Travel and Leisure

Statistics show that we are now living in a world where at least 30% of wives earn more than their husbands in dual earner households. Add to this the number of women breadwinners who are breadwinners due to widowhood, divorce and/or single motherhood and you have a growing trend that will continue to increase. Although the number of women making more than their spouses is on the rise, so too is the level of job dissatisfaction that many women breadwinners feel as a result of being stuck in unfulfilling jobs that pay the bills but don't do much else. Many women breadwinners are now finding themselves unable to fulfill professional dreams even as they provide a great quality of life for their families.

What is a woman breadwinner to do when her salary is a requirement but her job dissatisfaction is a detriment? How does a breadwinner wife transition to work that she loves when the work that she's doing is the only thing keeping the family in the state of financial stability required to go from one month to the next? These are questions that many women breadwinners are asking themselves as they cringe at the idea of being stuck in jobs that provide in one way and erode in another.

Here are 7 ways to get unstuck when in a lucrative but unfulfilling career:

1) Write a new story. In order to get from where you are to where you want to be, you need to know what that looks, feels and would be like. The best way to do that would be to write out (in your own handwriting, preferably in a journal dedicated to this upcoming career transition) what your ideal career would look like. Writing will make it real. In other words, ask yourself questions like:
1) What field am I in?
2) What hours do I work?
3) What time do I start my day?
4) Who do I talk to on a daily basis?
5) What kinds of things do I do?
6) What kind of training would I need to fulfill this role?
7) How much travel would this position involve?
8) How would I feel doing this role?
9) Where would this role take me in 1, 2, 3 and 5 years?
10) Who would I have to become to fully embody and own that role? Write your new career story and make it as detailed as you can.

2) Find at least 3 women who've made a similar transition and interview them about the hows, whens and whys of their transition. Oftentimes, we surround ourselves with women breadwinners who are very much like us: stuck. In order to truly believe that your career freedom is possible, you need to surround yourself with role models who've been where you are and who got to where you want to go. Even if they are people whose books you've read, contact them via email. Ask to speak to them for 10 minutes on the phone and then ask them how they did it. Take notes, take their advice, and immediately take action.

3) Review your budget, find areas to cut and simplify your living so you can magnify your career. That doesn't mean skimming down to a level below your comfort lifestyle. It simply means looking at your financial picture and assessing how you could save more, spend less, and live simpler to such an extent that you would have more options to make a career transition in 2 years or less.

4) Create 10 hours of education space each week that you can use to build the skillset necessary to make a professional transition with a lateral move in pay. In other words, if you're an IT consultant but your dream is to become a clinical psychologist, create 10 hours of education time each week where you can work on applying for a PhD program in psychology, attend classes to complete a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy or obtain your life coaching certification. Will it happen overnight? No but nothing worth having does. Begin with 10 hours a week and see how quickly you accumulate experience and expertise.

5) Talk to your manager about other career options within your company. Before you assume that your current job is the ONLY job you can do in your firm at the same pay, ask questions. Inquire about other opportunities. Create a new position for yourself. Find ways to explore and fully utilize the skills you love to use within your current position and your gifts will make room for you.

6) Start your own business part time and devote 2 years to building it to the point where it replaces your current income. If you're willing to invest the energy and the time, you'll reap the rewards. You bring to the table a myriad of skills that could easily be translated into a part time business. There are people who need and are more than willing to pay for your skills. Start a part time business, see what happens, and learn the truth about making money: life will pay you ANY price you ask.

7) If staying at home is your heart's true desire, have a talk with your spouse. Re-arrange your finances. Find a job that allows you to work at home. Work a flex schedule where you have one to two days a week off so you can spend that time with your children. Children are young once and while not all women are created with that stay-at-home desire, many women breadwinners feel some level of resentment because they are missing out on key milestones for their kids that they won't ever get back again. If you have a deep desire to be at home, explore your options for doing so and create a 12 month plan for how you'll get there. Start today!

Overall, keep in mind one thing: it CAN be done. You are not trapped by your job, your pay, your boss, or your quality of life. In any moment, you can decide that this is not how the story is going to go. It will take time to develop an exit strategy to get to the next level but you can do it. Don't give up. Don't look back. Simply decide and do...

Planning for your wedding cake is not an easy task since the cake needs to look fabulous and taste heavenly at the same time. The following tips can help you a lot when choosing your wedding cake.

Do a Research

Browse through thousands of pictures so you have an idea on the various styles available. If you are thinking of customizing your cake, you need to spend more time researching on the various details to come up with the perfect customized cake. It is also important to learn some of the basic terms that you will encounter when you start researching about wedding cakes.

Book the Baker Early

Make sure to book your baker at least four months before the wedding. If there is someone you want as your baker, contact the person and provide him with the details and specifics of your wedding. When meeting a prospective baker, ask the necessary questions that you would like to ask so you will have an idea if the baker is the right one for you.

Schedule the Cake Cutting

Traditionally, cake cutting is done an hour before the party ends. However it can also be done at the start of the wedding reception if you do not want to interrupt the dance party later on.

Ask References for the Cake Baker

Find a baker who will be able to deliver what you want without having to stretch the budget you have provided for the cake. You can ask newlyweds about their cake bakers or you can check the various bakers' websites to see if there is someone who can bake the cake you want for your wedding. After finding a few prospective bakers, you can call them for appointments.

Do Not Overdo the Cake Decorations

Refrain from putting too much add-ons on your wedding cake. Simplicity in the design is still the best instead of stuffing the cake with over-the-top decorations.

Choose an Edible Color for the Wedding Cake

You can coordinate the color of your cake with your wedding color but make sure to choose a color that is edible since your guests will be eating the cake. Always remember that your wedding cake is not only created for display but also for eating.

Do Not Create Your Own Wedding Cake

Never make a cake by yourself unless you are an excellent pastry chef. There are a lot of things that you have to attend to when preparing for your wedding and handling the wedding cake preparation will only stress you out. Hiring an experienced baker to take care of it will give you peace of mind.

Consider the Transportation

Make sure to consider the travel and transportation details in the contract before you let the baker sign it. You don't want any mishaps to occur when transporting your wedding cake to the location of the reception.

With the growing trend in walking holidays, New Zealand's Great Walks, a series of hikes offering various degrees of difficulty, show off the country's many picturesque scenes and natural wonders. Excursions like this are a great choice for active visitors who prefer to see the best of a country on foot - and the Land of the Long White Cloud is most definitely best seen under your own steam.

Of these walks, the Abel Tasman National Park Walk is perhaps the most popular for both locals and tourists on walking holidays. New Zealand's 51 kilometre coastal track is considered a great start for people just discovering the joys of hiking, especially with its mild climate, easy and well-formed terrain and wonderful attractions - including secluded beaches and safe waters. In fact, the trail is so easy to negotiate that it can be walked by even those of moderate fitness.

Time and Tide (And Tour Leaders)

While you could tackle this hike independently, taking the walk with experienced tour leaders is highly recommended. Many tours combine walking and sea kayaking, which offers a more well-rounded experience. As well, travelling with a group allows better choices when it comes to camping, lodge stays and on board boat stay options. The coastal track includes many tidal crossings that can only be negotiated during low tide- experienced tour leaders will certainly have more tidal information at their fingertips to better be able to help plan the trek.

One, Three Or Five?

There are many options for hiking the 51-kilometre coastal track depending on length of your walking holidays. New Zealand's locals, and tourists with limited time, often take single-day trips, accessing many of the different attractions by boat from the beaches along the track. The Bark Bay to Torrent Bay route, which boasts beautiful views and challenging pathways as well as a swing bridge crossing Falls River, is one of the most popular trails.

However, for many visitors talking this Great Walk on their walking holidays, New Zealand's many charms are better appreciated and savoured at their leisure on the three-day and five-day walks. Not only are there more attractions to be seen on these longer walks, the slower pace allows plenty of time for swimming in the spectacular blue waters, as well as fishing and kayaking.

A sense of wonder, surprise and serenity are often the memories visitors take away with them (particularly first-timers) when experiencing the Abel Tasman leg of their walking holidays. New Zealand's varied landscapes are simply breathtaking- golden sand beaches and warm swimming spots on the same trail as glacier peaks and ski slopes. This is walking, New Zealand style.

Are you thinking about changing jobs and moving to Leeds but want all the facts, consider the following guide to living and working in Leeds.

Yorkshire is the UK's largest county and home to one of the most dynamic cities in the UK, Leeds. Leeds is the fastest growing city in the UK with a population of over 750,000 people. Awarded 'Best City for Business' by the Occupier Market Intelligence Service (OMIS 2008), Leeds is now the second largest employment centre in the UK outside London, with 420,000 people employed in the city. More jobs have been created in Leeds than in any other UK city outside London over the past two decades. Despite this, it maintains its rich culture and heritage, its vast historic landmarks, excellent shopping and tourism opportunities.

As a place to work, Leeds is one of the leaders in many sectors including financial & business services, law, manufacturing, retail, tourism, media and the public sector. Leeds has become an important hub outside London.

Keep connected and use the many transport links in Leeds. With easy access to the major motorways, excellent bus and coach routes both locally and nationally, cycle lanes and train routes that include a 2 ½ hour journey to London, Leeds is easily one of the best cities to commute within. It offers the ease of public transport with the luxury of accessible routes if you would prefer to drive. Inter-Yorkshire travel is made easy with direct trains to Sheffield, York, Huddersfield and Doncaster.

Living in Leeds is reasonable with the average house price is £166k compared to £280k in the South East. In relation to salaries, the average salary in Leeds is £34,000.

As a place to settle, Leeds offers a fantastic outlet for an urban buzz in the city centre to lush green countryside. The city is a mixture of modern versus architectural significance and is the home of slick apartment buildings, one off buildings and classic town houses. With facilities on the door stop Leeds City centre is unrivalled in the North for its range of theatres, museums, galleries, a thriving music scene, major shopping destinations and it is a centre for sports & leisure, entertainment and nightlife.

A stone's throw away, you reach the suburbs and can access the countryside. Well connected with excellent schools, shops, transport routes and entertainment. Leeds is a diverse, popular and industry rich city to work in with facilities that ensure new inhabitants are not disappointed.

A company specialising in walking holidays will undoubtedly offer an itinerary that encompasses the spectacular south and north islands of New Zealand.

"Yes, that's right I just walked the length of New Zealand!" has been declared triumphantly at many a dinner party in recent years. Exploring the world via the means of your own feet, with the added benefit of knowledgeable tour leaders, is booming in popularity, A 20-day trek traversing the spectacular and diverse terrain of New Zealand is a definite, stand-out amongst the plethora of transcontinental guided walks on offer.

Mixing it up in NZ is the way of the landscape and the way of the hike; from absorbing the vast array of extraordinary culture and arts and crafts, to enjoying the gastronomic delights of the land (the food is just great!), the sensory experiences on offer are varied and many. Accomodation ranging from the comfort of local hotels or B&Bs, to camping under the stars is a relaxing respite from a day on the road or trail. It's this diverse mix that makes the country extraordinary - it is majestic and often otherworldly but also, in a strange way, always reassuringly familiar.

Five reasons for recommending New Zealand walking holidays for an adventure of a lifetime are:

1. It is diverse

New Zealand is unsurpassed in diversity, beauty and accessibility and is characterised by contrasting scenery and culture. Guided walks with tour leaders include both out-of-the-way and iconic destinations.

2. It is breathtakingly beautiful

The landscape is simply majestic, from the snow fields and lakes of Queenstown and Franz Josef Glacier, to the South Island's Abel Tasman National Park, rolling farmlands, the steaming mud pools of Roturua, Art Deco inspired Napier and the Punakaiki coast. Then there is the Waikato River, quaint villages with picturesque gardens overflowing with colourful blossoms, windswept coastlines, the "finest walk in the world" the Milford Track, and so much more.

3. It is exciting

This is the perfect country for adventure travel. Day to day surprises abound, from seakayaking with fur seals, hiking along glaciers, kite surfing windswept beaches, scaling volcanic peaks, skiing, ballooning, luge riding, horse riding and whitewater rafting, to exploring castles and quaint towns with their galleries and eateries. All these attractions ensure any tour can be as diverse and exciting as the landscapes travelled!

4. New Zealand is safe

Accompanying the enjoyment of trekking the Long White Cloud there is the ease of mind and sense of safety that this special island land offers. New Zealand is generally a very safe country in which to travel. A low crime rate, few endemic diseases and an excellent health care system and friendly, caring people mean that travellers can relax into holiday mode.

5. It is very affordable

A New Zealand holiday is competitively priced and very affordable for the average traveller. Accommodation preferred for guided walking tours ranges from authentic wilderness campsites to comfortable lodges and quaint bed and breakfasts. Outstanding service at each location frequented by those on walking holidays is renowned. The food is excellent, multicultural and great value. The country is rightly famous for its dairy products, meats and seafood.

New Zealand walking holidays are always punctuated with surprise, drama, excitement and a veritable feast of new sights, sounds, tastes and emotions evoked by the beauty of this breathtakingly beautiful country.

When is the best time of the year to visit the Disneyland Resort in California? There are many factors to consider when answering this question.

1. What months are the least crowded?
2. What time of year has the least amount of attractions down for maintenance?
3. What time of year has the best weather?
4. At what time of year are the theme parks open the longest hours?
5. What time of year has the best schedule for shows, parades and fireworks?
6. Do you want to take advantage of special Holiday times at the resort?
7. When are prices the cheapest inside and outside of the theme parks?

If you are looking for the time of year when your wait time for attractions would be the lowest, then fall, winter and spring would be your best bet. This would include the months of September, October, November (up to about a week before Thanksgiving and then resuming the week after Thanksgiving), the first two weeks of December, the last 3 weeks of January, February, April (with the exception of the week before and after Easter), and May.

Summertime (June, July and August) as well as Thanksgiving through New Years are the times of the year when most rides are open. Since these are also the busiest times of the year for the Disneyland Resort, most attractions are operating. Occasionally, an attraction or area at one of the two theme parks is undergoing a major renovation. If that is the case, then that attraction and or area might even be closed over the summer months and holiday times. You should always check the Disneyland Resort website (DisneylandResort.com) prior to your visit to see if any attractions will be unavailable.

The best weather is generally in the fall and spring in Disneyland. This will be the time of year with the most comfortable daytime temperatures and the lowest probability of rain. Summertime is also a dry time of the year, but the daytime temperatures can be very hot.

During the summer months and over Holiday weeks, the Disneyland Resort theme parks will open earlier and stay open later than at other times of the year. This is to accommodate the larger crowds who visit the theme parks at those times of the year. Year-round, the theme parks have longer operating hours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday of each week - but not necessarily as long as during the peak summer season and holiday season. You can check the operating schedule for both theme parks for up to 6 weeks from today's date by checking the Disneyland Resort website.

The best schedule for all of the shows, parades and fireworks is also going to be during the summer months and Holiday weeks. During the off-season, when crowds are smaller, the fireworks, parades and shows may only be available once a day or even only a few times a week. Generally, they will be available year-round on the weekends.

Halloween and Christmas are special times at the Disneyland Resort. The theme parks are decorated for the holidays, there are special holiday themed parades, tours, fireworks, food, souvenirs and shows. Some of the attractions such as Haunted Mansion and Small World in Disneyland have special Holiday overlays. There are special night parties for Halloween time that are extra ticketed events. The Halloween season typically starts around the middle of September and goes through November 1. The Christmas season typically starts around the middle of November and goes through the first part of January. The crowds during this time of year usually pick up on weekends and then become more crowded as it gets closer to the actual holiday.

Generally, the best prices will be available in the off-season. You may find cheaper prices for hotels, food and tickets from about mid September through mid December (excluding Thanksgiving week), mid January through the end of February, and April and May (excluding the week before and after Easter).

So, what is the very best time to visit the Disneyland Resort in California? Taking all of the above factors into consideration, anytime between mid September and mid November would be my choice. The crowds are lower, the weather is generally pleasant, there are usually good deals to be found, and you can enjoy the Holiday extras. If your visit includes a weekend, you can also take advantage of extended hours, shows, fireworks and parades.

TradeStation has established itself as a revolutionizing factor in the brokerage sector. This online brokerage service has enabled people to conduct their brokerage activities from the comfort of their homes. As such, it has proved convenient for traders since they can undertake their activities at their appropriate time. It boasts of a platform that comes embedded with several features. This includes the direct-access electronic execution order.

Through this online brokerage platform, people can design, optimize, monitor, automate or test their custom equities. They can also work on their forex trading methods, options or futures. It is a trading platform that allows online traders to keep an eye on various markets at the same time. Its live trading feature is simulated to enable traders to see how their strategies would pan out.

For beginners, this online brokerage platform may be challenging to master. It would take some time to come to grips with the twists and turns involved. The first step is to formulate a time frame, budget and set of goals. Beginners should ask themselves some fundamental questions. For example, they must be ready to allot some of their time to learning this technology. The learning process could cost a couple hundred dollars within a maximum duration of six months.

As part of the learning process, it is important to visit the firm's website. Here, learners can get tidbits on how to use the service. The website contains various learning aids such as, free courses and tutorial videos. The company regularly updates the learning materials and lesson contents. This ensures that learners are always at par with the latest features of the online brokerage service.

For people who may need further tutoring, a guidebook exists for this purpose. It is free and contains all the written instructions on how to use the platform. Alternatively, attending a seminar could prove helpful. Those who do not mind spending would have to part with about $100 as attendance fees. This is besides extra expenses like accommodation and airfare. These expenses could however be eventually worthy since these seminars equip people with hands-on experience. Once again, the online brokerage's website lists all the seminars that are set to occur.

The success of these lessons will depend on the astute planning of prospective online brokers. It is their duty to stick to their set schedules. This involves booking their flights and hotels at the earliest instance. Regardless of their tight routines, they should exhibit sheer dedication to their learning programmes. This requires that they must set some hours aside to indulge in some online lessons.

Prospective online brokers should also remember to practice regularly. Practice makes perfect; practicing how to use it would give them a comprehensive understanding of the market. It also prepares them for the pitfalls of online brokering and how to maneuver them. After coming to grips with this service, it is time to get to business.

One of the must-dos is the construction of a trading platform. It is through this platform that online traders can access the real-time data and integrate their trade orders. Building such a platform is a simple process that begins by visiting the platform's website. Here, they can build their platforms while setting up their desired charts. Thereafter, they have the option of selecting their own brokers. The most appropriate TradeStation brokers are those who use electronic platforms to allow direct access to the trade floor.

Mahabalipuram, formerly known as Mamallapuram is a popular tourist destination in Tamil Nadu. The cultural heritage of this city is very rich and thus UNESCO has crowned this place as a "World Heritage Site." The Shore Temple is the most popular and magnificent attraction of this city. The monuments are monolithic and rock-cut. In the ruins of Mahabalipuram you would find monolithic rathas, cave temples, structural temples and sculpted relief. People take the journey from Mahabalipuram to Chennai and Kanchipuram since they form the "Golden Tourism Triangle" of India along the Coromandel Coast.

The Mahabalipuram hotels range from budget to heritage standards. Following is the list of some of the five star hotels in this city:

The Park

The Park is located within Gemini Film Studios near Valluvar Kottam in Chennai. Various tourist spots like Kalpaleshwara Temple and Valluvar Kottam are very near to the hotel. The hotel feels proud to be able to provide refined ambiance and every kind of modern conveniences. One can expect to the get the best experiences in terms of business facilities, accommodation, traditional hospitality and dining options in The Park.

The hotel has 215 well-appointed and spacious rooms in various categories to suit the requirements of individual guests. The Park has a Thai & Continental restaurant, a multi-cuisine restaurant, a rooftop poolside café and a bar. The various amenities and services offered here include banquet facility, doctor on demand, Jacuzzi tub, spa, TV, etc.

Fisherman's Cove

This hotel is to be found in close proximity to the Covelong Beach. This five-star luxury hotel is conveniently located in the suburbs of Chennai, far away from the city chaos. It used to be a fantastic Dutch Fort once. The hotel offers a range of business and recreational facilities to its guests.

There are 88 rooms in the hotel ranging from standard room to Luxury Villas. You would find a multi-cuisine restaurant, two open-air restaurants, a poolside bar in the hotel. The services and amenities include baby care facility, cable TV, free room service, laundry, banquet, doctor on demand, etc.

The Raintree

The Raintree is located near Marina Beach and has been honored with the title of "First Ecotel O Hotel of South India". The hotel is there to provide outstanding services and amenities to the leisure and corporate traveler.

There are 105 rooms in the hotels categorized into Club Room, Deluxe Room and Suites. In the hotel, you would find a Chinese restaurant, a bar, a bar & lounge, a resto-bar and a multi cuisine restaurant. The services and amenities include 24 hour room service, business center, gymnasium, Jacuzzi, swimming pool, banquet facility, laundry, etc.

You must try to book in advance in these hotels in order to get better deal or discounts.

Winter sports enthusiasts are often looking for the perfect ski club to join and for a number of good reasons. These clubs have many great advantages if you are an enthusiast of skiing or snow boarding. Not least of all being in contact with other people with similar passions.

Ski clubs vary in member prices and some also have specific requirements in order to become an official member. Some can be very affordable but others are also very expensive because of the service that they provide to their customers and of course there is the matter of exclusivity. Belonging to an elite group not only can raise your raise your social profile but also provide contacts and friends that will last a lifetime.

Special promos are often offered to the members and there are many different types of benefits that they can get when they join up and become a member.

Any sport that you take part in that needs lots of snow is quite a niche event. It's not like you can just go out your door and start snowboarding, like you can if you're a running enthusiast for example. It can also be a dangerous hobby. And this raises another benefit of joining an organization like this. Cheaper medical insurance and/or support when (and touch wood nothing does) something goes wrong. Skiing is a very enjoyable sport but requires to proper training before being cable car'd up to the highest slope available. Being a member of a dedicated group of like-minded people will ensure that you are in the best place for proper and professional training. And most of all, learn the best safety practices.

If you ski often you'll probably find that joining a ski club would be the best thing to do. You'll visit often, receive discounts on everything they offer and generally find it becoming a home away from home. In fact, many clubs have accommodation you could take advantage of or at least partner with nearby hotels allowing you to receive cheaper stays.

And it's not just skiing. Snowboarding, climbing, any winter based sport you can think of will more than likely be covered by your organization. So if you wanted to turn your hand to something a little different, it wouldn't be hard.

If you find yourself returning to the same resort more than once, seriously look into joining a ski club. It will be one of the best moves you ever make.

Arguably the most popular of the Balearic Islands, Menorca is the ideal place to escape to on holiday. It is the second largest of the islands and as it is quieter than its famous neighbour Mallorca, it is more suited to the more discerning traveller. The weather is perfect for exploring the island or simply relaxing on one of the white sand beaches and soaking up the atmosphere. Choosing to stay in a Menorca villa means you have the independence and flexibility to make your stay here your own.

The south of the island is home to an abundance of holiday resorts, peaceful and relaxing. Small fishing villages line the northern shores and the island has a rich diversity of flora and fauna flourishing inland. Whether looking for a family holiday, a place to take a group of friends, or to spend a romantic week, this island has something to suit every taste. Spending your holiday in a Menorca villa can find you located close to the beaches, local towns or tucked away in the quiet countryside. There is a huge variety of sizes and locations to pick from.

The island's capital

Mao is the modern capital of the island and has much to offer. If your Menorca villa is close by you will have the opportunity to make the most of this cosmopolitan city. Historically it has been important industrially and commercially and its natural harbour is still alive with activity today. Mao's annual calendar is full of fairs, festivals and fiestas and if you are lucky enough to catch one you will be consumed by the vivacity, colours and atmosphere.

It was the British who established Mao as the island's administrative capital and their legacy has remained here. The deep archaeological and architectural history can be discovered at a leisurely pace and there is excellent tourist information supplying maps and advice.

But Mao was not always the main city of the island. The old capital of Ciutadella is a stunning town with winding, cobbled streets and a quaint charm. Spending a day soaking up the atmosphere here is must as well.

A taste of Menorca

If you decide on renting a Menorca villa you will have endless opportunities to sample the fantastic cuisine of the island, borne from the intense fertility of the land and the vicinity to the sea. Fresh vegetables abound and exquisite seafood is a staple on every menu. The flavours, spices and sauces of the cuisine certainly reflect the influences of the many civilisations that have ruled the island, including the Moors, Catalans, the French and even the British. The gastronomy is varied, special and extremely tempting.

The Philippines is inevitably the Asian country with the most familiar civilisation as far as the western world is concerned. This is probably because of its colonial rule by the Americans during the early parts of the 20th century. Apart from the capital city of Manila, the City of Baguio is the most significant centre of education, business and tourism in this eastern neighbour of ours. Even though it started as a small settlement of the Ibalois and the Kankanaeys, two of the native tribes, the ingenious skills of town planning allowed the city to rise to its present glory within a century.

A Great Place for Education in Asia

The City of Baguio, which celebrated its Centenary in 2009, is a highly urbanised city. This is more than evident from the fact that its population exceeded three hundred thousand during recent years. Nearly half of this consists of local and foreign students, depicting the fame of Baguio as a leader in higher education in the eastern world. In addition to the national university of the Philippines, Philippine Military Academy and Saint Louis University, there are dozens of other reputed universities and international schools sharing wisdom among thousands of local and foreign scholars.

Ideal Climate and Amazing Scenery

Its nickname "Summer Capital of the Philippines" is the perfect introduction to the significant role of tourism in the City of Baguio. Its location in the Cordillera Autonomous Region amidst beautiful scenarios of mountains and highlands has granted the valuable gift of mild climate to Baguio. In fact, it is significantly cooler than other parts of the Luzon Island during summer, hence the said nickname. Most of the highways leading to Baguio run through beautiful regions, sometimes featuring extraordinary landscape. During a six-hour drive from Manila to the City of Baguio in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, such scenery will leave unforgettable memories in your mind.

A Blend of Beauty and Luxury

Whether you are a serious tourist or just a nature lover, Baguio City has managed to preserve several parks and recreational areas to relieve your mind from the congestion of the city centre. Some popular destinations include the Burnham Park and the Governor Pack Road. Steps have been taken to declare Baguio as a heritage zone too. SM City Baguio mall along with numerous other malls and supermarkets have made Baguio a paradise for shopping lovers. If you care to spend a few months in the city to enjoy the Flower Festival and the Chinese New Year celebrations in February, over 80 hotels and transient houses in Baguio are ready to provide top-class accommodation at affordable rates.

It goes without saying that a baby is a bundle of joy. The babies are harbingers of happiness. But they are also expensive. As parents you would have to compromise on many things and expenses to make your baby comfortable and happy. There times when you will have to live in a shoestring budget because the expenditure on diapers and baby food will be high. Whether it is your first baby or the fourth one, there are many programs and companies that offer many free baby products. Let's take a look at the tips on how to get free baby products.

Tips to Get Free Baby Products

Get a new email account - There are many online sites that offer free coupons for new mothers and their babies. They would also send their promotional letters and brochures to your email address. To avoid the clutter and spam in your regular email id, its better to create another email account. Use this account for all the online programs.

Your doctor's place- You can ask your gynaecologist/obstrecian about the freebies. The manufacturers of baby products leave a lot of stuff with the doctors such as baby cream samples, free subscription coupons to parenting magazines, diapers and many more.

Enrol for various programs - There are many programs in which the pregnant women can enroll. Some of the programs give away free diaper bags filled with freebies, a travel bag for your hospital stay, pregnancy journals and many more. There are a few programs which give away products at a very minimal cost.

Signup in various websites that sell baby-products - Many baby products manufacturing companies are throwing freebies as samples to attract potential customers. You should take advantage of the schemes provided by these companies. It is just not about free baby products. There are offers and freebies for mom-to-be.

Check your email account and mailbox regularly - If you have subscribed with many programs, when your due dates gets closer, there are companies that will offer baby care books, diapers and creams at discounted rates. You might even get offers from reputed portrait studios for you and the newborn.

There are many local mom and pop shops that offers freebies on baby products to their regular customers. You should not shy away from such offers. Remember, if you are planning to use disposable diapers they would actually leave a big hole in your monthly expense. However, use the disposable diapers and baby creams and lotions that would suit the skin of your child.

Each and every day we come in contact with hundreds if not thousands of photographs. We see them on billboards, magazines, newspapers, in our mailbox, and in the family photos that adorn our walls. We barely give a second thought to most. And the more familiar ones we tend to take for granted.

Imagine how that might change if you knew for a fact that taking those photos could actually help you live a longer, healthier life.

My research has shown that taking photos actually can produce enormous physical and mental benefits. Photography's therapeutic benefits are a scientific reality and here's why:

1. Activity: there is always some new photo we need to take and somewhere we need to go to take it. It's really hard to just sit on the couch and take a prize-winning photo. We keep moving.

2. Positive Mental Attitude: we just can't wait to capture an image of the next amazing thing. We know for a fact that the world is full of wonder and it is our mission, our passion to show it off in our photographs.

3. Sharing: while some minute percentage may take photos strictly for their own personal pleasure, most of us take photos so we can share them with others. We are eager to share our sense of wonder with others. And the compliments they bring sure make us feel good.

4. Connection: through photography we gain a strong sense of connection to this world as a whole and especially to our local community.

5. Fun: we have fun! Each photo outing is a new adventure, a treasure hunt for visual splendor. One never knows what visual prize lies in wait around the next corner. We spend our leisure hours in an activity that we find enjoyable and has no end.

6. Mind Stimulating: each new photo opportunity presents a different challenge. We must always be evaluating the ambient light and surroundings and adjusting our camera settings accordingly. Our minds stay fresh and open because we are in a constant state of learning.

7. New Friends: through taking our photos and sharing them we are constantly surrounded by opportunities for human interaction. Mankind was never built for solitude.

8. Sense of Purpose: we always have a mission, a reason for being. It's even fun to travel alone when your mission is to come back with great photos to share of the places you explored. In Earl Nightingale's famous talk, "The Strangest Secret" he observed, "The people who live the longest are the people with something to do." You're never too old to take a great photo.

9. Exercise: walking has been heralded as one of the most universally beneficial exercises and we photographers sure do walk a lot. Add in some squats to get that unique angle, some uphill climbs, a little forest terrain and you've got some powerful ingredients for healthy living.

10. Freedom from Worry: we concentrate on the excitement of tomorrow, rather than the problems of yesterday. After all, with digital photography, we can always fix yesterday's shot today with a little Photoshop! We keep our eyes focused on the future, the next shot. Hope for the future is the ultimate Fountain of Youth.

Photography is a healthy, fun activity for people of all ages. So grab your digital camera, brush up on a few tips for better photos and get on out there. A whole new world of wonder is waiting for you. And with all those health benefits, you'll get even more time to capture all the wonders of this beautiful place called Earth.

Auto title lending has become quite popular lately with the rise in consumers turning to lenders offering fast, convenient, and simple loans. With the economy calling for consumers to "reach out" in an effort to supplement their paychecks, take care of past-due bills, or deal with financial emergencies that aren't covered by some sort of savings account, auto tile loans have become more common than ever.

But if these types of loans have only recently (1990′s) become a widely traveled avenue for those looking to put themselves back in the "financial driver's seat", where were people turning to before to close the gap between financial freedom and budget bedlam. Those lenders who use to gain the business of harried borrowers have now become competition for the title lenders giving consumers more options but less room to breathe in the approval process.

U.S. banks such as Wells Fargo & Co. and U.S. Bancorp still offer conventional loans like they always have but they have also jumped in on the short-term, high-risk lending game in an effort to recoup revenue lost from debit-card and overdraft fees. Banks, along with auto title loan and payday lenders are being scrutinized for the use of these short-term loans that offer high interest rates but may not be held accountable to state laws that are subject to interest-rate caps. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. along with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau have taken moves to investigate these bank loans that don't use the word "payday" but instead titles like Ready Advance and Direct Deposit Advance.

While auto title lenders base the amount of your loan on the value and equity of your car, short-term bank loans are based solely on the borrower's income and job history. Auto title lenders use the equity in the consumer's car or truck to make a decision on loan eligibility and amount which means no credit check is needed when a person applies for these types of loans. Most auto title lenders will not report to credit bureaus in the event the consumer is late on payments or doesn't pay back the loan at all. Banks, on the other hand, may choose to let credit agencies know that the consumer has defaulted on the loan as well as having the option to close the borrower's account should the loan not be paid back. This alone makes auto title loans attractive to people who have bad credit or little to no credit at all.

On the other hand, borrowers of auto title loans will not gain credit worthiness when they make good on their loan payments while payday loans from traditional lending institutions will allow consumers to "create a credit record that will enable them to graduate to more mainstream credit products, whether with us or with another reputable institution." says Jeffrey Lee, executive vice president of Regions Bank.

The big draw to auto title loans may be the big amount borrowers can actually take out against the equity of their vehicle. While the average payday loan amount anywhere from $250-$1000 based on state lending caps, auto title loans can put up to $5000 in the borrower's bank account because they are based on the value of the consumer's car or truck. Keep in mind the lender requires the title or "pink slip" to the vehicle before they hand over the cash and in the event that the borrower does not repay the loan? The lender can repossess the vehicle.

An amazing country awaiting to explore, Mexico trip offers different attractions. Seaside trips, forest visits, traditional city travel, and visit of historical ruins can all be booked before you travel to Mexico, or upon arriving. Most adventure tours Mexico offers can be booked at your hotel or online. Whether you are looking for a knowledgeable expert to take you on guided Mexico tours, or want to create your own tours of Mexico, some of the most popular Mexico tours are listed below.

Tour of Mayan Ruins

The country of Mexico is famed for the wealthy Mayan heritage that colors its history. Facts of that heritage remains in the form of essentially untouched Mayan ruins. Old Temples, castles, destinations and pyramids have kept a mystical honor to individuals that vanished several generations ago. One of the most leading tour of Mexico is a visit of the Mayan empire. Tours should be set up minimum for a week, or month, based upon your vacation plans. Most trips take visitors through the more well known Mayan locations, just like Chichen Itza, Tulum, Cancun and Palenque. If your holidays limited for Mayan trips of Mexico, Palenque is the major Mayan destination, and most visited place around the Mexico. Home to the enormous Temple, sights, shores or cafes.

For lengthier trips of the Mayan ruins, you will possibly want to plan ahead. Throughout the crazy season, these trips complete swiftly and you will need more time to explore destinations. If you are preparing to take a day getaway to any of these ruins, Mexico offered all type of travels, also vehicles if you have not your own. Trips in Mexico of the Mayan ruins are truly worth the moment if your holiday plans take you anyplace close to a ruin site.

Things to do in Mexico...

The greatest Experience to Mexico features are usually discovered close to the shoreline. Mexico is one of the ideal destinations in the globe to surfing, seafood and waves. A variety of other seaside trip pursuits are also offered for just about any kind of fascination. Advised Mexico trips on horse riding provide a best way to invest a large amount of time at the beach or going via the forest. Tours in Mexico by boat can last anywhere from an afternoon to a week or more. Nightfall dinner cruises are greatly offered in well-known tourist cities like Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, and Cozumel. Advised Mexico trips by ship for both starter and professional scuba divers are also offered from any of the more preferred diving resort cities. Scuba diving trips in Mexico through ship are an excellent way for newcomers to practice diving for several days in order to entirely learn the principles.

Ancient places in Mexico...

Even though there are plenty of options when selecting the perfect Mexico travels for your holiday, Mexico team trips and activities can be a fantastic way to visit the region with the guide of an specialist or do some discovering on your own. A lot of tour guide offer deals on Mexico tours when you plan your tour Mexico and want to book accommodation with them, so ensure to check around when you experiencing your tour.

Vietnam has many famous landmarks and has an amazing history and culture to it, so it's no wonder that it's becoming one of the most popular places of tourism in the world at the moment. With so many luxury hotels and accommodations present, and some amazingly fun tours and travel styles, you can really see Vietnam in style and elegance when signing up for the right package. When looking for Vietnam travel information, you must use a professional, experienced service otherwise you may be mislead. The Best Ways to go to Vietnam and how to get to Vietnam can be found in various packages online through Vietnam luxury travel websites.

The Thien Mu pagoda is one of the most beautiful attractions that you can find in Vietnam. Situated in front of the famous Perfume River, the pagoda of Thien Mu or the Heavenly Lady pagoda was built by Lord Nguyen Huang after he heard a story about the appearance of the Heavenly Lady on the exact location. Built during 1610, the pagoda consists of two main parts; the front and the rear ends. The rear part of the pagoda consists of the main hall where the Buddha has been enshrined; it is also the area where the monks live and practice Buddhism. The front part of the pagoda consists of the Phuoc Duyen tower which is an attraction that can be seen in Hue.

Halong bay is very popular for its legend. It is said that a lot of sailors who have passed by have seen either a snake or a dragon appear near the islands. Also, known as Luc Thuy, Van Don or An Bang, the name Halong Bay was only recognized during its first appearance on a French maritime map. The French explorers where the ones responsible for spreading the legend of Halong bay and making it popular around the world; since then, most tourists and even other sailors claim that they have also witnessed the appearance of the sea creature.

The old town of Hoi An is a combination of different Asian cultures since it is an old port where ships and traders from different parts of Asia make their trades. The old town, which was once known as Faifo, has the architectural influence of the Chinese shop houses including the winding roads that interconnect in the heart of town. The Old Town has been slowly yet continuously preserved in contrast with Vietnam's fast progress. Since the shipping business has long been moved to another part of Vietnam, the Old Town is being preserved as a cultural attraction for tourists in addition to being a memento for the locals.

The Cu Chi tunnels in Vietnam will definitely leave you breathless with amazement. The rich, yet atrocious history of these interconnected underground tunnels will educate you on how the Vietnamese created tunnels that spans more than two hundred kilometers with the use of simple shovels to dig the hard red earth.

Remember, in order to see all these locations and famous landmarks in an educational yet fun manner, you can book up some fantastic tours and travel packages through Vietnam luxury travel.

INTRODUCTION:

Myanmar which is also known as Burma is one of the world's most diversified and culturally enriched countries. Rudyard Kipling quoted that, "Myanmar is unlike any other country on heart of the earth". Once you visit it you will know it yourself!

This country is well known for its aesthetic belief, spiritual profusion and religious sanctity. The places of attraction and various destinations are all marked with their individual uniqueness and they are bound to keep you entertained throughout your trip. To visit Myanmar, you can either go for the packaged tours that are available or simply plan your own tour for a rather more personal trip. But if you don't want to miss a single place of attraction in this country, then packaged tours are your best options.

Entire Myanmar has a noticeable influence of religiousness. Buddhism is followed by most individuals or sects. This religion has a conspicuous presence in people's daily lifestyle and customs. Their various traditional attires, utensils, decorative items and other unique things would interest you a lot. If you are a shopaholic, you can also satisfy your shopping senses by having a look at those.

MUST VISIT IN MYANMAR:

1. Yangon:

This is where your flight will land when you board for the plane to Myanmar. This is the capital of Myanmar and the home for international investments. It is the most famous place of attraction for the tourists. With the progressing days and the rising tourist demands, it has the best tourist accommodations and restaurants. The hotels are quite luxurious and affordable. The restaurants here provide the best dining facilities in entire Myanmar. The popular places to visit here are Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon Village and Bogyoke Market.

2. Mandalay:

This is also known as the city of gems and is largely frequented by tourists and travelers throughout the year. This is the place where you can experience the rich art and culture of Myanmar. Puppet culture - Myanmar's traditional performing art, has reincarnated in this place. Mandalay demonstrates the noble culture and heritage of Buddhism. The entire experience at this place will keep you overwhelmed and awed for the rest of your trip!

3. Inle Lake:

This place is famous for its unparalleled beauty and is absolutely a must visit for the all the tourists journeying to Myanmar. The Inle Lake redefines beauty. It is a pure exhibition of the exquisite splendor of nature. The lake is adorned by mountains and the blue sky. The Phaungdawoo Pagoda is a famous tourist spot for the five sacred Buddha shrines. Other place to visit here are Sagar Village and Pindaya.

4. Bagan:

This is an ancient city of the Mandalay region of Myanmar. It was the capital of Pagan Kingdom - the kingdom which unified the regions that comprise modern Myanmar. This place is famous for its lacquer ware which has great artistic value. Their lacquer ware is very light and water tight. This place was also home for many ancient royal inhabitants who used to hide their ornaments and jewels here.

Other Places:

Myanmar has many more places of tourist attraction like Namataung (Mount Victoria), Kyaikhtiyo, Mergui Archipelago, Mrauk and Ayeyarwaddy.

CONCLUSION:

Myanmar is a unique place to explore and a very pleasing place to spend a vacation with your family and friends. If you look forward for an enjoyable family time or a place to relax and refresh your mind with your friends, then this is possibly one of the best vacation destinations indeed!

This is the era of smartphones and tablets. Manufacturers are flooding the market with hundreds of smartphones in different price range. Multiple ecosystems like Windows Phone, Bada and Android have cropped up in an already crowded mobile smartphone market earlier dominated by Apple iOS, Symbian and RIM's Blackberry OS. Apple's iPad, Amazon's Kindle, Samsung's Galaxy series of tablets and upcoming Windows 8 based tablets will create another wave in computing as people will move to the handier tablet form factor. As the number of choices grows for consumers and the prices come down, mobile smartphones and tablets will take-over the computing world including the internet. Statistics point that one half of all local searches carried out on internet are using cell phones. According to Microsoft Tag, by 2014, mobile internet will take over desktop internet usage. This proves that the trend of smartphones and tablets usage is picking up quicker than ever and for businesses, this is the right time, if not already up and running, to have a Mobile Website Design in place.

What does Mobile Website Design mean?

A mobile website design allows a visitor to access your website using a small screen mobile device like a smartphone or a tablet. Mobile websites should be compatible with the built-in browsers that the devices carry in them. Also Mobile Website Design should be such that the content is rendered without any clutter on a relatively low resolution small screen compared to laptops and desktops. Accessing a desktop website using a mobile device is a data intensive task and time consuming. Irrespective of what device or platform a customer uses, a mobile website design should be such that the browsing is seamless across all these.

What are the key benefits of Mobile Website Design?

There are four major benefits of having a Mobile Website Design in place:

• Mobile web design and development enhances the brand, product or service beyond the desktop website into web applications and mobile apps. In a constantly changing Mobile Technology scenario - Mobile Website Design would mean endless possibilities to enhance business.

• A well structured Mobile Website Design has the potential to increase the number of visitors who would return to your site in the future. Increased visits convert into increased sales.

• A Mobile Website Design gives a professional look to your business and instills confidence in a customer's mind. Having mobile website in place means that your business is interested in keeping up with the changes in the world and according to the needs of the customers.

• Mobile Website Designs targeting people who are constantly in motion (hotels, restaurants, bakery, travel websites etc.) will gain more popularity as they give the flexibility of browsing your website while on the move.

Website Design for Mobile Devices & Desktop Computers

A website should always run equally fast on all platforms. The overall web experience should remain the same irrespective of whether a customer visits your website through a cell-phone or a tablet or a desktop. It is more likely that a visitor would remain on the website for long if the website access is quick.

If visitors can't find what they need on your website, they leave. The key to convert these visitors into customers is accommodation. Online shoppers who look for products and services on the internet are more likely to buy from a company that has a well designed and fully functional website on both Mobile Devices and Desktop Computers.

A Website Design should look equally good on Cell-phones, Tablets and Desktop PC

A website should look equally good on a Desktop PC, an iPad, a HTC Smartphone or a Galaxy tablet. The appearance of the website should be the same across all these devices. The features of the design should be same too. A good web experience across all form factors will retain visitors and existing customers.

Identifying devices in order to customize content

It is important to identify the device used to access your website along with other information like platform, browser, screen resolution etc. This information always helps in customizing the content such that the web experience is seamless and uniform. Programs like Google Analytics can be used for such purposes. Such programs help determine quickly whether the device is a Smartphone or a Desktop PC or an iPad.

If you want to be mobile ready, hire a professional web design company that offers web design services that are up to date & provide web design solutions as per the changes in technology and the customers' needs.

Located in the state of Georgia, Atlanta promises a unique and enjoyable vacation. It is a city that is known for its cultural diversity and historical landmarks. Adults, families and children will surely find a lot to keep themselves busy during a vacation here. In fact, the city is such a popular destination that many leading airlines, such as US Airways and British Airways, offer airline discount. This makes it affordable for people traveling on a budget to get cheap flights to Atlanta.

The zoo in the city is pretty popular with families spending their vacations here. It is said to be one of the oldest zoos in the US and has more than 200 resident animals. The giant pandas living in the zoo are very popular with visitors. Not only can they get to taste a range of sodas manufactured by coke, they can also get a guided tour of the bottling plant. It can be pretty exciting for kids to see their favorite beverage being made and then bottled.

Cheap tickets to Atlanta can come pretty handy when you are vacationing with children. Kids want fun and excitement throughout the day and this means spending money. So if you manage to get affordable plane tickets to the city, grab the opportunity. This way you will have more money to make sure you your kids have a lot of fun. Speaking of fun; be sure to visit the Georgia Aquarium. It is a place that both adults and kids will adore. You can spend time watching beluga whales, African penguins and whale sharks. In addition, if you are up for a little bit of fun and adventure, you can also take advantage of the group sleepovers that the aquarium organizes regularly. It can be exciting, entertaining and pretty educative.

Flights to Atlanta will also give you an opportunity to visit Stone Mountain, which is a recreation park. With laser light shows, sky rides, pedal boat rides, golfing, camping and hiking, there is plenty to keep adults and kids busy the entire day. You won't get the opportunity to think about the word 'boredom' here!

You can increase your children's knowledge by taking time to explore the Fernbank Museum in the city. In fact, kids will adore the visit, as they will be able to see dinosaurs and have interactive sessions to find out more about the human body, especially the sensory organs. In addition, the museum is home to a 5-story IMAX theater. This could end up being your children's favorite hangout in the city. Possibly, you could leave them here if they are old enough and you could head out to Virginia Highland in the Midtown of the city to browse through the stores and shops or relaxing in one of the European themed pubs and restaurants. With its pre-Colonial ambiance, you are sure to enjoy yourself. If you want a more high-end shopping experience, head to Buckhead where you will be able to visit the Lenox Square Shopping Center, which is home to big brand names like Macy's and Adidas.

Leicester Square, the glamorous part of the West End, provides the capital with entertainment in the form of film and theatre. The area, known for its square of bars, restaurants, cinemas and theatres is where many visit for leisure and recreational pursuits. Leicester Square is home to film premieres usually bursting with the rich and famous. Some will trek to this location just to stand amongst the crowds and watch the stars walk down the red carpet. The Odeon cinema is the setting for some of the world's most popular blockbuster movies with many referring to the square as Cinema Land. This is not only because of the red carpet events with paparazzi and flashing lights, but because it is the heart of film and cinema not only in the capital but in the United Kingdom. The Odeon is the biggest of the two cinemas, with the Empire being the second and there is also Vue cinema. For lovers of film, Leicester Square is the ultimate location to enjoy the latest blockbuster hit. Why not take a taxi to Leicester Square, and turn up in chauffeur style just like the stars of the films.

London locations are never situated too far apart from one another. If you are travelling here by tube then you can do so by taking the Piccadilly or Northern line to tube station. The central square of the area is situated a short walk away from the station. As well as being a popular place to come for film and theatre lovers, the area also boasts plenty of bars and clubs. You'll find these establishments to be very busy at the weekends, and even during the week for the social London elite. You'll find restaurants here too, so the location makes a great place to come for an evening of food, wine and dancing. You'll have no problem getting here, as taxis in Leicester Square are plentiful. Turn up for cocktails and a night on the dance floor or a more relaxed affair in a wine bar, sat on a comfy sofa overlooking the small grassy patch in the centre of the square. Here you will find some famous statues of William Shakespeare and the newest addition of Charlie Chaplin.

Getting home from a night out needn't be a hassle either. Booking a WC2 Leicester Square taxi is your best bet for avoiding the cold and overcrowded public transport. However, there are plenty of bus stops in the area for those willing to brave the elements. What's great about London transport is that there are night buses that can take you to pretty much anywhere in the city with our without changes. An evening out in Leicester Square is guaranteed to bring you a lively, fun and enjoyable night out.

Holidays form a very important part of our lives because they recharge our batteries and refresh us completely. The only thing that can lighten us up and invigorate our spirit to work and live life dynamically is a holiday. Not just that, a holiday is something that helps us better understand the place we are visiting; there may be so many things we wouldn't have known about the place if not for the visit. Most of all, it helps us build memories, which stay with us and probably never fade away until we become extinct. Furthermore, holidays bring us back on track and help us keep the momentum going once again with a new, rejuvenated and vibrant spirit. As humans, it is highly essential for us to take regular breaks from packed and hectic life schedules and enjoy the precious moments that a holiday brings about.

The travel guide can simplify the planning part of a holiday. It gives information pertinent to the destination and its various features. For instance, if you are planning a trip to Goa and you want to know the major tourist attractions, the answer can be got by looking up in a travel guide. Not only that, a travel guide also contains information about the various hotels that are located in the particular destination. For tourists, travel guides have come very much in handy and have helped in developing an understanding towards the various aspects about destination that is being visited. Referring a travel guide is a trend that is widely followed these days.

Travel guides are often documented by travel agencies. Since they deal with helping people enjoy their vacations in different places round the world, these agencies have an in depth knowledge about major and minor tourist destinations. Travel agencies are the best way to obtain travel information and the attractive aspects of a particular place you want to visit. Travel agencies also suggest places that can be visited on the basis of your preferences and priorities. The travel information about a particular place is provided by travel agencies and these agencies also take care of transport and accommodation services. Travels agencies have tie ups with the hospitality industry, both working in mutual coordination in order to promote their own services and increase their brand value. So remember, if you decide to go on a holiday to a particular place, approaching travel agencies is the best option since these agencies provide full travel information of the place you'd be visiting.

Traveling round the world is an exciting prospect and provides something very different when compared to visiting different places in your native country. For one, the culture is completely different and so are the people. Interacting with locals in a different country is as exciting as visiting the attractions there. You can travel world round and enjoy the sights, the cuisines and the wonderful locales which foreign countries can provide. A good source of information about international destinations is travel world magazine. The travel world agencies also give detailed information about the most sought after tourist attractions in the world.

A report published in Dementia, Geriatrics and Cognitive Disorders in May 2011 confirms earlier research that preventing and treating Type 2 diabetes is likely to help to prevent Alzheimer' disease. It's no secret people with Type 2 diabetes have a higher increased risk of developing this irreversible, progressive brain disease by as much as 65 per cent.

Researchers at Columbia University looked at 1,488 people aged 65 and over without any evidence of a brain disease at the start of the study. Dementia and late-onset Alzheimer's disease were diagnosed as the study progressed. Seventeen per cent of the study participants were diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.

One hundred and sixty-one cases of dementia, and 140 cases of late-onset Alzheimer's disease were detected.

The volunteers who previously had received a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes were 70 per cent more likely to develop dementia than those without Type 2 diabetes, and were 60 per cent more likely to develop late-onset Alzheimer's disease. The researchers then suggested damage to blood vessels in the brain could be responsible for the association.

People with Type 2 diabetes frequently have inflamed blood vessels and too much cholesterol and fat in their blood. That can lead to blood vessel damage as cholesterol plaques form on the walls of their vessels. Plaque breaking off can form emboli; solid bodies traveling through the body that can become stuck in small blood vessels and block blood flow to organs, including the brain.

Investigators at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Organization in Perth, Australia, examined blood vessels in the eye as a possible indicator of Alzheimer's disease. The retina, the rear part of the eye, is full of blood vessels that are close to the brain and in similar condition to the brain's vessels. According to a presentation made at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference 2011, photographs of the retinas of:

• 13 people who had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's,
• 13 people with slight brain problems, and
• 110 healthy people

were examined.

The people with Alzheimer's disease had smaller veins than healthy people, and those people with slight brain problems had more plaque than did the healthy controls.

Researchers therefore concluded that changes in the blood vessels in the eye were associated with brain difficulties and Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease afflicts 4.5 million people, according to the 9th International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders. The number is expected to go up as populations in the developed world age. The Alzheimer's Association recommends the following to reduce your chances of acquiring the disorder:

• normalize weight and eat a healthful diet,
• reduce both your cholesterol levels and blood pressure if they are high, and
• engage in complex leisure activities with physical, mental and social interactions.

Sipping an Espresso and reading the newspaper I waved at my friend Greg, a male real estate agent, chatting away on his cell phone. I thought about what a multi-tasking society we've become, how I hardly ever sit just doing one thing anymore and neither do most of my friends. We can talk, schedule business and social activities, and eat and drink all at the same time. We're more efficient for it and now have more leisure time than we used to.

I watched Greg pressing buttons on his cell and got curious. It looked like one of the new smart phones I'd heard about. Greg has always been one of the first in my circle of friends to get something we all aspire to own. He purchased a home first, a laptop computer, an at home gym, a mountain bike, and a timeshare in Hawaii.

Pulling up a chair Greg got this Cheshire grin on his face as he ordered a double espresso and flashed his cell phone proudly. I couldn't help but exclaiming, "This is the tiniest Windows ever!" To which he chided me, "Bob, you made it sound miniature like the phone has no power."

"Ah contraire. I mean it is the Microsoft Window smart phone, right?"

"You betcha! So you're as excited as I am. This is great. You just have to get one. There are only two models available in the U.S. There's Samsung SCH-1600 and the Motoro­la MPx200. I have the Motorola model."

"Greg, is it better than using my Nokia cell phone with its' graphical user interfaces, applications, utilities, games, internet access and PC connectivity?"

"Absolutely!" While flashing his cell phone at me Greg said, "The Windows Mobile-based smart-phone contains the Microsoft-class user interface, like you use on the computer. It has all the great functionality inherent in Windows. Heck, I'm getting ahead myself. I want to explain why this is the greatest thing ever and you have to have one Bob."

"Oh, Greg. If I listened to you every time you said that I'd be broke."

"Bob, this is different. This cell phone will help your business and your floundering social life."

"Thanks a lot, Greg."

"Well it's true. You do need to get out more than just to the coffee shop."

"Ok, point taken. Is the phone like my Pocket PC?"

"Bob, it's similar on the hardware side. It has 32MB of RAM divided into storage and program space. An SD Card slot can be used for additional data story.

"Ok. Mr. Technie, you're starting to sound like me. Now let's talk about features. You said, it's similar to my Pocket PC, how so?"

"Some of the features you'll recognize like the program list, Inbox, Contacts, Cal­endar, Internet Explorer, ActiveSync, File Manager, Tasks, Voice Recorder, MSN Mes­senger, Favorites, Calculator, and Games. But, there are big differences with the Windows Smartphone, which make it a lot easier to use as a model device. With your Pocket PC phone and some smartphones you have a touchscreen or a joystick. These Windows Mobile-based units (Samsung SCH-1600 and the Motorola MPX200) are designed for one-handed use. This is a big, big plus. Everything you need you can access by pushing buttons. There are no pesky pop-ups, pulldowns or overlapping win­dows."

"So are you juggling with your fingers a lot when use the the phone?"

Greg laughed. "No. I hate to disappoint you, but I'm not some clown. It's easy to use. Most of the features I just access with my thumb."

"What's the screen like?"

"It has the usual Speed Dial, Call History, and but the menu is customizable. You can custom select nine items by either scrolling down, pressing enter, or punching in the number. The Motorola MPx200 display is 2.2 inches diagonal with 176 x 220 pixel resolution. The footprint is 3.4 x 1.8 inches and is an inch thick and weighs 4.2 ounces."

"How about readability and functionality for entering appointments and things?"

"My Motorola MPx200 comes with all the standard phone features: speakerphone, profiles, con­ference calls, ring tones, including an incredible integra­tion with the Contacts database. I love how the Win­dows Mobile-based smartphone integrates with Out­look. It works the same way it does with a Pocket PC. Lots of times I use it for emailing project details to clients. With the Inbox I set up di­rect access to my POP3 but you can also have set it for access to an IMAP4 mail account, or use AT&T's Office Online for an extra fee.

"Greg are there any features which surprised you?"

"Yes, the mere existence of a Windows Smart cell phone still comes as a big surprise. But in answer to your question, I'd have to say the audio, it comes in stereo. The Windows Media Player 8 supports MP3, Microsoft's Windows audio and video for­mats, WMA and WMV. The SD Card is big enough so I can listen to music for hours."

"Is the Motorola a GSM phone?"

"Yes. It also uses GPRS and has a SIM Manager,which is a big plus for traveling overseas."

"Wow, Greg this all sounds great. So, why aren't you using the phone now?"

"Bob I do need to sociliaze speaking of which, I need to call my date."

Same old Greg.

Source: Pen Computing

Spies of Warsaw is based on the novel by Alan Furst and stars David Tennant as Colonel Jean-Francois Mercier, Janet Montgomery as Anna Skarbek and Marcin Dorocinski as Antoni Pakulski. It's a BBC, TVP1 (Poland), ARTE (France) coproduction.

Warning: my review includes spoilers

The Story

Spies of Warsaw is set in 1938/39 in Poland, although the main characters make frequent trips to Paris and Germany. David Tennant plays Mercier, a French spy working closely with the Polish to discover German invasion plans for both Poland and his own country. Janet Montgomery plays Anna, a League of Nations worker who meets Mercier when he needs someone to take to a diplomatic reception. They fall in love, but Anna is already living with a Russian emigre writer and the French embassy regard her as a security threat.

After observing German tank manoeuvres, Mercier becomes convinced that they are capable of manoeuvring their forces through the forests of the Ardennes (which they of course did during Fall Gelb, the Nazi invasion of France), but will anyone listen? The only people who seem to want to help are the desperate Poles (personified by Polish intelligence officer Antoni Pakulski), one semi-retired French general, and a couple of British diplomats in Paris who pass Mercier's warnings on to Winston Churchill. Frustrating Mercier's plans are German intelligence, Soviet Intelligence, multiple assassins and double agents and even his own superiors.

Anna's writer boyfriend is deported back to the USSR (and presumably to his death) at the instigation of the French embassy. She blames Mercier and cuts him off. He tries to keep going, but finds it difficult to live without her. It becomes clear that the Nazis and Soviets are running rings around him. Eventually as the Germans overrun Poland he has one last mission to help the doomed Poles and a chance to redeem himself with Anna arises.

It's a slow-burner, character driven, with little in the way of driving plot; how will Mercier and Anna develop their affair and will anyone listen to Mercier's warnings being the main ongoing themes.

My Analysis

With three hours to play with (two 90 minute episodes) the screeen-writers maintain a calm pace, building the atmosphere of Warsaw and Paris and the frustrations of Mercier as he tries to warn his country of the danger. There are really only two types of spy drama, the unrealistic and the semi-realistic. This is the semi-realistic type. There are very few explosions (only one really and even that a bit half-hearted) and not many shootouts. What there is is a lot of moody atmosphere.

To be fair there's some great evocative period detail, better I'd say than the recent, high-budget adaptation of Restless. Alan Furst's books are strong on pre-war atmosphere, so the series has captured that style well.

It's not a simple or heroic story. Instead it comes across almost like a dramatisation of real events. There are lots of minor characters who appear and disappear in the story as their paths cross Mercier's. The adaptation could have taken the course of trimming the story back drastically and potentially it would have worked if it had, but I found the sub-plots and semi-realism interesting and eventually engrossing. If you liked Smiley's People you'll be at home in the world of the story.

Which bits were true?

Although most of Spies of Warsaw is fictional, Mercier's final mission is based on the true story of Poland smuggling its gold reserves to France (via Romania) to avoid them being stolen by the Nazis.

The story as told in Hitler's Gold: the Story of the Nazi War Loot, by Arthur L. Smith, Jr.:

The German occupiers found the Bank of Poland almost empty. As the German military forces threatened Warsaw, the chief personnel of the Bank of Poland (Bank Polski) had abandoned the city taking with them some $64 million worth of the Polish gold reserve. Traveling by train and truck south and east through Rumania, Turkey and Lebanon, the Polish bank staff finally arrived in France in late October 1939, where they were granted office space and storage vaults in the Bank of France in Paris and there continued to conduct businees.

I was disappointed with the low key ending. In keeping with the realistic feeling of the whole series, the train journey to Romania involved a limited amount of action, some tension and a lot of looking sad as Poland was dismembered between the voracious war machines of Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union.

And well they might be sad, the epilogue informs us 90% of Warsaw was destroyed during the Second World War.

Spies of Warsaw: my Verdict

If you like slow-paced, atmospheric spy stories then you'll like this.

Manila, the capital city of Philippines is the ideal location to plan a rejuvenating vacation. But the question is how to make the holiday an affordable one without losing the quintessence of the trip. Booking cheap flight tickets to Manila is the perfect way to make your outing a memorable and economical experience.

Cheap tickets to Manila are offered by many travel agencies these days both online and offline. You can get the best possible airline deals to Manila, which makes you and your pocket blissful. The vibrant city of Manila has many things to offer to its visitors, which will keep them occupied the entire day. Here are some of the best things one can do on their vacation to Manila:

Sightseeing

The capital city of Philippines is sanctified with many popular historical sites. If you want to know the mysterious history of the city, take a tour to Intramuros, meaning 'within the walls' because of which it was nicknamed as the "Walled City". This place has a famous fort constructed in late 1500's by the Spaniards when they ruled the country of Philippines. The fort was destroyed during the catastrophic Japanese- American war in 1945. This fort after renovation has been converted into a grand museum.

Luneta Park is another important historical spot liked by visitors from across the globe. Luneta Park is the memorial built in the memory of the Philippine national idol, Dr. Jose Rizal. The park is visited by the locals during the holidays especially on Sundays to spend some refreshing time with their families.

Relaxing

There are countless places in Manila where one can expect utmost tranquility. You can sooth your nerves by indulging in some relaxing activities like body massage, scalp and shoulder massage, face and foot massage and meditation. The Spa Wellness, The Ritz Spa Malate, and Relaksasi are some of the places where you can relax and enjoy your leisure time. Spa at Club Oasis at Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila is a place where serenity and fun merges together to make your entire vacation a delightful experience. Book flights to Manila and flee from the hectic work schedule to take relaxing massage and therapies, to sooth your mind and body.

Shopping

Women always find pleasure in strolling around the streets and shopping their favorite items. Manila is the paradise for core shoppers. For great shopping experience, you can visit the following places:

Baclaran: It is the most popular place in Metro Manila, due to its glittering flea markets. Since early 1980's, Baclaran has been considered as the famous shopping destination among people seeking for cheap buying options. While strolling by the sidewalks you will find many shops selling unique items at very economical rates. There are several high-rise malls in Baclaran, but for true shopping experience and best deals, buy from the street shops.

Eastwood City: This is the extraordinary place to shop during your vacation, because of its timings. This place is open till midnight where you can try multiple activities such as dining, fun-activities, while shopping for your favorite items. This unique place is divided into 3 major attractions - Eastwood City Walk, Fashion mall and Eastwood Cyber.

With several cheap flights to Manila available, get the best offer by taking advantage of early booking. To explore these attractions of the city, look for cheap flight tickets to Manila.

Pets are friendly companions for many people. Dogs and cats in particular form bonds with their owner such that many have come to consider them as part of the family or even as another child. It is obvious that when going on a trip they would like to have their pet along. Traveling with your pet requires advance preparation to make the trip a pleasant experience for yourself and for the pet.

When travelling by plane, you need to do some research and find out the requirements for different carriers. Each airline company has its sets of rules. The costs obviously vary. Most of the times, the cost for taking a pet on a flight is much more than that for a child; airline carriers also make a distinction with regards to the breed of the pet. Some airlines for instance will not allow bulldogs or Persian cats to be taken as cargo because they are prone to breathing problems.

Important is the documentation required for the pet. Certainly, you need to have your pet examined by a veterinarian and obtain the necessary vaccinations. There are different choices of how you can take your pet along on an airline carrier. It of course depends on the carrier and if they provide such possibility. Your pet can travel either as a carry-on baggage, a checked luggage or as cargo.

To have your pet as a carry-on baggage,the pet need to be small enough to fit under the seat. Some airlines have special cargo areas for pets that are well adapted. The least convenient method of taking a pet along is to have it as a checked luggage. Some suggestion before taking your pet on a plane trip is to prepare the pet for the trip. For instance; taking your pet to a long walk just before a trip will have it tired enough and resting for the most part of the journey.

Other suggestions involve placing the pet on the floor of the car so that it gets used to the vibration. You should also get your pet associated with an airplane environment. Recommendations are to use lavender oil as an association scent that usually works to calm down pets.

Of course, pets travel more comfortably and the requirements are less stringent when on a train or a boat trip. You still have to have the proper documentation and vaccination given to your pet if going abroad. Your pet may be used to your car. You still have to be certain that it is comfortable especially for long journeys. Frequent stops will give both you and the pet well needed rest and the chance to refresh.

There are many restrictions and laws for pets that vary depending on the country your going. If the pet is an exotic pet or a protected animal, you need to find out by obtaining proper information as to what is allowed at the destination country that you are going.

Traveling with your pet can be a lot of fun. There are many lodges and hotels that accept pets. Searching for such places will provide you with a wonderful experience and your pet will also feel more at ease because such places have facilities to accommodate them.

With the rise and abundance of large corporations whose every move affect the economy, what interest can cyber criminals have on your humble business?

It is exactly that kind of thinking that captures their attention, and because you are small, they will have an easier time damaging your networks. Worse, some will even cost you big bucks.

A recent study revealed that hackers, hacktivists, and crackers do not really possess a strong motive for breaking into other people's computers and stealing their date. Some simply want to practice their skills, improve them, or see how far they can go without getting caught.

Of course, for them, it may be fun, but for us, their entertainment is an additional burden to carry.

Business people have it worse; aside from possible hardware and software malfunction, there is also the risk of confidential data at risk of theft.

Your first line of defense

Before you start worrying about who can steal from you through the internet, be practical and view your workplace as the foremost participant at risk and to pose risks.

Your first line of defense is called physical security. This refers to the ways you ensure that your hardwares are protected.

Begin by orienting your employees on the do's and don'ts in the office. Warn them not to insert just any flash drive into your computers, as the downloaded files in them may carry viruses that will jump into your system. The same goes for hard drives and burned CDs.

A big part of this is entering into agreement about the internet etiquettes you must all follow. Minimizing or banning the use of social networking sites are big leaps towards safety, especially because most viruses, worms, and Trojans travel through email attachments.

Scams still happen away from the internet. Beware of phone calls that request your personal information or inquire about the status of your company. Without validation on the identity of the caller, hang up. Do not give them the chance to persuade you, because you will be in big trouble once they do.

Your computer's shield

Acquiring antivirus software is a good way of defending your employees and your business from experiencing malware. Computers rely on this to maintain the cleanliness of your downloaded items. They help you identify the threats you are not aware of. An antivirus program is usually equipped with the ability to get rid of the threat itself.

Make sure your employees keep the antivirus software turned on, especially when accessing the internet. As malwares are continuously undergoing evolution, so are software companies keeping pace with methods on how to counter them.

Upgrade your antivirus regularly to keep its virus directory up to date. If it recognizes a threat but cannot identify exactly what it is, chances are that it will not be capable of dealing with it accordingly.

This way, you have less to worry about while remaining confident that your files are safe.

Let us say you do want to hire the assistance of a professional but do not have the budget for it; your next best option is the latest antivirus software.

A cloud antivirus is clearly defined as an anti-malware technology that uses light-weight agent software on the protected endpoint while offloading the majority of data analysis to the provider's infrastructure.

This is the perfect solution for those of us who do not have the time nor the skills (no matter how hard you try) to utilize antivirus software to their maximum capacity.

Acquiring Cloud anti-virus protection will reduce your frustration, as it was designed to be less user reliant. Sustain good internet connection, and it will be the one to update its virus signature directory in order to know what new threats have arisen since you installed it.

You can keep track of the infections detected and other reports through your preferred web browser. The other benefits a Cloud anti-virus has are centralized management and PC deployments made easier.

Constantly read articles about the newest internet fishing techniques and the viruses released into the world wide web. Whether or not you think cyber criminals will target your small business matters very little. What was designed to harm another can always reach you.