Academic and Career Planning - A K-12 Necessity

Student loan debt sits today at about $1.3 trillion. Studies show that many 30-40 year old college graduates will have a lower standard of living than their parents and are not able to purchase homes because of one thing - student loan debt. Seventy percent of all jobs require a two-year degree or less, yet we dangle the mantra that career and academic success ride on the attainment of that proverbial four-year Bachelor's degree. In other words, we are encouraging our students to mortgage their futures for a college degree that might not be necessary. Why?

The annual Manpower Talent Shortage Survey lists the top 10 jobs companies cannot fill. Most require an education level of a two-year degree or less. A University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee skills gap report shows that 70% of prospective job openings in Wisconsin through 2020 will require an education level of a high school diploma or less, and then goes on to say, "even if every unemployed person were perfectly matched to existing jobs, over 2/3 of all jobless would still be out of work." Why?

When I speak to high school career planning classes, I ask if anyone is considering a two-year degree, diploma, or apprenticeship. Five to six percent of the students respond with a "yes." The rest of the students indicate they are looking at colleges offering four-year degrees. We then whiteboard their career areas of interest. Ninety-five percent of them would require only a two-year degree or less to enter their chosen field. Only 7 to 9% of high school graduates go on to a technical college. The average age of a technical college student is 30. Why?

In Milwaukee, certain demographic populations have unemployment rates between 30 and 50%. Employers are starved for skilled employees. Technical colleges cannot attract enough students to meet the industry demand for skilled workers, and enrollments are down over 10% at Wisconsin technical colleges. Why?

For years we have told students to stay out of the trades, factories, customer service, and information technology careers because they were being outsourced or they were dead end positions. They all now reside at the top of the Manpower Talent Shortage Survey. We tell our children throughout their K-12 years that you need a college degree to be successful. You even hear, "in the future, every job will require a college degree" even though the data does not support that. Why?

Students choose careers for the wrong reasons. Their father was an accountant; it looked cool on television; it pays big bucks - not because it matches their personal interests and attributes. My classes are full of students with college degrees that did not like their career choice or now need the hands-on skills in order to get a job they did not get with their existing degree. That is nothing but foolish and very expensive! Seventy percent of all American employees go to work every day to a job they dislike. Why?

As standalone sound bites, the statements above are just that, but when you string them together they take on an entirely different context. Why are we pushing our children to get four-year college degrees when the majority of the current and future jobs will require an education level of a two-year degree or less? We all assume that a four-year college degree will be a badge of success, but for many, it will be a ball and chain that they will drag around with them for life.

We need to rethink the whole notion of higher education, its value, and who really needs it. Not everyone needs formal education after high school. We need to look at the career and academic planning processes used by our schools to make sure parents, students, and counselors really understand the educational and career landscape, their options, costs, and time frames. We need to make sure students know which careers match their personal attributes and encourage them to pursue careers in these areas. Students should understand the job market, which careers are in high demand, and which have longevity. Today's graduates will work over 50 years before they can retire. We need industry to step up and invest in more internship, job shadowing, and student sponsorship opportunities that target areas with high unemployment and high schools where students have been literally brainwashed since kindergarten that a four-year college was their only hope for success.

Finally, students need to understand the concept of a career pathway: starting with a two-year degree or diploma, gaining work experience, obtaining further education (preferably employer paid), taking on more responsibility within the workforce, making more money, and on it goes. It is called life-long learning. Remember, it does not matter what kind of degree you have or where it is from - if you have no experience, you start at the entry level position, as no one starts at the top. Therefore, target the minimum education needed in order to obtain an entry level job within a field that matches your personality and interests. Do not drink excessively from the student loan well, and do not over educate yourself.

The OverEducated Generation is a new organization founded by Steve Burleson in 2016. As a Technical College educator for 17 years and parent, Steve saw and experienced the mixed messages that confront our students, children, parents and educators, as they navigate the confusing, false promise ridden pathway to higher education.

Our Mission is to: "Educate everyone who needs to know the truth about academic & career pathways, the options available and where to find the "value" in the system. We will also push for reforms and accountability so our students will not have to mortgage their futures to have fulfilling careers. " EDUCATION IS OUR MAIN PURPOSE!

Through presentations / workshops & panel participation we spread our knowledge about the higher education pathways and how to leverage the system to provide the best, cost-effective academic & career solutions to our students. 1000's of students, parents and educators have heard our word and participated in our events.

Look around our website and if you have any comments, questions or opportunities, please feel free to contact us. We hope to see you again! Check back later for new updates to our website. There's much more to come, including a Blog, Video Channel and Book! http://www.theovereducatedgeneration.org


 By Steve Burleson


Article Source:  Academic and Career Planning - A K-12 Necessity

The History of Brookhaven Calabro Airport

A recent visit to Brookhaven Calabro Airport, hidden behind a forest of trees and private homes and accessed by local Dawn Drive,, on a raw, late-March day whose steel wool sky was so low that it almost scratched you, revealed what was, but not necessarily what could be.

The ramp near Mid-Island Air Service was littered with mostly single-engine airplane types, punctuated by an occasional twin, and the almost unexpected sputter of an isolated propeller from a Cirrus SR-20 on this marginally visual flight rules (VFR) day cracked the silence like a hammer hitting a sheet of glass.

The blond brick structure at the field's north end, the once-proud classroom and training monolith of Dowling College's Aviation Education Center, stood frozen in time, promise of the past that failed to deliver the airport's future.

The lone, low-level, cement block terminal, staffed by a single monitorer of the facility's common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF), housed the equally shuttered luncheonette, nucleus, to a degree, of any general aviation airport, since it gave local and cross country pilots a destination and a purpose, and bore witness to numerous student pilot-instructor duos discussing airplane handling techniques over the years atop paper New York sectional charts doubling as tablecloths.

A glimpse into the rectangular room, which displayed a "Maintenance Shop" sign, revealed its former raison d'�tre, sporting circular stools, a lunch counter, a cold cut slicer, and a rusting coffee maker. A recent inquiry indicated interest and its resurrection as an eatery. Perhaps it also indicated its repurposed future.

The non-towered, dual-runway, 795-acre, public use general aviation airport, one mile north of the business district of Shirley in eastern Long Island, Suffolk County, was owned by the Town of Brookhaven.

Originally designated Mastic Flight Strip, it was constructed at the end of World War II, in 1944, on 325 acres to provide logistical support for the US Army Air Corps, after which its title was transferred to New York State and ultimately Brookhaven Town's Division of General Aviation in 1961, current owner. Given its present "Calabro" moniker, it was named after Dr. Frank Calabro, who was instrumental in its development, but who, along with his wife, Ruth, met their untimely demises in an aircraft accident three decades later.

Construction and expansion yielded a rising crop of hangars, shops, fixed base operators (FBOs), the present terminal, and a second concrete runway to supplement the first in 1963.

Those, including 4,200-foot Runway 6-24 and 4,255-foot Runway 15-33, are both paved and lighted, but the latter features an instrument landing system (ILS), equipped and maintained by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

$1.5 million of the collective $5 million in federal Department of Transportation (DOT) grants, most of which were earmarked for nearby Long Island MacArthur Airport in Islip, facilitated the recent beacon and taxiway lighting system replacements.

"We need to maintain runways, lights, structures, and navigational aids," according to Marten W. Haley, Brookhaven Town's Commissioner of General Services, which includes the airport itself. "Everything has a finite lifetime."

The airport's several fixed base operators and other tenants include Brookfield Aviation, Mid-Island Air Service, Northeast Air Park, Ed's Aircraft Refinishing, the Long Island Soaring Association, Island Aerial Air (for banner towing), NAASCO Northeast Corporation (which performs airplane and helicopter repair and overhaul), and Sky Dive South Shore.

Dowling College's School of Aviation, once the airport's cornerstone, but closed when the Oakdale-based university itself declared bankruptcy and ceased operations in 2016, had offered bachelor's degrees in Aerospace Systems Technology and Aviation Management, and had participated in the FAA Air Traffic Control Collegiate Training Initiative. A fleet of private pilot aircraft and Fiasca flight simulators had enabled its students to earn private, instrument, multi-engine, instructor (CFI), and commercial ratings.

Although the field has principally entailed general aviation flight activity, there have been a handful of other events throughout its history.

As the new base for the former, 44-passenger Swissair Convair CV-440 Metropolitans operated by Cosmopolitan Airlines from Farmingdale's Republic Airport and its self-named Cosmopolitan Sky Center after they had been transferred here, for example, they, along with a smattering of other types, offered junkets to Atlantic City's Bader Field.

The Grand Old Airshow, held in 2006 and 2007, was created to transport spectators to earlier, biplane and World War II eras and showcase Long Island aviation.

Having enticed visitors through flyers and its website, it had urged them to "join us this year as we go back in time to celebrate Long Island's Golden Age of Aviation," a time when "biplanes graced the skies decades ago." It continued its pitch by offering the experience of "bygone days of aviation, as World War I dogfights, open-cockpit biplanes, World War II fighters, and, of course, the famous Geico Skytypers, soar through Long Island's blue skies."

The shows themselves had featured antique vehicles and static aircraft displays, the latter encompassing TBM Avengers, Fokker Dr-1s, Nieuports, and Messerschmitt Me-109s, while aerial stunts had included comedy maneuvers performed in Piper J-3 Cubs by "randomly chosen" audience member Carl Spackle; Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome-borrowed Delsey Dives and balloon bursts targeted by Great Lakes Speedsters, Fleet 16Bs, and PT-17 Stearmans; speed races between runway-bound motorcycles and airborne, low-passing PT-17s; aerobatics by SF-260s; and skywriting by Sukhoi 29s.

A Sikorsky UH-34D Sea Horse Marine helicopter, used for combat rescue in Vietnam, during the Cuban Missile Crisis, and by NASA during the Project Mercury astronaut recovery program, had demonstrated search-and-rescue procedures.

Both Long Island aviation and formation flying had also been well represented. Shows had featured Byrd, N3N, Fleet Model 16B, and N2S Stearman aircraft from the Bayport Aerodrome Society; P-40 Warhawks and P-51 Mustangs from Warbirds over Long Island; F4U Corsairs from the American Airpower Museum; and North American SNJ-2s from the Republic Airport-based Geico Skytypers.

Vintage vehicle and aircraft rides were available. Spectators brought their own lawn chairs and lined them up next to the active runway amid period dress and speeches given by Tuskegee Airmen. Concession trucks sold everything from hot dogs to ice cream and souvenirs and numerous aviation-related schools and associations established booths.

The Grand Old Airshow, held during two consecutive falls, was a single-day, single-visit, outdoor glimpse toward the sky where Long Island's multi-faceted aviation history was written and where it was recreated.

A 2008 a non-flying tribute to Vinny Nasta was also offered. A Riverhead High School art teacher who hailed from Wading River, he lost his life at 47 years of age when the reproduction Nieuport 24 he was flying at Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome nose-dove into the woods after its mock dogfight with another replica, of a Fokker Dr.1 Triplane, on August 17 of that year.

Dr. Tom Daley, a former Dowling College Dean of Aviation, Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome Air Show Director, and creator of the Brookhaven Grand Old Airshow, was forced to discontinue what had become an increasingly popular autumn event.

"There was some local opposition to the show," he said, "and everyone had their hand out. I was required to give x-number of dollars for security, x-number for emergency medical presence. I couldn't do it anymore. There was no way I could run an air show and meet expenses with expectations like that."

Today, Brookhaven Calabro Airport's 217 based aircraft, 92 percent of which are single-engine types, five percent of which are multi-engine, and three percent of which are gliders, provide most of its activity. For the 12-month period ending on March 25, 2005, there had been 135,100 annual airplane movements, or an average of 370 per day, and 99 percent of them belonged to the general aviation category, enabling student pilots to pursue licenses and practice weekday touch-and-go's at a non-towered airfield.

Hinging on this segment of aviation is its future.


 By Robert Waldvogel


Article Source: The History of Brookhaven Calabro Airport

How to Plan a Hunting Safari to South Africa

When planning a hunting trip anywhere there is many factors to take into consideration such as the proper seasons for the game that you wish to hunt, the different hunting guns and bows that you want o use and which seasons go paired with that. Accommodation at the proper lodges or if preferred camping trips at bounty full game Ranches. And lastly the permits that are needed when hunting big game if needed.

The seasons of hunting comes to when it is wet and when it is dry, this makes a big difference in hunting because of the watering hole aspect. Different styles for hunting can be used for both. Some hunters would like rather to use a bow but that would cut out the possibility of hunting thick skinned large animals such as elephant, white and black rhino, crocodile and so forth. Although some provinces do not allow bow hunting, the northern cape is one of the ones that do. Bows are usually more used when animals are gathered around the watering hole as it is easier to shoot from close range where the bow is most effective.

There are no automatic rifles allowed for hunting in South Africa as well as no weapon using a rim fire.22 or smaller caliber ammunition. No air guns are permitted for hunting with shotguns except in the case of birds. The minimum legal caliber to hunt South African dangerous game is 375, you are also allowed in most cases of big (dangerous) game you are to use other calibers that are larger. Always remember to in all instances to always make use of premium grade ammunition.

When it comes to permits the owners of the farm obtain permits to cover hunting on their property. There are spices that are listed as threatened or protected and permits are obtainable accordingly. The rules for hunting these animals apply to the listed species under the Biodiversity Act of 2004 and they are categorized accordingly.

Endangered: Tsessebe, Black Rhinoceros, Mountain Zebra, African wild dog, Oribi

Vulnerable: Cheetah, Samango monkey, Bontebok, Roan antelope, Suni, Leopard, Blue duiker

Protected: White Rhinoceros, Black Wildebeest, Spotted Hyaena, Black-footed cat, Brown Hyaena, Serval, Elephant, Sharpe's grysbok, Reedbuck, Cape fox.

Hunting on the southern tip of Africa has always, just in the rest of the world been very popular, maybe even a little bit more. The vast difference in climates as well as the great diversity of spices that are on offer allow for year around hunting. But more so the beautiful landscapes that the hunting is done on make it a worthwhile experience even if that trophy you seek escapes your grasp.

I'm a professional hunter offering my experience and services in Southern Africa. Have a look at my website or e-mail me if you have any questions. http://wintershoeksafaris.com


 By Johnny Vivier


Article Source:  How to Plan a Hunting Safari to South Africa

Hunting for SPRINGBOK

Today we will be discussing the National animal of South Africa, the Springbok. We give you great hunting tips as well as some background of this magnificent antelope. This is one of the more challenging animals to hunt, and it will challenge every hunting skill you got! Here is what you need to know:

Background

The Springbok gets its name from its characteristic jumping display. "Spring", meaning jump and "bok", meaning antelope, in Afrikaans. The Springbok also has 4 color variants, namely the Common Springbuck, Copper Springbuck, White Springbuck and the Black Springbuck. It is a medium-sized antelope that inhabit the dry areas of southern and southwestern Africa. They are herbivores and can survive without drinking water for years. It gets most of its water requirements through the vegetation that it eats. They are highly social animals and move around in large herds.

Trophies

The biggest difference between a male and a female are the horns. The horns of the ram are much larger and thicker, especially towards the base. Rams are also built much bigger, making it easy for the hunter to differentiate between the two. Solitary males are usually good trophies.

A Springbok can reach speeds of up to 90 km/h (56 mph), making them one of the top 10 fastest land animals in the world.

Hunting Tips

The Springbok has exceptional eyesight and are difficult to get close to if they sense you first, making it a really challenging hunt that will test all your stalking skills, as well as your long range shots. You will most probably be forced to take a shot well over 300 yards. The best method for success is to catch the Springbok by surprise by either lying and waiting for it to pass by or by walking slowly through cover, if there is any. Due to their alert nature, one can spend several hours trying to get close enough to get a shot. They are very curious animals and often patience will draw them closer. The perfect shot placement will be behind the shoulder, one third of the way up from the chest. The best time of the year to hunt Springbok in South Africa are between April and October.

When deciding on the perfect rifle and caliber, any good long shooting caliber like the.243.270s, 30.06 s. 7 mm &.300 Magnums are good choices especially for the distance aspect of the shot.

The Rowland Ward Minimum for a Springbok is 14 inches, and the record is 20 � inches. The SCI Gold entry is 38 a inches.

The Springbok is one of Africa's most spectacular animals. Its absolute beauty will leave you in awe. Very few hunters have the privilege to say that they have taken the Springbuck Grand Slam (all 4 color variations). Be sure to put this one down on your list for your next hunting Safari.

I'm a professional hunter offering my experience and services in Southern Africa. Have a look at my website or e-mail me if you have any questions. http://wintershoeksafaris.com


 By Johnny Vivier


Article Source: Hunting for SPRINGBOK

Go Bushwalking in the Blue Mountains

Only two hours west of the bustling metropolitan city that is Sydney lies an oasis of nature known as the Blue Mountains. Listening to a kookaburra above you in a sprawling, ancient blue gum tree, taking in views from treacherous cliffs and ravines that could put the Grand Canyon to shame, this World Heritage listed site makes for a great day trip from the city. To really experience it, however, stay at least a few nights and enjoy some hiking- or bushwalking, in the words of the locals.

The Blue Mountains are a bushwalker's paradise. There is something to suit everyone's level of fitness and trails are well-marked, ranging from short one or two kilometre walks, up to the Six Foot Track, a strenuous three-day hike from Katoomba to the Jenolan Caves.

There's many great resources online for finding walks, so I won't try to replicate. Instead, have a look here:

• Bluemts.com.au
• Visitnsw.com

If, after some consideration, the thought of trekking through the bush in a steep, mountainous environment doesn't appeal to you, fear not; the villages of Katoomba, Leura, or Blackheath are full of cosy cafes for putting your feet up with a tea (or something stronger).

The Blue Mountains encompass a vast area of land, but most visitors will make the town of Katoomba their first port of call. From Sydney's center, Katoomba is best reached from Central Station, along the Blue Mountains Line. Your Opal card will get you there, as the mountains are part of Sydney's train network, and will set you back between $5-$10, depending on time of day, and two hours of your time.

If you're driving, Katoomba is easy to access from the Great Western Highway and parking can usually be found.

Bushwalking Safety Tips

While bushwalking is safe for adults and children alike, it is worth bearing in mind a few safety tips before setting off, especially if you are not an experienced hiker.

• Always let someone know where you are heading and when you expect to return. To help with this, check in with National Park Service and they will loan you, at no cost, a Personal Locator Beacon, with GPS. If you don't return by a set time, they can use this to find you- while hopefully it won't come to that, it's reassuring to have that peace of mind.

• The weather in the mountains can quickly change, from rain to cold to sweltering heat, so check a detailed forecast before setting off. It can vary wildly from Sydney's weather, so check online here before heading out.

• Follow the marked trail signs and stay on the trail, for your own safety, and don't underestimate the trail ratings. More advanced trails might require you to rock climb or traverse uneven or difficult terrain, so stick within your comfort level. The National Park Service and information centers can provide maps and recommend which walks would best suit your level.

• Take along basic first-aid supplies, such as bandages for blisters or cuts, aspirin, as well as the basics: plenty of water, a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, camera, and well-worn-in shoes.

After you (and your aching legs) have had their fill of walking, there is plenty more to see and do to occupy your time in the mountains. If you haven't seen it yet, make time to check out The Three Sisters, an unusual rock formation located in Katoomba, the main township of the Blue Mountains. Aboriginal legend tells that three sisters were turned to stone to protect them from unwanted male attention from a nearby tribe, and they remain there to date.

While stunning on any clear day, the Three Sisters are especially breathtaking at late afternoon or early evening light. Come to think of it, this is a great time for photography generally in Australia.

While in Katoomba, check out the vintage shops, cafes, and restaurants and the art-deco architecture, or pop into the Carrington Hotel for a cocktail. From the outside, this hotel has a foreboding resemblance to the Overlook Hotel, a la the Shining, but the interior has been painstakingly restored to the turn-of-the-century Victorian style of its heyday.

Scenic World, although touristy, is worth a visit. The Scenic Railway takes you down (and up) from the visitor center to the forest below, and the Scenic Skyway is an incredible way to see the mountains from above (although probably not for the faint-hearted or those who have a fear of gondola cables snapping).

For more Australian travel planning, please visit    https://theaccidentalaustralian.com/


 By Katie Dundas


Article Source: Go Bushwalking in the Blue Mountains

The 5 Essential Qualities of All Great Cult Films

It can be difficult to nail down what exactly makes cult films cultish. For every person who enjoys one cult film, there is another who would argue against its status. Perhaps the ambiguity of the definition is the beauty of these popular, unpopular films. Regardless of the lack of consensus as to what makes a film fall under the heading of cult film, there are a few qualities these films do possess.

1. The film has a large following.

First, and perhaps most importantly, cult films have large followings. And a following of such a cinematic piece must comprise more than just a big fan base: the following must be somewhat fanatical. Generally, the films will boast movie festivals centered entirely around the one film. Large numbers of fans will dress as characters from the movie and will devote large portions of their life to the cinematic piece. A following denotes that many fans will watch the movie repeatedly with other fans. Some theaters will advertise special showings of the film with a theme dedicated to the film. A few movie theaters have been known to serve food and drink in relation to the film. In short, these popular movies have a dedicated fan base that pledge an odd sort of allegiance to the film itself.

2. The film breaks cultural taboos.

At the time of release, cult films usually tend to shock and outrage the general population. Addressing politically incorrect themes and/or incorporating shocking themes is a tell-tale mark of these fanatically-received pieces. Many of these movies could possibly fall under the heading of "transgressive art." Basically, such pieces of "art" cause audience members to question accepted morals and values. Many such films contain a certain element of shock and are produced purely for the shock value.

3. The film has quotable lines.

Fans love to participate in the viewing of cult films, generally by either quoting along, or quoting the film after in different social settings. A great classic will contain many one-liners that are quippy, original and comedic out-of-context. Fans will often quote the film to each other and base the other person's knowledge and dedication on the ability of that person to respond quickly with another line.

4. The film appeals to a subculture.

This is somewhat debatable, but many followers of such movies claim that these classics must subvert mainstream tastes. In other words, the general population should not find a cult classic immediately lovable or popular at the time of release. Instead a smaller portion of the population will retrospectively love the film for various reasons.

5. The film has initially flopped if released by a major studio.

Again, popular films, released by mainstream studios generally do not qualify for the "cult classic" status. If a film has been released by a larger, well-known studio, the film must first perform poorly at the box office before it can even be considered to enter the cannon of cult films. Another interesting facet includes the serious nature of the film. If a film is released with the intention that it eventually become a cult classic, then it cannot thus qualify. A genuine film with a cult following must be produced because somebody believed in it as a genuine movie from the beginning.

Interested in viewing some    cult films today? Check out FlixBrewhouse.com in Round Rock!



 By Kaitlyn LaPenn


Article Source: The 5 Essential Qualities of All Great Cult Films

Why Traffic Jams?

Traffic jams occur all too often, but it's only the result of poor driving habits. Though traffic jams have been about for decades, we still have not learned from those many mistakes that form traffic jams. People know what causes traffic jams, but don't really care enough to do their part to avoid traffic jams. The truth of the matter is that most people drive emotionally, based on how they feel at the time that they are driving, in which changes on a daily basis, also, in which causes many people to drive selfishly causing a "domino effect" of people hitting their brakes, also know as a traffic jam.

Yes, we the people, drive selfishly at least 10% of our total time driving, like we are the only ones on the road, like we are the only ones that exist at that time, and we do it for many different reasons. Most of the time it's unintentional ignorance due to distractions. Nowadays, many of those distractions are due to a smart phone, but there are other distractions, such as a super good day, a super bad day, a super sad day, etc... Other distractions that are in the vehicle, such as the radio, the glove compartment, other people in the car, etc... Distractions outside the vehicle, such as other people, signs, cars and the many other sites and landmarks. One thing we all have to realize is that nobody is above traffic. Everybody is a possible traffic jam, all it takes is a moment.

Everybody needs to learn how to share the road, all the time, not just most of the time. Everybody needs to stay out of the way and keep traffic flowing all the time, whenever possible. If a driver causes another driver to hit their brakes then it is considered a safety violation, but we'll just call it a safety hazard, in which is an understood rule of the roads, whether intentional or unintentional. When someone is on the highway driving slower than the posted speed limit, it causes everyone behind them to press on their brakes. That is not only a safety hazard, but a cause of traffic jams. It is a written rule of the road that drivers are supposed to pass on the left. So, if a driver is driving the posted speed limit in the far left lane, then it's a violation of the road and a cause of traffic jams. Every single day there is somebody on every highway driving in the left lane doing the posted speed limit. When turning whether left or right, many people don't even try to get out of everyone's way before turning, especially in the designated left turning lane.The designated left turning lane is the lane in the middle of many streets separated mostly by yellow lines with arrows pointing to the left on either side of the street. Then upon completing the turn it should be to the far left or right accordingly to the direction of the turn. Another thing that would help with traffic jams is if people adhered to traffic signs warning them of construction activity. Sometimes there is no warning, but most of the time there is a warning, in which ample time is given to react. For instance, a left or right lane closing ahead sign is posted, but people like to wait until the lane actually ends, to get over, and by then they are causing traffic to slow down allowing them to merge over. Then the whole "monkey see, monkey do" effect kicks in, then there are many more people trying to merge over upsetting the people that did adhere to the posted warning sign(s) and got over beforehand.

Turn signals are so taken for granted and many people have forgotten how to use them. First off, turn signals are used to warn others that either a turn or a lane change is about to be made and that gives other drivers the opportunity to adjust in hopes to keep traffic flowing in a safe manner. The use of turn signals is generally required by law, however not generally enforced by law enforcement. Many people don't use their turn signals at all, and I don't know why, but many people use their turn signal just as they are turning or changing lanes, but by then it's too late.

We all the power to help out and avoid traffic jams, but the truth of the matter is that 80 to 90 percent of the driving force don't care about traffic until it matters to them, for instance, when they are running late or going somewhere important to them, which, unfortunately is not every day. Unfortunately, there will always be traffic jams, for numerous reason, just keep a clam head and try not to let them upset you, because there is nothing that you can do about it, and besides, that's not going to help anything at all.

My name is Mert Taylor. I like to write about things on my mind and subjects that you should be aware of. Visit my website at http://ezinearticles.com/expert/Mert_Taylor/917456 to learn more.


By Mert Taylor


Article Source: Why Traffic Jams?

India - The Land of Celebrations

Introduction:

Whether it be through folk songs, traditions, costumes or simple colourful decoration; if there is one country that knows how to be joyful, it is India. What's most special is that each month of the year, there is a celebration going on in some or the other part of the country!

Travelling all around the year indulging in joyous, loving and happy funfair of the country, is all that you need to realise that 'Life may not be a part we all hoped for but while we are here, we must dance!' (Jeanne C.Stein).

Take the year off and get going to 'Incredible India'. Here's guide to travelling in India, all 12 months of the year celebrating its myriad of festivals and understanding just what keeps this country of more than 300 languages and a myriad of religions dance together in harmony!

January: The Kite Festival In Gujarat

Leave it to us to celebrate the natural movement of sun that signifies the end of the long dry months of winter and coming of spring which is the harvest season for the majorly agrarian community of the country. It falls on the same day every year i.e. January 14. Although, it is important to people all over the country, the festival is most spectacularly celebrated in Gujarat with Kites! Yes! Colourful kites dominate the blue skies, children scream from rooftops and mothers prepare yummy delicacies with sesame seeds, jaggery and clarified butter. The manjha (thread attached to the kites), flying the first kite and claiming other's kites in the sky, are all a part of the tradition.

When: 14th January

Where: Ahmedabad, Gujarat

February: Mahashivratri in Varanasi

Considered to be the place where Lord Shiva hold immense religious importance, Varanasi is a place that truly decks up in all its finery on the joyous occasion of Mahashivratri. All the temples dedicated to Lord Shiva are tastefully decorated with marigolds, lights and different hymns can be heard filling up the atmosphere. Say 'Om Namah Shivay' (I offer to Siva, a respectful invocation of His Name) and partake in the celebration with a tasty bhang milk at the celebrations. However, make sure you ask the locals where to obtain this from as the concoction is a heady mix of milk, sugar, cannabis leaves and buds, spices, ginger and rosewater which can cause quite a few adverse effects if not consumed correctly.

When: February

Where: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

March: Holi in Vrindavan

If there is one festival that is celebrated with equal fervor irrespective of caste, colour, creed, language or tradition it's Holi. What better place to see the revelry of this occasion than the birthplace of the God in whose honor, the day is celebrated! It is believed that Lord Krishna, the blue God of India was born in the land of Vrindavan - an ancient city on the banks of the Yamuna River. Everybody engages in merry making and tales of the love between Krishna and the village belles are told, danced, sung and extolled!

When: March

Where: Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh

April: Bihu in Assam

The traditional beginning of the New Year for the Assamese, Bihu is a dual celebration of new beginnings and the coming of Spring, signifying the beginning of the fertile Spring season for the farmers. The month long celebrations consist of the traditional dancing, music and foodstuffs being prepared by the locals. It is indeed a stunning spectacle to watch young boys and girls dancing in fields on countrysides and local farms. Research further and you are sure to find pretty homestays to stay at and travel to Assam.

When: Usually on 14th or 15th April

Where: All over Assam

May: Maharashtra Day in Maharashtra

On May 1, 1960, an agreement was reached which led to the formation of state of Maharashtra and Gujarat. To commemorate the historic occasion, the entire state observes a mandatory holiday and a joyous parade is held in the grounds of Shivaji Park in Dadar, Mumbai. The governor of the state officiates the parade chair and members of Central Reserve Police Force, Mumbai Commando Force, Home Guards, Civil Defence, the Fire Marshals and city police take part in the parade. The procession is often decked out in various colours and traditional dance performances.

When: 1st May

Where: Dadar, Mumbai

June: Hemis Festival in Ladakh

The largest Gompa (Monastery) in Ladakh, the Hemis Gompa plays host to this festival called the Hemis Festival, which is celebrated on a yearly basis. It marks the birth of Padmasambhava, who is highly regarded as the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. Over the two days of the festival, the celebrations are in the form of dancing, socialising and frolicking. Particularly a spectacular dance performed by the Lamas, which is called as Chaam is worth witnessing. The mystical dance is accompanied by drums, traditional horn instruments and cymbals and is a part of the Tantric traditions of Buddhism.

When: 3-4th July

Where: Hemis Monastery, Ladakh

July: Rath Yatra in Odisha

The Rath Yatra or the Chariot Festival is a celebration that is associated with the Lord Jagannatha and is majorly celebrated in the state of Odisha in the Eastern part of India. One of the oldest Ratha Yatras in India, it dates back to 10-11th century and finds mention in the Skanda Purana. As a part of the Ratha Yatra, the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and the youngest sister Subhadra are taken out in a decked up chariot to the temple of Gundicha and the procession is accompanied by a tremendous fanfare. The chariots play traditional hymns, songs, drums and other instruments and the chariots themselves measure over 45 FEET!

When: 25th June

Where: Puri, Odisha

August: Ganesh Chaturthi in Maharashtra

The beloved Elephant God of India 'Ganesh' is revered as the God of Dance as well as knowledge. It is no surprise then that this festival is brought in with a lot of revelry and fervor in the state of Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. It is particularly spectacular sight in the cities of Mumbai and Pune where the procession of the installation as well as the 10th day of immersion, called Ganesh Chaturthi and Chaturdashi respectively, is accompanied by 'Dhol Pathaks'. The beats struck by young boys and girls on cymbals, large drums and smaller rhythm percussions called 'tasha'. There are also spectacular traditional dances, women and men dressed in traditional attire, amazing sweets to be eaten and of course, melodious invocations to be heard. It is a sight that you must travel to see!

When: 25th August

Where: Mumbai and Pune in Maharashtra

September: Tarnetar Fair in Gujarat

Take time off the mundane black, white and grey of your daily life and travel to Gujarat where a riot of colours explodes every year in the month of September as the state plays host to the Tarnetar Fair! The fair is essentially a celebration of love that commemorates the legend of the 'Swayamvara' i.e. groom picking ceremony of a mythological Indian princess- Draupadi. The celebrations revolve around young tribal women seeking marriageable partners for themselves. Even without all the matchmaking; the swirling Ghagras, dances, tribal dances called rahado, traditional local entertainment, joyrides and much more are sure to keep you on your toes at all times.

When: September

Where: Thangadh in Gujarat

October: Durga Puja in West Bengal

If you truly want to see the celebration of life, love, devotion and happiness, then all you have to do is head to Kolkata in West Bengal in the month of October as the city decks up for the arrival of the Goddess Durga. It is a larger than life spectacle that simply cannot be described in words. The glamour, glitz, grandeur is all centered around the beautiful idol of Durga in installations called 'Pandals'. More than 5000 Pandals are erected in Kolkata during these 10 days and each day holds the promise of a different spectacle. Travelling here during these days is stressful but truly worth it.

When: October

Where: Kolkata, West Bengal

November: Pushkar Camel Fair and Diwali in Pushkar

Come November and at the time of Kartik Purnima, Pushkar gears up for a very special event- the Pushkar Camel Fair. It is one of the festivals for which many Indians as well as foreigners travel all the way to Pushkar in Rajasthan. The sand swirls around the vast open grounds as more than 11000 camels, horses and other livestock are traded amongst much fanfare. The eccentric competitions, colorful attires, rolled turbans, long mustaches and women dressed in bridal attire are just some of the highlights of this fair. Accommodations for travellers can be found in form of tents, guesthouses as well as big hotels. It is indeed a spectacle worth visiting and writing home about.

When: Beginning of November

Where: Pushkar, Rajasthan

December: Christmas in Goa

You may have seen the traditional 'White Christmas' in the western part of the civilization, but how about bringing in this joyous festival, sitting by the beach and partaking in the traditional carnival that has become a part of the popular culture all over? There is simply no escaping from the merrymaking during this time as all the houses in the tiny beach state are decked up in Christmas colours, lighting, decorated trees and other finery. Attend the midnight mass with the locals and participate in the revelry of the carnival. Indulge in the local cashew liquor called Feni and other goodies like Bebinca and the famous Christmas cake.

When: 25th December

Where: Goa

  Live Travel Explore

You can stay at Backpacker Panda Hostel & enjoy the Indian culture.

Visit here:   https://www.backpackerpanda.com

 By Vishal Pakhale


Article Source: India - The Land of Celebrations

How To Plan The Perfect Picnic In Garner State Park

If you are an outdoor enthusiast, and you enjoy spending time in beautiful state parks, then you will certainly want to add picnicking in Garner State Park to your bucket list. With nearly three miles of the Frio River flowing through the nature preserve, you will see some stunning canyon-like hills. With a beautiful river and hiking trails galore, you will have many options for stopping to enjoy a meal. Take a look at the following tips to help you make the most of your picnic:

Plan around an activity.

Located deep in the Texas hill country, Garner State Park offers a large array of different activities, including (but not limited to!) paddle boating, fishing, hiking, camping and swimming. Decide what you would like to see and do before you plan your picnic and make use of the many rental equipment options the park has to offer. Keep in mind that you may want to plan a picnic for later in the day during the summer to take advantage of the evening time famous summer dances. These dances have been taking place since the 1940s and are always very popular among the young and old alike.

Do a little research beforehand!

This may sound tiresome, but checking up before you enter the park on the wildlife and geophysical properties of the preserve will definitely enhance your visit, particularly if you are interested in the outdoors. With a wide array of birds inhabiting the area and unique and hardy plants you won't see anywhere but in the Texas Hill Country, you will get more out of your visit if you know what to look for. Visit the Garner State Park website or check with Uvalde and Concan's visitor's bureau to tap into the local resources.

Decide whether you want your picnic to be a part of a camping experience, or whether you are looking for day trip options.

Because Garner State Park is such a popular place to visit, you must plan out your trip in advance. Often, you may encounter a waitlist, especially during peak travel times of the year, including the spring and summer months. If you are interested in staying overnight, then call ahead of time to inquire about camping sites as well as cabin rentals. If checking out the park for its day use is more in line with your plans, then call ahead of time to check on the wait time, if any, to enter the park. The nature area is located in the small Texas town of Concan and is located near Uvalde, as well. Check out these two towns for different accommodation options, including local bed and breakfasts, other camping spots and hotel rooms.

Bring the right foods.

And of course, for the most important aspect of your picnic, don't forget to pack good, hearty foods! Hard loaves of bread and crackers do well on picnics, as well as easy to eat fruits, like apples and berries. Bring plenty of water, as it can get quite hot during the year. And no matter what, make sure you pick up your trash!

Looking to visit Garner State Park in the Texas Hill Country? Check out visituvaldecounty.com today for more information!



 By Kaitlyn LaPenn


Article Source: How To Plan The Perfect Picnic In Garner State Park

Re-Thinking The Pathway To Higher Education

We have finished another school year with over 3 million high school graduates. Congratulations! Seventy percent will go on to a four-year college, even though according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), only 27% of the jobs created through 2022 will require a four-year degree and 70% of all new Wisconsin jobs being created will only require a high school degree, according to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Skills Gap Report. Based on the BLS data, National Public Radio (NPR) makes the "tongue in cheek" analogy that you could close every two and four-year College for 10 years and still meet the industry demand for college graduates.

Nineteen percent of these new high school graduates will finish their four-year degree in four years. Congratulations! Thirty-nine percent more will complete that four-year degree in six years. For the rest, life just goes on. Of those who do graduate, only about 30% will find jobs in their field do to a job market saturated with previous college graduates. Are we over-educated? Are we just choosing degrees that do not equate to a job after graduation? Or, do we just not understand our options?

College graduates will have an average student loan debt of $30-50,000 depending on which completion plan they were on, with many having student loan balances in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Total student loan debt is $1.3 trillion today and rising $3.300 every second. Congratulations! Did you know that higher education was a one-half trillion dollar industry? Paying back your federal student loan starts six months after graduation and has two options: 1) monthly payments over 10-25 years or 2) death.

There were over two million college graduates this year. Congratulations! Twenty one percent had jobs when they graduated with an average salary of $40,000, or about $20 per hour. Congratulations? That is until the minimum wage moves to $15.00 per hour, then the whole return on investment college argument becomes suspect. Thirty nine percent took jobs that did not require a college degree even though they just spent four to six years of their lives and $30-50,000 getting one. Can you spell barista? For the other 40%, life just goes on.

Today, in the United States, there are more 18-34 year olds living at home than at any time since 1880. Congratulations! This makes perfect sense. A college graduate earns $40,000, Uncle Sam takes 25%, and the average monthly expenses for a 20-something living alone is about $2,600. Ouch, we are in negative territory. Let us look at all millennials. The average salary is $27,000, Uncle Sam takes 15%, and the expenses are still about $2,600. Even more negative! Pretty tough to stay out of the red being a single college graduate or millennial. Note to parents: make sure you save a room at the inn.

The PayScale Website points out that many careers we assume require a four-year college degree can actually be started with a two-year degree. The break-even earnings point for students pursuing this career pathway is about 10 years. You say sure, but after 10 years the four-year college grad will earn more, right? Nope. I forgot to mention that after two years on the job the two-year graduate went back to college using tuition reimbursement from the employer and earned a four-year degree. With the gained experience, four-year degree, and no student loan debt, the two-year career pathway choice was the best value with greater lifetime earnings.

The Over Educated Generation is a new organization founded by Steve Burleson in 2016. As a Technical College educator for 17 years and parent, Steve saw and experienced the mixed messages that confront our students, children, parents and educators, as they navigate the confusing, false promise ridden pathway to higher education.

Our goal is to: "Educate everyone who needs to know the truth about academic & career pathways, the options available and where to find the "value" in the system. We will push for reforms and accountability so our students will not have to mortgage their futures to have fulfilling careers. " EDUCATION IS OUR MAIN PURPOSE! http://www.theovereducatedgeneration.org


 By Steve Burleson


Article Source: Re-Thinking The Pathway To Higher Education

Your Own Guide to Brake Shoes Replacement For a Vehicle

Brakes are among the most important safety tools for any vehicle. Most people only look into how fast a vehicle can go, but it is equally important to consider how quickly and effectively a vehicle can be brought to a complete stop. A good set of brakes on a vehicle can draw a line between life and death in dire cases. This is why it is important to keep a look out for the wearing of your brakes and invest in good spares when opting for a brake shoes replacement at timely intervals. Here is a guide to help you understand the importance of choosing the right kinds of suit your vehicle and ensure that the vehicle has optimal stopping power at all times.

Drum vs. Disc
Disc brakes and drum brakes are the two most commonly used braking systems in modern vehicles. A disc brake has two disc pads on either sides of a brake rotor. When the brakes are applied, a caliper action forces these discs to squeeze against the rotor, which in turn slows down the wheel, eventually stopping it. These are usually found in the front wheels of modern vehicles.

The drum brakes, however, have a set of brake shoes that are set up on the inside of a brake rotor. When brakes are applied, these are expand and push against the wall of the rotor in order to bring the vehicle to a complete halt. Drums are part of an older technology and are traditionally used in the rear wheels vehicles. In both cases, the braking mechanisms use friction to stop the vehicle. Thus, brake shoes replacement should be done on a regular basis as the wear down, or at regular intervals as recommended by the manufacturer. This is in order to ensure that your vehicle has optimal braking power at all times.

Disc brakes are considered to be safer and more efficient than their drum counter parts because discs can dissipate heat much more efficiently when compared to drum brakes. Discs are also generally more consistent in their operation. These properties make discs one of the most desired braking systems for vehicle manufacturers. However, disc brakes are costlier than drum brakes, owing to their complexity in manufacture, thus vehicle manufacturers still rely on drum brakes to do 50% of the braking in most vehicles.

Types of brake shoes
Car brake shoes are of four types, and the classification is based purely on their compositional materials. They are-

Semi Metallic Brake shoes: Like the name suggests, these types of made of a combination of metallic and organic materials in the ratio of 30:70. These are highly durable, and are among the most commonly used brake shoes. However, they do wear out the rotors faster than their counterparts under extreme braking conditions since the material does not dissipate heat efficiently.

Non Asbestos Organic brake pads: Commonly known as NAO, these are made of organic materials like glass, rubber, fiber or even Kevlar. They are quite soft and do not make as much noise as the metallic brake shoes. However, they do wear out quickly even under nominal conditions and tend to create a lot of brake dust.

Low Metallic NAO: These are Organic that are infused with trace amounts of metal such as copper or steel in order to improve braking efficiency and heat dissipation. However, the addition of metal also increases the generation of brake dust and noise when braking.

Ceramic Brake shoes: Ceramic are high end products that are made of ceramic fibers infused in filler materials. These are extremely quiet and produce virtually no dust when compared to the metallic and NAO type. They do not wear out the rotors as fast as others do. However, they are quite expensive and are used primarily on higher end vehicles.

Choosing the type of vehicle you drive and what you can afford. Generally, smaller or slower road cars can use semi metallic shoes with no adverse consequences. However, if you need to replace brake shoes of bigger vehicles such as trucks and SUVs, or faster cars, you might have to invest in more expensive low metallic or ceramic.

How to choose the right brake shoes

One of the first things to consider when choosing brake shoes is your driving requirements and the type of vehicle you drive. This includes the most common types of terrain you will be driving on, the ambient temperature of where you live, how much traffic you encounter on a regular basis and the quality of the roads.

Next, you will have to think about the type of brake you will buy. For regular city traffic a semi metallic should do just fine. However, if you find the need for better/ stronger braking capabilities you will have to invest in ceramic type. If you are unsure of the kind of brake shoes your vehicle needs, you can look into the manufacturer's specification to find an appropriate set.

Once you have decided on the type of brake shoes replacement you need. You will then have to choose from the numerous brands that are available in the markets. This can be a harrowing process, considering the number of options you have at your disposal. This is why it is necessary to do optimal research before buying brake shoes. In most cases, it is recommended that your replace the existing with the same make and model that the car manufacturer had installed. If you know a trusted mechanic, you can take his help in determining the right brake shoes for your vehicle. With a professional by your side, you will be able to find and install the right kind of brake shoes to suit your driving style and vehicle.

Long Chad is an automobile expert with over 20 years in the industry. Having worked with some of the best in the industry he now spends most of his time educating people about various aspects of brake shoes replacement. Visit:   https://www.brakeneeds.com


 By Long Chad


Article Source: Your Own Guide to Brake Shoes Replacement For a Vehicle

5 Ways to Improve Your Mental Health in 2017

1. Limit Negative Self Talk - We all have those moments when we hear the chatter in our minds telling us that we're not good enough or that we won't be able to accomplish our goals. I like to call it the "itty bitty shitty committee." Some days the shitty committee is quiet and we are full of confidence and roaring like a lion and then two days later the shitty committee is screaming loudly and we feel like we can't do anything right. Here's what you need to know about your negative self talk... It's all a lie, don't believe the hype! The key is awareness. When you catch yourself thinking those negative thoughts, tell the committee you're not having it! Look at yourself in the mirror and say "I'm good enough to have peace, success and all my dreams." Replace those negative thoughts with positive ones and you'll soon find that the committee gets more and more quiet.

2. Practice Mindfulness - In our fast moving world, it's becoming critical that we have the ability to quiet our minds, get still and connect with our inner being. Finding just 5 minutes a day to practice meditation or some other form of mindfulness can make dramatic shifts in your level of happiness and overall mental health. People who are depressed are usually spending too much time living in the past and people who constantly worry are spending too much time thinking about the future. Mindfulness allows you to just be in the present moment and develop an awareness and appreciation for what's happening right now. This year I gave myself the challenge to meditate for 365 consecutive days... #meditate365. I'm on day 18 and I can already see the difference. Join me and develop your daily meditation practice.

3. Let Go and Forgive - The start of a new is a great time to address any old thoughts, feelings or emotions that we are holding on to that don't serve us in a positive way. Hurt from past a relationship, resentment from not getting a job or promotion, or bitterness from a negative interaction with a family member can fester inside us and negatively impact our mental health. One of my favorite quotes says "Hating someone is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die." Learning to let go and forgive is for us, not for the person that harmed us. Forgiveness is a process but a journey well worth the travel. Spend some time reflecting on whether you are holding on to any grudges or ill feelings towards anyone or any situation and start the process of releasing it.

4. Practice Gratitude - We often take the power of gratitude for granted. We all understand the concept of being grateful but practicing gratitude is a little more than saying I'm thankful for all that I have. Being deliberate and intentional about expressing your gratitude for what you have and the little things that happen in your life every day can make dramatic shifts in your emotional state. Your practice could be verbally expressing gratitude every morning when you wake up or after you meditate. It could be keeping a gratitude journal or gratitude jar and writing down what you are grateful for each day. Or you could join an online gratitude group and share what you are grateful for by posting daily in the group. I am a member of a gratitude group on Insight Timer and I enjoy making my daily posts as well as reading what others are grateful for.

5. Practice Self Care - Taking some "me time" every week can boost your positive mental health in ways you can't imagine. We are so busy doing things for everyone else that we often forget about ourselves. I always tell my clients that you can't serve from an empty vessel. You can't be the best parent, spouse or friend if you are overworked, tired and emotionally drained. Make a commitment to designate at least one day a week that you will do something to show self love. This year I am working on this by designating Sundays as Self Care Sunday. It's the one day a week that I am not allowed to do any work and must do something just for me. For those of you who fall in the workaholic category this can be challenging but the benefits far out weigh the challenge. Give it a try, you'll be glad you did.

Make this your year of new habits. Start small and choose just one area that you will improve your mental health. Remember your mental health matters! To get support with developing your new habit, join our awesome Facebook Group where we support and cheer each other on   https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindfulprofessionals/

If you would like more information or to contact Dr. Tonya visit her at http://www.askdrtonya.com.



 By Dr. Tonya Featherston


Article Source: 5 Ways to Improve Your Mental Health in 2017

Blazing Your Way to Fitness With HIIT

Why is fitness an urgent need nowadays?

It is not surprising that the world of fitness is still constantly evolving and changing. It has to change because the challenges associated with staying fit and healthy are multiplying every year.

Several decades ago, obesity was considered a minor medical condition and was limited to only a small percentage of adults and in unusual cases, children. The most current statistics show an alarming change in how people are taking care of their bodies today.

Who is affected by obesity today?

Sadly, the answer is that almost everyone is affected by obesity.

In the United States, an estimated 65% of all females and 71% of all males are already in the "overweight" category.

An alarming 6% of the entire population is within the "extremely obese" category. Extreme obesity is marked by having a body mass index or BMI that's equal or greater than 40 kg/m2. Remember: these statistics include children, teenagers, adults and yes, even our seniors!

It appears that obesity is sparing no one these days. This is indeed a sad day for anyone who understands how important one's health is.

I've shared with you these statistics to help you see why it is vital for everyone to find their "fitness pulse" as soon as possible and maintain an active, healthy lifestyle.

An active, healthy lifestyle is guaranteed to protect you from the countless medical problems brought about by obesity. It also provides a promising avenue for people who want or need to lose weight.

It is never too late to start losing weight! It doesn't matter if you are in your thirties, forties or even fifties. The determining factor is your willingness to start something that could impact the quality of your life for years to come.

What can you do to jumpstart your active lifestyle?

The first thing that you have to do is to aside 10-20 minutes a day for exercise. That's it!

Before you shy away from the idea of regular exercise, let me tell you that you don't have to perform long, boring exercises to burn calories. Forget about walking aimlessly on a treadmill for an hour or so just to get your dose of fitness.

A more effective approach to fitness exists: high intensity interval training. High intensity interval training or HIIT is actually very simple! You take your regular exercise and supercharge it by adding a "high intensity" phase to it.

The intensity of an exercise is measured in MHR or "maximum heart rate." Every age group has a corresponding MHR range. A HIIT workout has a recovery portion and a high intensity portion.

What's the difference between these two parts of an HIIT exercise?

When you are in recovery, your MHR should be no more than 50%. This part of the exercise will allow you to recuperate and catch your breath. When you are in the high intensity phase, you must push harder to bring your MHR to 80%-85%.

There is a misconception that HIIT is "not for women" because it's too tough. Any exercise technique worth your time and energy is challenging. That's just the way things are. HIIT can be used to enhance your current workout system or it can be used as an independent workout technique. Either way, you win!

Do you need more evidence? Check out these benefits and see if HIIT suits your needs:

It's Fast and Powerful - Do you dread having to do endless cardio every week? You don't have to anymore! HIIT effectively eliminates the need for long workouts because it burns off calories at a higher rate per minute than steady exercise.

You will burn off an average of 50% more calories whenever you switch between steady-state and high intensities when you work out.

Women Are Better at HIIT - Studies show that even though women are naturally limited in terms of muscular strength, ladies are better at performing at higher intensities than males.

So even though we may not be the strongest or fastest, we are metabolically superior because we can increase our performance more effectively, at a moment's notice.

It's Fun & Can Be Done At Home - HIIT workouts require short bursts of intense movements followed by recovery. The nature of HIIT will make sure that your workouts will never be repetitive or boring.

There are also dozens of exercises that you can do at home with few or no exercise equipment. So even if it's snowing hard, you can still burn calories like a pro!

For more tips and strategies on how to lose weight permanently and be healthy and happy, get your free copy of  The Quick-Start Weight Loss Hanbook at http://www.joseesmith.com/quickstartweightloss



 By Josee Smith


Article Source: Blazing Your Way to Fitness With HIIT

High Intensity Interval Training 101

What is high intensity interval training?

HIIT or high intensity interval training is a workout technique used by professional athletes and advanced fitness enthusiasts to build strength, speed, stamina and endurance.

HIIT helps increase your overall performance by allowing you to step out of your comfort zone while working out. This is done by alternating between two intensity levels: the recovery phase and the high intensity phase.

The first phase is the 'recovery phase,' meaning your MHR or maximum heart rate will be in the range of 40% to 50%.

The second phase is the 'high intensity phase.' This is the challenging part of your workout. You are going to increase the overall intensity of your exercise so that your maximum heart rate will reach the 80% to 85% range. HIIT ensures that you are comfortably challenged throughout your workout.

Is HIIT for everyone?

HIIT is recommended for healthy individuals who can safely perform moderate to intense exercises for short periods of time. If you are generally healthy and are up for a new challenge, then you've found the perfect method! HIIT is used worldwide to improve athletic performance and speed up the weight loss process.

The main benefit of HIIT is that it can help double your results while halving your actual workout time.

Studies have shown that people who regularly work out at higher intensities also have higher metabolism and are able to burn off calories more efficiently. There is also evidence that people who increase their metabolisms through HIIT exercises continue to burn off calories up to 32 hours after their workouts!

Why does HIIT work?

People are enjoying amazing results with HIIT because it directly influences a person's physical performance and pushes the body to burn large numbers of calories within a shorter time period.

A single HIIT exercise does not require 20 or 30 minutes to finish. A complete HIIT workout that involves numerous exercises may last this long, but a typical HIIT exercise only lasts for a few, short minutes.

Within this short timeframe, the body explodes with energy and your total aerobic capacity is put to the test. The result is often spectacular: no muscle group is spared and you will feel like you have been working out for hours.

HIIT is destined to replace steady-state exercises because it provides a host of advantages that are difficult to replicate with conventional, single-intensity workouts.

Can you manage HIIT?

The answer to this question is a resounding "yes!"

People often complain that high intensity interval training is too tough. It's normal for a person to feel this way because that is exactly the nature of HIIT. HIIT scales up the difficulty level of an exercise to challenge your body to make it fitter.

If you are feeling anxious about challenging yourself in order to reach your fitness goals, having a fitness partner can make all the difference. A fitness partner or "gym buddy" can help motivate you to keep going even if your muscles are aching and your mind is telling you to stop.

What are the advantages of HIIT?

HIIT is a powerful technique that you can use for the rest of your life when you start making your body healthier now. HIIT can provide you with a host of advantages, including the following:

1. Less Body Fat - Women who exercise at higher intensities can burn up to 15 calories every sixty seconds. This is an impressive number considering that many steady-state exercises like walking can only an average of 150 calories per hour. If you want to tone problem areas like the hips and calves, HIIT definitely has you covered.

2. Healthier Heart & Lungs - HIIT continually challenges your heart and lungs. As a result, the body adapts to make your body readier to perform at a higher level. When your heart and lungs are prepared to perform at higher intensities, your endurance soars and you will require shorter recovery periods in between exercise sets.

3. Less Time, More Results - HIIT burns more calories within a shorter amount of time. Studies show that the number of calories burned in a 10-minute HIIT session is equivalent to the calories burned in a 20-minute steady-state or single intensity workout.

For more tips and strategies on how to lose weight permanently and be healthy and happy, get your free copy of  The Quick-Start Weight Loss Hanbook at http://www.joseesmith.com/quickstartweightloss


 By Josee Smith


Article Source:  High Intensity Interval Training 101

Go the Distance With Your Presentation

Businesses are often judged on their appearance and how they present themselves to customers. It may not be fair as that has nothing to do with the products or services, but that is how it works. This is when you need to go the distance with your presentation. A great deal is riding on an outstanding exhibition booth design in place.

Don't let this fall to the wayside and hold your business back. Go into the trade show with something you are confident about. It will show your customers you are a business they can trust. It will show them you offer quality products or services. What you have in place can help them to decide to buy from you and not one of your competitors.

Avoid Common Pitfalls

You need to avoid common problems that too many fall into with this type of set up and design. You need something amazing to get attention, but it also has to be practical. You need an exhibition booth design that is simple to put up and take down. It shouldn't be hours of time involved to get it set up and then taken down. You have to think about transport too.

Keep in mind what the space will be that you are allocated at most trade shows, If your materials are too large, you aren't going to be able to set them up. You may have to buy two spaces, but then you will have too much extra room. It is going to look out of place and out of proportion. While consumers won't be able to really put their finger on what is out of place, they notice.

You also need to avoid working with the wrong entity. You need the best professionals available to complete your exhibition booth design. You need to trust them, to communicate with them, and to love previous work they have done for others. The more you can learn about such businesses, the easier it is for you to make a choice.

Trust the Provider

When you get a great provider in place, you can trust them to make the outcome spectacular. You should be involved with that process though from start to finish. They should be able to give you a timeline for it to be completed. They can also give you several choices and then you can decide what you would like them to make for you.

Don't be stressed about the exhibition booth design you will use. Think about your niche market, conduct research on what consumers are looking for, and offer something that makes a connection for them. Use plenty of colours and something that is appealing to the eyes. It should draw them in from the moment they see it!

Cost

You may be worried about the cost of getting your exhibition booth design created. You can get quotes before you hire anyone to do it for you. This can help you to budget well for the process. It is a great investment when it is done correctly. It is an opportunity to get your business plenty of positive exposure. You need to get that business name out there and wonderful reputation.

You should be able to get all you invested in exhibition booth design back as well make plenty of money from such exposure. If you do have a wonderful product or service you deliver, many of those initial buyers will become repeat customers. They will also tell others about what you can offer to them. Go the distance with this - do it right so you get results!

Offering a booth or presentation at a trade show or exhibition is a great way to get your products or services known. The way in which you offer the information can influence the impact it will have with your potential customer base. We are a leader in offering amazing options for you to have a successful outcome with your set up and presentation. We offer products that are durable, easy to set up and take down, and customised you're your needs. Check out our website to see what we can offer you at http://www.ceiexhibitions.co.uk/booth_design.html. We are ready to help you get your business noticed!


 By Darryl Neal


Article Source:  Go the Distance With Your Presentation