. In Europe there are countries such as Spain, <a title="portugal" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/portugal">Portugal</a> and France which amongst others provide ample opportunities for a sunshine getaway. Spain proudly boasts over five thousand miles of magnificent coastline and when you add over three hundred days of summer into the equation then you really have yourself a cracking holiday location. The Costa Blanca and the Costa Del Sol are amongst the best spots and you really cant go wrong with any of the island locations.</p>
<p><iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/YUvdH0e3r_k" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>If you are going to be moving about from place to place then a <a title="car hire" href="http://www.hireacar.ie/">car hire</a> is a good idea. There are always excellent value deals available during the summer time with competitors fighting tooth and nail for your business. There is plenty of choice whether its an automatic car, a luxury model to really pamper yourself with or a family vehicle such as a people carrier. Remember to add car hire excess insurance to your policy as this will prove very important should there be any damage to the rental car.</p>
<p>Portugal is a destination that just grows in popularity year after year. Self catering options are a great way of saving money and are quite easy to find. There are also more low cost flights than ever before to Portugal so you can get a really cheap flight if you keep an eye out for sales or book early. Albufeira is one of the busier resorts so great for the younger generation. Most people arriving for a holiday in the Algarve will land at Faro International Airport. There are lots of great transport options such as <strong>car hire</strong>, taxis and buses.</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/S5o8DFfYHS4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>The south of France is another fantastic summer holiday destination. Many rich and famous people choose to holiday in this part of the world but there is still plenty of room for regular travelers looking for a relaxing break. Biarritz, Cannes, St Tropez and of course Nice are among the most sought after locations. The best way of getting around the south of france is by road so be sure to check out available <strong>car hire</strong> options. Planning goes a long way when it comes to a summer break so get cracking on ideas now!</p>
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		<title>A lot more</title>
		<link>http://www.thelinchpin.org/2010/07/altered-books-part-two/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thelinchpin.org/2010/07/altered-books-part-two/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 25 Jul 2010 14:43:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[reviews]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thelinchpin.org/?p=11</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There is a lot more to the city of Barcelona than you might think. On my first visit to this amazing city I just fell in love with the place. Its a city that just never stops giving. If you run out of things to do here during a holiday I would be very surprised [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>There is a lot more to the city of Barcelona than you might think. On my first visit to this amazing city I just fell in love with the place. Its a city that just never stops giving. If you run out of things to do here during a holiday I would be very surprised indeed.</p>
<p>There are a few options when flying into Barcelona. You can fly into Barcelona International Airport for the most convenience however there are two cheaper options outside the city. Girona Airport and Reus Airport are both around a 70 minute drive from Barcelona. They are mainly used by low cost airlines so you can save a substantial amount of money when traveling with them if you don&#8217;t mind not landing in the city.</p>
<p>Many people choose to arrange a <a title="car hire barcelona airport" href="http://www.hireacar.ie/car-hire-barcelona-airport/">car hire Barcelona Airport</a> deal before their arrival. This can be a great way to avoid the holiday rush at the car rental counter as well as meaning you get to secure the rental car of your choice rather than having to choose from whats left over.</p>
<p><iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/0gIrPIWQhiY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>Gaudi is a name you will see everywhere when walking around Barcelona. The great mans influence can be found in many locations. La Rambla is in the lively city centre where you will find a hub of activity. This famous pedestrian strip offers plenty of shopping opportunities with little stalls and market sellers dotted around.</p>
<p>The Gothic Quarter, La Sagrada , Mila House and the famous Nou Camp stadium are all great places to check out. Take the tour of the trophy room at the Nou Camp to bask in the clubs great history.</p>
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		<title>For You</title>
		<link>http://www.thelinchpin.org/2010/04/book-review-for-linchpin-collective-member-nancy-stohlman/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thelinchpin.org/2010/04/book-review-for-linchpin-collective-member-nancy-stohlman/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 25 Apr 2010 14:47:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[interviews]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thelinchpin.org/?p=18</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Berlin is without doubt my favourite German City. It is a city with so so much to offer visitors. Germany has experienced many dark events in its history with two world wars and the cold war. These events have certainly left their mark on Berlin with numerous tours and exhibitions available detailing German involvement. There [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Berlin is without doubt my favourite German City. It is a city with so so much to offer visitors. Germany has experienced many dark events in its history with two world wars and the cold war. These events have certainly left their mark on Berlin with numerous tours and exhibitions available detailing German involvement. There are numerous must see sites such as the Holocaust Memorial and Checkpoint Charlie. Berlin is a city with an eye firmly on tourism.</p>
<p>Something worth considering is a <a title="car hire germany" href="http://www.carhiregermany.net/">car hire Germany</a> service. This will make it simple to visit the surrounding areas of Berlin such as Potsdam. Berlin also has a superb public transport system with the U Bahn and the S Bahn in operation as well as plenty of buses. Tickets are quite reasonably priced.</p>
<p><iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/vcY6_RBELdE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>Look up any tourist guide to Berlin and you will See numerous options for visitors. The DDR Museum and the Stasi prison are of great interest to those with an interest in the Cold War. There are numerous parks in Berlin such as the Tiergarten where you will see lots of locals enjoying the summer weather with a cold beer. Bars in Berlin stay open pretty much until everyone goes home so you certainly don&#8217;t have to worry about getting a drink in before midnight.</p>
<p>There are two airports currently serving Berlin. Schönefeld in the south deals with several budget airlines while Tegel in the North is another option. Templehof Airport closed a few years back.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Interesting</title>
		<link>http://www.thelinchpin.org/2010/03/post-postmodernism-and-language-repurposing-part-i/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thelinchpin.org/2010/03/post-postmodernism-and-language-repurposing-part-i/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 25 Mar 2010 14:45:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[books]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thelinchpin.org/?p=14</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The city of Geneva is among the most sought after holiday destinations in the world. There are many famous groups based in the city such as the Red Cross and the United Nations. It is also a major financial district. Some of the must see attractions in Geneva include Lake Geneva, the Le Jet d&#8217;Ea, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The city of Geneva is among the most sought after holiday destinations in the world. There are many famous groups based in the city such as the Red Cross and the United Nations. It is also a major financial district. Some of the must see attractions in Geneva include Lake Geneva, the Le Jet d&#8217;Ea, the Flower Clock and the the Cathedrale Saint-Pierre.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.thelinchpin.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/geneva_1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-73" title="geneva" src="http://www.thelinchpin.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/geneva_1-300x200.jpg" alt="geneva" width="300" height="200" /></a><br />
Geneva Airport can be a source of confusion for some travelers. The airport is remarkable in that it is split between two countries (Switzerland and France). When it comes to <a title="car hire geneva airport" href="http://www.carhiregeneva.ie/">car hire Geneva Airport</a> services you have the option of renting on either side. Hiring on the French side generally works out to be a little cheaper while you will also need to buy a vignette if hiring from the French side.</p>
<p>Many people will use Geneva as a landing point for a skiing trip. Some of the most popular resorts close to Geneva include Thollon, Villars, Kanderstag and Zermatt. Of these Thollan is the closest with Villars the next closest at one hundred and twenty five kilometres away.</p>
<p>Golfing around Lake Geneva is another popular holiday option. Some of the most well known courses include Grand Geneva, Geneva National and Abbey Springs.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>This is it</title>
		<link>http://www.thelinchpin.org/2010/03/altered-books-part-one/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thelinchpin.org/2010/03/altered-books-part-one/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 25 Mar 2010 14:42:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[the arts]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thelinchpin.org/?p=8</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Sometimes getting everyone ready for a sunshine holiday can fray the nerves. Everyone is excited at first but that can quickly turn to irritated if things are not going according to plan. Luggage can start to weigh you down and the children&#8217;s voices seem to be getting louder. It is good to get an idea [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Sometimes getting everyone ready for a sunshine holiday can fray the nerves. Everyone is excited at first but that can quickly turn to irritated if things are not going according to plan. Luggage can start to weigh you down and the children&#8217;s voices seem to be getting louder.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.thelinchpin.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/malaga.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-83" title="malaga" src="http://www.thelinchpin.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/malaga-300x225.jpg" alt="malaga" width="300" height="225" /></a>It is good to get an idea of the location and airport layout of where you are arriving. For instance if you book a <a title="car hire malaga airport" href="http://www.hireacar.ie/car-hire-malaga-airport/">car hire Malaga Airport</a> deal it is good to know exactly where you need to collect your car. There are a huge amount of flight options to Malaga Airport so make sure to browse several airline websites before coming to a final decision.</p>
<p>Once you get off your flight at Malaga Airport you should head for the baggage hall which you will find on the ground floor of the airport. Its a longish walk so if you have any issues be sure to alert staff who can help you. When you get to the baggage reclaim area, take a look at the TVs to see which belt you should go to. There are also toilets here should you need them.</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Gg9cV43pAZU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>You will find Seville Airport about ten kilometers from the towns centre. Seville gets very hot in the summertime so some people prefer the cooler season of spring and autumn for sight seeing. The festival season in Seville starts with Feria de Abril. There are many festivals held throughout the year. The area is best seen by arranging a <a title="car hire seville airport" href="http://www.hireacar.ie/car-hire-seville-airport/">car hire Seville Airport</a> deal. Its a fantastic city with many cultural delights on offer.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Good Ideas</title>
		<link>http://www.thelinchpin.org/2010/02/a-rousing-review-of-djelloul-marbrook-far-from-algiers/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thelinchpin.org/2010/02/a-rousing-review-of-djelloul-marbrook-far-from-algiers/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:38:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[reviews]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thelinchpin.org/?p=5</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A holiday is something that needs preparation. Sure you can take a chance and things MIGHT just work out fine but in my experience it is always advisable to take out a pen and paper or a laptop and jot down what seem like good ideas depending on your destination. Lets face it, most of [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A holiday is something that needs preparation. Sure you can take a chance and things MIGHT just work out fine but in my experience it is always advisable to take out a pen and paper or a laptop and jot down what seem like good ideas depending on your destination.</p>
<p>Lets face it, most of us get precious little holidays so it really is a shame to waste any precious days off. If you arrive at your destination and have planned nothing then you may miss out on things you would really enjoy. Many tourist attractions will have strict schedules so you may think &#8220;its OK, Il go see it tomorrow&#8221; only to find that its closed and your flight leaves early the next morning.</p>
<p><iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/1qJaq3jv2P0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>If you have children in tow this can be an even bigger issue with promises perhaps been broken, There is a vast amount of information available online and I would be very surprised if you could not find detailed information about your holiday destination with a simple google search. There are lots of reviews sites out there that offer first hand experience of the various attractions and sights on offers.</p>
<p>You should also check out reviews of any hotels, <a title="cheap car hire" href="http://www.hireacar.ie/">cheap car hire</a> companies, restaurants etc before you leave. You dont want to waste money or have something that could have been easily avoidable taint your holiday. Unfortunately things can sometimes go wrong in countries or cities you are not used to.</p>
<p>A little prepration can go a long way, Start making a list today of must see places.</p>
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		<title>Support</title>
		<link>http://www.thelinchpin.org/2010/01/a-letter-of-support-for-elizabeth-robinson/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thelinchpin.org/2010/01/a-letter-of-support-for-elizabeth-robinson/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 25 Jan 2010 14:46:29 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[featured]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thelinchpin.org/?p=16</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Your garden is a fantastic place to relax and enjoy the simple things in life. There is a lot to be said for having your own bit of outdoor space to wile away a few hours. You may be the member of the family who does all the work to keep the garden in top [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Your garden is a fantastic place to relax and enjoy the simple things in life. There is a lot to be said for having your own bit of outdoor space to wile away a few hours. You may be the member of the family who does all the work to keep the garden in top shape or you may be just the one who enjoys reaping the benefits of a looked after garden.</p>
<p>Depending on how far you want to go there are numerous websites and shops offering garden accessories. A garden bench is a great place to start as you can sit out in the sun maybe enjoying a glass of wine with a book. <a title="garden benches" href="http://www.garden-benches.org/">Garden benches</a> are available in many materials such as wood, concrete, stone metal, teak and more.</p>
<p>If you would like to show off your <a title="gardening" href="http://www.garden.org/">garden</a> to some guests then it is worth looking into <a title="garden dining sets" href="http://www.gardendiningsets.com/">garden dining sets</a>. Depending on how many guests you intend inviting these sets are available in various sizes. You can go for a cheap and functional set or you can splash out on maybe a teak set and really show off to the neighbours.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.thelinchpin.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/garden-dining-set.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-92" title="garden-dining-set" src="http://www.thelinchpin.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/garden-dining-set.jpg" alt="outdoor dining sets" width="250" height="175" /></a><br />
These sets are also great for family get-togethers and celebrations. You can get a barbeque going and keep everyone happy. Outdoor dining sets or Patio dining sets as they are also known can be easily found online so get searching today and make this summer one to remember.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Records</title>
		<link>http://www.thelinchpin.org/2009/11/it-takes-two/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thelinchpin.org/2009/11/it-takes-two/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:55:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[news]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thelinchpin.org/?p=27</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Record collecting is something I enjoy and take a lot of pride in. I trawl though the local shops in my city at least once a week hoping to find a hidden gem as I keenly scan for new arrivals. Its quite difficult these days to find a bargain as a lot of sales now [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Record collecting is something I enjoy and take a lot of pride in. I trawl though the local shops in my city at least once a week hoping to find a hidden gem as I keenly scan for new arrivals. Its quite difficult these days to find a bargain as a lot of sales now occur online.</p>
<p>Years ago the only way you could find <a title="rare records" href="http://www.rarerecords.org/">rare records</a> was by visiting stores or subscribing to mailing lists via the old snail mail. There were also regular collector fairs to attend. Now with the help of a search engine request it is very easy to track down any records you are looking for.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.thelinchpin.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/records-rare.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-95" title="records rare" src="http://www.thelinchpin.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/records-rare-300x198.jpg" alt="rare records" width="300" height="198" /></a></p>
<p>The opportunity to sell online has made it so easy for people to buy and sell from even the most remote corners of the world.Prices often tend to be cheaper online which is understandable give the margins that bricks and mortar shops have to live off.</p>
<p>While its great to be able to find the records you are after so easily I do sometimes wonder if it takes some of the fun out of it. Finding that elusive record in a shop can be a really great feeling. I guess at the end of the day its nice to have both options. Long may it continue.</p>
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		<title>One Way Car Hire</title>
		<link>http://www.thelinchpin.org/2009/07/quoting-with-selah-saterstrom/</link>
		<comments>http://www.thelinchpin.org/2009/07/quoting-with-selah-saterstrom/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 25 Jul 2009 14:54:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[the arts]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.thelinchpin.org/?p=25</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[My travel plans were badly interrupted recently which meant chaos in regards to my work. I had planned to be in London early Monday morning however at the last minute my flight was cancelled with the only other option waiting until the next day to get the same flight. This would just not do unfortunately [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>My travel plans were badly interrupted recently which meant chaos in regards to my work. I had planned to be in London early Monday morning however at the last minute my flight was cancelled with the only other option waiting until the next day to get the same flight. This would just not do unfortunately as this was a meeting I really needed to be at.</p>
<p>I quickly scanned through what other flights the airline were offering and saw that there was a flight to <a title="birmingham" href="http://www.visitbirmingham.com/">Birmingham</a> in 2 hours. I manged to exchange my ticket for this flight as thankfully there were still seats left. So disaster averted for the time being as I settled into my seat but the next thing I had to think about was how to get from Birmingham to London.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.thelinchpin.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/one-way-car.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-98" title="one way car hire" src="http://www.thelinchpin.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/one-way-car-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>I couldn&#8217;t wait around for public transport so I decided to get a <a title="one way car hire" href="http://www.onewaycarhire.eu/">one way car hire</a>. This meant that I could drive my car from Birmingham to London and drop the rental off in London where I was flying home from rather than have to go back to Birmingham. There was a small extra charge but I was quite relived to find that it was not much as I had heard car hire firms can sometimes take advantage in these situations.</p>
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