Saturday, April 7, 2012

Chinese Zodiac Compatibility : Tiger and Dragon


Very Good
The Tiger-Dragon pairing is a good one because both are adventurous and free-spirited. The Dragon of course is more careful of the two. Both enjoy having spirited arguments and love adventure. Their home life may be very chaotic because of this but there is love overall.


Tiger Personality
The Tiger just like the animal counterpart is fierce less and known for bravery. They are very competitive and can get very aggressive when challenged. They are also very charismatic so people generally find it hard to say no to them. Because of this reason watch out, when you are up against a Tiger personality. 


Tigers are very restless. They are constantly looking for the next mountain cross and when they cannot cross the mountain they can get very depressed, isolated and miserable. Tigers have good leadership abilities and they may excel in managing and leading positions. They can be very proud and charismatic leaders, good strategists and always work with a hidden agenda.




Tigers are like magnets. Friends love to surround them because of the confidence they exude. Tigers are very passionate and romantic. They enjoy sex and life. 


Because Tigers have a very restless nature it is very hard to tie them to a routine. 


Dragon Personality
The Dragons are free spirits and are a bundle of energy. Conformance to a rule does not stick well with the Dragon. They are energetic, enthusiastic people who can also be pretty aggressive. The Dragon can see the route in a situation when others see only blind spots. Because of this Dragons can be very good leaders. Going after what they want is part of their nature and they will find ways to overcome obstacles and win in any situation.


Dragons love to do things on a grand scale. They love good food, big gestures, big ideas and live “a la mode”. They love nature and spending time outdoors. They are not big time on home-related activities but they respect and protect their home and family.


Dragons are emotionally very self-sufficient people because of which they are often not disappointed people. Friends and family love them. 


Dragons enjoy decorating their homes. Their imagination and artistic sense usually makes the Dragon’s home look very majestic and expressive. Dragons are also very charitable creatures. Wealth accumulation is not big on their list. But dragons are blessed with a Midas touch that it will hard to see a poor Dragon.


Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/astrology-articles/chinese-zodiac-compatibility-tiger-and-dragon-746312.html

New Residential Scheme In Greater Noida


Noida Real Estate: Luck of the Draw


A new residential scheme for lower and middle income groups has been introduced by the Greater Noida Authority providing 2,256 constructed houses in four different categories, and covering an area of 70, 90, 120 and 250-sq. m. that will be priced at Rs. 12.33-lakh to Rs. 36.48-lakh.


Launched through a lucky draw by the Greater Noida Authority, the allottees lucky enough to win the draw, will be permitted to make additions according to the approved building plan, copies of which are available with Greater Noida's Planning Department, while constructions that do not conform to it, will need to be approved.


While, a 70-sq. m. house in this housing complex will cost Rs. 12.33-lakh, houses measuring 90, 120 and 250-sq. m. are priced at Rs. 14.96, 20.14 and 36.48-lakh respectively. The 250 and 120-sq. m. houses will come with two bedrooms, a drawing, dining, kitchen and bathroom, whereas, those measuring 90 and 70-sq. m. will consist of one bedroom, a drawing room, kitchen and a bathroom.




Housed in Greater Noida's new sector, Omicron near the village Mathurapur and Ghori Bachhera, the housing complex will have a swimming pool, park, community centre, post office, hospital, shopping complex and a parking space.


This time round, the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority has followed a different initiative from its earlier practice of inviting tenders on a two bid system for Group 
Housing Societies in 300-acres for different sectors.


This scheme of the Greater Noida authority provided the developers with an opportunity to participate in the development of a smartly slick city, where at all stages of development, supply precedes demand.


Holding many attractions for buyers and end-users in the form of a constant supply of drinking water, uninterrupted power supply, green areas, proposed metro, airport and world's fourth night safari, this Greater Noida residential scheme saw many participating in the draw.


Further, the permissible area for plots, commercial and commercial facilities is said to be 65% of the total area as per population norms permitted in the master plan of 2021, with the rest to be according to building regulations.


There will also be provision in this housing complex for other facilities, such as, nursery school, senior secondary school, nursing home, convenience shopping, commercial sector, milk booth, auto-taxi stand, secondary shopping and community centre, provided by the developers, while the green belt will be developed according to the authority's zonal plan.


Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/new-residential-scheme-in-greater-noida-45603.html

Panic Attacks and Marijuana, K2


If you believe panic episodes are overrated, you haven't searched Google lately on the subject. "Panic attacks" received roughly 15,600,000 search hits and "anxiety attacks" Another 1,790,000. That proves that not only is there a large amount of interest in the subject but just as importantly, many victims of the syndrome. I employ the word syndrome because its cause is mostly psychological as well as relatively "harmless" to the sufferer. 


Its distinct cause is fear, plain and simple. This being asserted , however , it would be culpable to realize that the symptoms are entirely psychosomatic because any amount of panic episodes can be attributed to, enhanced by, or without delay due to the mental reaction to any number of drugs - marijuana included. One approved expert ( whose opinion has been attested by numerous others ) stated, 


"Substance abuse and the withdrawal of the substance being abused can mimic panic attacks. Alcohol, marijuana, opiates, hallucinogens, cocaine, over-the-counter drugs ( nasal sprays and diet tablets ), caffeine and benzodiazepines can all be related to panic attacks."




The presumption that marijuana is the safe drug that "the authorities love to hate" is simply an erroneous presumption. I am not arguing here for continued criminalizing of pot or decriminalization actually, just stating the known facts. 


Though marijuana has some healing qualities,eg increased taste for cancer sufferers, a dulling of pain due to many maladies and its efficacy in combating glaucoma, it argues nothing for the recreational use of the drug. 


Each pot smoker is familiarised with the "superficial" negative effects of the habit. Things like indolence, listlessness, and lets not forget paranoia exhibited by many users. 


The more serious effects that researches have discovered are things such as the negative effect on short term memory. Research has demonstrated that long-term adult users score less on short-term memory tests, as well as demonstrate reduced oral and mathematics skills compared with non-users. 


What makes these negatives even more upsetting is the relative strength of marijuana from prior eras and the THC ( the component that is mind altering ) levels usually seen in today's variety. 


According to the Yankee Counsel For Drug Education, THC content of marijuana, which averaged less than 1 p.c in 1974, rose to a median 4 % by 1994. For the highly well-liked form of marijuana called Sinsemilla ( from the Spanish "without seeds" ), made from just the buds and flowering tops of female plants, THC content averages 7.5 p.c and ranges as high as twenty-four percent. 


The message has been clear in the case of marijuana use and panic episodes. The answer for these panic episodes is simple--break the habit. 


Now there's an herbal mix with effects similar, in fact nearly identical to those of other "herbs," but 100% legal and so far proven harmless. It's called simply K2 Herbal Mix. For more information on the K2 Herbal Mix, click here: K2 Herbal Mix.


Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/meditation-articles/panic-attacks-and-marijuana-k2-1071059.html

Online Stock Broker - How To Find The Best Online Stock Broker


Online brokers have an important role to play when you open an online trading account. Each broker can offer different services and features. You must research all the online brokers to find the best broker to meet your needs. I have listed a large number of online brokers and placed their information for you to read in one easy-to-read webpage. This is a free, "no-cost to you" service for our valued readers and can be found on this link: Best Online Stock Brokers


What to look for in an online broker.


Brokerage rates – this is the rate at which you are charged for buying or selling through your online account. These rates are usually charged based on a sliding scale. The more units you purchase in a single transaction, the less the "cost per unit" you will pay. The exact sliding scale can vary and may sometimes be negotiable for larger purchases. Compare each broker and read the fine print within contracts. Pick the one that best meets your buying and selling style.




Account fees – Look for hidden fees in account contracts within the terms and conditions. I know of one broker who requires an extra $10 to transfer money out of an account "quickly" as against withdrawing money normally. Hardly a fair fee, I’d say. All fees should be listed in the terms and conditions listed in opening an account.


Phone access – Online services can go down during hours of service. Interruptions to broadband services, power outages and computer problems can stop you from accessing information you need at critical points. This is why you must have phone access to your online broker. Do not even consider using an online broker if they do not provide phone access.


Access to your money – I prefer having instant access to my money even though it is held in a cash account by the broker. Most brokers will have a cash account facility that is linked to your trading account. My account is linked to a MasterCard account, which means I can access that money anytime through any ATM or make purchases as I would normally using a MasterCard. Don’t be misled into thinking you must only have a separate cash holding account with the online broker. There are lots of options open to you as a client and good online brokers will provide several options for your cash holding account.


Extra benefits – seek out those brokers that give you extra incentives to open an account with them. Some offer a limited free brokerage period. Others will offer free reports on the markets you are interested in. These bonus offers can help you getting you account established and setup a profitable trading account. For more information on finding the best online stock broker feel free to visit our website.


Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/investing-articles/online-stock-broker-how-to-find-the-best-online-stock-broker-482343.html

The Big 4 Accounting Firms - How to Get That Perfect Job With One of the Big Ones


Industry professionals, recruiters and college professors are unanimous in their belief in one thing: there is no better way to start a career in accounting than experience with a Big 4 public accounting firm. If you are reading this you no doubt are well aware of who these guys are: 


PricewaterhouseCoopers, Deloitte and Touché, KPMG and Ernst & Young.


While each of these companies has various strengths and weaknesses, they are all alike in the fact that they provide the recent accounting grad with a world class experience. First year associates at these firms are given a level of responsibility that is truly remarkable. When I was a first year I remember thinking on an almost daily basis "I can't believe they're letting me do this." As I strolled into the CEO's office of the firm we were auditing, as I tallied up a multi-million dollar mistake I'd found in another company's books and as I traveled the country with my very own American Express Corporate Card, I kept repeating this thought:


"I can't believe they're letting me do this"


Truly the world of accounting is at your fingertips when you are employed with one of the Big 4. There is an air of respect in those names: PwC, E&Y, KPMG and D&T. There is camaraderie and there is pride. These are the truly elite in the accounting field, and the top of the business world.




Starting your professional career at one of these companies is a ticket to a career in the fast lane. The experience you receive at a Big 4 is, literally, priceless. Many beginners at these firms admit that they would be willing to work for nothing: the experience is that valuable. Land a job and you will guarantee yourself the following:


- For the rest of your career your resume will automatically move to the top of the pile
- For the rest of your career you will have access to a network of professionals that is staggering in its depth
- You will earn an industry busting salary, putting your friends at regional and local firms to shame
- Your resume will contain experience that is recognized and respected globally 
- An opportunity to travel the world 


At a speaking engagement in 2004, Martin J. Whitman, billionaire and namesake of the Syracuse University Whitman School of Management, was asked the single best piece of advice he could offer college graduates. His reply? "Begin your career with a Big 4 Public Accounting Firm. Period." 


Of course.


Think this all sounds good? Of course you do. You're probably thinking to yourself - there must be a catch? Unfortunately, there is. The benefits of working for a Big 4 are widely known and the demand for these positions is higher than ever. These positions are EXTREMELY competitive and often IMPOSSIBLE to obtain without an edge. A great GPA and resume are no longer enough.


If you are serious about your career and want to maximize your earnings potential, you need an edge. How do you land an interview with a Big 4 when there are thousands of others just like you? Once you get the interview, how will you be prepared for the barrage of questioning you will face? 


When I graduated from college I had one interview and one interview only: I landed a job with PricewaterhouseCoopers on the first shot. How did I do it? Good grades? Charming personality? Incredible experience? No! I had an insider at PwC who knew the ropes and coached me through the process, from the application to the signing bonus! When I learned these secrets I just watched as my peers struggled and I jumped easily through all the hoops. Unfair? Sure, but life in a world class industry is not fair. While working at PwC I also experienced the recruiting process from the side of the recruiter.


Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/accounting-articles/the-big-4-accounting-firms-how-to-get-that-perfect-job-with-one-of-the-big-ones-402186.html

I Made a Late Payment. Will it Affect My Credit Score?


Let’s say you made one of those big no-no credit mistakes. You went out of town on vacation for a week, came back home and realized you totally forgot to pay your credit card bill. It happens all of the time.


Chances are you are okay. The worst thing that may happen is you have to pay a late fee, but more than likely the creditor won’t report your one-time late payment to the credit agencies. Most lenders and creditors will not report bad repayment history until you are 90 days late, and if they do not report it, it does not end up on your credit report. Since your credit score is calculated by the information on your credit report, you’re in the clear.


But what if they do and that late payment ends up on your credit report. Sadly, if you have an otherwise good credit score, this will affect you the most. It could knock 100 points off your credit score – ouch! Late payments by people who already have a crummy credit score won’t get dinged nearly as bad.


This may actually not be entirely true though. The way FICO is calculating credit scores going forward now gives some forgiveness to people who made that one-time mistake, but will further penalize people who have a history of not paying their bills.


The best solution to make sure this does not happen is to set up automated bill paying. That way, no matter what, your bills get paid.


If, however, you have a history of making late payments, you’re in a bit more trouble. You’ll wan to get a copy of your credit report and take some of the steps to increase your credit score, which you can do completely on your own.


Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/credit-articles/i-made-a-late-payment-will-it-affect-my-credit-score-397790.html

How Do I Calculate Finance Charges?


Having some knowledge of how to calculate finance charges is always a good thing. Most lenders, as you know, will do this for you, but it can helpful to be able to check the math yourself. It is important, however, to understand that what is presented here is a basic procedure for calculating finance charges and your lender may be using a more complicated method. There may also be other issues attached with your loan which may affect the charges.


The first thing to understand is that there are two basic parts to a loan. The first issue is called the principal. This is the amount of money that is borrowed. The lender wants to make a profit for his services (lending you the money) and this is called interest. There are many types of interest from simple to variable. This article will examine simple interest calculations.


In simple interest deals, the amount of the interest (expressed as a percentage) does not change over the life of the loan. This is often called flat rate or fixed interest.


The simple interest formula is as follows:


Interest = Principal × Rate × Time


Interest is the total amount of interest paid.


Principal is the amount lent or borrowed.




Rate is the percentage of the principal charged as interest each year.


To do your math, the rate must be expressed as a decimal, so percentages must be divided by 100. For example, if the rate is 18%, then use 18/100 or 0.18 in the formula.


Time is the time in years of the loan.


The simple interest formula is often abbreviated:


I = P R T


Simple interest math problems can be used for borrowing or for lending. The same formulas are used in both cases.


When money is borrowed, the total amount to be paid back equals the principal borrowed plus the interest charge:


Total repayments = principal + interest


Usually the money is paid back in regular installments, either monthly or weekly. To calculate the regular payment amount, you divide the total amount to be repaid by the number of months (or weeks) of the loan.


To convert the loan period, 'T', from years to months, you multiply it by 12. To convert 'T' to weeks, you multiply by 52, since there are 52 weeks in a year.


Here is an example problem to illustrate how this works.


Example:


A single mother purchases a used car by obtaining a simple interest loan. The car costs $1500, and the interest rate that she is being charged on the loan is 12%. The car loan is to be paid back in weekly installments over a period of 2 years. Here is how you answer these questions:


1. What is the amount of interest paid over the 2 years?


2. What is the total amount to be paid back?


3. What is the weekly payment amount?


You were given: principal: 'P' = $1500, interest rate: 'R' = 12% = 0.12, repayment time: 'T' = 2 years.


Step 1: Find the amount of interest paid.


Interest: 'I' = PRT


= 1500 × 0.12 × 2


= $360


Step 2: Find the total amount to be paid back.


Total repayments = principal + interest


= $1500 + $360


= $1860


Step 3: Calculate the weekly payment amount.


Weekly payment amount = total repayments divided by loan period, T, in weeks. In this case, $1860 divided by 104 weeks equals $17.88 per week.


Calculating simple finance charges is easy once you have done some practice with the formulas.


Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/finance-articles/how-do-i-calculate-finance-charges-218237.html

Advantages and Disadvantages of Taking the Gap Year


If you have just graduated from high school or college you may be considering taking a gap year. Gap year means taking a time off to go and have another experience in life before getting back to studies. The gap year practice is very popular in Europe and other countries where students are persuaded to break off from studies for sometime. Students can travel during their gap year. They try to search for and do something different before moving to the next level in their academic career. 


So, if you are graduating sooner, you may be looking for possible things you could do during your gap year. Taking the gap year will provide you with enough time to think about the next step in your career. Either you want to become engineer or an IT expert, the gap year will be beneficial to you in many ways. You will think with a cooler mind especially when there is no stress at all. For this reason, gap year is positively regarded in many countries around the world.




However, you should think well before taking the gap year. It therefore depends whether the gap year would be a good thing for you or not. One of the first advantages of taking the gap year, is, as said before, it offers time to think carefully about your career. Besides, if you are not performing too well at school or at college, taking the gap year could be valuable as it might save you money. Gap year not only means travelling or going for vacations. It also consists of discovering different aspects of life. So, you may take the gap year to work and save some money. By doing this, you could be able to finance your education during the next step of your career. 


Another plus point of taking the gap year is that you might be able to travel to meet different people and know diverse cultures. This will help you improve as a person and as well ensure your personal development. Moreover, taking the gap year could also be a drawback. Many people who have taken the gap year may find themselves struggling to get back to their career afterwards. This is probably the most common disadvantage of taking the gap year. Assume you have started to work during your gap year. If you find yourself getting enough income, education might be something difficult to get back to. 


Furthermore, when taking the gap year, you may lose contact with important people such as your teachers. Teachers are vital in a student’s life as they continuously push him towards getting the best education and also keep progressing in his academic career. This shows that taking the gap year can be advantageous as well as disadvantageous.  It is therefore imperative to think carefully before deciding to take the gap year. 


If you are unsure whether you have to take the gap year or not, ask for help. You may contact your teachers or take advice from your parents.


Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/vacation-rentals-articles/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-taking-the-gap-year-567292.html

The Swinger Resorts of Spain


Holiday resorts for swingers have made swinging holidays highly popular. As the concept of living the swingers lifestyle is gaining social acceptance and respectability with the popularity of Swinger resorts is also increasing day by day. For more than two decades, the Hedonism Resorts in Jamaica are providing a swinging experience to lots of enthusiastic couples. Recently, several Swinger resorts have been establishing themselves as popular holiday spots in Spain for the British and other European swingers.


The Spanish Swinger resorts are quite popular when compared to the Caribbean ones. Most of the British swingers don't see this as a disadvantage, rather, they prefer to avoid the pre-organized events, which on the other hand are very much popular with the swingers of USA, who prefer the resorts present in the Caribbean. In Spain, the Swinger resorts are often no bigger than a large villa which is at least suitable for accommodating as few as four couples per holiday.


Around twenty minutes away from Spain's Costa Blanca (the white coast), there is one such resort that consists of four luxury villas. These villas are located in a very beautiful valley and offer seclusion and natural beauty for all those who want to enjoy a quiet but still a highly erotic holiday. 


Swinger couples who are renting these villas share naked sunbathing around a lovely swimming pool. The only time the holiday becomes a bit more organized is on Saturday nights when the swinger parties are held. Most of the people there are the visitors who may be staying at the Swinger resorts in that area and also there are some local swingers as well.
In Spain there is a swinger holiday hotel consisting of eighty rooms and three suites for swinger groups. The hotel is located on the Costa Del Sol very near to Malaga. Further east along the coast another similar villa offers swinger holidays with regular parties.


On the Canary Islands there are popular swinger resort, on Fuerteventura and Tenerife. On Gran Canaria there is a popular swinger party venue where one can find something going on any night of the week.


The Swinger resorts referred to above are just a few examples from the various resorts that are growing up in Spain. The ones which are described above are located in the coastal region but if one does not mind being an hour or so from the nearest beach then there are some very good resorts to be found further inland.


Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cruising-articles/the-swinger-resorts-of-spain-848561.html

The World's Largest Private Yacht – the Eclipse


An Addition to the Abromovich Collection


Russian magnate Roman Abromovich's $300 000 000 commission of the Eclipse will increase his own private yacht collection to four, turning it into the largest collection in the world. Abromovich already owns the Pelorus, Sussurro and Ecstasea, with each having its own unique, remarkable features. Abromovich also previously owned the Le Grand Bleu yacht which used to hold the title of the world's largest privately owned vessel. This yacht was presented to Abromovich's friend Eugene Schivdler in 2006 and is currently for sale again.


The Pelorus is the world's 11th largest yacht and before the commissioning of the Eclipse was the largest yacht in Abromovich's collection. The yacht was originally built for another businessman who sold it to Abromovich after one year. The yacht was then modified to its new Russian owner's specifications, including an additional helipad, increased security and stabilisers. This is Abromovich's yacht of choice to sail the western Mediterranean and travels down the Suez Canal in winter.


Unbelievable Features


Arrive on board the Eclipse by helicopter and choose to disembark on one of the two helipads that are closest to your quarters. A lift then takes you down the nine stories to your desired location, where no doubt a steward will meet you with a crystal flute of champagne. Each of the 24 guests that can be accommodated on board can enjoy the privacy of their own rooms, with each VIP suite having a balcony from where they can enjoy the fresh air and sublime views. Exciting features like a disco, a cinema, an outside pool, hot tubs, a bar, numerous lounges and even a rounded glass room in the stern which allows for panoramic views are all on offer to entertain guests. If cruising at 25 knots is not adventurous enough for you, there are 20 jet skis, numerous pleasure boats and even a submarine to get guests out on the ocean for some adrenalin-pumping action.
Built for Privacy


The Eclipse marks a new trend in yacht design, with the emphasis shifting to focus on privacy and subtlety. Abromovich is extremely private and his emphasis on security and privacy is sure to attract a multitude of high profile guests to the Eclipse. He is known for his generosity, often lending out his yachts to his Chelsea footballers as rewards or as a honeymoon treat. Because of his protective nature over his children and his celebrity guests, privacy was a large directive for the actual design of the yacht. The enormous central foyer is intended to separate guests, owner and the 30-strong crew for optimal privacy. The owner's suite is over 5000 square foot and has its own private garden for when the family needs to escape the pressure of entertaining guests.


The unique asset of the 12-seater submarine also adds to the privacy levels of the yacht as, with the docking port being situated in the hull of the boat, guests can come and go in complete privacy. For added security, the entire yacht is fitted with motion sensors and missile detectors, giving guests complete peace of mind. Flashlight sensors have even been installed against paparazzi cameras ensuring the privacy of all those on board.


Luxury Yachting for the Slightly Less Extravagant


The Eclipse sounds like a fantasy straight out of a James Bond film, but the reality is that yachting the Caribbean or Mediterranean in pure luxury is not as impossible as you might think. Incredible yachts like the 271 foot Omega are extremely safe and secure but do not compromise on luxury. All the comforts of a five star hotel are at your finger tips while floating out on the vast blue ocean.


Various yacht brokerage companies offer a range of yachts for purchase and charter. Chartering a yacht through such a broker eliminates any administration involved in owning your own yacht and all your needs can be instantly taken care of. From matching you with the perfect crew to creating your ideal itinerary and route, a yacht broker is the ideal way to plan a yachting vacation. The type of yachts available for charter ranges from enormous Eclipse-like vessels to smaller more intimate crafts meaning that a luxury yachting trip is actually within reach for most people.


Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cruising-articles/the-worlds-largest-private-yacht-the-eclipse-530669.html

Cruise Ship Tips: How to Avoid Sea Sickness


If you're considering going on a cruise and you're concerned about sea sickness, you might already have received very mixed advice on what type of cabin to book to minimize motion sickness issues.


Many people seem to think that rooms on the upper decks are better for those with motion sickness. Others believe that cabins located towards the front or bow of the ship are better for such passengers. However, in reality, neither the upper decks nor the front of the ship are the best places to be if you tend to get sea sick easily. 


Most large, modern cruise ships are equipped with stabilizers that minimize any swaying and movement of the ship. In general, these stabilizers do an excellent job, and quite often you are not even aware that you are on a ship. Therefore, many people have absolutely no problem with sea sickness no matter where there cabin is located.


However, if you are like me and you have some issues with motion sickness, there are further ways to minimize any possible problems and allow you to enjoy your cruise without getting sick.


The best room location to minimize the ship's motion is actually in the dead center of the ship. On most large cruise ships, this spot is on the lower passenger floors, in the center inside cabins. In general, inside cabins tend to sway less side to side, due to their positioning directly above the line of pivot - the ship's keel. 


Of course, even if you pick the optimal cabin, it is still possible that you will experience some motion sickness if you hit rough seas. In this instance, two natural remedies many people have found helpful are eating a green apples and taking ginger capsules. It might be worth a shot giving either or both of these natural remedies a try, especially if you cannot tolerate traditional motion sickness medication.


If you do prefer to stick with the standard medicinal approach, it is best to start taking Dramamine pills or the patch before you begin to feel ill, as the medications are more effective at preventing motion sickness than stopping it once it you are already experiencing symptoms. 


Of course, should you become ill onboard, most large cruise lines have well-trained onboard physicians and medical staffs. Therefore, even if you should suffer any symptoms of sea sickness, you can be assured that you will receive proper care.


So if you are concerned about sea sickness, your best bet is to choose a cabin near the middle of the ship and to plan ahead, taking your medication before you get ill, or, in the alternative, bringing along alternative treatments to help combat any sea sickness that you may experience.


With proper planning, even those of us who are susceptible to motion sickness can enjoy a cruise largely free of symptoms.

Sourve: http://www.articlesbase.com/cruising-articles/cruise-ship-tips-how-to-avoid-sea-sickness-472397.html

World Flags and Their Symbolism


It is always fascinating to study world flags and their symbolism.  There are thousands of flags across the world, and each one has its own history and unique symbolism and meaning.  Below you'll find the meaning behind a few of the world flags for some of the world's largest countries.

Examples of World Flags and Their Symbolism

Afghanistan :  This flag is a unique design featuring a background of three colors - black, red, and green.  The national emblem, in the center of the flag, is Mehrab and Pulpit in white, with a flag on each side of it.  The top of the insignia reads "There is no God but Allah and Mohammad is his prophet, and Allah is Great."  The three colors represent various stages of the history of Afghanistan.  Black represents the 19th century, red identifies its fight for independence, and green identifies the country's hard-won independence.

England : The flag of England features a red cross over a white background.  It is also known as the "St. George."  The flag has its origins in the crusades, and most historians believe that the flag was flown in England just before the second crusade.  England was not actually a nation until 1272 under King Edward I, and its earliest reference was in the Welsh War of 1277.  The United Kingdom flag, of course, is the Union Jack, adopted on January 1, 1801.

Finland : The flag of Finland is the "Scandinavian cross".  It is a blue cross against a white background.  The meaning of this flag is interesting; the blue represents the lakes, and the white represents the snow of the great country of Finland.

France : The French flag was adopted in 1794 and it features three vertical colors - blue, white and red.  The history of this flag comes from the colors used during the storming of the Bastille, and the Royal white.  The current flag is the original flag in use during the rule of Napoleon I.

Germany : The origins of the flag of Germany comes after WWII in the late 1940s.  The new government adopted the black-red-gold from the Weimar Republic on May 9, 1949.  The black-red-gold colors originates from 1870 when the German Empire wanted to incorporate the black and white of Prussia with the white and red of the Hanseatic League.  Therefore the post WWII colors actually represent the history of Germany quite well.

China : The Chinese flag consists of a large yellow star in the corner and four stars off to the right side all on a red background.  The red traditionally represents revolution.  The large gold star stands for the Communist Party, and the small gold stars are the four united classes - workers, peasants, rich, and the capitalists.

Japan : The Japanese flag is the well-known red circle, representing the sun, in the center of a white background.  The history of this flag dates back to the early 1600s when the Tokugawa shogunate adopted the flag on its ships.  By the 19th century, all Japanese vessels bore the flag of the rising sun.

Understanding World Flags and their Symbolism

An excellent resource for more information about world flags, and the symbolic meaning of the colors and images on those flags, are the various country guides that you can find at any library or bookstore.  Of course, if you are traveling in any foreign country, many times locals can offer you a much better insight into the history and local legends surrounding the national flag.  Always show respect and reverence to the flag of any foreign country you are visiting.

The Major Economic and Social Problems in the Arab World?

Water issues can greatly participate in tense interstate relations in the region. The rapid growth of Arab populations is making water far more valuable than oil"*. The major water resources of the Arab world are jointly shared among different countries inside and outside the region(Turkey and Africa ) and as unused water resources became less and less in recent years led to competition over these resources and in certain cases to conflicts. Nile River, the Tigris and Euphrates, the Jordan River valley (and its tributaries), and groundwater resources in the West Bank and Israel are the main water systems under dispute in the region. A direct result of the water problem is the need for large food imports as Arab world is the least food-self-sufficient region in the world. Many countries in the region are using desalinization plants to increase their water supply by converting sea water to fresh water.However, it is an expensive option, and with the present technology it can only offer a limited solution to the drinking water problem.

Lack of industry is also one of the major problems in the Arab world." It is very clear that Arabs not used their vast resources to at least obtain some of the basic knowledge to be players in the international explosion of Technology and commerce**". With a very small manufacturing and a very week agricultural base, the Arab world depends nearly completely on foreign imports to maintain an increasingly high-tech urban society and that makes the imported food and chemicals critical to survival. Locally produced capital goods almost not exist. Transport, communications, power, water purification and distribution, and construction equipment must all be imported. Building the essential industry in the Arab countries stayed a dream because of the Excessive dependence of the west advanced industrial economies and Inadequate manpower education and rehabilitation. But Some Arab countries such as Tunisia, Syria, Egypt and Lebanon are qualified to take on industries and technology available in Europe and re-export the products to European markets. The best example of such industries is textile and ready-made garments and shoes, mostly in Syria.

"Investments in the Arab world has been disappointing "***.The Arab world of share flows of the total world investment still very low compared to the huge potential possessed to the flow of foreign direct investment received by the Arab countries. Investments in the Arab countries are clashes with many barriers which are the same toward the comprehensive development. The lack of ability to deal with the intractable problems of the country like in many Arab countries there is the case of tribal and political ethnic, sectarian conflicts. As in Sudan, Yemen, Somalia, Algeria, Lebanon, Iraq and Palestine as the most important factor for attracting investments is the stability. Capital always looking for a higher degree of profit. Investor could not venture in projects that might be exposed to destruction and failure in any moment, in addition to administrative constraints such as poor management performance and the spread of bureaucracy and rampant corruption and lack of attention to self-censorship, also the low level of feasibility studies comes as one of the most important obstacles facing investors.

Social problems
"The population of the Arab world today is around 325 million people # spanning two continents" **** . Dwelt an area about one and a half times the U.S and women constitute half of the total population. with an estimated average rate of growth by about 2.4%,down from about 2.6%during the period 1985-1995,although this decline is still the highest rate among the major regions in the world(Al Jazeera newspaper 13/10/2007)# #. It projected to increase 400 million in 2020. There is a significant disparity in population size between the Arab states. Egypt and Yemen are considered overpopulated while most Arab countries are relatively under populated. A top UN official warned the authorities in Arab cities of the high growth rate of population as it could lead delay in progress and development and also could lead to social unrest, pressure on public utility services and environmental problems. Also the population growth can lead to poverty, and causing problems like water shortage and traffic jams. This increase problem has not been dealing with as one aspect of comprehensive development. (Al Jazeera newspaper 13/10/2007)
Education is another problem facing the Arab world. Approximately 30% of the people in the Arab World illiterate. Although education is becoming more accessible and the gender gap is being reduced, the region had not witnessed the positive changes seen in Asia and Latin America, particularly in literacy rates and enrolments in secondary schools and universities. The education system is not effective enough as students are being made to learn things but not to taught how to learn .Djibouti, Yemen, Iraq and Morocco were ranked the worst educational reformers. The Arab world does not read according to various reports, even those defined as not illiterate because they completed eight years of schooling they consider illiterate. This problem has to do with the economic situation. Reading books is a privilege for people who have spare time and money. The poverty that sweeps the Arab world leaves the individual struggling for survival his whole life. How is he supposed to read a book?

The human security issue of a global nature is important for people everywhere, rich and poor alike People in the Arab world have become Consider insecurity comes from problems related to daily life rather than a result of fear of a global problems, and for many of them security has become a symbol of protection from the threat of hunger, disease, unemployment, drugs, crime, social conflict, pollution and human rights violations, political oppression and environmental risks. Many have lost their children because they have to work in early age .this leads us to emphasize the idea that neglect of State for human security will be a problem and the threat of danger had seen in the coming years when the numbers of unemployed generates sense of hopelessness and frustration aggravating elements necessary for the region communal violence levels because of the rampant corruption in the public sector. Severity of this problem may differ from country to country, but all these threats remain a growing phenomenon.

Conclusion
Problems in the Arab world are varying and overlapping and that in many areas such as economic, social, politics and even in culture. There will be a large increase in unemployment, housing, schooling and more serious other problems. So what might the future hold? That is really up to the Arabs, their governments and those who care about the region?

Eradication of Corruption

Eradication of corruption should be the nation's number-one priority in view of the ever-increasing horizon of political and administrative corruption and its baneful multifarious effects on the society-at-large. It needs to be understood by all that eradication of corruption is only possible if strong political commitment exists. Without strong political commitment, bureaucratic reorientation and a vibrant and effective civil society, checking corruption turns into a very difficult almost impossible task. In the context of Bangladesh only radical and fundamental policy measures initiated and strongly backed by a committed political leadership and supported and implemented by a reoriented bureaucracy and watched and monitored by an organized and vocal civil society can control corruption.

     Given the presence of three crucial variables - committed political leadership, reoriented bureaucracy and an organized and vocal civil society - other policy measures need to be adopted to effectively contain as well as control corruption. What is proposed below are a number of long-term and short-term policy measures placed in wider socio-political and economic contexts to control corruption.

     The public sector employs over a million people in 35 ministries, 50 divisions, 221 departments, 139 directorates and autonomous bodies and 153 state enterprises (World Bank 1996b:57). It may also be added that since independence the number of ministries, departments and public servants has doubled (Khan, 1997). In the context of present reality there is little rationale for maintaining a huge public-sector edifice which contributes to corruption in public dealings. There is now justification for right-sizing the government. Right-sizing of government will, among other things, will discourage creation and maintenance of redundant agencies and units and restrain doling out of public-service jobs as political favours.

     Public-sector accountability is weak, fuzzy and tenuous at best. This has resulted in the inability to enforce financial contracts, stop theft in public enterprises and hold officials accountable for improper or delayed judgment (World Bank, 1996a:viii). A number of actions need to taken simultaneously to institutionalize and strengthen accountability to effectively counter corruption. First, a bi-partisan parliamentary task force be established to bolster the standing committees, instituting the practice of questioning ministers and providing members of parliament with adequate office and research facilities and setting up of an office of Ombudsman (World Bank, 1996a:viii). A parliamentary secretariat should be established outside the sphere of civil service and manned by competent personnel recruited separately and controlled by the speaker of the parliament (Khan, 1997). Second, the office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) must be reorganized and strengthened by enhancing the capacity of the CAG (World Bank, 1996a:ix). Third, the standards of performance of ministries/divisions and their attached agencies should be made known to the citizens (Rahman, et al., 1993:52). Fourth, complaint procedures should be in place in government agencies for wider use of citizens (Khan, 1997). Fifth, monitoring procedures need to be tightened so that the concerned civil servant knows the extent of compliance by his subordinates to relevant orders and directives as well as services provided to citizens. Sixth, units be established in each ministry and division to develop and apply performance criteria and measures and to develop internal performance audit (UNDP, 1993:106).

     Transparency in public-sector decision making is totally absent. This absence, in turn, contributes to corruption. Civil servants by and large value secrecy and are totally unwilling to share information about decisions with citizens. Openness and transparency are alien concepts in public bureaucracy in Bangladesh (Khan, 1997). A number of actions have been recommended to ensure transparency and thereby considerably empower citizens and consequently contain corruption (World Bank, 1996a:xii). First, the Official Secrets Act of 1923 and Government Service Conduct Rules of 1979 should be suitably modified. Second, a task-force on public-sector transparency should be estabilished with membership from different professional and occupational groups to suggest measures to enhance transparency. Third, necessary steps should be taken to make all contract evaluation reports public, thereby enabling all bidders to see how evaluations are made. Still other steps should be taken to ensure transparency and reduce corruption (Khan, 1997). Fourth, earning and tax payments of all public officials - elected as well as appointed - should be published each year to enable the people to learn about the assets of public officials. Fifth, interested citizens must be allowed access to relevant files and documents. For this to happen the number of files marked secret and top secret should be drastically reduced. Sixth, civil servants long accustomed to transact public business under the veil of secrecy should be appropriately trained and indoctrinated to bring about necessary changes in their attitudes and work habits.

     A number of specific policy measures have been recommended to control corruption in politics and administration (World Bank, 1996a:xii; Rahman, et al.,1993:97 and Khan, 1997). First, a high-powered task force to be established consisting of public officials, parliamentarians and leading citizens to review all relevant issues pertaining to corruption and to suggest a comprehensive eradication programme. Second, an autonomous standing committee to be formed with judges, senior public officials and leading citizens to oversee the activities of the Bureau of Anti-Corruption (BAC) as well as authorize investigation in ministries, corporations and other agencies by a statutory appointed and protected public prosecutor. Third, salary and benefits of civil servants need to be at par with their counterparts in the private sector. Fourth, provision of severe punishment including long stays in jails and confisation of assets and properties to be instituted for civil servants involved in corruption. Other measures have also been suggested to counter political and administrative corruption (Paul, 1997:288-304). Fifth, a code of conduct should be adopted by the parliament to provide guidelines for the conduct of elected representatives and to take appropriate steps when departures from accepted norms are detected. Sixth, elected representatives must be compensated suitably to enable them to devote their attention only to public welfare and service. Seventh, enactment of a law to regulate the functioning of political parties is needed. This law would require political parties to hold regular organizational elections at different levels; maintain prompt and systematic accounts and submit audited accounts to either the Election Commission or the Comptroller and Auditor General; and comply with income tax regulations and guidelines. Eighth, election expenditure needs to be reduced and closely monitored by a designated body. Ninth, deregulation and debureaucratisation, bounded discretion in decision making, realignment of the government's audit and intelligence are to be encouraged to control corruption. Tenth, existence of free media so that they can investigate and expose corrupt practices. Eleventh, voluntary agencies and religious groups as well as other components of civil society can play significant role in constraining corruption in public delaine.

Kidney Stone and a High Sugar Diet

Our kidneys are bean-shaped organs, each about the size of our fists. They are located near the middle of our back, just below the rib cage. The kidneys are sophisticated trash collectors. Every day, our kidneys process about 200 quarts of blood to flush out about 2 quarts (fourth part of gallon, two pints) of waste products and extra water which together become urine that flows to our bladder through tubes called ureters. Our bladder stores urine until we feel urge to go to the bathroom.

The wastes in our blood come from the normal breakdown of active muscle and from the food we eat. Our bodies use the food for energy and self-repair. After our bodies have taken what they need from the food, waste is sent to the blood. If our kidneys do not remove these wastes, the wastes would build up in the blood and damage our bodies. In addition to removing wastes, our kidneys help control blood pressure. They also help to make red blood cells and keep our bones strong.

Many ions circulate in our bloodstream, some combinations of which can precipitate to form kidney stones. Kidney stones, or renal calculi, are solid concretions (crystal aggregations) of dissolved minerals in urine; calculi typically form inside the kidneys or ureters. The terms nephrolithiasis and urolithiasis refer to the presence of calculi in the kidneys and urinary tract, respectively.

There are four major types of kidney stones:


1. The most common type of stone contains calcium that is a normal part of a rich diet. Calcium that is not used by the bones and muscles goes to the kidneys. In most people, the kidneys flush out the extra calcium with the rest of the urine but in some people it is accumulated in their kidneys. The calcium ions that stay behind in kidneys join anionic waste products such as oxalate and phosphate ions to form a stone.

2.  A struvite stone may form after an infection in the urinary system. These stones contain the mineral magnesium and the waste product ammonia.

3.  A uric acid stone may form when there is too much acid in the urine. Those of us, who have acquired tendency to form uric acid stones, should vow to cut back on the amount of meat they eat.

4. Cystine that is a sulfur-containing amino acid produced by digestion or acid hydrolysis of proteins, and sometimes found in the urine and kidneys, and readily reduced to two molecules of cysteine, can build up in the urine to form a stone. Though cystine stones are rare, the disease that causes cystine stones runs in families.

Kidney stones may be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a pearl. Some stones are even as big as golf balls. Stones may be smooth or jagged. They are usually yellow or brown. A stone may stay in the kidney or break loose and travel down the urinary tract. A small stone may pass out of the body without causing much discomfort. A larger stone may get stuck in a ureter, the bladder, or the urethra. Problems arise when stones block the flow of urine and cause great pain. Some stones can become large enough to be extremely painful and even life-threatening, requiring treatment by drugs, lasers, or surgical removal.

It has been discovered that kidney stones generally consist of insoluble calcium and magnesium compounds such as calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, magnesium ammonium phosphate, or a mixture of these. For calcium oxalate kidney stones, the following equilibrium applies:

CaC2O4(s)           Ca2+ (aq) +C2O42-(aq)

High intake of foods rich in calcium or oxalate can cause a rise in the urinary concentration of either ion or both, sufficient to shift the equilibrium to the left and cause the ionic product to become greater than the solubility product that is the product of concentrations of ions in a saturated solution of a highly soluble salt, each raised to the power of the coefficient in a balanced equation. The result is precipitation of calcium oxalate as a kidney stone. Thus, foods rich in calcium, such as milk, ice cream, and cheese etc., or high in oxalate ions, such as chocolate, spinach, and black tea, and likes, can trigger the onset of a kidney stone through the common ion effect (A common ion is an ion that is produced by more than one solute and the shift in an existing ionic equilibrium caused by the addition of common ions is called the common ion effect). Such foods are restricted in the diets of individuals prone to developing kidney stones. A high sugar diet may also create kidney stones because excessive sugar promotes excretion of calcium and magnesium ions, which increase the concentration of these ions while passing through the kidneys.

In order to avoid both the onset of kidney stone and formation of more stones one should drink more water. In fact we should try to drink 12 full glasses of water a day as drinking lots of water helps us flush out the substances that form stones in the kidneys. We can also drink ginger ale, lemon-lime sodas, and fruit juices. But water is the best. We should limit our coffee, tea, and cola to one or two cups a day because the caffeine may cause us lose fluid too quickly. Generally doctors ask patients to eat more of some foods and to cut back on other foods. For example, if one has a uric acid stone, the doctor may ask him/her to eat less meat, because meat breaks down to make uric acid. Besides, a doctor may give the patient some medicines to prevent formation/aggravation of calcium and uric acid stones.

Celtic Symbols Druids and the Spirals of Life

Some of the oldest symbols associated with the Celts are Celtic spirals. Prominently displayed on ancient artifacts dating long before the written word in Ireland, Celtic spirals are second only to Knotwork designs as the symbols most associated with Celtic art. These mythical spirals are among the oldest symbols associated with Celtic art. They are believed to represent the spiritual balance between inner and outer consciousness. People from many lands herald Celtic designs as the emblem of their heritage because the people known as "Celts" lived in many areas of modern-day Europe.

The Triskele, or the Triskelion
The triskele, otherwise known as the triskelion, is a three-pronged spiral, and is often used as a basis for more complex spirals. Some suggest ancient Celtic triskeles represented the Triple Goddess of the three ages of womanhood. It later came to represent the Holy Trinity in Christianity - God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Whatever its' meaning, it is interesting that the motif is based around The Number 3 - regarded as a highly sacred number in many ancient cultures, not least The Druids.

Three is a Magic Number
The Druids believed in three worlds and in transmigration from one to the other: in a world above this one, in which happiness predominated; a world below, of misery; and this present state. This transmigration was to punish and reward, and also to purify the soul. In the present world, said the Druids, good and evil are so exactly balanced that man has the utmost freedom and is able to choose or reject either.Then there are three objects of metempyschosis: to collect into the soul the properties of all being, to acquire a knowledge of all things, and to get power to conquer all evil. They are also, the Celtic Druids say, three kinds of knowledge; knowledge of the name of each thing, of its cause, and its influence. Three things that continually grow less; darkness, falsehood, and death. And three things that constantly increase; light, life, and truth.The Number Three is a sacred symbol in many cultures all over the world.

The Spiral of Life
The Triple Spiral, otherwise known as the "Spiral of Life", is found on many ancient Irish stone carvings - the most famous of which is Newgrange, found in County Meath, Ireland, which dates back to 2500 BC. Most scholars believe the spiral of life represents the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Others say this deeply mystical symbol represents the male, female, and child on the path of life. Another interpretation is that it also represents the Triple Goddess.

Trinity Celtic Knot or Triquetra
The Triquetra, commonly known as the Trinity knot, takes an individual strand and wraps it into and onto itself, such that it becomes a three-lobed, yet singular design. This design symbolized the connection of the three planes of existence: mind, body, and spirit. To Christians, it illustrated the essential core of Christian belief wherein one God was Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. For both beliefs, the Trinity knot symbolized the way in which three separate essences were vitally interconnected.

Peace and Harmony

The most essential thing in any country for its people is to live in peace and harmony. However, beautiful and wealthy a country may be if there is no peace in that country, the people who live in those countries are always in tear and sadness. Some of the countries like Bangladesh that has floods very often, Japan that suffers terribly when there are earthquakes, also there are countries like America, Africa that have many high mountains and they have earth slips that ruin many buildings, houses and the people. These are very, very unfortunate countries. When we compare our Sri Lanka with those countries, we will feel how fortunate we are to be always protected with the coziness of our motherland.

Our beautiful country is known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean. Although we are not that much unlucky to face those terrible natural disasters, as the citizens of Sri Lanka, we are unfortunate to suffer from WAR.

Even though we are still suffering by the war which has started 20 years back by LTTE, we are a safe made country. Even with the war causing much trouble in North province and some other rural areas, we are not affected by food. We grow our own rice, vegetables, fruits and we make our own milk products. We even supply some of our primary industry products like Tea, Coconut, Rubber and Gems as our own exports.

As we are affected more and more by the war, our forces become much more stronger. There are thousands of noble sons and daughters who are always ready to give up their lives on be half of our Motherland. They are divided as Army, Navy, Air force and Police. They are always ready to go to the front without any fear at any moment.

If we expect to have peace, then we should try to achieve peace as a family, a society and finally the whole country. Then automatically the country will achieve peace and harmony. Greed and Selfishness always start a war. Some are not satisfied with what they have, they just wants to grab others properties. So, as the LTTE becomes drunk with greed in grabbing a part of our beautiful Motherland, this unfortunate war started.

Pease is something that every human being would like to enjoy. If all human beings love each other and contented with what they have, there will be no space for war. War ruins a country and its people. Once a war comes to an end that country would lose its beauty and for people, it will take years and years to come back to its earlier position which was so beautiful with all its splendor. It's in the hands of all human beings to live a religious, unselfishness and take life to care for others.

Keeping the Full stop for the war will not just depend on praying god. Hold my hand, we will do it…

Education in the Middle Ages

Education In The Middle Ages
To test and create the writing spirit among the 4th or 5th graders, medieval era can be of great inspiration. As among the fourth and fifth graders in Chandler, Arizona activities given underneath provided the students with enough information on Middle Ages and also came out to be a great topic to test their personal researching and writing skills.

The activity began as the kids read Marguerite de Angeli's award winning book "The Door in the Wall" that explains a story of a boy who grew up in medieval Europe. As the reading session was over children picked appropriate topics for them selves and started their personal research upon it, using library and web resources.

After the researching was over then came the time for writing. Kids chose whatever writing style they were comfortable with, however, their teacher still asked them to pay attention as they go through their lead. She was of the view that she worked pretty hard to teach the kids of her class of how they can make their leads interesting. http://www.360career.com The techniques she used for teaching them of how to make their leads more appealing started of with the study of first page of the book that the researched and gathered their info from. Then she showed them the file that she had compiled of previous students who wrote short yet appealing leads, to show them the potential that kids of their ages can have.

As the writing session was over, learning process still proceeded as the teacher required of the students to publish their research on a web page by giving them the know how of HTML tagging, let them selecting the backgrounds of their pages and search images for their pages. Hence children created their very own web pages except the main page which was made by the teacher.

Apart from the creation of HTML tags and web pages. The topic of Middle Ages can provide the students with lots of other activities that can test their reading, writing and researching skills. That could easily be done by reading them a book regarding Middle Ages and assigning them with some topics for which they would have to do their own personal research and then later on compile their research's raw material into an organized form.

From the study of middle ages, students can also be organized in groups to study for the history of technologies that were there and what have they turned out to be in the modern ages. They can go throw the small inventions like horse and a wheel up to the massive inventions like blast furnace and arrange some of the major inventions on the time line starting from 500 A.D to 2000 A.D.

Study of middle ages and history can also help planning out the future. Kids can also be arranged in the activity of studying the history of kingdoms and how they used to predict future, by observing their resources and interests and all other factors, and how they used to plan for future accordingly.