Is it the white hair? The cool black cape? The glorious lack of a shirt? Or maybe it's the skeleton head. Whatever it is, this guy has what it takes.
A mysterious creature almost beyond description, he ran through the woods, watched a spiritual moment of television and had a life-changing experience.
But what does it all mean? Will we ever know? CAN we know? Maybe the answers we're looking for are somewhere within each and every one of us.
I think it's about aliens, personally.
Thursday, November 23, 2006
The Casual Lifter
Alright, time to let the phat outta the bag. I'm gonna tell you the secret to getting extremely strong through weight training.
It's a simple truth about the way the body and your muscles work, in spite of all the gibberish you're likely to find by searching the internet: heavy weights and low reps, light weights and high reps, overemphasizing each up and down motion with the weight so you spend four seconds going up and seven going down... it's all crap.
There's one thing you need to worry about if you want to increase muscle mass: use the weights that challenge your muscles after anywhere from 3-10 repetitions, rest for a minute in between sets, and decrease the weight slightly after each set. Keep on going down like that for three or four sets, sometimes five if you feel the need.
Your muscles don't know numbers. They don't care if you tear them apart lifting 190 pounds or 110 pounds; you just have to tear them up, then rest for the next two or three days AT LEAST, eating protein-rich food whenever you can. Supplements and shakes, however, aren't necessary.
You should feel some soreness around 24 hours after your workout-- called delayed onset muscle soreness-- and if you did your job during the training session, it should last for a couple of days, maybe more.
If you didn't feel soreness, or it didn't last for a day or two, then you need to modify your routine so that next time, it does. I don't mean you should pull muscles; not all pain is good, just a soreness in your muscles when you use them in the couple of days following your workout.
The beauty of this is that you don't have to overdo it. If you can get five minutes in and really work those muscles through a few sets, you're helping, so long as you feel it the next day. You CAN be a casual lifter, lifting once every week or week and a half, and make progress.
But before you start trying to tear t-shirts off of yourself Hulk Hogan-style to impress people, remember that results require patience and dedication. Progress comes literally overnight (so get sufficient sleep), but the results you envision may not.
It's a simple truth about the way the body and your muscles work, in spite of all the gibberish you're likely to find by searching the internet: heavy weights and low reps, light weights and high reps, overemphasizing each up and down motion with the weight so you spend four seconds going up and seven going down... it's all crap.
There's one thing you need to worry about if you want to increase muscle mass: use the weights that challenge your muscles after anywhere from 3-10 repetitions, rest for a minute in between sets, and decrease the weight slightly after each set. Keep on going down like that for three or four sets, sometimes five if you feel the need.
Your muscles don't know numbers. They don't care if you tear them apart lifting 190 pounds or 110 pounds; you just have to tear them up, then rest for the next two or three days AT LEAST, eating protein-rich food whenever you can. Supplements and shakes, however, aren't necessary.
You should feel some soreness around 24 hours after your workout-- called delayed onset muscle soreness-- and if you did your job during the training session, it should last for a couple of days, maybe more.
If you didn't feel soreness, or it didn't last for a day or two, then you need to modify your routine so that next time, it does. I don't mean you should pull muscles; not all pain is good, just a soreness in your muscles when you use them in the couple of days following your workout.
The beauty of this is that you don't have to overdo it. If you can get five minutes in and really work those muscles through a few sets, you're helping, so long as you feel it the next day. You CAN be a casual lifter, lifting once every week or week and a half, and make progress.
But before you start trying to tear t-shirts off of yourself Hulk Hogan-style to impress people, remember that results require patience and dedication. Progress comes literally overnight (so get sufficient sleep), but the results you envision may not.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Danvers Chemical Explosion
So, did you sleep well?
Not really, a chemical plant exploded and blew out all my windows.
I live within a mile of the chemical plant that lit up Danvers, Massachusetts, and the 3 am blast nearly knocked me out of bed. It was like a nuclear bomb had gone off in my backyard.
My windows were blown in and there was a weird glow outside like dusk, or a solar eclipse, only with an eerie red tinge. Just across the river, where the chemical plant once stood, there rose 300 feet into the sky a mushroom cloud. It's no wonder that people thought we were under attack... it's World War III, and they ARE nuking small town America, just like "The Day After" said they would! Only no Steve Guttenberg running around like an idiot.
People wandered the streets checking to see if their neighbors were alright. Closer to the blast zone, those wandering the streets were the walking wounded. It was a surreal experience.
Every house on my street sustained significant damage, although given that some people felt the blast as far away as New Hampshire (20 miles away), I'm more surprised that some houses within a half mile of the blast are still standing.
I suspect that a gas or propane leak was to blame, but no conclusions have been reached by the authorities. Even with all this incredible destruction, not a single person seriously injured. Go figure. What a difference not having Steve Guttenberg around can make, huh?
Not really, a chemical plant exploded and blew out all my windows.
I live within a mile of the chemical plant that lit up Danvers, Massachusetts, and the 3 am blast nearly knocked me out of bed. It was like a nuclear bomb had gone off in my backyard.
My windows were blown in and there was a weird glow outside like dusk, or a solar eclipse, only with an eerie red tinge. Just across the river, where the chemical plant once stood, there rose 300 feet into the sky a mushroom cloud. It's no wonder that people thought we were under attack... it's World War III, and they ARE nuking small town America, just like "The Day After" said they would! Only no Steve Guttenberg running around like an idiot.
People wandered the streets checking to see if their neighbors were alright. Closer to the blast zone, those wandering the streets were the walking wounded. It was a surreal experience.
Every house on my street sustained significant damage, although given that some people felt the blast as far away as New Hampshire (20 miles away), I'm more surprised that some houses within a half mile of the blast are still standing.
I suspect that a gas or propane leak was to blame, but no conclusions have been reached by the authorities. Even with all this incredible destruction, not a single person seriously injured. Go figure. What a difference not having Steve Guttenberg around can make, huh?
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
The Ladies Love Bilingual Guys
Learning a language is a fun and exciting experience, not least of all because women love guys who can speak a foreign language. The downside is that it takes a lot of patience, dedication and hard work. Luckily for us, there are many fun and effective ways to help us learn whatever language we choose!
The best way to learn a language is to immerse yourself in it, whether that means by taking a class four days a week and committing yourself to practicing on your own for a couple hours each day, or moving to the country where the language is spoken and living among the native speakers, your mind needs to be constantly engaged with the language in order to acquire it quickly.
The first step is to master basic vocabulary. If you have a list of words that you're trying to learn, the best way to memorize them once and for all is to write the list over and over again, word and definition, until you can write the whole thing from memory. You may have to write it out five times, maybe ten- but I guarantee that once you can do this, you'll have those words memorized!
The next helpful exercise in mastering a foreign language is to read as often as you can. Go to the library, find a comfortable chair and read through a book of your choice. Be sure to have a dictionary and a pad of paper, so that when you come across a word you don't know you can write it down and practice it later. The more the read in one sitting, the better your language skills will become, until you're a master of the foreign language of your choice!
If you have access to a television channel that is spoken in the foreign language you're trying to learn, then spend some time watching TV! The more you hear and comprehend a language, the more fluent your own use of the language will become. Watch the news in your language, sitcoms, anything that will capture your interest. It's important not to neglect reading, writing and verbal practice of the language, but if you are really committed to becoming fluent, leaving the television on is a great way to increase your overall familiarity with the language, while at the same time perfecting your pronunciation skills.
Learning a language is a never-ending process. Even native speakers have to read frequently and consult dictionaries to continue expanding and perfecting their vocabulary.
So good luck, keep at it, and in time you'll be picking up the ladies in French, Spanish or Italian, and lovin' life!
The best way to learn a language is to immerse yourself in it, whether that means by taking a class four days a week and committing yourself to practicing on your own for a couple hours each day, or moving to the country where the language is spoken and living among the native speakers, your mind needs to be constantly engaged with the language in order to acquire it quickly.
The first step is to master basic vocabulary. If you have a list of words that you're trying to learn, the best way to memorize them once and for all is to write the list over and over again, word and definition, until you can write the whole thing from memory. You may have to write it out five times, maybe ten- but I guarantee that once you can do this, you'll have those words memorized!
The next helpful exercise in mastering a foreign language is to read as often as you can. Go to the library, find a comfortable chair and read through a book of your choice. Be sure to have a dictionary and a pad of paper, so that when you come across a word you don't know you can write it down and practice it later. The more the read in one sitting, the better your language skills will become, until you're a master of the foreign language of your choice!
If you have access to a television channel that is spoken in the foreign language you're trying to learn, then spend some time watching TV! The more you hear and comprehend a language, the more fluent your own use of the language will become. Watch the news in your language, sitcoms, anything that will capture your interest. It's important not to neglect reading, writing and verbal practice of the language, but if you are really committed to becoming fluent, leaving the television on is a great way to increase your overall familiarity with the language, while at the same time perfecting your pronunciation skills.
Learning a language is a never-ending process. Even native speakers have to read frequently and consult dictionaries to continue expanding and perfecting their vocabulary.
So good luck, keep at it, and in time you'll be picking up the ladies in French, Spanish or Italian, and lovin' life!
Inflatable Boats: Storing it Through the Winter
The beauty of inflatable boats is that they can deflate and be thrown in the back of a pickup, or stored away for the winter.
But if you don't take the necessary precautions, mice can eat huge holes and your boat, ruining it beyond repair.
Check into a boat storage facility in your area. Marinas and boat dealers will often provide storage for your inflatable boat and outboard motor. I lost a 2000 dollar Zodiac inflatable to mice eating holes in it. So pay the fifty bucks for storage and save your boat!
But if you don't take the necessary precautions, mice can eat huge holes and your boat, ruining it beyond repair.
Check into a boat storage facility in your area. Marinas and boat dealers will often provide storage for your inflatable boat and outboard motor. I lost a 2000 dollar Zodiac inflatable to mice eating holes in it. So pay the fifty bucks for storage and save your boat!
How to Prevent Your Dog From Being an Escape Artist
Nope, the solution doesn't involve a ball and chain. Not necessarily. This isn't your office and I'm not your good-for-nothing crook of a boss.
Now, teaching your dog not to run away is a process that should start as a puppy.
The mistake most dog owners make is to follow their puppy when it wanders away. What should actually be done if you want to prevent future run-aways is to let the puppy wander, keeping an eye on him or her but acting as though you're not paying attention. That way, your puppy will eventually realize that he or she is wandering off, and that it needs to pay attention and stay near you in order not to get lost.
This habit of staying near you rather than wandering off and being followed, when instilled as a puppy, is sure to remain throughout that puppy's life. It not only nurtures attentiveness in your dog, but reinforces your status as "pack leader," since they need to follow you and not vice versa!
Recognizing you as pack leader from an early age in this way will promote love and security in your dog, and will prevent dangerous run-away situations in the future!
Now, teaching your dog not to run away is a process that should start as a puppy.
The mistake most dog owners make is to follow their puppy when it wanders away. What should actually be done if you want to prevent future run-aways is to let the puppy wander, keeping an eye on him or her but acting as though you're not paying attention. That way, your puppy will eventually realize that he or she is wandering off, and that it needs to pay attention and stay near you in order not to get lost.
This habit of staying near you rather than wandering off and being followed, when instilled as a puppy, is sure to remain throughout that puppy's life. It not only nurtures attentiveness in your dog, but reinforces your status as "pack leader," since they need to follow you and not vice versa!
Recognizing you as pack leader from an early age in this way will promote love and security in your dog, and will prevent dangerous run-away situations in the future!
College Textbooks: Why So Freakin' Expensive?
College textbooks are expensive for the same reason that college itself is expensive.
People are willing to pay huge sums of money for a good education, and 700 bucks for a few textbooks is hardly noticeable next to the 35,000 dollar a year price of tuition.
That said, textbooks are different from other books for two main reasons:
First, because the purchase price goes toward paying many different authors, all of whom are experts in their field.
And second, because textbooks become outdated so quickly that the publishers have to make up for the loss in revenue by charging exorbitant prices. Basically, a college textbook might sell at 100 dollars for three years, whereas an ordinary book (which won't become obsolete every three years) would sell at 25 dollars for ten years.
And if you don't go to college, you'll be making 15,000 dollars a year for 60 years. So there's that to consider.
The best solution is to identify the books you need by their ISBN and buy online. Online bookstores are sure to offer your textbook for way less than any college bookstore. You might also try a web service like Half.com, where people often list their textbooks for reduced prices.
Just be sure to factor in shipping time so you're not stuck sitting in class without a book, you dunce!
These Internet Degrees: As Valuable as Traditional Ones?
Whether or not a degree has value depends entirely upon the institution through which you earn that degree. That means you need to do some research on the online degree programs you're interested in!
You also have to decide which type of school you'd like to earn your degree from. Does the prestige of the school's name matter to you? Or do you simply need a degree to advance in your job, and would like to do so as inexpensively as possible? The ultimate "value" of the degree depends in some measure on what you'll do with it.
If you are concerned about earning your degree from a college or university with a recognizable and respected name, then you might consider the stellar Distance Education program offered through Pennsylvania State University (www.worldcampus.psu.edu). Their course offerings are vast, and you'll graduate with a degree identical to that which an on-campus student receives.
Boston University (www.budegree.info/index.htm) offers an Executive Bachelor's Degree Completion Program to those individuals who have at least 64 credits toward their undergraduate degree and would like to complete their studies. If you're willing to pay for the convenience of completing your degree online and would like to do so through a world-renowned institution of higher learning, then Boston University might be the place for you. Again, the degree with which you graduate will be exactly the same as that which an on-campus student would receive.
If an undergraduate degree in a Business program interests you, then your best option is the distance learning program offered through UMass Amhert's Isenberg School of Management. (www.isenberg.umass.edu/underg rad/Online_Degree_Program/). The program itself is highly respected, and you will graduate with a degree that an employer will recognize and value.
If the name and prestige of a school are of no importance to you, and you'd like simply to earn a degree through a credible program as inexpensively as possible, then the options are legion. Any of the programs advertised on the left of this page are worth looking into. Try specifying the degree program and major you'd be interested in pursuing, and search for the right program that way.
You might also try looking over the advice on a resource such as the Princeton Review online. (www.princetonreview.com/col lege/research/articles/distanc e/distance_select.asp). An objective and trusted third party like the Princeton Review is useful when sorting through all the various options for online and distance learning. There are plenty of reputable internet services like the Princeton Review that will help you to determine just how valuable your degree will be!
Good luck finding the right program for you! Valuable degree or not, your mom will always love you just the same. And isn't that what's important, along with making piles and piles of cash and diamonds?
You also have to decide which type of school you'd like to earn your degree from. Does the prestige of the school's name matter to you? Or do you simply need a degree to advance in your job, and would like to do so as inexpensively as possible? The ultimate "value" of the degree depends in some measure on what you'll do with it.
If you are concerned about earning your degree from a college or university with a recognizable and respected name, then you might consider the stellar Distance Education program offered through Pennsylvania State University (www.worldcampus.psu.edu). Their course offerings are vast, and you'll graduate with a degree identical to that which an on-campus student receives.
Boston University (www.budegree.info/index.htm) offers an Executive Bachelor's Degree Completion Program to those individuals who have at least 64 credits toward their undergraduate degree and would like to complete their studies. If you're willing to pay for the convenience of completing your degree online and would like to do so through a world-renowned institution of higher learning, then Boston University might be the place for you. Again, the degree with which you graduate will be exactly the same as that which an on-campus student would receive.
If an undergraduate degree in a Business program interests you, then your best option is the distance learning program offered through UMass Amhert's Isenberg School of Management. (www.isenberg.umass.edu/underg rad/Online_Degree_Program/). The program itself is highly respected, and you will graduate with a degree that an employer will recognize and value.
If the name and prestige of a school are of no importance to you, and you'd like simply to earn a degree through a credible program as inexpensively as possible, then the options are legion. Any of the programs advertised on the left of this page are worth looking into. Try specifying the degree program and major you'd be interested in pursuing, and search for the right program that way.
You might also try looking over the advice on a resource such as the Princeton Review online. (www.princetonreview.com/col lege/research/articles/distanc e/distance_select.asp). An objective and trusted third party like the Princeton Review is useful when sorting through all the various options for online and distance learning. There are plenty of reputable internet services like the Princeton Review that will help you to determine just how valuable your degree will be!
Good luck finding the right program for you! Valuable degree or not, your mom will always love you just the same. And isn't that what's important, along with making piles and piles of cash and diamonds?
Promoting Diversity Through College Admissions: Good Idea or Crap?
(This entire note is to be read in a deep, serious voice for effect. Try it, people will think you're awesome.)
The importance of the college admissions process is twofold:
First, that students who work hard in high school, earn good grades and display a record of achievement are rewarded for their hard work by getting into a good college.
Secondly, consideration must be given to the fact that the group of students selected for admission to a college will form the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs in this country. Therefore, diversity on a college campus will eventually translate into a generation of diversity, marked by intercultural cooperation and high achievement.
Academic achievement and cultural diversity are two important features of any college campus. Efforts to achieve both are of the utmost importance to the future of this country, and must be struck simultaneously when possible, in balance when necessary.
The ultimate solution to the issue of diversity on college campuses is to achieve equality in education at the high school level. Inner city schools, rural schools and suburban schools must be held to the same high level of academic standards if all cultural groups are to be represented equally in the halls of higher education.
The importance of the college admissions process is twofold:
First, that students who work hard in high school, earn good grades and display a record of achievement are rewarded for their hard work by getting into a good college.
Secondly, consideration must be given to the fact that the group of students selected for admission to a college will form the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs in this country. Therefore, diversity on a college campus will eventually translate into a generation of diversity, marked by intercultural cooperation and high achievement.
Academic achievement and cultural diversity are two important features of any college campus. Efforts to achieve both are of the utmost importance to the future of this country, and must be struck simultaneously when possible, in balance when necessary.
The ultimate solution to the issue of diversity on college campuses is to achieve equality in education at the high school level. Inner city schools, rural schools and suburban schools must be held to the same high level of academic standards if all cultural groups are to be represented equally in the halls of higher education.
Fido Ain't Gonna Cut It: Choosing a Cool Name for your Dog
I've always regretted naming my dog Shaliqua. But, what's done is done.
There's still time for you to find a great name for your dog, though!
The best place to find a cool name for your dog is from Greek and Roman mythology. Search on the internet for pages about famous characters from ancient myth and you're sure to come across a few cool names that are suitable for your pet.
You'll also need to consider the breed of your dog. Is it known for its strength, beauty, or intelligence? When searching for a cool name from mythology, you might do a little research and see which characters were famous for those same attributes!
If you'd really like to find the perfect name for your dog, try searching for books on mythological characters in Greek and Roman history at Amazon.com. Skimming through the Oxford Concise Companion to Classical Literature is sure to reveal some great names, along with brief descriptions of the stories and attributes that made them legendary!
There are other cultures, like the Irish and the Norse, that have rich mythological histories as well. These are worth searching, too, especially if you have a German or Irish breed. The possibilities are endless!
The bottom line is that you need to find a name for your dog that you'll be happy with, and hopefully one that other people will admire and find interesting as well.
So do some reading, have some fun and let the naming begin!
There's still time for you to find a great name for your dog, though!
The best place to find a cool name for your dog is from Greek and Roman mythology. Search on the internet for pages about famous characters from ancient myth and you're sure to come across a few cool names that are suitable for your pet.
You'll also need to consider the breed of your dog. Is it known for its strength, beauty, or intelligence? When searching for a cool name from mythology, you might do a little research and see which characters were famous for those same attributes!
If you'd really like to find the perfect name for your dog, try searching for books on mythological characters in Greek and Roman history at Amazon.com. Skimming through the Oxford Concise Companion to Classical Literature is sure to reveal some great names, along with brief descriptions of the stories and attributes that made them legendary!
There are other cultures, like the Irish and the Norse, that have rich mythological histories as well. These are worth searching, too, especially if you have a German or Irish breed. The possibilities are endless!
The bottom line is that you need to find a name for your dog that you'll be happy with, and hopefully one that other people will admire and find interesting as well.
So do some reading, have some fun and let the naming begin!
Let's Play "Good Idea, Bad Idea": Putting Off College
Okay. College is a good idea. Whether you put it off or not, you simply have to go to school. You don't owe it to yourself, you owe it to me, alright?
That said, there is a common misconception out there that high school students have to rush straight off to college and earn their degree in four years. While this is the path that many people take, it's not always the right move for everyone.
If you're not sure what subject you'd like to earn your degree in, or if you're not even sure you want to go to college at all, then taking some time off to work or travel can be a great way to gain some perspective on your situation. Perhaps a semester of working and living at home is the motivation you need to decide what you'd really like to spend the rest of your life doing. Or maybe you'd rather put 10,000 dollars down as payment on a some real estate, or toward starting your own business.
There are, however, some benefits to going straight to college from high school. It's difficult for many people to get back into "school mode" once they've been out of it for six months. If you're the type that likes finish a job once you've started it, then perhaps taking time off from pursuing your educational goals is not the best move for you.
Also consider that there will come a time when your friends will have graduated from college, gotten jobs, and perhaps moved into apartments together, and if you took a semester or two off, you might still be taking classes and doing homework.
Ultimately, it's a personal decision that no one but you can make. The safest move might be to try a semester of college and see what doors it opens for you, and what new interests might develop!
That said, there is a common misconception out there that high school students have to rush straight off to college and earn their degree in four years. While this is the path that many people take, it's not always the right move for everyone.
If you're not sure what subject you'd like to earn your degree in, or if you're not even sure you want to go to college at all, then taking some time off to work or travel can be a great way to gain some perspective on your situation. Perhaps a semester of working and living at home is the motivation you need to decide what you'd really like to spend the rest of your life doing. Or maybe you'd rather put 10,000 dollars down as payment on a some real estate, or toward starting your own business.
There are, however, some benefits to going straight to college from high school. It's difficult for many people to get back into "school mode" once they've been out of it for six months. If you're the type that likes finish a job once you've started it, then perhaps taking time off from pursuing your educational goals is not the best move for you.
Also consider that there will come a time when your friends will have graduated from college, gotten jobs, and perhaps moved into apartments together, and if you took a semester or two off, you might still be taking classes and doing homework.
Ultimately, it's a personal decision that no one but you can make. The safest move might be to try a semester of college and see what doors it opens for you, and what new interests might develop!
The Dental Admissions Test: Worse than a Root Canal?
Yup, sure is. But regardless, you need to boost those Dental Admissions Test scores. So, how can I do that, you ask?
Well first off, you don't have to pay a lot to boost your DAT scores. Most sources agree that you need to get above a 17 in order to gain admission to dental school. But how can you reach that score?
First, you need to become familiar with the test either by taking a course offered through your college, or by going to Barnes and Noble and reading over the DAT practice test books. Take them into the cafe and study for free!
Try to identify which section of the exam is your weakest: Natural Sciences, Perceptual ability, Reading Comprehension or Quantitative Reasoning. Once you've identified your problem areas, use the resources available at your school. Speak to your professors and ask for their advice. Perhaps they can recommend a tutor who has specialized knowledge on the DAT format. You never know until you ask!
The bottom line is that you have to know what to expect from the test. You CAN learn what types of questions to expect on the DATs, and every time you take them, your scores are sure to go up!
Pass that damn test and get yourself into dental school!
Well first off, you don't have to pay a lot to boost your DAT scores. Most sources agree that you need to get above a 17 in order to gain admission to dental school. But how can you reach that score?
First, you need to become familiar with the test either by taking a course offered through your college, or by going to Barnes and Noble and reading over the DAT practice test books. Take them into the cafe and study for free!
Try to identify which section of the exam is your weakest: Natural Sciences, Perceptual ability, Reading Comprehension or Quantitative Reasoning. Once you've identified your problem areas, use the resources available at your school. Speak to your professors and ask for their advice. Perhaps they can recommend a tutor who has specialized knowledge on the DAT format. You never know until you ask!
The bottom line is that you have to know what to expect from the test. You CAN learn what types of questions to expect on the DATs, and every time you take them, your scores are sure to go up!
Pass that damn test and get yourself into dental school!
Deafness in Dogs Caused by an Antibiotic?
The antibiotic used to treat an ear infection in my 11 year old German Wirehair Pointer caused her to go completely deaf. This particular antibiotic is one commonly prescribed for ear infections, known as Triotic.
Most antibiotics (including Triotic and others like it) used to treat ear infections in dogs are known as "ear toxic." This means that if there is a perforation or tear in the timpanic membrane deep inside the ear canal of your dog, it may cause severe swelling within the ear. This swelling can cause irreparable hearing loss in dogs.
There is no easy way to tell whether any given ear treatment will cause deafness in your dog. The best solution is for you to closely monitor your pet for signs of hearing loss, and to discontinue use and contact a vet as soon as symptoms appear.
Your dog may be suffering from hearing loss if he or she:
-appears to be ignoring verbal commands -cannot be awoken from a nap without physical contact.
-responds to sound but cannot tell where the sound is coming from.
-flaps his or her ears excessively.
-attempts to rub ears with paws.
Fortunately, hearing loss in dogs IS reversible if caught in time. At the first sign of hearing loss, stop applying the ear medication and contact your vet.
Often, a vet will prescribe an anti-inflammatory drug, like prednisone, in order to reduce swelling in the ear and allow healing. However, it should be noted that prednisone itself, if used excessively or incorrectly, can also be detrimental to your pet's health. Always consult your veterinarian and follow his or her instructions.
The bottom line is that whenever your pet is on an antibiotic of any kind, pay close attention and know your dog's behavior, because early detection of a negative reaction can be the difference between a healthy pet and a deaf dog!
Most antibiotics (including Triotic and others like it) used to treat ear infections in dogs are known as "ear toxic." This means that if there is a perforation or tear in the timpanic membrane deep inside the ear canal of your dog, it may cause severe swelling within the ear. This swelling can cause irreparable hearing loss in dogs.
There is no easy way to tell whether any given ear treatment will cause deafness in your dog. The best solution is for you to closely monitor your pet for signs of hearing loss, and to discontinue use and contact a vet as soon as symptoms appear.
Your dog may be suffering from hearing loss if he or she:
-appears to be ignoring verbal commands -cannot be awoken from a nap without physical contact.
-responds to sound but cannot tell where the sound is coming from.
-flaps his or her ears excessively.
-attempts to rub ears with paws.
Fortunately, hearing loss in dogs IS reversible if caught in time. At the first sign of hearing loss, stop applying the ear medication and contact your vet.
Often, a vet will prescribe an anti-inflammatory drug, like prednisone, in order to reduce swelling in the ear and allow healing. However, it should be noted that prednisone itself, if used excessively or incorrectly, can also be detrimental to your pet's health. Always consult your veterinarian and follow his or her instructions.
The bottom line is that whenever your pet is on an antibiotic of any kind, pay close attention and know your dog's behavior, because early detection of a negative reaction can be the difference between a healthy pet and a deaf dog!
College: Is it Worth the Expense?
College is worth it, without a doubt.
When I got out of high school, I thought I knew it all. I didn't think I needed college, and I didn't want to pay the high rates of tuition. The exorbitant cost of going to college was something I didn't want to contribute to because I thought it was outrageous and unfair. I'd rather be a self-made man... or so I thought.
I ended up giving college a try at my parents' insistence. I can tell you that you won't know how valuable college is until you go. It's hard to imagine that you'll change all that much by spending four years at college, but you do change. And the change is immense.
You become more independent, more comfortable and eloquent socially, more driven to succeed, and you have a better idea of where you're going in life. But there are other benefits, too.
Do not deprive yourself of the friends you'll make at college! It's difficult to imagine better friends than the ones you already have, but you will make some of the best friends of your life in the dorms and classes on a college campus. And don't forget, many people even meet their future spouses at school!
Lastly, there are the economic benefits. A college degree is a right of passage in today's society, and it's your key to higher pay and a job you'll really love. Go to college and open doors that you never thought were possible. Make the investment and see what the world has in store for you! ...including frat parties and monumental indiscretion.
When I got out of high school, I thought I knew it all. I didn't think I needed college, and I didn't want to pay the high rates of tuition. The exorbitant cost of going to college was something I didn't want to contribute to because I thought it was outrageous and unfair. I'd rather be a self-made man... or so I thought.
I ended up giving college a try at my parents' insistence. I can tell you that you won't know how valuable college is until you go. It's hard to imagine that you'll change all that much by spending four years at college, but you do change. And the change is immense.
You become more independent, more comfortable and eloquent socially, more driven to succeed, and you have a better idea of where you're going in life. But there are other benefits, too.
Do not deprive yourself of the friends you'll make at college! It's difficult to imagine better friends than the ones you already have, but you will make some of the best friends of your life in the dorms and classes on a college campus. And don't forget, many people even meet their future spouses at school!
Lastly, there are the economic benefits. A college degree is a right of passage in today's society, and it's your key to higher pay and a job you'll really love. Go to college and open doors that you never thought were possible. Make the investment and see what the world has in store for you! ...including frat parties and monumental indiscretion.
Distance Learning: Sorting Through the Crap
There are so many options for online degrees that it can be difficult to find the program that's right for you. So the first step you have to take is to decide what you'd like to accomplish by getting your degree.
What kind of job do you want to get after you earn your degree? What are your skills, interests and aspirations? Deciding which major of study is right for you is a great way to narrow down the vast range of options in online degree programs. Consider not only potential salary, but also what you do in your free time. What are you passionate about? Remember: if you do what you love, the money will follow!
The next decision you have to make is in regard to the type of school you'd like to earn your degree from. Does the prestige of the school's name matter to you? Or do you simply need a degree to advance in your job, and would like to do so as inexpensively as possible?
If you are concerned about earning your degree from a college or university with a recognizable and respected name, then you might consider the stellar Distance Education program offered through Pennsylvania State University (www.worldcampus.psu.edu). Their course offerings are vast, and you'll graduate with a degree identical to that which an on-campus student receives.
Boston University (www.budegree.info/index.htm) offers an Executive Bachelor's Degree Completion Program to those individuals who have at least 64 credits toward their undergraduate degree and would like to complete their studies. If you're willing to pay for the convenience of completing your degree online and would like to do so through a world-renowned institution of higher learning, then Boston University might be the place for you. Again, the degree with which you graduate will be exactly the same as that which an on-campus student would receive.
If an undergraduate degree in a Business program interests you, then your best option is the distance learning program offered through UMass Amhert's Isenberg School of Management. (www.isenberg.umass.edu/underg rad/Online_Degree_Program/). The program itself is highly respected, and you will graduate with a degree that an employer will recognize and value.
If the name and prestige of a school are of no importance to you, and you'd like simply to earn a degree through a credible program as inexpensively as possible, then the options are legion. Any of the programs advertised on the left of this page are worth looking into. Try specifying the degree program and major you'd be interested in pursuing, and search for the right program that way.
You might also try looking over the advice on a resource such as the Princeton Review online. (www.princetonreview.com/col lege/research/articles/distanc e/distance_select.asp). An objective and trusted third party like the Princeton Review is useful when sorting through all the various options for online and distance learning.
The bottom line is that you have to find the program that will teach you what you want to learn, and will get you a degree that the world will respect and value.
Good luck finding the right program for you!
Because we all gotta make that money and drive that '92 Toyota Corolla! Holla!
What kind of job do you want to get after you earn your degree? What are your skills, interests and aspirations? Deciding which major of study is right for you is a great way to narrow down the vast range of options in online degree programs. Consider not only potential salary, but also what you do in your free time. What are you passionate about? Remember: if you do what you love, the money will follow!
The next decision you have to make is in regard to the type of school you'd like to earn your degree from. Does the prestige of the school's name matter to you? Or do you simply need a degree to advance in your job, and would like to do so as inexpensively as possible?
If you are concerned about earning your degree from a college or university with a recognizable and respected name, then you might consider the stellar Distance Education program offered through Pennsylvania State University (www.worldcampus.psu.edu). Their course offerings are vast, and you'll graduate with a degree identical to that which an on-campus student receives.
Boston University (www.budegree.info/index.htm) offers an Executive Bachelor's Degree Completion Program to those individuals who have at least 64 credits toward their undergraduate degree and would like to complete their studies. If you're willing to pay for the convenience of completing your degree online and would like to do so through a world-renowned institution of higher learning, then Boston University might be the place for you. Again, the degree with which you graduate will be exactly the same as that which an on-campus student would receive.
If an undergraduate degree in a Business program interests you, then your best option is the distance learning program offered through UMass Amhert's Isenberg School of Management. (www.isenberg.umass.edu/underg rad/Online_Degree_Program/). The program itself is highly respected, and you will graduate with a degree that an employer will recognize and value.
If the name and prestige of a school are of no importance to you, and you'd like simply to earn a degree through a credible program as inexpensively as possible, then the options are legion. Any of the programs advertised on the left of this page are worth looking into. Try specifying the degree program and major you'd be interested in pursuing, and search for the right program that way.
You might also try looking over the advice on a resource such as the Princeton Review online. (www.princetonreview.com/col lege/research/articles/distanc e/distance_select.asp). An objective and trusted third party like the Princeton Review is useful when sorting through all the various options for online and distance learning.
The bottom line is that you have to find the program that will teach you what you want to learn, and will get you a degree that the world will respect and value.
Good luck finding the right program for you!
Because we all gotta make that money and drive that '92 Toyota Corolla! Holla!
Egypt's Sinai Peninsula: Not Just a Desert to Wander In for 40 Years
The Sinai Peninsula of Egypt is largely overlooked by modern tourists in favor of Cairo and the Pyramids at Giza.
There is much to see and explore here, however, including Mount Sinai, where Moses received the Ten Commandments from God himself, and where the location of the Burning Bush can still be seen today. At the foot of the mountain is St. Catherine's Monastery, a centuries old bastion of Eastern Orthodox Christianity and the home to many original icons and artifacts, including a letter of protection written and signed by Mohammed himself, the Prophet of Islam.
From the monastery, visitors can embark upon a pre-dawn camel ride up the mountain to see the sunrise from the top of Mount Sinai. Looking east toward the Red Sea and Saudi Arabia, to see the sun rise over the craggy desert where the Israelites wandered for forty years is an experience that you'll take with you for the rest of your life.
From here, a short busride eastward over that craggy desert will bring you to the Red Sea itself, within view of the shores of Saudi Arabia, where you can find many luxury oceanside resorts for you and the whole family to enjoy.
But the possibilities don't end there. A short drive to the north will bring you to the border of Israel, where entirely new adventures await. The border between Egypt and Israel is heavily secured, however, and you'll need to make sure all proper documentation is in order to avoid confusion and delay.
With an adventurous spirit and proper planning, the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt offers the sights and experiences of a lifetime!
There is much to see and explore here, however, including Mount Sinai, where Moses received the Ten Commandments from God himself, and where the location of the Burning Bush can still be seen today. At the foot of the mountain is St. Catherine's Monastery, a centuries old bastion of Eastern Orthodox Christianity and the home to many original icons and artifacts, including a letter of protection written and signed by Mohammed himself, the Prophet of Islam.
From the monastery, visitors can embark upon a pre-dawn camel ride up the mountain to see the sunrise from the top of Mount Sinai. Looking east toward the Red Sea and Saudi Arabia, to see the sun rise over the craggy desert where the Israelites wandered for forty years is an experience that you'll take with you for the rest of your life.
From here, a short busride eastward over that craggy desert will bring you to the Red Sea itself, within view of the shores of Saudi Arabia, where you can find many luxury oceanside resorts for you and the whole family to enjoy.
But the possibilities don't end there. A short drive to the north will bring you to the border of Israel, where entirely new adventures await. The border between Egypt and Israel is heavily secured, however, and you'll need to make sure all proper documentation is in order to avoid confusion and delay.
With an adventurous spirit and proper planning, the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt offers the sights and experiences of a lifetime!
Oh Arizona, How I Love Thee... and Hey Dude
Arizona is home to a colorful variety of natural beauty, sports and leisure activities, and vibrant historical sites.
Whether you're the adventurous type or simply looking for a beautiful and relaxing getaway, Arizona has something for you.
The golf enthusiast can find many world-class golf courses suited to any skill level in the Phoenix-Sedona area, designed by golfing greats like Jack Nicklaus II, Hale Irwin and Robert Trench Jones, Sr.
Got a history buff in the family? See the spot where Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday fought one of the most famous gunfights in history at the OK corral in the legendary town of Tombstone, south of Tucson. Or plan a visit to one of the many authentic ghost towns dotting the desert sands of the Mojave Desert. This area of Arizona is also home to the battlegrounds of the famous Native American chieftains Cochise and Geronimo, as well as many US Army outposts that date from this time period.
Tucson itself is home to a bit of television history as well. The Tanque Verde horse ranch is the working luxury ranch/resort where the hit comedy "Hey Dude" was filmed. It's certainly worth a look, and you can go for a horseback ride through the desert at sunset while you're there.
If you're looking to make your fortune digging for gold, the Superstition Mountains may be the place for you. Less than an hour's drive north of Phoenix, the Superstitions are the home of the famous Lost Dutchman's gold mine, which is still sought after by modern day prospectors.
And of course, no American vacation is complete without a trip to the Grand Canyon in the northwestern corner of the state. The views here are spectacular year round, with horseback treks to the bottom of the canyon and rafting trips down the mighty Colorado River making this a vacation destination the whole family is sure to love.
Whether you're the adventurous type or simply looking for a beautiful and relaxing getaway, Arizona has something for you.
The golf enthusiast can find many world-class golf courses suited to any skill level in the Phoenix-Sedona area, designed by golfing greats like Jack Nicklaus II, Hale Irwin and Robert Trench Jones, Sr.
Got a history buff in the family? See the spot where Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday fought one of the most famous gunfights in history at the OK corral in the legendary town of Tombstone, south of Tucson. Or plan a visit to one of the many authentic ghost towns dotting the desert sands of the Mojave Desert. This area of Arizona is also home to the battlegrounds of the famous Native American chieftains Cochise and Geronimo, as well as many US Army outposts that date from this time period.
Tucson itself is home to a bit of television history as well. The Tanque Verde horse ranch is the working luxury ranch/resort where the hit comedy "Hey Dude" was filmed. It's certainly worth a look, and you can go for a horseback ride through the desert at sunset while you're there.
If you're looking to make your fortune digging for gold, the Superstition Mountains may be the place for you. Less than an hour's drive north of Phoenix, the Superstitions are the home of the famous Lost Dutchman's gold mine, which is still sought after by modern day prospectors.
And of course, no American vacation is complete without a trip to the Grand Canyon in the northwestern corner of the state. The views here are spectacular year round, with horseback treks to the bottom of the canyon and rafting trips down the mighty Colorado River making this a vacation destination the whole family is sure to love.
Cheaps Ways to Insulate Your Home
There are plenty of inexpensive ways to insulate your home, using things you have around the house or can easily obtain at Home Depot.
The biggest loss of heat from a home is through the windows, especially skylights or windows on the north side of the house. If your windows are old and drafty, you could save big bucks by replacing them. New windows are so far superior to the old windows present in many homes that they'll easily pay for themselves in heating costs.
You can help to improve the insulating quality of any window by sealing around the edges of the frame with clear silicone. You'll need a tube of construction grade silicone and a cheap silicone gun from Home Depot. Squeeze a generous amount into the gaps around the frame and the drafts are sure to stop!
If you plan on keeping your windows closed for the winter, you might want to consider buying a window insulating kit. It consists basically of adhesive and oversized saran wrap. The saran wrap is stretched across the window and secured around the frame of the window. It's so clear and smooth, you won't even notice it's there!
This method works well for skylights, too, which are the biggest single cause of heat loss in a home. Heat rises and escapes out the skylights, so if you're going to seal anything for the winter, seal those skylights!
If you need a quick fix for a drafty window, get out a roll of duct tape. Cover the gaps around the frame with strips of tape, and also make sure to seal the gap around the track where the window moves up and down inside the frame. This always makes a huge difference in cold air drafts!
You can also save money on energy costs by insulting the hot water pipes in your basement. Pipe insulation can be found at Home Depot, and is cheap and easy to apply. Cover all your hot water pipes, including the pipes that feed your forced hot water heating system. Now sit back and watch the energy savings roll in!
Insulating your home can be fun and rewarding. Always be on the lookout for drafts and gaps around doors and windows, and winterize any doors and windows that won't be in use for the winter.
Good luck and have fun insulating, you ruggedly handsome or breathtakingly beautiful handyman or woman!
The biggest loss of heat from a home is through the windows, especially skylights or windows on the north side of the house. If your windows are old and drafty, you could save big bucks by replacing them. New windows are so far superior to the old windows present in many homes that they'll easily pay for themselves in heating costs.
You can help to improve the insulating quality of any window by sealing around the edges of the frame with clear silicone. You'll need a tube of construction grade silicone and a cheap silicone gun from Home Depot. Squeeze a generous amount into the gaps around the frame and the drafts are sure to stop!
If you plan on keeping your windows closed for the winter, you might want to consider buying a window insulating kit. It consists basically of adhesive and oversized saran wrap. The saran wrap is stretched across the window and secured around the frame of the window. It's so clear and smooth, you won't even notice it's there!
This method works well for skylights, too, which are the biggest single cause of heat loss in a home. Heat rises and escapes out the skylights, so if you're going to seal anything for the winter, seal those skylights!
If you need a quick fix for a drafty window, get out a roll of duct tape. Cover the gaps around the frame with strips of tape, and also make sure to seal the gap around the track where the window moves up and down inside the frame. This always makes a huge difference in cold air drafts!
You can also save money on energy costs by insulting the hot water pipes in your basement. Pipe insulation can be found at Home Depot, and is cheap and easy to apply. Cover all your hot water pipes, including the pipes that feed your forced hot water heating system. Now sit back and watch the energy savings roll in!
Insulating your home can be fun and rewarding. Always be on the lookout for drafts and gaps around doors and windows, and winterize any doors and windows that won't be in use for the winter.
Good luck and have fun insulating, you ruggedly handsome or breathtakingly beautiful handyman or woman!
Jesus: God, Teacher or Prophet?
CS Lewis made an interesting point on the subject of Jesus as prophet.
Jesus of Nazareth claimed that he was the Son of God. Now there are three possibilities that arise from this statement:
First, that Jesus was not the Son of God, but rather he was a lunatic.
Second, that Jesus was not the Son of God, but he was just a bad man who deceived people.
Or Third, that Jesus was who He said He was: the Son of God Himself.
By claiming that He was the Son of God, Jesus left no room in the middle whereby we could call him a teacher, a good man or a prophet. He was either a lunatic, an evil man or the Son of God.
If you're interested in questions about the validity of Christianity, or about logical proofs of the Christian faith, I'd recommend reading Mere Christianity, by CS Lewis. From there, a great wealth of knowledge is available to you in the other works of this great writer! Huzzah!
Jesus of Nazareth claimed that he was the Son of God. Now there are three possibilities that arise from this statement:
First, that Jesus was not the Son of God, but rather he was a lunatic.
Second, that Jesus was not the Son of God, but he was just a bad man who deceived people.
Or Third, that Jesus was who He said He was: the Son of God Himself.
By claiming that He was the Son of God, Jesus left no room in the middle whereby we could call him a teacher, a good man or a prophet. He was either a lunatic, an evil man or the Son of God.
If you're interested in questions about the validity of Christianity, or about logical proofs of the Christian faith, I'd recommend reading Mere Christianity, by CS Lewis. From there, a great wealth of knowledge is available to you in the other works of this great writer! Huzzah!
Women, Colleges, and Employers
What do they have in common? They all find high SAT scores very, very attractive.
You don't have to pay a lot to boost your SAT scores. You need to become familiar with the test either by taking a course offered through your high school (as I did), or by going to Barnes and Noble and reading over the SAT practice test books. Take them into the cafe and study for free!
If the verbal section is your weaker area, get to know the kinds of questions that will be asked on that part of the exam. Practice them and check your answers. On the ones you answer incorrectly, take the time to figure out why. What was it about the correct answer that you missed? There are patterns on the SATs that you can learn to recognize and identify, thereby boosting those scores!
If the math section is your weaker area, you should talk to your math teachers at school. Often times, your teachers will have helpful advice for you, or books to lend you for preparing for the SATs. Sometimes they might even offer you free tutoring sessions after school. You never know until you ask!
Go to Barnes and Noble again and read through those SAT practice books. Which questions do you understand, and which ones just don't seem to click for you? Take notes, and bring the problem questions to your math teacher. They're a free resource that you should make use of, and they're always willing to help!
The bottom line is that you have to know what to expect from the test. You CAN learn what types of questions to expect on the SATs, and every time you take them, your scores are sure to go up! And don't forget, higher SAT scores means money in your pocket and some attention from the ladies!
You don't have to pay a lot to boost your SAT scores. You need to become familiar with the test either by taking a course offered through your high school (as I did), or by going to Barnes and Noble and reading over the SAT practice test books. Take them into the cafe and study for free!
If the verbal section is your weaker area, get to know the kinds of questions that will be asked on that part of the exam. Practice them and check your answers. On the ones you answer incorrectly, take the time to figure out why. What was it about the correct answer that you missed? There are patterns on the SATs that you can learn to recognize and identify, thereby boosting those scores!
If the math section is your weaker area, you should talk to your math teachers at school. Often times, your teachers will have helpful advice for you, or books to lend you for preparing for the SATs. Sometimes they might even offer you free tutoring sessions after school. You never know until you ask!
Go to Barnes and Noble again and read through those SAT practice books. Which questions do you understand, and which ones just don't seem to click for you? Take notes, and bring the problem questions to your math teacher. They're a free resource that you should make use of, and they're always willing to help!
The bottom line is that you have to know what to expect from the test. You CAN learn what types of questions to expect on the SATs, and every time you take them, your scores are sure to go up! And don't forget, higher SAT scores means money in your pocket and some attention from the ladies!
Virtual Schools are Virtually Awesome
Many traditional colleges and universities now offer virtual schools within the traditional on-campus framework.
New methods of teaching students in interactive ways are constantly evolving as a result of the increased demand for internet-based courses and programs that offer college degrees from home.
The most reliable of these virtual schools do indeed tend to be offshoots of traditional institutions of higher learning. One such example of a cutting edge virtual school is Pennsylvania State University's "World Campus" (www.worldcampus.psu.edu). This particular program is innovative in the ways by which a Distance Learning student can interact with other non-traditional students as well as their on-campus counterparts.
Gone are the days of snail mail tests and quizzes, or lectures on cassette tape! Through sophisticated new programs utilizing internet technology, community forums, real time discussions and telephone interviews, students can work from home and still have the traditional in-class experience. Best of all, the degree earned is identical to those awarded to on-campus students.
A similar program exists at Boston University, called the Executive Bachelor's Degree Completion Program (www.budegree.info/index.htm), in which an adult student who has earned at least 64 credits toward his or her Bachelor's degree can complete their degree-granting program entire online. Again, the Distance Learning student has full and complete access to all the same resources that a tradition, on-campus student does, and receives the same degree.
Another interesting development in the field of internet education is the Virtual School of Business offered by UMass Amherst's Isenberg School of Management (www.isenberg.umass.edu/underg rad/Online_Degree_Program/). Admission to the tradition Isenberg School is highly selective and widely respected by employers, and the virtual counterpart is no different. A Distance Learning student who graduates with a degree from this Virtual Business School commands the respect and salary that he or she deserves when entering the business world.
The field of virtual schools available on the internet today is vast, and in order to find the right program, one has to be sure to consider an institution's reputation, the quality of the Distance Learning experience offered, and the availability of one's preferred area of study.
Virtual Schools, like Virtual Reality, are places where all your wildest dreams can come true!
New methods of teaching students in interactive ways are constantly evolving as a result of the increased demand for internet-based courses and programs that offer college degrees from home.
The most reliable of these virtual schools do indeed tend to be offshoots of traditional institutions of higher learning. One such example of a cutting edge virtual school is Pennsylvania State University's "World Campus" (www.worldcampus.psu.edu). This particular program is innovative in the ways by which a Distance Learning student can interact with other non-traditional students as well as their on-campus counterparts.
Gone are the days of snail mail tests and quizzes, or lectures on cassette tape! Through sophisticated new programs utilizing internet technology, community forums, real time discussions and telephone interviews, students can work from home and still have the traditional in-class experience. Best of all, the degree earned is identical to those awarded to on-campus students.
A similar program exists at Boston University, called the Executive Bachelor's Degree Completion Program (www.budegree.info/index.htm), in which an adult student who has earned at least 64 credits toward his or her Bachelor's degree can complete their degree-granting program entire online. Again, the Distance Learning student has full and complete access to all the same resources that a tradition, on-campus student does, and receives the same degree.
Another interesting development in the field of internet education is the Virtual School of Business offered by UMass Amherst's Isenberg School of Management (www.isenberg.umass.edu/underg rad/Online_Degree_Program/). Admission to the tradition Isenberg School is highly selective and widely respected by employers, and the virtual counterpart is no different. A Distance Learning student who graduates with a degree from this Virtual Business School commands the respect and salary that he or she deserves when entering the business world.
The field of virtual schools available on the internet today is vast, and in order to find the right program, one has to be sure to consider an institution's reputation, the quality of the Distance Learning experience offered, and the availability of one's preferred area of study.
Virtual Schools, like Virtual Reality, are places where all your wildest dreams can come true!
Best Way to Choose and Online Degree
Earning your undergraduate degree online is a great option for many people who choose not to live on a college campus either for work or family-related issues.
The only problem is weeding through all the no-name degree-granting institutions that you'll find scattered all over the internet. The solution? Look for a legitimate, well-known college that has a recognized Distance Learning program.
If you'd like to earn your degree from a college or university with a recognizable and respected name, then you might consider the stellar Distance Education program offered through Pennsylvania State University (www.worldcampus.psu.edu). Their course offerings are vast, and you'll graduate with a degree identical to that which an on-campus student receives.
Boston University (www.budegree.info/index.htm) offers an Executive Bachelor's Degree Completion Program to those individuals who have at least 64 credits toward their undergraduate degree and would like to complete their studies. If you're willing to pay for the convenience of completing your degree online and would like to do so through a world-renowned institution of higher learning, then Boston University might be the place for you. Again, the degree with which you graduate will be exactly the same as that which an on-campus student would receive.
If an undergraduate degree in a Business program interests you, then your best option is the distance learning program offered through UMass Amhert's Isenberg School of Management. (www.isenberg.umass.edu/underg rad/Online_Degree_Program/). The program itself is highly respected, and you will graduate with a degree that an employer will recognize and value.
If the name and prestige of a school are of no importance to you, and you'd like simply to earn a degree through a credible program as inexpensively as possible, then the options are legion. Any of the programs advertised on this page are worth looking into. Try specifying the degree program and major you'd be interested in pursuing, and search for the right program that way.
You might also try looking over the advice on a resource such as the Princeton Review online. (www.princetonreview.com/col lege/research/articles/distanc e/distance_select.asp). An objective and trusted third party like the Princeton Review is useful when sorting through all the various options for online and distance learning.
Have fun choosing the right program for you!
The only problem is weeding through all the no-name degree-granting institutions that you'll find scattered all over the internet. The solution? Look for a legitimate, well-known college that has a recognized Distance Learning program.
If you'd like to earn your degree from a college or university with a recognizable and respected name, then you might consider the stellar Distance Education program offered through Pennsylvania State University (www.worldcampus.psu.edu). Their course offerings are vast, and you'll graduate with a degree identical to that which an on-campus student receives.
Boston University (www.budegree.info/index.htm) offers an Executive Bachelor's Degree Completion Program to those individuals who have at least 64 credits toward their undergraduate degree and would like to complete their studies. If you're willing to pay for the convenience of completing your degree online and would like to do so through a world-renowned institution of higher learning, then Boston University might be the place for you. Again, the degree with which you graduate will be exactly the same as that which an on-campus student would receive.
If an undergraduate degree in a Business program interests you, then your best option is the distance learning program offered through UMass Amhert's Isenberg School of Management. (www.isenberg.umass.edu/underg rad/Online_Degree_Program/). The program itself is highly respected, and you will graduate with a degree that an employer will recognize and value.
If the name and prestige of a school are of no importance to you, and you'd like simply to earn a degree through a credible program as inexpensively as possible, then the options are legion. Any of the programs advertised on this page are worth looking into. Try specifying the degree program and major you'd be interested in pursuing, and search for the right program that way.
You might also try looking over the advice on a resource such as the Princeton Review online. (www.princetonreview.com/col lege/research/articles/distanc e/distance_select.asp). An objective and trusted third party like the Princeton Review is useful when sorting through all the various options for online and distance learning.
Have fun choosing the right program for you!
Kids or Parents: Who Should Pay for College?
Sorry kids, time to pony up.
The first thing parents have to do is think about their own retirement.
There are ways for your children to finance college: scholarships, work-study programs, subsidized federal loans, unsubsidized federal loans, Sallie Mae loans, CitiBank "CitiAssist" loans (for part-time and non-traditional students), etc.
If parents have their retirement fund perfectly set up and well-planned from a very early stage, they can then think about setting money aside (perhaps in a Roth IRA) that can later be put toward college tuition.
It is of the utmost importance for parents to realize that they should not bankrupt themselves or endanger their retirement funds by footing the bill for their kids' college education. There are other ways of helping your kids, and there are plenty of programs geared toward helping your kids finance college, but don't touch that retirement fund!
The first thing parents have to do is think about their own retirement.
There are ways for your children to finance college: scholarships, work-study programs, subsidized federal loans, unsubsidized federal loans, Sallie Mae loans, CitiBank "CitiAssist" loans (for part-time and non-traditional students), etc.
If parents have their retirement fund perfectly set up and well-planned from a very early stage, they can then think about setting money aside (perhaps in a Roth IRA) that can later be put toward college tuition.
It is of the utmost importance for parents to realize that they should not bankrupt themselves or endanger their retirement funds by footing the bill for their kids' college education. There are other ways of helping your kids, and there are plenty of programs geared toward helping your kids finance college, but don't touch that retirement fund!
The Names of the Magi
Frank, Joe and Tom.
Funny story, actually. For a while, Joe wanted to be called Armatron, because he was fantastic at doing the Robot, but Frank and Tom wouldn't go along with it so Joe eventually gave up. They were like, "Joe, we're Magi, you have to stop doing the Robot. It was funny the first time, but now it's just getting kind of awkward." So Joe reluctantly agreed. He WAS damn good at the robot, though. No one could ever take that from him.
Later, it turned out that Joe had been severely dehydrated, so then the whole Armatron thing wasn't so funny after all.
Funny story, actually. For a while, Joe wanted to be called Armatron, because he was fantastic at doing the Robot, but Frank and Tom wouldn't go along with it so Joe eventually gave up. They were like, "Joe, we're Magi, you have to stop doing the Robot. It was funny the first time, but now it's just getting kind of awkward." So Joe reluctantly agreed. He WAS damn good at the robot, though. No one could ever take that from him.
Later, it turned out that Joe had been severely dehydrated, so then the whole Armatron thing wasn't so funny after all.
So You Want to Talka Some English
There are many fun and effective ways to improve your command of the English language.
The first step is to master basic vocabulary. If you have a list of words that you're trying to learn, the best way to memorize them once and for all is to write the list over and over again, word and definition, until you can write the whole thing from memory. You may have to write it out five times, maybe ten- but I guarantee that once you can do this, you'll have those words memorized!
The next helpful exercise in mastering English is to read as often as you can. Go to the library, find a comfortable chair and read through a book of your choice. Be sure to have a dictionary and a pad of paper, so that when you come across a word you don't know you can write it down and practice it later. Improving your vocabulary and reading skills is like money in the bank. The more the read in one sitting, the better your English will become, until you're a master of the English language!
And now for the easiest way to improve your English: watch television! The more you hear and comprehend the English language, the more fluent your own use of the language will become. Watch the news in English, the Discovery channel, anything that will capture your interest. It's important not to neglect reading, writing and verbal practice of the language, but if you are really committed to mastering English, leaving the television on is a great way to increase your overall familiarity with the language, while at the same time perfecting your pronunciation skills.
Learning a language is a never-ending process. Even native speakers have to read frequently and consult dictionaries to continue expanding and perfecting their vocabulary.
So don't give up trying to make-a perfect you English. As you can see, with perfect English skills like unto mine, even the most splendiferous of books shall not be an abomination unto thee!
The first step is to master basic vocabulary. If you have a list of words that you're trying to learn, the best way to memorize them once and for all is to write the list over and over again, word and definition, until you can write the whole thing from memory. You may have to write it out five times, maybe ten- but I guarantee that once you can do this, you'll have those words memorized!
The next helpful exercise in mastering English is to read as often as you can. Go to the library, find a comfortable chair and read through a book of your choice. Be sure to have a dictionary and a pad of paper, so that when you come across a word you don't know you can write it down and practice it later. Improving your vocabulary and reading skills is like money in the bank. The more the read in one sitting, the better your English will become, until you're a master of the English language!
And now for the easiest way to improve your English: watch television! The more you hear and comprehend the English language, the more fluent your own use of the language will become. Watch the news in English, the Discovery channel, anything that will capture your interest. It's important not to neglect reading, writing and verbal practice of the language, but if you are really committed to mastering English, leaving the television on is a great way to increase your overall familiarity with the language, while at the same time perfecting your pronunciation skills.
Learning a language is a never-ending process. Even native speakers have to read frequently and consult dictionaries to continue expanding and perfecting their vocabulary.
So don't give up trying to make-a perfect you English. As you can see, with perfect English skills like unto mine, even the most splendiferous of books shall not be an abomination unto thee!
Most Loyal Animal: Cats or Dogs?
To compare the loyalty of cats to that of dogs is like asking which is better on the ocean: a car or a boat? The question is weighed heavily in favor of the boat, because cars just aren't made for the water.
Alright, it's nothing like that. But let's assume for a moment that this is a valid comparison.
It's much the same for cats: they're great animals and can make great companions, but where a dog wants you and you alone, a cat has other interests. They like you, but they're just as happy spending the day catching mice or playing with a ball of yarn. This in turn makes them more interesting creatures, because what the hell have they been doing all day? Cats have lives, whereas a dog lives only for you.
Remember that, my boy, and you'll go far.
Alright, it's nothing like that. But let's assume for a moment that this is a valid comparison.
It's much the same for cats: they're great animals and can make great companions, but where a dog wants you and you alone, a cat has other interests. They like you, but they're just as happy spending the day catching mice or playing with a ball of yarn. This in turn makes them more interesting creatures, because what the hell have they been doing all day? Cats have lives, whereas a dog lives only for you.
Remember that, my boy, and you'll go far.
Wilderness Survival: I'm thirsty
Are you the type of person who would want water to drink after being stuck in the desert for a few days? Then read on, my thirsty adventurous friend!
The most important thing necessary to survive for an extended amount of time in the wilderness is an ample supply of water. Without proper hydration, you can die of thirst in as little as three days! You need to know how to get fresh drinking water anywhere, anytime. Even in the middle of the desert.
For supplies, you'll need something to dig with, a container to catch and hold water (preferably a cup), and a small tarp (around four feet by four feet).
This method works in even the driest of conditions. The most important piece of equipment in this particular method is the tarp, or at least a rain poncho; everything else can be improvised relatively easily from other supplies or even from the natural resources of the surrounding area.
Here's how it's done.
The first step to collecting fresh drinking water is to dig a circular hole about three feet in diameter and two feet deep.
Next, take the cup and place it in the center of the hole.
Gather ten rocks about the size of your fist from the surrounding area.
Cover the hole with the tarp, weighing down the edges of the tarp and making sure it's centered over the hole. Don't stretch it too tight; you'll want to leave some slack so it sags down toward the center of the hole.
Once your tarp is securely in position, weight down the center of the tarp with a small rock.
In a few hours, moisture from the ground will have collected and condensed on the underside of the tarp, rolled down toward the center and collected in your cup.
Voila! Pure, fresh water ready to drink!
And next week, we'll investigate Wilderness Survival: Moonshine Whiskey Distilling.
The most important thing necessary to survive for an extended amount of time in the wilderness is an ample supply of water. Without proper hydration, you can die of thirst in as little as three days! You need to know how to get fresh drinking water anywhere, anytime. Even in the middle of the desert.
For supplies, you'll need something to dig with, a container to catch and hold water (preferably a cup), and a small tarp (around four feet by four feet).
This method works in even the driest of conditions. The most important piece of equipment in this particular method is the tarp, or at least a rain poncho; everything else can be improvised relatively easily from other supplies or even from the natural resources of the surrounding area.
Here's how it's done.
The first step to collecting fresh drinking water is to dig a circular hole about three feet in diameter and two feet deep.
Next, take the cup and place it in the center of the hole.
Gather ten rocks about the size of your fist from the surrounding area.
Cover the hole with the tarp, weighing down the edges of the tarp and making sure it's centered over the hole. Don't stretch it too tight; you'll want to leave some slack so it sags down toward the center of the hole.
Once your tarp is securely in position, weight down the center of the tarp with a small rock.
In a few hours, moisture from the ground will have collected and condensed on the underside of the tarp, rolled down toward the center and collected in your cup.
Voila! Pure, fresh water ready to drink!
And next week, we'll investigate Wilderness Survival: Moonshine Whiskey Distilling.
Childhood Language Acquisition as a Caffeine Alternative?
Nope.
But childhood is a critical period for language acquisition because it presents the developing mind of the child with full language immersion.
Like an American living in a foreign country, learning the language in order to communicate is, for a child, a sink-or-swim endeavor. Children are born into a world where adults speak to them and to each other; where they have needs and desires, but no means by which to express themselves. Therefore, children learn and acquire their language skills at every waking moment, fully open and receptive to all feedback from the adults in their lives, with no preconceived notions about languages to interfere with their learning.
For this reason, it is essential for children to be encouraged to read, and to express themselves properly and extensively through language. Reading is essential for the developing mind of a child to grow into the proper format and usage of their language.
Through active and frequent reading, both with their parents and on their own, a child will acquire the solid grammatical and linguistic foundation that will accompany them for the rest of their lives. Imagine that.
But childhood is a critical period for language acquisition because it presents the developing mind of the child with full language immersion.
Like an American living in a foreign country, learning the language in order to communicate is, for a child, a sink-or-swim endeavor. Children are born into a world where adults speak to them and to each other; where they have needs and desires, but no means by which to express themselves. Therefore, children learn and acquire their language skills at every waking moment, fully open and receptive to all feedback from the adults in their lives, with no preconceived notions about languages to interfere with their learning.
For this reason, it is essential for children to be encouraged to read, and to express themselves properly and extensively through language. Reading is essential for the developing mind of a child to grow into the proper format and usage of their language.
Through active and frequent reading, both with their parents and on their own, a child will acquire the solid grammatical and linguistic foundation that will accompany them for the rest of their lives. Imagine that.
Learning English as a Second Language From Home
Want to learn English, the number one language for business in the world, all from the comfort of your own filthy living room?
There are many fun and effective ways to learn English as a second language from home. It will take time, patience and practice, but you CAN do it! So clear some of those Chinese food containers and empty soda cans off the table, and read on!
The first step you'll need to take is to master basic vocabulary. To start with, concentrate on everyday words that will allow you to hold a basic conversation in English, like items at the grocery store, terms used in your workplace, and the names of household objects. By doing this, you can quickly learn enough English to hold basic conversations. The more you practice speaking in English, you faster you'll learn and the better you'll become!
If you have a list of words that you're trying to learn, the best way to memorize them once and for all is to write the list over and over again, word and definition, until you can write the whole thing from memory. You may have to write it out five times, maybe ten- but I guarantee that once you can do this, you'll have those words memorized!
The next helpful exercise in mastering English is to read as often as you can. Go to the library, find a comfortable chair and read through a book of your choice. Be sure to have a dictionary and a pad of paper, so that when you come across a word you don't know you can write it down and practice it later. Improving your vocabulary and reading skills is like money in the bank. The more the read in one sitting, the better your English will become, until you're a master of the English language!
And now for the easiest way to improve your English: watch television! The more you hear and comprehend the English language, the more fluent your own use of the language will become. Watch the news in English, the Discovery channel, anything that will capture your interest. It's important not to neglect reading, writing and verbal practice of the language, but if you are really committed to mastering English, leaving the television on is a great way to increase your overall familiarity with the language, while at the same time perfecting your pronunciation skills.
Learning English is a never-ending process. Even native speakers have to read frequently and consult dictionaries to continue expanding and perfecting their vocabulary.
So good luck, keep at it, and in time you will attain native speaker proficiency and beyond!
There are many fun and effective ways to learn English as a second language from home. It will take time, patience and practice, but you CAN do it! So clear some of those Chinese food containers and empty soda cans off the table, and read on!
The first step you'll need to take is to master basic vocabulary. To start with, concentrate on everyday words that will allow you to hold a basic conversation in English, like items at the grocery store, terms used in your workplace, and the names of household objects. By doing this, you can quickly learn enough English to hold basic conversations. The more you practice speaking in English, you faster you'll learn and the better you'll become!
If you have a list of words that you're trying to learn, the best way to memorize them once and for all is to write the list over and over again, word and definition, until you can write the whole thing from memory. You may have to write it out five times, maybe ten- but I guarantee that once you can do this, you'll have those words memorized!
The next helpful exercise in mastering English is to read as often as you can. Go to the library, find a comfortable chair and read through a book of your choice. Be sure to have a dictionary and a pad of paper, so that when you come across a word you don't know you can write it down and practice it later. Improving your vocabulary and reading skills is like money in the bank. The more the read in one sitting, the better your English will become, until you're a master of the English language!
And now for the easiest way to improve your English: watch television! The more you hear and comprehend the English language, the more fluent your own use of the language will become. Watch the news in English, the Discovery channel, anything that will capture your interest. It's important not to neglect reading, writing and verbal practice of the language, but if you are really committed to mastering English, leaving the television on is a great way to increase your overall familiarity with the language, while at the same time perfecting your pronunciation skills.
Learning English is a never-ending process. Even native speakers have to read frequently and consult dictionaries to continue expanding and perfecting their vocabulary.
So good luck, keep at it, and in time you will attain native speaker proficiency and beyond!
Kennels: Convenient, or Hell on Earth?
You'd like to leave Fido off at the kennel so you can get away for the weekend. But when your dog walks into that kennel, is it really all happy tails, or is it your best friend's own personal hell?
I left my 11 year old German Wirehair Pointer at a local kennel over a holiday weekend recently. She had an ear infection at the time, so I left the ear medication for the kennel employees to administer to my dog.
When I came back to pick her up a few days later, I quickly noticed that she was completely deaf. I took her to the vet as soon as possible, where I learned that certain ear medications can cause deafness, but that if it is caught early enough, permanent hearing loss can be prevented. If she had been at home, I'm sure I would have noticed her hearing loss as soon as it developed!
Kennels simply can't provide the same level of care and attention that your dog gets at home. So if your pet is on a new medication, he or she simply shouldn't be left at the kennel, as the personnel there have too many dogs to take care of and may not notice that your dog is having an adverse reaction to his or her medication.
For more information on the risks of prescription drugs and your pet, talk to your veterinarian, and look online to find more information on the dangers of your dog's specific medications!
I left my 11 year old German Wirehair Pointer at a local kennel over a holiday weekend recently. She had an ear infection at the time, so I left the ear medication for the kennel employees to administer to my dog.
When I came back to pick her up a few days later, I quickly noticed that she was completely deaf. I took her to the vet as soon as possible, where I learned that certain ear medications can cause deafness, but that if it is caught early enough, permanent hearing loss can be prevented. If she had been at home, I'm sure I would have noticed her hearing loss as soon as it developed!
Kennels simply can't provide the same level of care and attention that your dog gets at home. So if your pet is on a new medication, he or she simply shouldn't be left at the kennel, as the personnel there have too many dogs to take care of and may not notice that your dog is having an adverse reaction to his or her medication.
For more information on the risks of prescription drugs and your pet, talk to your veterinarian, and look online to find more information on the dangers of your dog's specific medications!
Homeschooling: Why so Popular?
Well, why is Bush a two term president? Same reason.
Homeschooling has gained popularity because the public school system no longer teaches the same values that many parents grew up with and desire for their own children. Many parents today feel helpless when it comes to raising their kids in the same ways that they were brought up, so they take the only action they can: they homeschool.
The homeschooling movement grows in direct proportion to the rise of Evangelical Christianity in this country. There is no question that Evangelicals are a significant political and social force in the United States today. But the one place where they cannot exercise the same degree of influence is within the public school system.
As a result of this perceived lack of parental control in public schools, Christians and other conservatives may choose to instill in their children a classical Christian worldview by way of homeschooling. The perceived influence of the secular progressive movement on their children's upbringing is thereby lessened to a significant extent.
In my opinion, the rise of homeschooling is due to a rejection by conservatives of the values taught in modern public schools; the increase in the level of violence in schools is an added incentive, but serves more to solidify the base of the homeschooling movement than to win new followers.
So there you have it. The only mystery now is, why are homeschooling kids always so damn awkward.
Homeschooling has gained popularity because the public school system no longer teaches the same values that many parents grew up with and desire for their own children. Many parents today feel helpless when it comes to raising their kids in the same ways that they were brought up, so they take the only action they can: they homeschool.
The homeschooling movement grows in direct proportion to the rise of Evangelical Christianity in this country. There is no question that Evangelicals are a significant political and social force in the United States today. But the one place where they cannot exercise the same degree of influence is within the public school system.
As a result of this perceived lack of parental control in public schools, Christians and other conservatives may choose to instill in their children a classical Christian worldview by way of homeschooling. The perceived influence of the secular progressive movement on their children's upbringing is thereby lessened to a significant extent.
In my opinion, the rise of homeschooling is due to a rejection by conservatives of the values taught in modern public schools; the increase in the level of violence in schools is an added incentive, but serves more to solidify the base of the homeschooling movement than to win new followers.
So there you have it. The only mystery now is, why are homeschooling kids always so damn awkward.
Which is better, Chinese or Spanish?
You've been searching the internet for day after desperate day, trying to satisfy your urge to know: which language is better for me to learn, Spanish or Chinese? For the love of God which is it, man?!
Well, I'll tell you. Here are some things to consider:
For an English speaker, Spanish is far easier to learn than Chinese.
Any language that requires the student to learn a new alphabet (like Greek, Russian or Chinese) is going to be that much more of a complex, foreign, and difficult undertaking.
Furthermore, whereas Chinese is from an utterly foreign family of languages, a Romance language like Spanish is a descendant of Latin. English is a language rich in words with Latin roots, and so therefore contains many words that look very similar to their Spanish counterparts, and share the same meanings, too. This is another component of the Spanish language which makes it far simpler to learn than Chinese.
There is another side to this coin, however. Languages like Chinese can be learned if you're willing to make the effort, and once you've acquired the language, it can be a lot more valuable in the business world. If you can speak Chinese, you've acquired a valuable skill that will make countless opportunities available to you, ranging from Business Law to International Relations.
The bottom line is that you have to decide which language you really want to learn. As long as you have a real desire to learn a language, whether it be Spanish or Chinese, you have what it takes to make the necessary efforts and achieve your goal!
Well, I'll tell you. Here are some things to consider:
For an English speaker, Spanish is far easier to learn than Chinese.
Any language that requires the student to learn a new alphabet (like Greek, Russian or Chinese) is going to be that much more of a complex, foreign, and difficult undertaking.
Furthermore, whereas Chinese is from an utterly foreign family of languages, a Romance language like Spanish is a descendant of Latin. English is a language rich in words with Latin roots, and so therefore contains many words that look very similar to their Spanish counterparts, and share the same meanings, too. This is another component of the Spanish language which makes it far simpler to learn than Chinese.
There is another side to this coin, however. Languages like Chinese can be learned if you're willing to make the effort, and once you've acquired the language, it can be a lot more valuable in the business world. If you can speak Chinese, you've acquired a valuable skill that will make countless opportunities available to you, ranging from Business Law to International Relations.
The bottom line is that you have to decide which language you really want to learn. As long as you have a real desire to learn a language, whether it be Spanish or Chinese, you have what it takes to make the necessary efforts and achieve your goal!
Getting Ready to Ace Those Exams
Sooo here we are at exam time again. You've had weeks to prepare, but you've been drinking, partying, carousing till all hours of the night, eating halucinogenic shrooms and watching Clash of the Titans for the hundredth time.
Well I'm going to ignore all that and tell you what you should've done to ace those exams, Mr. College!
First, in the weeks leading up to the exam, make sure you read every reading thoroughly. Save yourself time cramming the night before by completing the readings on time, rereading them if you need to in order to really feel comfortable with them. Trust your memory. If you give your mind enough time to absorb the readings by going over them once or twice really carefully, your mind will retain that information for exam day.
The same thing goes for your notes. Just read them, and reread them, and reread them again. Don't try too hard to memorize; by simply reading over your notes a few times, you're doing all the memorization you need! Then when you're sitting in class taking that test, you'll see a picture of those notes in your mind, and the answers will come!
Try to do your careful readings of the texts and notes just before going to sleep. By going straight to bed after studying, your mind goes over everything it learned during the day and retains it. That way, when exam time comes, all that information is more likely to pop into your head right when you need it!
Never pull an all-nighter on the night before the exam. You need sleep far more than you need a few extra hours of studying. All the information is in your mind; you just need to give your brain the rest it needs in order to be able to access that information when taking the exam.
And finally, you have to try not to be nervous when taking the actual exam. Be confident in the fact that you did everything you reasonably could to succeed. Being nervous is distracting, and it makes you less likely to remember everything you studied. Keep in mind that it's only an exam, which, in the grand scheme of things, is something you probably won't even remember a few years down the road. Sure, you want to do well, but what's the worst that could happen? If you read over your notes and assigned readings, you did all you could. It's nothing to stress about!
Just do your best, and if you follow these rules, the grades will take care of themselves!
And uh, I guess a shot of booze before the test would hurt.
Well I'm going to ignore all that and tell you what you should've done to ace those exams, Mr. College!
First, in the weeks leading up to the exam, make sure you read every reading thoroughly. Save yourself time cramming the night before by completing the readings on time, rereading them if you need to in order to really feel comfortable with them. Trust your memory. If you give your mind enough time to absorb the readings by going over them once or twice really carefully, your mind will retain that information for exam day.
The same thing goes for your notes. Just read them, and reread them, and reread them again. Don't try too hard to memorize; by simply reading over your notes a few times, you're doing all the memorization you need! Then when you're sitting in class taking that test, you'll see a picture of those notes in your mind, and the answers will come!
Try to do your careful readings of the texts and notes just before going to sleep. By going straight to bed after studying, your mind goes over everything it learned during the day and retains it. That way, when exam time comes, all that information is more likely to pop into your head right when you need it!
Never pull an all-nighter on the night before the exam. You need sleep far more than you need a few extra hours of studying. All the information is in your mind; you just need to give your brain the rest it needs in order to be able to access that information when taking the exam.
And finally, you have to try not to be nervous when taking the actual exam. Be confident in the fact that you did everything you reasonably could to succeed. Being nervous is distracting, and it makes you less likely to remember everything you studied. Keep in mind that it's only an exam, which, in the grand scheme of things, is something you probably won't even remember a few years down the road. Sure, you want to do well, but what's the worst that could happen? If you read over your notes and assigned readings, you did all you could. It's nothing to stress about!
Just do your best, and if you follow these rules, the grades will take care of themselves!
And uh, I guess a shot of booze before the test would hurt.
Don't Buy From a Breeder, You Jerk!
There are so many reasons to adopt an older dog from a shelter.
For one thing, they're already trained. They know basic verbal commands, maybe even hand gestures. And best of all, they won't pee on your carpet!
They make great companions. Older dogs don't require the constant supervision that a puppy needs, and yet they will love you like a parent!
Older dogs are full of life and love! My 11-year-old German Wirehair Pointer has more energy than I do. She loves running and playing... vets always think she's a young pup!
The bottom line is that older dogs deserve loving homes, too. Puppies will be adopted without too much difficulty, but lots of the older dogs in a shelter are destined to live out their days in a cage. Adopt an older dog and save a life!
But most importantly, if, having read this, you still have your mind set on a puggle, you need to realize that there's something seriously wrong with you.
Go watch Entertainment Tonight and never come 'round these here parts again. Y'hear? What'd I tell you about coming 'round these here parts?!
For one thing, they're already trained. They know basic verbal commands, maybe even hand gestures. And best of all, they won't pee on your carpet!
They make great companions. Older dogs don't require the constant supervision that a puppy needs, and yet they will love you like a parent!
Older dogs are full of life and love! My 11-year-old German Wirehair Pointer has more energy than I do. She loves running and playing... vets always think she's a young pup!
The bottom line is that older dogs deserve loving homes, too. Puppies will be adopted without too much difficulty, but lots of the older dogs in a shelter are destined to live out their days in a cage. Adopt an older dog and save a life!
But most importantly, if, having read this, you still have your mind set on a puggle, you need to realize that there's something seriously wrong with you.
Go watch Entertainment Tonight and never come 'round these here parts again. Y'hear? What'd I tell you about coming 'round these here parts?!
Watch your mouth! I'm just Talking 'Bout Online Degrees...
So you want to earn your degree online. Congratulations on taking this first important step toward furthering your education!
The next decision you have to make is in regard to the type of school you'd like to earn your degree from. Does the prestige of the school's name matter to you? Or do you simply need a degree to advance in your job, and would like to do so as inexpensively as possible?
If you are concerned about earning your degree from a college or university with a recognizable and respected name, then you might consider the stellar Distance Education program offered through Pennsylvania State University (www.worldcampus.psu.edu). Their course offerings are vast, and you'll graduate with a degree identical to that which an on-campus student receives.
Boston University (www.budegree.info/index.htm) offers an Executive Bachelor's Degree Completion Program to those individuals who have at least 64 credits toward their undergraduate degree and would like to complete their studies. If you're willing to pay for the convenience of completing your degree online and would like to do so through a world-renowned institution of higher learning, then Boston University might be the place for you. Again, the degree with which you graduate will be exactly the same as that which an on-campus student would receive.
If an undergraduate degree in a Business program interests you, then your best option is the distance learning program offered through UMass Amhert's Isenberg School of Management. (www.isenberg.umass.edu/underg rad/Online_Degree_Program/). The program itself is highly respected, and you will graduate with a degree that an employer will recognize and value.
If the name and prestige of a school are of no importance to you, and you'd like simply to earn a degree through a credible program as inexpensively as possible, then the options are legion. Any of the programs advertised on the left of this page are worth looking into. Try specifying the degree program and major you'd be interested in pursuing, and search for the right program that way.
You might also try looking over the advice on a resource such as the Princeton Review online. (www.princetonreview.com/col lege/research/articles/distanc e/distance_select.asp). An objective and trusted third party like the Princeton Review is useful when sorting through all the various options for online and distance learning.
So quit procrastinating and start doing some looking-into. That degree ain't earning itself.
Or is it?
...No.
The next decision you have to make is in regard to the type of school you'd like to earn your degree from. Does the prestige of the school's name matter to you? Or do you simply need a degree to advance in your job, and would like to do so as inexpensively as possible?
If you are concerned about earning your degree from a college or university with a recognizable and respected name, then you might consider the stellar Distance Education program offered through Pennsylvania State University (www.worldcampus.psu.edu). Their course offerings are vast, and you'll graduate with a degree identical to that which an on-campus student receives.
Boston University (www.budegree.info/index.htm) offers an Executive Bachelor's Degree Completion Program to those individuals who have at least 64 credits toward their undergraduate degree and would like to complete their studies. If you're willing to pay for the convenience of completing your degree online and would like to do so through a world-renowned institution of higher learning, then Boston University might be the place for you. Again, the degree with which you graduate will be exactly the same as that which an on-campus student would receive.
If an undergraduate degree in a Business program interests you, then your best option is the distance learning program offered through UMass Amhert's Isenberg School of Management. (www.isenberg.umass.edu/underg rad/Online_Degree_Program/). The program itself is highly respected, and you will graduate with a degree that an employer will recognize and value.
If the name and prestige of a school are of no importance to you, and you'd like simply to earn a degree through a credible program as inexpensively as possible, then the options are legion. Any of the programs advertised on the left of this page are worth looking into. Try specifying the degree program and major you'd be interested in pursuing, and search for the right program that way.
You might also try looking over the advice on a resource such as the Princeton Review online. (www.princetonreview.com/col lege/research/articles/distanc e/distance_select.asp). An objective and trusted third party like the Princeton Review is useful when sorting through all the various options for online and distance learning.
So quit procrastinating and start doing some looking-into. That degree ain't earning itself.
Or is it?
...No.
Non-Christians: Can they get into Heaven or What?
To say that non-Christians can't go to Heaven is extremely presumptuous.
Who are we to dictate what God can and cannot do?
As a Christian, one may have beliefs as to who is more likely to go to Heaven, and what one must do to get to Heaven, but in the end God can do anything He wants to.
That includes saving a non-Christian.
So why not quit worry about who's NOT going to Heaven and start thinking about the fact that God can zap you for being a jerk if He feels like it.
Who are we to dictate what God can and cannot do?
As a Christian, one may have beliefs as to who is more likely to go to Heaven, and what one must do to get to Heaven, but in the end God can do anything He wants to.
That includes saving a non-Christian.
So why not quit worry about who's NOT going to Heaven and start thinking about the fact that God can zap you for being a jerk if He feels like it.
Oh John Kerry, You Glorious Human Wasteland
Where do you come up with these things.
"I can't overstress the importance of a great education. Do you know where you end up if you don't study, if you aren't smart, if you're intellectually lazy? You end up getting stuck in Iraq."
Words of wisdom from John Kerry , the distinguished senator from Massachusetts and legendary political wonderworker, at a campaign rally for Phil Angelides, the democratic opponent of Arnold Schwarzenegger in the California governor's race.
The comment sparked outrage and disbelief among many Americans, particularly as it appears to belittle and insult our nation's troops now serving in Iraq. The statement seems to say that those who serve in Iraq do so as a result of lower intelligence or academic failure.
There's no question that Kerry should have apologized immediately for his remarks.
It is also clear, however, that Kerry misspoke, and would never intentionally insult the troops in such a blatant and public way. Whether you love his politics or hate them, Kerry is a decorated veteran of the Vietnam War and has been an ardent supporter of our nation's military men and women for over thirty years as a U.S. Senator. Being a military man himself, it is absurd that he would insult other military men and women by calling them unintelligent for serving.
Furthermore, Kerry would never purposely jeopardize his scheduled presidential run in 2008 by making such a ridiculous statement about our troops. His intended statement was as follows:
"I can't overstress the importance of a great education. Do you know where you end up if you don't study, if you aren't smart, if you're intellectually lazy? You end up getting us stuck in a war in Iraq."
One little word makes the difference here: us. You end up getting "us" stuck in Iraq, referencing, of course, President Bush and the war in Iraq, and calling Bush intellectually lazy by implication.
This does not change the fact that Kerry should have apologized immediately. Whether intentional or not, he made a remark that was extremely hurtful to our nation's bravest men and women, who fight for us night and day in a foreign land.
I was personally offended by the remark, and I felt terribly that any member of our armed forces might hear it and think that a U.S. Senator was calling them unintelligent for their brave service. Kerry cannot apologize enough for his hurtful slip of the tongue.
That said, given Kerry's presidential ambitions, coupled with his own military service in Vietnam and his many years of standing up for our nation's military men and women, it seems clear that the remark was improperly delivered and was never intended to insult our troops.
In the interest of honesty, I think that we all must condemn the remark, but accept that it was unintended and forget about it. Don't pull John Kerry off the stage with that hook yet, the show is just beginning my friends!
He'll be here all week!
"I can't overstress the importance of a great education. Do you know where you end up if you don't study, if you aren't smart, if you're intellectually lazy? You end up getting stuck in Iraq."
Words of wisdom from John Kerry , the distinguished senator from Massachusetts and legendary political wonderworker, at a campaign rally for Phil Angelides, the democratic opponent of Arnold Schwarzenegger in the California governor's race.
The comment sparked outrage and disbelief among many Americans, particularly as it appears to belittle and insult our nation's troops now serving in Iraq. The statement seems to say that those who serve in Iraq do so as a result of lower intelligence or academic failure.
There's no question that Kerry should have apologized immediately for his remarks.
It is also clear, however, that Kerry misspoke, and would never intentionally insult the troops in such a blatant and public way. Whether you love his politics or hate them, Kerry is a decorated veteran of the Vietnam War and has been an ardent supporter of our nation's military men and women for over thirty years as a U.S. Senator. Being a military man himself, it is absurd that he would insult other military men and women by calling them unintelligent for serving.
Furthermore, Kerry would never purposely jeopardize his scheduled presidential run in 2008 by making such a ridiculous statement about our troops. His intended statement was as follows:
"I can't overstress the importance of a great education. Do you know where you end up if you don't study, if you aren't smart, if you're intellectually lazy? You end up getting us stuck in a war in Iraq."
One little word makes the difference here: us. You end up getting "us" stuck in Iraq, referencing, of course, President Bush and the war in Iraq, and calling Bush intellectually lazy by implication.
This does not change the fact that Kerry should have apologized immediately. Whether intentional or not, he made a remark that was extremely hurtful to our nation's bravest men and women, who fight for us night and day in a foreign land.
I was personally offended by the remark, and I felt terribly that any member of our armed forces might hear it and think that a U.S. Senator was calling them unintelligent for their brave service. Kerry cannot apologize enough for his hurtful slip of the tongue.
That said, given Kerry's presidential ambitions, coupled with his own military service in Vietnam and his many years of standing up for our nation's military men and women, it seems clear that the remark was improperly delivered and was never intended to insult our troops.
In the interest of honesty, I think that we all must condemn the remark, but accept that it was unintended and forget about it. Don't pull John Kerry off the stage with that hook yet, the show is just beginning my friends!
He'll be here all week!
Weird Tourist Spots and Mysterious Places!
There are many unique, interesting and unusual places worth visiting here in the United States.
Once such location is the Four Corners region of the southwestern United States. Including the northeast corner of Arizona, the northwest corner of New Mexico, the southwest corner of Colorado and the southeast corner of Utah, this spot is the only one in which a single person can be in four states at one time!
At the Four Corners you'll find a wooden platform divided into four sections, each section in a different state. Pay a visit and be one of the few people who can say they've stood in four states simultaneously!
Another area with interesting natural phenomena is Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. With buffalo, grizzly bears and many other unusual species of wild animals wandering around the park, there is much here of interest to the lover of nature and wildlife. Check out the aquamarine hot springs, and be sure to see the world's most famous geyser, Old Faithful! Erupting faithfully every 91 minutes, this geyser is certainly a sight to be seen. Check out the Old Faithful webcam: http://www.nps.gov/archive/yel l/oldfaithfulcam.htm
For those more interested in the mysterious and supernatural, there is "America's Stonehenge" in Salem, New Hampshire (http://www.stonehengeusa.com) . I visited this site for the first time once when I was very young, and the memory of it has never left me. America's Stonehenge, once known as Mystery Hill, is a thirty acre site of various stone structures, tunnels, standing stones, and artifacts.
The origins of America's Stonehenge are unknown, but it is a fact that they were constructed hundreds of years before the first European settlers arrived. Theories abound, but exactly what this site is all about is anyone's guess. I personally think aliens did it. Seems kinda obvious. Pay a visit to America's Stonehenge and experience the mystery for yourself!
There are lots of other unusual sites and mysterious attractions scattered across the United States. So pack up the car, take a long weekend and see what strange sights you can discover, you slacker! Because it's better than getting a job!
Once such location is the Four Corners region of the southwestern United States. Including the northeast corner of Arizona, the northwest corner of New Mexico, the southwest corner of Colorado and the southeast corner of Utah, this spot is the only one in which a single person can be in four states at one time!
At the Four Corners you'll find a wooden platform divided into four sections, each section in a different state. Pay a visit and be one of the few people who can say they've stood in four states simultaneously!
Another area with interesting natural phenomena is Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. With buffalo, grizzly bears and many other unusual species of wild animals wandering around the park, there is much here of interest to the lover of nature and wildlife. Check out the aquamarine hot springs, and be sure to see the world's most famous geyser, Old Faithful! Erupting faithfully every 91 minutes, this geyser is certainly a sight to be seen. Check out the Old Faithful webcam: http://www.nps.gov/archive/yel l/oldfaithfulcam.htm
For those more interested in the mysterious and supernatural, there is "America's Stonehenge" in Salem, New Hampshire (http://www.stonehengeusa.com) . I visited this site for the first time once when I was very young, and the memory of it has never left me. America's Stonehenge, once known as Mystery Hill, is a thirty acre site of various stone structures, tunnels, standing stones, and artifacts.
The origins of America's Stonehenge are unknown, but it is a fact that they were constructed hundreds of years before the first European settlers arrived. Theories abound, but exactly what this site is all about is anyone's guess. I personally think aliens did it. Seems kinda obvious. Pay a visit to America's Stonehenge and experience the mystery for yourself!
There are lots of other unusual sites and mysterious attractions scattered across the United States. So pack up the car, take a long weekend and see what strange sights you can discover, you slacker! Because it's better than getting a job!
The White Mountains Revisited
Domestic travel options are more popular than ever these days, with the increased risk for Americans traveling abroad coupled with the high price of international travel.
The White Mountains of New Hampshire, home to Mount Washington and innumerable scenes of natural beauty, are a spectacular destination at any time of year. Safe and affordable, a vacation in the White Mountains is one that your whole family is sure to cherish forever!
I was fortunate enough to visit during the month of October, and I saw some of the most unbelievably vibrant Fall foliage of my life. The color of the trees and mountains was simply extraordinary.
The White Mountains are famed for their hiking opportunities, as well as world-renowned skiing, fishing, and night life. My favorite hiking spot was by the Swift River on the Kancamagus Highway near Conway. During the summer, people of all ages slide down the smooth rocks like water slides, or bask in the numerous waterfalls and pools.
There was also a nice presentation on the Fall and Winter ecology of the North Woods by an ecologist named Chris Lewey, owner of RAVEN Interpretive Programs (ravenwildlife.com). The presentation was excellent, informative and humorous, and not to be missed should you ever get the chance to travel to the White Mountains of New Hampshire!
About three hours north of Boston, the White Mountains have something for everyone and I highly recommend a visit.
The White Mountains of New Hampshire, home to Mount Washington and innumerable scenes of natural beauty, are a spectacular destination at any time of year. Safe and affordable, a vacation in the White Mountains is one that your whole family is sure to cherish forever!
I was fortunate enough to visit during the month of October, and I saw some of the most unbelievably vibrant Fall foliage of my life. The color of the trees and mountains was simply extraordinary.
The White Mountains are famed for their hiking opportunities, as well as world-renowned skiing, fishing, and night life. My favorite hiking spot was by the Swift River on the Kancamagus Highway near Conway. During the summer, people of all ages slide down the smooth rocks like water slides, or bask in the numerous waterfalls and pools.
There was also a nice presentation on the Fall and Winter ecology of the North Woods by an ecologist named Chris Lewey, owner of RAVEN Interpretive Programs (ravenwildlife.com). The presentation was excellent, informative and humorous, and not to be missed should you ever get the chance to travel to the White Mountains of New Hampshire!
About three hours north of Boston, the White Mountains have something for everyone and I highly recommend a visit.
Your Dog's Health: When to Get a Second Opinion
It's always a good idea to get a second opinion from another vet.
If you seek a third or fourth opinion, you might try calling an animal hospital for information and advice on your pet's condition. Animal hospitals will often answer your questions about pet health for free.
I once had an issue with my dog in the middle of the night. She had gone completely deaf and I didn't know where to turn. I went online and looked up local 24 hour animal hospitals, found a few, and called each of them. I explained the situation and they each advised me on what to do. When I wanted a second opinion, I called another 24 hour animal hospital. Needless to say, their professional advice was a great comfort to me!
The people who work in these hospitals are there to help. They love animals and like nothing more than to give you advice and information about your pet's health and well-being. It's free, so next time you have a pet question, why not try contacting your local animal hospital?
Now for non-emergencies, websites are your best bet. There are plenty of links which are worth checking out. Just make sure that the website you visit is reliable so that you don't get inaccurate information about your pet's health. When in doubt, verify any advice that you get by comparing it to other websites!
Your Academic Advisor: What's this Guy All About?
There are two things to remember when dealing with your Academic Advisor at school.
First, that you want to stay on good terms with your advisor because you need someone experienced with the entire collegiate process to help guide you through it safely and efficiently. An advisor can direct you toward the best general education classes, can keep you on track in your major requirements for graduation, and sometimes can even pull some strings on your behalf with the College Administration if you need to get into a certain class.
That said, you must not fall into the trap of entrusting all your academic business and responsibilities to your advisor. While it is good to be on cordial terms with him or her, you must always insist that you move in the academic direction that is right for you. Don't let an advisor pressure you into taking certain courses or majors just because they might make you more money, or because that's what everyone else does, or for any other reason. Always consider their advice, but in the end you have to do what's right for you, regardless of what your advisor might have to say about it.
Secondly, never assume that an academic responsibility will be taken care of by your advisor. They're busy people and will often forget things they've said or promised to take care of. You must always follow up on all aspects of your academic responsibilities, whether that means filling out the proper forms of paying school fees or getting into a required class. The buck stops with you!
By following these two simple rules- stay on good terms with your advisor, and yet stay independent and responsible- you're sure to do well and to make the most of this valuable academic resource!
First, that you want to stay on good terms with your advisor because you need someone experienced with the entire collegiate process to help guide you through it safely and efficiently. An advisor can direct you toward the best general education classes, can keep you on track in your major requirements for graduation, and sometimes can even pull some strings on your behalf with the College Administration if you need to get into a certain class.
That said, you must not fall into the trap of entrusting all your academic business and responsibilities to your advisor. While it is good to be on cordial terms with him or her, you must always insist that you move in the academic direction that is right for you. Don't let an advisor pressure you into taking certain courses or majors just because they might make you more money, or because that's what everyone else does, or for any other reason. Always consider their advice, but in the end you have to do what's right for you, regardless of what your advisor might have to say about it.
Secondly, never assume that an academic responsibility will be taken care of by your advisor. They're busy people and will often forget things they've said or promised to take care of. You must always follow up on all aspects of your academic responsibilities, whether that means filling out the proper forms of paying school fees or getting into a required class. The buck stops with you!
By following these two simple rules- stay on good terms with your advisor, and yet stay independent and responsible- you're sure to do well and to make the most of this valuable academic resource!
A Different Patriotism
There are indeed two kinds of patriotism.
The healthy kind of patriotism arises within us because the actions and principles of our country align with our personal sense of virtue, goodness and justice. This is a healthy patriotism because our strong sense of right and wrong is incorporated into and reinforced by our government. The government in turn legislates and behaves in a just and moral way, and we take pride in the goodness and strength of our country.
The second kind of patriotism is unhealthy, and depending upon the power of the nation, can be immensely destructive. It is a patriotism which replaces a basic sense of right and wrong with loyalty to one's political party. A people may flee from the basic commands of their conscience for the refuge of a flock mentality, "sticking together" for safety rather than standing for what is right.
When the basic terms of right and wrong, justice and injustice are replaced in public discourse by "democrat and republican," we can be sure that the unhealthy kind of patriotism is near at hand.
True patriotism cares not for political parties but for what is right, in the same way that a true patriot clings not to his friends but inseparably to what is just and true.
The healthy kind of patriotism arises within us because the actions and principles of our country align with our personal sense of virtue, goodness and justice. This is a healthy patriotism because our strong sense of right and wrong is incorporated into and reinforced by our government. The government in turn legislates and behaves in a just and moral way, and we take pride in the goodness and strength of our country.
The second kind of patriotism is unhealthy, and depending upon the power of the nation, can be immensely destructive. It is a patriotism which replaces a basic sense of right and wrong with loyalty to one's political party. A people may flee from the basic commands of their conscience for the refuge of a flock mentality, "sticking together" for safety rather than standing for what is right.
When the basic terms of right and wrong, justice and injustice are replaced in public discourse by "democrat and republican," we can be sure that the unhealthy kind of patriotism is near at hand.
True patriotism cares not for political parties but for what is right, in the same way that a true patriot clings not to his friends but inseparably to what is just and true.
New Hampshire's White Mountains
The White Mountains of New Hampshire, home to Mount Washington and innumerable scenes of natural beauty, are a spectacular destination at any time of year.
I was fortunate enough to visit during the month of October, and I saw some of the most unbelievably vibrant Fall foliage of my life. The color of the trees and mountains was simply extraordinary.
The White Mountains are famed for their hiking opportunities, as well as world-renowned skiing, fishing, and night life. My favorite hiking spot was by the Swift River on the Kancamagus Highway near Conway. During the summer, people of all ages slide down the smooth rocks like water slides, or bask in the numerous waterfalls and pools.
There was also a nice presentation on the Fall and Winter ecology of the North Woods by an ecologist named Chris Lewey, owner of RAVEN Interpretive Programs (ravenwildlife.com). The presentation was excellent, informative and humorous, and not to be missed should you ever get the chance to travel to the White Mountains of New Hampshire!
About three hours north of Boston, the White Mountains have something for everyone and I highly recommend a visit.
I was fortunate enough to visit during the month of October, and I saw some of the most unbelievably vibrant Fall foliage of my life. The color of the trees and mountains was simply extraordinary.
The White Mountains are famed for their hiking opportunities, as well as world-renowned skiing, fishing, and night life. My favorite hiking spot was by the Swift River on the Kancamagus Highway near Conway. During the summer, people of all ages slide down the smooth rocks like water slides, or bask in the numerous waterfalls and pools.
There was also a nice presentation on the Fall and Winter ecology of the North Woods by an ecologist named Chris Lewey, owner of RAVEN Interpretive Programs (ravenwildlife.com). The presentation was excellent, informative and humorous, and not to be missed should you ever get the chance to travel to the White Mountains of New Hampshire!
About three hours north of Boston, the White Mountains have something for everyone and I highly recommend a visit.
College: Is it the Right Move for You?
The best way to decide whether college is right for you is to try getting a job without it. After a few months of working a job that doesn't challenge or satisfy you, you'll be in a much better position to consider going to college.
If you want to be a public defender, or a police officer, or a veterinarian or a teacher or a writer, and you want it badly enough, then college is right for you. All you need is the drive to make it to your final goal of having the job of your dreams.
The question isn't really whether college is "right" for you or not. The question is, where do you want to go, and will college help you get there? The rest is just a matter of how badly you want it.
College is just four years. That's not a very long time compared to the rest of your life! Put in the time and effort now, and see what new doors and interests anf friendships will open up before you! Because in reality, you'll never know how much you like college until you've experienced it.
Have you tested yourself before? Have you pushed yourself to the limits of how hard you can work, and how far you're willing to go for a dream?
The bottom line is that you need to decide what kind of life you want to live, and then make up your mind to live it. And if this involves going to college, enjoy all the cash you're gonna be raking in!
If you want to be a public defender, or a police officer, or a veterinarian or a teacher or a writer, and you want it badly enough, then college is right for you. All you need is the drive to make it to your final goal of having the job of your dreams.
The question isn't really whether college is "right" for you or not. The question is, where do you want to go, and will college help you get there? The rest is just a matter of how badly you want it.
College is just four years. That's not a very long time compared to the rest of your life! Put in the time and effort now, and see what new doors and interests anf friendships will open up before you! Because in reality, you'll never know how much you like college until you've experienced it.
Have you tested yourself before? Have you pushed yourself to the limits of how hard you can work, and how far you're willing to go for a dream?
The bottom line is that you need to decide what kind of life you want to live, and then make up your mind to live it. And if this involves going to college, enjoy all the cash you're gonna be raking in!
Currency Conversion: Who to Trust?
The best, safest and most accurate currency converter is provided by Google:
http://www.google.com/help/fea tures.html#currency
Sure, there are tons of currency converters available on the internet, but Google's currency conversion feature is easy to use and the most reliable that you'll find.
If you need a currency converter for your Palm Pilot, you could try the FXPilot by OANDA (http://www.oanda.com/products /fxpilot/fxpilotintro.shtml).
This program automatically updates itself with the latest conversion rates, and features a "cheat sheet" feature for travelers!
http://www.google.com/help/fea tures.html#currency
Sure, there are tons of currency converters available on the internet, but Google's currency conversion feature is easy to use and the most reliable that you'll find.
If you need a currency converter for your Palm Pilot, you could try the FXPilot by OANDA (http://www.oanda.com/products /fxpilot/fxpilotintro.shtml).
This program automatically updates itself with the latest conversion rates, and features a "cheat sheet" feature for travelers!
Better Grades for a Sweeter Life
So you want to improve your grades. Congratulations on taking this first important step toward academic success, and tons of cash further down the road!
The first thing you need to do is to read the syllabus for each class, and identify exactly where the grades come from. How important are homework assignments? Exams? Projects? Class participation? Know where you stand so you can focus your efforts on the areas that need improvement.
Generally, a class is designed so that if you learn the subject matter, you'll get a good grade. But how can you learn the material? That depends on the type of subject you're studying.
If you're studying a foreign language, the best thing you can do is to memorize vocabulary by taking your vocab list and writing it over and over again, until you can write the entire list from memory. You may have to write the list over five times, maybe ten- but I guarantee that once you can do that, you'll ace the exam.
If you're studying math, then the best thing you can do (aside from going to class and completing homework assignments) is to be on good terms with your teacher. As soon as something looks confusing, don't be afraid to go up to him or her and say so. You may need extra help after class, or through a private tutoring program, and that's okay! We all have our strengths and weaknesses. It may take a little extra effort, but you CAN learn it!
The same applies to Science classes. Do the work, and spend time memorizing the material by writing things over and over. Do the reading. Again, the amount of time you spend honestly trying to learn and become familiar with the subject matter, the more comfortable you'll be with it on test day, and the more your grades will improve!
As for History and English, it's all about the reading. Take time to sit down and really get into it. You'll make your life a whole lot easier if you just take the time to read (and sometimes reread) the assigned readings. Become familiar with them. If you have to memorize vocabulary or dates, again, write them down until you can do it by heart, and you will succeed!
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, is motivation. Class can seem boring and pointless, but don't forget why you study and get good grades. You're setting yourself up for success later in life. Colleges and Universities look for people who are willing to devote themselves to their coursework and do what it takes to succeed!
By putting in the time and effort to read, memorize and practice the material, you're setting yourself up to get the job and the life of your dreams further on down the road.
Remember: time invested in your studies is time invested in yourself. Work hard and take pride in your achievements. You'll be glad you did, when you're rolling in piles of cash and lighting cigars with 100 dollar bills.
The first thing you need to do is to read the syllabus for each class, and identify exactly where the grades come from. How important are homework assignments? Exams? Projects? Class participation? Know where you stand so you can focus your efforts on the areas that need improvement.
Generally, a class is designed so that if you learn the subject matter, you'll get a good grade. But how can you learn the material? That depends on the type of subject you're studying.
If you're studying a foreign language, the best thing you can do is to memorize vocabulary by taking your vocab list and writing it over and over again, until you can write the entire list from memory. You may have to write the list over five times, maybe ten- but I guarantee that once you can do that, you'll ace the exam.
If you're studying math, then the best thing you can do (aside from going to class and completing homework assignments) is to be on good terms with your teacher. As soon as something looks confusing, don't be afraid to go up to him or her and say so. You may need extra help after class, or through a private tutoring program, and that's okay! We all have our strengths and weaknesses. It may take a little extra effort, but you CAN learn it!
The same applies to Science classes. Do the work, and spend time memorizing the material by writing things over and over. Do the reading. Again, the amount of time you spend honestly trying to learn and become familiar with the subject matter, the more comfortable you'll be with it on test day, and the more your grades will improve!
As for History and English, it's all about the reading. Take time to sit down and really get into it. You'll make your life a whole lot easier if you just take the time to read (and sometimes reread) the assigned readings. Become familiar with them. If you have to memorize vocabulary or dates, again, write them down until you can do it by heart, and you will succeed!
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, is motivation. Class can seem boring and pointless, but don't forget why you study and get good grades. You're setting yourself up for success later in life. Colleges and Universities look for people who are willing to devote themselves to their coursework and do what it takes to succeed!
By putting in the time and effort to read, memorize and practice the material, you're setting yourself up to get the job and the life of your dreams further on down the road.
Remember: time invested in your studies is time invested in yourself. Work hard and take pride in your achievements. You'll be glad you did, when you're rolling in piles of cash and lighting cigars with 100 dollar bills.
Job Interviews: The Toughest Questions
The most difficult question in a job interview is this:
"What was the biggest mistake that you made in your last job? What could you do to prevent making that mistake in the future?"
This is seemingly a no-win question for you, since the interviewer wants you to say something negative about yourself!
There is a good answer, however:
"The biggest mistake that I made in my last job was agreeing to a group decision-making process in hiring a new employee. I knew I had misgivings about one potential hire, and yet because it was a group decision, I relented and accepted the will of the majority. As I had feared, the new employee just wasn't suited for the company.
"Next time, I would avoid a group decision-making process when hiring a new employee, since I really need to be in a position to follow my instincts on new hires."
This answer acknowledges that a mistake was made, but makes you look good anyway! The interviewer will love it.
The next most difficult question is, "What salary do you require?"
It's important to remember that your interviewer wants to hire the best candidate for the least amount of money. You may desperately want the job, and even be willing to sacrifice some pay to get it, but don't be so quick to sell yourself short.
Know what you're worth. Do some research into similar positions in your region of the country, and have the documentation to show the approximate salaries of similarly skilled employees in similar positions. Use these facts to bolster your own salary demands.
Keep in mind, however, that there are other forms of compensation than purely monetary: consider extra vacation time and benefits in the overall compensation package when assessing your salary requirements.
Knowing your value as an employee helps the interviewer to understand your value, too. Interviewers like it when an employee knows what he or she is worth. If you undervalue yourself, or if you're overly modest, that may be perceived as weakness or lack of confidence. An interview is no place for modesty!
So do your research, know your salary requirements and stick to your guns!
"What was the biggest mistake that you made in your last job? What could you do to prevent making that mistake in the future?"
This is seemingly a no-win question for you, since the interviewer wants you to say something negative about yourself!
There is a good answer, however:
"The biggest mistake that I made in my last job was agreeing to a group decision-making process in hiring a new employee. I knew I had misgivings about one potential hire, and yet because it was a group decision, I relented and accepted the will of the majority. As I had feared, the new employee just wasn't suited for the company.
"Next time, I would avoid a group decision-making process when hiring a new employee, since I really need to be in a position to follow my instincts on new hires."
This answer acknowledges that a mistake was made, but makes you look good anyway! The interviewer will love it.
The next most difficult question is, "What salary do you require?"
It's important to remember that your interviewer wants to hire the best candidate for the least amount of money. You may desperately want the job, and even be willing to sacrifice some pay to get it, but don't be so quick to sell yourself short.
Know what you're worth. Do some research into similar positions in your region of the country, and have the documentation to show the approximate salaries of similarly skilled employees in similar positions. Use these facts to bolster your own salary demands.
Keep in mind, however, that there are other forms of compensation than purely monetary: consider extra vacation time and benefits in the overall compensation package when assessing your salary requirements.
Knowing your value as an employee helps the interviewer to understand your value, too. Interviewers like it when an employee knows what he or she is worth. If you undervalue yourself, or if you're overly modest, that may be perceived as weakness or lack of confidence. An interview is no place for modesty!
So do your research, know your salary requirements and stick to your guns!
The Christian Trinity: What's It All About?
The God of Christianity is said to be a Trinity: three persons, but one Godhead.
The doctrine of the Trinity is not something to be "understood," but rather it is a way of taking a true and incomprehensible statement about God and making it somewhat recognizable to our logical minds. The technical and logical elements of this doctrine are a mystery, and nothing will be gained by trying to understand it through purely logical reasoning. That's because the human mind is ruled by logic, whereas God, creator of all things, is ruled by nothing. God created logic just as he created the universe, and He is therefore above logic, because He existed before logic.
God did, after all, create humans. We cannot understand our own minds because if they were simple enough to be undertood, we would be too simple-minded to understand them. Why, then, do we expect to understand the mind of God?
Making Money with Google AdSense
Google AdSense is a great way to earn some quick cash.
If you have a blog or other website with original content that you're willing to update with your own fresh ideas, then you'll want to include Google AdSense. But before you do, it's important to verify that your page is ready to accept Google AdSense and make the most profit.
Google AdSense will scan your website, and based on the content and keywords it finds there, it will target advertisements based on that content. Therefore, if you have a blog entry with a bunch of keywords that don't really have much to do with the overall content of your website, you're going to have advertisements that aren't really going to target your audience, and therefore aren't going to bring you any profit.
The point is that you shouldn't rush to include Google AdSense on your website just to start making money sooner. In the long run, you're going to make a lot more money using AdSense if you wait until you've developed a solid website with a good amount of solid content. That way, when AdSense scans your page, it's going to come up with advertisements targeted at your audience... and that's money in the bank!
If you have a blog or other website with original content that you're willing to update with your own fresh ideas, then you'll want to include Google AdSense. But before you do, it's important to verify that your page is ready to accept Google AdSense and make the most profit.
Google AdSense will scan your website, and based on the content and keywords it finds there, it will target advertisements based on that content. Therefore, if you have a blog entry with a bunch of keywords that don't really have much to do with the overall content of your website, you're going to have advertisements that aren't really going to target your audience, and therefore aren't going to bring you any profit.
The point is that you shouldn't rush to include Google AdSense on your website just to start making money sooner. In the long run, you're going to make a lot more money using AdSense if you wait until you've developed a solid website with a good amount of solid content. That way, when AdSense scans your page, it's going to come up with advertisements targeted at your audience... and that's money in the bank!
Online Surveys: Cash or Crap?
You're not going to make quick cash filling out surveys. That's the bottom line.
And if you give your email address to the wrong survey site, you'll be flooded with tons of spam. Having to pick through pages of spam to find your real email gets old REAL fast, trust me.
That said, some surveys are actual scams, whereas some are up front about what you have to do and what you'll earn. Usually, what you'll earn are coupons, "prizes" of dubious value, gift certificates, etc. But not cash.
So if you enjoy filling out surveys and would like to earn points toward prizes, then by all means, go for it!
If you're interested in doing surveys for cash, I'd suggest looking into a local marketing or product testing firm. There are legitimate companies out there that will pay you and your friends to try new products like deodorant, shaving products, toothpaste, etc. Normally, you do have to go to the company and try the products there, so they can observe and ask you questions; but they pay quite well, too.
So check your local yellow pages and ask around. You can get paid for trying products, but it's probably not going to happen online.
And if you give your email address to the wrong survey site, you'll be flooded with tons of spam. Having to pick through pages of spam to find your real email gets old REAL fast, trust me.
That said, some surveys are actual scams, whereas some are up front about what you have to do and what you'll earn. Usually, what you'll earn are coupons, "prizes" of dubious value, gift certificates, etc. But not cash.
So if you enjoy filling out surveys and would like to earn points toward prizes, then by all means, go for it!
If you're interested in doing surveys for cash, I'd suggest looking into a local marketing or product testing firm. There are legitimate companies out there that will pay you and your friends to try new products like deodorant, shaving products, toothpaste, etc. Normally, you do have to go to the company and try the products there, so they can observe and ask you questions; but they pay quite well, too.
So check your local yellow pages and ask around. You can get paid for trying products, but it's probably not going to happen online.
Massachusetts Vacations: The North Shore
The North Shore of Massachusetts is home to some of the best beaches, fishing spots, world class restaurants, and historic landmarks in the world.
Each small New England town, from Salem to Gloucester, is vibrant with four hundred years of rich cultural history.
Got a history buff in the family? Be sure to visit Salem village, where the infamous Salem Witch trials took place centuries ago. Stroll down cobblestone streets, board a colonial ship sitting in the harbor, tour the witch museum, or dine in one of many fine dining establishments that the city has to offer, many of them right on Pickering Wharf in Salem Harbor. You might even pay a visit to Nathaniel Hawthorne's authentic House of Seven Gables. Salem has something for everyone!
Next, be sure to tour Beverly's Gold Coast, where wealthy ship captains and leaders of industry kept their summer residences. President Taft kept his summer White House here, at what is now the beautiful Lynch Park; Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Oliver Wendell Holmes lived in Beverly, and today the legendary American author John Updike makes Beverly his hometown.
Be sure to tour the coast from Beverly up toward Gloucester along scenic Route 127, stopping along the way at the numerous lands of the Trustees of Reservations and the innumerable scenic vistas by the ocean. In historic downtown Beverly Farms, spend some time exploring the exceptionally fine dining and boutiques.
In Gloucester, the historic fishing seaport of New England, you can visit the memorial to fishermen lost at sea, and the now-famous pub, The Crow's Nest, where the movie The Perfect Storm was filmed.
No trip to the North Shore of Massachusetts is complete without spending a day at Crane's Beach, in historic Ipswich. Originally the summer estate of Richard Crane, founder of Crane Plumbing, the property is now owned by the Trustees of Reservations. Spend a weekend at the luxurious Inn at Castle Hill and bask in the class and style of a bygone era, or simply relax in the sun of Crane's Beach, voted one of the 10 best beaches in the world by "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous".
Once you spend some time on the North Shore of Massachusetts, you'll want to come back year after year to take in everything that this beautiful and historic region has to offer!
Each small New England town, from Salem to Gloucester, is vibrant with four hundred years of rich cultural history.
Got a history buff in the family? Be sure to visit Salem village, where the infamous Salem Witch trials took place centuries ago. Stroll down cobblestone streets, board a colonial ship sitting in the harbor, tour the witch museum, or dine in one of many fine dining establishments that the city has to offer, many of them right on Pickering Wharf in Salem Harbor. You might even pay a visit to Nathaniel Hawthorne's authentic House of Seven Gables. Salem has something for everyone!
Next, be sure to tour Beverly's Gold Coast, where wealthy ship captains and leaders of industry kept their summer residences. President Taft kept his summer White House here, at what is now the beautiful Lynch Park; Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Oliver Wendell Holmes lived in Beverly, and today the legendary American author John Updike makes Beverly his hometown.
Be sure to tour the coast from Beverly up toward Gloucester along scenic Route 127, stopping along the way at the numerous lands of the Trustees of Reservations and the innumerable scenic vistas by the ocean. In historic downtown Beverly Farms, spend some time exploring the exceptionally fine dining and boutiques.
In Gloucester, the historic fishing seaport of New England, you can visit the memorial to fishermen lost at sea, and the now-famous pub, The Crow's Nest, where the movie The Perfect Storm was filmed.
No trip to the North Shore of Massachusetts is complete without spending a day at Crane's Beach, in historic Ipswich. Originally the summer estate of Richard Crane, founder of Crane Plumbing, the property is now owned by the Trustees of Reservations. Spend a weekend at the luxurious Inn at Castle Hill and bask in the class and style of a bygone era, or simply relax in the sun of Crane's Beach, voted one of the 10 best beaches in the world by "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous".
Once you spend some time on the North Shore of Massachusetts, you'll want to come back year after year to take in everything that this beautiful and historic region has to offer!
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