7 Reasons Why Our Love Of Theatre Will Never Die

Many of us are fascinated by theatre and its easy to see why because the whole experience can be such a memorable and touching event.

Perhaps for some theatre is about the fun and excitement of a great musical, for others its the intriguing story brought to life or simply a way to escape from it all? Whatever the reason, there is no denying theatre has a place in many peoples hearts, and here are 7 reasons why the love of theatre will never die:

1. Watching a musical can be totally absorbing as you appreciate the skill and craft that goes into a mesmerising production. The show stopping tunes seem to sink into your mind as your left with songs that you can sing for years to come or new dance moves you can try out with your friends.

2. Theres something for everyone all year round as the appeal of theatre is diverse. Its a place where great stories are brought to life - whether its through singing, dancing, riveting plot lines or fine acting delivered by a well rehearsed cast. With no one show being the same the chances are there is something unique being performed near you - whatever the time of year.

3. The Play is an important part of our ancient history. From as far back as the ancient Greeks the play formed a key element of our community, from story telling through to providing an outlet for entertainment and escape. The Play has always been a valued part of our culture.

4. Theatre performances are great places to go with friends and family. Youll have fun enjoying the show and recount the scenes that moved you afterwards. You can chat about the actors you couldnt take your eyes off as well as spend countless hours singing back all your favourite tunes from musicals.

5. Theatre is a great chance to see some of our favourite actors up close and in person. Having watched them for so many years from afar it can be a wonderful experience to take in a show and see your favourite stars take to the stage. From Richard Gere to Kim Basinger, from Sir Ian McKellan to Dame Judi Dench most great actors and actresses have graced the live stage.

6. Its a truly live experience. There is a charm and ambience that comes from a live performance in front of a live audience. This dynamic delivers an almost electrifying presence that just isnt possible in a cinema environment or on your wide screen TV at home [no matter how big it is].

7. Theatre offers convenient performance times. If youre looking for an afternoon event, so you can go out in the evening, then you can catch a matinee. Or if you want to make the theatre your main entertainment at night, then you can see the evening show. This flexibility means you can fit in a performance for when it suits you. This differs a lot from many other arts and music shows that offer only one performance time a day - usually in the evening.

With all this talk of theatre, many of us can recall a time when we picked up some last minute tickets with a friend, dashed to the venue and found ourselves watching from the Gods in the back of the theatre. Sure we still had a good time, but we couldnt help feeling If only we had those seats over there.

But what if it was possible to have tickets to some of the finest seats in the house, a mouth-watering dinner and perhaps stay overnight at a luxurious hotel?

Imagine how your close friend or partner would feel if this year on your anniversary or perhaps on their birthday they were given such a gift. A gift where they could have fabulous tickets to a West End show, paint the town red and an have a luxurious overnight stay at a first class hotel in the heart of a UK city.

Originally this may have been the pastime of the wealthy and affluent, however, these wonderful weekend escapes are now in reach of all of us for that special celebration. There are a range of theatre break packages available where you an enjoy a night at a fabulous London theatre at a show of your choice with two first rate seats plus an overnight stay in a 4 star hotel in either the West End of London or pick from a selection of other UK cities.

With all the appeal it has there is no doubt that our love for theatre will never die. It offers so much, with such diversity. Its easy to see why it makes for such a great escape and a perfect gift for that someone special this year. So what are you waiting for?

Janette Vince is managing director of the online company www.Thanksdarling.com For more information on a range of theatre breaks in London and across the UK simply visit http://www.thanksdarling.com/134-5.htm.Amda Blog90859
Castillo Blog88851

A Guide To Choosing The Perfect Camera Bag

Good Camera Bags are crucial to the amateur and professional photographers alike. Youve just spent time deciding on which digital camera to buy, now all you need to do is to find a suitable bag to protect your camera and your equipment.

Next to your Camera, a camera bag could well be the most important piece of kit you purchase. You certainly want to protect the camera you just spent your hard earned money on, and it also needs to be a safe and sturdy carrying case. Its very important that your bag allows you to access your equipment easily and helps you organize your photographic equipment into compartments where possible.

There are many different bags available, from Crumpler and Sony to Lowerpro and Domke, all in a variety of shapes, sizes, materials, and functions. Which bag is most suitable to you largely depends on the type and intensity of photography you undertake. For example a Landscape photographer will often find him or herself shooting in damp or wet environments, so a durable, waterproof bag is appropriate. However, a weekend photographer shooting family day outs would simply need a soft, padded bag, normally carried over one shoulder for ease.

A cam-bag should make carrying your camera easier, not more of a hassle. So make sure that you find a bag that fits your camera well and preferably has wide, padded straps for comfort. If you are just starting out, you may only need a simple basic camera bag that will just hold just your camera.

However, if youre more experienced, or carry more kit than usual, such as lenses, filters etc, you will obviously need a larger bag capable of taking more weight. Ideally, youre going to want one that can hold all of the accessories you use most. Normally a camera body, spare lens, cleaning cloth and memory card holder. Remember though, if your camera bag is going to be used to carry more than just a camera, you definitely want dividers in it. These make it easier to keep your accessories separate. Try to find a bag with an inner zip pocket which can be ideal for your car keys or money, when traveling on foot.

A very important factor often overlooked when choosing a camera bag is the Zip. Look for Bags with big tooth zips. These type are less likely to jam or stick if they get damp or dirty. Some of which are available with rain closures which protect the zipper from rain. There are also double closure Zips which open and fasten from both ends, great for shooting pictures on the move. Although the color isnt crucial, it is worth thinking about subtle colors, these will undoubtedly draw less attention from potential thieves and also mid toned bags will not absorb heat as quickly as other colors in hot environments, which could cause possible problems with digital equipment.

Gary Bunn (Editor)Almendarez Blog56826
Areg Blog17415

Have You Ever Felt Invisible?

I was having Post College flash backs the other day and remembered a syndrome I came up with when I was out in bars. It was called Invisible Mans Syndrome. I could actually walk right up to a woman and start talking to her and she wouldnt even see me standing there.

The Syndrome would also occur when I was in a conversation talking to someone, another person would walk up, and all of a sudden I was no longer part of that conversation. Instantly invisible! It made me wonder, was I the only person that experienced this? In searching on the Internet I found that feeling invisible was a very common feeling among the handicapped, the feeling that people dont see them, and if they did, they didnt see them for who they really were. But what if you arent handicapped?

As I searched for other articles and stories I found a lot of people felt this way for one reason or another. And for many it was a very serious problem.

According to Dr. Margaret Paul in an article titled Are You Invisible she writes How often do you end up feeling unappreciated, unseen, not valued? How much of this is a reflection of how you treat yourself? She ads if your own feelings and needs are invisible to yourself, they will end up being invisible to others. I found lots of sites where people discussed this syndrome. Many felt its because they wanted to be invisible. They didnt want interaction with others, and since they felt this way thats what they projected to other people.

I found songs about being invisible, books about being invisible, newspaper articles and blogs about being invisible, all this visibility for the invisible.

One of the best ways of describing the possible reason for the syndrome was in an article called Ask Philippa. She was answering a letter from a woman who felt invisible, and she told the story of a beach trip she took with a friend of hers who wasnt in great shape or that attractive but had a ton of confidence. We all know somebody like this. Philippa worked hard to be in shape and look good, yet she was filled with insecurities, and focused on the fact there werent many single guys at the resort. Her friend met a great looking guy and had an amazing trip while Philippa had a lonely vacation.

A lot of it boils down to attitude and mindset. As I look back on those days of feeling invisible, it had a lot to do with how I felt about myself. If I had confidence and thought I would meet someone I always did.

While this is no guarantee that you will always do well, at least youll give yourself a chance. If you feel invisible, thats exactly how people will see you, or wont see you.

Copyright 2006 George Siegal

George Siegal is one of the creators and hosts of MyLoveBytes.com. You can catch his blogs and videos at http://www.MyLoveBytes.com . You can learn more about George and his Production Company at http://www.jelcommunications.com , or http://www.georgesiegal.com.Carandang Blog62523
Buckner Blog2987

Part Time Business Ideas, To Help Pay The Bills

A couple of friends of mine needed to generate a little extra income on top of their wages. They were both into keep fit and enjoyed working out. They decided to supplement their income by becoming part time fitness instructors.

They had to do a course which lasted less then six months and taught them the basics of keep fit. They both enjoyed doing the course and made some great friends along the way.

The money is good and they keep fit at the same time! One teaches spinning on the stationary bikes whilst the other does aerobics classes. They both benefit from free membership in the gym they teach in

If you are good with your hands and into DIY then why not become a part time handy man? Busy people now a days just never get round to fixing that faulty cupboard and the money that they are willing to pay for odd jobs is not that bad either for a couple of hours work.

Start up costs are very low as long as you have the full range of basic tools. Most people who start out working part time find that this can easily turn into a full time occupation!

Do you enjoy gardening? This is a great little earner if you do not mind getting your hands dirty especially enjoyable if you find someone rich with a beautiful garden! The only problem with this business is that work dies away in the winter months.

A mobile car wash can be a nice earner and if you buy all the equipment it can be very easy to clean a large number of cars in a short time. Pick one or two street and whiz around a couple of times a week.

You will need to buy a van with some specialist tools and carry your own water on board. Starts up costs are higher than other part time businesses and therefore this business demands a lot more careful planning.

A photography business can be run from home and it is easy to make a decent income. Digital cameras are so good now that you do not even need a dark room to process your pictures. Start of with the usual weddings and birthday parties. Take pictures of all the landmarks in your city.

More websites are being created every day and all of them need some images. Speak to web designers and take pictures to their specifications. Online networks are expanding rapidly and people need portrait pictures. Demand for head and shoulders shots is massive.

The great thing about the photography business is that you can take pictures all the time. You do not have to be in work mode to snap away! It is easy to build a huge collection of images and showcase your work on a website. Start up costs are now very low and this business can become extremely lucrative once you have built up a collection of images.

Do you have any ideas for a part time business that can help to provide additional cash flow for people struggling to pay the bills?

Naz Daud is the Founder of the CityLocal Internet Business Franchise Opportunity.Bosko Blog63884
Cavanaugh Blog90362

So What's The Lightest Notebook Computer Anyway?

I went looking for the lightest notebook computer the other day and after a couple hours of searching I was getting pretty frustrated. "Ultalight notebook computer", "light weight notebook computer" - I kept trying different approaches.

What I found was a lot of old machines - 1, 2, even 3 years old. And a ton of spam websites that took my search keys and created a dynamic page. That left going to the manufacturers and looking at actual product specs to see who actually has the lightest notebook computer. Fortunately I finally found a list to start from so here they are - the light weights.

The Fujitsu LifeBook Q2010 weighs in at 2.2 pounds with a 12.1 inch screen. Unfortunately it has a 1.2Ghz processor and a 30 GB hard drive though it comes with XP Pro and a DVD writer.

The Dell Latitude D420 also has a 12.1 inch screen and is significantly less expensive but again 1.2 GHz and a slow (4200rpm) 30 GB HD and it weighs around 3 pounds. It also comes with 512MB of DDR2-533 SDRAM on an integrated DIMM. The upgrade to 1GB or to 1.5GB is reasonable, but the 2GB configuration costs an extra $1000 (probably because it requires a 1.5GB DIMM).

The Sony VAIO VGNTX750PB weighs 2.76 pounds. it has a smaller screen (11.1 inches) than some of the others, a 1.2 GHz processor, but it includes an 80GB hard drive and a DVD+-RW dual layer combo Drive. The memory is upgradeable to 1.5 GB.

The Lenovo ThinkPad X60 at 3.3 pounds has a 1.66GHz Core Duo, a 12.1 inch screen and a 60 GB hard drive. The memory is theoretically upgradeable to 4GB, but it has no optical drive. You need to get a ThinkPad X6 Ultrabase to add a CD or DVD drive. That kind of hampers its mobile uses.

The Averatec AV2260, weighing in at 4 pounds, comes with a 1.8 GHz AMD Turion 64 Mobile, a 12.1 inch screen, 1GB installed DDR-SDRAM, an 80GB hard drive and a DVD+-RW Dual Layer Combination Drive. So it's a little like an overweight Sony on steroids. It's also the least expensive of the six lightweights. The others run from around $1200 to over $2300 depending on the seller and configuration.

Though slightly heavier at 4.4 pounds, the HP Compaq nc6400 is unusual in having a 14.1 inch Wide XGA screen. It comes with a 1.83 GHz Intel Core Duo Processor, 1GB of DDR2 SDRAM, a 60GB hard drive and a DVD/CDRW Drive. The lowest price I saw in a quick search, was $1259.99. Most of the models I saw were being advertised with 80GB drives and DVD+-RW/DVD-RAM optical drives, rather than the 60GB and DVD/CDRW drives.

Obviously the lightest notebook computer in this list is the Fujitsu. If you really want an ultralight notebook computer then you will have to accept some sacrifices. Personally, I think I'd rather have a more capable machine. I also don't like the small screen sizes on the very light notebooks.

As with any computer purchase it's critical that you carefully analyze just what you're going to do with a machine. Lightweight notebooks are nice simply because they're less hassle to lug around, but there compromises involved that may make extra weight a less significant issues. Aside from tending to be more expensive, a light weight notebook computer will almost always have a smaller screen and a more compact keyboard than heavier notebooks. The real question you need to ask yourself isn't "What's the lightest notebook computer?" it's "What's the lightest notebook computer that meets my requirements?"

Richard Keir, a computer professional and writer, is a little obsessed with software and computer hardware. Completely Notebooks at http://Completely-Notebooks.net has much more about notebook computers and accessories.Aoki Blog25171
Chan Jiun Blog8424

Why Drop Ship Suppliers And Wholesale Distributors Cant Find You

There are thousands of Drop Ship Suppliers and Wholesale Distributors who would love to do business with your small home based ecommerce business, but the problem is they do not know where to find you. If you scan threw the search engines you will find Home Business Starter Kits, Wholesale Outlets offering Drop Shipping services on over priced products, a hand full of get rich quick schemes which never work, and a giant directory of middle men posing as Wholesale Suppliers and Drop Shipping Suppliers.

The reason that real Wholesale Suppliers and real Drop Ship Suppliers cannot find you is because they do not have the money allocated to market their services and product line to small home businesses. They spend their marketing expenses on promoting their new products to their current retailers, maintaining a good business relationship with what is bringing in the guaranteed revenue. Ask anyone in marketing and they will tell you that a business will always protect its investment into its customers because trust has already been established from the customer who brings repeat business and more sales.

The biggest misconception I receive in my inbox is that Wholesale Suppliers and Drop Shipping Suppliers do not have time to waist on small home based businesses and care little for those sales. This is far from the truth and I will give you one good reason why; Consistency. A good relationship, be it with a consumer or another business, is very critical for maintaining that trust that has grown. If a Wholesale Supplier or a Drop Shipping Supplier can consistently send goods and maintain a positive relationship with their clients their growth is limitless, along with their client base.

You must find them though, and once you contact a real supplier, you will see that they will give you the same consistent product and customer care solutions that any other professional organization would expect. Finding them is never easy, especially if you are looking for a certain type of product or certain kind of supplier. Trade shows are typically unsuitable to the needs of most new home business entrepreneurs which can make it even more difficult to find suppliers for a new home based business. A link can be found on the main page of my website labeled Product Sourcing which outlines the Top 5 things you should know about Product Sourcing and has a couple of directories comprised of real suppliers which were found at trade shows who are ready and willing to do business with small home based ecommerce businesses.

In conclusion, real Wholesale Suppliers and real Drop Shipping Suppliers just do not have a budget to promote their services and products to new clients, especially small home based businesses.

Jason Collins - Expert in Product Sourcing and Market Research for Home Business http://www.sellersreference.comBalwinder Blog73967
Beom Sahng Blog86771

Making The Best Sauce To Go With The Best Raviolis

Ravioli is a type of popular pasta derived from the word Ravolgere, which means 'to wrap'. A filling in between two layers of pasta dough is the basic structure of Ravioli. A common vegetarian filling is of ricotta cheese and vegetables like spinach or nettles instead of meat. It is then delicately topped with red tomato based sauce, pesto, broth and cream based sauce.

The various versions close to Ravioli were the pastas in Medieval Europe, which were stuffed with meat, fish and vegetables or even creamy ricotta cheese. In Italy, these pastas have been found to exist even in the 14th century. Today it is available in packed frozen form all over the world. The parallels of ravioli in China is Jiaozi, in Russia the pelmeni, in Tibet it's the momo and Jewish call it Kreplachs.

Century ago pasta was commonly eaten on Fridays with vegetable based fillings. The poor who could not afford meat had it round the year. The left over meat after a treat or Sunday dinner would be used for preparing pasta. With changing time, today Italians buy readymade stuffed pasta, which is available in the supermarkets. Freshly packed pastas have a shelf life of 7 weeks. If you make your own pasta, you can use your own choice of fillings.

The best ravioli sauce makes the best ravioli. Choose your pick from the many sauce combinations:

- Toasted ravioli with red sauce
- Jumbo ravioli with marinara sauce
- Ravioli with fresh basil and tomato sauce
- Eggplant ravioli with ginger-cilantro sauce
- Cheese ravioli with crab and garlic sauce

To prepare a Ravioli the steps are:

1. Collect all ingredients and tools, which are a big mixing-bowl, a rolling pin for rolling dough, cutting board or surface to roll the dough.

2. Mix the dough. Put the ingredients in a bowl, mix well and put eggs, oil and water in the center. Mix with a fork till it is tough, then it is to be kneaded. It will become elastic, shiny and easier. Let it set for an hour.

3. Meantime prepare the filling. Brown the meat and check if it is cooked well. Take onion, celery and parsley, saut it till it is soft. Drain spinach, take the vegetables and meat, then mix in a food processor. Add eggs and mix well.

4. Get the dough, tear a chunk and flatten it with the rolling pin. Roll the dough into a thick rectangle, put small balls of fillings. Roll the pin over the dough and filling will lay on the grid formed. Paint a line with water making a checker pattern. Fold the dough and roll the rolling pin over it, which seals the dough making separate pockets. Make a pattern on the edge of each ravioli, with the help of wimped zig-zag cutting edge. Cook by boiling them till they come to the top of water.

Now, its ready to eat with a ravioli sauce of your choice.

Chris McCarthy is the founder of InsaneChicken http://www.insanechicken.com Hot Sauce Store. If you are looking for http://www.insanechicken.com/hot_sauce.html hot sauce or http://www.insanechicken.com/bbq_sauce.html bbq sauce visit InsaneChicken.comAyaz Blog26930
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Easy Low Cost Finance Ensured on Opting for Secured Home Improvement Loan

Taking a loan is easier these days when there is no dearth of lenders. It is the cost of the loan that counts a lot in well being of the borrower. Secured home improvement loan therefore is best suited for people who live on a limited budget and need to spare money for other expenses. Though one borrows secured home improvement loan mainly for renovation of home but the loan at the same time can be utilized for meeting various other expenses also.

Secured home improvement loan is given to borrowers on providing collateral to the lender. Any property like home, vehicle, jewelry, valuable papers etc serves well the function of collateral. Borrowers should note that greater loan and other terms-conditions including bargaining for reduced interest rate depend a lot on collateral. In case greater loan is the requirement, lenders seek high value collateral like home because generally it has higher equity in it which secures the loan more.

Lenders usually provide secured home improvement loan in the range of 5000 to 50000. They will go for evaluating equity in the collateral if greater loan is to be offered. The loan is given at lower interest rate because of its secured nature. With little efforts interest rate can be brought down. To do so first ask for the loan amount that is below the equity. If you boast of sound financial standing or a good income source, lenders will readily offer reduced interest rate. The loan is given for a convenient repayment period ranging from 5 to 30 years. The borrower thus can chose duration of paying back the loan as per his repaying capacity. If he needs to save money for other expenses, larger repayment term is preferred as outgo towards monthly installments is reduced.

Bad credit is no hurdle in getting secured home improvement loan as the loan is already well secured through collateral. So people who have faced CCJs or bankruptcy should apply for the loan without hesitation. However a good credit is always a plus point in taking loan at better terms. It would be wise if easy debts are paid and as a result some improvement is shown on credit score, before rushing to the lender.

In order to avail secured home improvement loan at low cost, the loan should preferably be applied online. This way numerous loan offers come your way and you can choose suitable package containing lowest possible interest rate.

Secured home improvement loan goes a long way in making you financial stronger as you complete necessary work at low cost. Make sure to pay off the loan in time to avoid incurring of debts.

Andrew Baker has done his masters in finance from CPIT. He is engaged in providing free, professional, and independent advice to the residents of the UK. He works for loans website UKfinanceworld.For any type of loans, Uk bad credit loans, personal loans, unsecured loans, secured loans, debt consolidation loan, mortgage, remortgage in UK please visit http://www.ukfinanceworld.co.ukArbo Blog74647
Anh Blog71556

Flavours Of Spain

Andalusia is the largest region of Spain, situated in the south of the country it stretches along the coast from Almeria through Granada, Malaga and as far as Gibraltar. Inland Andalusia reaches as far as Cordoba and Jaen.

Andalusia represents the most famous images of Spain; the romance and passion that stems from gypsies, flamenco and bull fights, flowered patios and ancient Moorish palaces. The region is so vast that a journey throughout Andalusia will take you to golden beaches, white washed hillside villages, beautiful coastlines and rugged mountainous landscapes. Andalusia is a land of extremes, bitterly cold, dry winters high up in the hills, to hot sultry summers close to the coast.

From this diverse landscape, comes a variety of cultural experiences affecting every aspect of life and especially the food. You can experience everything from freshly caught sardines cooked on the beach, to the famous Serrano or mountain ham, traditionally cured in caves high above sea level.

Not only is the food here so special, but in Andalusia offers a unique way of eating. Andalusia is the birthplace of the tapa and the region of Granada is the only place in Spain where tapas are still served free with your drink. In most other places you will generally be asked if you want a tapa with your drink and if you do, then you will be charged a little extra. Ir de tapas means bar hopping but it is totally different from what the British call a pub crawl! The Andalusians eat later than people of other Spanish regions and it is not unusual to have lunch at 4 oclock or dinner at midnight. Because of this the tapas are an important way of life for the people of Andalusia, they are very social people and they can indulge their love of mixing with friends over a drink without getting drunk! Having small portions of food throughout the day also keeps them going until the main meal at home.

This culture of eating a variety of different small dishes extends into the home as well. Since being in Andalusia, I have gradually started to adapt to this way of eating and instead of a plate piled high with meat and two veg, separate little dishes are brought out which is the tradition in Spanish homes. This gastronomic culture means the conversation flows during eating as everyone is not tucking in to a huge plate of food at the same time. Of course this also means that meal times last longer; another feature of Andalusian eating habits.

Andalusia is made up of 8 different regions and each region brings to the table its own speciality that makes Andalusian cuisine so far reaching and diverse.

Almeria, famous as the location for many spaghetti westerns is a region dominated by dry, barren, rocky and almost lunar landscapes. However, littering the area are pockets of paradise, lush oasis providing year round fruits and vegetables. Being on the coast means Almeria has an abundance of fresh seafood which is brought in to more inland regions.

Granada is the next region along the coast and is blessed with a variety of landscapes and architecture. It is home to the famous Alhambra Palace in its capital city but also offers beautiful beaches, the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains, and is home to a unique area of cave dwellings situated in a prehistoric basin, which can be visited when passing through the villages of Orce, Galera and Castillejar. It is in this region where the Serrano Ham is most famously produced. High above sea level where low humidity and cold dry winters provide the ideal conditions for curing this gastronomic cornerstone of Spanish cuisine. At its best just served in wafer thin slices, the Serrano ham is also the ideal accompaniment to melon and almonds. A local speciality in many tapas bars is habas con jamon broad beans with ham.

Malaga is the gateway to the Costa del Sol which is the part of Andalusia best known to foreign visitors. It has a thriving port and is home to the old and new with modern palm tree lined avenues and ruins of roman theatres in its old town. Among local specialities celebrated here is the fritura malaguea which is a selection of deep fried fish, the fish can be whitebait, anchovies, squid rings or small pieces of larger fish. Malaga is also famous for its sweet dessert wines which are made from the moscatel grape.

The province of Cadiz it the southern most tip of Spain and indeed Europe. It is home to the coastlines of both the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. As a consequence, the seafood in Cadiz is some of the best in Andalusia. Specialities of this area include urta a la rotea which is bream cooked with peppers and tomatoes. A fish stew packed with the best specimens of the area known as abaja de pescado, is a must when visiting the capital city.

Also in the province of Cadiz, is the town of Jerez de la Frontera famous for its sherry, indeed it is from this town that the name sherry originates. As a consequence, many recipes from this area are cooked using this local brew such as riones al Jerez which is kidneys in sherry sauce and rabo de toro al jerez oxtail in sherry.

Bordering Cadiz to the north is Seville, whose main city is the capital and cosmopolitan heart of Andalusia. Seville is famous for its ferias and the atmosphere here is exotic and colourful. So too is the food here with the Moorish influence especially strong in sweet dishes such as yemas sweet eggs. There is a traditional dessert or type of confectionary for almost every fiesta which are made following recipes almost unchanged throughout centuries. The famous manzanilla olives originate from Seville and are very popular in salads or added to other dishes such as pato a la sevillana which is duck with olives. A very popular local dish here is huevos a la flamenco which is a baked egg dish with chorizo, peppers, peas and asparagus.

Huelva on the coast bordering Seville and Cadiz is mountainous and has lovely coastlines and a thriving fishing port. The shrimps from this area are very famous and continue to command high prices throughout Spain. Not surprising then that here as with many other andalusian regions seafood is of a very high quality and used in many local dishes. Amongst the most popular are raya al pimiento skate in a pimento sauce and atun con tomate fresh tuna cooked in a tomato sauce.

Cordoba makes up the northern most region in Andalusia and was once the seat of the Moorish Kingdom. One if this regions most famous speciality resulting from these times is cordero a la miel lamb or kid cooked in a honey sauce. The wines of this region which are similar to sherry are used in many game dishes such as conejo en salmorejo which is rabbit in a wine marinade. These types of dishes still testament to the Moors love of combining sweet with savoury flavours.

Jaen is surrounded by vast olive groves and its backdrop is a range of beautiful mountains. It is situated on a steep hill with narrow streets leading up to a very imposing cathedral. The land in this area is for grazing and there are many wheat fields. A surprising food from this region is partridge pate and the locals here serve up a delicious dish of potatoes in a garlic sauce known as ajoharina.

Each region has its own culinary specialities which are derived from the produce and traditions specific to that area but Andalusia as a whole offers many famous dishes well known throughout Spain and other parts of the world. Probably the most popular is the Gazpacho Andaluz which is a cold tomato soup made with garlic, peppers, olive oil and cucumber. Blended together and served as a starter, this dish is available from about May is the ideal refreshment on a hot afternoon.

Frying fish in batter is something the Andalusian people do very well and varieties of this dish can be found throughout all regions. The result is a light crispy batter with a fresh succulent fish inside.

Garlic and olive oil are very important ingredients in Spanish cooking, almost all dishes are cooked in olive oil and most recipes require garlic.

Another important feature of Andalusian dishes is that vegetables are rarely served as a side dish to main meals. They are eaten separately and often served as dishes in their own right for example spinach cooked with chick peas or baby asparagus stewed with onions, coriander and lemon juice. If vegetables are to be served as a side dish, they will usually be presented in salads or a very popular dish is sauted potatoes with green pepper.

For reasons unknown, Andalusians have in the past been criticised for their poor eating habits and for producing food that is either bland or drowning in oil. Above is just a taster of how the people here combine local ingredients and traditions to create a mouth watering variety of exquisite food which is often surprising. The only way to discover this gastronomic delight is to do as the Spanish do and frequent the tapas bars to truly experience the true flavours of this beautiful and diverse region.

This article has been written by Gayle Hartley with factual information courtesy of Andaluca by Michael Jacobs

For more exciting recipes from Andalusia go to: http://www.tapas-recipes-andalucia.blogspot.com

Gayle Margaret HartleyAlok Blog25216
Aydin Blog3570

Career Planning in Today's Turbulent Times

What you were taught in school no longer applies to the job searching skills needed in todays market. The rules have changedfrom the resume through the interview. Dont be caught with an objective statement on your resume, or asking the interviewer questions you should have researched on the web on your own. Here are some hot tips for being a savvy career planner:

1) Identify your top competencies, strengths, demonstration situations and high point stories Different behaviors for different jobs are needed. Today there are sophisticated career planning assessments on the market to help you identify your ideal work environment. It is important for you to become very familiar with your strongest skills. Then, whether it is a resume, a job application, or a job interview, youll be able to articulate them succinctly and professionally.

2) Identify your competitive advantage the single most important job search skill is your ability to communicate what you can do for a company! When the hiring manager believes that you can help solve the type of problems they face, you dramatically increase your chances of being offered the job. The fact is, companies will hire someone when they believe that the person will bring more value than they cost.

3) Selling yourself using high point stories and demonstrating your skills through examples Your accomplishments or achievements can be identified in your demonstration situations. Using accomplishments in your letters, resumes and interviews gives a convincing picture of you in action. Employers today want do-ers. Your high point story should illustrate a contribution that you made to something that had a positive outcome.

Effective Resume Writing

Creating an effective resume is a crucial step in the career planning process. Most job seekers rush into creating a resume before they fully understand their product (themselves). A resume advertises you it sells ability, experience, potential benefits and value. It stimulates the interest of prospective employers to find out more about you and invite you to an interview. A common myth is that a good resume will get you a job. The reality is, however, that a resume will at best interest the reader enough to want to meet you. Here are some helpful tips on writing an effective resume:

Keep your resume brief especially in describing responsibilities. Describe the key outcomes or accountabilities of the position, not the tasks!

Eliminate any information which is extraneous or that could create a negative effect; for example, marital status, religious or political affiliations, sports or hobbies, salary and references.

Make sure it is formatted neatly with the latest software to help you. Be sure it has plenty of white space and use the grammar and spell checker. Final copies should be printed on at least (20) pound bond paper in ivory or white.

Check to make sure you use a consistent format throughout your resume. If you used bold headings, make sure all headings are bold. Also make sure your verb tense is correct.

Have your resume reviewed before finalizing it. Typos and spelling errors are almost guaranteed to eliminate you from being considered.

Do not underestimate the importance of using a cover letter in your job search! Cover letters reflect the time, care and preparation you have given to your search. They also demonstrate enthusiasm and confidence which can help you begin to develop a rapport with the reader.

The Interview

The interview is an exchange of information between the candidate and the company for the purpose of determining if there is a fit for the open position. You have certain qualifications to offer and they have certain needs to fill. Your qualifications have already separated you from the pack and brought you to the final selection process. The following tips will provide you with some techniques and information to help you fine-tune your presentation:

Dress conservatively. Men: wear a suit and tie, dark colors. Women: wear a suit or a dress with a jacket, conservative colors, simple jewelry, little makeup and perfume. Neatness is critical!

Arrive about 5-10 minutes early. Be nice to everyone you meet at the company.

Sit up straight, leaning forward slightly; this helps to convey an attitude of high interest and energy.

Be positive, friendly, enthusiastic and sincere. Practice will help you to relax and be yourself. Be positive about previous employers and managers.

Maintain good eye contact.

Rest hands comfortably in your lap; gesture appropriately as you speak.

Speak at adequate levels and avoid monotone patterns; dont drift off at the end of sentences. Speak with assurance.

Be an attentive listener; ask questions and clarify meanings; answer concisely and clearly, do not ramble.

Anticipate general questions and those related to your experience. Prepare answers ahead of time. Picture yourself answering these questions confidently.

Anticipate behavioral interviewing questions that demonstrate you have the behaviors, competencies, and attitude to do the job.

For examples of behavioral interviewing questions, see Well-Run Concepts previous article, Behavioral interviewing, published in Careers, summer of 2003.

Once you have won the job you want, it is important to maintain your competitive advantage. The world of employment is dynamic. Employees need to become just as competitive and strategic about their careers as their employers are. More significantly, employees need to take responsibility for their own careers. If you want to continually compete and win in todays job market, you must maintain a competitive edge in your job performance in order to do so. Just as everyone has strengths, everyone has weaknesses or hindrances to performance that they must manage and overcome in order to grow professionally.

If you would like more information on career planning and assessment tools, please feel free to contact Well-Run Concepts at 805-566-2900, email us at Info@well-run.com, or visit us on the web at http://www.well-run.com

The best of luck on your search!

Jennifer Selland is the Founder and President of Well-Run Concepts, a Human Resource Consulting Firm based in Ocala Florida, founded in 1997, whose mission is to Help Organizations Define and Develop Top Talent. Jennifer has over 15 years of Human Resource Management and Executive Operational hotel experience.Besime Blog75180
Armande Blog85786

Robert Frost was Right: Choosing the Road to the College That's Best For You

The stairway to college is made up of steps that will take you to the higher education that's right for you...and (yes) ONLY you!

How high school and college diverge.

The high school experience moves students through the school system in groups.

Where do you fit in?

How are you viewed? Athlete? Actor? Academic wiz?

To survive and excel in high school, you find that you must meet the expectations for people who are much the same. Yet, in college, and in much of the world after college, the key to excellence, and the route to happiness, is often to carve your own path.

How do you feel when you read this classic poem by Robert Frost?

The Road Not Taken

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Selecting a college or university is not about following the path of everyone else, is it? Ivy League? Or not. Big 10 Football? Or not. While college has become more expensive and competitive, the path you choose may surprise all those around you.

Don't let this idea frighten your parents or shock your friends. Here's the core: Trust the voice inside of you. Small classes: do they appeal to you or stifle you? Trust your emotions when visiting this type of school. A sprawling college campus: Does it welcome you or bore you? Trust your intuition over every choice. And when you meet with two diverging paths, feel proud of the decision to take the one less traveled.

http://www.stairwaytocollege.com

Susan Curtis is Editor of Stairway to College: Navigating the College Admissions Process Ahn Blog82316
Assaf Blog44745

Steakhouse New York to Tickle The Taste Buds of Steak Lovers

People who love eating good food put great emphasis on eating properly cooked food. Steakhouse is the best place where steak lovers can indulge in their taste buds. It is a source of real delight for people who simply love their steak. If you are a resident of New York, then you have several options in hand to choose one of the best steakhouse in New York. Steakhouse is a great source for you to enjoy with your friends and family.

A steak lover somehow or the other manages to find out the best steakhouse in the city where they are residing or shifted to a new place. At first finding out a good steakhouse may seem difficult to you, but once you come in touch with a steak lover, you are bound to find out the best steakhouse. Steak lovers have an amazing capacity of collecting knowledge and information about steakhouses in any place and a steakhouse in New York is no exception to this for people who love steak.

Most steakhouses have all the provisions to cater to all the needs of steak lovers. They really want that their steak should be cooked in just the way they like to eat it. The taste of steak varies largely depending on the degree of its cooking. Some people love their steak thats cooked well; while some prefer medium cooked others swear by rare cooked steak. Rare cooked steak is loved by steak lovers who really know how to eat and enjoy their steak.

Many people simply detest rare cooked steak. They feel that since the rare cooked steak meat has blood retention in it, the steak is unhealthy to be consumed. But steak lovers argue that it is this fluid retention that makes the steak all the more tasty to eat. Well, you can hardly argue with a steak lover and if he loves to eat his steak cooked in particular way then he will find out a steakhouse that serves the kind of steak that he loves to eat.

Steakhouse is not all about eating meat and potatoes. There are several steakhouses in NYC that have provisions to host private parties. In fact there are several steakhouses that keep aside certain days in a week to host private parties for friends and family. If you want to organize any such party to celebrate any special occasion, then just make sure that you do this flawlessly and give your family and friends one of the best steakhouse parties they have had.

Booking in advance for a dinner or lunch is a good option for you. It may happen that when you go to a steakhouse, you may find that all the tables are filled up. So advance booking helps you to tackle this. Weekend always witnesses a heavy rush of customers and you can also enjoy you eating out session without any hassles just because you have booked in advance. Go to the steakhouse and order the steak cooked in just the way you like to have it.

Neil Folley holds a Masters Degree in Hotel Management. He loves good food and arranging private parties. He is working for Markjosephsteakhouse. To book for Sunday Parties and enjoy tasteful food at steakhouse new york visit http://www.markjosephsteakhouse.com.Bridge Blog96956
Areg Blog17415

Laptop Insurance - The Vital Elements

Laptop Insurance - The Vital Elements

Imagine if, for whatever reason, you were without your laptop. You need to do some work on it, or maybe some planning - you know why you need it.

But you cannot. It is incredibly frustrating. Many people have been in this situation.

Your laptop might be lost, stolen, damaged or just plain not working. How soon would it be before you are back with a functioning laptop, and how much is it going to cost you to get there?

Laptop Insurance is recognised as the necessary tool to help you through this, but how do you know if you are getting good cover at a price that represents good value to you?

To answer that, first you need to define exactly what is important to you. What are your likely risks?

For example, if you never travel with your laptop - maybe you just use it at home, sometimes in the lounge, sometimes in the study - then you are probably not going to need international cover as part of your laptop insurance. In this instance you are probably not going to need loss cover either (a laptop is not something you are likely to lose down the back of the sofa).

What if you just drop your laptop? You need your laptop insurance to be able to protect you for this. You do NOT want to have to commit insurance fraud (and thereby break the law) by lying in your claims process, you would want to make sure that you are covered for accidental damage.

So outline what elements of cover you think you will need. For example

* Will you need Extended Warranty in case it just breaks down?
* Will you need loss cover?
* Will you need international cover?
* Will you need water damage cover?
* Will you need accidental damage cover?
* Will you need theft cover?

It may seem obvious to you that you need certain elements of cover, and maybe not others, but just consider the list above. Some people might feel more at risk of theft than water damage, while others might be the other way around.

For example, compare a travelling businessman with a Hydrological Consultant (who might be planning river system controls). The latter would obviously seem more at risk of water damage than theft.

Let's look at each in turn

Extended Warranty:
Bizarrely, very few companies offer Extended Warranties as part of Laptop Insurance. The only main provider that does is www.2u.co.uk/laptop-insurance/ . If you want to be covered for your laptop simply going wrong or breaking down, you need to be covered for this.

Loss Cover:
It would appear that almost no provider offers loss cover. It is most likely deemed to be too risky to insure.

International Cover:
Many providers will protect you for up to 60 days per year outside of the UK.

Water Damage:
This is not a common element of cover in many laptop insurance company's policies, but it IS a common killer of laptops! How many times has that cup of tea or class of orange juice been dangerously close to spilling over your laptop keyboard?

Accidental Damage Cover:
Again, this is a common need for laptop insurance. You are walking along, maybe in a crown, and your laptop bag gets knocked out of you hand and smacks down on the concrete. This is a relatively common element of laptop insurance.

Theft Cover:
This is the most obvious risk for your laptop. You laptop is a very portable, high value item. Anything that is worth a lot and can be carried while running away is a prime target for thieves. Consequently, this is the most common element of most laptop insurance policies.

On analysis of the market, if you need all of the different elements of cover, then the 2U Laptop Insurance is, to the knowledge of this author, the only laptop insurance policy available on the market that will meet all of your wants and needs.

If you do not need to protect yourself for all of these eventualities, you can find slimmed down levels of protection for your laptop with your local insurance broker, or in your search engine.

To learn more about the fuller laptop insurance from 2U, go to

Duncan Elliott has successfully managed and run the Marketing Dept at http://www.2u.co.uk/laptop-insurance/ for the last 6 years. He has seen many other companies come and go, for a number of reasons, many of which did not give the customer good service. From this experience he is able to expose what you should be doing to get the best deal. Campo Blog32277
Bababunmi Blog60167

Satellite TV For Beginners

DIY Satellite TV is Here !

Setting up and installing your own satellite TV system (whether portable satellite TV for travellers or fixed satellite TV for rural and outback areas) can be very enjoyable, rewarding AND can save you money.

The basic elements that make up a satellite TV system are:-

1- Satellite Dish
2- Satellite Dish Mount (portable or fixed is fine)
3- LNB (low noise block amplifier goes on the arm of the dish)
4- Satellite Receiver
5- Satellite Finder
6- Satellite Charts

Choosing the right satellite dish for your site is the most important factor. Dishes come in various sizes ranging from very small (in the centimeters) to many meters. In recent times with the increase in satellite transmission power people are able to get away with a much smaller dish then they did in the past. Typical size for coverage in many areas is 78 88 cms. (for the KU band if you are a beginner to satellite I recommend KU reception if it is available in your area). The LNB is the part on the end of the arm. It amplifies the very weak signals that are collected and reflected into it by the dish. This signal once amplified, is carried down the satellite cable to the satellite receiver. Here it is converted into a signal that your conventional television can understand. The satellite finder and charts are only used during the initial installation until you have a picture. The finder can then be removed. Your local satellite parts dealer will be best able to advise on the correct equipment and alignment procedures for your area. For people installing to the roof ensure you take all the necessary safety precautions. You are competent right? If you are in Australia consider visiting the aurora satellite tv website http://www.aurorasatellitetv.info where you can find more free information.

Richard Banks is the owner of Aardvark Electronics http://www.aardvarkelectronics.com.au and the developer of the Vansat Portable Satellite TV System http://www.vansat.com.au.Bevis Blog9473
Benasso Blog20015

Rat Race Blues for Women Ebook Review

Are you one of the many people who spends more each month than they earn? Do you wonder how you can get off the merry-go-round of continuous debt that debilitates you and makes your life miserable? If you relate to either of these statements, your salvation may just be at hand. Darlene (Dar) Arechederra's "Rat Race Blues for Women" details a refreshingly different approach from the usual advice about budgeting that so many other get-out-of-debt books offer.

Dar's aim is to help you, "... enjoy your life more, put you on the path to cutting back on work hours, or teach you to set yourself up for leaving your job completely." She does that by stepping readers through a number of strategies for trimming expenditure and paying out your debts in an easy to read, conversational manner.

Her e-book is small, but concise and is based on her experience as one of those who had money managing problems, but who overcame them to move on to a bigger, better future. What worked for her, she infers, will work for you. And because it all makes so much sense and is so easy to implement, I'm sure it will.

Surprisingly, she advises readers to give budgeting the 'flick' (my word, not hers!) and shows us how more money is not the solution we all think it is. Instead, she shows us how to trim a bit here and a bit there until it becomes a habit that reduces our expenditure and increases our savings ... incremental salvation, or a step-by-step approach rather than the cold turkey approach many books recommend.

Dar steps readers through an income and expenditure statement which is necessary to see where your affairs are at present so you can identify areas where you can make adjustments. This process itself is a good part of our learning experience because often we aren't aware of where our hard earned money is disappearing.

There were two things that appealed to me most about this title; Dar encourages readers to begin a Life Book with their goals and ideas. These help you to focus on what you want and how to achieve them. Just as a matter of self-discovery, I spent a little time thinking about what I need most from life at present. I opted for continuing good health, without which nothing else is of much use, friends which we all need to enjoy ourselves, and good fun, but I'm closer to the end of my life than I would expect most readers of this title will be. They will be where I was thirty years ago ... in debt, earning a low income while raising two children, so their needs will likely include much to do with money. Of course, this is the target audience, not Baby Boomers like me!

The other thing I liked was the insightful case studies Dar included, helping readers live through the lives of Paul and Marcy, middle class Americans. They were incredibly realistic and the people involved came alive for me. I could see my wife and I in their shoes. One or two of the questions raised during the case study were questions I had pondered very recently, even after 30 years of marriage. You will recognise some aspects of your life or relationship in the case studies also. I promise.

The one thing I'm surprised at is why Dar has written this book just for women. There are just as many men who need help to get their debts under control and win back their lives for whom this title would be of great benefit.

This book is about taking control of your life and winning your financial freedom. It will help you get out of debt, save for a home business, build an online business, and much more. It's well written and has excellent advice that is different from others I have read about the same topic. If you really want to make a difference in your life, grab a copy now and implement Dar's recommendations immediately. In the long run, it will be money well invested.

Find out more about this ebook at http://www.dwave.com.au/rrb.

Copyright 2006 Robin Henry

Robin Henry is a human resources specialist and Internet entrepreneur. He runs his home based business from Central Australia and his main site is at Desert Wave Enterprises. He helps businesses improve performance through working smarter.Benabdallah Blog41107
Alok Blog96273

Parent Landlords - A Good Option?

As ever there are pros and cons. Let's take a look at some of the major points you should take into account.

Background

According to the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA), the buy to let market is a "major industry in its own right", with 90% of students living in rented accomodation.

Property inflation, according to the Halifax, has been 88% in university towns compared to 83% generaly.

In addition, rental income varies between different universities and, for example, the distance of the property from the university, but circa 200-240 per month can be expected per room.

These factors have tempted many parents to explore the opportunity presented by student buy to let.

How To Purchase

There are hundreds of buy to let mortgages available at any one time. However, you need to make sure that you use a specialist lender who are aware of this type of loan's requirements.

Ideally the student should purchase the property, with the parent acting as guarantor (if you are happy with an 18 year old owning it).

This means that:

- the eventual sale will be exempt from Capital Gains Tax as the property is viewed as being the student's principal residence

- letting income from other students in the property should cover the mortgage cost

- check your tax position in relation to the available "rent a room relief" of 4,250 each year, together with the students own personal tax allowance of 5,035 per annum. This means it is possible for the first 9,285 per annum of rental income to be free of tax (if the student is not earning)

You can check the Government's own website for more details:

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/manuals/pimmanual/PIM4001.htm

- lastly, you will typically require a 15-25% deposit

Type Of Property

- a typical house is a 3 bed semi with 2 receptions, with one of these to be used as a bedroom

- make sure that each bedroom is at least 70sq.ft, as students like to study in their own rooms

- central heating is essential

- conventionaly designed/constructed is usually best

- no more than 2 miles from the university

- good parking and security

- simple to maintain garden

- good general location re transport/amenities

- ideally, fill the rooms with your child's friends

- think of the implications of the property once your child has left university

Of course many buyers will have the same thoughts as you, and good properties will not be available on the cheap so you should expect competition.

Also beware oversupply, particularly with regard to housing associations building new student accommodation blocks.

Prepare to become an expert on the area you are considering.

Visit http://www.landlords.org.uk for more tips and ideas

Other Tips

- ensure furnishings and decoration are in good order

- provide a good sized kitchen with a big fridge freezer,a good shower and of course broadband/T.V.

- get a good tenancy agreement and use a solicitor

- be up to date with the "Housing Act Regulations" and all safety issues such as gas, electricity and furniture

- be aware of the costs including repairs and wear and tear

- shop around for insurance for buildings, contents you own and public liability (there are specialist companies for these) - check that there will be no council tax as this is the only residence for the students (they should be exempt)

- remember that there may be times when a student doesn't pay and occasions when there are gaps in tenancy

- when students are not in residence re holidays, some landlords charge 1/2 rent

- if you decide to use an agency to look after the property and collect the rent (you don't want to be up fixing a boiler at 3 in the morning), ask them for references in advance

The above is by no means an exhaustive look at student buy to let, and if you are going to leap - think, and think again.

Other Useful Websites

http://www.assertahome.co.uk
http://www.rightmove.co.uk
http://www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/pdfs/ir87.htm

The Financial Tips Bottom Line:

Do your research and homework and remember to see this as a long term investment: there's no reason why you can't continue to rent the property once your son or daughter has left university.

Happy investing!

Copyright (c) 2006 Ray Prince

Ray Prince is an Independent Financial Planner with Rutherford Wilkinson plc, and helps UK Resident Doctors and Dentists get the best deals on mortgages, protection and investments, as well as helping them achieve their financial objectives. Just visit http://www.medicaldentalfs.com to get your free retirement guide. Rutherford Wilkinson plc is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.Atsushi Blog7587
Boping Blog89050

Cleveland Schools Students And Programs Supported By Politicians And Celebrities

Film Star Prepares Cleveland Schools Students for Future Performances

Otis Sallid, a choreographer and director, is offering Cleveland Schools students a chance to gain from classes in dance and acting. The classes are in cooperation with the Ohio Theatre, which is using the classes as a way to recruit for its upcoming productions. The classes will be held at the studios in the Playhouse Square.

Sallid is well qualified to teach these classes. He is a winner of the Bob Fosse L.A. Choreographers Dance Award, whose film credits include Spike Lees School Daze, Do the Right Thing, and Malcolm X, and Disneys Sister Act II. Sallid has also done work for several television sitcoms like, Living Single, For Your Love, and Suddenly Susan. The Cleveland Schools Director of Performing Arts endorses the classes fully.

Cleveland Browns Wide Receiver Joe Jurevicius Gives Cleveland Schools Students a Lesson in Financial Responsibility

At Cleveland Schools South High School, students were able to learn about how to manage money for the future as part of the VISA, NFL and PLAYERS INC., Financial Football Program. This program teaches students about money management. The class will be taught by Cleveland Browns wide receiver Joe Jurevicius and Jason Alderman, director of Visa USA. The program is centered around the interactive computer game Financial Football, an educational program that teaches about value and use of money. Cleveland Schools is one of seventeen school districts from across the country chosen to host the program.

Politicians Support the Cleveland Schools 3Rs Program

The Cleveland Schools 3Rs Program Rights, Responsibilities and Realities is cooperation between the Cleveland Bar Association and the Cleveland Schools. This program has over 600 local attorneys, judges and law students to help offer support and advice to students about their future. This volunteer program aims to help tenth grade students in the Cleveland Schools increase their success rates on the Ohio Graduation Test by improving their understanding and respect for the rule of law and our Constitution and to provide practical career counseling to focus students on their potential beyond high school.

This is accomplished by teams visiting tenth grade social studies classes in twenty-one Cleveland Schools high schools each month. The Ohio Graduation Test is only one part of the program, the volunteers will also help students make decisions about their future, help them set goals, prepare them for pre-college testing, guide them to resources for financial assistance and coach them in developing a strong resume. The first session of the 3Rs program was held Friday, September 22. Prior to the first session a rally was held to kick off the program. Key speakers at this rally were: Dr. Eugene Sanders, CEO, Cleveland Schools; Hugh McKay, President, Cleveland Bar Association; Lawrence Davis, Chairman, Cleveland Board of Education; Robert Triozzi, Director of Law, City of Cleveland; Louis Stokes, former U.S. Congressman; The Honorable Patricia Hemann, U.S. Magistrate Judge; and Joanne DeMarco, President, Cleveland Teachers Union. Cleveland Schools John Marshall High School marching band and Cleveland School of the Arts choral singers, John F. Kennedy High School cheerleaders cheering on 3Rs and a dramatic presentation of the Constitution by students from various schools was the entertainment for the rally.

Patricia Hawke is a staff writer for Schools K-12, providing free, in-depth reports on all U.S. public and private K-12 schools. For more information on Cleveland schools visit http://www.schoolsk-12.com/ohio/cleveland/index.htmlAnkur Blog83626
Ansys Blog71014

Ways To Hide Files On Your Computer

At some point in time, perhaps on your family computer, or your own computer, you will develop, collect, and store some important personal files on your hard drive that are strictly for your needs and purposes. These digital files may be so important to you, that under no circumstances, should anyone ever be able to access and see them. Some of these personal and business files may include documents, spreadsheets, emails, pdfs, text files, invoices, pictures, videos, and mp3s. These files may be so sensitive in nature, that you realize a need to prevent your spouse, kids, friends, or anyone for that matter, from viewing and accessing them. Perhaps, you may even need to hide porn or other explicit files. Just imagine if your spouse, or little ones at home, did a file search for all picture files and movies that were on your computer. Hopefully the results wouldn't expose them to anything that you wouldn't want them to see. Just imagine what could happen, if your children at home decided to fool around with your work and files that was listed in the recent documents menu. Ok, you get the point. And thus, this question is raised: How do I hide files and folders so that they won't be discovered?

There are several ways in which you can hide files: You can put your files within a folder and apply the hidden attribute to the folder. You can bury your files deeply in subdirectories within subdirectories and hope that no one browses using Windows Explorer. You can change the file name and file extension of your file to something unique and strange, so that no one recognizes it, or you can purchase a file hiding software security application such as a folder lock or folder hider with password protection.

All of the above methods may be your solution to hide your important files. It simply depends on the significant importance of your files and level of security you need. You can apply the hidden attribute to a folder or file by choosing to do so within its properties. This is a simple way of hiding a folder in Windows XP. However, the files will still show up if a user sets the option "show hidden files and folders" within the folders options. Another way to hide a file is simply by concealing it by dumping it into a folder you think no one will ever access. However, you run the risk of it appearing within the results of a Windows Search and having it displayed in the documents list. Another way to hide a file is by renaming it along with its file extension so that no one recognizes it or is able to open it using its standard program. Although this method could possibly work for you, you would have to waste time renaming it and changing it back to the correct extension.

And thus, the following question is raised: What is a quick and sure proof way to hide files in windows so that they won't appear within Windows Explorer and won't be displayed in the results of a Windows search? Your solution: A simple and easy to use folder security software utility that will allow you to hide files and folders and make them reappear all with a simple hotkey. Supreme Folder Hider is such a solution that will save you time and will provide you with an extra added sense of security. Supreme Folder Hider prevents all file access from Windows Explorer, the command prompt, shortcuts, and most recently used document lists.

Clinton Brown is a consultant for FileHidingSoftware.com, a well established file and folder security software company. He has been working in the tech sector for over 12 years performing duties such as tech support, technical training, application development, and internet marketing. Do you need to prevent anyone from seeing your files? Find out how to hide files and folders at http://www.filehidingsoftware.comArco Blog67059
Anila Blog69198

Apple Doesn't Want You To Put DVDs On Your iPod?

It's been a while now since Apple released their video iPods, which have beautiful 2.5" screens that can play crisp videos. Apple also added music videos and TV programs on iTunes that you can purchase and load onto your iPod.

Watching music videos and TV programs on your iPod is all great and everything, but some users are left wondering how they can put DVD movies on their iPod. After all, that's one reason many people buy a video iPod they think that they can watch DVD movies on their iPod video. Wrong!

You see, iTunes doesn't have an option like "convert DVD to iPod format." It's completely unsupported, which seems very silly! You would think that after someone spent $299 or $399 on a video iPod, they would be able to put any kind of video on their iPod!

What's also unsupported is foreign video formats, like WMV and AVI. Chances are you have at least a small collection of videos on your hard drive and those videos probably won't be supported because iTunes also does not have "WMV to iPod format" or "AVI to iPod format" conversion feature!

You might be left wondering why Apple didn't think to include something so obvious in their iTunes program. I cannot see how they would have forgotten it. My theory is that they have a reason for not including it.

Maybe it's a legal issue. Perhaps they don't want to get anywhere near the chances of movie piracy. I'm not a lawyer though, so I can't confirm anything.

Maybe they don't want you to put a single DVD on your iPod! They could be trying to have a "monopoly" so that some of the only videos you can put on your iPod are the ones that you buy from iTunes. If this is the case, this could be why they prevent you from putting WMVs and AVIs on your iPod also.

Or maybe they thought simply that no one would want to convert DVDs to iPod format! Maybe they thought that users wouldn't want DVD movies to take up space on their iPod (which is strange, because iPods' 30GB and 60GB hard drives are plenty big enough). Or they could have assumed nobody would want to watch a full length movie on a 2.5" screen (if so, they're wrong again).

There's one more theory, possibly the most likely one. Perhaps Apple is designing a "true" video iPod with a larger screen that's geared more towards movies, and purposely leave out the "convert DVD to iPod" feature so that they can add movies to the iTunes store (either pay-per-view or buy-to-own).

Whatever Apple is doing, it looks like they are not thinking of their users. Either they're not brainstorming hard enough in their product and software creation stages, or they're just hurting their customers so that they can make more money in the long run.

Keith Gilbert is the owner of http://DVD2iPod.org, a guide that shows how you can convert DVDs to iPod and put videos on your iPod! Get it for just $14.95 through this link.Chalton Blog4986
Aydin Blog3570

Brussels Tourist Information

General summary of city:

The city of Brussels is the capital city of Belgium and is a modern city that is rich in medieval and art-nouveau buildings. Brussels is steeped in rich history with plenty of museums and galleries and a pulsating cultural life.

Brussels is also the administrative center of the European Union, which has earned the city the title the capital of Europe. The business sector in Brussels is booming with international agencies taking root in the city, however not at the expense of the rich cultural history. The juxtaposition of past and present is evident in Brussels with blocks lined with international businesses and their advanced steel and glass high rises which are only a few steps away from cobbled streets and medieval architecture that speaks of the citys flavourful past.

With a mixture of French and Flemish culture and language, Brussels is steeped in history and culture, with something for everyone to enjoy. The nightlife culture of Brussels, complete with clubs and pubs to enjoy add to the eclectic ambience of this fair city in Belgium. During the day, as business booms throughout the week, there is a wide variety of attractions for visitors and locals to enjoy, regardless of age. Families enjoy Belgium for its unique atmosphere which embraces every aspect of family life and socialization for adults.

Places of interest:

Brussels boasts over a century of history which lends too many intriguing sights to visit and see in the city and immediate area. Brussels possesses the most fabulous market square and the highest concentration of restaurants in the entire world.

The Petite Rue des Bouchers, which translates to street of the butchers is located in the medieval center of Brussels and is most famous for the simple fact that every building on the street is a restaurant. The roadway is very narrow and is closed to automobile traffic, which allows for the restaurants to boast their wares in spectacular fashion, while on wider parts of the road, restaurants feature outdoor eating areas.

The central market square in Brussels is known as the Grand Place, which is notably the most beautiful in the world. A 15th century Town Hall dominates the Grand Place with hundreds of small statues and an elegant tower is surrounded by 17th century buildings with golden inlays which surround the entire square. Other places of interest to visit is the Manneken Pis, the Saint Michael cathedral, the Atomium, the Palais de Justice as well as a plethora of parks including the impressive Bois de la Cambre and the forest to which it once belonged, the Foret de Soignes which features birch trees that are hundreds of years old.

Brussels features many interesting sights for the whole family - business people, families, nature lovers, culture devotees and historians alike.

Things to do:

There is a wide variety of things to do in Brussels, regardless of your age or fancies. For those who love to dine, you could spend an eternity sampling all the wonderful restaurants and eateries in Brussels, which boasts itself as having the highest concentration of restaurants in the world. The restaurants in Brussels feature a wide variety of food types and styles for anyones palate.

For those who want to take in the rich history of Brussels, there is a surplus of museums that boast the wonderful and flavourful richness of a millennium in Brussels.

Sightseeing is plentiful in Brussels with many 15th and 17th century buildings around the city. Declaring a beautiful surrounding with intricately designed buildings from these centuries, the city of Brussels promises a wonderful view in any direction. With beautiful boulevards, picturesque squares, parks and a very active cultural life in every sense of the word, there is something for everyone in Brussels. You can take in a movie or a play at a theatre, enjoy dinner in one of the many restaurants, and visit the monuments and places of great interest that abound in this beautiful city.

Brussels is steeped in over 1000 years of history and beauty for each individual to unfold whether visiting or moving to the city.

Food & Drink:

Brussels is all about the food. Because Brussels has the highest concentration of restaurants in all the world, the dining industry is literally one of the most prolific in the city. The Petite Rue des Bouchers (the street of butchers) is literally lined with restaurants. Every single building on the street is a restaurant that caters to a variety of flavours and tastes.

Throughout this beautiful historical city, restaurants, eateries and quaint cafes abound, offering up a dish of enlightening flavor to satisfy any palate. There is, of course, plenty of French food and Flemish food, but with the coming of immigrants to Brussels, there is an increasing variety of foods from other cultures and countries throughout the world. Within the streets of Brussels, you can find Western cooking, Lebanese flavourings, Greek, Mexican - really any ethnic food flavouring that your heart could desire.

To go to Brussels means to enjoy good food in a beautiful atmosphere. Brussels is known world wide for its upper class restaurants and small, cozy eateries that are both quaint and classy.

Hotels & Accommodation:

Silken Residence
Le Chtelain All Suites Hotel
Hilton Brussels
Minotel Chambord
Le Mridien Bruxelles
Eazires Europarthotel Avenue Louise
Hotel Villa Royale
Hotel le Dixseptieme
Sun Hotel
New Hotel Charlemagne
Hotel L'auberge Du Souverain
Aristote
Hotel Continental
Hotel le Chantecler
Hotel De Fierlant
Hotel Erasme
Rijckendael Hotel
Eurostars Royal Embassy Grand Place

Entertainment:

Brussels is very much a city of the night. There is a bustling nightlife in Brussels in the many clubs, discotheques, bars and restaurants. There is always something to do in Brussels.

During the day, the museums offer a great deal of entertainment for the entire family. With the wealth of history and past culture in Brussels, everyone in the family will find the museums, galleries and culture centers interesting and intriguing.

There are a wide variety of cultural festivals that are also offered throughout the city at various times of the year ranging in depth from family fun to adult entertainment.

Fun for the whole family is offered in the heart of Belgium in the capital city of Brussels. Movie theatres, shopping centers, parks, forests, museums, cultural centers and places of interest abound in this gorgeous city. Boredom is nearly impossible in Brussels - there is always something to do or see in this fair city. A rich social life is just around the corner in Brussels, all you have to do is see what they have to offer during your visit.

Meredith BooneyAiman Blog96758
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Debt Consolidation - The First Step To Financial Responsibility

Once a debt saddled individual realizes they need to do something about their debt, they begin the challenging process of seeking out various debt reduction schemes to lighten their credit card debts. A popular and realistic path is debt consolidation.

In a nutshell, debt consolidation is simply the process of combining all accumulated debt from all the various creditors into one smaller, more manageable payment. It could be in the form of another credit card or some sort of loan but the best solution really boils down to what works best for you and your current situation.

Aside from trying to pay off your credit card debts, many individuals are advised to take the debt consolidation path simply because it will improve your financial situation by allowing you to reduce your debt. Another nice side benefit is that once you put a plan together it will reduce the stress associated with debt and for anyone who's gone through a financial crisis they know it's one of the most difficult and stressful situations in life to deal with.

An obvious example is that in most instances, individuals simply have too many credit cards and they end up paying high interest while making only minimum payments and never really make any headway.

Many get themselves into trouble by taking advantage of low interest rate or no interest rate offers. However, most of these types of offers last only 6 months and then the interest rate jumps up dramatically and before they know it individuals find themselves in the situation described in the previous paragraph.

Contrary to popular belief, most people want to pay off their debt but when it gets to a point of diminishing returns (high rates and barely being able to make the minimum payments) it's time to get serious about debt consolidation.

Debt consolidation done right will enable you to organize your credit card debt, pay much less in interest and even drop a portion of your debt in some circumstances. Debt consolidation will combine all your debt in one manageable monthly payment with a single due date. It can be your financial "light at the end of the tunnel."

Of course, if you own a home and you've been fortunate to accrue some equity a good alternative is to opt for a home equity loan. The loan is spread over more years and the interest is tax deductible.

Clearly, any form of debt consolidation done correctly will save you a ton of money in interest charges but hopefully by having had to take such a step you will learn the lesson of better financial responsibility so you never put yourself into such a difficult financial position again.

And thus, I must mention the following "important points to ponder" despite the seemingly risk-free nature of debt consolidation.

After consolidating your debt into one lump sum, you actually still have your credit cards to worry about. And yes, they are now free and clear but if you're not careful, if you don't change your spending behavior they won't be that way for long. And thus, the clear answer is to stop spending yourself into a financial black hole. A good first step is to cancel most, if not all of your current credit cards. At most, you should retain no more than two. Use one for gas and groceries and keep one in reserve but pay off the balance each month. This way you keep yourself from going down the wrong financial path and you also develop a good credit rating. Most lenders look for two lines of credit that have been paid consistently and on time with a reasonable balance when making loans and the better you handle your credit the better interest rates you'll get for ANY type of loan.

In conclusion, do a little research and find the best debt consolidation deal you can for your situation and then change your spending behavior so you don't put yourself in the same situation a few years down the road. You'll reduce stress and expand your choices in life because when you have your financial house in order you have flexible and options and when good opportunities arise, you can take advantage of them.

This article may be reproduced only in its entirety.

Scott Knutson is an entrepreneur and writer. For other articles he's written visit: http://www.aneyeondebt.com | http://www.debtmgmtresources.com | http://www.debtmergeresources.comBielat Blog28083
Anika Blog18504

Business Continuity Planning

Many years ago, I worked for a small insurance company. Just like many other businesses, we shut down operations for the Christmas holiday. As it happens, this one eventful year Christmas fell on a Monday. The company also gave their employees the preceding Friday off, thereby granting a fourday holiday.

The weather that Christmas season was bitterly cold, as it often is in that part of Virginia. The maintenance staff turned off the heat in our 7-story building to save on costs. Unfortunately, they neglected to turn off the water. I received a call Sunday afternoon informing me there was a serious problem. Apparently, a major water pipe had ruptured on the 7th floor.

When I arrived at the building there were literally large sheets of ice emanating from all the windows onto the sides of the building. Upon entering, I could see just how disastrous this pipe rupture, unattended for two days, was going to be. The ceiling tiles on every floor had given way and fallen into the work areas. All the desks, file cabinets, computer equipment and so on were covered in debris, ice and water.

We had no choice but to turn the heat back on in order to melt the ice. As the ice melted it just further compounded the water problem. Most floors in the building had between 8-16 inches of standing water. The water damage to file folders and documents, electronic equipment, furniture and everything else in the building was devastating.

It took many months to fully recover from what we later referred to simply as the incident. Many important insurance documents were permanently lost. Much of the computer equipment and other electronics were unrecoverable.

Amazingly, the company had made no plans for such a disaster. There was no way to quickly move data processing requirements to an offsite location. There was no offsite storage for the microfilm records used to back up the paper documents. Most of the microfilm, stored in metal canisters, survived. The majority of microfilm readers didnt since electronics and water just dont mix.

The company survived, but just by a thread. We could not process premium payments for many weeks, and people who were expecting insurance payments did not receive them in a timely manner. There were a number of lawsuits. It was, to put it bluntly, a total mess.

Business Continuity is one of those topics that just doesnt receive the level of discussion it requires. Too many people completely ignore it altogether. That can be a fatal mistake as it relates to your business.

Business Continuity is all about planning for the unforeseen events that can occur. Many people also call it disaster planning. No one likes to think about such eventualities, but as the saying goes, stuff happens.

Developing a business continuity plan involves making a thorough review of your overall business structure and identifying potential weak links in that structure. Some of these weak links are internal to your business, while some are external. A good business continuity plan will examine all of the what if scenarios that could adversely affect your business, and then identify possible contingencies.

Every aspect of your business needs to be considered: ownership, product or raw material sources, sales mechanisms (web site, storefront, et cetera), distribution chains, customer support, accounting and financial reporting, and so on.

These what if possibilities will be different for every business. It would be impossible for me to account for every possible manifestation in this article. Instead, I will discuss some of the more commonly overlooked things that can happen. It will be up to you to extrapolate from that discussion in order to identify potential fatal links within your own business structure, and develop appropriate contingency plans. I can only ask the questions.

INTERNAL CONSIDERATIONS

Is your business dependent on a single key person? Such a person could be the owner, product developer, web site manager and so on. In such a case, that person represents a single point of failure. What happens to your business if something happens to that person? For instance, if your product derives from the efforts of one person, do you have a way to mitigate the effect of that person no longer being available?

Do you keep all your accounting and financial records in a one place? Do you have backup records in an offsite location? What would happen to your business if there were a fire, flood, earthquake, or other circumstance that destroyed those records? Do you have a plan in place to recover from such an event? It amazes me the number of people who dont back up their computer or paper records. If the hard drive on your computer failed, could you continue your operations?

Do you keep your inventory of products in a single place? What would happen if you experienced a fire or flood? Would you have a way to quickly replenish your stock? Would you be able to continue to fulfill orders in a timely fashion? If the answer is no, you have yet another single point of failure.

In the Mobile, Alabama area where my wife and I live, we are at the mercy of hurricanes each year. In the case of Hurricane Ivan and Hurricane Katrina, we lost our power and phone service for nearly a week. If something like that happened to you, do your customers have a secondary way to contact you, or you to contact them? Do you provide your customers with a cell phone number where they can reach you? Is there some local facility (e.g., library, Internet caf) where you could go to check your email?

EXTERNAL CONSIDERATIONS

If you purchase your product or raw materials from a wholesaler, is that company your only source? What happens to your business if that company has a fire, flood, or folds its tent? Do you have a secondary source you can quickly switch to? With the company I ran many years ago, I primarily used three distributors as the source for most of my products. But I also had arrangements with several others I could utilize if necessary. These companies had my TaxID, reseller, and other information already on file. If I had to make a switch, that switch would have been seamless from the perspective of my customers.

Are you dependent on a single carrier for your product delivery? What happens to your ability to deliver your product if members of that carrier go on strike? It happens. Just as with your suppliers, do you have a contingency plan for moving to a backup carrier if needed?

What about the company that hosts your web site? This is a very crucial consideration if your primary sales vehicle is via online means. What happens to your business if that hosting company has a fire or flood? Do they have a contingency plan in place to move operations to an offsite location? If they dont, do you have a way to quickly move to another hosting service? Do you have backups of your own web site (including your shopping cart/order database) that you could move?

DUE DILEGENCE

As I said, this list is not meant to be all-inclusive. Much depends on your particular business operations. But you do need to consider the possibilities, and their potential adverse impact. Consider all the possibilities.

My recommendation would be to develop a document to define your plans and courses of action for business continuity. It doesnt have to be complicated; three columns is all you need:

1) Potential disaster scenario,

2) Potential impact on your business (you can use a 1-5 rating system for this 1 being low impact, 5 being catastrophic)

3) Contingency Plan

Obviously, the higher the impact rating, the more important it is to define a contingency plan. But dont just ignore it. Your business can survive many disaster situations, but only if you plan ahead.

Ray Herold has a 30+ career in the Computer Information Technology (IT) field. He has been a Systems Analyst, DB and Network Administrator, Website Development Manager, IT Architect and Director of IT. He has owned several successful online businesses. He is also the author of several books related to technology and business.Ananth Blog96598
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In-Vehicle Cell Phone Use - Assessing Accident Risk

Mobile phone use in motor vehicles has increased at a remarkable rate over the past 15 years. Yet it is undeniable that utilizing a cell phone while driving can affect driver performance as it relates to the overall safe operation of a vehicle. There are a number of things to consider in deciding whether the trade off in convenience is worth the potential risks associated with the distraction created by a cell phone. Given the fact that the individual driver (and/or business owner) ultimately pays for the resulting consequences associated with an auto or truck accident (financial, emotional and physical lose); it is prudent to seek out relevant and reliable information in making a decision. In doing so, consider the source, as well as the possible motivation behind the information provider.

Source: US Legislation

In the United States, there are currently no federal laws prohibiting driving while using a cell phone. In an earnest attempt to find a solution, some states (New Jersey, New York, the District of Columbia, Connecticut and pending in California) have passed laws barring hand-held cell phone use while driving. Typical fines range from $50 to $100 for drivers caught using a hand-held device. While these lawmakers have the public's best interest at heart by levying fines, not all entities weighing in on this subject are likely to have the same incentive.

Source: Manufacturer Research

As the result of an independent study (found on their web site in the form of a press release), Plantronics, a manufacturer of headsets states, "71% of drivers steer more accurately when using a headset with a mobile phone". They point out that the study was to discover if a person using a mobile phone improves driving if he or she uses a headset. Stephen Wilcox, Ph.D., Principal of Design Science (independent research firm) states, "Driving with both hands on the wheel is the safest option for motorists who use mobile phones, and headsets are tools to enable that improvement." Considering the source, is this statement characteristic of scientific research? Is it objective and free of marketing bias? Could it confuse individuals into thinking that cell phones are safe as long as you are hands-free? Additionally, found toward the end of the press release, is a comment by a senior director of product marketing. Beth Johnson states, "It's important to keep in mind that our study is not intended to address the issue of whether or not it is safe to talk on a mobile phone while driving, but rather what type of technology is safest for drivers to use while talking on their mobile phones". They also state their intent is to "educate drivers on options for using mobile phones comfortably and responsibly while driving". Given that the goal is safety education, is this research responsibly comprehensive to consider it a relevant and reliable source?

Surely, as you go about your own assessment the idea of freeing up both hands to control the steering wheel is a logical consideration. If a driver focuses exclusively on driving the vehicle, then two hands on the wheel is better than one. Unfortunately, this seemingly sensible approach can lead to a false sense of driver security (possibly increasing crash risk) as noted in various reports (http://www.vcu.edu/cppweb/tstc/reports/reports.html) by the Crash Investigation Team at Virginia Commonwealth University Center for Public Safety. Their findings illustrated that the cognitive resources required to carry on a phone conversation are equivalent to those necessary to drive. This is an important concern given VCU's history of transportation safety research, as well as other studies concluding this behavior (carrying on a phone conversation while driving), reduces both driver reaction time and driver attentiveness, especially as they relate to braking.

Unlike a computer, humans have a limited capacity to process simultaneous information. If the software on your computer seems to slow down, you might consider increasing the memory or processor speed to compensate for delays resulting from an overload in computing capacity. We as humans have a similar limitation when it comes to processing too much information, but unlike computers, our resources are somewhat fixed. Given the inherent delays in our own thought response time when faced with increased load factors, is it practical or safe to hold a cell phone conversation while driving a motor vehicle?

Source: Government Transportation Safety Research

The US government employs many of the top transportation safety experts and funds a major portion of the world's accident prevention research. Given the effects traffic accidents and related congestion have on US productivity, accident reduction is a top priority. Considering that distracted driving accounted for at least 6.4 percent of crash fatalities in 2004 (U.S. Department of Transportation), many researchers are looking closely at the distinguishing distraction caused by cell phone use in vehicles. Furthermore, of the many potential distractions in a vehicle, cell phones are considered equally or more dangerous than the other known distractions such as eating, reading a map or grooming while operating a motor vehicle. In light of the ongoing research for, and by, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (http://www.nhtsa.gov/) we should at least consider their policy on using cell phones while driving that states "The primary responsibility of the driver is to operate a motor vehicle safely. The task of driving requires full attention and focus. Cell phone use can distract drivers from this task, risking harm to themselves and others. Therefore, the safest course of action is to refrain from using a cell phone while driving."

Source: Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association (CTIA)

According to the CTIA, there are currently more than 218 million subscribed cell phone users as of August 2006 (compared to some 4.3 million in 1990). Based on the extraordinary growth of cellular phone industry and the CTIA's advisory role, it may be of value to think about their point of view on this topic. In doing so, you might consider a document found on the CTIA's web site, entitled "SafeDrivingTalkingPoints2" (created June 6, 2006) that states "But for some reason, legislative efforts to prevent driver distractions have been narrowly focused on wireless phone use. According to government statistics and respected research studies, this approach is well off point." Consider that, there are more than 220 million vehicles on the road and a similar number of cell phones subscribers. Based on the amount of time customers might potentially spend using their cell phones in vehicles, we would hope to find the CTIA an objective source. Given the magnitude of the revenue at stake, is a greater degree of scrutiny in order here? Would the CTIA hold a different position if they were liable, in part, for distracted vehicle accidents?

Source: Leading Universities & Independent Researchers

While there are a number of valuable studies on this subject, the following are extensive research projects provided by highly accredited organizations:

1) Virginia Tech Transportation Institute researchers and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tracked 100 cars and their drivers for a year; they discovered that talking on cell phones caused more crashes, near-crashes and other incidents than other distractions (100-Car Naturalistic Driving Study, April 2006).

2) University of Utah researchers determined that motorists on the blood-alcohol threshold of being legally drunk were able to drive better than sober cell phone using drivers. A key researcher and author in this field, Psychology Professor David Strayer notes, "Just like you put yourself and other people at risk when you drive drunk, you put yourself and others at risk when you use a cell phone and drive. The level of impairment is very similar." Also, consider they found motorists to be more accident-prone and slower to react when talking on cellular telephones. It did not matter if it was hands-free either because of "inattention blindness", a syndrome that makes a driver less able to process visual information.

3) The George Institute for International Health (University of Sydney, Australia), Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (Arlington, Virginia) and Injury Research Centre, University of Western Australia (Crawley Australia) jointly presented research entitled "Role of mobile phones in motor vehicle crashes resulting in hospital attendance: a case-crossover study". The research consisted of 456 drivers aged 17 years who owned or used mobile phones and had been involved in road crashes requiring hospital attendance between April 2002 and July 2004. They concluded that a driver who uses a mobile phone (up to 10 minutes prior to a crash) has a four times higher likelihood of crashing and an increased likelihood of a crash resulting in injury. Using a hands-free phone is not any safer.

Eliminate the Risk & Keep the Benefits

If you are the head of a household, a guardian or the parent of a less experienced driver, your decision to allow any in-vehicle cell phone use carries a major emotional and financial risk. If you are a fleet manager or you employ individuals that conduct work-related conversations while driving, the risk of liability for distracted accidents could fall on you. Strongly consider the legal ramifications for the careless operation of an employee-owned or company-supplied vehicle before deciding to ignore the inherent danger created by a major cognitive distraction such as a cell phone.

Obviously, there are no easy or certain solutions without sacrifice of convenience. Remember that the benefit of having a cell phone (emergency use and times when you are not operating a vehicle) is not lost just because it remains off while driving. If you consider the facts presented by relevant and reliable sources, it really is not a matter of a trade off after all, but an opportunity to prevent an accident or possibly a fatality. In the mean time, until it is proven otherwise, think about instigating a life saving strategy NOW for the safe use of cell phones - limit yourself, loved ones and employees to use (personal and business) only when the vehicle is in park!

Gary S. Rothstein is the President of Mobile Awareness, a company which designs and markets vehicle safety products. He has 25 years experience in the engineering field of high technology electronic systems. http://www.MobileAwareness.com, 34305 Solon Road, Solon, Ohio 44139, 866-653-5036, gsr@MobileAwareness.com Copyright 2006Apurba Blog5893
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