Caring For Vintage Retro Art Posters

Vintage retro art posters continue to be popular items for collectors or casual art lovers. These art posters originally were created to inform the public about news, entertainment or to advertise products. Prices for these posters vary greatly depending on who the artist is, the condition and the rarity of the vintage poster. Popular posters for collectors include travel posters, retro advertising posters, Chinese propaganda posters and theatrical posters.

Of course you don't need to be a serious collector to enjoy vintage retro art posters. These art posters are visually appealing to most

people and are a great way of adding character and uniqueness to today's homes. They shouldn't be displayed only in art galleries and since they're available in many price ranges, there's no need to. So enjoy finding and owning art posters. In order to ensure you preserve and enjoy your posters for many years to come, you'll want to follow a few guidelines.

* When you do purchase a vintage retro art poster do consider having it professionally framed. These posters require special attention to framing in order to ensure preservation.

* Hang your vintage poster away from direct sunlight, as it will fade or change the colors in your print.

* Do not mount an art display light directly over your art poster. Use spotlights placed several feet away from the poster.

* Most collectibles prefer the same environment that people do, that being a space that is neither too cold, too hot, too wet or too dry. Try to avoid exposing your posters to extremes in temperatures.

* If you needed another reason to stop smoking here it is. Cigarette smoke and fireplace smoke will damage most art pieces. For regular dust, cleaning gently with a cloth is okay but never use detergents. Also for heavier dust or dirt accumulation, take your art poster to a profession art restorer.

* Don't forget children and pets. They don't have the same respect for vintage art as we do, so make sure your posters are not easily accessible to them. Heaven forbid Fido decides your vintage Guinness art poster makes a good chew snack.

I hope you enjoy collecting vintage retro art posters and stop buying mass produced, department store prints. Not only will you have a unique, beautiful piece of art but you'll also have a piece of history. Most retro art posters have an interesting background story. I encourage you to investigate the development or history of any posters you own. Enjoy your vintage retro art posters for its visual design and a look back at olden times gone by.

Choosing the Perfect Career - Ideal Occupations For Oranges

Oranges tackle their work with enthusiasm so they can quickly move on to other pursuits. They're great at working under pressure and prefer to work on jobs that are lively, risky, and unpredictable. They grow restless with jobs that tie them down and limit their personal freedom. They're straightforward, realistic, and practical workers who bring flair, energy, and excitement to the workplace. They're talented, resourceful, skillful, and adaptable. Because of their upbeat and sociable natures, they usually present a positive image of themselves and their company. They're action-oriented workers who know how to get the results they desire.

Business: Advertising specialist, Entrepreneur, Fund-raiser, Labor relations, Marketing specialist, Office manager, Public relations specialist, Purchasing agent, Real estate agent, Salesperson, Wholesaler

Civil service: Astronaut, Detective, Fighter pilot, Fire fighter, Intelligence agent, Law enforcement officer, Mediator, Paramedic, Politician, Religious leader, Social worker, Soldier, Test pilot, Weapons operator

Creative arts: Commercial artist, Craftsperson, Designer, Fashion designer, Illustrator, Jeweler, Painter, Potter, Sculptor

Education: Art teacher, Athletic coach, Drama teacher, Elementary school teacher, Industrial arts teacher, Music teacher, Physical education teacher, Trainer

Entertainment: Actor, Bartender, Broadcast technician, Comedian, Dancer, Disc jockey, Film producer, Musician, News reporter, Photographer, Professional athlete, Professional coach, Promoter, Public speaker, Race car driver, Sportscaster, Tour agent, Tour operator, Travel agent

Finance: Banker, Insurance sales, Investor, Personal financial planner, Securities analyst, Stockbroker

Health care: Chiropractor, Dental assistant, Fitness trainer, Massage therapist, Medical assistant, Physical therapist, Radiology technologist, Sports nutritionist, Veterinarian, Visiting nurse

Service: Beautician, Crisis hot-line operator, Flight attendant, Floral designer, Host/hostess, Legal secretary, Receptionist, Secretary, Waiter

Technical: Botanist, Computer operator, Computer programmer, Computer repair person, Electrical technician, Forester, Geologist, Surveyor

Trades: Auctioneer, Carpenter, Chef, Construction worker, Cook, Dog trainer, Farmer, Gardener, General contractor, Hunter, Mechanic, Pilot, Store keeper, Tapestry worker, Truck driver

Discover Cairns - Top 7 Caravan Parks

A tropical haven of sandy beaches, palm trees, reef islands and rainforests, Cairns is the perfect location for a Queensland holiday. The benefits of travelling by campervan go on and on, the most obvious being you have the freedom to pack up and go on to another location at any time. There are also great savings in accommodation costs, including the added benefits offered by the caravan and holiday parks we have listed below. In no special order, they are our pick of the many fantastic parks available in and around Cairns.

1. Crystal Cascades Holiday Park (Rocks Road, Redlynch 1800 351 376)

Located just fifteen minutes from the city centre, this park is fantastic if you arelooking for idyllic surroundings close to many of the surrounding attractions. Popular with bird watchers, there is a shopping centre a few minutes drive away and just fifteen to the beach. Enjoy some family time on the tennis court or just relax and enjoy the quiet. The good news is there are no mozzies or sandflies here so you can relax in peace. Facilities and amenities are excellent and the perfect home away from home.

2. Cairns Coconut Resort (Cnr Bruce Highway & Anderson Road, Cairns 1800 636 622)

You will love it here. The Cairns Coconut Resort is surrounded by almost thirty acresof pristine grounds framed by palms, tropical gardens and rainforest. Located just seven minutes from the city you are still based centrally with plenty of things to do within the resort, including mini golf, tennis courts, volleyball and basketball to name a few. There is also a lagoon with hot and cold spas, waterslide for the kids, table tennis, bike track and heaps more for the kids. This place has every type of activity you could imagine even before you leave the front gates. If you are looking for a child friendly park, this is the one!

3. Cairns Villa Resort and Leisure Park (28 Pease Street, Cairns 1800 644 861)

Another award winning park, you are only four kilometres from the city. There is plenty of room to move with ten acres of gardens, and a saltwater pool the perfect place for a cool down. All the essentials are here, along with a pool table, table tennis and tv room. What appeals to me is the location, so convenient to visit the local attractions or head inland and still come back to a relaxing environment. Very clean and excellent service.

4. Coolwaters Holiday Park (Brinsmead Road, Cairns 07 4034 1949)

Located only seven minutes from the city, you will feel like you are living in an oasis, with a freshwater creek and mountainous views in the backyard. This has my vote for its location and beauty, especially for those really wanting to get away and totally relax. Set in a tropical rainforest, you might want to stay put for a few days before you start exploring the rest of Cairns. The staff are great, with a guided rainforest walk, pizza night, entertainment, scone morning and lots more. The Kuranda Skyrail is just down the road, so you will be guaranteed plenty of action right on your doorstep. This park is an experience in itself, and thoroughly recommended.

5. Lake Placid Caravan Park (Lake Placid Rd, Cairns 07 4039 2509)

Just north of Cairns and below the Barron River Gorge National Park, the award winning Lake Placid Tourist Park is situated on acres of rainforest and is the ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. A fantastic base for your holiday, this beautiful hideaway offers many walking tracks with birds and wildlife everywhere, and children will love feeding the fish, turtles and ducks at Lake Placid. You are close to popular attractions including the Skyrail and Kuranda Scenic Railway, with Cairns, Port Douglas and Cape York all within driving distance.

6. Cairns Sunland Leisure Park (49-61 Pease St, Manoora 1800 786 5263)

Only four kilometres from the city centre, the Cairns Sunland Leisure Park offers a multi purpose destination for those wanting a base to enjoy everything the tropics has to offer. With a fantastic pool, waterfall and wading pool plus a great playground there's plenty for the kids. Enjoy the free barbeque sites throughout the park as well as a stocked mini mart if you don't feel like another shopping trip. This is my pick for being such a central and versatile park.

7. Port Douglas Glengarry Holiday Park (Mowbray River Road, Port Douglas 1800 888 134)

Close enough to Cairns to be worth including, this delightful park is only minutes away from one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Four Mile Beach. Nestled in spacious palm fringed grounds, the Mowbray River is close enough for a spot of fishing, bird watching or a dip in the resort style pool. This is fantastic for a few days or more enjoying another aspect of the tropics and the beauty of the top end.

How to Run Your Appliances More Efficiently to Save Energy and Money

This is the second in a series of Articles that have become The Energy Saver Challenge.  The first article concentrated on helping people save energy and money on their lighting bill.  The focus for now is on how your appliances can cost you unnecessary money, be using energy for which no benefit is derived and how you can do better for the environment and your wallet no matter what your circumstances. 

If you are in the market for a new fridge or freezer, dishwasher or oven or any other appliance for your home, now is the time to make some quality decisions.  It's not all about looks you know, these days it is just as important to select a model that will perform not only in the cooling/washing/looks department but also in the energy use department. 

Look for a model that has the top energy rating.   A model with a high energy rating can save you a lot of money over the lifetime of the appliance.  Plus, you can know that you have made a choice that is a better deal for the environment too.  Now let's get into some useful detail.

Fridges and Freezers:

Did you know that your fridge and freezer account for a large proportion of the energy you use in your house?  The reason for this is they usually run all day and all night, every day of the year.  Learning how to use your fridge and freezer efficiently can make a big difference to how much energy you use.  This is all good news for the environment and for your electricity bill.  Most people are not in the market for a new fridge and there are some important things you can do to improve the performance of your current fridge and freezer.

The first is to give it a bit of a tune-up in terms of it's seals.

Are they airtight?

  • You can check that by putting a piece of paper between the body of the fridge and the door. Shut the door and then tug gently on the paper.  If it comes out easily then your seal is not tight enough and that is costing you money 24/7!  It may be that the door hinges can be adjusted to improve the seal or perhaps it's time to get the seals replaced.
  •  I read recently on an energy company website that an old inefficient refrigerator can use three times as much energy as a new one!  That means it costs you three times as much to run.  If you can check the seal and make that better or replace it, you will certainly benefit.

Many homes have an extra fridge in the garage, basement or even in the shed.  

The party fridge, the beer fridge, the Christmas overflow fridge - whatever it's name at your place, it is costing you money.  Up to $200 a year!  So ask yourself a couple of questions:

  • Is it necessary for this fridge to be turned on all the time or could you just turn it on when it is actually needed?  This will cut your energy consumption and save you a stack of money.
  •  Do your really need the second fridge at all?  I mean, how bad is the refrigeration situation?  Was it a good idea once upon a time and now circumstances have changed? 
  • Perhaps the solution is to sell it to someone who really needs it.

Now we can look at some behavioural changes that can really cut into your energy consumption where the fridge is concerned.

First there is size.

  • Is your fridge the right size for your needs?  We usually have our fridges for a long time, and often we are using a fridge that is no longer optimum for our needs.  I used to own a really big fridge because there were five of us in the house and we needed the room.  Now there are only three of us and we have a medium size fridge however, most of the time we could probably get away with one that was even a little bit smaller. 

Apparently fridges operate most efficiently when they are quite full.  

  • That's the way they like it best.  So if you are looking in the door of your fridge and there isn't much in there and that is the way it usually looks - I can suggest that you are over capacity in the fridge department and it might be worth considering downsizing!

A couple of other tips to help your fridge keep more money in your wallet and create fewer greenhouse gases for the environment.

  • It's best not to locate your fridge or freezer near your oven, or even if it gets sun on it.  Just makes it work harder and you know what that means! 

  • Fridges need space - make sure there is a gap at the back near the ventilation coils so that it can work efficiently.  Around 80mm is recommended.
  •  And last but not least, give the back of the fridge a bit of a dust now and then, this helps the ventilation system too - and you'll be amazed at what makes it way around the back of the fridge when you are not looking.

Dishwashers:

Mine is my husband and my son and I think they both have a 50 star energy rating!   Seriously though, washing dishes in the sink is a good thing and personally I think it's underrated as a family activity. 

Still if you must use a dishwasher think about it's energy rating when you buy it and see how many of these tips you can adopt in it's use.

  • Only run the dishwasher with a full load - it uses the same amount of energy (and water!) whether it's full or half full so it just makes sense to wait until it's full right? 

  • Then don't let the machine dry the dishes for you - program it to stop before the drying cycle and just open the door - the dishes will dry themselves without any extra energy needed at all.

Your stove or oven:

Once again if you are buying new, go for the highest energy rated appliance you can afford - it will keep saving you money for the whole of its life.

One big tip is to only use your oven when you actually need to.

  • Frying pans, pressure cookers and crock pots and even microwave ovens are more energy efficient if what you are cooking can be created in them. 
  • If you are going to use your oven, check that the door closes fully and that there is a good seal when it is closed.  No point in paying for all that energy to warm it up if it is just going to escape out around the door. 
  • This applies equally to electric or gas ovens. 

Now to the cook top.

  • Did you know that just putting the lid on the pot will substantially lessen the amount of energy required to cook what is in it? 
  • Plus, if you ensure that the right pot goes on the right hotplate or burner (not too big, or small) then you will also save substantially in both energy and time.  Not to mention the money!

So how can you save energy in the laundry? 

That washing machine now gets the energy efficiency treatment.  You know the deal by now with the energy rating if you are in the market for new appliances right?  I know you have a good idea of what to look for now. 

The first tip is to wash in cold water.

  • I've not washed in hot or warm water for decades and I'd love to know how much energy and money that has saved me.  I also recently had to buy a new machine and went for one of those front loading varieties.  I have to say, I like it very much and it uses less water and less energy than an equivalent top loading machine so it appears I have made a good decision with that one. 
  • As with the dishwasher, you will discover that your washing machine will use the same amount of energy whether or not there are a few items or a whole load so it makes sense really to wait until you have a full load of washing if you are trying to save energy and thus have more money in your pocket at the end of the month. 

Now, the bane of my life, clothes dryers.

I was given one as a wedding gift and I had it for about 15 years before it finally coughed it's last load of soft fluffy clothes at me.  However, I had used it less and less as I realised just how much money it cost me each time I used it.  Eventually for the last three or four years it only got used in emergencies of weather or bad management on my part.

  • If it is a sunny day, hang your washing outside.  I have a clothes line but I know others who use clothes airers and they work well too.  The sun dries them perfectly, the breeze softens the fabrics and they smell fantastic when you bring them back inside. 

  • If you do use your dryer, never put dripping clothes in, always spin them first and make sure the lint filter is cleaned really regularly so that the machine can weave its magic for you as efficiently as possible. 

  • Maybe you could trial drying your clothes and just finishing them off in the dryer as an interim measure on a wonderfully sunny day.

There are many other energy using appliances in our home that you may not have thought of.

Things like your iron, your microwave, your television, computer, dvd/video machine, stereo,gaming consoles.....  How on earth did we come to rely on energy so much for our daily lives. 

Most of these appliances now contain digital clocks and also standby lights.  Now this is all very well but how many clocks does one room need?  In my home, in the kitchen I have a clock on the wall, one on the stove and another on the microwave.  In the living room I think at last count there were four clocks in the TV cabinet!  What is this obsession with clocks on appliances? 

Now to get to the point.  I'll give you an everyday example as a means to make it - the microwave oven.  Most if not all homes now possess such an appliance.  They almost all come with a digital display that tells you all sorts of useful information like temperature and duration of cooking time while you are using them and that is great but once their job is done, they just sit there with their little display telling you the time. And using energy. 

  • I use my microwave for less than 30 minutes a day and yet I allow it to use energy (and cost me money) for 24 hours per day.  That just does not make sense. 
  • Turn it off at the switch when you are not using it. 
  • It will not mind, it will not stop working. 
  • Nothing terrible will happen.

The same goes for your stereo. 

  • If you are not listening to it, turn it of. 
  • Not just on the front, that will just let it sit there on standby mode, using power. 
  • Turn it off at the switch.

And when you go to bed at night, all those things in the entertainment cabinet with their little red and green lights just begging you to turn them back on, are costing you money.  Don't listen, reach behind the cabinet and flick that switch!

Now here is the big sell for me about this one.

All those clocks, all those little red and green standby lights (including the ones on your computer!) add around 10% to your energy bill.  That means by creating the habit of turning them off when they are not being used, you could save up to 10% on each and every energy account you receive from this day forward.  Over your lifetime, that can add up to a lot of energy and a nice amount of money left in your bank account for something much more fun than paying the energy bill.

The Christmas Markets of Yorkshire

St. Nicholas Fayre is York's biggest and most popular Christmas market. This fayre hosts a myriad of traders from not only across the region, but the rest of Britain. These traders offer the freshest produce and most unique gifts. The open air markets stretch across the length of the city centre's main squares, in even spreads into the historic halls of the city. The 'Made in Yorkshire' craft market is held within the Guild Hall and another craft market is held within St William's College. There is even an unusual medieval market contained within the rooms of Barely Hall.

On Parliament Street, stalls offer hand made gifts and items by craftspeople and artists from throughout the UK. There are breaks in the stalls where you can sit and enjoy some warming punch or some hot chocolate there are even chestnut vendors.

Humber Bridge Victorian Christmas Fair is enjoying its second year as one of the largest fairs in the region. Share the romance and tradition of a Victorian Christmas with your loved ones. Nestled in the shadow of the Humber Bridge, beside beautiful Country Park Nature Reserve and Hessle Foreshore, the fair this year will include over 120 food and craft vendors along with specialty stalls. Santa's Grotto will be there with his reindeer. This is a traditional style fairground that houses a full scale ice rink, a hog roast and entertainment for the whole family, including all ages.

The annual Christkindelmarket German Christmas Market will bring a little piece of Germany to the heart of Leeds. Over 40 authentic German traders will be setting up their stalls in Millennium Square for this festive event. This is one of the largest and best established German style Christmas markets within the UK. At this market, you can relax with a nice warm mug of Glühwein or a traditional German Bratwurst whilst poking through all of the unique stalls of German based items and goods.

The small village of traditional snow capped wooden chalet stalls creates a magical city centre of festive wonderland. It features a large variety of handcrafted items, a multitude of toys and decorations of all kinds. You will be tempted by the wonderful smells of specialty foods and delicacies. The Frankfurter Scheune authentic Bierkeller will provide a buzzing centerpiece and there will be a Christmas funfair as well. The funfair will have a festively decorated carousel, dodgems and a host of small children's rides.

If you're looking for a Christmas venue to do your shopping or just get yourself into the Christmas spirit, you can't go wrong with the markets of Yorkshire. There are many and they all have something different to offer you. You may want to set enough time aside to visit them all during this Christmas season.

Office Romances: Weighing the Risks

People today spend a lot of time at work, so it's no surprise the workplace is one of the top places to meet potential romantic partners. In fact, according to the most recent annual office romance survey from CareerBuilder, nearly 40 percent of workers say they have dated a coworker at least once in their career, and one in five say they've dated their boss.

With so many people dating coworkers and a surprisingly substantial number of them dating the boss, it's a wonder there isn't a shortage of employment law attorneys to handle all the repercussions.

Those repercussions come in many forms, from office gossip because one or both of the parties are married to the coworker who turns out to be a stalker and now has 40-hour-a-week access to his or her object of affection.

If you're attracted to someone in the office, it's not necessarily a bad thing. After all, President Barack Obama met First Lady Michelle in the workplace. You just want to be sure you exercise extra caution.

These tips can help:

Make sure you know that person really well before beginning a romantic relationship. You want to be sure that person is mature and emotionally healthy and that any potential breakup won't interfere with your work or how much you enjoy it.

Check company policies to make sure you aren't violating any rules. Some companies have non-fraternization policies. While they can be difficult to enforce, they can jeopardize your job. Plus, even companies who don't have a written policy to that effect may view no-dating rules as implicit.

Conduct your relationship on your own time. That means don't use company email to send notes to each other, even to confirm a date; don't text each other using company phones, unless, of course, it's work related; and do not hook up in the break room. Some employers have policies regarding personal use of company equipment. Even if they don't, if a harassment claim arises from the relationship, you will have left plenty of evidence.

Avoid romantic relationships with the boss. Romantic relationships between workers and their supervisors are the most risky of all. When they end - and even if they don't - the parties will be subjecting themselves to a variety of discrimination and harassment issues.

Even in consensual relationships (and breakups), how is the supervisor to handle raises or performance reviews objectively and without consideration for the romantic ramifications? Even if the boss is objective, there's ample room for the subordinate to claim the boss had some sort of prejudice. And if not the subordinate in the relationship, the claims certainly can come from office peers.

If you're attracted to the boss and the boss is attracted to you, or vice versa, and you're confident you want to explore the romantic relationship, take steps for one of the parties to get a new assignment. Getting involved with the boss is never a good idea.

If this article comes too late for you and you're already caught in a situation where you're being harassed, you do have options. If your ex-paramour is behaving offensively at the office - leaving obscene gifts or messages or otherwise disrupting your work - talk to someone in your human resources department. If you're afraid for your safety, seek a harassment injunction, which works like a restraining order. Just do it with the understanding that the rest of your coworkers then will know what happened.

Like so many other business decisions, you need to weigh whether an office romance is worth the risk. The heart wants what it wants, but that's no excuse for the brain to step aside.

Watch NBA Games Online - Watch Live 2008 NBA Playoffs Online

Whether you are basketball fan or not, you know who the greatest basketball players are of all time are. Many of these greats include Magic Johnson, Dennis Rodman, Michael Jordan and even Vince Carter. It is not hard to know when you hear the news put the two synonymously. Yet, for those die hard fans worldwide, they know even more names that should be recognized immediately.

These are the type of fans that would love to sit in the bleachers, egging their team on, eating hot dogs with mustard. Yet, the costs to do such things could be more than some have the ability to pay. They, for this reason, will have to watch it by television. However, sometimes life gets in the way of watching your game on television. So what are you going to do?

If you are nearby your computer or laptop that has an Internet connection, you can actually see your games. The program is called Satellite TV for PC. The software has over 3,000 channels ranging from cartoons to sports to drama shows, music videos, movies and music channels to pick from. There is never a dull moment using this program.

All you need to do to get started is log onto the site, sign up, download and begin watching whatever entertainment you want. There is no need for those bulky satellite receivers or dishes that are installed whether on the ground or on your rooftop. You will not have to learn those codes to program your television set with and you won't have extra remotes cluttering up your space.

With Satellite TV for PC, there is no need to miss the game when you are nearby your computer. You can watch it when it is live. Why wouldn't you want to do that? Would you really want the alternative to watching it live?

What is the alternative? You could record it and watch it later on. Yet, there is a great risk doing this. How so? If you have friends who are watching the show as well, then you are likely to hear from them before you can watch the videotape (commercial free). If you have a friend who loves to talk about the games including giving you major highlights and even the score, you will want to use Satellite TV for PC so they do not ruin the game for you.

So would you rather wait and let your friends ruin it for you or are you going to step up and change the way you view all your basketball (and sports) needs?

Party Favors For Your Holiday Party Decorations

A token of remembrance and gratitude were given to wedding guests of influential families as far back as the 16th century. These party favors have now been expanded and promoted to any celebration. You can now utilize them into your theme for your holiday party decorations, and your guests will leave with more than a memory of your event.

Party favors can be created or bought. They can be a novelty item, personalized, home made, or elaborate. Your gifts can be displayed, or wrapped in fun packaging as part or your decoration theme. Usually, these decorations are presented as part of your place setting at your table. However, you can choose to show them in other decorous means. Exhibit them on a Christmas tree at your Christmas holiday party, or placing your these mementos in a large basket at Easter are some other ways of having your party favors brought into your theme for holiday party decorations.

Your party favors can also be used as part of the entertainment. For instance, at a Christmas Party, use it as the gift exchange. Fill Christmas tins with a variety of baked goods, candy or other small tokens. Start the gift exchange with numbers written on a small piece of paper, and have your guests draw a number from a hat. The person who drew the #1 will start by selecting a Christmas tin as their gift. Next, the guest that drew the #2 has the choice of taking another Christmas tin, or taking the Christmas tin from the person who drew #1, and so on down the line until the last gift has been taken. This is a fun way to distribute your party favor, and your guests will have fond memories, and a Christmas tin as a token.

Gift giving, no matter how small the gift, is always rewarding, even with party favors. It thanks your guest for coming and celebrating the holiday with you, and your guest will be glad they did.

Best Attractions in Vancouver

Vancouver is the third largest cities in Canada and a great tourist destination. The city and surrounding areas offers some great opportunities for fun and below are just some of the things you can get up to. This is in no way an extensive list and when you arrive you will find plenty more exciting things to do during your visit. This is just a few ideas to get you started.

Stanley Park is a downtown sanctuary that covers over 1,000 acres and offers a great way to relax in the city. There are always lots of activities going on in the park, and here you will get to see the locals unwinding during their time off. If you enjoy jogging then there are some great paths; the seawall is a great place to run or ride a bicycle. You will also find some nice restaurants a children's farmyard. There is even a golf course.

Granville Island is your getaway in the middle of Vancouver city. This is considered the city's town square and here you will find its artistic heart. The island has plenty of art galleries, theatres, cafes, and fine dining establishments. No visit to Vancouver will be complete without spending a bit of time here. If you want to be inspired or just entertained then this is the place you will want to be.

English Bay is where local people and visitors go for a swim. If you enjoy looking at life pass you by then this is the place to go; there are also plenty of boats to see out in the bay. This is also the place to go if you want to see a beautiful sunset. There are a few different beaches for you to explore.

Grouse Mountain is only a twenty minute drive away from the city and if you want to see a breathtaking view of Vancouver then pay a visit. It will also give you a chance for a bit of exercise and getting to the top will feel like a real achievement. During the winter you will be able to come here to ski. There is even a restaurant at the top of the mountain.

Robson Street is probably the most popular shopping area in the city. There is something to suit all tastes here and you will find trendy shops as well as high end shops. There are also plenty of eating establishments.

If you still haven't had enough shopping then head over to Yaletown with its wide range of retail establishments next to trendy bars and cafes.

If you want to see a bit of historical Vancouver then you will want to visit Gastown. This will bring you back to a simpler time, and it will also allow you to do a big more shopping as you wander the cobbled streets in this area.

As you can see there will be plenty to keep you busy during your visit to Vancouver. The problem will never be finding things to do, but with fitting it all in.

How to Get Your Girlfriend Back Fast and Easy

Wondering how you can get your girlfriend back? If you have just made your girlfriend 'walk the plank', you have come to the right place. Read on! First, letting go of your lady love was probably the biggest mistake you have made. This does not count cheating on college exam or lying to your parents. Definitely not! There is nothing worse than getting cursed by a girl after a break up. Three words - God save you!

But we have a solution! There is always a way to fix things or people, if you will. First things first - think over what you did wrong or what exactly went wrong and when it began getting complicated. Minor details are very important considering most girls read between the lines, almost all the time. It could have been something you said or did even if it was unintentional. It could also be something you may have said in your sleep! You never know!

Analyse your relationship keeping in mind the last two months that you spent together. Were you giving her enough space or too much space? Too much space is never good considering girls always need attention and pampering. Did you forget monthly or to be more specific weekly anniversary? Attention to detail is another important rule of a relationship. If you cannot remember what she was wearing for her mother's cousin's daughter's wedding, you are doomed. She mostly certainly thought that you do not care enough. Sounds silly? It is tried, tested and proved.

Once you have figured it out, straighten yourself out! Change always begins with self. If the break up has not changed anything in your approach or mannerisms, there is nothing that can help you. If you want to get your girlfriend back without changing anything about yourself, do you really think she will entertain you? Take a guess.

If she does not budge and is still mad at you for say two months. Let her know that you are on the market again. Remember not to make a fool of yourself when you do this. Don't gloat about it, just mention it in the passing either directly or through someone else. This will definitely catch her attention and make her think about you especially if you went after her soon after the breakup. In her heart of hearts, she will see that you really care but you have given up on her. When does a girl not like to be pursued? If it sounds like too much work, be prepared to take these measures if you want to get your girlfriend back!

When you are lucky enough to be able to touch base with her, apologise before you open your mouth to explain yourself. One honest apology is all it takes to win someone over. Let her talk first though and hear her out. Boy, will she complain but isn't she entitled to after what you did? Once she is done, you apologise and then explain your sorry self. Let her know that you are a new person and that you are willing to change. There is no reason she will not forgive you!

Kids Birthday Party Ideas - Another Gift to Give?

Whether you have one child or five, the children's birthday party circuit can get downright expensive!, When you have a couple kids constantly being invited to birthday parties, you might be thinking you need to take out a loan just to get by! The good news is that you can give great and creative birthday presents without breaking your budget.

Having your kid show up empty handed, without any type of gift is just plain poor behavior. After all, the party giver(the parent!) is offering to entertain and most likely offer food to your child, and it is only proper to offer some token of appreciation to the birthday child in return. So how do you survive the endless stream of kids birthday parties without going crazy?

My first bit of advice is to reserve a special place in one of your closets, and stock it with 'birthday gifts'.I use a top shelf in our hall closet (one my kids can't reach). Keep this shelf stocked with books, art supplies, toys, and other kids birthday gifts you findon sale throughout the year. Then, the next time an invitation to a birthday party arrives, the first place to shop is your gift shelf.

You should always keep your eye out and shop for clearance deals throughout the year. Planning ahead and being patient can help you save a lot of money. You can pick up incredible deals on end of season toys that are put on clearance. There is nothing wrong with these toys, but the retailers need to make room for all the toys for the next season, so they mark these toys way down!

Depending on how close your child is to the birthday child, your spending budget may change as well. For your kid's best friend, you might be willing to spend up to $20, while for a classmate with whom your kid doesn't play with outside of school, your budget might be $10 or less.

The thing is, you really can get a fun kids birthday present for $10 or less, such as

  • Sidewalk chalk
  • Hot wheels cars
  • Art supplies
  • Sand or water toys
  • Flashlights
  • Beauty supplies for girls, such as hair items, lip gloss, fingernail polish, etc
  • Books - always one of my favorites

If you are really stumped, or don't know the child having the birthday party very well, consider asking the child's parents for ideas on what their child might like!

The bottom line is, with some planning ahead and creative thought, you will no longer need to dread the next kids birthday party [http://www.kidsbirthdayideas.net] invitation that comes in the mail!

EAP & Employee Newsletters Boost Productivity and Reduce Risk - Employee Newsletter Use

Employee Newsletters and Workplace newsletters are powerful tools and the most effective way to insert behavioral change information into the lives of employees who are moving at a fast pace on the job. Properly constructed with management goals and employees' well-being in mind, these productivity tools can help resolve issues with problem employees, reduce risk to business customers, and even improve the ability of a smart insurance producer to build better relationships to sell insurance and improve marketing of risk management products. Corporate newsletters are grossly misunderstood as marketing tools, risk management reduction devices, troubled employee helpers, and productivity boosters.

When I first began writing the work-life-productivity newsletter for the 12,000 employees of the U.S. Congress, my mind was on entertaining and educating employees, and helping ensure that I would please the reader. Satisfying the host organization was the mission, but I soon discovered how to do that and much more.

Today, after authoring newsletters for over 50,000 companies, I believe it likely that your corporate or work-life wellness newsletter is under-powered and under-utilized. Here is how to make your newsletter an instrument of change and directly responsible for doing everything you can imagine, from improving customer service to preventing workplace violence.

Step #1: Divide the editorial planning of your employee/work-life newsletter, corporate newsletter, or planned newsletter articles into 12 topic areas. These will include:

  1. Improving Coworker Relationships
  2. On-the-job Worker Productivity Tips
  3. Balancing Work, Family, Home, and Community
  4. Improving Personal Fitness and Effectiveness
  5. Alcohol and Drug Education, Recovery, & Intervention
  6. Team Building
  7. How to Get Help Now (put information at end of articles)
  8. Hot Work-Life Topics in the News (Seasonal depression, back-to-school, etc.)
  9. Stress Management Tips
  10. Improving the Relationship with Your Supervisor
  11. Workplace Safety, Injury Prevention, and Recovery
  12. Customer Service Improvement and Relationship Enhancement

These topics are the ones that I have discovered meet the most essential needs of employees and business managers in any company large or small.

Next - NEVER have a company newsletter of four pages. Employees will lose focus or become distracted after the first two pages. You will waste money, energy, trees, and not be able to impart as much information to them. So, give them what they want--less, more frequently. That's the secret. Give them a two page newsletter. Make your newsletter monthly. This is an easy thing to do with a customizable newsletter service. There are several such services. Copy and past the following and Google: Customizable Editable Employee Newsletters - to find vendors.

Next - Distribute your newsletter by PDF. Employees without computers can get (print) hard copies by your photocopying the newsletter PDF. Make hard copies available in strategic locations.

Next - Never make articles long and comprehensive when they are associated with mental health issues. Instead make them motivating and captivating. For example, if an article addresses anger management--DO NOT make articles so comprehensive that employees "self-diagnose" and begin treating serious problems themselves. This can increase your risk because employees will take half measures and avoid the hard introspection and persistence it takes to remain motivated and treat a condition properly. It takes a professional to keep this process going much of the time, especially with serious mental health issues, anger management, alcoholism, or troubles associated with personality disorders. So what do you do?

Instead, provide enough information to motivate the reader to take the next step and get help from the company EAP, or other resource (preferable a live health/counseling/mental health professional) who can work with the employee. Use this person's face in your newsletter during the year. It will improve the likelihood of this person being utilized as a helping resource. Do you see how doing this can reduce organizational risk? A person struggling with anger issues, who might be the next person to go "postal" in your company could be helped by a newsletter that "sells" help in this manner.

You can apply the above model of information and enticement to lots of person issues that employees struggle with. Use your EAP, wellness program, or occupational health clinic as the target source for referral of employees with health and wellness conditions.

Enjoy a Recession-Proof Christmas

Philippians 4[19] But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.3John [7]Because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles. Psalm 62 [5] My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.

We are entering the season perhaps few dread because of the traditions and pressures to show love through giving and the hard-to-resist marketing of items and offers for consideration. Indeed, this is the month that cries spend; spend more and a little bit more. Give... give more...give a little more.

I often wonder the perspective of Jesus... who as a baby received gifts from wise men...only to become as He grew the ultimate gift poured out to and for all of mankind. God also said the silver and gold is already His and so cannot need what He already has. I do not want to speculate where the tradition of gifts and seasons celebrations really began as there are hardly scriptural references of saints celebrating birthdays. Rather ominously - in the Bible, birthday celebrations were mentioned only twice. Pharaoh's birthday (Gen. 40:20) at which his chief baker was hung and Herod's feast (Matthew 14:6 & Mark 6:21) at which John was beheaded. I plead to someone reading...do not sabotage your finances or decapitate your future in this period as you seek to make an impression. Inappropriate collections to ministry can also lead to early termination... spiritually initially. Let God finance His work.

It is however a good time to tell people about Jesus and reflect on the approach of Jesus Christ to giving and Bible directions to inform financial decisions. It is a time to model His ways for the world to see. What would Christ have done differently in this season as He lived the recession-proof life? For all He needed was indeed provided. Consider the following seven areas for examples.

1. God does not need your money but needs more of you and your repentant heart. Be not under pressure to give to ministry if not led by the Spirit of God. Rather pay all your debts - be sure the basic needs of your family, care for parents, wards etc. are covered and seek the Holy Spirit's guidance to give...Only give joyfully.

2. God is your source, therefore make your financial needs known to Him and do not be dependent on man or be expectant or excited in receiving from men. Do not form the habit of making your needs known to men. Do not leave an obvious hint of your need to the well-dressed neighbour in the church.

3. Be cautious of gifts you receive...never put any under pressure to give or be compelled to accept and consume every gift. As you seek God's face in giving, do the same in receiving. Do not put yourself under undue influence as a result of significant receipts. If it seems very rude to return an inappropriate gift it may be easier to openly redistribute or channel these gifts to a known charity (office gifts are best handled this way...do not be seen taking inappropriate gifts from suppliers home). Remember, Abram rejected the gift from the King of Sodom. Gen. 14 [22] And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth, [23] That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich

4. Never be elated or excited at receiving money /gifts...you may just be a channel and it may not be for your consumption...seek God's direction. Similarly do not be upset if you lack or lose money...make your needs known to God. A gift is often a test...be joyful when you have passed. Christ received from men and ministered His life to all. Do not be a random receiver collecting from those who do not receive your ministry. Be sure you are giving out more even to those you receive from. Abram rejected the gift from the King of Sodom. He passed the test. Gen. 14 [22] And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth, [23] That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich:

5. Never purchase impulsively. Being able to afford an item does not mean you can go ahead to buy it. Far more good may be done by considering alternative possibilities as God leads you. Do not purchase love with money (true love is not for sale) or pressurise others to spend to prove love. Most giving can be selfish "investments" in disguise as it expects something directly in return from men....and God stops being your source. Prayerfully plan a budget for the season and adhere to it. Never use credit to show love as you buy gifts, spend to improve lifestyle or to entertain.

6. If in ministry, be cautious not to squander money collected from those poorer than you for your own personal luxurious lifestyle or family leisure use. God hates oppression of the poor. There will be accounts required of us.

7. There are many inexpensive things that are valued and leave far more endearing memories than money...your time spent with family and loved ones, an apology in a thoughtful note, a five minute call just to show you remember and truly care, rekindling of neglected relationships e.g. with your teenage daughter, a word of appreciation to your pastor etc...these may cost almost nothing.

Enjoy the season...remember after all they call it Christmas...should we not be most like Christ at this time? And one most important thing...when we give as we must - remember we are to be generous to others especially the less privileged and not over-indulge ourselves...

Proverbs 11[25] The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. Proverbs 22: [9] He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor. I Timothy 6[8] And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

And you can give your life to Jesus Christ this Christmas...indeed the best thing you can give...

Bode

5 Family Fun Ideas For Your Bali Holiday

Bali may be one of the smaller islands in Indonesia, but it is by no means limited in terms of family fun. Bali holidays can be packed with experiences and adventures that will keep every member of the family amused. These are just five of the many family activities that come highly recommended on a family holiday in Bali.

1. Take to the Trees

The jungles of Bali are rich with wildlife and wilderness, but convincing young children that they want to wander through them for a day may be something of a challenge. Why not suggest to them that they can explore the jungle from above? The Bali Treetop Adventure Park is home to various obstacle courses, consisting of cargo nets, zip wires, rings, bridges and for the bravest - rope swings. With six different circuits, designed for all ages and levels, there'll be no need to keep your feet on the ground on Bali holidays.

2. Take to the Skies

If you enjoyed seeing the jungles of Bali from above, you can also get a birds eye view of the Indian Ocean as you take to the skies and try your hand at paragliding. See the stunning Balinese shoreline and marvel at the coral reefs that are visible through the clear green waters of the lagoons. You needn't even worry about remembering to steer yourself, as instructors can take you on a tandem flight, leaving you free to sit back and relax, with the knowledge that you and the rest of your family are in safe hands.

3. Take the Plunge

If you found the waters beneath you particularly tantalising whilst paragliding, you'll be more than ready for a swim. However, on Bali holidays, there are only so many beach trips that can be taken before they begin to lose some of their excitement. When it comes to fun for the kids, the Waterbom water park is perfect. With nine exhilarating action rides and flumes, they will never want to leave. Not forgetting the parents, the more sedate lazy river ride will provide endless entertainment and, when your appetite for aquatic adventure has been satisfied, you can head towards the spa for a relaxing massage. Take your time indulging yourself, as with water blasts, pleasure pools and climbing walls, you can be sure the kids will be in no hurry to leave.

4. Take them to the zoo

Indonesia is full of exotic and unusual wildlife, but it can be difficult to spot many of the animals. The Bali Zoo can solve this problem for you, with an enormously diverse collection of animals, from crocodiles to monkeys to a whole array of beautiful, rare birds. You can buy food for the animals and mingle with wallabies, gibbons, orangutans and many others as you hand-feed them. With the help of a member of staff, you can even interact with lions and crocodiles at feeding time. For the youngest members of the family, pony rides and a petting zoo all make for a great day out.

5. Take to the dance floor

Finally, after the kids have gone to bed, take some time out for yourselves and try the tango! Bali holidays offer such a rich and diverse culture, and the best way to experience this is to try it for yourself. Treat yourself to dinner in one of the many Balinese cafes, and then take to the dance floor; with classes for beginners through to all levels, you'll be surprised how quickly you can pick up the steps. Your dancing will never embarrass the kids again once you've mastered these fiery moves.

With such a variety of activities and sights to see, Bali holidays are fun for all the family. Whether it's land-based, aquatic, wildlife-orientated or even air-born, you will certainly be spoiled for choice in Bali.

Ideas For Hen Nights on a Budget

Getting married, or the honour of being the chief bridesmaid, and got a hen party to organise? But, no-one's got any money due to the credit crunch, or whatever else you want to call it. What to do? The idea of going to Barcelona, Prague, Dublin etc for the weekend is old news. Everybody's done it, been there, and got the dodgy pictures to prove it. So why not save your money, and your friends too, by having a hen party at home. (It doesn't necessarily have to be your home either).

Here are some ideas to host a fabulous hen party at home, without it costing the earth, and still letting everybody let their hair down and have a really good time and a night to remember. Don't forget the video cameras, and photos.

You could make it a pyjama party and have a sleepover too. Sleeping bags essential to kip on the lounge floor.

  1. Murder Mystery Night - There are specialist murder mystery web-sites where you can choose the theme and order on-line. Each guest is given an invitation to the evening, and they play a role and dress up as their given character. They suggest a menu for the evening, who your character is and ideas for dressing up. After dinner, you then get together and solve the murder. Great fun - especially after a few drinks.
  2. Employ your own butlers with a twist - Butlers in the Buff - nice to look at and helps the drinks go down.
  3. Organise a beautician and have a bit of a pamper night. Very relaxing evening, with champagne and a couple of beauticians who can give facials, massages, manicures, pedicures, whatever you fancy. Tame evening but you'll look fantastic the next day.
  4. Have a theme evening - tarts and vicars, western night, footballers wives, holleywood stars. All guests should decide who they are and what their imaginery lives are like. Get everyone to stay in character for the whole evening.
  5. Be kids again, and have a kids party, with jammy dodgers, iced gems and jelly and ice-cream! Entertainment could be face painting, punch and judy show, pass the parcel, pin the tail on the donkey (or use your imagination!!), musical chairs and anything else that you can think of that you used to do. Prizes awarded for the winners - these can be Hen Party gifts.
  6. Have a Mama Mia night - dress up as ABBA and hire a karaoke machine - sing Waterloo, Mama Mia, the winner takes it all......
  7. Hire a hot tub - it doesn't need to be summer. Drink champagne and study the stars.

Absolutely essential, is a full English breakfast the next morning, with lots of strong fresh percolated coffee, followed by croissants, and danish pastries.

For further advice and information on planning your wedding, visit Weddings in Surrey at www.weddingsinsurrey.co.uk.

Loans For Teachers - Quick Financial Assistance For Teachers

Teachers also face financial trouble in their daily life. They are salaried employee and that makes it possible for them to avail a short term loan. Loans for teachers are specially crafted to help teachers meet their everyday expenses. These are easily available on the internet. You can apply for these loans in few minutes by just filling an online form. Your loan application will be entertained immediately. These are quickly approved to make it possible for the borrowers to fulfill all their demands.

The best thing about Loans for teachers is that the lender never asks the teachers to go through any credit checks. Your loan is totally free from all the credit checking formalities. These are issued on the basis of your annual income. So if you are earning a regular income that is enough to prove your repaying capabilities. If you are a citizen of UK and are at least 18 years of age then the loan will be issued to you in few hours time.

These are short term financial schemes that are issued to the teachers till their next payday. They can make all the payments that are bothering them before the payday. These can fetch you an amount of £100 to £1500. You can get rid of all the pending payments by this money. The best thing is that you don't have to show any reason for the loan. You can use the money in any way you want.

Usually you will find a lot of paper work and other such formalities for the loan but in this case you are not required to fax or mail any documents for the loan. You are just required to fill an online form for the loan. Your application is free from all these formalities. Nothing comes for free so you are charged a high rate of interest so it is advisable that you should limit your borrowing to your repaying capabilities.

New Trends In Mobile Communications

Mobile' is such a vast term which opens up to all kinds of technologies and interfaces and makes them portable. The convergence of technologies into this device has made mobile communications reach new heights. Dialing a call or messaging is not the only way to communicate with people. The emergence of 3G has integrated technologies, products and services into aiming at making the user communication easier, thus opening up more and more options for communications.

With business people engaged on to their e-mails not risking on their global clientele, the mobiles have started supporting various e-mailing interfaces to keep the user connected to his business. The e-mailing options have been made completely mobile by also allowing the user to attach files and documents he has worked upon in his Office applications, which are also installed onto his mobile. GPRS (General Packet Radio Service), which allows users to transfer data amounting to small video clips and images wirelessly, have now advanced to EDGE technology which helps to transfer bigger files at a faster pace. Bluetooth technology has been a boon in the wireless field. Bluetooth has enabled access to larger files, applications and also made listening to music wire free. But it has its own limitations within the area it covers. With the zest to make the device more user-friendly came in the Wi-Fi enabled phones which could connect to the internet over the selected Wi-Fi hot spots. Even in India by the next decade Wi-Fi spots are being planned in colleges, campuses, coffee shops and business parks. Thus the Wi-Fi enabled phones are the next in target for the users seeking to go with time.

Entertainment too has been made wireless. Media communication is ever growing. This growing media needs users to connect with them in the easiest possible manner for they are dependent on the users and vice-a-versa. Thus we have phones which have a dedicated application of hearing online music and to download it. The list of the songs is maintained by the phone or the service provider and the various tie-ups they have. Even gamers can now connect on a gaming portal and play with different users through their mobiles. Live TV has been introduced into the phones, to bring the latest news, happenings and your favorite programs into your hands, at the click of a button and all this being just Mobile!

Many online mobile stores offer such a great range of handsets that it is never a mammoth task to find the handset of your favorite color or shape. These web-based mobile shops give you the best deals and most desirable phone right at your door step. The online mobile shops allow you to take your own time, compare rates, read reviews and then allow you to decide to buy your favorite mobile phone.

The Importance of Backups

Have you ever had a computer stop working and then realise that you don't have a backup of your photos, documents or other critical data. Or, there are also the nasty pieces of MalWare that encrypt your data and then hold them ransom until you pay the creator an exorbitant amount of money to decrypt the files. Others simply destroy the data files completely.

I went to a customer's site that had one of these nasty RansomWare infections get onto one of their servers. They had completely lost access to all of their documents, photos, databases and anything else that was of value to them on that server. They were being asked to pay an exorbitant amount of money to get the code to decrypt the files. To make things worse, they didn't have a current backup at the time.

A problem like that can put a business in a position where they may be unable to continue trading, because they can't access any of their important data for a significant amount of time.

Imagine if they had good backups that were being done daily, or even hourly. They would have simply been able to remove the infection from the computer, remove the encrypted files and restore from the backup, with minimal loss or downtime.

Lots of us have been in the situation where we have had to rely on the computer guy to get the files back, or even worse send the hard drive off to a professional data recovery service, trying to have the missing files recovered from it. Which could cost anything from a several hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars and that's if they can retrieve anything from the drive.

The best thing that you can do is ensure that your data is backed up NOW!

There is a methodology that is simple to implement, which can protect you from any unforeseen circumstances. It's referred to as the 3-2-1 rule. I can't claim that I created it, but it's the best system I've seen protect your data.

It goes like this:-

  • 3 - copies of your files
  • 2 - backups, preferably stored on different types of media
  • 1 - of the backups is stored off site

3 copies of your files - one on your Computer and two backups - you can have more if you wish.

2 backups stored on different media - maybe one on a Hard Drive and another stored in the cloud.

1 backup stored off site - you can use a cloud based (Internet) backup like Carbonite or use a second hard drive and store it at a family member or friends home (somewhere that is not physically near where your important live data is - just in case the problem affects the local area).

If you're using two hard drives, you'll need to ensure that the hard drive which is stored offsite is regularly swapped with the one that you backup onto all the time. That way you always have a reasonably current backup stored offsite. I would recommend backing up your data daily and swapping the hard drives on a weekly basis.

The reason that you need one stored somewhere away from your home or business is highlighted by what happened when Francis Ford Coppola had his laptop stolen.

I understand that he was very good about backing up his data to an external hard drive which he kept next to the laptop, so it was stolen as well. I wonder just how much of his work he has lost for good.

There are numerous devices you can backup onto but I'm going to recommend that you use an external hard drive, for the local backup and something like Carbonite as the off-site backup, purely for simplicity.

The Carbonite solution will provide regular automated backups that you don't need to think about every day. Although you will need to monitor it occasionally just to ensure that it is working correctly.

Backing up to an external hard drive is another question completely; it's no good having a backup drive that is never used.

There are a number of products that can manage this for you. Some that are automated and as long as you remember to connect the drive, the backup will complete without your input. Others need to be run manually.

For backups to a local hard drive:

  • There are some free solutions like AllWaySync, Microsoft's SyncToy or one of the ones that come with some of the hard drives.
  • There are also paid solutions like Paragon, Shadow Protect and Easeus To-Do-Backup. Paragon and Shadow Protect will allow you to schedule hourly incremental backups as well as some more advanced features that will appeal to some businesses.

When choosing portable hard drives, Might I suggest that you use a ruggedized hard drive like one of the Buffalo MiniStation Plus drive range. Shamal Tennakoon did a presentation where he threw one of the Buffalo drives across the room; he then picked the drive up and used the data on the same drive to complete the presentation.

Last and probably the most important thing you can do with your backups is to perform a test restore from them occasionally, just to ensure that they can be read.

Just to make it really clear - IF YOU CAN'T RESTORE FROM YOUR BACKUP, YOU'VE BEEN WASTING YOUR TIME!

If you require assistance or advice with choosing or setting up a backup solution, feel free to contact us and one of our backup specialists can give you a hand tailoring a backup solution to suit you.

Disney Land - The Party Begins Here

Walt Disney is a name we trace back to our childhoods and Disney Land is a place where the adults become children again. This place is an American park based on the animated characters like the most famous Mickey mouse, Donald duck, Daisy, Goofy and many more. The excitement grips you even before you reach the gates. Disney land is located in Anaheim in California. This park is distinct from the others because it is the only park built under the guidance of the great man Walt Disney. In 2007 this park was nominated as the second most visited park of the world. Let us look at some other aspects of this place.

If you wish to stay in a Disneyland hotel then there are some things that you must keep in mind. You must not focus only on the room rates. Instead you must look at the bigger picture which includes taxes, meals, pet maintenance, parking facilities etc otherwise you will end up paying more than you estimated. The Menage Anaheim Boutique hotel is only 700 meters away from Disneyland and has a very good hospitality record. If you want something closer then you can go for the Annabelle Hotel which only 300 meters away from the park. This makes travelling very easy for you.

While planning a trip to Disneyland, you also have to consider the weather. You can enjoy Disneyland only in certain seasons. You must also choose a time when it is less crowded. For example; you can chose to go in the winter which is January or February. Weekdays are also a very good time to visit this place. Summer is a time when the park is the most occupied. In summer all the rides and attractions are open for longer hours. Fall is the best time to visit Disneyland since most children are attending school at that time.

You must also know which places to visit when you are touring around Disneyland. There are certain places that you must not miss under any condition. One of them is the Disneyland band whose leader is Mickey Mouse and you will easily locate them playing near the main street. The Disneyland parade is an even enjoyed not only by the children but also by the adults. If you wish to witness the best fireworks show then it is in Disneyland. The Disneyland Fireworks show is very popular and it requires some efforts to get good seats.

Disneyland is one of the first places that come to our mind when we plan a vacation. This place is not only for children but adults can enjoy themselves too and get a good and well deserved break from their professional life. This place brings family and fun together giving you the satisfaction of a good vacation. You relive your childhood and bring back those fond memories of Mickey Mouse and Donald duck which made our childhood so wonderful and still continues to entertain us thanks to Mr. Walt Disney.

Stop Foreclosure and Manage Your Stress

We are a nation in deep water right now. Due to the economic recession, people are getting stressed out just thinking of how they can stop foreclosure before they lose their homes. According to USA Today, filings on foreclosures rose 3,157,000. And that's in all of 2008. Out of that three million, 1.2 million only comes from five states, mostly from Michigan, California, Nevada, Arizona, and Florida. If you live in one of those five states, you're going to really feel the hit -- especially Florida and California.

Whatever it is, many American homeowners are getting scalded already. And it shows. According to the statistics released by the American Psychological Association (APA), eight out of ten people rank economic recession as one of the leading causes of stress in their lives. If they want to survive, they should find a way to manage their stress. Here are some tips on how to do that.

First, distract yourself. The best thing to do when you are in a depressed or anxious mode is to do something different from what you are doing. For instance, if reading takes your mind off the problem, then do it. If knitting tissue holders are your thing, then make 10 of them until you fall asleep. Just do something to take your mind off the stressful thoughts.

Second, learn to surrender control. Face it -- it's uncomfortable not knowing what will happen next. It's part of our human psychology, and no more is this seen in what's happening with the economy right now. But learn to let go, and trust that you will be able to handle things as they go their way.

Third, get to know yourself. Sometimes, people get stressed out because they don't know their boundaries. If you're not a risk-taker, then don't invest in things that are too daring for you. It's plain common sense.

Fourth, make sure that you don't entertain your hot triggers. What are some common triggers around? Watching news about the recession is one. Reading about the economic downturn is two. Talking about it with people is three. This kind of compulsive behavior is toxic for those obsessive, sensitive folks who are already prone to anxiety. They don't need it already.

Fifth, do nothing. If your risk tolerance is really low and you don't have enough money to spend, you can relax and do nothing. Yes. Just let go and forget about the thousands of things you need to do at this very moment. Sometimes, not just doing anything can make the difference between being frazzled and being relaxed.

Sixth, make sure that you take care of yourself. Taking care of yourself means just that -- you treat yourself like your own best friend. Therefore, you give your body what it needs to remain in tip-top shape. So, you eat a balanced diet, you sleep eight hours a day, drink lots of water, exercise, avoid smoking and drinking. Apparently, your great-great grandmother's advice is really true, after all.

Remember, life may be difficult right now, and your plans to stop foreclosure may even make it harder. However, these difficulties can be easier to tolerate if you learn to manage your stress well. Be smart and start working on yourself right now.

A Deep Fryer is the Best Choice For Fried Foods

If you love greasy fried food then purchasing a deep fryer might be just the thing to quench your passion for food. Many people who love fast food want to duplicate that taste at home and buying a deep fryer can do just that. You can cook anything you want in a deep fryer however they are popular for cooking amazing French fries. There are several options available on deep fryers that might have you left pondering over which one to get.

When you buy a deep fryer you need to figure out how much space you have and where you are going to put it. Some deep fryers take up a lot of space and you need to decide whether it's going to sit on your counter top or in a cupboard somewhere. They also come in many colors such as black, white and stainless steel, so that you can match up your other appliances with the deep fryer.

Some features available to deep fryers can be; variable thermostats, programmable timers to start and finish foods at the exact time that you want, removable lids and glass viewing areas so that you don't even need to remove the lid to see what is happening inside while the food is cooking.

You might want to know if it is easy to clean and if it dishwasher safe. If the product is made using stainless steel it might be less able to have food stick to it and might be better to scrap food off, it is also more sanitary to use with food. Some deep fryers come with handles built into the lid, external basket lifts that allow you to view the food without having to remove the lid. Automatic cleaning options and is able to filter oil into removable storage drawer.

It is also a great idea to figure out how large you want the capacity for cooking to be. Some people need it big while others are fine with a smaller scale. The wattage is different as well and so a higher wattage will provide faster and more cooking power.

When you find a fryer that you like you can always take it home and test it out. If you don't like how it works or operates you can always return it for another if the store permits it. Most fryers come with some kind of a warranty so it is important to know just what that warranty entails and how it will affect you and your new purchase. When you have your deep fryer you will be able to cook many great foods and entertain yourself or guests with restaurant quality food. You will be confident when you are serving your food as you know that you prepared it just the way you like it. Using the machine can be fairly simply. Remember to read all of the instructions especially around cleaning and keeping it safe from fire issues. Keeping the machine clean is key to preventing accidents and keeps you safe as you eat food from it.

What is a Blog? Defined

What is a Blog? Well, blog is short for web log and is a website that is regularly updated with content usually pertaining to the author's personal life or commentary on events or areas of their expertise. Entries are often displayed in reverse chronological order with the newest entries appearing on top. Most blogs also encourage a sense of community by allowing readers to comment on each article that is written.

The first blogs were started as personal online diaries. Livejournal.com gave anyone who wanted to the chance to spill their guts on the internet for everyone else to read. Personal blogs were really the beginning of the social networking (web 2.0) trend that we are in the middle of today.

Blogging is a way for anyone to get their point of view out to the world and actually be listened to. If you have interesting ideas, are very knowledgeable on a certain subject, or are just an entertaining read it is fairly easy to build a large base of loyal readers. Blogging is the most democratic way of spreading information available, because the people choose who they want to read. Instead of getting information just from journalists and TV news, people now have access to many other opinions and sources of information.

Not everyone believes that blogs are a step forward in information evolution. Classically trained journalists often look down at bloggers because; as they say "Anyone can get a blog and write about anything they wish". Since bloggers don't have the same restrictions and accountability that journalists have some people view them as hacks and rumormongers who only like to cause an uproar among their readers.

Whether you think bloggers are a good or a bad thing, the truth is they are here to stay. Nearly every industry has an all star blogger who shares information and insights that the regular Joe would never be able to get their hands on.

Making money with blogs is also a hot new trend. If you can find a topic that people are interested in and provide them with great content on regular basis you should be able to cash in nicely. Unlike regular static websites blogs can easily be updated every day. Most blog software makes writing a new entry as simple as writing a standard word document.

This allows people who are clueless about technology have a chance to make money with their own website. People are making money blogging about anything from basket weaving, to weight loss, and even teaching people how to make money with blogs. If you have a topic you are passionate about there is a good chance you can make money online by writing a blog.

Plenty to Do in Saint Tropez

It is known for its celebrity visitors, but Saint Tropez has much more to offer than just its famous guests.

Visitors to the destination in southern France, on the French Riviera, can choose from a range of different entertainment options from lounging on the golden sands to learning more about the area's culture and history.

Saint Tropez is named after a saint who was beheaded in Pisa. According to legend, his body, which was put in a rotten boat with a dog and a rooster, washed up on the shore where Saint Tropez now lies.

Over the years the area has been transformed into a popular tourist destination and people return each year for the famous regatta and the beautiful beaches.

Each October scores of yachts descend on Saint Tropez for the annual regatta. But for visitors who want to have a go on the water themselves there are plenty of water sports that can be tried, including snorkelling, water skiing, diving, windsurfing and sailing.

Saint Tropez is famous for its range of beaches and whether visitors are after trendy sun spots, nudist areas, secluded hideouts or family-friendly fun, there is something for everyone.

The Pampelonne is a trendy beach lined with cafes, whereas La Briande, which is a pleasant walk along the coastline, is quiet and ideal for relaxing in the sun.

Tahiti, with its golden sands and clear waters, is famous for being a celebrity haunt and has a number of bars, restaurants and cafes along the beach.

Each Saturday the village market draws crowds to the town centre, and visitors can pick up traditional French gifts and food products.

Saint Tropez has a number of other attractions in the centre including the 16th century citadelle, which houses the naval museum and the 17th century chapel in the old town with its famous roof made up of tiles in blues, golds and greens.

The cobbled streets in the old town are also worth a visit and contain hidden shops and cafes, which are great for afternoon coffees and socialising.

For those people who are interested in sport there are some great tennis courts and a golf course close to Saint Tropez.

How To Talk To Your Children About Anything

If there is one thing that has been constant throughout history, it is the fact that kids and parents can mix like oil and water. We are speaking about that childhood cycle of love, like, hate, like and love again. It can lead to long nights and grayer hair for Mom and Dad as their children exert their will on the world.

Is there any way to stop this cycle? In a word - no, but you can soften the blow of it with a few tried and true tips that center on staying connected with your kids. No matter what age they are now, you can begin to work on strengthening the ties that bind you so that you may avoid at least some of the headaches.

How can you do that? Talk to your kids. It seems like a simple task, but you wouldn't believe how many parents have a hard time with it. Conversations keep each of us in touch with our world and the people in it. Without some form of communication, no one would know what was going on.

You might say that you already talk to your kids - but do you really? Kids will tell you that there is a difference between being talked TO and being talked AT. Also, receiving their marching orders from their parents doesn't constitute a "quality" conversation, as a conversation implies an exchange between at least two people.

But, we are here to help. This report is not to throw stones, but to encourage parents to push on and stay in touch with their kids through thick and thin. Here, you will find out:

  • Why it is important in the first place to converse with your child
  • How to start a conversation with them
  • How to validate your child's feelings
  • The important conversations that you need to have with your child
  • Tips on how to keep the communication going even when it is the hardest of all

THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR CHILD

The parent-child relationship is one of the most influential relationships in a person's life. From birth to age five, children are forming all sorts of new brain connections (called synapses) as a result of learned behavior. These formative years are crucial and parents are a big part of it. We give our children their first glimpses into the world of right and wrong, love and hate, body language, emotions and so much more.

Even when you think they are not noticing you, they are watching and drinking it all in. We often forget this, which is why we are so surprised when teachers and other authority inform us of some of the behaviors of our child - they've seen us do the same things at home.

Parents are the first teachers. That position is one to be respected and handled with care. You can do as much good as damage in word, action and thought in this position. Raising children is a labor of love but it is, in some opinions, the toughest job you'll ever perform. We all want the best for our offspring.

Humorously, at the same time, we are often scared to death of these little (or big) people. They sit in front of us with heart-melting eyes, waiting for each word that drops from our lips. What do we say? The throat becomes dry, so we just smile and pat them on the head. Conversation is over before it begins.

If you have felt this way before, keep reading. Here are some very positive reasons for wanting to engage in conversations with your kids:

You know what they know - As kids grow up and are influenced by outside groups, they learn certain behaviors like keeping secrets. When you stay in touch with them, then you know not only what they are feeling but also what they are doing.

You can influence them - Parents want what is best for their kids. That begins with teaching their behaviors that will help them to make their way successfully in life.

Keep them from risky behaviors - Research shows that kids who eat dinner with their families are less likely to participate in such activities as underage drinking, sexual behavior at an early age, substance abuse and illegal activities. Think of how much lower those numbers could be if you made it a point of having regular conversations with them as well?

Shows your kids that you care for them - There is more to talking then just the words. There is listening also. Sometimes, all kids want is to be heard. Communicating with them effectively demonstrates more than you could possibly know to your child.

Get to know them - Even though they are your children, kids are also people unto themselves. And, if parents got to know them, they might find that they are fantastic people in their own right.

Give them a good start in life - Your kids can benefit from your trials and errors. Use your life lessons as a way to help them avoid some of the same pitfalls that you experienced growing up. Conversations that you wish you had with your parents can now be delivered from you to your child in a timely fashion where it can make a huge difference in their lives.

WHERE DO PARENTS BEGIN?

Let's return to that example above of the eager child and the terrified parent. We've all been in that position before. But, it doesn't have to scare you. Just like making small talk at a gathering, you can also learn how to approach big talks and everyday ones with your child.

Have you ever tried to start a conversation with someone and received a one-word answer? It can be frustrating. That often happens with kids. Why? For one, if they are young, their vocabulary is limited. Two, they may not have learned to express themselves enough to expound on their responses. Three, you might not be asking the right questions.

In this section, we are going to help you out with the latter. Here are some ways to start conversations with your kids. And, it can be effortless.

Before we begin, here's a tip: relax. Talk to your child just like you would anyone else in your life. Don't wait for a special occasion or difficult topic to communicate with your kids. Get into the practice of speaking to them on a regular basis so they can get in the habit as well.

Five Ways to Start Conversations with Your Child

There are of course more than five ways to talk to your kids, but these are just to get you thinking of other ways that you can accomplish your goal.

1. Discuss their day - Kids spend six or more hours in school, almost like being at work. Ask them how they did, if they accomplished anything, if they have homework and more. Children also need to decompress after a hard day of learning as well. Don't be afraid to ask more than one question, especially if you are used to getting one-word answers.

2. Bond over a shared activity - Young kids are very visual learners. Choose an activity that not only teaches them something but also gives you time to actually communicate with one another. Consider cooking with your child one night a week or engaging in a hobby together.

3. Watch the news - Kids are concerned about what is going on around them too. They may have worries or questions. View a nightly news program which can then lead into discussing those concerns and answering their questions.

4. Ask about them - Find out what personality your child is forming as they get older. Find out what they are interested in, their likes and dislikes and their dreams.

5. Discuss family matters - It is not uncommon for parents to walk around the house as if they are the only two there. Kids can go unnoticed except for the fulfillment of their needs. Hold a family meeting and let everyone talk. Also, talk about finances, household chores, expectations and the like. Get kids involved in the running of the household. It lets them know that they are valued and that their thoughts matter.

ACKNOWLEDGING YOUR CHILD'S FEELINGS

Every single person wants to know that they matter to someone in this world. For children, it's their families. You have been born into a group of people who are supposed to love and nurture you. If you should matter to anyone, it will be them.

Kids may be young, but their need to be validated is no less real. Sometimes, we can sweep these feelings aside without even knowing that we are doing it. It can drive a wedge in your relationship. Keep reading to find out areas to pay attention to when talking to your kids that can be addressed right now.

Ask your child to name their feeling - You might notice that your child is grumpy when they get in the car after school. Ask them to describe what they are feeling and the situation that brought it on. They may need your help in naming the actual emotion that they are displaying.

Suspend judgment about emotions - All of us experience different emotions to situations. Children are much the same. Allow them to show their emotions but also teach them how to temper them to the proper levels. There is nothing wrong with emotions in and of themselves; it's the actions that can result from them spinning out of control that is the real problem.

Listen - It is not just a matter of not talking when someone else is talking. Make eye contact with your child. Acknowledge that you hear what they are saying with a nod or a sound. Most importantly, keep your mind quiet. Most of us think about the next thing we are going to say instead of actively paying attention. Listen to your child with your mind as well as your ears. You may pick up on something that you might have been missing before.

Teach them the other side of the story - Without invalidating their feelings, instill empathy in your child through a scenario that helps them to consider what the other person is feeling when they are dealing with situations in their lives. That doesn't mean that they can't feel angry or sad about themselves; it simply puts things into perspective for them.

Wait for your child to come to you - A question may result in your child having trouble expressing their emotions. Even if you are a little worried, don't press them if they ask for some time before you discuss the situation. Just be prepared for that time to come, especially when you don't expect it.

Allow the storm to pass - It's okay for parents not to be able to fix everything. Kids can be angry or sad and that's okay. Allow them appropriate time to get over their emotions or a setback. This allows them to work things out for themselves. Let them know that you are there to support them and talk further if they need it.

IMPORTANT CONVERSATIONS TO HAVE WITH YOUR CHILD

You may have heard it before and it is still true. As kids age, they come into contact with other influences: friends, teachers, other adults, and the media. As a parent, give them the truth about certain important issues before they learn a different explanation from another source.

Safety

Your child can't be with you 24/7. They have to know how to take care of themselves and be secure in that knowledge when they are not with you. Lead by example. You teach them how to brush their teeth and put on their clothing. Now, help them protect themselves.

Start with the home. Even a young child needs to know their home address, telephone number and the proper names of both of their parents. This can be of great use if they are ever lost in a department store or hurt.

How about safety around the house? Kids need to learn to stay out of danger in the kitchen, bathroom, around household cleaners and even answering the telephone or the front door. These skills can protect them when they are home alone (at an older age) and as adults.

Safety on the street is more than crossing the street. All parents teach their kids how to wait for the light and watch out for cars. In today's society, it entails being street smart. Today's youth have to watch out for themselves against strangers, drugs, gangs and other influences that could harm them. Informing them of these dangers doesn't take away their innocence. On the contrary, it keeps it intact so others can't steal it.

Safety is an ongoing issue between parent and child. Don't miss a moment that can be used as a teaching opportunity.

Health

Obesity is an epidemic in society these days. Kids are the fastest growing population affected. This is a conversation that can happen over the dinner table. Teach kids how to eat a healthy variety of foods by introducing them to natural fruits and vegetables at every turn. Even if you don't eat a certain food, allow your kids to sample it for themselves.

But, health also entails caring for their bodies. Looking good can lead to feeling good. Teach them about proper hygiene, care of their bodies during puberty and respecting their attributes and who they are.

Respect for themselves can lead to conversations about peer pressure and bullying. Discuss the different types of bullying and how it can affect them. Peer pressure can be easy to ignore if it comes from a stranger but when it's a close friend, kids may not know how to handle it.

Morality

Right and wrong are fundamental teachings for children. You can't account for every situation but you can impart to them the basics. There are gray areas to be sure, but those don't usually come into play until kids are older and have added new dynamics to their life.

Even so, kids have questions after watching television programs. Approach each situation on a case-by-case basis. Reiterate the importance of limits and boundaries which is not to make their lives miserable but to give them a firm foundation in life.

Sex

It's the conversation that most parents dread having. When do you start? How much do you say?

Begin with their bodies. Teach them the proper name for body parts, what each part is for and how they may differ from a child of the opposite sex. You will know, as a parent, when the right time is to expound further on this subject.

Kids are not shy when they have questions about things, so deal with them as they come. Use the simplest explanation that you can to convey the information. This builds a foundation that will make the conversation about actual sexual relationships between boys and girls a bit easier for them (and you) to handle when the time comes for that.

In the meantime, lead by example. The relationship between parents is the first loving relationship that kids will see - how you talk to each other, your body language and even how you show affection around your kids and others. They all paint a picture for your child.

Be as frank as you can with your kids without being crude. Moderating their television and computer time can avoid inappropriate questions or situations before your child is old enough to handle the answers.

COMMUNICATING EVEN WHEN IT'S HARD

It won't always be easy to talk with your kids. But, it will always be worth it. There may come a time when kids can make it tough for you to have a conversation with them: peer pressure, friends, testing their limits, saying no to something they want. As parents, we can also put the pressure on: avoiding certain subject matter, outright disapproval of friends, silent treatment, interjecting our opinions and sugar-coating everything that happens to our child.

But, it is never too late to try and regain communication with your child. Eat humble pie if you have to from time to time. Your child needs you.

Helpful Tips for Talking to Your Child

Here are several ways that you can keep the lines of communication open with your child even when they try to shut you out.

Catch their talkative moments - Kids, especially young ones, may find it easier to speak when they are more secure - after a bath, getting tucked into bed or at dinner. Even if you have something else you want to do, take the time to listen to your child when they are ready to talk. For teens, it may work best when you are driving, so they don't have to make eye contact during difficult conversations.

Avoid pressure to talk - It may fit your schedule to get straight to the point but not your child's. We all need time to process a situation before we can discuss it. Give your child that same respect and consideration. The exceptions, of course, would be if it is a dangerous situation.

Talk TO them, not AT them - It is not a conversation when only one person is allowed to speak. Talking at someone implies that you are not interested in what they have to say, only in getting your opinion out. Talking to them means that you want to hear what they have to say in response and you are willing to listen. Their opinion matters. If you rush to speak before your child finishes, this advice may be something to think about.

Avoid saying hurtful things - Tough love doesn't always work in certain situations. For example, if you are concerned about your adolescent son's weight, telling him that he is fat or patting his stomach all the time is not going to inspire him. In fact, it will embarrass and even lower his self-esteem, feeling that his parents don't love him the way he is. You may have the best of intentions but the results will often prove to be less than satisfactory. Use a healthier means of showing love and support.

Be casual in your attitude - This comes with talking to your child on a regular basis. If you feel uptight, your child will notice it and think that you don't want to talk or don't want to really know what they have to tell you. Even with the difficult subject matter, put yourself and your child at ease from the beginning.

Listen to your child first - Before you say anything, let them finish what they have to say in its entirety. Avoid the urge to speak up. Hold all comments until it is your turn to speak. They may need your help to flesh out their emotions but try to avoid putting words in their mouth.

Avoid hypocrisy - This is the "do as I say, not as I do" kind of behavior. Kids are not stupid. If you tell them that gossiping is wrong but you are always on the phone discussing other people, it sets a less than positive example to your kids. It can confuse younger children and make teenagers less trusting of you.

CONCLUSION

Parenting is rewarding and worthy but you will be put to the test throughout the process. Communicate with your child as often as you can. It conveys love, respect, support and concern. As a parent, you are their first teachers - and their first cheerleaders. Get to know them as you help them grow.