A Few Miles Traveled

Save Bucks on Fashionable Eyewear

2009-08-16T21:54:00.000-07:00

It's good to see your kids getting ready for school. However, it's so sad to realize that their eyes are not yet ready for school. Their eyeglasses must have signs of breaking up. And despite the fact that you want to buy them new pair of eyeglasses, your budget is probably the problem. I would recommend that you watch Zenni Optical on TV!!! and choose from their $ 8 Rx eyeglasses that your children will surely brag about. It won't only make you save a lot but they are also fashionable for your kids to say High Five to Zenni Optical .

Business Loans to Back You Up!

2009-03-06T05:53:00.000-08:00

Personal matters are said to be things that can wait as it needs more analysis than that of a business. But if you think applying for personal loans is what you really need at this point in time, you can do so. Don't hold yourself from doing what you want, especially if that can make you feel fine. But if you are more of a businessman than a sentimental being, it's high time that you keep an eye on your business. The global economic crisis might be on its way to trim your business down, or it might be soon lead to bankcruptcy if you take it for granted.

Of course, budget is one important aspect that you also have to consider in keeping your business stand still. If that is what bothering you lately, worry no more because ezunsecured.com is here to back you up. It offers business loans for entrepreneurs who have always dreamed of having a successful business in town or around the world.

Sure, you are interested to avail it. Who wouldn't be when your business credit is at stake? Why wait for bankcruptcy to put you down when in fact you can actually have greater chances of winning back the pride and effort you have done for your business. It's not yet too late. You can lean on them at anytime you decide of getting a loan from them. "Don't waste time calling anyone else - If you need Unsecured Financing for your Business, use EZUnsecured.com - They are the only Company that can be trusted - It's a Jungle out there!"

It's Summer Time in Bora Bora!

2009-02-08T07:02:00.000-08:00

It's already February and summer season is already fast approaching. I am actually planning to bring my family in Bora Bora this coming summer vacation. I'm sure my wife and my son will be happier when they hear my plan. They always feel excited to travel to faraway places, especially in the islands.

How about you? Are you planning for an upcoming island vacation? Sure, you want to visit somewhere that is a little different than your place. It's so easy when you visit resorts in Bora Bora. It is one of the beautiful tourist spots in French Polynesia. Finding this unique spot to spend your summer vacation can be fulfilling and memorable for your family or friends. Perhaps, you will all gasp with awe upon seeing its beauty as it is the first time that you will get to see such a wonderful place that ever existed on earth.

Grabbing your chance of Tahiti vacation is perfect for fun and relaxation on the beach. If you visit the place on summer season, you will be amazed to find that the ocean is calm and serene. You will be lucky enough to take a glimpse of the sunrise and sunset when you sit on the beach along with your family or friends. If you love boating, this is the perfect place to do your hobby.You can rent a boat or try riding on a chartered boat fishing cruise. If you have kids who are below 16, you don't have to worry about them because Bora Bora is a licensed resort to entrust your safety. It will be more fun if the activity is done with the whole family.

If you choose to roam around the vicinity, you can also do so and see a better view of the ground. You may also consider horse-back riding during sunset. Shopping stores are also around so you can shop some souvenirs for your love-ones. Whatever your plan is, I would suggest that you try the famous Bora Bora. You will get to see a large beach with people who are having fun and you can see it in their faces that they are all enjoying their vacation.

I Care for My Eyes

2009-02-08T06:14:00.000-08:00

I've been wanting to go to an optical clinic to have my eyes checked. My sight is getting blurry sometimes and I'm afraid that this might get worsen if I failed to have it checked so soon. I am still weighing my budget for the doctor's check-up fee and new eyeglasses. Yes, I prioritized Seeing Straight Without Breaking Bank. And I was once told by a friend that I can always go to an optical clinic for an eye check-up as it is always important to know the right eyeglasses I would need. But when it comes to purchasing eyeglasses, he suggested that I better find the cheap but high-quality eyeglasses over the internet.

So it's what I did. A while ago, I was browsing the net and searched for a Prescription eyeglasses for only $8! The search engine show me a lot of links, but what caught my attention was the headline Zenni Optical in the New York Times?! Of course, I got interested not only because New York Times is a renowned news source, but also because it features an optical source which is so timely for it is what I am really looking for. New York Times suggested that if people were to find cheap high quality eyeglasses, we must opt to one of Zenni Optical's stylish eyeglasses and not to mention their frames are way cheaper than other optical stores.

When I visit their site, I was surprised to see a lot of stylish eyeglasses. And I promise to get the one I am eyeing for. It looks stylish and elegant so no worry about looking old when wearing it.

4 Reasons Why Traveling During a Recession is a Good Idea

2009-01-28T02:28:00.000-08:00

Ever thought of traveling in a recessionary economy? I bet not. During recession, everybody wants to earn money or save it, so travels are often out of the question because that will be spending money rather than saving or generating it. It is counterproductive, to say the least.

And yet, it is that very reason that makes travelling attractive during recession: everybody else wants to earn they will give their best to a tourist. You will receive better service, discounted fares, reduced accommodation costs, and less competition for attention along the way.

Discounted fares

The cost of oil has dropped from $150 to about $70 a barrel. This means airplane flight costs would have gone down by a significant percentage, which should translate to lower airfares. Since in a recession few people will travel due to lack of means --money is tight- the airlines will offer promos and more discounts in their effort to lure the small numbers of tourists their way. What works for airlines will be repeated by other transportation companies including cruise ships and tour buses. This will be very advantageous to the recession tourist.

Better service

The smaller number of tourists will urge service providers and employees of hotels, casinos, and similar establishments to perform better service. In a recession, many people will be out of jobs so there will be fierce competition for existing ones as well as vacancies. Therefore any employee who performs lower than the desirable levels would be in greater danger of being fired. Who would want to be out of a job when there are no alternative employments?

Likewise, the reduced number of clients will enable the staff, for example, to more easily familiarize with their clients, and the staff's smaller workload will give them longer time to attend to their clients' needs. Fewer visitors, reduced work: special treatment, better service.

Lower room rates

In the same manner as that of the airlines, accommodation providers that depend on tourism will compete with each other more fiercely for the smaller number of potential clients. Common methods of attracting visitors are reducing room rates, offering lower prices for groups and package tours. In whatever way it is done, the visitor will enjoy the benefits of less expense than normal.

Less competition for attention

Let us put it this way. If a provider's -tourist guide, hotel staff, resort attendant, restaurant waiter- attention is 100 units and you are in a group of 50, you get only two units of the attention as your share. If your group is only five, you get 20 units, which is of course markedly better. And this is applicable in all aspects of the travel in terms of service, from the flight stewardess to the tuk-tuk driver, the bartender to the masseuse, the bellhop to the hotel manager. This will be the resulting boon for a recession traveler, to be treated with extra-special care.

Why travel during a recession? One reason: you can expect to be treated royally but less expensively. Therefore more enjoyable, right?

7 Golden Rules of Travel Writing

2009-01-06T08:14:00.000-08:00

Did you ever hear of the "golden rule?" The golden rule states to "treat others as you would want to be treated." This is great advice for anyone who is about to travel, especially if you're visiting a foreign country.

Most travel writers are probably unaware of the "golden rules of travel writing." Whether you're an aspiring or experienced travel writer, it's good to know and review the golden rules of travel writing. These rules can help you stay on track with your writing. Refer to them at anytime if you're stuck or need inspiration.

Golden Rules

Travel as much as you can. It's not necessary for you to travel around the world. Travel within your own backyard and discover something new and then write about it. Your discoveries will be interesting to someone, somewhere.
Write every day. Even if you write for an hour each day, the point is to write! This is a great way to improve upon your travel writing skills.
Read publications such as National Geographic and Travel + Leisure Magazine. If you have a plan to reach a goal of writing for one of these publications then start by reading them. This is a great way to learn what types of articles are printed. Pay attention to the style and tone of each article.
Take a travel writing course or two. It will not hurt you to sign up for a travel writing course.
Join a writing group. You can join writing groups online or where you live. Visit Meetup.com and see what's available. Make sure to check out your local bookstore because they usually have book clubs and writing groups.
Purchase a couple of travel writing books. L. Peat O'Neil's book See the World, Sell a Story is a fantastic book. It's packed with useful information and you'll find great resources at the end.
Do not give up! Sometimes success takes time. Avoid giving up too soon before your dream is realized. Go with the flow and detach from your dream. This may sound contradictory from what you're used to doing. If you hold onto something and try to force it to happen, you can sabotage your dream. Take a step back, breathe deep, and just write. Visualize yourself being a travel writer but do not become obsessed with it. If you do, you" put out an energy that reeks of desperation. You'll create situations where you find yourself feeling desperate all of the time. This will only hinder your chances of being successful in travel writing.

Follow these golden rules and your travel writing will be good as gold! Refer back to them as often as you need to do so. It's important to nurture your travel writing and yourself. Don't be too hard on yourself. Remember, it's not about the destination, it's about the journey you take to get there.

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All Inclusive Travel Packages

2008-12-22T08:24:00.000-08:00

Every day people are facing a lot of stress, may it be related to their personal relationships with others or their careers. That's why a lot are looking for ways to somehow get away from these, even for a short time. The problem, however, is that the prices of commodities have risen greatly that traveling is already considered very expensive, especially when you have your family or friends with you.

But things have changed; it is not that the costs have come down, but nowadays, we can already get cheap travel packages that include everything that is needed. This means when you choose these all inclusive travel packages, do not need to spend on anything else-unless you want to.

A few years earlier, the middle-class people could never even dream of holidays in places like Mexico or the Caribbean or even in Hawaii; but now, it is the middle class who really look forward to such holidays, and it is well within their grasp, thanks to the cheap all inclusive travel packages.

Nevertheless, it may take sometime before people can get used to the idea. After all, isn't it how many times that we get fooled by cheap rates with hidden costs. It may slowly change your mind, though, when you come to know the amenities and services that could possibly be included in the all inclusive travel packages. They could mean the inclusion of your airfare, meals, drinks, and a 5-star accommodation. There can be additional perks, such as complementary souvenir items or a day tour.

You can look forward to a lot of things, so you know that with these types of travel packages, you're getting the best of both worlds: comfort and fun at a very low price.

If you think that finding companies that provide such packages is tough, then you should know that there are plenty of options. For one, you can always scout for a travel agent, who can offer you the best possible rates for this type of package. You can find him or her in the World Wide Web. Normally, these travel agencies come up with such offers throughout the year.

Some all inclusive travel packages are not only contained in beaches and other exotic beaches, but may also include cruises. This means that you and your loved ones will be able to visit a number of countries or cities in a specified number of days aboard the best cruise ships in the world.

You can also get the most of your all inclusive packages during your vacation if you use it during off season. At these times, the rates are incredibly at their lowest. What's more, there are lesser people, so you can far better enjoy your privacy. There can even be discounts offered on items and services that are not included in the package.

With these all inclusive travel options, exotic locations all around the world have become tourist destinations for all, whether you are rich or poor. If you always wanted to visit your dream place at a far lower cost, then what are you waiting for? Find such packages and realize your dreams.

Travel Rewards Cards - Taking the Benefits With You

2008-12-12T08:22:00.000-08:00

The credit cards are extensively used anywhere in world. The people find it very handy to have a card that provides lot of convenience & flexibility. As lots of people are also finding it helpful, some credit companies are planning ways to attract prospective clients and their present customers in turn for them to be satisfied with the services.

The benefit programs like the reward credit cards that serve as pioneering instrument to stay cutthroat in market. If you are frequent traveler, then you can find having a reward card extremely useful. Alternatively, if do not travel, it is best not to get reward travel card since its advantages are usually counterbalance by the hidden charges & high annual fees.

Certainly, you gain the rewards points, which can be transformed in airline miles for the purchases that charged to your credit card. Certainly, total amount you require charging to your travel card will need to be important for you to attain sufficient airline miles in order to claim free flight. This as well states that you need to charge a little to your card every month. To reap full rewards, it is good that you pay off the outstanding card balances each month that it is not caught with peak of debt with the high interest rates.

It will not be long prior to you claim for free flights for well-deserved vacation. What is more, the rewards points might at times be claimable for the free hotel rooms also, making you true smart explorer! Other advantages of travel rewards card comprise of hotel discounts, the travel insurance and car rental discounts. Few of these credit cards comprise of car insurance coverage & purchaser assurance plans.

There are some attributes of the travel rewards cards that you must look at while selecting right card to get. Initially, these credit reward some sum of free miles on support of your request or first charge to credit card. Some other points of assessment include value of every mile, which you will get. For instance, a few travel awards credit cards 1 point for each $1 spent, whereas others might reward one point for each $2 spent. Thus, credit cards that reward extra points for the lower card charges can enable you to build up rewards points at greater pace.

The airline awards credit cards are most popular kind of plastics, in accordance with the recent cardholder polls. Obviously so, as these credits cards were original companies to present the rewards. To earn very best inducements, there are some tips & tricks to follow. Ensure to pay the bills in full each month. Choose the card with supple reward schemes. And do your homework to find out various profit packages, like the special purchase inducement, redemption policies, or else promotions. Irrespective of which common airline rewards card that you select, always keep in mind that these particular cards have got credit fees and corresponding APR rate, like any other card has.

Best Travel Writing - Top 10 Travel Novels

2008-12-04T08:21:00.000-08:00

It's hard to find great travel writing, but it's out there. Part of the reason for this is that so much travel writing is also considered nature writing or narrative non-fiction. Part of the reason is that the field is so competitive because of a lot of good authors competing for a relatively small market space. But there is a wide array of great travel fiction out there, and here is my list of the best ten travel novels I've read over the past couple years.

10) Through Painted Deserts, by Donald Miller. This is one I actually found in the "Christian Non-Fiction" section, which can be unfair. There's no question Miller is a Christian, but he's a writer first and foremost, he's not preachy, and his questioning of his own faith, of reasons for existence, of who and what he is or is becoming is reminiscent of the fantastic soul searching that came from the travel writing of the Beat generation. Miller's account of his trip is great, going through the moments of beauty, the necessity of good road trip music, and admitting his moments of embarrassment and fear as freely as any other part of his journey.

9) Holy Cow: An Indian Adventure by Sarah MacDonald. The early reading of this book can be hard, because after the first few chapters there's a lot of the Western perspective, the whining of living conditions and poverty, the type of scorn you don't care to read from travel writing. I'm glad I read the rest, because like "Through Painted Deserts," "Holy Cow" is about the author's journey. Sarah evolves and changes chapter to chapter in front of you as she sheds the scornful nature of an atheist "too smart" to fall for superstition, and she opens up, traveling through India and sampling all the different religious beliefs and practices as she becomes a humble Theist who learns happiness, learns to grow, and learns that alien cultures can have a lot to offer the open traveler.

8) Into the Wild by John Krakauer. I first caught sight of this book at a Barnes and Noble on one of the feature tables. I was on winter break from Alaska and visiting family in Iowa. I picked up the book, sat down, and read the entire work in one sitting. Travel book, journalistic book, nature book, adventure book-whatever you call it, this is one heck of a read, and the debate this book causes is deep and passionate. As a wanderlust traveler, I understand the drive the main character feels, as an Alaskan, I understand the native perspective of irritation, of the lack of understanding that nature is brutal and especially Alaska needs to be respected as such.

7) Dark Star Safari: Overland from Cairo to Capetown, by Paul Theroux. Paul Theroux is at his best in "Dark Star Safar," where his skills of observation and his dry wit are on full display. Paul takes readers the length of Africa via overcrowded rattletrap bus, dugout canoe, cattle truck, armed convoy, ferry, and train in a journey that is hard to forget. There are moments of beauty, but there are also many moments of misery and danger. This is a narration of Africa that goes beyond the skin deep to dare to look at the deeper core of what is often referred to as "The Dark Continent."

6) Blue Highways: A Journey Into America, by William Least Heat-Moon. This is an auto-biographical travel journey taken by Heat-Mean in 1978. After separating from his wife and losing his job, Heat-Moon decided to take an extended road trip around the United States, sticking to "Blue Highways," a term to refer to small out of the way roads connecting rural America (which were drawn in blue in the old Rand McNally atlases). So Heat-Moon outfits his van, named "Ghost Dancing" and takes off on a 3-month soul-searching tour of the United States. The book chronicles the 13,000 mile journey and the people he meets along the way, as he steers clear of cities and interstates, avoiding fast food and exploring local American culture on a journey that is just as amazing today as when he first took the journey.

5) The Lost Continent, by Bill Bryson. There are tons of fantastic Bill Bryson books out there, and any one of them could hold this spot here. "The Lost Continent" is Bryson's trip across America, visiting some common places (the grand canyon), but also exploring the back roads and looking for that familiarity that helps him remember home.

4) Wanderlust: Real-Life Tales of Adventures and Romance by Pico Iyer. Probably one of the best travel writing collections released in recent memory, this collection is under the name Pico Iyer, who helped to edit this collection. These stories come from the "Wanderlust" section of Salon.com and create a varied tapestry of travel writing that will keep the reader flipping from one writer to another.

3) A Walk Across America by Peter Jenkins. This is one of the all time modern classics in travel literature, as Peter Jenkins recalls the story of his 1973-1975 walk from New York to New Orleans. For many readers, this remains a rare travel book that grips you and keeps you. Known as a travel writer who will walk anywhere, including Alaska and China, Peter Jenkins says, "I started out searching for myself and my country and found both." That sums up what travel writing should be all about.

2) Travels w/ Charlie by John Steinbeck. This was a novel that helped John Steinbeck win a Nobel Prize in Literature. "Travels with Charlie" is a fantastic travel narrative that gets to the heart of travel, the point of the trip, and the strange confrontation and realization that the places and people you remember are gone once you are. As he revisits the places of his youth that many of his books are based on, he realizes on seeing old friends that they're as uncomfortable with him being back as he is with being there. A great story about travel, about home, about mourning lost history, about aging, and about America-this should be required reading for every high school student.

1) The Dharma Bums, by Jack Kerouac. The beat generation was full of great travel narratives, and Jack Kerouac was the master of powerful, moving, passionate language that unfolded stories like few people have ever managed. While "On the Road" is the most often pointed to travel narrative by Kerouac, "The Dharma Bums" is a better book. Full of passion, interesting characters and stories, and the kind of passionate language and powerful prose that made the beat generation writers popular, this Kerouac book is extraordinary and deserving of its number one spot.

Travel Books - Compilation of Accurate Travel Information

2008-11-16T08:20:00.000-08:00

The travel books are a wonderful means of gaining information about travel, travel routes and other travel related information. These books really act as a virtual guide for people who are true aspirants of tour and travel. Travel books give a detailed information of the various routes available for visiting a place and the means to commute.

These books normally concentrate on a particular place or destination. However, there are also categories that give a broad coverage of destinations. Such coverage include a number of places in one region. But whenever the travel books give coverage to one place, it is detailed information about the tourist spots. So, the tourists are absolutely kept alert about the tour package for touring a place. This is absolutely convenient for people as they can now avail the right services for they are in full knowledge about the do's and do not's after reading the travel related books.

The travel books are meant to provide an itinerary to travelers aspiring to travel to several destinations of the world. The travel literature is a genre in itself. These books document the travel literature and store them as a knowledge pool for people to get the right kind of information. The books are incorporated with fascinating pictures of tourist destinations and places. These pictures give viewers a through understanding and the readers get a glimpse of a place before visiting it. The unique and informative content make tourists fall in love with a place. It is only then that they decide to visit the place during their vacations or holidays.

Some of the best examples of travel books are lonely Planet, Rick Steves, Moon Handbooks, Michelin, Eyewitness Guides and more. These books give complete information about a destination. Tour packages are compiled to help tourists choose the most suitable travel package keeping in mind the time in their hand. People find it very convenient for it acts as a capsule that gives complete information about tourist destinations on earth. So, it is recommended that tourists read such books before taking up tour to a place.

Get Paid to Travel the World - And Never Hold a Job

2008-10-14T08:18:00.000-07:00

Wouldn't it be great to travel the world and get paid for doing so? When most people think about traveling, they think of the two outdated 'travel models.'

1) Work really, really hard and save a lot of money. Once you have 'enough cash,' you travel for as long as you can before going broke and getting another job (or go back to your old one).

2) Travel as a part of your job. These would be low-paying jobs like working on a cruise ship, as a tour guide, bartender, adventure sport instructor, or simply getting a regular job in an exotic location. A better option, to be sure, but...

How can you travel wherever your heart desires, 'working' at something that fascinates you? The answer is closer that you may imagine, and a lot more attainable. No, you don't have to sell anything to your friends or join a cult. I present to you option 3.

3) Utilize simple technology to automatically provide people with value. For doing so, you make money.

Sound like fun? It definitely is.

The underground movement of travelers who hold no jobs and 'work' out of internet café's and on laptops a few hours a day (or a week) grows larger every day. Here are some quick ways you can join this group.

Film your travel adventures and drive Internet traffic using your videos. You're taking pictures and videos anyway, so why not make some money for doing so? Did you know you can use sites like YouTube and Flickr to send traffic to websites that will PAY you for the traffic?

Write about your travel adventures. Most 'travel writers' work like mad to make a few measly hundred bucks selling their stories to travel magazines. Instead, land a high-paying job on Elance or Guru... or better yet, post your stories to your own easy-to-create blog and make a Google Adsense income off of your readers.

Become a salesman for the biggest store in the world... Ebay! This is one of the most under-appreciated travel-income methods of all time. Most people think they have to ship a physical product on Ebay... which limits your inventory to what you could fit in your luggage or backpack. Unfortunately (fortunately for you!) this is completely wrong. You can sell digital products like e-books and courses on Ebay and never pay a red-cent for shipping. For physical products, you can also easily setup a fulfillment center that will ship your stuff without your ever having to lift a finger.

Drive internet traffic to sites using simple techniques. Can you get on an online forum and answer other people's questions about a subject? Then you've got enough skill to drive internet traffic! If you send traffic to websites looking for customers on your subject, you can get paid for it.

Making an income while traveling isn't as difficult as it may seem... you just need to take action on a few simple steps that not many people know about. Soon, you will be making more money while traveling than you would if you had a 9-5 job! The only thing stopping you is taking action.

Before You Go - A Medical Travel Checklist

2008-09-16T08:16:00.000-07:00

Did you know that nearly half of all visitors to developing countries get sick during their stays? So go prepared! For example, I always take a small packet of first-aid items: salve for infections, aspirins, lozenges and band-aids. Divide your prescriptions between two bags so that you will always have some of your medications. Make sure you have adequate prescriptions for your trip, and also know the generic equivalent in case you need to purchase some while on your trip.

For each overseas trip I also go through a medical checklist. I have listed several important items:

• Buy insurance before you travel. Some countries require that you be insured before you apply for a visa. In cases like this getting international medical insurance is not an option. You will not get a visa for your destination without proper health insurance.

• Update your routine immunizations. Diseases that are eradicated in your home country are not eradicated around the world. Go to your family doctor and update your routine immunizations: tetanus, pneumonia, polio, influenza and measles-mumps-rubella.

• Get special immunization. Determine what special immunizations may also be needed for your target destination. Often you can find this information on the web; for example, Center for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov or World Health Organization at www.who.int.

• Obtain helpful documentation. If you suffer from a chronic or pre-existing condition, it would be good for you to have a short medical history on hand, along with the name, address and fax or email address of your physician. Don't forget to include any allergies you have, especially if you are allergic to certain medications. If you can, keep prescriptions in original packaging. A letter from your doctor stating that you need certain medications would be a great help in getting through customs if you run into a problem.

• Include these items in your International Travel Supplies Kit. Sunscreen, Band Aids, Antiseptics, Hand Gel, Travel and Evacuation Insurance, Sunglasses, First Aid Kit, Mosquito Repellent, Passport and copy of passport stored in another location, Spare glasses, Thermometer, Diarrheal Rx, Prescription Meds in Original Bottles, Analgesics (Tylenol, Asprin, etc), and Malaria Prophylaxis.

• Check airline regulations for liquid medications allowed on board. The Transportation Security Administration prohibits any liquids over 3 ounces to be in your hand luggage. However, certain medications are allowed. Please check TSA online or talk with an airline representative.

Credit Cards and Travel

2008-08-06T08:15:00.000-07:00

A common question among the avid traveler is "Will a credit card actually benefit me when I travel a lot?" I can sum this all up in one word and it's "yes" but you have to have the right card and you need to use it properly before you can actually take advantage of it. Before you just start swiping any credit card out there, there are some things you should know about your card before you use it.

You need the right card - Before you start swiping that card, make sure that you have a "travel based credit card". If you don't have a card that's travel based, you're probably not getting the rewards you deserve. Sure, there are cash back cards out there that will give you 1-2% back on everything but there are travel cards out there that will give you 5% back. If you want to maximize your rewards on travel, look into this niche based card. Other than that, sure you may save but how much will you save?

Use it properly - if you don't use your card the right way, you're not going to take advantage of the rewards and let me explain. Let's say your interest rate is 13% and you have a $500 balance. Let's say you only pay off $250 for that month. Now, you're going to have that APR tacked onto that leftover $250. In the long haul, you're going to pay more toward that interest rate than you would the rewards. It's important that you pay your card off in full each month and never miss a payment. This way, you won't have to worry about any fees at all.

Watch your rewards - This one goes alongside with picking out the right card. If you're getting a card where you only get 5 times the points on airline A and you fly airline B all the time, I think you picked out the wrong card. You're going to want to pick out the card where you can maximize on airline B. This is why it's important to be loyal to an airline. When you find yourself loyal to an airline, you're going to get more rewards and some high perks like boarding early, getting gifts or even getting upgrades on your next flight. Airlines love it when people continue to fly their airlines only.

It's not hard to pick out the right card. Usually when someone asks me about a travel card, I will tell them to look for an airline that offers a card that they fly through. While I think it's important to be loyal to an airline, I can understand why some people want to find a cheap flight and they don't care about loyalty. What they don't understand is that in the long run, the gifts and rewards might outbalance the savings that they have occurred just by going the cheap route. The next time you fly, try out a card. If you like it, keep using it, if not, just shred and cancel, it's that easy!

Start saving on travel with the best travel credit cards on the market at FINDairlinecards.com, where you can find even more of Tom's work.

Hassle-Free Essay

2008-07-30T08:28:00.000-07:00

You knew it all along that in every desire to achieve something has its equivalent challenge to face. That’s what I have gone through for so many years, and even today.

Well, challenging myself today is a little bit okay than when I was still in school/university. Why? It’s because I have always been aiming to achieve high grades and be in the honor roll. I am happy with the results though. The effort has paid me off. But come to think of it, if ever I’ll go back to college by next semester or probably next school year, would I still be able to handle my hectic schedule? That’s the question that is bothering me all along.

I have been a student and I know how challenging it is to be dealing with studies. Well, on my part yes because I make sure that I would be getting only high grades so I was pressuring myself then. But now that I am already working, it would be very difficult for me to adjust my hectic schedule especially if going to college would also mean making a thesis. That one is a very difficult part to be involved with both work and dissertation.

It’s just a good thing that I chanced upon on custom-writing.org where essay professionals are willing to extend their knowledge and help so every student who needs to work on an essay or thesis would just have the choice to buy essay. It’s hassle-free, right? So why invite your eyebags in burning a midnight candle when you can actually have a ready-made essay or thesis when you visit the site?

Zenni Optical was on FOX news

2008-07-16T02:52:00.000-07:00

Suffering from eyestrain makes your day dull and boring. So your last resort is to wear eyeglasses. However, when you are going to find one, make sure that you get the Incredible Stylish New Frames From Zenni. You can surely get the right choice because Zenni Optical $ 8 Rx Eyeglasses are of various styles you can choose from. So if you are looking for an eyeglasses, you got to read the Zenni Optical was on FOX news!.

Meeting with the Boss

2008-06-17T10:25:00.000-07:00

7:30 a.m. SHARP! That's our meeting time with the boss. No late! Maybe that was her reason why she booked us in a hotel near our office. Anyway, just like the meetings we had before, the atmosphere is still cool and fun. We are all boys except for one auditor and the boss, of course. So what do you expect? Hehehe!

It's not a stiff and boring meeting like other companies would usually have. We are free to crack jokes even with the boss around. But we know how to approach the meeting with formality, of course. What we, the guys, love most about our monthly meeting is the resto treat of our dearest boss. From breakfast down to dinner, we can fill our stomach with the best foods we want. There's no limit when it comes to the order. As long as we can eat it all, then we are free to order the meal. And not just that, we always have it at the best restos our boss loves to hang out. Like for our breakfast, we usually have it at McDo; our lunch and dinner at Maxx or Chowking. But just recently, ma'am introduced to us her fave resto so far. I will post about it next time. The ambiance is a native Filipino style, and the food is so great!

at the office while waiting for the busy boss...

Me on a hot seat...

at the native resto...

Our workaholic boss...(peace, ma'am!)

Trying to look serious...

I just can't...I want to outburst my laughter (smile!)

The meeting had ended past 8:00 in the evening. Just right for our dinner date with the boss. After that, we headed straight to the hotel to catch some sleep because I had to wake up early tomorrow to catch a good bus going back to Legazpi.

at Orange Place Hotel

2008-06-16T09:27:00.000-07:00

My boss had already booked me at Orange Place Hotel a night before I arrived Manila. My fellow field auditor joined me in the room (oops...d kami talo! hahaha!) We spent the night laughing at our own stories. We even joked about the sudden escape of my coordinator who was supposed to be with us inside the room that night. Before he left, he said that he'll just go out and come back again. But he didn't show up hahaha! He might have spent the night at her girlfriend's boarding house hahaha! Well, it was just part of our joke.

alang magawa kaya palitan kami ng buddy ko mgpicture2x hehehe!

O jan ka na lang muna nyahahaha! may gagawin lang ako (joke!)

Where's Your Loyalty?

2008-06-14T10:08:00.001-07:00

Watch Sermons Online

2008-05-28T05:18:00.000-07:00

Religions are spreading worldwide with their own convictions and missions in the world. But all of them have their main goal, and that is to spread the Good News of our Lord. If you are a preacher or you know someone who preaches God’s word, you might want to upload sermons or watch sermons online at PreacherTV.com.

I'm Back!

2008-05-18T00:24:00.000-07:00

I left Metro Manila at 11:00 a.m. yesterday. I am supposed to catch a bus earlier than that but I don't know why there were a lot of passengers yesterday and that left me waiting for available passenger seats. It was just a good thing that I finally got one although it's near lunch time. I arrived home at 12:15 a.m. and my hon waited for me at that hour. I missed her and Bendyk and if the budget permits, I'd bring them along when I come back to Manila.

So much for this, I need to take a nap since I hardly slept when I was in Manila.

On My Way to Manila Tomorrow

2008-05-14T05:28:00.000-07:00

It's getting late and this will only be quick. We'll be having our meeting with the boss on the 16th so I have to be in Manila tomorrow night. I just reserved a ticket at Philtranco this afternoon. I'm glad that it's off-season so I was able to choose a more innovative bus from Philtranco. Hope that it'll be a no-hassle trip to and fro Manila. It's been awhile since I get there. Maybe a year ago.

Anyway, I'm sure I will miss my hon and of course, my daddy's boy prince. I'll just find something for them when I get there. Need to sleep now. Goodnight!

A Lesson for a Lifetime

2008-05-08T01:12:00.000-07:00

Le'mme share this very inspiring story with you peeps...

When I arrived at 6 a.m. in the large hospital kitchen, Rose was already checking name tags on the trays against the patient roster. Stainless steel shelves held rows of breakfast trays which we would soon be serving.

"Hi, I'm Janet." I tried to sound cheerful, although I already knew Rose's reputation for being impossible to work with. "I'm scheduled to work with you this week."

Rose, a middle-aged woman with graying hair, stopped what she was doing and peered over her reading glasses. I could tell from her expression she wasn't pleased to see a student worker.

"What do you want me to do? Start the coffee?"

Rose sullenly nodded and went back to checking name tags.

I filled the 40-cup pot with cold water and began making the coffee when Rose gruffly snapped, "That's not the way to make coffee." She stepped in and took over.

"I was just doing it the way our supervisor showed us to do it," I said in astonishment.

"The patients like the coffee better the way I do it," she replied curtly.

Nothing I did pleased her. All morning her eagle eyes missed nothing and her sharp words stung. She literally trailed me around the kitchen.

Later, after breakfast had been served and the dishes had been washed, I set up my share of trays for the next meal. Then I busied myself cleaning the sink. Certainly Rose couldn't criticize the way I did that.

When I turned around, there stood Rose, rearranging all of the trays I had just set up!

Totally exhausted, I trudged the six blocks home from the University of Minnesota Hospital late that June afternoon. As a third year university student working my way through school, I had never before encountered anyone like Rose.

Fighting back tears, I wrestled with my dilemma alone in my room. "Lord, what do you want me to do? I can't take much more of Rose."

I turned the possibilities over in my mind. Should I see if my supervisor would switch me to work with someone else? Scheduling was fairly flexible. On the other hand, I didn't want to be a quitter. I knew my older co-workers were watching to see if my actions matched my words.

The answer to my prayer caught me completely by surprise -- I needed to love Rose.

Love her? No way! Tolerate, yes, but loving her was impossible.

"Lord, I can't love Rose. You'll have to do it through me."

Working with Rose the next morning, I ignored the barbs thrown in my direction and did things Rose's way as much as possible to avoid friction. As I worked, I silently began to surround Rose with a warm blanket of prayers. "Lord, help me love Rose. Lord, bless Rose."

Over the next few days an amazing thing began to happen. As I prayed for this irritating woman, my focus shifted from what she was doing to me, and I started seeing Rose as the hurting person she was. The icy tension began to melt away.

Throughout the rest of the summer, we had numerous opportunities to work together. Each time she seemed genuinely happy to see me. As I worked with this lonely woman, I listened to her--something no one else had done.

I learned that she was burdened by elderly parents who needed her care, her own health problems, and an alcoholic husband she was thinking of leaving.

The days slipped by quickly as I finished the last several weeks of my summer job. Leaves were starting to turn yellow and red, and there was a cool, crispness in the air. I soon would be returning as a full-time university student.

One day, while I was working alone in one of the hospital kitchens, Rose entered the room. Instead of her blue uniform, she was wearing street clothes.

I looked at her in surprise. "Aren't you working today?"

"I got me another job and won't be working here no more," she said as she walked over and gave me a quick hug. "I just came to say good-bye." Then she turned abruptly and walked out the door.

Although I never saw Rose again, I still remember her vividly. That summer I learned a lesson I've never forgotten. The world is full of people like Rose--irritating, demanding, unlovable - yet hurting inside. I've found that love is the best way to turn an enemy into a friend.

"Love your enemies! Do good to them! Lend to them! And don't be concerned that they might not repay. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to the unthankful and to those who are wicked."
Luke 6:35 NLT

Why Do Men and Women Cheat?

2008-05-04T01:14:00.000-07:00

Why do men and women cheat? And what can be done about it?

Infidelity or extramarital affairs have been extensively studied over the past two decades and a lot has been discovered. Unfortunately, most of the evidence indicates being faithful to a single romantic partner is difficult to do.

To start with, human sexuality is incredibly complex. Decisions about our sexual behavior are typically not planned in advance. Few people intentionally plan on committing infidelity (at least the first time it happens).

When making promises to be faithful, most people are serious and have every intention of keeping their word. But while people generally have the best intentions when making such promises, human behavior is not always governed by the fact that vows were taken and promises were made.

When it comes to making decisions about love and betrayal, logic and reason have a difficult time competing with our emotions for control. Simply put, logic and reason often take the backseat to our emotions when it comes to love and romance. So from time to time, our emotions can get the best of us and lead us down paths we had no intention of traveling.

In short, most infidelity occurs, not because it is planned, but because people find themselves in situations where their emotions lead them astray.

What types of situations influence our emotions and bring out the worst in our behavior?

* Being close or interdependent on someone other than one’s spouse
* Being around someone who is sexually interested
* Spending a lot of time one-on-one with someone else
* Not feeling close or connected to one’s spouse (e.g., feeling lonely, being upset or angry with a spouse, etc.)
* Situations that create the sense of opportunity - the feeling that one will not get caught (e.g., meeting someone in private, out of town trips, a lot of time away form a spouse, etc.).
* Situations involving alcohol or drugs

@ Daet, Camarines Norte

2008-04-29T08:38:00.000-07:00

I left Legazpi City at 10:30 a.m. today. Had my lunch in Naga City, and reached Daet at 4:00 p.m.. The trip was quite tiring. I even fell asleep until I reached my destination. I didn't waste time so I went to the warehouse for my audit so I can go back to the hotel to have some rest.

I just came here at the cafe today to chat with my honey. Had also talked to my little prince through YM voice call. The day is not yet over, but I already missed them. How I wish I could bring them with me anywhere I go. But my profession needs my focus and attention so I need to work hard for my family.

I better leave now for dinner. I have to finish the audit tomorrow so I can go home later in the afternoon. I'll post some photos for this trip. Bye for now!

Tattoo ad on forehead for $10,000

2008-04-11T01:11:00.000-07:00

A mother had her forehead tattooed with the web address of a gambling site after auctioning off advertising space on her head to pay for her son's school fees.

Karolyne Smith has to live with a permanent billboard on her forehead after she accepted Goldenpalace.com's offer of $10,000 for the 'advertising space'. She needed the money to send her son Brady to a private school.

Karolyne said: ""I really want to do this. To everyone else, it seems like a stupid thing to do. To me, $10,000 is like a million dollars."

"I only live once and I'm doing it for my son. It's a small sacrifice to build a better future for my son."

Karolyne did not take the decision lightly. She discussed it for more than three weeks with her boyfriend Jeremy Williams.

Smith's eBay auction attracted more than 27,000 hits and 1,000 watchers. Bidding reached $999.99 before Goldenpalace.com, an Internet gambling company met Smith's $10,000 asking price. Goldenpalace.com also gave her another $5,000 for her trouble.

Another person, inspired by Karolyne is currently auctioning his forehead as ad space on ebay

Dating Advice For Women: Lighten Up And Give Him A Chance

2008-04-04T01:10:00.000-07:00

Contrary to popular notions held by women today that there just are not enough good men left to date, evidence that is available points out that such is not the case. The ideal man could be someone that has a good career as a teacher or electrician and who is over five feet seven inches in height, is athletic or even huggable and who likes to cook, dance and hike as well as watch movies.

Look For Honesty And Monogamous Males

The best dating advice for women would be to look for such men, who in any case are also looking for a loving relationship and who view monogamy positively and who, also pride them on being honest. You would also be well advised in looking for a partner that is not too much older or younger than you since such men would also want the same things as you do.

Another important dating advice for women is to give the man a chance because it is a common complaint among men that women just don’t give them a chance, and it is quite common for men to be refused by women that have sought men out through dating services without even having spoken to the man or responded to communicate with the man any further. This kind of behavior on the part of women can leave men dazed and bewildered and also very frustrated.

The next piece of dating advice for women worth considering is to not judge the book by its cover and look beyond appearances and looks. Often, women may complain that they only are rejected because of their looks and men do not take enough time to get to know them better, and the same holds good in the case of men being rejected by women. The best dating advice for women is that they should select their partner not just on physical attraction, because this a common trap that most women easily fall into and that is why matchmakers don’t show photographs of prospective partners in the beginning.

It also brings up an important point about the cost to women in rejecting men based on superfluous attributes, and unfortunately the cost may be quite high and it is a common reason why they often miss the boat.

It is a much better idea to profit from dating advice for women and expand the horizons by looking for more desirable qualities in men such as finding someone who fits well and who maybe also has a warm heart, or who has communication skills of a better kind. Women should also look for education as well as honesty and because women in this present age are more independent, they do not need to worry too much about emotional support or even the financial status of the partner.

It is also worth paying attention to another good dating advice for women and that is it pays to get to know the man and sharing a glass of wine or engaging in light conversation and sparing an hour or so of her time to know the other person from the inside is worth more than simply accepting or rejecting a man based on his physical attributes.

Today, dating is filled with many opportunities and according to sound dating advice for women, you need not be so hung up on expecting very high standards of the prospective male and it is much better to give the other a chance and even say ‘yes’ when someone meets minimum criteria even though he may not be an ideal person, but could still make an excellent partner. There is not much you would lose and plenty that you could gain.

My Alma Mater - AIMS 'd Best!

2008-04-02T00:38:00.000-07:00

It's been less than a year already since I left my alma mater, Asian Institute of Maritime Studies (Pasay City, Metro Manila). It was some kinda mixed emotions: joy and sadness. I am happy for I have succeeded in earning my degree, but then I am missing those times when I was still there at AIMS, busy with my studies and at the same time having fun with my classmates-friends.

Reminiscing all of those memories I had in my college years can never deny the fact that I indeed treasure every hour of my AIMS life. Keep in touch mga pare koh!

San man kayo makarating, tandaan nyo lang lagi iyong motto natin, "In every port, report!" hahaha! O baka iba na naman yan ha! Ang ibig ko lng sabihin ay wag naman makalimot!

Dating Tips for Teenage Guys Taking a Girl Out on the First Date

2008-03-26T01:08:00.000-07:00

You have liked this girl for a while now, and you finally got the courage up to ask her out on a date. However, while you are really excited, you are really nervous. You want everything to go perfectly, so you are really in need of some dating tips.

Dating Tip #1: Ask Her What She Wants to Do

Girls love it when they get the opportunity to go on a date to their favorite place. So, you will be earning a lot of respect from her if you follow this dating tip. However, if she says that she does not have a particular place in mind, you should start planning! This is also a good time for you to ask other female friends that you have for advice.

Dating Tip #2: Choose a Neutral Place

Since this is your first date, you do not want to jump right into a romantic relationship and take her to a romantic restaurant. Keep everything just fun for the first date, and take her to the mall or to the movies. As for what movie to pick, choose a comedy. This way, you can laugh together and keep the situation less nerve-wracking.

Dating Tip #3: Give her a Flower

When you go to pick up your date at the door, make sure you bring her a little something – specifically, a flower. It is a nice gesture, and one that she is sure to love. However, keep it simple and save the bouquets for later on. As for what flower to choose, a single rose is a great idea, but if you happen to know what her favorite flower is, that is especially good.

Dating Tip #4: Do Not Try to Rush Things

As much as you like your date, you cannot just start making out with her, or going even further. Girls like a guy that lets them lead in that department, and it is better for you to just get to know each other on a mental level instead of a physical level. If this does not interest you, then you should reevaluate what you are looking for in a relationship.

Remember, relationships take time, and as a teenager there is certainly no need to rush into one right away. The important thing is to date and have crushes, but certainly not marriage! Dating is supposed to be fun, so get to know each other and see where this relationship goes.

Dating Tips For Teenage Girls: Four Fun Things To Do

2008-03-17T01:05:00.000-07:00

Going on a first date can be awkward for boys as well as girls. You and your date both want to make a good impression on each other. You’re probably both a little nervous and conversation may come hard.

There are some things you can do, however, to break the ice on that first date. And while you’re breaking the ice, you can be observing your guy to decide whether you want a second date with him.

Dating Tips for Teenage Girls #1: Go to a Movie or Concert

This will allow you to spend a few hours together without struggling to find something to say. Afterwards, the show you just saw will give you plenty to talk about. While you’re evaluating the show, you can be evaluating your date as well. Do you and he share a sense of humor or a similar sense of values? Does he laugh at things you find offensive?

Dating Tips for Teenage Girls #2: Do Something Physical

Go indoor rock climbing, challenge him to a good, hard game of tennis, or suggest a bowling match. Until you know him better, avoid activities like hiking that will put the two of you together in an isolated area. Observe his attitude and see how does he react if you win? Does he get sullen and resentful, or is he pleased for you?

Dating Tips for Teenage Girls #3: Double (or Triple, or Quadruple) Date

Go out with other couples to get some pizza or see a movie. The more people there are, the more easily the conversation flows. Watch your date as he interacts with other people. How does he treat the other girls? Is he pleasant, or does he make crude remarks that annoy the others?

Dating Tips for Teenage Girls #4: Make a Study Date

Meet at the library to catch up on school work. Most libraries have private rooms study buddies can reserve. As you work and chat together, observe his behavior. Does he do his share, or does he count on you to do the majority of the work? Does he know how to work through a problem, or does he get easily frustrated?

A first date can be every bit as awkward as a job interview. But these dating tips for teenage girls will allow you to have fun with your date, while at the same time keeping an eye out for personality traits you may find undesirable.

The Blogger in Me...

2008-03-03T01:03:00.000-08:00

1. How many times do you blog in a day/week?
6 hours/day

2. What topics do you talk about when blogging?

More on advanced technology and the latest gadgets.

3. How many blogs do you currently have? List them.

2 blogs so far

Auto Crazed
Innovative Wonders

The Rio de Janeiro Harbor

2008-02-28T01:02:00.000-08:00

At the beginning of the 16th century, the Portuguese explorers who sailed down Brazil's coast kept tarck of their discoveries, and the days of the year, by naming the former for the latter. On New Year's Day, 1502, they glided toward a narrow opening in the coastline, guarded by fabulously shaped mountains. Beyond this entrance lay a body of water stretching 20 miles inland. Convinced that they had reached the mouth of a great river, they named the area River of the First of January.

The large waterway was not a river; it was an island-studded bay that the Tamoio people had long before named Guanabara - "arm of the sea." Nearly five centuries later, both the native and European names persist. But now, instead of caravels and dugouts, supertankers and yachts glide across the magnificent balloon-shaped harbor of Guanabara Bay. No longer a tropical wilderness teeming with tapirs and jaguars, the bay's western shores now hold a roaring metropolis called Rio de Janeiro - the River of January.

The great bay that looked like a river was only one of many illusions that Rio held. Europeans called the smaller bay of Botafago, under Sugarloaf, a "lake"; the Tamoio themselves named Guanabara Bay's eastern edge Niteroi, meaning "hidden waters." For early European voyagers, it was as though, when Rio hove into view, the curtain rose on a stage set with such strange, striking shapes and forms that virtually everything looked like something else.
Guarding the entrance to the bay, the naked and lopsided mountain the Portuguese called Pao de Acucar evoked the sugarloaves fashioned on the island of Madeira. They called the highest mountain Corcovado - "the hunchback" - for its humped profile. Today, a statue of Christ the Redeemer crowns the 2,300-foot-high peak.

The bay's vastness has been shrinking. With usable land at a premium, landfill has twice altered Guanabara Bay's contours. In the 1920s and again in the 1960s, small hills that once had been home to Rio's earliest settlers were sluiced through pipes to create bayfill. The new land now anchors an airport, a six-lane highway, parkland and beaches, the city's modern art museum, and other 20th-century landmarks as Rio looks to its great bay for elbow room

HTC Cingular 8525 Tri-band 3G PDA Phone

2008-02-19T01:00:00.000-08:00

High Tech Computer Corp. (HTC), the world's leading provider of Microsoft Windows Mobile -based devices, today unveiled its most versatile PDA Phone to date: the Cingular 8525. The device is the first PDA Phone to be released in North America with High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), which allows users to perform voice and data functions simultaneously. In addition, the Cingular 8525 is the first HSDPA PDA Phone with tri-band 3G usability and can roam in the US, Europe, and Asia (including Japan). The Cingular 8525 is the first tri-band HSDPA 3G Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0- based PDA Phone, which, with its compact size and ultimate connectivity, is truly the complete mobile office solution. Users can utilize the device's wireless broadband access, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, to access corporate or personal e-mail. While the Cingular 8525 is great for business, it also features the latest in Windows Mobile software and technology to let users shoot videos and still pictures - allowing people to send memories when they happen and stay connected to those who count; as well as listen to music, talk with friends via all major Instant Message platforms, or watch streamed mobile videos. The Cingular 8525 PDA Phone will be available in the U.S. from Cingular Wireless beginning November 16 for as low as $399.99 with a two-year contract and qualifying voice and data plans.

SOURCE:http://www.finalsense.com/news/it/phone/htc_cingular_3g_pda.htm

One Good Reason to Get Out of Bed

2008-02-14T00:59:00.000-08:00

The Leading Hotels of the World understands the finer points of hospitality and luxury. Indulge yourself in a lifestyle of luxury at one of our 5 star hotels and the unparalleled comfort they offer. The Leading Hotels of the World's featured hotels cater to the discriminating few, where first class service is a norm rather than an exception. The Leading Hotels of the World features small luxury hotels, resort hotels as well as world-renowned stately hotels offering all the possibilities for family getaways, romantic escapades and business meetings. Whether you need accommodation for business or pleasure, The Leading Hotels of the World will have the perfect solution for you. Online hotel reservations have never been easier.

No Dull Moments with Online Games

2008-02-08T00:58:00.000-08:00

In a galaxy not too far away, online gamers may soon scour the job boards for paying posts as Galactic Empire insurgents or anti-Vader moisture farmers. Massive multiplayer online role-playing games boast subscriber populations that rival those of many North American cities. As a result, game developers are moving beyond simply creating ultrarealistic 3-D worlds. They're also modeling less tangible Earth phenomena such as governance and commerce -- prompting a rise of real economies in imaginary societies. "Traditionally that kind of kill-the-rat, get-your-five-gold-pieces model hasn't changed with most (multiplayer online games)," said LucasArts producer Haden Blackman, referring to the revenue strategy pioneered by the early text-based multi-user domains on which modern MMORPGs are based. "One of the things we wanted to do is have a more viable player-run economy from the very outset." Blackman heads up the LucasArts branch of the team that's working with Sony Online Entertainment to produce the first Star Wars-based MMORPG, Star Wars Galaxies, set to hit shelves in late January.

The elaborate handle for these online role-playing games is shortened in various ways throughout the online gaming industry: MMOP, MMO and MMPOG, in addition to the Star Wars Galaxies-styled, MMORPG.

Typically, MMORPG gamers move through elaborate environments as digital action figures called avatars. Successful adventures yield monetary rewards that can be used to purchase equipment and clothing.

The major problem with older MMORPG economies has been their artificiality. The ability to sell to market-oblivious machines and the presence of infinitely durable goods, for example, have led to a variety of economic problems, which Blackman said his team is working hard to minimize.

"We identified some problems with the previous MMORPGs -- things like the older a (gaming) server is, the more money is available, meaning less value for 'über-items,'" Blackman said, referring to the devaluation of currency that occurs when an economy lacks monetary drains. "We wanted to avoid that syndrome if we could, and so a very simple addition like 'item decay' in our game will hopefully help."

And as similar games move closer to economic reality, the line between "real" and "fake" economy begins to disappear.

"From an economist's standpoint what's happening in these games is real," said Edward Castronova, an associate professor of economics at California State University at Fullerton. "You've got a distinct territory with specialization of labor, gains from trade, a floating exchange rate -- real economies are happening."

As a doctorate student in economics, Castronova had a strictly recreational interest in gaming -- until he encountered Sony Online's EverQuest, the most massively popular MMORPG in history.

"I started playing EverQuest in early 2001, and was playing for about four days when I saw the reality of the economy in it," he said.

A year later, Castronova had penned the first-ever study of a game society's economic system. His paper examines the EverQuest world of Norrath, where "the exchange rate between Norrath's currency and the U.S. dollar is determined in a highly liquid (if illegal) currency market, and its value exceeds that of the Japanese yen and the Italian lira.... Norrath's GNP per capita easily exceeds that of dozens of countries, including India and China."

Star Wars Galaxies directly addresses many of the economic problems Castronova identified in the Norrathian economy -- namely the reduction of computer-controlled merchants and the elimination of infinitely durable goods. Both of these measures should eliminate the deflation experienced in Norrath.

Castronova believes games will eventually move from the creation of "real" economies to the formation of "real" governments.

"What you have now is a customer service state -- history has shown that this is not a viable way to run a people," he said. "I'm sure that we'll see a move toward consensus-based decision making. You are going to see player parliaments, or people are going to go to Earth courts and sue."

SOURCE: http://www.wired.com/gaming/gamingreviews/news/2002/11/55982

Beautiful Spots in the Philippines

2008-02-02T00:56:00.000-08:00

Explore the Philippines. Take a peek at Filipinos' history and culture mirrored by century-old churches, ancient forts and modern museums. See the best of nature in our white-sand beaches and three-layered virgin forests.Discover the Philippine islands. Blessed with an extensive coastline, the Philippines is ringed with unspoiled beaches and first-class resort facilities. Its deep-blue, crystal-clear waters offer about 40,000 square kilometers of coral reefs teeming with a wide variety of marine life. Endowed with a temperate climate, the Philippines offers a perfect treat to enjoy the sunlight.

Boracay

Lying in southeast Asia and surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, the Philippines boasts of unsullied beaches, spectacular sunsets, luxuriant pastoral lands, cool mountain weather, brilliant man-made resorts and dazzling islands.The Philippines boasts some of the best beaches and scuba diving waters in the world, supported by golf and an increasingly-impressive inter-island tour and transport system.Witness the vast expanse of nature's splendor under the spell of cool mountain breeze. A perfect setting for romance or nature tripping, the country's mountain villages serve as a perfect hideaway from the lowlands' summer heat.If you have yet to see the Philippines, then embark now to what promises to be a trip to paradise! Feel the breeze of summer at white-sand beaches deemed as among the world's finest; be fascinated at the spectacular view of Baguio and Tagaytay; and take a dip in the refreshing waters of modern resort facilities.

KTM reveals completed X-Bow prototype

2008-01-29T00:55:00.000-08:00

Austrian motorcycle builder KTM today released photos of a full-scale prototype of its new X-Bow (crossbow) roadster. The 1500-pound car has a four-cylinder Audi engine offering 220 horsepower in the base model, and a potential 300 horsepower in a more expensive variant. A choice of either a six-speed manual or DSG gearbox will be given. KTM says the base X-Bow will hit 62 mph in 3.9 seconds.

The X-Bow has no windshield, and instead will come with specially designed helmets, intended to offer shelter from the elements rather than full crash protection.

After its debut in Geneva, 100 units will be manufactured in-house by Italian racing car specialists Dallara and sold by KTM. The price for the basic version will be around 40,000 euros.

If all goes well, KTM plans further small series productions of the car. This production will take place in Austria and begin in 2008. KTM is working on the basis of a projected 500 units per year. The decision concerning production will be made at the end of April 2007.

Cadillac CTS Sedan

2008-01-15T00:54:00.000-08:00

A coupe design study of the Cadillac CTS sedan was a surprise attendee at the Detroit auto show.

2007 Lotus Exige S

2008-01-04T00:52:00.000-08:00

The latest addition to its family of lightweight sports cars, the 2007 Lotus Exige S weighs just 2057 lbs, and is powered by a 218 horsepower high-revving supercharged engine. This gives it a 0 - 60 mph time of 4.1 seconds.

Citroen C-Metisse Diesel Hybrid Sports Car: Fast and Furiously Responsible

2007-12-28T00:51:00.000-08:00

Our hybrid fetish lives on, especially for the Citroen C-Metisse Diesel Hybrid Sports Car that'll be rolled out at this year's International Motor Show in Paris. This four-door rocket is powered by a 205hp diesel V-6 engine and two electric motors, one on each rear wheel. That combo delivers pretty good numbers, too: 0-to-62 mph in 6.2 seconds at a top speed of 155mph, all the while sipping the fuel at just 42 miles per gallon.

While we probably won't be seeing a car like this on these shores or anywhere else anytime soon—yeah, it's a concept car—these design exercises will likely bear fruit somewhere, somehow. Plus, we're really digging those four gull-wing doors, inviting a quartet of lucky riders to jump in and hit the triple miles-per-hour digits. Someday. But for today, check out more pics after the jump. – Charlie White

BMW-THE NEW 3 SERIES HARDTOP CONVERT

2007-11-15T00:50:00.000-08:00

New retractable hardtop with power-operated three-piece steel roof for safety and convenienceiDrive with Programmable Memory KeysElegant 328i Convertible comes with an Aluminum/Magnesium 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine featuring Valvetronic rated at 230hp & 200 lb-ft of torquePowerful 335i Convertible features a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 300 hp / 300 lb-ft of torque and Direct InjectionLuxurious and roomy interior with seating for four and enhanced details.

The fourth generation of BMW’s 3 Series four-seat convertible makes its world debut at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit on January 7th, 2007. A new dimension in the world of motoring comes with the introduction of a retractable hardtop for the first time in a BMW.Made of lightweight steel, the three-piece roof opens in just 22 seconds and folds smoothly into the rear compartment of BMW’s newest convertible. The new roof structure ensures a lower level of noise even at high speeds while the ultra-stiff platform provides extreme torsional strength for rigidity and incredible handling inherent to all BMWs.

The new BMW 3 Series Convertible retains all the elegance and unique style that is characteristic of the 3 Series with the top either open or closed. The long and sleek hood, low shoulder line and the broad-shouldered rear end make the new BMW 3 Series Convertible unmistakable from any angle. And with the new retracting hardtop, it offers performance, comfort, safety, and value unique in its segment

The Latest Rolls-Royce, 101EX

2007-11-04T00:49:00.000-07:00

The latest experimental creation from Rolls-Royce, 101EX has been designed and built to investigate the stylistic and engineering requirements of a more dynamic Rolls-Royce. To this end the EX team has created a thrilling 21st century interpretation of the classic Grand Touring coupe.Once again its aluminium spaceframe is a modified version of that used in the Phantom, along with the familiar 6.75 litre, V12, 48 valve direct injection petrol engine. Shorter, and with a lowered roofline, the 101EX is a sleek, lithe, muscular machine, with tighter, more overtly sporting lines to emphasise it's high performance capability, while under the bonnet a black engine bay and specially finished black cam covers set a suitably distinctive tone.In contrast to production Rolls-Royce cars, which rely on predominantly alloy body panels, the 101EX's sleek lines are formed from special carbon-fibre composites. Once again, a pair of rear-hinged doors are used, and the waistline of the car is high, to emphasise the cocoon-like nature of the interior.

Providing, intimate, opulent space for four, the 101EX features an extraordinary 'Starlight headliner', which employs fibre-optics to create the illusion of a star-filled night sky. The iconic Spirit of Ecstasy has also been the focus of attention. In place of the traditional nickel-plated steel mascot, the EX team fashioned it from a polycarbonate material. With a frosted finish and illuminated via fibre-optics, the 101EX's Spirit of Ecstasy is a fittingly spectacular figurehead for a truly extraordinary car. In the finest tradition of Rolls-Royce's experimental cars, the 101EX is the latest tantalising taste of what might be.

No more Genaddi GTX1 after August

2007-10-22T00:47:00.000-07:00

Acquiring luxury vehicles is one thing and buying a rare collector’s piece is something very special. The collector’s item need not be an old sixties or seventies archaic piece but a designer car with the latest technology – one of the 600 pieces that would roam on the streets

throughout the globe. This is exactly what a car enthusiast can adorn his garage with only if he acts quickly before 31st August 2008. After the said deadline, Genaddi will cease to take further orders to produce its supercar GTX1.

The upgraded version of Ford GT designed by Genaddi Design is available in two editions – SEMA and non-SEMA editions. Both the editions have the same technology, design and comfort with the difference lying only in the outer finishing. The SEMA editions are painted Valencia orange with titanium silver stripes while the non-SEMA ones have a sporting flashy exterior.

Ford GTX1 runs on a 700hp engine with Wilwood six-piston calipers fitted to 14-inch slotted rotors. The suede upholsteries and Pirelli P-Zero rubber fittings give it a beautiful look.

Car collectors now start acting if you do not want to miss this exclusive piece from you portfolio.

SOURCE: http://automotto.org/

Car nerds name their kids Audi, Porsche and Lexus

2007-10-16T00:44:00.000-07:00

Ever wondered till what extent people can go to publicise their items of fascination? A couple of Kilgore has apparently named their children after three renowned car manufacturers. Yes, it is hard to believe, but the story is real. Craig and Sondra Harrington have a 6-year-old daughter by the name of Lexus. Their twin daughters born on 28th October last year have been named Porsche and Audi. I wonder what made the family choose such names for their children. Is it just owing to their immense interest in stylish and trendy cars? Whatever be the reason, living with names like these could be a tough task for the toddlers.

However, their father is unperturbed. Craig Harrington was quoted saying,

I think it’s something cool to go with...Other people have these names. I don’t think it’s that unusual.

Well, some people surely know how to generate unusual ideas

SOURCE: http://automotto.org/

Cadillac-XLR-V - The Latest Cadillac

2007-10-09T00:42:00.000-07:00

StandardInteriorAccents

Aluminum on the center console; left-hand and right-hand door armrests and door switch bezels; center air outlet; climate control; audio system; and steering wheel

Zingana Wood Accents

Air Bags

Dual-stage frontal and side-impact airbags with Passenger Sensing System for driver and right-front passenger (side-impact airbags include head and thorax protection)

Audio and Video Systems

XM Satellite Radio, with 3 trial months at no obligation**AM/FM stereo with 6-disc in-dash CD changer and DVD-based navigation; digital clock; RDS; TheftLock; weather band; 6.5" LCD color display touch-screen; voice recognition; and Bose® premium 9-speaker system

Cargo Net

Trunk mounted, removable cargo net

Climate Control System

Dual-zone automatic with individual climate settings for driver and right-front passenger

Rear window electric defogger with front and side window outlets for the driver and right-front passenger

Air-filtration system with pollen filter

Console

Floor-mounted console with ashtray; cigar lighter; auxiliary power outlet; 2 cup holders; coin holder; and accessible storage compartments in console and between seat backs

Door Locks

Programmable door locks with lockout protection

Driver Information Center20-character display includes

Tire Pressure Monitor and 5-language capability (English, French, German, Italian and Spanish)

Floor Mats

Carpeted driver and passenger-side floor matsInstrumentation

Head-Up Display, with digital readouts in 5 languages (English, French, German, Italian and Spanish) for vehicle speed, selected gear, Adaptive Cruise Control indicator, audio-system information, high-beam indicator, and fuel level

BVLGARI-designed electronic-analog instrumentation

BVLGARI-designed electronic analog instrumentation, with V-Series logo

Interior Color Choices

Ebony†Cashmere†Keyless EntryKeyless entry includes 2 remote transmitters that enable automatic door unlock and open by touching door switch

Keyless IgnitionKeyless ignition engaged with push-button start

LightingIlluminated entry and exit feature, courtesy lights and entrance lights in base of door

Memory Package

Recalls 2 driver "presets" for power driver seat, outside mirrors with parallel park assist, steering column, climate control, audio system and Driver Information Center

Mirrors

Inside rearview auto-dimming mirrors with OnStar controls

OnStar System1-year of Directions and Connections plan. Includes automatic notification of air bag deployment, stolen vehicle location assistance, emergency services, roadside assistance, remote door unlock, OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics, hands-free calling, AccidentAssist, remote horn and lights, information, and convenience services and driving directions delivered through OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation (where available)††Safety Belts3-point, driver and right-front passenger belt-to-seat mounting#SeatingFront bucket seats with leather seating surfaces, 8-way power driver and passenger seat adjusters, adjustable upper and lower lumbar control, easy-exit seat position, cooled and heated seat cushions and seatbacks, and integrated audio system

Front bucket seats with leather seating surfaces and sueded fabric inserts, 8-way power driver and passenger seat adjusters, adjustable upper and lower lumbar control, easy-exit seat position, cooled and heated seat cushions and seatbacks and integrated audio system

Steering

WheelLeather-wrapped steering wheel includes controls for audio, voice recognition and cruise controls. Power tilt and telescopic.StoragePassenger-side lockable and illuminated glovebox

Map pockets, door storage

Universal Transmitter3-channel programmable universal transmitter

Windows

Power windows with driver and passenger Express-Down/Up and integrated automatic indexing seal system

Exterior Color ChoicesBlack Raven†Light Platinum##Infrared§Xenon Blue##LightingFog lamps
Steerable adaptive forward lighting system, bi-functional High-Intensity Discharge (HID) with headlamp washers and Twilight Sentinel

LED tail lamps

LED backup lamps and LED center, high-mounted stop/brake lampMirrorsExterior rear-view heated mirrors are power-adjustable and feature driver-side auto-dimming with memory, manual-foldingParking AssistRear Parking Assist - Ultrasonic with rearview LED display and audible warning

Roof

Power retractable hardtop roof

Wheels & Tires

Tire Pressure Monitoring System19-inch Sterling Silver-painted aluminum wheels with P235/45WR19 front and P255/40WR19 rear extended mobility tires

Windshield Wipers

Rainsense windshield wipers with automatic actuation

Drivetrain150 amp alternator

Battery with rundown protection2.56 rear axle ratio

Engine Type

Northstar supercharged 4.4L DOHC Variable Valve Timing V8 SFI engine with 443 hp @ 6400 rpm, 414 lb-ft of torque @ 3900 rpmExhaust SystemExhaust outlets with dual chrome-plated tipsTransmission6-speed automatic transmission, electronically controlled with overdrive and Driver Shift ControlBrakes4-wheel antilock brakes with 4-wheel discsStabiliTrak4-channel electronic vehicle stability enhancement system

SteeringMagnasteer, speed-sensitive, rack-and-pinionSuspension4-wheel independent suspension with performance-tuned Magnetic Ride ControlSource- Cadillac.com