Understanding adolescent psychology does require an instruction booklet!

If you're the parent of an adolescent, you know how turbulent this stage of development can be. Beginning at about the age of 13, both boys and girls go through a transition that stymies parents and kids alike. Kids arrive at a stage of physical development that tends to fuel psychological bafflement for kids and parents alike. Adolescent psychology is one of the most difficult to comprehend, in large part due to the distance in age between parents and teens.

The need for understanding adolescent psychology seems to kick in with puberty. Whereas a 10 year old child is still on the same page with parents, who can kid and joke and cuddle without repercussions, the budding teen rapidly acquires a new sense of their individuality which is a good news, bad news deal for children and parents alike. In the 13-16 year age range, it's difficult to know what kids are thinking about and where they're coming from, which is one reason parents need to go back in the day in order to keep the lines of communication open.

As a parent, think about how you responded to your parents when you were a teen. Everything they had to say seemed to be nothing more than a boring lecture, or an out-of-date perspective on modern life. Nothing has changed there. Do you remember writing entries in your diary, bemoaning the lack of understanding your parents demonstrated on issues such as curfews, your friends, clothes and hair style? When you reached the teen years, privacy became a premier issue.

If your Mom decided to go through your drawers, or clean your room, you probably felt insulted and violated, as though she didn't trust you. Maybe your Mom was the nosy sort, or perhaps she just felt it was her duty to make sure she knew what you were up to when you were unsupervised. This lack of understanding adolescent psychology was more the norm several decades ago. Today, parents should take a closer look at balancing kid's needs for privacy with maintaining good lines of communication and trust. You want to know where to draw the line between snooping and establishing trust. If you press your kids for every little detail, the natural adolescent psychology kicks in. They tend to clam up and become secretive.

Some parents go the other route, trying so hard too hard to be their child's BFF instead of exercising a parental role. Kids rebel against this too! It's a thin line between the two, so give some care to this aspect of adolescent psychology. You want your kids to know you're there for them, but don't try to be a teen yourself. They need guidance. Deliver your guidance gently. Deep down, they know you've got the experience in life and love for them. It's scary to approach adulthood. Perhaps the key to understanding adolescent psychology lies in knowing that the desire for independence conflicts with babyhood, so recently left behind.

A major component of raising children involves teaching them good judgment, from an early age. As they grow, you've got to know when and how to let go. Kids will inevitably spread their wings and fly away from the nest. You want to be sure they are well prepared.

You'll also want to brush up on today's standards of peer pressure and the drug culture that permeates our society. If you can convey true understanding of these elements of adolescent psychology, along with non-judgmental guidance and an unbreakable trust, there's a better than even chance your child will make a seamless and successful transition to adulthood. This is the most important task of your life.

Accelerated Nursing Programs

The figures show that there is a current shortage of nurses in the United States and the administrators must plan for the future. Accelerated Nursing Programs are proving to be an effective solution to the problem. This scheme involves Baccalaureate and Master's Degree programs. Non-nursing college graduates can apply. However, the admission standards are high. The best candidates will be picked for their academic standards and the ability to learn at a brisk pace, as these programs are intense. The minimum entrance requirement is usually a 3.0 GPA. The faculties prefer the students not to have jobs, so that they can concentrate on their studies.

The Baccalaureate scheme is the fastest way to become a licensed Registered Nurse, following the completion of a Bachelor's or Graduate degree in another subject. The fast track Baccalaureate Accelerated Nursing Program takes between 11 - 18 months to complete, whilst the Master's Degree equivalent takes approximately 3 years. Programs of this type are offered in 43 states in the US and also in the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

The combination of classroom study and clinical experience will lead to a rewarding career. Employers are keen to recruit graduates from the Accelerated Nursing Programs, as they tend to be more mature and have shown academic excellence. Certain students will be eligible for financial assistance and some employers help with the financial responsibility by forming a partnership with a school through grant funding and scholarships. For some students, this educational path leads them to become nursing educators themselves.

A nursing qualification opens up a wealth of opportunity. Highly qualified nurses are highly prized and can gain employment in a hospital, doctor's practice, workplace or even a cruise ship. There are many different aspects of health care to learn about. An understanding of theory and an aptitude for practical skills is essential. The Accelerated Nursing Program equips the student in everything that's expected of them and more.

Different specialties are to be found when looking at the curriculum for Accelerated Nursing Programs at the various nursing colleges. The School of Nursing at John Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland has a program that includes Community Health Nursing, Disaster Response and Pediatrics. The College of Nursing at New York University includes Children with Special Needs, Nursing Education, and Palliative Care. The School of Nursing at the Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond includes Nursing in Faith Communities, Psychology/Mental Health, and Women's Health.

There is a useful guide on the market with regard to the delivery of medical qualifications. It is titled 2004's Definitive Guide to Combined Medical Programs: Everything You Need to Know About Combined and Accelerated Medical Programs. The book is by Neil Roy and Manosh Chakravorty.

Have you received a 1099 tax form? Don't ignore this

Have you received a 1099 tax form? Don't ignore this potentially troublesome little postcard!

Tax time is upon us, typically not anyone's favorite time of year. Unless you can file using the 1040-EZ tax form, facing the now magazine-sized 1040 instruction booklet brings out the smidgen of procrastinating tendencies almost everyone possesses, no matter how selectively applied. The yearly tax filing will exact a desire to procrastinate in the staunchest of ultra organized of people. With all the forms, schedules and worksheets, it's no wonder. Here, we discuss some points you may not be aware of regarding the 1099 tax form.

1099 tax status is reserved for people who work under contract, considered a work for hire and are not permanent employees. If you enter into a contract with a company which you've landed yourself, you'll get a 1099 tax form at the end of the year. While taxes are usually not deducted, you are still responsible for paying taxes on your income come tax time. The exception is if you contract through an agent. In this case, you become an employee of the agent, who issues your paycheck and deducts taxes.

The 1099-G tax form may be more familiar. This type of 1099 tax form is issued by the state if you have received unemployment during the current tax year. Most states give you the option of having taxes deducted from the weekly unemployment check so that you're not faced with a balance due when you file your tax return.

One problem here is that your unemployment check may not be sufficient to meet your monthly obligations, so by opting to not have taxes withheld, you may avoid one quandary now and have a worse case at year's end.

Some people don't take the 1099 tax form seriously, thinking it's only the W-2 that goes into the IRS database and that the 1099 is some general memo to be filed and forgotten. True, this form is clearly marked with a note that advises you that this income is reported to the IRS and must be included on your tax return as taxable income. Perhaps it's just wishful thinking, but you must regard the 1099 tax form just as you would a W-2. If you don't include 1099 income, the IRS will take note! Your tax return will be rejected, delaying any refund you might have coming, as well as opening yourself up to a penalty. You may also find that your future tax returns are flagged for special scrutiny next year, perhaps for years to come.

If you receive unemployment, or, in some states, a state tax refund, you'll get the 1099-G. Many people are misled, thinking that because they paid taxes on the income earned which qualified them to receive unemployment, or a state tax refund, this would amount to double taxation, leading them to not include this income. What you may not realize is that when taxes are deducted from your paycheck, you pay into disability, while the employer pays the unemployment taxes. This means that unemployment is considered taxable income. Oh, for a simpler world!

So, don't ignore that seemingly meaningless postcard contained on the 1099 tax form. If you got one and tossed it, contact the state agency of issue and get a replacement! If you've already filed without this data, you'll want to file an amended return to stave off trouble. No one wants trouble with the IRS!

40th birthday party idea

If 50 is the new 30, what 40th birthday party idea hits the mark? You can still rub it in!

Men and women alike anticipate their 40th birthday with some trepidation. Somehow, the 40th birthday is one where you start to understand the decades concept in terms of age. During the 60s, 'Don't trust anyone over 30' was a popular phrase with kids who just didn't get it yet. The 30th birthday was thus a benchmark for some of that generation, but it wasn't exactly a mood-killing idea. Most people were just afflicted with a certain astonishment at having reached such an age.

However, when you hit 40, it becomes a little more threatening. How did this happen? You start to realize that events of your youth are what kids are reading about in school textbooks today. Yikes. This can't be good. So, although some health cheerleaders are now lauding 50 as the new 30, you, the 40th birthday person, don't believe it one bit. If you know someone who is turning 40, know that you've got to inject the event with some humor. Here we've got a 40th birthday party idea that works well, even for people who don't have a great sense of humor!

After all, probably many of the friends celebrating the occasion are in the neighborhood of their own 40th. This means most won't want to miss the chance to rub it in, in a good-natured way, of course. A successful 40th birthday party idea must be fine tuned to the birthday person's personality. Our 'Roast n' Toast' 40th birthday party idea is infinitely tweakable. Everyone will have a good time!

If the birthday person is of a more sensitive nature, dreading reaching this landmark age, go a little easier on them. A woman currently lamenting every imaginary line on her face requires different treatment than the guy who's flying high in his career, while being both fit and handsome. You see what we're saying here. Have mercy according to the person's abilities and sensitivities. If you are sensitive to this aspect, there's no person who can't be properly roasted and toasted!

You can rent a banquet room, or host your party at home. Banquet rooms somehow infuse such a party with a conviviality and lightheartedness that's difficult to replicate in the home. Perhaps it's the celebratory atmosphere, marking this as an important event requiring a more elaborate setting.

This 40th birthday party idea involves everyone in the roast. Set all of your guests to the task of finding a quote, cartoon or joke pertaining to being 40. Compare notes, so there's no repetition. If you can, there are stand up comics for hire that can do a professional job of roasting. Newspaper clippings of the day they were born can be nostalgic, funny or both. For example, what did Dear Abby's column talk about? Abby's photo in the column may be different than in later years. Funny e-cards are another resource. All of these 'found' items can be compiled into a photo album format and presented as a memento at the end of the evening.

The roast in our well-balanced 40th birthday party idea, is followed by the toasting portion. This is where you make up for all your bad behavior, soothing and stroking the honoree with nice gifts. Get a little extravagant if you've been especially mean! An afternoon at the spa, or a fine brandy for that fit, confident guy.

Take note, that among the nice gifts, there must be a box of some gray-be-gone type product, for the last laugh out of your 40th birthday party idea box. Happy 40th!

20 Minute Workout Required!

Your Doc has said Exercise! The easiest way is a 20 minute workout to get and stay fit!

We cannot read a magazine, watch television or visit our doctor without some smart aleck pointing out the virtues of regular exercise. We know they're right, but the very thought is anathema to a lot of people. Why we gasp in horror, mentally fleeing from the idea, is another question. It's really just simple psychology.

It's like a Mom enjoining her reluctant child to eat a few forkfuls of green beans. My Mom spent quite a lot of time and effort at this healthful pursuit. I spent as much time rearranging those green beans so that they might not be visible on the plate. When I became a Mom, I did just what my Mom did, with my own daughter. The point is, that a 5 minute period of actually getting down to eating the beans stretched into, possibly hundreds of hours over a childhood. It's the same with exercise.

A diligent and consistent 20 minute workout takes how long? Just 20 minutes, once you begin. Most women spend at least that much time each morning with toiletries, makeup and dressing. Anyone can find 20 minutes to talk on their cellphone or kick back for a cup of coffee. So, when some authoritative person, like your doctor, has ordered you to exercise, or else, dispel those gruesome ideas of exercise torment and just get on with it. Here are some easy, painless and effective ways to crunch that 20 minute workout for all it's worth.

If you enjoy walking, you've got it in the bag. Choose a time of day that's convenient to your schedule and stick to it, unfailingly. Start off as slowly as you need to, gradually picking up the pace in a way that's comfortable and enjoyable. If you can get another family member or friend to join you, your 20 minute workout can do double duty as chat time. You'll do a world of good for your body, burn a few calories and have a good time doing it!

Your 20 minute workout can consist of anything where you're moving and using your muscles. Your custom 20 minute workout is most effective when you switch one day of walking with one day of doing sit-ups and another swimming or biking. The idea is to use all of your muscles in the course of a single week. Over time, sit-up day begins to show up on your tummy in positive ways. The one day you spend swimming or biking produces a nice toning of all your muscles and a notable disappearance of fat, always a good thing.

Maybe one day, your schedule is so tight and you simply can't bear to look at the accumulation of pet hair on the living room carpet. Use your 20 minute workout to give the vacuum the thrill of its life. Your arms, legs and back muscles will get a little toning, you won't have to look at Rover's fur on the floor and you've done your 20 minute workout. Mission accomplished.

Let's face it. Twenty minutes is not a long time. Fitting your 20 minute workout into all but the worst of bad hair days is doable. When you mentally falter, just think of the health conditions you may avoid by following the Doc's orders.

Are you a couch potato or procrastinator? The 8-minute workout

Are you a couch potato or procrastinator? The 8-minute workout is made for you!

Let's face it. Most of us are working long hours for our livelihood and at the end of the workday, we want to just kick back, watch a little TV, or enjoy a movie and relax! Exercise is not on our short list of desirable activities we're worn out. No matter how many times your doctor may chastise you for not getting sufficient exercise for your health, it's a hard sell. Although you know that the doc is right, few of us follow through. However, here we've got some easy ways to have your cake and eat it too. What's the solution? The 8-minute workout is perfect.

Think about it. You can hardly eat a real breakfast, check your email or get the kids out of bed in 8 minutes. Not a long period of time. So it's easy to see that an 8-minute workout can be easily squeezed in, no matter how busy you are. You'll find that, once you get started, the most difficulty you'll experience is in making the commitment. Once you've determined to follow through, you'll come to look forward to your 8-minute workouts. Really!

Here are some suggestions that fill the bill admirably.

1.Make a list of the health benefits you'll reap from your 8-minute workouts and then post it on the frig, bathroom mirror, or wherever it'll be in your face. Be sure to include these: increased energy and strength, weight loss, toning of muscles and an improved circulatory and respiratory system. I'm sure you can add to this list!

2.Plan for four 8-minute workouts a day. No, it's not nearly as difficult as you might imagine. Walk to the corner store, instead of driving. Ride your bike around the block a couple of times before your morning shower. If you live close enough to bike to work, you can save on gas and, depending on the distance, squeeze in two or three 8-minute workouts going to and from work. If you use public transportation, get off a few stops before your destination and walk the rest of the way. Do you work in a tall office building? Get off the elevator a couple of floors below your office stop and take the stairs. Park out in the boonies of the corporate parking lot and walk. You get the idea. There are so many ways to fit an 8-minute workout into your daily schedule.

3.Whether your goal is to lose weight, firm up some flab or just a general desire to improve your health, a regular workout routine is enhanced when you make a few dietary changes. If a big juicy burger or steak is your normal choice, try substituting a big chef's salad a couple of times a week for dinner, with all the healthy trimmings. The great thing about salads is you can make them as big as you please, without gaining an ounce, while getting your fiber, protein and antioxidant-rich produce in one shot. You'll also feel satisfied with the amount of food fiber is filling and puts those hunger pangs to rest.

You can see that following these three simple steps isn't that hard. The results accrue daily. Next time you visit your doctor, you're likely to see a decrease in your blood pressure, a better looking body, better cholesterol readings and a reduction in weight. Your complexion will be more vibrant and you'll definitely feel an increase in vitality. There's no good reason to pass up these many benefits! 8 minutes is all it takes!

One of the hottest travel deal values: 4 day cruises!

One of the hottest travel deal values: 4 day cruises!

Think you can't afford to take a vacation? Here we've got one vacation option that beats the pants off almost any other vacation deal you'll find. Cruises are fast becoming the way to go, if you're looking for a cheap getaway that doesn't cost an arm and a leg, while giving you that much needed escape from the rat race. The 4 day cruises are an especially good deal for retired people and those who can manage to take four days off a Monday through Friday work schedule. If you're working a regular work week, take advantage of Federal holidays that fall on a weekday to get the best value out of your vacation days. Here we go over the advantages of this vacation plan and how you can make the most of the 4 day cruise vacation.

First, would you believe that a 4 day cruise costs about the same as the 3 day cruise? It's true. The cruise lines cater to supply and demand. Fewer people can schedule their trip during the work week, so cruise lines reduce the price and lengthen the trip in order to attract a greater number of customers. While many vacationers can arrange a trip that leaves on Friday morning and docks on Monday morning, there are not so many who can take a week off work. Better a full ship than one half full! Pure economics.

The 4 day cruise offers a number of advantages to people who can arrange their vacation during the week. For example, a 3 day cruise originating out of Miami, with a stop at Nassau, runs about $150. By contrast, you can book a 4 day cruise, which also stops at Key West for the same price.

With just a little searching on the net, you can find even more attractive 4 day cruises. In addition to stops at Nassau and Key West, some cruise lines get you all the way to Cozumel, for about $180! Think of the sightseeing and shopping possibilities! Not to mention the sizzle for your buck in terms of kicking back and really getting away from it all!

Some of the luxury cruise lines offer a champagne taste of the luxury cruise, at a very affordable price, on 4 day cruises. These luxury cruise lines want you to become a loyal and enthusiastic customer. They want to show off just exactly how much they can pamper you on 4 day cruises, which might entice you to plan a longer vacation with them in the future.

When you're planning a 4 day cruise vacation, check out the luxury lines for some fabulous deals. You'll find that some offer amenities galore, such as on board ice skating rinks, golf courses, rock climbing, swimming and a host of other attractions you might not find at a resort for twice the price!

Next time you're thinking 'vacation', look into 4 day cruises. They are an economical and exciting way to make the most of four days! You deserve a kicked-back, budget friendly vacation! This could become a habit!

4 Cup Coffee Maker

The secret to always fresh coffee? As simple as a 4 cup coffee maker!

That favorite American beverage, coffee, is only as good as the coffee used and the freshness of the cup. The coffee connoisseur can not bear a cup that's been sitting in the pot for more than half an hour. There's nothing worse than a cup of Joe that has developed that stale, flat taste acquired by sitting around languishing in the pot. The reason is simple. The essential oils of the bean, which are paramount to good flavor, are quickly lost once the pot's been brewed. If you're single, or a couple of empty nesters, the 4 cup coffee maker was made for you. You'll consume the coffee at the peak of freshness and won't end up pouring any of this expensive beverage down the drain.

If you've got a family or entertain guests often, that 12 cup coffee maker comes in handy. However, if you're working at home today and the rest of the household is out, consider buying a 4 cup coffee maker for those times when you just want a couple of cups. It's so easy and quick to brew this little pot, supplying you with a fresh cup all day long, if you're so inclined.

Most avid coffee drinkers use a mug, rather than a teacup sized container. So keep in mind that while it's called a 4 cup coffee maker, the actual yield in a mug is more like two cups. So much the better for freshness!

These small coffee makers are also useful for those of you who enjoy coffee at all hours. Station that coffee maker on your nightstand or at your desk, for effortless enjoyment while working, reading or watching the tube.

Tired of the time and effort required to make coffee in my French press, I recently purchased a 4 cup coffee maker of the electric persuasion, just for the convenience. I find that it's undeniably faster and I also use less coffee. So this minuscule investment ends up saving money and coffee tossed because it's not up to my standard of freshness.

Now, this is not to say that the coffee you use is not important. A poor quality coffee does not make a good cup of coffee! You don't need to spend a tremendous amount of money on the fancy and expensive boutique coffees. At least one manufacturer of canned coffees now features all Arabica beans, which to my way of thinking, has a better flavor. Arabica also contains less caffeine than the Robusta beans. This is an important consideration for me, because at the rate I consume coffee, I'd probably never sleep if I drank only Robusta.

Now here's the formula for the most flavorful cup of fresh coffee in your new 4 cup coffee maker: start with cold water, adding a tablespoon of good quality coffee for each cup (not mug). Flip the switch. Pour and drink promptly! That's all there is to it!

Writing a travel journal that captures your travel memories for

Writing a travel journal that captures your travel memories for a lifetime of enjoyment

Taking a vacation is usually a much anticipated and exciting prospect. You're off to visit a new place, or revisit an old, but favorite, destination. It's odd, but true, that most travelers, while spending considerable time, effort and money getting to that first day of vacation, few include writing a travel journal, detailing their adventures, in their plans. Anyone who's taken a vacation to their dream destination can tell you that those memories fade over time. The overall impressions stay with you, but the most enjoyable memories often consist of small events which might be easily forgotten in a few years. Writing a travel journal keeps those events fresh in your recall and can provide years of enjoyment.

We all usually keep family photo albums to mark our life events, kids growing up, weddings, graduations and the like. Just a glance at a photo of Mary's birthday or a backyard barbecue brings the memories of that day back clearly. However, when you're traveling, everything is new. It's hard to take it all in and record all of these new experiences with only a camera. It only makes sense that writing a travel journal enhances your experience and memories long after you've arrived back home.

Buying an inexpensive tape recorder makes it easy to write a travel journal, without investing much of your time while on vacation. Bring your recorder with you everywhere you go. As you're sightseeing, hang it from a cord around your neck. When you spot a little child, playing with her dog in front of that quaint bakery, record a few words that capture your sensory perceptions. What caught your attention? The child's long braids, fragrant smells from the bakery entrance, her sweet demeanor and the dog getting a bit of her cookie? It's the small events that add up when writing a travel journal, making it possible to vicariously relive your vacation in depth, far into the future.

Let's say you've just toured the Colosseum in Rome. You joined a group hosted by an independent tour guide, a fountain of information on the history and anecdotal lore. In fact, you'll learn so much, you might forget half of the knowledge you acquired within a week, unless you record brief notes and observations as you tour.

Writing a travel journal is somewhat akin to being a reporter. Take a few minutes each evening to transcribe your impressions in as much detail as possible. You don't even need complete sentences it's the bare bones flavor of the experience you're after.

Postcards are abundantly available and are valuable in jogging your memory when writing a travel journal. Use a paper clip to insert the postcards on the relevant pages of your transcribed notes. When you get back home, assemble your notes and postcards in your unique travel journal, fleshing out your notes.

Writing a travel journal is easy enough. You don't need to be a professional writer to create a travel album that allows you and future generations of kids and grandkids to see a bit of the world through your eyes during that moment in time. It will be a fascinating read!

How to write articles about travel that sizzle, without ever

How to write articles about travel that sizzle, without ever leaving home!

We all remember those grade school assignments involving a report on What I did on summer vacation, right? Some kids in my class apparently had a far more exciting summer than I, with trips to Disneyland, Hawaii and Yellowstone Park. As a matter of fact, I sometimes wondered if they'd actually made these trips, or had just gone to the library and done some research. These kids either had a heck of a good summer, or were early-flowering creative writers. I wonder how many went on to write articles about travel. Probably not many, but the point here is that if you want to write articles about travel, research on the net provides all the material you'll need.

Growing up in San Francisco, our family vacations consisted of weekend outings in Golden Gate Park which, incidentally, I found fascinating and thrilling or perhaps a picnic in Marin County. By the time I visited Disneyland, the summer vacation reports were no longer assigned! Not until I took a creative writing class in 9th grade did I realize that imagination and research were a winning combination. Our final consisted of a paper which described an activity we loved and which incorporated illustrations and photos. I decided to write a travel article of sorts, detailing the wonders of the northern California coastline.

This was my first attempt to write articles about travel. Although not well traveled at the time, I went for the 'write what you know' strategy. My outline was broken down into all of the segments of West coast beach attractions. I gathered magazine photos to paste into my report in the appropriate places remember, this was the 1960s. I knew nothing of copyright laws. No one but the teacher would see the piece. For me, the challenge was to present my passion for the sea in the most convincing manner. I was rewarded with an A grade, much to my surprise.

So, if you want to write articles about travel, where do you begin? Let's say you have not been so fortunate as to have visited the highlands of Ireland, although you'd jump at the chance. You've heard of the armchair traveler. Do some intensive research on the net. Check out some travel guides from the library. Search out travel website articles on the highlands. See what others have written, with an eye to the focal points. When you write articles about travel, you need a slant, highlighting some aspect of the destination. For example, you might write about the distinctiveness of the culture, or ferret out little-known but quaint hotels, B&B's, restaurants and pubs. You might make your focus the history of the area and historical sights.

As for photos, when you write articles about travel, including photos is a must if you want to get published. Short of traveling to a faraway destination, you can buy some nice photos from the stock photo sites, which, depending on your topic and the publication, may do the trick in capturing an editor's attention.

If you decide to write articles about travel, based on past vacations, you doubtless have some good original photos of the area which serve to highlight your topic. If you kept a travel journal, you've got all the notes you need to flesh out your article and make it sizzle with your target audience.

Travel articles hit the spot with both vicarious and real time travelers. If you're a travel buff, you can write articles about travel destinations you might only dream of visiting. Do your research and let your imagination and creativity fill in the gaps. Over time, you can build a client base that adds a little bit of satisfying income.

How to write a feature article that sells fast!

If you're a freelance writer, or just want to be one, you know you've got to start somewhere. Sure, you'd love to land a piece in a nationally, or internationally, circulated publication. It usually takes some time to establish yourself as a writer who delivers the goods, on time. Start small and work your way up. You know that if you write a feature article that's published in a national magazine, your magazine writing future is virtually assured. So, how do you go about landing that contract? At what point in your career should you pitch a feature article? Must you have several clips under your belt before making this bold move?

Let's take a look at what magazine editors snap up when they peruse the pile of queries and submissions which land on their desk each day. A good feature article can sell tens of thousands of magazines at the supermarket racks. Here are the ground rules on how to write a feature article that catches that editor's eye.

First, you must understand that most magazines plan their issues at least nine months ahead of publication. So if you're submitting a query in March, you'll be targeting a December issue, so you'll want to write a feature article suited to that month or season.

Second in importance is researching past issues of the particular publication you want to target. Food is your thing. Go through the archives of the publication to see what they've featured in past years, writing style

Now for the pitch. Let's say you want to write a feature article for a foodie magazine. In March, you need to think December holiday festivities and all that encompasses. Decorating cookies with the kids. Making home made eggnog. How to cook a goose. Entertaining.

However, to catch the attention of the editor, you need to have an unusual slant. Do you have an old Irish neighbor who makes his home made eggnog every year, distributing his cheer to one and all? This can form the backbone for you to write a feature article, which has that down home flavor of the individual, an old guy who keeps the family tradition and little secrets you won't find in a commercial eggnog from the supermarket. So what do you add to the mix? That human factor. Use your interviewing skills to draw him out. Spend a little time and you'll probably learn a secret or two about making the best eggnog, in the old world style.

This is what an editor looks for an off-the-beaten-track take on a much belabored, but perennially favorite topic. There's no question that food magazine readers want to know how they can make the holidays memorable. If you write a feature article which not only answers their question on how to make eggnog, but makes the tradition come alive, in a sophisticated, slice-of-life piece, you and the editor have a winner.

As for when you might be ready to write a feature article: you don't need clips, if your quality of writing speaks for itself. You really have nothing to lose, except your time. Besides, you can always submit to other publications. Just stick to the submission guidelines and you'll be fine.

Magazine editors want a feature article that they can summarize on the front page, making that issue fly off the shelves. 'Authentic eggnog: a recipe from an Old World artisan that you can make yourself!' Sure, I'll read that feature article.

Perhaps the most important point to remember when you write a feature article is that you need to inspire and motivate your reader to know what you know and to convince an editor of the same! What are you waiting for?

Ten inexpensive alternatives to pricey wrinkle reducing creams

On every woman's short list of concerns about her body is wrinkles! Even young women in their early twenties are thrown into a tizzy when they spot that first telltale sign of what's to come. The so-called 'laugh lines' at the corners of your eyes. Your Mom might come up real close to inspect this disaster, saying What wrinkle are you talking about? That's not a wrinkle! This pointing to one of her own is a wrinkle! Maybe it's just set in a woman's genes. The wrinkle alert. That's when you start obsessing, just like you might over a stray gray hair. It becomes time to go shopping for wrinkle reducing cream!

The only trouble with this plan is that, while there are a plentiful supply of wrinkle reducing cream products, they are very expensive. They can cost anywhere from $20 to hundreds of dollars, for a little, tiny jar. Few of us can afford to lay out that kind of money and hope for the best. It's not like you can return it if you don't like it! For the price of some of the high-end wrinkle reducing creams, you could go on a weekend getaway with your sweetie! On the other hand, wrinkles are anathema to every woman I've ever known.

With this dilemma in mind, we've put together a list of ten inexpensive and effective alternatives, a couple of which are probably already in your frig! These may not be as delicate as dipping your pinky in an elegant little jar of commercial wrinkle reducing cream, but they'll keep your wallet fatter and your face wrinkle free far into the future.

When you wash your face, use a glycerine soap. This won't dry your skin or leave a residue. Glycerine soap is great for people with sensitive skin.

Our next, rather unorthodox, wrinkle reducing cream 'product', is mayonnaise. Yes. A tablespoon is all you need for a treatment. Just rub it all over your face and neck and let it sit there while you relax in the tub. When you get out of the tub, rinse it off for the silkiest skin you've ever felt. Be sure to lock the door, so your husband doesn't barge in and start laughing. Wrinkles are serious business! You can use this treatment once or twice a week. Don't get it in your eyes!

Numbers 3, 4 and 5 of the top home wrinkle reducing cream agents all act as astringents, tightening the pores and firming your skin. Separate an egg, beating the white lightly, reserving the yolk for another use. Spread the egg white over your face and neck. It dries quickly and you'll feel the firming action almost immediately. When it's dry, rinse it off. You'll see the wrinkles diminish. Next, apply a cotton ball soaked with witch hazel (available at any drugstore for about $1) over your face and neck, which while being astringent, also softens the skin. Before bedtime, follow up with some rose water as a mild astringent and further softening. Do the egg yolk routine just once a week and the witch hazel and rose water every day.

The next three wrinkle reducing cream products in your wrinkle fighting arsenal are cocoa butter, avocado oil and jojoba oil, all of which can be purchased in bulk at health food stores. Each of these are powerful natural anti-wrinkle oils which you can use as a night cream, diminishing wrinkles as you sleep.

Vitamin E can be purchased in gel caps or small bottles. It's well documented that direct application of vitamin E to the skin helps heal and renew skin cells. Vitamin E is so effective, it will even remove scars over time, with regular use.

Our last inexpensive wrinkle reducing cream product is a good sunscreen. Use one with an SPF factor of at least 30, whenever you go outdoors. UVA and UVB rays are a major contributor to wrinkles.

Try these inexpensive, natural alternatives to commercial wrinkle reducing creams for just three months and behold the difference!

See how a wooden garden gate adds charm, elegance and

See how a wooden garden gate adds charm, elegance and whimsy to your entry way

Realtors often extol the virtues of what they call 'curb appeal'. This term refers to how passers-by see your home from a street side view. A neat lawn, beds of flowers, garden furniture, lighting and pathways all play a part in creating a lovely first impression of your home. One quite inexpensive, but impressive addition to your home's curb appeal lies in the wooden garden gate.

Wooden garden gates evoke memories of the Secret Garden, nostalgia, charm and elegance all in a single statement. Garden gates, placed at the street entrance, make a silent but definitive separation from the rest of the world and your own castle. People walking by may pause to try to see what lies beyond. The simple act of placing a barrier, albeit an attractive one, creates mystique. Oh I wish I could see more of this private retreat.

The style of wooden garden gates offer a refinement of the concept. A plain, white picket, wooden garden gate, protecting a charming cottage garden is a visual feast of nostalgic proportions. Without the garden gate feature, that very same cottage garden of delphiniums, mallows and daisies might present an unfocused, rather messy looking conglomeration, going without notice. Enter the simple wooden garden gate and you've got a mood!

If your garden design is more formal, with lush beds of English-style perennials, neatly trimmed and sporting blooms with each season, a more elaborate style of garden gate is preferred. In keeping with this garden design, try a more elegant wooden garden gate style. A taller gate, with finely stained and sanded pillars and posts, reminiscent of the Victorian age, may be the perfect complement to your entry's appearance.

A modern garden that's more in line with a free form design can make good use of pergolas and arbors, allowing you to enhance your entry's charm with a romantic planting of climbing roses, lilacs or wisteria, which invites the viewer to take a closer look.

Should you decide to install a wooden garden gate, you have a variety of wood and finishes from which to choose. The picket fence may be simple pine, while that Secret Garden look may call for elaborate carved railings in a fine finish.

You can purchase a garden gate from online vendors, or you can make it a DIY project, if you're handy with tools and have some patience for the task. In either case, this is an inexpensive way to add that sought after curb appeal and greatly enhance your own experience of the garden you've toiled over these many years.

Making a Profit on Wholesale Pocket Knives

I've wanted to set up shop as a wholesaler for a long time now. I've always known that there's good money to be made this way, but I haven't really had sufficient motivation to put all my effort into such a venture. However, now that things at my regular job are slowing down, I've finally got time to see if I can make a go of my own business. Plus, I have a great connection that can get me a deal on wholesale pocket knives, which is a product I'd be interested in selling, so this seems like the perfect time to get started.

Obviously, choosing a product to sell is one of the most important considerations for anyone wishing to set up shop as a distributor. Fortunately, almost anything will work for you as a wholesaler, be it sunglasses, costume jewelry, athletic apparel, shoes, handbags, or whatever else you can think of. As long as the item is in demand, you ought to be able to realize some sort of profit on the transaction. As I mentioned before, I have a friend who can hook me up with awesome deals on wholesale pocket knives, so that's why I'm going to focus on these products at the beginning.

Now that I have a product to sell, the next thing I have to do is set up a reliable distribution chain that allows me to purchase wholesale pocket knives from my supplier and turn around and sell them to my customers. I have the supplier phase worked out, at least for the time being. As my business grows, I'll likely want to start making my purchases from several different sources, but for now my friend will do. Finding customers for my wholesale pocket knives will certainly pose a challenge in the initial stages. I'll probably have to do a lot of marketing and make a ton of cold calls in order to find some takers, but I have a few leads to work with, so I'm not too worried.

I'll also have to locate cheap storage or warehouse space where I can keep my wholesale pocket knives while I try to find buyers. In the beginning, I might be able to use my garage, but I'll eventually want to move the products to an off-site location when I start dealing in the massive quantities required in order to make a profit. While I'm out there looking, I might as well check around for office space as well. There could come a point in time when I'll appreciate having an entirely separate area to go to while working on buying and selling wholesale pocket knives.

Becoming a wholesaler is actually not that complicated. I've outlined the major hurdles above, and while I'm sure I'll run into additional obstacles once I start selling my wholesale pocket knives, I'm confident I'll be able to roll with the punches and work things out in the end. No matter what happens, I'm excited to embark on this next chapter in my life!

White Gold Jewelry Instead of Platinum

I love to accessorize with nice rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, and spend a considerable amount of money on these products every year. I have a sizable collection that continues to grow with each new piece I add. I used to prefer platinum items because the color offsets my skin tones very nicely, but that took a massive toll on my budget. So these days I've turned to white gold jewelry instead, and absolutely love being able to purchase beautiful pieces for a fraction of the cost.

I'm surprised at how little most people know about white gold jewelry. It's almost exactly the same as the more traditional yellow version, except for the types of alloys used in the manufacturing process. White gold jewelry is often mixed with silver and palladium, and then plated with rhodium to give it a platinum-like finish. In fact, it's hard to tell quality white gold jewelry apart from platinum, especially when just looking at it with the naked eye. There are some issues with the rhodium plating wearing off after a while, but that can be fixed easily and inexpensively with a quick trip to the jewelers.

Other than that, however, white gold jewelry is every bit as durable and valuable as the yellow variety. Plus, this alloy looks terrific no matter what form it takes. I have a number of rings that are all positively gorgeous, while my favorite necklace is a breathtaking piece that never fails to elicit tons of compliments whenever I wear it. White gold jewelry makes a perfect setting for diamonds, so it's no wonder that the tennis bracelets I own earn a lot of nice comments as well.

You're probably wondering how I afford all of these items, right? Well, since I don't make even close to six figures, I just have to be a smart shopper in order to feed my addiction. I have never, ever paid full retail price for any piece in my collection -- not even the to-die-for items that I had to scrimp and save for months to buy. Instead, I force myself to have patience and wait for sales. Moreover, I've been known to buy white gold jewelry online from various discount shops and wholesalers at cut-rate prices. It does take some time to find reputable online dealers who sell the genuine article at these discounts, but once that happens, it's an easy matter to go back again and again. What's more, since I'm such a good customer, some of these online shops even allow me to request specific pieces that I want, and then they go out of their way to track down the merchandise for me. Now that's amazing service!

Anyway, if you're addicted to accessorizing as much as I am, then I recommend buying white gold jewelry instead of platinum. You'll save money and be able to buy more stuff this way -- and no one ever has to know the difference!

Properly Doing Weight Lifting Exercises

If you know that weight lifting is something that is good for you, you have probably worked it into your workout routines. If you dont, you should consider adding weight lifting exercises to get the most benefit from working out. Men and women alike can benefit, even though some women are scared that they will build large muscles. Dont worry, they wont. However, no one should do this if they are not sure how to do these exercises the right way. Without proper form and care, injuries are almost certain.

Those starting out with a weight lifting routine should take it easy. They should choose a weight that they can lift with ease at first. Most recommend doing three sets of ten reps to start out. Through this, it should be somewhat of a struggle to keep going, but not so much that a person is not able to lift the weight at all. This is not as hard to figure out as you may think. Whether using free weights or barbell for your weight lifting exercises, this is something you can pick out rather easily.

Once you have found the right weight to start your new weight lifting exercises, there are some things that you should do before you lift. The first would be to be sure that you have stretched very thoroughly. This will prevent you from ripping your muscles if you get too into your workout. You should always take it easy, but it is common for some people to go overboard with weight lifting exercises when they first start out. This is usually because of enthusiasm with the new program. Well stretched muscles are the best in this case, and with all exercise, for that matter.

Once you know you are warmed up, you have to be sure that you have the right posture when you are doing your weight lifting exercises. This means keeping your back straight when you are lifting free weights, and making sure your arms are moving in the right direction so you do not damage your joints. When you are doing weight lifting exercises on a weight bench, you must be sure you are lifting straight up and that you are not wavering with a heavy weight in your hands. Proper form means both better results and safety.

You also have to be sure that you are allowing enough time in between your weight lifting exercises. You should probably lift three times a week with a day in between each one. When you lift, you are causing small tears in the muscles. When those tears heal, more muscles is built. You have to give your body time to repair. Also, put a bit more protein in your diet when you are going to be exercising with weights. That gives your body what it needs to build that muscle and to keep you strong.

Defining the war on terrorism

Ever since the infamous events of 9/11, our government made significant efforts in creating a new buzz phrase, 'the war on terrorism'. Politicians repeated this buzz phrase so often, it quickly became a household phrase. It's well known that when a motto or phrase is repeated often enough, people will eventually accept and believe it. Such buzz phrases are not accidental, but intended to serve as a rallying point around which the public will stand.

Ask anyone you know, What is the war on terrorism? and the initial response might well be a look of incredulity. Why, it's the war in Iraq! (or Afghanistan or maybe Bin Laden) would be likely answers.

The use of these words, in context, is puzzling indeed. War is a state of terror if you're in the war zone. While war used to be conducted on a defined battlefield, this is no longer the case. If you're a civilian living in a country at war, it's as likely that you'll be maimed or killed as not. Being that civilian is to live in a state of constant terror.

So, after hearing this rallying cry for the thousandth time, I decided to consult my dictionary for the straight scoop. Here's what I found.

Terrorism is defined as the use of force or threats to intimidate etc., especially as a political policy. Well now, this would seem to apply to any nation at war. Nations that foment war always have a political purpose at the core. It may not be the one that's advertised to the public, but you can bet it's politically inspired.

What does the dictionary have to say about war? 1. open armed conflict, as between nations 2. any active hostility or struggle 3. military operations as a science.

So the war on terrorism is a war on war? Wow. That's a good one. What brainiac coined this phrase?

This warrants a further look at the concept. Our dictionary friend defines terror thusly. 1. intense fear 2. one that causes intense fear; the quality of intense fear. What about the word terrorize? 1. to terrify 2. to coerce, make submit etc. by filling with terror. Surely these words characterize the experience of war.

Now, what's a warmonger? Dictionary says one who advocates, or tries to cause war. You put it all together and the conclusions are obvious.

The phrase, 'war on terrorism' must be the product of someone with a quite poor command of the language. Why not, 'war on Bin Laden'? Perhaps 'the war on the warlord' (a local ruler or bandit leader) might be more accurate, but perhaps it just doesn't have the right cadence. Besides, how could the politicians then shift our focus to Iraq?

It's both ridiculous and tragic that the perpetrator has, to date, not been captured. A single individual. U.S. special forces are highly skilled groups. They can find and capture anyone, anywhere, no matter how well protected or important that individual might be. Find Bin Laden, and the world will cheer. His organization might survive, but his capture would surely give a new would-be leader pause.

Such a failure begs the question: is it a war on terrorism, as described? How do the military bases at key oil field locations fit in to this equation?

Perhaps we need to examine our dictionary definitions and take a closer look at this term the war on terrorism.

I grew up on war strategy games. My dad had

I grew up on war strategy games. My dad had been collecting war board games since he was a little kid, and by the time I was old enough to play, had me he had amassed quite a collection. My first war game was Risk. Everyone has played this game at some point in their life. A lot of the time, people now play online war games, but you can't really capture Risk without playing it on the board. When you see all of those armies spread out over a grid of the entire world, it really gives you an epic feeling of battle. It is a great game for parties too, provided that people can get along when things start getting serious!

As I grew up, however, I discovered a whole new world of war games. Computer war simulations are incredibly lifelike, and have been pretty amazing for some time. Back when I started playing them, however, the online war game still resembled a board game pretty closely. It was slow, turn-based,and intensely strategic without any features of the popular arcade games. It did have some advantages, however. You didn't necessarily need other players to play, and you never had to worry about losing pieces. All you had to do was boot it up on a computer, and you were good to go.

It seems like, with every generation, the war games go just a bit faster. Nowadays, your typical computer war game requires a great deal of dexterity as well as strategic knowledge. As a matter of fact, many of the war simulators are closer to arcade games than they are to the strategy games of old. Games like World of Warcraft, Starcraft, and even Empire Earth require you to be able to push buttons quickly and in the right sequence to get the results you want. No matter how good at strategy you are, if you don't have the required dexterity you will not be able to win.

Some of my favorite war games get rid of the strategic part entirely. I have always loved games like Halo, Doom, and other first person shooters. Sometimes it is nice to really immerse yourself in the action without having to worry about having a more global strategic view. You are the one on the battlefield, and your very life is in your own hands. There is nothing more exciting in a simulation!

Using Vitamins And Supplements

You could be very healthy, but you probably have a few things that you wish were better with your body. You could be one of those people that gets sick very easily, or perhaps you dont get sick very often, but when you do, you have a hard time shaking it off. You may also have some small problems that are troublesome, but there is not much your doctor is willing to do to help you out. In these cases, you may benefit from some vitamins and supplements if you take the time to find out what you should be doing.

I have a friend that has about six bottles of vitamins and supplements on her kitchen counter. This surprised me because she is very health, but then, I thought perhaps they were the reason why. She didnt seem like a health junkie though, so I asked her what they were all about. Some were just daily vitamins that many of us take, but there were some others. She explained that two of the vitamins and supplements were there to help her with bruising. She bruises easily, and the one stops that if she can remember to take it.

Some say that you can load up on vitamins and supplements if you feel a cold coming on. The most common of these practices is to take a lot of vitamin C all at once. There can be some problems with this, and it does not work like you might think. Even though you may think of vitamins and supplements as things that are healthy because they are natural, that is far from the truth. You can get sick from too much vitamin C all at once. Instead, take some each day and that should help you just fine when you get sick.

One thing you should always remember when thinking about taking vitamins and supplements is that though they are natural, they have other problems as well. Some do not work, but that is simply a matter of trail and error. The bigger issue with vitamins, minerals, and supplements is that some will interact with your prescription medications, if you take any, and those reactions can be deadly. If you start taking something new, check with your doctor or pharmacist before you begin. Vitamins and supplements can be helpful, but you dont want them to be deadly.

Though vitamins and supplements can do wonders for your health, you dont want to use them as if they are a replacement for living a good life. In other words, you still have to try to eat right and to get the exercise that you need. Those two things are more powerful than anything that comes in a bottle. None of us are prefect, however, so that means vitamins and supplements can make up the difference when we have less than perfect days. Just use them wisely and they can be a great addition to your daily health regimen.

Using Virus Protection Software

There are few computers today that keep running well if they do not have virus protection software. Though these packages are never perfect, they update often with the newest information on how to stop viruses from getting onto your machine. The problem is that there are so many ways for viruses to get through, and so many of them that want to get onto your computer for whatever reason. If you have a new computer, but have neglected to get this, you are going to be in a lot of trouble.

The virus protection software that you choose is up to you. You do want something that you know to be reliable, and one that gets updates from the company on a regular basis. This can happen, in some cases, each and every day. The companies that sell this virus protection software do not just stop with giving you what they already know to protect your computer. They are working on fight these viruses every single day, and the pass on new things to you all of the time. That is what you want in a program.

When installing, you may have some problems with your virus protection software. This is because many computers come with firewalls. You can also get these firewalls elsewhere, and they are important as well. However, they can actually block your virus protection software from loading and working as it should. If you find that this is a problem, you may want to call the company from which you bought the virus software to see what you should do. They should be able to help you quickly over the phone.

Your virus protection software is going to update each day, and it is also going to want to run a scan. The updates should be swift, but that does depend on your Internet connection. What can take time is the scan. You may have to go in and change things if your virus protection software wants to do a full scan each day. That can take hours and it can slow down your machine. Set it to work while you are sleeping, or have it do it once a week. The latter is only recommended when you also have a firewall, as they stop many problems before they enter your computer.

There are times when virus protection software will stop something that you want on your computer. This is often a mistake, but it is something that it does because it wants you to be safe rather than sorry. If that happens, you can always go to the web site for the software that you have to see if they have help. It may have happened to someone else and information on how to fix it could already be posted. It should also tell you about each virus is does get, what it could do, and what you should do about it, if anything.

Why Buy a Vehicle Tracking System

If you have a newer car, truck, or SUV, then chances are you have some kind of theft deterrent device in place to keep your ride safe. But the reality is that these devices simply serve to give you a false sense of security. After all, the blaring of car alarms set off by accident is so commonplace these days that nobody even notices the noise anymore. Given the number of these occurrences, along with the fact that thieves have access to more sophisticated tools than ever before, it's no wonder that auto thefts are on the rise.

So what can you do to really protect your car? Well, a state-of-the-art vehicle tracking system is a good place to start, since this type of device will let you know precisely where your automobile is at any given time. A modern vehicle tracking system uses a satellite-based GPS module to identify the position of the car, as well as a transmitter to send location information to a third party (usually a monitoring company or the police department). In the event that the car is stolen, officers will be able to pinpoint its whereabouts in a matter of minutes. This greatly improves the chances of recovering the car intact, thereby saving you thousands of dollars in repair bills, insurance deductibles, or even a replacement.

Now that you're convinced a vehicle tracking system is a smart investment, you're probably wondering which unit to get. Well, there are generally two types, designed for either commercial or consumer purposes. A commercial vehicle tracking system is targeted towards shipping companies, taxi and limousine services, and other types of businesses that have lots of vehicles on the road simultaneously. When used by these commercial enterprises, GPS devices are supposed to help managers iron out logistics such as which truck should make certain deliveries or which taxi should pick up a particular customer, and not necessarily to track stolen vehicles.

You're most likely interested in a consumer vehicle tracking system. Years ago, LoJack was the only game in town, but now there are a bunch of companies offering the same services. In order to get started with a vehicle tracking system, you have to first buy the unit, have it professionally installed, and then activate it. Some companies require you to pay a monthly fee for monitoring services, but others don't, so you'll have to carefully compare the different features to determine if it's worth spending the extra money.

The bottom line here is that a vehicle tracking system, while not a theft deterrent, is hands down the best chance you have of recovering your car or truck if it's ever stolen. Don't put this kind of purchase off until it's too late... get yours today!

Vegetable Casserole Recipes

Throughout the world, people eat casseroles in one form or another. Vegetable Casserole recipes are very popular. This is simple one pot cooking that is easy to prepare. Some recipes call for condensed soup, a tasty and filling way to make a casserole. These recipes are a good way of using up any leftovers. They can be substantial evening meals or light lunches. Cooking slowly in the oven brings the best results as all the ingredients blend into the stock.

Everyone is concerned about eating healthily and many meat eaters are cutting down on meat consumption. Vegetable Casserole recipes contribute to a healthy diet. Lots of people order vegetable boxes from the grocery store to be delivered to their home. You can plan what meals to cook around what is in season. There are slow cookers on the market that enable you to cook the evening meal whilst you are at work or on a shopping trip. Buy one from a reputable supplier and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

Boston Bean Casserole uses haricot beans that are soaked overnight with celery, carrots, stock, corn flour and corn oil. If you find yourself with lots of potatoes at the end of the week, you can make Potato Casserole from potatoes, eggs, milk, and grated cheese, seasoned with salt, pepper and nutmeg. You can also add onion or chives for a more robust flavor. Cheese is another good staple for Vegetable Casserole recipes. Cheese Casserole is a tangy dish using grated cheese, slices of bread and butter, mustard, onion, Worcester Sauce and breadcrumbs. Egg and Celery Casserole has hard boiled eggs, condensed celery soup, breadcrumbs, onion, grated cheese, and cooked peas. Vegetable Cholent is an adapted recipe from a Jewish tradition, containing onion, garlic, barley, tinned butter beans, potatoes, parsley, black pepper, and vegetable stock. This can be served with a side salad.

Pasta casseroles are full of flavor and fill you up quickly. Italian Casserole is made with macaroni, eggs, butter, flour, stock cube, grated cheese and breadcrumbs. Penne with Leeks, Fontina and Cheddar uses penne pasta, leeks (cooked the day before), cheddar cheese, fontina cheese, mustard, egg yolks, parsley, butter and milk. One of the easiest Vegetable Casserole recipes to prepare is Red and White Tortellini. The ingredients are frozen cheese tortellini, a jar of spaghetti sauce, a jar of alfredo four cheese sauce, and shredded mozzarella cheese.

Quick and easy meals are appealing in today's hectic schedule. Special Easy Bake makes for a good family meal. The ingredients are frozen corn cheese, butter, dried mashed potato, and seasoning. Cheesy Broccoli and Rice uses cooked white rice, broccoli spears, onion, a jar of cheese whiz and Worcestershire Sauce. French Green Beans includes a variety of green beans, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and a can of French fried onions.

Saving And Reading Users Manuals

In a prefect world, you would know how to use everything you buy, and you would never have a problem with any of them. This is never the case, as things are changing and evolving with each passing year. In fact, something that you bought a year ago is probably obsolete now, and the newer version probably works in a whole new way. You may not know how to use it, and that is why most things come with users manuals. Reading and finding them can be a bit tricky though.

If you were smart and thought ahead, you have saved the users manuals to every single thing in your home that came with one. That means you only have to find them to use them when you have a problem or when something new comes up. Find a safe place in your home to save them all in one place, or you may have them scattered in the bottoms of many different boxes in all areas of your home. This might make it downright impossible to find what you need, or you may never find the users manuals that you seek, even when they are in your own home.

When you cant find what you need, you may find some users manuals online in digital form. This is not the case for all electronic items, but some of the ones that are not new to the market have this online. You can search for the manufacturer and your particular model number to see if any users manuals online come up. If not, you may be able to order them from the manufacturers web site, or you can look at classified advertisements and places like eBay to see if anyone has one that they are selling or giving away.

You may never need to use your users manuals for anything other than setting up your new item. Once you are done with the basic setup, dont throw your book in the closet just yet. You should always skim through the entire thing to see if there are any additional features of which you were not aware. Some things today do more than what you buy them for, and those features may be very useful to you. Look through for more options, and learn how to use all of the things you are interested in before you stash your owners handbook into the closet or drawer for later reference.

Need a new (used) vehicle? Check out the used trucks

Need a new (used) vehicle? Check out the used trucks for sale this can be a smart move for the times!

When gasoline prices topped $4 a gallon, people were ditching their gas guzzlers for another vehicle that didn't require a loan to fill up something with better mileage! As a result, there's a glut of used trucks for sale in today's market. This means you can get quite a good price on this versatile type of vehicle now. Check out the local classifieds to see what I mean.

If you live in a metropolitan area, you can find some great deals. People no longer want to use their truck as a commute vehicle, but depending on your particular situation, a used truck might be a cost effective solution for you. In rural areas, you'll find even better prices, simply because the supply of used trucks for sale is greater and used truck values have decreased. Let's see how a used truck might actually help you save money in the long run.

If you're a SAHM, or are retired, you may not do a lot of driving. Gas prices are now about half off their peak. While a sedan caters to comfort, a truck is geared towards utility and multi-tasking. For example, when you clean up the yard or garage, you certainly don't want to load up your car with a bunch of brush and trash. On the other hand, a truck accommodates this job with ease. Toss it all in the back and off you go. Bring a broom, sweep it out and you're good to go. When you go to the grocery, don't you get tired of getting all of those bags to fit in the car, along with the kids? With a truck, no matter how extensive your shopping, every bag of groceries fits in the back with ease. The kids fit comfortably in the cab.

Another reason to consider used trucks for sale is that most, particularly older models, are much more sturdily built and make a safer choice should you be involved in an accident. A lightly built, albeit economical, car doesn't afford much protection if you're hit by a heavy vehicle.

When shopping the older, used trucks for sale, you'll also find that your insurance premiums won't blow your socks off, as does a newer, small sedan. With the average insurance premium running about $840 a year, you might cut that in half by choosing the used trucks for sale route. That's a truckload of groceries!

With all of the used trucks for sale, it's a buyer's market. If you scrutinize the ads carefully, you'll find plenty of well-maintained used trucks, with owners eager to sell and buy a gas-cheap small vehicle to commute to work.

Before you get serious, line up a reliable mechanic who will inspect your potential buy. It won't take long to find a reliable used truck. If he gives you a thumbs up, get out your checkbook and close the sale!

Here's some solid evidence on how this can work out well for you: I live in a rural area and make the thirty mile round trip to town about once a week, taking care of all my errands at once. This works out to about 1500 miles of driving each year. What do I drive? An old, reliable 1988 4 wheel drive Blazer, which gets just 12 miles to the gallon. In my area, I pay about $2.09 per gallon. My yearly gasoline bill is about $260.00. My auto insurance runs about $600 a year. Not bad for good transportation comparatively speaking!

The key to deciding whether a used truck is a good choice for you? Realistically approximate the number of miles you drive. Can you make use of a truck for other purposes, such as hauling yard trash? What's the difference on your insurance premiums? If the answers to these questions work in your favor, from both a functional and financial perspective, get out the classifieds and peruse the many good values in the used trucks for sale market. Finally, a real deal!

Pssst! Want to know the secrets of the latest in

Pssst! Want to know the secrets of the latest in trendy clothing? Used clothes!

For the most part, women and teenage girls are devotees of fashion trends. We peruse the fashion magazines, watch what celebrities are wearing and dream of having that fabulous wardrobe which sets us apart from the crowd. Avant garde. Daring. Classy.

Unfortunately, for the majority of fashion fans, our budgets just don't stand up to the prices of the latest designs off the Paris runways, or even the knock offs at your local department store! What to do, what to do? When the money in your wallet won't get you the fashionable wardrobe of your dreams, it's time to make lemonade! The answer to the slimmest of budgets is used clothes! The used clothes market encompasses such diversity, mixing decades of stand out fashions from which you can concoct a wardrobe that catches the eyes of everyone interested in fashion.

If you're an avid fashion follower, you've probably noticed those women who just seem to have that elusive panache. While their costumes seem to draw your eye, what exactly is that secret artistic ingredient in the composition? The imaginative fashionista adds up to a charismatic person, willing to buck the conventional tide and follow the art of dressing, much as a painter splashes color on a canvas.

When you shop for clothes at the department store, what you find is what 'everyone' is wearing this season. Be brave and break that mold! These days, new clothing is often poorly constructed, of inferior materials and a mere echo of the individual spirit. On the other hand, the used clothes shops stock designer and retro clothing which are attractive, well constructed and individual. After all, you won't find that bias cut dress or feathered hat in this year's seasonal offerings. When you buy used clothes, you can set yourself apart from everyone else. Yes, you can be individual in your clothing choices!

There is something romantic and nostalgic in the used clothes market. Your wardrobe is just one way to express your individualism, your unique personality. As a bonus, you can have the wardrobe of your dreams at very little cost. It doesn't get much better than that.

Besides, shopping the thrift, consignment and retro shops is a great shopping adventure. You never know what treasures you might turn up. You're also virtually guaranteed that you won't see another woman wearing your costume.

Another advantage of shopping the used clothes shops is that you'll find combinations of clothes that you can mix and match seamlessly. While the clothes and accessories might have been in fashion decades apart, you can develop an eye for those that work today. An outrageous, wide brimmed felt hat from the 60s, trimmed with silk flowers, may be the perfect complement to a Lauren Bacall styled gabardine suit. Complete your outfit with a pair of 1970s platform shoes and costume jewelry from the 1940s. Wow! You're a knockout!

Don't be a fashion snob by just going with the flow. There's much to be said for striking out on your own. Your used clothes purchases may well start a new fashion trend, borrowed from the past. Go get your dream wardrobe, on a shoestring budget. That's the essence of the avant garde fashionista!

Is your favorite chair in need of reupholstering? Try the

Is your favorite chair in need of reupholstering? Try the upholstery fabric outlet store!

Your favorite reading chair has seen better days, but it's still your chair of choice when you want to snuggle up and have a good read. You inherited this beloved chair from your grandmother and, despite a few lumps and worn spots on the upholstery, you'll never give it up. However, you don't want it to deteriorate to the point of no return. At the same time, you may know nothing about upholstering furniture. You do know it can get to be an expensive proposition. You make a visit to the upholstery shop, only to find not only is the fabric quite expensive, but you don't find anything that suits your taste. So you go home, settle into your chair and forget about the reupholstery job for another couple of weeks.

Sooner or later, you realize the time for action is now. You can't ignore that small tear that suddenly appears, with little bits of stuffing peeking through the cover of the chair. OK, it's time to get serious!

A friend takes pity on you and asks if you've ever heard of the upholstery fabric outlet stores. Uhh, no .... Now you have and your solution is in your sights!

Upholstery fabric outlet stores carry discontinued upholstery fabrics, as well as remnants of small amounts left over from whole bolts of upholstery fabrics, including the newest designer fabrics. What a find! Some of these remnants are truly outstanding, both in quality and design. Let's say Mrs. Wealthy Big Bucks has redone her entire living room in a designer upholstery fabric. When her fancy decorator was done, there were just a few yards of this lovely upholstery fabric left over. Enough to do your beloved grandmother's chair. Where did this fabric go? To the upholstery fabric outlet store, of course!

The moral to this story is that when you want to reupholster a special piece of furniture, but can't afford an arm and a leg to get the job done, check out the upholstery fabric outlet shops. Decorators frequent these stores, looking for that few yards of fabric that will make their client's dreams come true.

Go check out the excellent finds to be had at the outlets designers shop. Take your measurements and snatch up that perfect fabric. Call up your local upholstery shop and explain your situation. Be sweet. The upholsterer may tack on a few bucks to the actual recovering work, to make up for the loss of profit on the upholstery fabric, but hey, it's still a bargain. You and Grandma are happy. Your favorite chair may become your kid's favorite and treasured chair, full of memories, without a price tag.

Why and How to Buy Unlocked Cell Phones

I spend a lot of time browsing through online auction sites. I think it's fun to look at all the different products that people are buying and selling, especially since many of the items can't be found in regular stores. Want that classic video game you used to spend hours playing as a kid? Chances are it'll be on eBay! It's also interesting to be able to track the hottest retail trends and fads. Remember when Tickle Me Elmo dolls were flying off the shelves? I knew they were popular without ever stepping foot in a Toys R Us because I saw how much people were bidding for them.

These days, I'd have to say that unlocked cell phones are some of the most popular products around. I see so many auctions for these things that I finally had to look into them to see what all the fuss was about. After doing some research and finding out how convenient these handsets are, I now understand why people are scrambling to buy unlocked cell phones. Here are the basics.

Unlocked cell phones are handsets that can recognize and respond to SIM (subscriber identification module) cards from any service provider. Locked units, on the other hand, are programmed to respond to a single provider and won't work on another carrier's network. What's the point of this? It's so that the carriers can offer "free" handsets with long-term contracts without having to worry about getting burned by customers who sign up just for the phone and then try to break the agreement.

There are a couple of good reasons why people might want to buy unlocked cell phones. The first is if you really want a phone that is not offered by your current provider. For instance, when the iPhone came out, it was available only to AT&T Wireless customers because Apple had a binding deal with that company. But of course, tens of thousands of Verizon, T-Mobile, and Sprint subscribers wanted the iPhone as well, so it wasn't long until hacked versions appeared on the market. A second reason for wanting unlocked cell phones would be if a carrier is offering a terrific rate on long-term contracts, but only throws a cheapo phone into the bargain. It might still be worth your while to sign up for the contract, and then swap out the SIM card to a handset that you like better.

Finding unlocked cell phones is relatively easy these days. Auction sites like eBay remain a top destination when shopping for these handsets, and many third-party vendors are setting up their own online retail sites as well. If you're having trouble finding unlocked cell phones in your area, you can also just purchase the locked version and then bring the phone to a specialist who can unlock it for a fee.

So if you've got your eye on a cool new phone that isn't supported by your carrier, don't fret. All you have to do is find a retailer that sells unlocked cell phones and you'll be ready to go in no time!

How to Buy Quality Unfinished Wood Furniture

I have several friends who enjoy restoring old tables, chairs, and other furnishings in their free time. They then turn around and either resell the pieces for significantly higher prices than they originally paid, or use any items that they grow attached to. Buying, restoring, and selling unfinished wood furniture is actually quite a common hobby for people that like to work with their hands, so if that's something you'd like to get into yourself, read on.

Many newcomers tend to think that all unfinished wood furniture is more or less the same. But just because your untrained eye can't spot any differences from one pine table to the next, that doesn't mean the pieces are exactly the same. In fact, the quality of unfinished wood furniture varies a great deal, so there are a few basic things you should look for before spending money on your next restoration project.

First, you'll want to start by trying to find any obvious flaws. This includes things like knots in the boards, as well as streaks of sap or other discoloration. While it's not likely that you'll end up with absolutely perfect pieces each and every time, you should never buy unfinished wood furniture if these types of blemishes jump out at you -- unless you don't care about quality or craftsmanship. It's true that some flaws can be covered up during the finishing process, but why create extra work for yourself if you don't have to?

Second, you should check to make sure that your unfinished wood furniture has been put together reasonably well. Are all the boards aligned? Are the surfaces well sanded to cut down on rough edges? Are all the pieces joined solidly, or does the item feel like it'll fall apart as soon as any weight is put on it?

And finally, you should consider the price that you're paying. Unfinished wood furniture prices usually reflect the quality of the piece, so that "bargain" you think you're getting could end up costing you more time to repair and finish in the end. By paying a bit more for better quality, you'll be able to create a nicer finished product that you can turn around and sell for a tidy profit or keep as the centerpiece in your living room. I guess it all depends on what your goals are.

Now that you know how to buy quality unfinished wood furniture, the only thing left to do is start shopping. You can either buy from online outlets or visit local retailers to see what they have in stock. Once you get started on this kind of project, it's very easy to get hooked, so don't be surprised if you find yourself buying more unfinished wood furniture than you initially planned on!

Underwater Welding

My good friend Mike has never been able to hold a job for long. Although he is an interesting and intelligent guy, he's a little bit flighty. He gets bored of something almost as soon as he starts it, and as a result he has switched jobs a number of times. He has good intentions, but the follow-through is not there.

That is why when he first told me that he had an underwater welding job, I was little bit skeptical. Jobs in underwater welding are very difficult and very dangerous, and I didn't think he would stick with it for very long. The pay was excellent everyone knew that but the work involved long hours and high risks. It seemed like the kind of thing he would try a brief adventure in and get sick of.

When six months later he was still an underwater welder, however, I became curious about it. I asked a little bit about the underwater welding, and found a wealth of information. Apparently, it is a fascinating job. It combines all the adventures of diving with the technically complex duties of a welder. Underwater welding does have its risks, but it pays extremely well. Best of all, you get to work on some fascinating construction projects. They call you in to maintain bridges, dams, and other underwater structures. Working on such mammoth constructions must be pretty interesting, and I bet it really gives you a sense of accomplishment.

I was so impressed by his tales of underwater welding that I started to think about getting into it myself. I have always been interested in the maritime trades, and being an underwater welder seems like a great way to get involved. Underwater welders are called upon to fix ships as well as more permanent structures, so is a great way to get involved in boat work. I haven't started it yet, but I really am thinking about it.

I have started taking a diving course. I figured that I could get involved in underwater welding if I liked it. So far, the diving course is pretty fun. It is harder work than I had imagined. It can really hurt to dive to low depths, and it can be disorienting when you first start it. Nonetheless, it looks like it will be a great bit of fun to get my commercial diving certificate. After that, who knows. Underwater welding is certainly something I would consider.

Understanding Women

It is a strange thing to say, but there are many otherwise intelligent men who have an inability to understand women at all. It isn't just that men and women have different communication styles. For guys like this, It is like women come from another planet. These men have trouble getting dates, don't tend to keep close relationships with female friends, and even get into difficulty with female coworkers in the workplace. Understanding women isn't just a matter of learning to meet singles and mingle effectively for some guys, a whole set of social skills is lacking.

I had a friend who definitely fit into this category admirably. He had some female friends, but would always be embarrassingly awkward around them. He always asked me questions about understanding women broad questions that I couldn't answer easily. He'd ask what women wanted, how to get them to like you, and things like that. It was kind of embarrassing for both of us now that I think about it. It was like his problems understanding women were so deep that he needed someone to explain how to have a conversation.

He ended up getting one of those books on how to meet attractive women and, for about half a year, he treated it like it was his Bible. He would always go out to meet singles in bars, and try to get as many phone numbers as he could. The first few times he struck out horribly, but soon he was getting up to the task. He was having an easier time understanding women, and they were having an easier time relating to him.

The only problem was that he still couldn't deal with women as friends. He would get to a certain point in the relationship and no further. He could understand how to seduce women and make them like him, but he could not keep their interest for more than a month.

By this point, he was much less afraid of women than he used to be, so I sat him down and decided to have a little chat. I told him what he needed to hear that there was no big secret to understanding women. Each woman is different, and like men, women have be treated as individuals. Of course this is an obvious truth to me, but for him it was sort of a revelation. Once he heard it, his whole mode of interacting changed. He was no longer the slimy guy who I used to know. Suddenly, he was a down to earth decent sort of guy who was staying in touch with his female friends and meeting some great girls. I don't know what the breakthrough was, but I'm glad that he now understands women.

UCLA Film School

The movie industry is a fiercely competitive one and gaining qualifications is a recognized route into this exciting world. The UCLA Film School has an excellent reputation and is a part of the only institution in the United States to offer Theatre, Film and TV studies. The school's list of alumni is most impressive and includes iconic figures such as Jim Morrison and James Dean. Actors to graduate include Jack Black, Mark Harmon, Tom Skerritt, and Ben Stiller. Film directors include Francis Ford Coppola, Rob Reiner and Alex Cox.

The curriculum delivers BA, MA, MFA, and PhD programs in Theatre, Film, TV, and Digital Media. There are also opportunities to study specialist subjects, such as Cinematography, Animation, and Documentary. Students can learn about screenwriting, directing or producing and go on to successful careers. The UCLA Film School was established in 1919 and is an integral part of Los Angeles culture. The campus is located close to Westwood Village, right in the heart of the entertainment district with a variety of shops and restaurants.

There are also Summer Programs on which students can enroll for Film Courses, Acting and Performance. In addition to the permanent faculty staff, visiting experts come to teach. These guests are high profile figures in the entertainment industry and well known actors also give their time and talent to the students. The local community works well with the UCLA Film School and there is an Internship Program, supported by the school and local employers.

Potential candidates into the school may be able to take advantage of Donor Funded Awards and Scholarships that are available. Students are very fortunate in being in this facility, where the student to teacher ratio is an impressive 6:1. Pastoral care is also important within the school and counseling and advice is offered through the Student Services Office. The amenities are first class and the best teachers are attracted. It is a well-rounded curriculum, covering the theory, history and artistic value of film.

Movie heritage is a valued part of UCLA Film School. The UCLA Film and Television Archive holds 220,000 film and television titles and is an important resource, larger than at any other University. The archive also stores a collection of newsreel footage. Production studios and individual actors have contributed to its funding. The school's exhibition space screens films and videos from the archive.

This unique educational establishment is not just concerned with the classroom. It owns The Geffen Playhouse, so named following a large donation of money by the film producer and record company chief, David Geffen. It is a respected theatre whose stage productions attract a host of talented actors and actresses. Past performers include Peter Falk, Carrie Fisher, Alicia Silverstone, and Martin Short. The theatre stages five plays each season on the main stage with more plays hosted in a smaller space.

Are you one of the 51 million people still using

Are you one of the 51 million people still using a TV antenna for reception?

The planned transition of television reception, from analog to digital, has apparently been in the works for years. Not being the technical type, I only became aware of the issue during the last year. I suspect I'm not alone. While the majority of television viewers currently use cable or satellite TV services, there are an astonishing 51 million viewers who use only a TV antenna for their programming. This amounts to about 17% of the population in this country.

It's interesting to note that, according to the government statistics, approximately 16% of the U.S. population now lives on an income that's at, or below the poverty line. This might lead you to the conclusion that there's some relationship between these two statistics. While most of us are able to afford a cable or satellite TV service, there are tens of millions who cannot.

Surely you've been bombarded with ads on local news channels, warning of the February 17th deadline, when the transition from analog to digital goes live. Our government had promised to provide $40 coupons for converter boxes to people who still rely on the TV antenna for their reception, in order to assure that these people could continue to receive television reception, uninterrupted.

However, just a month or so ago, the government ran out of coupon funding. People who had requested a coupon are now on a waiting list. Congress did respond, enacting legislation which would defer the transition from analog to digital to June 12th, so that the millions of people still using a TV antenna while having no converter box, would have time to receive the coupon allowing them to continue to have television reception. Unfortunately, this legislation evidently didn't have the 'teeth' required to prevent television stations from overruling the legislation and instead, going right on with the February 17th blackout for those caught in this converter box bind.

While Congress is aware that this is happening, they don't seem to want to do anything about it. This presents an interesting question. The airwaves, over which television signals travel, belong to the public, not to any individual television station. Nonetheless, some of the network and local stations are proceeding as though that is not the case. Those with only a TV antenna will be blacked out.

So how do these television stations justify their position? They have cited 'engineering costs' as a major reason. When you put this through the double-speak translator, it means that they have contracted to implement this change on February 17th and don't want to reschedule these services, to avoid rescheduling fees. The analog to digital engineering is a fait accomplis. It's not as though the television stations must keep engineers on staff in order to effect the change. It's a sure bet that the transition will be made by contracted engineers, not by employees.

It's hard to see what difference it makes to the television stations, whether the change is effected on February 17th or June 12th.

So who are these millions of people, who will no longer be able to view their TVs, only because they still use a TV antenna? Elderly people on fixed incomes and those unfortunate enough to be poor. Those of us with cable and satellite service will not be affected. However, odds are you know someone who is not so fortunate. We must press Congress to enforce the June 12th legislation.

Turkey Package Tour

The Gateway to Asia is a fascinating country with an abundance of historic sites. The ancient buildings, culture and food is best appreciated with top class accommodation. This is where the Turkey Package Tour comes in. Let experts in the field take the strain of organization away leaving you to enjoy your hotel and seeing the sights.

The Jasminne Tour company offers a 17-Day tour of Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Ephesus. Istanbul landmarks include the Blue Mosque, the ancient Roman Hippodrome, and the Imperial Palace of Topkapi. A boat cruise takes passengers through the Bosphorus and a visit to the luxury Dolmabahce Palace, last resided in by sultans. Cappadocia's open air museum is on the itinerary and the Kaymakly Underground City, once a hiding place for early Christians. Ephesus contains the remains of the Artemis Temples and the House of the Virgin Mary, said to be the place where she lived out her days.

My Turkey Tours.com run various sailing tours, a relaxing way to see the area from a yacht. The 5-Day Istanbul Tour is another popular Turkey Package Tour. The tour starts with various Byzantine and Ottoman relics and other sights. Live entertainment with dinner is organized for the evening, starring belly dancers and traditional Turkish singers. The Bosphorus Tour includes a visit to the colorful Spice Bazaar, the Rumeli Fortress, the Bosphorus Bridge and Camlica Hill.

The Turkey Travel Group has more than 200 itineraries to choose from. One of the most interesting of the Turkey Package Tours is the Gallipoli and Troy 2-Day Tour. The visits include the World War I battlefields at Gallipoli and the Kabatepe Gallipoli Museum and Anzac Cove. The ancient city of Troy brings an opportunity to see the ruins and the Trojan Horse. The tour also includes an evening cruise on the Bosphorus with dinner on the boat. The resident DJ plays Turkish music and music from around the world and there is a display of belly dancing and traditional folk dancing. The bar serves an unlimited supply of local drinks. It's a magnificent way to see the Summer Palaces of the Ottomans and Istanbul's city lights.

Macera Turkey has many tours, including the Seven Churches Tour, which is part of the Biblical Turkey Tour. This is 10 days of wonderful sights, beginning with the Blue Mosque and Hippodrome of Istanbul. A trip to Canakkale includes the ruins of Troy, incorporating the Temple of Dionysus, the Temple of Athena and the Library of Pergamum. Ephesus is where St. Paul preached and the tour includes the Temple of Isis and the Virgin Mary's House. Sardis is a town of old Byzantum shops and an ancient synagogue. One of the highlights of this Turkey Package Tour is the Unesco World Heritage Site at Pamukkale, where calcerous salts from spring waters have formed fabulous white petrified castles. Finally, Antalya is the place to see the Temples of Athena and Apollo and the Basilica on the Acropolis, which is the best preserved of the Roman aqueducts.