travel cheap flights: 2012

San Jeronimo, Peru [A nice abode to visit; or retire]

San Jeronimo, Peru

San Jeronimo [de Tunán] Peru, 16- Km from Huancayo, and part of the Mantaro Valley--beyond the Andes; a most humble and beautiful city, with a lovely plaza. They have a rich history that dates back to 1854; yet I fear that date is a ting lopsided, for they have a church there that dates back to the 16th century, an adobe church, San Sebastian, where legend has it, Catalina Wanka hid her treasure of Gold, after the Spanish had killed the Inca king. I have been to the church, and it is a most retiring looking domicile for a church, but it carries some magic that draws you into its arms. Near by there are also some 7th century ruins, yes older than Machu Picchu.

The Mayor is a most gracious host, Jesus Vargas Párraga, and a most busy mayor; the city can be assured things run smoothly on his watch. There is something that is most alluring with this city besides its mountains and creeks, and valley, and its silver crafts: it is the famous Avelinos. This event dates back to those far off days when the cleaver guerrilla fighters, the Avelinos, dressed up like beggars, and in the silent, and stillness of the day, played havoc with the invading Chileans, in what is known as the Pacific war of 1882, of Peru. This is a six day party of sorts in August: a must see, if you are in that area during this time.

Also in this area we have the Wankas a little different than the Incas; warriors of a high breed indeed, and perhaps less devious than the Incas.

Perhaps again I must point out one of the luring facts that Peru has, and especially this area I'm talking about, the Mantaro Valley, and San Jeronimo, is that this is the last country on earth in which archeological discovers are still being made on a pretty regular bases. Where tradition and culture, and family are valued more than money; and faith in Christ is treasured; they live their walk, they just don't talk it.

The prices in the Mantaro Valley are not expensive at all, and your dollar goes far to say the least. And you will not find any McDonalds in this area, thank God, or KFC, or any of those fast food dilemmas that will bury you before you're forty.

I must say, this is a good area to visit, you will have to go from Lima Peru, through the Andes, which is not expensive, but it gets to be a long ride [8-hours] on the bus, and it goes pretty high up before you come down [you can get sick]. The Valley is at about 10,500 feet up, and the Andes you go through is about 16,000 up, and White Mountain, which is not far from there, which you can visit, is 19,000 feet. Leave the kids at home if they're going to belly ache all the way, this can be an enduring trip, and it will be spoiled by them for you, and everyone else around you; there are no Hilton Hotels on the side of the roads, or swimming pools, or cloverleaf's, or places to wash up: so it can be considered a hardship on an American kid who is used to getting his way (and most of them are).

This is not a honeymoon trip either, although once you get to Huancayo, it is comfortable, and it can be also in San Jeronimo, but again I point out, it does not have all Lima has in the comfort area, which has a population of 8-million people; if the bride wants comfort in transportation, there are nice buses, but if you want to get there quicker, you're going to have to rent a helicopter to get her there, there are no planes that fly in there (perchance in the near future). If indeed these two areas are issues, Lima is a better stop for a vacation.

This is a most charming place to retire, and affordable, if compared to the United States, or Europe. And the food is cheap and great, and so is the housing, so far anyway.

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The 5 Best Countries to Live In

It's been discussed and argued about. Polls have been done, surveys filled out, and phone calls made to get a well-rounded opinion of where it is best to live. Things that have been considered are cost of living, culture, economy, environment, freedom, health, safety and climate. Unfortunately, most people cannot pack up and move to whatever location they prefer. However, if one could pick, based on the items above, what would be the best countries to live in?

Beyond a shadow of a doubt, France is one of the best countries to live in. The quality of life there is way above average, even in spite of the fact that there is too much government sometimes and higher taxes. The leisurely, slow-paced lifestyle of France is enticing to newcomers. The health care system of France is another reason that France is high on the list. The government runs the health care system, with every working person paying a mandatory fee. Of course, their exquisite cuisine which includes large amounts of bread, cheese and wine also make the country attractive to people. Their vacations, maternity leaves and very generous and the basic lifestyle is more relaxing and romantic. Although Paris is quite an expensive place to shop, live and travel, the provincial French properties are much more moderately priced and reasonable for the average person or family.

Australia is another outstanding country to live in, also referred to as the "Lucky Country." Australia has a temperate climate and beautiful beaches and the country is known for its healthy and active lifestyle. The cost of living here falls below that of many other countries in the world, and yet there is plenty of excellent cuisine and rich culture. A visit to Australia is going to be more expensive because their economy is very strong and they have handled the Global Financial Crisis better than any other Western country. The beauty and uniqueness of Australia also go a long way to making it an attractive, fun-filled place to live. Switzerland is another extraordinary country in which to live. Independent and beautiful, this country has learned to make a name for herself despite her difficulties. Another extraordinary country to live in is Switzerland - English, French, German (two dialects), Italian, and Romansch (similar to ancient Latin). Foreigners from most any country will feel at home here, as the use of many languages here is accepted and embraced. Switzerland, of course, is known for Swiss cheese, Alpine skiing, and Swiss banking - all making it an enticing and unique place for those relocating.

Germany is another country that ranked very high in the quality of life list. Even with the current global economic problems, Germany has kept her head above water, still giving thirty days of paid annual holidays and an average salary for most workers. Germany is a solid country - from their buildings to their roads to their parks. Many are surprised to learn that Germany is one of the world's friendliest countries to nature. The hiking trails, mountains, spas and parks all make this country a place to enjoy nature and her beauty. A fairytale seems to be played out when viewing the romantic Christmas markets and towns with their quaint homes. The charm of old Germany along with their strong economy makes this country a great place to live.

New Zealand, land of unspoiled landscapes, is last on our list of exceptional countries. Most of the Lord of the Rings movie was filmed in this picturesque countryside. Young adults who have moved here say that this is an awesome place to move and raise a family. Especially emphasized here are the beach-life, a healthy lifestyle and sports. Rather than feeling like they have done anything special, people from New Zealand will tell you that it is the lack of certain things that make their country so awesome. For example, they have low crime rates, the policemen do not even carry guns, and there is hardly any corruption at all. One rarely hears of congestion, pollution, health issues, cramped city living, poverty or hunger in this country. There is no doubt that this list alone can place New Zealand very high on the list of great places to live.

As you make plans to move, you will want to consider many things, such as your new country's regulations, passports, vaccinations, taxes, restrictions and permits. Getting everything moved could take one to two months, so it's important to plan ahead for a convenient time. You will want to visit your doctor to get refills for prescriptions and also take care of dental and eye care.

Of course, you will want to call international moving companies and get quotes on moving your household items. Make sure you plan plenty of time for your things to get moved, as it could take longer than a month. Moving is exciting and also stressful. Many factors take time and research when you are considering where you want to move and when the the best time is to make the move. However, you will get through the process and will then have the time to enjoy your new life in your new home.

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Cruise Ship Review - Celebrity Cruises Eclipse

I am writing this review while on my return flight to the U.S., having just spent the past two weeks (14 nights) aboard the Celebrity Eclipse. Launched in April of 2010, the Eclipse joins Celebrity's award-winning family of "Solstice-class" ships, which currently includes the Celebrity Solstice, the Equinox and, in 2011, will also include the Silhouette. So, although I will try to maintain complete objectivity, I must admit that I boarded the Eclipse with very high expectations. Fortunately, with only minor exceptions (as later noted), I was not disappointed.

The "Hardware"

When discussing the physical attributes of a cruise ship (i.e., it's layout and appearance), industry professionals often refer to the ship's "hardware". So, let's start there.

At 122,000 tons (the largest in the Celebrity fleet), the Eclipse was surprisingly easy to get around on and, even with a full capacity of 2,850 passengers (based on double occupancy), the ship never felt crowded. To be perfectly honest, my first impression of the interior décor was that it was a bit "plain" but, as the days onboard passed, I came to appreciate it more and more. Consistent with Celebrity's position in the industry as a "premium" cruise line (as distinguished from "mass market" or "luxury"), the overall look and "feel" of the Eclipse is what I would describe as "subdued elegance". Unlike the "cheap glitz" or "pretentious opulence" of some other ships I've seen, the interior of the Eclipse seemed to be intentionally understated by its designers so that guests (myself included) would feel completely at ease while residing in their upscale home at sea. Colors in the main lobby area were soft and light, while other public areas and lounges (including Michael's Club and Cellar Masters) were adorned in deep natural wood tones with luxurious furnishings and plush carpeting.

Hallways and stairways were sufficiently wide for side-by-side passage of guests and we rarely had to wait more than a minute or two for an elevator. The public bathrooms were immaculate and they were always well-stocked with small single-use cloth towels (rather than paper or hot air dryers).

The pool and solarium areas were spacious enough that finding a comfortable lounge chair was never a problem. However, the jogging track (or "walking path" for those of us over the age of 60) went right through the pool lounging area (so it became something of an "obstacle course") and it didn't go completely around the entire ship.

Perhaps the most unique feature of the ship's "hardware" was the "Lawn Club". I must admit that a negative pre-conceived notion (based on photos and descriptions that I saw) may have clouded my expectation. But, after spending just a few minutes watching fellow passengers playing croquet or basking in the sun on the finely manicured natural grass, I realized that the photographs of this area in Celebrity's brochures and television commercials could not capture it's peaceful serenity. I loved it!

The Food

Since all restaurants offer a variety of culinary choices, any evaluation of food is influenced not only by personal taste but also by what items are selected from the menu. Nowhere was this more apparent than at the Murano specialty restaurant aboard the Eclipse. My wife ordered the filet mignon while my cousin, Mike, had the veal chop. Both entrees were, unquestionably, the best of their kind we've ever tasted....anywhere! On the other hand, the fish (Mediterranean sea bass) that my cousin's girlfriend, Janet, and I both ordered was fair at best.

More consistent was the meal we had in the specialty restaurant, Tuscan Grille. Although the filet mignon was quite as good (in our opinion) as in Murano (even though the Tuscan Grille touts itself as being "a steak house with an Italian flair"), all of our entrees were excellent in their own way.

At the specialty restaurant, Quisine, we had a lot of laughs sampling a wide variety of unique entrees and side dishes, each described on an I-pod menu.

The main dining room, Moonlight Sonata, offered a variety of dishes every night that ranged from good to excellent, with very few disappointments. We especially liked the Select Dining option which was a nice departure from the regimented two-seating arrangement on most traditional cruise ships. And, we were always able to get a table for four by the window as we requested.

The Service

A cruise passenger's perception of onboard service is so often dependent upon who their stateroom attendant was and which waiters / waitresses served their meals. So, at best, any evaluation of service should be taken only as a generalization based on limited individual experiences while onboard.

Having prefaced this part of my review (to "cover my tail" in case the reader has a different experience), let me say that my wife and I found the service to be superb. Our stateroom attendants (Violetta Rodriguez and David Campbell) were the best team we've had on any cruise (and we've taken many cruises). The dining staff was competent and professional in all restaurants. In addition, there were some nice little "extra touches", such as greeting you back onboard with a complimentary welcome-back soft drink and a "spritz" of cool spray after a long day of shore excursions. However, one of the things that I most appreciated was the judicious use of public announcements. Following the captain's positioning and weather update each morning, the public address system was virtually silent the remainder of the day. There were no blaring announcements about the next round of jackpot bingo or special "deals" on jewelry. If you were interested in such things, the time and place of all onboard activities and events were clearly shown in the daily calendar that was left in the stateroom the preceding night. Having learned to read when I was in 1st grade, I didn't miss the annoying announcements one bit.

The Entertainment

If there was one area in which my experience aboard the Celebrity Eclipse disappointed me (and my traveling companions), it was the entertainment. More specifically, the Broadway-style production shows (which I have seen countless times before on other cruise ships) were fair at best and totally uninspired at worst. That's not to say that the individual performers were not talented (although I've seen better). It's only to say that I found these "song and dance" shows to be "corny", repetitive and, in certain respects, slightly amateurish. The exception to this was the last show (titled "Eclipse"), which featured some terrific acrobatic performances and great sets with special effects. The variety shows (jugglers, magicians, comedians, etc.) were generally good.

The highly-promoted glass blowing exhibition was, in my opinion, slow-moving and dull. Although the presenters from the Corning glass museum were obviously very skilled at their craft and dedicated to their work, I just couldn't get too excited about spending nearly an hour watching a glass bowl being made. In fact, at one point during the exhibition, my wife turned to me and said "What am I missing?". Ironically, this same exhibition was highly recommended to us by one of our staff members who saw it on the Solstice. So, don't take my word for it. See for yourself.

The Staterooms

Like every modern cruise ship, the Celebrity Eclipse offers a wide variety of accommodations, ranging from lower-priced interior cabins (with no window) to huge luxury suites with personal butlers. Obviously, a guest staying in one of the large suites would have a different stateroom experience than one staying in a much smaller interior cabin so, once again, I must preface my stateroom review by cautioning the reader that it is based on my specific experience (which may or may not hold true for other types of accommodations on the Eclipse).

My wife and I chose (as we most often do) a standard mid-priced stateroom with a balcony, which was more than adequate for the two of us. The décor was soft and pleasing. The bedding was very comfortable and neither of us had any difficulty falling asleep. The bathroom was a nice size but the shower did not have a hand-held extension (which meant you had to move your body around a bit to get yourself all rinsed off). There was somewhat less storage space than we would have liked on a 14-night cruise but, overall, we were very satisfied with our standard balcony stateroom accommodations.

Conclusion

Having taking well over 30 cruises over the past 15 years that we've been in the business, my wife and I are always looking for something special when a new cruise ship enters the market. And, that's exactly what we got with the Celebrity Eclipse. On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 being the unattainable standard of being absolutely perfect in every respect), we give this one an overall rating of 8.5 to 9. We can't wait to book our cruise on the brand new Celebrity Silhouette (sister ship of the Eclipse) when she begins round-trip sailings to the Caribbean from Cape Liberty, New Jersey in 2011.

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San Jeronimo, Peru [A nice abode to visit; or retire]

San Jeronimo, Peru

Also in this area we have the Wankas a little different than the Incas; warriors of a high breed indeed, and perhaps less devious than the Incas.

This is a most charming place to retire, and affordable, if compared to the United States, or Europe. And the food is cheap and great, and so is the housing, so far anyway.

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San Jeronimo, Peru [A nice abode to visit; or retire]

San Jeronimo, Peru

Also in this area we have the Wankas a little different than the Incas; warriors of a high breed indeed, and perhaps less devious than the Incas.

This is a most charming place to retire, and affordable, if compared to the United States, or Europe. And the food is cheap and great, and so is the housing, so far anyway.

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Philippines - 10 Fun Things to Do in Metro Manila

The Philippines is a beautiful country with it's many wonderful things to explore. Tourists and travelers from around the globe loves to visit the Philippines regularly to get the chance to see the beauty of this country and get along with the friendly and very welcoming Pinoys.

Manila, being the Philippine Islands' capital is the most visited and the first stop for many tourists where the International airport is located. There are many fascinating places to see in manila, and surely have lots of things to do. Everyone will definitely enjoy their trip to the Philippines and they'll s certainly be back for more. Though there are so many things one can do in Manila, here are the top ten things one cannot resist to do while in the country's capital:

1. Sightseeing - there are many well-known places in Manila such as historical sights. There is the Intramuros, meaning "inside the walls", for it is a walled city. The place has a fort which is built by the Spaniards in the late 1500's during their reign to the Philippines. Though the fort was destroyed during the American-Japanese war in the year 1945, it is now renovated and was now turned into a museum. Another must-see place in Manila is the Luneta Park, or the Rizal Park. This is the monument of the Philippine national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. The park was built in honor of Rizal. This is also the place where he was killed the Spaniards in the late 1800's. The park is crowded almost everyday especially during holidays and Sundays where Filipino families gather together to have picnics along the park.

2. Shopping - there are lots of shopping stores in Manila that sell many different kinds of items. One can find almost everything while strolling around the area. There are also easy to find bargain chains located just by the sidewalks, where they sell variety of items with the cheapest prices.

3. Riding on amusement parks - Manila has famous amusement parks that are mostly visited by locals and tourists where children and also adults enjoy the fun rides and have a lively night out. There are the Enchanted Kingdom, the Philippine's version of Disney Land and the Star City where mostly crowded every night with families especially during weekends.

4. Relaxing - there are plenty of places in manila where one can enjoy relaxing activities like the spa, massage centers, and several hotels that offer relaxing services and other pleasant commodities.

5. Enjoy a bubbly night life - Manila has many bars and cafes where you along with your friends can jam and watch band gigs all night long. There is the Jazz Rhythms bar and the all famous Hard Rock Café where one can watch local and foreign bands perform live on stage.

6. Celebrating Christmas - Filipinos celebrate Christmas in a very special way. People attend the evening masses within the nine evenings before the Christmas Eve with the whole family going to the church. Filipinos celebrate Christmas in a very practical way and the most valuable thing for them during Christmas is being their family.

7. Sunbathing - Philippines having its many beaches is being visited mostly by people around the world to do sunbathing. With the country's tropical weathers making it a perfect to tan the skin.

8. Swimming - there are many resorts located around Manila where families can enjoy swimming without going out of town. The resorts are designed with the taste of nature, so one will always feel a nature paradise inside the city.

9. Roller Skating - families together with their children can enjoy roller skating within the many parks of Manila. There are really spacious parks where families can have their quiet family day out and even enjoy picnics and others.

10. Visiting Churches - there are many famous churches in Manila like the Manila Cathedral which are mostly visited by tourists and locals everyday. There are also the San Agustin Church and the Quiapo Church that are well known churches in the Philippines.

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Cover Letter Sample -- For the Corporate Flight Attendant

Writing a cover letter to send with your résumé can be both confusing and frustrating. What exactly should you say? Are you saying too much? Are you only speaking about your needs vs. the company's needs? Oh, what to do! In this "short" piece, I will list some ideas on how to craft your cover letter. I have also provided some important links -- for additional assistance -- particularly if you find yourself still needing outside help.

Basics

* Make sure you use exactly the same type of paper you use for your résumé. White with white is best, business paper is strongly advised, especially paper containing 100% cotton. Cheap 20 lb. copier paper is a terrible idea!

* A matching business envelope {#10} is acceptable. Tri-fold your copies separately; when you place the cover letter inside the envelope, make sure that the letter is shown first [when you lift the flap of the envelope up] followed by your résumé. Fold it so that your name and contact information is the first thing the recruiter sees. If you choose to use a kraft envelope make sure that is no smaller than 9x12 or bigger than 10x13. Place an attractive computer generated label on it with your return address shown appropriately. If you must write on it, PRINT your information and do not be fancy. Remember: you want the post office and the company's mailroom to be able to read what you wrote! Otherwise, important time may be lost in the process.

* If you are emailing your information make sure that the job listing stipulates that attachments are okay. If not, don't you dare send attachments! Instead, within the body of an email message you can write your cover letter [a brief introduction] and then cut and paste your résumé. I cannot tell you how many files never get read when the person does not do as instructed. You can also follow up and mail in a hard [paper] copy if an address is provided.

Beginnings

* Match the header on your résumé with the header on your cover letter. They can and do get separated! An example header should look like this:

Jane Doe

14 Star Lane

Smithville, NC 27777 USA

Telephone: 919-555-1212

Cell Phone: 919-555-1213

Email: jdoe@nc.rrs.com

* Include your personal website address only if that information is valuable. If you host a site that is weird, inflammatory, adult oriented, or otherwise controversial, simply do not expect any response from the company.

* Put today's date on the cover letter.

* Next, include your contact's information, which can include:

Ms. Ellen Snow

Human Resources Coordinator

FlyByNight Aviation, Inc.

1234 Orville Wright Lane

Serendipity, NC 27776

* Your salutation comes next and should look like this

-- Dear Ms. Snow:

Body

* Keep in mind that your cover letter must not be lengthy. You can say all that must be said in no more than three, maybe four, brief paragraphs.

* Here is a sample:

Attached, please find a copy of my résumé for your review. I am interested in the position of corporate flight attendant listed online at http://www.flybynight.com.

I believe my three years of international flying experience along with my culinary background and language skills makes me the ideal candidate to serve FlyByNight's distinguished clientele. Currently, I work as an independent contractor and have flown to top destinations in Europe as well as throughout the U.S. and Canada. FlyByNight's need for a dependable, trained, and highly experienced team player is exactly the type of position I desire.

I look forward to meeting with you in person to discuss your particular needs and how I can help FlyByNight successfully carry out its mission as the best operator of private jets in the world. Feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience; I can be reached at 919-555-1212 or by on cell phone at 919-555-1213.

Byes

* Sincerely,

Jane Doe

Leave 3-4 lines from your "Sincerely" to your name. Your closing shouldn't include other words including Regards [too plain], Cheers! [too British], Love [too personal], etc. Remember, this is a business letter.

In summation, keep it short and specific. Have three or four main points you can emphasize about your strengths, particularly, those points which match with the points listed by the company in their job details. In this particular case the candidate emphasized her culinary, language, and international travel experience, as well as her availability. All four points were stressed in the company's job listing which read:

"...international jet operator is searching for an experienced cabin attendant. This position involves serving our on demand charter clients from east coast locations to destinations in the U.S. and abroad. Must have exceptional food service skills. Current training with FACTS, FlightSafety or similar training vendor; French or Spanish language skills: a plus...

You cannot avoid talking about yourself, but you can control how you talk about yourself.

Do not...

1. ...beg for an interview.

2. ...mention money or benefits. If the job listing "demands" that you list your salary requirements, simply state that salary is negotiable.

3. ...overly boast about your skills: think about what the company's needs are, do you think they care that you were the recipient of an NBAA scholarship? It is, however, okay to list scholarship awards on your résumé.

4. ...name drop. Unless, you already come highly recommended by someone they know and like. Your mentor may be well known in this industry, but not universally liked. You can use them on your list of references, however.

Tying it all together, this is what your cover letter could look like:

Jane Doe

14 Star Lane

Smithville, NC 27777 USA

Telephone: 919-555-1212

Cell Phone: 919-555-1213

Email: jdoe@nc.rrs.com

March 21, 2005

Ms. Ellen Snow

Human Resources Coordinator

FlyByNight Aviation, Inc.

1234 Orville Wright Lane

Serendipity, NC 27776

Re: Corporate Flight Attendant Opening [this is optional, but it can be helpful especially if the company has multiple openings available.]

Dear Ms. Snow:

Attached, please find a copy of my résumé for your review. I am interested in the position of corporate flight attendant listed online at http://www.flybynight.com.

Sincerely,

Jane Doe

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How to Get a Free Airline Upgrade on Your Flight - Fly Business Class

Everyone wants to buy a cheap economy class ticket and get bumped up and upgraded to business class or first class. Who doesn't want more comfort, more legroom, better service and the lounge access which come as standard for first and business class passengers. The current generation of flat seats in premium cabins of major carriers makes flying long-haul much more comfortable than ever before.

Every so often airlines will give out free upgrades for operational reasons. Here are a few basic tips for increasing your chances of getting that elusive upgrade and rubbing shoulder with the first class jet-set.

1. Become a member of your airline's frequent flyer program. If you can reach 'elite status' then you will greatly improve your likelihood of getting upgraded if there is any availability on the day you fly. Airlines will give upgrade priority to their top-tier members.

2. Avoid flying from your carrier's main hub if it is a large airport. You will be competing against masses of frequent flyer members so your chance of a free upgrade is minimal. For example it is difficult to get upgraded with British Airways if flying out of London Heathrow. You will be up against many top-tier BA Gold flyers - and possibly a few more with the even higher Gold Guest List or Premier VIP status.

3. Consider choosing one of the smaller frequent flyer programs with fewer members to reduce competition. The biggest programs in Europe are those of Lufthansa, AirFrance-KLM and British Airways with literally millions of members. US programs are massive - the top 3, United, American and Delta probably have well over 100 million members between them! A good option is to join a quality Asian based carrier like Thai Airlines or Cathay Pacific or smaller programs like Alaska Mileage Plan or bmi Diamond Club.

4. Book a flight that is likely to have a full economy section. Try to fly on wide-body aircraft like the Boeing 777 with plenty of available first class and business class seats. A few days before your flight, check the availability of business and first class seats by doing a pretend booking on your airline's website or use one of the class availability tools on the web.

5. Pay for a full fare economy or premium economy ticket on your flight which will also give you upgrade priority from the airline.

6. There is no harm in dressing well in 'smart casual' or business attire on the off-chance you are pre-upgraded and the airline is happy you will blend into its premium cabin. Note however, this is not a serious upgrade strategy today - it may have worked in the 1970s!

7. Look for cheap cash upgrade opportunities with your carrier at check-in - either online or at the airport.

8. Try and stay informed and up-to-date with airfare strategies and upgrade tips from industry experts and forums. The inside track can help you save both money and frequent flyer miles.

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The Best Places To Download Ipod Music Without Getting A Virus

Many people are searching the internet daily to try and find a good reliable place to download ipod music without getting a virus. As easy of a task as it might seem, its actually a difficult thing to do these days. There is a certain sub-culture on the internet whose main purpose is to infect as many computers as humanly possible with some sort of malicious code or another. I will give you a complete list of sites that are clean as a whistly for ipod download at the end of this article.

The main rule that I follow is, if it sounds too good to be true...then it probably is. There are tons of sites online that will promise that you can download any type of ipod media that you want. The fact of the matter is most of these sites are simply trying to get you to join their mailing list. Once you opt into their list they are able to send you every useless offer then can find to try to sell you. The other thing is when you go to a site that says they have millions of files for your ipod that can be downloaded many of the files if not all of them are infected with some type of virus. So, what should the warning signs be or a site that could be potentially harmful when trying to load your pod with all of the latest music, videos, and other types of media?

1. If it is a site that says that they offer torrents, stay far away from it. These types of sites are notorious for having files that are infected with virii, spyware, as well as many forms of trojan horses.

2. If you have to download THEIR software to download music to your ipod its probably no good. Why would you download a site that you know nothing abouts software? Once you download their software often they are able to upload any type of code that they want to your pc. I can hear many of you now..."but, I have an anti-virus scanner." The people that use these virii are not idiots, there are ways that they can pack files that will bypass any type of anti-virus on the market.

3. If the site feels like it was just "thrown together" chances are...it was. Many sites exist on the internet for the sole purpose of making people think they can get free ipod downlaods however, very few actually deliver what they promise.

From the time I took my ipod out of the package I have been trying to find the best place to load my ipod with the most music and videos that I could. I did find a couple of really good sources that actually delivered what they promised. Unfortunately, along the way i did get a couple of virii and a ton of spyware. If you keep the three points that I listed above in mind you should be fairly immune to making the same mistakes that I did when trying to download ipod music.

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The Duties and Responsibilities of Tour Guides

Know what you need

The duties and responsibilities of a tour guide come from knowing what's ahead of him, what are his needs to provide the best possible service for the clients/tourists.

Tours can vary from day trips to a 20-day tour around the country or even longer than a day. Let's take a simple day-trip example so we can see what's needed. In most cases preparation can be done on the day before and should take into account:

Is the vehicle fully serviced and ready for the job? An oil and water check have to be in your to do list. Check the tyres pressure as well. It can save you up to 10% in fuel consumption.
A spare litre of oil should be in the vehicle at all times.
Is the vehicle clean? Windows (really) clean?
Have you got a complete first aid kit? Assuming you have your first aid course.
Do the tourists have any special requirements? Any language barriers you should be aware of?
Do you need to pack any lunch or snacks? Enough water to every body?
Any special information about the area you are going to visit? Do you need to do any research?
Mobile phone fully charged? You will need it in case of a breakdown or a more serious emergency.
Make sure you have enough sleep if you have an early start next day. You want to be on time, look fresh and full of energy. And there's nothing better than a good night sleep.
Don't forget your uniform. You want to look professional!

The service

First impression is (almost) everything! Therefore being on time and approaching the tourists with a great smile can make all the difference. Just by doing that you are off to a good start!

Once on the road you are ready to show your clients all the knowledge you have of the region. Remember that all eyes are on you and you must deliver a good service. You are not a taxi driver. Part of the job is driving but the most important part is to interact with your clients.

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Haiti - Culture And Sports

CULTURE

Like Katherine Dunham, Lillian Hellman, W.B. Seabrook, Erik Leonard Ekman, Alejo Carpentier, Selden Rodman, Noel Coward and Angeline Jolie, many people say that Haiti is the most beautiful country in the Caribbean. Known as the "Magic Land", Haiti is famous for its culture. Certainly, Haiti its culture, its superstitions and its music. The superstitions or voodoo plays a profound role in the lives of many Haitians. The voodoo was introduced into Haiti in the late 16th Century. Haiti is also famous for its painting, and finally for its ruins...for example the Sans Souci Palace, the most famous ruins in the Caribbean. Exactly, this enigmatic palace is considered a Cultural Heritage for Humanity by UNESCO. Originally constructed by black slaves, now Sans Souci is one of Haiti's main tourist attractions.

Since the late 1940s, Haitian painting, best known as "naïve art" or "intuitive art", is famous all around the World. The most important figure was Hector Hyppolite. His work made its biggest splash in the United States in the 20th Century. Other artists known internationally include Rigaud Benoit, Castera Bazile, Joseph Jean-Giles and Jean-Baptista Bottlex.Haiti is famous for its traditional sculpture. The best Haitian sculptor is Albert Mangoes.

FAMOUS HAITIAN

Nelust Wyclef Jean (singer/Haitian-American): Original member of 1990s hip hop group The Fugees. Wyclef Jean is probably the most popular Haitian singer of all time. Jean was born in Croix des Bouquets (Haiti) on October 17, 1972. When he was just ten years old, he moved to the United States. Under leadership of Wyclef Jean and Lauryn Hill, The Fugees had several hits in the 1990s, including The Score (The Score album sold 6 million copies). Since 1997, Wyclef Jean, as soloist, became well-known on the international music scene. Like songwriter and producer, Jean collaborated with superstars as Santana, Withney Houston, Mick Jagger,Bono,Tevin Cambpell, Bounty Killer, Eric Benet, Sarah Connor, Claudette Ortiz, Tarkan, Michael Jackson, Youssou N´Dor, Shakira, Olga Tañon, Carlos Ponce and Julio Voltio. During the last seven years, he has sold more than 10 millions albums worldwide. In 2002, his single Masquerade was a great success.

Since then, Wyclef Jean is a man that always works with love for Haiti, one of the World's poorest countries. Recently, he makes perhaps his best work: "Yele Haiti", a foundation which works for the human development in the Island. Like Miriam Makeba in South Africa or Bianca Jagger in Nicaragua, Jean loves his roots. In an interview for Magazine, Wyclef Jean discussed about Haitian roots: "I am 100% Haitian. I am proud to be Haitian. I still have my Haitian passport. I represent Haiti in everything that I do. Every head in the industry knows that I am Haitian...they know what I'm about. I was Haitian forst. Haitian till die!", said Jean.

Discography: Wyclef Jean Present the Carnival Featuring the refugee All-Stars (1997) / The Ecleftic:2 Sides II a Book/ Masquerade (2002) / The Preacher's (2003)/ Sak Pasé Presents: Creole 101( 2004) /Hips Don't Lie (with Shakira, 2006).

FAMOUS HAITIAN WOMEN

Michaëlla Jean (Governor-General of Canada)/ Yvonne Neptune (former Prime Minister)/Claudette Werleigh (Prime Minister 1995-1996)/Lina Blanchet (singer)/ Edwidge Danticat (writer)/ Michelle Bennett Duvalier(First Lady of Haiti 1981-1986)/ Luce Turnier (painter)/ Ertha Pascal-Trouillot (Head of State 1990-1991)/ Marie Casimir (journalist) / Sonia Sekula (Painter) / Marie Chauvet (writer)/ Suzanne Comhaire-Sylvain (writer)/ Carmen Brouard (singer)/Dayana Bennett (journalist and actress) / Elie Price (singer)/ Blanche Bosselman (singer)/ Lina Mathon (singer)/ Georgette Moliere (singer)/ Simone Ovide Duvalier (First Lady of Haiti 1957-1981)/ Marleine Bastien (human rights leader)/ Garcelle Beauvais (actress and model)/ Deborah Saint-Phard (track and field)/ Antoinette Gauthier (track and field), Louise Pierre (track and field)/ Rose Gauthier (track and field)

Edwidge Danticat (writer): One of the Caribbean's most famous writers in the 21st Century. She has written several novels and collections of shore stories, including Kri? Kra!, nominated for a National Book Award. Danticat attracted international attention in 1997 when she wrote perhaps her most famous novel Farming of the Bones, a story about genocide Haitians under the repressive dictatorship of Rafael Leonidas Trujillo.

Garcelle Beauvais (actress): She is the first Haitian actress to star on television. Although she has lived in the United States for many years, the actress and former fashion model Garcelle Beauvais was born in Saint Marc, a city in Haiti, in 1966. She is perhaps best known for her role as Francesca Monroe on TV's the Jamie Foxx Show. Like Gerthie David, Joelle Apollon, Evelyn Miot, and Marjorie Vincent, she has the classic beauty of the Haitian black woman

SPECIAL AWARDS

Gerthie David "The Black Goddess"

In 1975, many Haitian people were shocked to open their newspapers and see photographs of Gerthie David Miss Haiti in El Salvador. On the night of July 19th 1975, in San Salvador, Gerthie David, Miss Haiti, was the second black woman to first runner-up in the history of Miss Universe Pageant. After winning the Miss Haiti title, Gerthie went to San Salvador, the capital city of El Salvador, to enter the Miss Universe Contest. The competence was exhausting, very hard, for example Miss Bolivia, Jackeline Gammarra, great favorite, was eliminated. This day, Miss Haiti looks like a black goddess. Her exotic beauty and charming personality are amazing! At 1,72m in height, she was the best in the evening gown competition, but her speech about the Haitian superstitions swayed thousands of applauses in the 25th Edition of the Contest. Certainly, Miss Haiti captive to the judges Sarah Vaughan (American black singer), Maribel Arrieta (Miss El Salvador 1955 and First runner-up at Miss Universe 1955), Jean Claude Killy (French sportsmen) and Leon Uris(American writer ).

When Bob Barker, the host this pageant, announces the final placements, Gerthie was cheered by the entire auditorium. Suddenly, her pulse rate beats at thousand per minute... "First runner-up is Miss Haiti!", said Barker. She was one of the most exotic delegates in all history of Miss Universe. In the 1970s, Gerthie David was a model from Port-au Prince and she became a symbol to the Haitian youth.
Next months, in London, Joelle Apollon, Miss Haiti-World, came in sixth place at Miss World 1975.After sixteen years, Marjorie Vincent, formerly Miss Illinois 1991,won the title of Miss America Pageant. The first Miss America to originate from the Caribbean. In other words, Marjorie Vincent has Haitian roots. Furthermore, she was the second black woman to win the pageant.

SPORTS

Like in Brazil or Italy, the football is the most popular sport in Haiti. Certainly, the national pastime is the football. A different of the Dominican Republic or Puerto Rico, the Haitian people don't like the baseball. In the 20th Century, football became the most popular sport in the Island, thanks to such heroes as Sylvio Cator, Joseph Gaetjens and Emmanuel Sanon. In 1974 Haiti qualified for the World Cup in Germany.

Emmanuel Sanon was one of the Haiti's most popular players and played at the 1974 World Cup. Sanon made a great contribution to Haitian football because he played in more World Cup qualifiers any other Haitian. He is still very popular with local fans. Other phenomenal talent was Joseph Eduard Gaetjens. He represented both Haiti and the United States. He made FIFA World Cup History: When scored United States opening goal in the 1950 World Cup against England. Joseph came to the United States in the 1940s to play in the American Soccer League. His beautiful play in the Brookhattan Club made in a national star. In 1953, he played for Haiti for the first time.

It's practically impossible to talk about Haitian athletes without mentioning Sylvio Cator. He is a legend in this sport. Cator won the silver medal in the long jump at 1928 Amsterdam Olympics. Cator returned home to a hero's welcome. From 1928 to 1930, he was record man in the long jump. Cator was a marvelous jumper and footballer. He also played an important role in popularizing football in the Island (it was the captain of Haitian National Team).

Since then, he is an example for young people in Haiti. He died in November 1938, but today the people of Haiti still think of him with respect. Many years after Cator's death, the National Stadium in Por-au-Prince was renamed in his honor. Cator was the first of the great Caribbean sportsmen that would come to dominate world track and field.

FAMOUS ATHLETES

Bruny Surin (Canada-Haiti/track field)/ Edrick Floreal (Canada-Haiti/track field)/ Samuel Dalembert ( USA-Haiti/basketball) / Ronald Agenor (USA-Haiti/tennis)/ Sylvio Cator (track and field)/ Yves Jeudy (Box)/ Dieudonne Lamothe (marathon)/ Ludovic Augustin (shooting)/ Ludovic Volborge (shooting)/ Joseph Eduard Gaetjens (Haiti-USA/football)/ Dudley Dorival (track field)/ Fitz Plantin Andre (football)/ Emmanuel Sanon (football)/ Josmer Altidore (Haitian-American/football).

Dudley Dorival (track and field): Dudley Dorival was born on 1 September 1975 in Elizabeth (New Jersey, USA). Dorival is the son of Haitian parents and got Haitian nationality just in time for the XXVII Summer Olympics Games. Since the 2000 Olympics, Dudley Dorival has competed in international competitions under the banner of Haiti. In Sydney (Australia) Dorival finished 7th in the 110m hurdles. He became the first Haitian to Olympic finalist since Yves Jeudy (boxer) in 1976. He won the silver medal at the 1994 World Junior Championship, the bronze at the 2001 World Chanpionship and the gold medal at the 2002 Central American and Caribbean Games El Salvador. Dorival is one of the best sportsman in the history of Haiti.

REFERENCES:

-Bennet Patterson, Carolyn."Haiti: Beyond mountains, more mountains", National Geographic, Washington DC, January 1976

-Bishop,Randa. "Imponentes monumentos haitianos", Americas, Washington DC, enero-febrero 1987

-Cobb,Charles. "Haiti against all odds", National Geographic, November 1987

-Encyclopaedia Britannica Book of the Year 1981, Encyclopaedia Britannica, Chicago, 1980

-Encyclopaedia Britannica Almanac 2003, Encyclopaedia Britannica, Chicago, 2002

-Guevara Onofre, Alejandro. Enciclopedia Mundototal 1999, Editorial San Marcos, Lima, 1998

-Hunter, Brian. The Statesman's Year-Book 1991-92, The Macmillan Press, 1991

-Moritz, Charles. Current Biography Yearbook 1972, H.W Wilson Company, NY

-Sconfield, John. "Haiti-West Africa in the West Indies", National Geographic, Washington DC, February 1961

-The International Who's Who 1996-97, Europe Publications, London, 1996

-The World Almanac 2001, World Almanac Books, New Jersey, 2001

-Tibballs, Geoff. The Olympics´ strangest moments, Robson Books, London, 2004

-Vargas Llosa, Mario. "Haití: la muerte", El Comercio, Lima, 25.4.1994

-Visión. "Imperio del Poder Vitalicio", Santiago de Chile, 17 de marzo de 1967

-Wallechinsky, David. The complete Book of the Olympics, Aurum Press, London, 2004

-Wallechinsky, David-Wallace, Irving. The People's Almanac2, Batam Book Inc

-http://WWW.Yotube.com"1975 El Salvador Miss Universe" (video)

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Top 3 Chicago O'Hare Airport Hotels With Park and Fly Packages

Parking at Chicago's O'Hare Airport can be a hassle to say the least. What I have learned from many past experiences is leave the driving into the airport for someone else. Since I don't live close to the airport, I have learned to use what is known as the park and fly hotel.

The park and fly hotel usually offers parking up to 15 days and a free shuttle ride to and from the airport, not to mention a 1 night stay at the hotel with all the amenities included. With that in mind we will list the top 3 hotels near Chicago O'Hare Airport offering park and fly packages, with the lowest priced deals first for those on a budget. These deals often cost less than the price of airport parking alone.

The Ramada O'Hare Airport is about 6 miles from O'Hare and offers a great park stay fly package starting at just $89 for up to 4 people and 14 days parking. This has to be one of the best deals in the country. Costing far less than parking at O'Hare and you get to stay at the hotel for 1 night before or after your trip. Definitely a good deal for the money, even if you don't stay the night.

The LaQuinta Inn and Suites Near O'Hare Airport had the next best deal at only $95 for 2 people and up to 14 days parking. They have their airport shuttles running every hour on the hour and are located just 7 miles from the airport. Not being right next to the airport can be a blessing if you're a light sleeper, no noisy airplanes flying over all night. Conveniently located in Elk Grove Village just north of O'Hare, this is a nice hotel and you will get a good nights rest knowing how much you are saving over airport parking alone.

Radisson Hotel at O'Hare Airport is for those who want to be closer to the airport. Located just 2 miles from O'Hare, this park and fly package deal will only set you back about $119 for 7 days parking, with free shuttles running every 30 minutes, 24 hours a day. This is a top notch hotel for the price, and close to the airport. Other hotels this close to the airport will cost almost twice as much as this deal.

So as you can see, staying at one of these park and fly hotels is completely within your reach, especially if you have to park at O'Hare anyway. Often costing less than airport parking alone, these could fit right into your travel budget, and maybe even save you some time and money in the long run.

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Download Unlimited Free TV Shows for iPod - Is it Possible?

Do you love watching hit TV series but do not always have the time to watch it on its time slot and missed a lot of episodes? Or maybe you want to catch up and watch past episodes of the latest TV shows that everybody is talking about. Or you are just addicted to those hit series and want to watch them over and over again. You want a copy of full episodes and wondering where to get downloads of free TV shows for iPod.

Most online stores offer per download fees at around $1.99 for the latest episode of your favorite TV shows and of course you want an alternative for this option, so here is another alternative for you.

Surf the net and you will find tons of websites offering downloads of free TV shows for iPod. But the question is, are these sites legal and reliable? Getting free download is cool but is it worth all the trouble if you get malicious viruses or spyware that could harm your PC and iPod? Or you get in trouble with the law due to copyrights issues?

But the good news is that there is a way to get unlimited downloads. It is not totally free, but it is cheaper, legal and reliable. Membership site for iPod downloads is the answer to get all the TV episodes you want for free. Free in a sense that you only have to pay the one time membership fee and once you become a member all downloads are free. No recurring charges and no per download fees. You can download them as long as you want. Plus you will have access to all the conversion software and tutorials you need. A technical support is also available anytime you need assistance.

Isn't it great? A one time payment and you can download unlimited free TV shows for iPod. Now you can enjoy all the episodes you have missed and you can even watch your favorite TV series over and over again. You can download not only TV shows but also movies, music, videos, games, e-books and a lot more.

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The Simplest Way to Watch Cable TV Through Your Computer

When people hear the words, "going to watch some TV", they automatically think of sitting on the couch in front of a giant screen television. For years upon years, this was true and the only way to watch your favorite shows. Well, now with computer technology growing and internet streaming becoming faster, watch your favorite episodes of "The Office" is now readily available from your computer.

Actually, watching TV through computers is increasingly popular as a de facto cable-TV system, and especially among households and individuals who would rather not spend extra for a subscription to cable or satellite. Plus, it has never been easier to do than it is today. All that is required is the right software, an internet connection and a computer. Here is a quick breakdown of how you can watch unlimited cable TV channels on your computer at no charge.

The first thing you want to do is make sure the computer you plan on using meets all of the minimum requirements to run cable TV without any interruptions of the signal. Typically, your computer will use a DSL Internet connection, Windows XP or Vista and the most recent Internet Explorer or Firefox version.

Go to a reputable computer shop and buy a good TV tuner card to install into your PC. These can also be found for purchase online. Any similar type of adapter program will also work for your needs. You are going to have a difficult time watching anything in real time without the correct software. You can, however, still watch pre-recorded shows or downloadable programs.

As you're shopping around for a TV tuner card, you'll have two options, either and internal one or an external. An internal tuner card is hooked up directly to your motherboard. An external card is plugged into the computer via a USB port. They both work the same, but you may have a more difficult time installing an internal card. Also, if you own a laptop, an internal card is not a good choice even if the external cards are much more expensive.

It is a good idea to find out from your cable company if any subscription or software programs are needed before you can access the system's programming. It is normally completed through special access codes given by the cable company. Another way is through installing software directly from a CD.

Now that you're all set up with the installation of the TV tuner card and the correct cable subscription, you'll need to download a quality media player to your computer in to watch these TV programs. These work much better than the players provided by the website itself. They are much more effective, and providing a more even streaming of video.

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Disney's 2012 Promotion:Win a Trip To Disneyland or Magic Kingdom, Enjoy a Leap Year Party, and More

Disney offers a new promotion each year for its theme parks. For 2012 this promotion is called "One More Disney Day".

For the promotion, Disneyland Park in California and the Magic Kingdom Park in Florida will be open for 24 hours on February 29 for a "leap day" party. Disneyland Park and the Magic Kingdom Park will be open from 6:00 am (local time) February 29 to 6:00 am March 1 (local time). According to Disney, this is not a special ticketed event, so any valid Disney admission ticket will work. Some of the rides, attractions, restaurants and shops will not be open for the entire 24 hours. Disney will be publishing a schedule of events closer to February 29, so you will need to check with the Disney website to see what is offered for that special day.

In conjunction with this special promotion, Disney is offering a contest. There will be 60 trips awarded to either the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California or to the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. Each trip includes the following prize for up to four people: a 5 day park-hopper pass, 4 night hotel accommodations, round-trip transportation, and a $1000 Disney gift card. Photo Pass packages and guided tours may also be included for each winner. Each trip must be taken on selected dates between June 1, 2012 and June 1, 2013. There are two ways to enter this contest. You can either text the word "DisneyDay" to 347639 with your cell phone or you can complete the entry form at http://www.Disney.com/memoriessweeps. You can enter once a day and then a winner will be selected from each day's drawing. This contest will end at midnight on 2/29/12.

There is also a hotel offer associated with the "One More Disney Day" promotion. The offer is valid for most stays at the Disneyland Resort or Walt Disney World Resort from February 26, 2012 through March 10, 2012. The reservation must be booked through the Walt Disney Travel Company or a participating travel agency by January 31, 2012. This offer includes a 4th day and night for free when you buy a non- discounted 3 day ticket and 3 night hotel package.

If you are planning to visit either Disneyland in Anaheim, California or Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida then this promotion may be for you!

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Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines is a chosen airline by travelers for several reasons. It offers travelers a network of 89 destinations all over Asia, Europe, North America and South West Pacific and Asia. There are several direct flights and if not so then there are easy interchanges available.

There are several flyer benefits that one can notch up whilst flying Singapore airlines. Singapore airlines fly to several places in Asia such as Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Hong Kong, Manila and Jakarta to name a few.

On the long haul flights to London, San Francisco, Sydney, Munich, Los Angeles and Houston. Singapore airlines operate passenger services to 65 cities around the world in 35 countries. Passengers who have traveled by Singapore airlines have loved the cabin ambience that it provides. As soon as you enter the aircraft of Singapore airlines you are overtaken by the refreshingly calm and soothing ambience that sets you right in the holiday mood or for a business meeting. The seats are comfortable and the cabin crew warm and friendly. There is generous amount of leg room for you to stretch and not feel cramped on the journey. The seat pitch for economy class is 32 inches and for business class seats at 40 inches. This is quite a bit of ergonomically designed seating so as to ensure that the seats are made to fit the contours of your body easily and the flexible hand rests allow you support and flexibility. The upholstery did in leather gives you the luxuriant and comfortable feel along with the comfortable storing space for hand luggage.

Most of the aircraft operated are the latest and therein offer the passenger the best of traveling experience. The cabin crew at Singapore airlines come from diverse cultures and speak several different languages to make the passengers feel comfortable at all times. They are friendly and professional with the right training under their belt to take on any kind of situation. They help the passengers to unwind and provide the most relaxing and ideal of service miles above the ground. They are there to assist the passengers in all respects and ensure that the multi-lingual ability makes them connect with one and all on board. The cabin crew will help you with the luggage, connecting flights, answer your questions and queries and in short be there throughout the flight to make the flight a wonderful experience for the passenger.

Also, the in-flight dining and entertainment is an experience by itself. The menu comprises of the right mix of oriental and western fare which is perfect to suit several different tastes and palettes. There is an emphasis on the local cuisine which many passengers love to taste during their journey. In case of any special dietary requirements that is taken care of at Singapore airlines.

There is a loyalty program that one can participate in and redeem frequently flyer miles to notch up more travel by Singapore airlines.

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Understanding The Operation Of Mobile Phone Networks

Mobile phones have become as commonplace as pocket radios. There is no where you will go without finding someone with the palm tucked close to the ear receiving or making a call.
Mobile services differ greatly from the traditional telephony service in many respects. Here, we try to look at how cellular phones phones operate and how calls are made and received.

The first thing you will have to understand about mobile technology is mobile phones are essentially radios. All communication - to an from the device - travel along radio lines and is bound by radio transmission rules we see in the old Motorola two way radio systems. The only difference is that cellular phones are able to apply computer concepts such as advanced networking and sophiscated programming into their functions and that is how we come by SMS text messages, conferencing, call waiting features and calendar systems.

The second concept is that of cells. There is no single block of network but rather a city may be divided into several cells and a call from one cellular device to the other keeps hoping along the cells till it gets to the destined number. The advantage of the cell system, is that it allows for frequency reuse, meaning several users can use the same small cell and permits the company to use the same frequency over and over again without locking resources to one phone call only. Typically, one cell covers about 26 square kilometers and each one has a base station which is just a tower and some radio equipment to manage the signals.
Of late, cell phone technologies are laden with computer applications. SMS and WAP access are for example typical computer applications that have found their way into cellular functionality. SMS operates like the traditional email system and is controlled by a server just like we have a network server. WAP dwells more on computer programming and is also controlled by a WAP server. When you send a text message, it travels over the cellular network and is stored in a server and delivered to the recipient. The reason why it is purely a computer network facility and independent of the cellular service is that even whilst receiving calls SMS messages can come through.

WAP is purely an internet driven service integrated into cellular networks to enhance experience normally reserved for internet surfers. Examples of these facilities are downloads and information services like flight schedules and weather updates which are obtained from cellular operators via handsets.
As mobile users grow in sophiscation, so does the technology that drives the device. Each new day we shall see what we call convergence technology whereby other fields of communication shall be gradually fused into mobile operations to give customers enhanced experience.

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The Best Holiday Destinations in June

Planning a summer holiday depends on two factors: firstly, how much is to be spent on the vacation, and secondly what type of a vacation is desired. For most Britons, the first choice for a vacation is a visit to Europe, followed by the choice of holiday destinations within Europe. Paris becomes an automatic choice for people who have never visited this city. Paris has history, art, and plenty of night life to offer to a vacationer.

If absorbing art and history is what is desired on a vacation, then the next stop after Paris would be Rome. The architecture and famed fountains of Rome, along with a visit to the Vatican City, can be quite awe-aspiring. For more historical experiences, Florence with its history would be your next stop.

Moving on from Florence, a visit to Venice and then on to Athens in Greece to admire the remains of early Greek architecture would be an exciting experience. There are many other exciting and historical places that can be visited on a history and arts vacation tour in Europe.

For those looking for sun, beaches, and a relaxing holiday, the coast of Spain is an ideal holiday destination this year. The Costa del Sol is a well known holiday destination where the warm and gentle Mediterranean Sea makes it an ideal spot for people who want to unwind, soak in the sun, and relax. If a visit to a tropical spot is desired, then a holiday in the Caribbean islands is what should be planned. The chain of Caribbean islands, interconnected by water taxis and private flights, is the place for relaxing sun soaked fun filled holidays. A visit to the Caribbean islands is a rare experience.

Exploring the Greek islands, with the white washed houses and friendly people, is also a nice way of spending summer vacations. Greece and Turkey can also be visited from the Greek islands, and both these counties are loaded with historic artifacts and monuments.

For Britons who have not crossed 'the pond', a vacation in the US can be a lot of fun as well as quite educational. Even a visit just to New York would show what a great country with lots of diversity it is. Of course, a visit along the east coast all the way down to Florida can be very exciting, as the option of seeing Washington would be there.

India would not be a good choice as a place to go on a holiday during summer as the heat would be intense, and furthermore there is no way of avoiding it. If one wants to explore or visit a different continent, then a visit to Cairo to see the pyramids and the museums that encase the history of the great pharaohs would be a great idea. South Africa and Kenya are two countries to visit if nature and wild life is to be enjoyed at its best. The safaris that run in both these countries are truly memorable experiences.

During summer, a visit to Australia or New Zealand would be great for those who love the heat.

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Movie Review - Chronicle (2012) (PG-13)

Boys Will Be Super Boys

Chronicle makes a compelling case for what would happen if a group of teenage boys were to suddenly attain superhuman powers. They would not stare at each other in awe, as if they had just been touched by the hand of God. They would have fun with it, not just at their expense, but also at the expense of others. Initially, the boys in this film behave like the cast of Jackass, using their powers to pull dangerous stunts strictly for cheap thrills and a few laughs. They even pull pranks on unsuspecting people. One of them moves a parked car into a different parking space, leaving its owner confused. Another one sneaks into a toy store and makes a teddy bear float in front of a little girl, who can't be any older than six or seven. She understandably screams in terror. Once they get this out of their systems, I can see how they would then fly through the clouds and toss around a football, never once stopping to consider the idea that they might be in the flight path of a passenger jet.

But what if these powers found their way into the life of a bullied, abused, socially awkward teen? At a certain point, it would no longer be enough to just have fun with it. In all likelihood, you would be pushed into using it against other people, people who have hurt you, humiliated you, ignored you for no real reason other than being who you are. High school can be a lot like that. The sad thing is that so few are willing to listen if someone is having a problem. It's common to even excuse teenage cruelty and hatred as "kids being kids." Some will look at this movie and see a reworking of the superhero genre, specifically the opening chapter in which the hero rises and the villain is unwittingly created. One could certainly make a case for such an interpretation. For whatever it's worth, I see it more as a sad parable about how mistreatment can only be tolerated for so long before a breaking point is reached.

Taking place in suburban Seattle, the film is constructed, as many films are nowadays, as a found-footage mockumentary. Much of the action is shot by the story's tragic figure, a high school senior named Andrew (Dane DeHaan) who has decided to document his life on videotape. His mother, whom he cares for deeply, lies in her bedroom dying of cancer. His father, an unemployed firefighter (Michael Kelly), is a bitter alcoholic who not only physically abuses Andrew but also blames him for all the family's troubles. At school, he's regularly picked on by many of the students. He gets along with his cousin, Matt (Alex Russell), although there's always the sense that it hasn't always been this way. One night, while attending a rave at an abandoned barn, Andrew, Matt, and a new friend named Steve (Michael B. Jordan) discover a hole in the middle of the woods and decide to go in. A quick journey through a series of underground tunnels leads to the discovery of a cavern containing... something mysterious.

They quickly discover that their exposure to the object in the cave has given them super powers, including telekinesis and the ability to fly. It's all fun and games until Andrew nearly kills a driver by pushing his car off the road and into a lake. Matt tries to establish some ground rules, although Andrew is less than receptive. Andrew then uses his powers to make himself more popular in school. Of course it works, but you can see his frustration building. These students are not really his friends; had he not performed amazing tricks at the school talent show, he would remain the outcast he had always been. And it's not as if his home life has improved any. There are stages to Andrew's emotional breaking point, but it begins when his mother is in dire need of an unaffordable prescription medication. In his distress, he begins to see himself as an apex predator, believing himself to be stronger and therefore more worthy than all other human beings.

Andrew's footage, filmed on a camera that he can make float in the air, is occasionally intercut with footage shot by a girl named Casey (Ashley Hinshaw), an internet blogger. Her purpose is pretty much limited to being a plot device, as she provides the audience with a camera perspective different from Andrew's. There are hints that she and Matt have a complicated romantic history, although it's alluded to so infrequently and comes off as so contrived that it begs the question of why it was included in the first place.

And then there's the issue of the film's found-footage style, which was obviously chosen for its current marketability, especially in the horror genre. It works fairly well at first, but it gradually loses credibility until a climactic superhero-like duel on the streets of Seattle, at which point the illusion has shattered entirely. That's because we not only have Andrew's camera, but also surveillance equipment, police videos, civilian cell phones, and dozens of camcorders that just happen to be flying around Andrew and Matt as they hover near the Space Needle. I would think that, at that stage of the story, Andrew would long since have stopped documenting his life. The best bet would have been to shoot Chronicle with an ordinary omniscient camera. I don't think any of the film's more compelling aspects would have suffered as a result. And just think how nice it would have been to avoid the Queasy Cam.

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Top Cruise Secrets Revealed

There are more than 200 cruise ships that you can choose from today. But the one thing that they all have in common is that a little advance planning and "insider" knowledge can help you save time and money on your next cruise. Here are the "top ten tips":

1. Maximum flexibility = Maximum savings. Most travelers have some flexibility in their travel dates, especially if planning ahead of time. Let your cruise specialist know that you can consider alternate departure dates that may have lower rates available. Keep in mind cruise lines will offer better prices and perks on sailings that are not nearing capacity.

Tip: Shoulder or off peak sailings offer the deepest price cuts. For example, the departure right after the New Year cruise might be substantially lower.

2. Ask if guarantees are available. This requires that you have a little gambling spirit. Many cruise lines will offer a rate on a particular cabin category instead of an actual stateroom number and in effect guarantee that rate to you. Then the cruise line has the option of assigning you a stateroom in either that category or better.

Sometimes you win and end up in a cabin several grades higher and sometimes you end up in exactly the category you were guaranteed. Remember, there is both an upside and downside to this program.

Tip: Completely understand the process before booking a guarantee.

3.Upgrade programs. Often, your cruise specialist may offer a cruise line upgrade program. This means that you book and pay for category 'B' and will be moved to a higher category 'A'. Again, there is an element of risk here. The fact that a stateroom may be in a higher category does not always mean it will be a more desirable cabin. For example, you might be in a nice mid ship balcony stateroom on Deck C and get an upgrade to a balcony stateroom on Deck A.

While your new assignment may be the same size and have identical amenities you might end up in a less desirable location such as near an elevator or at the extreme end of the ship. And there are outside cabins that have views partially blocked by lifeboats or other equipment. On the other hand there are many instances of guests being upgraded several categories to wonderful staterooms.

Tip: Advise your cruise specialist that you will consider upgrades offered but you want to have final say on any changes before they happen.

4.Special Fare Eligibility - One of the reasons that savvy cruisers find a knowledgeable cruise specialist and stick with them is the fact that there are many special fare programs that may or not be visible to cruisers doing casual research on the web. These include things like regional fares that are made available to residents of selected states.

Caution: If you are offered a regional fare and you don't live in that area and can not prove residency, don't do it. Cruise lines have the right to check your eligibility on sailing day and charge for the difference before you board. It does happen. Some of the other special fares being promoted today include active duty and retired military fares, union member fares, police and public safety discounts, airline or hospitality rates and more.

Tip: If your cruise partner is a member of any of the these groups, the discounts usually apply to everyone traveling in the same stateroom.

5. Past Passenger Specials - Virtually every major cruise line has a loyalty club for its members with different levels and benefits. Joining is free and entitles you to special perks and discounts when you book on that line. For many commonly owned cruise lines such as Carnival Corporation, the offers extend across all the brands such as Carnival, Princess, Holland America etc. Ditto for Royal Caribbean and Celebrity.

Tip: Many cruise lines started operation before computers become common and can not easily retrieve date for cruises you may have taken several years ago. However, if you send a letter to the cruise line listing the ships and cruises you have been on, most will take your word and credit you with those unrecorded sailings. This might have the effect of moving you from Gold to Platinum level and significantly improve the benefits.

6. Check for Group Rates: Many cruise agencies hold what is known as block space on ships. That means that they have reserved space at group rates, which can be up to 20% lower than individual rates. Many agencies that reserve space for groups hold aside several cabins for individual clients who might be able to depart on this date.

While you may be traveling as a group, your cruise experience will be as an individual traveler. The downside might be that your dining time or section is affected by the group program. The upside is that you might benefit from some group amenties such as an onboard credit, free shore excursion etc.

Tip: If your cruise specialist offers group rates, understand the features, benefits and limitations completely before you book. From the cruise line perspective you are a member of the group and fall under the policies and procedures for groups.

7. On board re-booking. Most cruise lines now allow you to book your next cruise with that line while on board. They may have what is known as an on board sales consultant or even a desk. This is usually a great opportunity to save. Generally, the cruise line will throw in some strong perks to retain your loyalty to their brand. Onboard credits on the future cruise can be quite substantial. Upgrades and other benefits are usually significant.

Tip: Many cruise lines realize that you may not be sure when and where you want to cruise while on your current voyage. Not to worry, because most have a program where you can book on board with the flexibility to change to other sailings and ships via your cruise specialist when you get home and keep all the benefits. This is a truly a win win for you!

8.Seek out Value Adds. Over the past few years, cruise lines have instituted something known in the trade as The Level Playing Field. This was instituted to attempt to control the rampant rebating and discounting that occurred in the post September 11 travel slump. Basically, now the cruise lines have been partially successful in putting the genie back in the bottle by requiring cruise agents to all use the same pricing feeds.

Because cruise agents do not purchase and re-sell the cruises but are paid a commission, the cruise lines themselves totally control published rates. One of the unintended side effects of Level Playing Field pricing is that the cruise lines had to find a way to promote challenged sailing dates. And they did this by creating Value Added features. They can include benefits ranging from dollars off certificates, on-board credits, pre-paid gratuities, free spa treatments, specialty dining experiences, casino credits to a free bathrobe or camera.

Tip: Ask your cruise specialist to seek out sailings that offer value adds. They can significantly impact your bottom line.

9.Arrange your own airline tickets. If you need to fly in to your embarkation port most cruise lines have flight programs known as Air/Sea arrangements. The good news is that includes the flights and often meet and greet and transfers. The bad news is that in order to publish these add-ons the cruise lines have negotiated the fares far in advance and try to set the rates on a cost average basis.

To you, it generally means that these add-ons may be up to 50% higher than the fares you can get by arranging the flights yourself. The one exception to this in many cases are Europe cruises where many lines maintain bulk contract fares. So it is always a good idea to comparison shop. Most lines allow you to purchase just the transfer package so you are able to create your own air/sea package at significant savings. And of course if you have several thousand airline miles collecting dust, this might be a good time to try to use them.

Tip: If you are arranging your own flights, make sure to allow plenty of time for flight delays etc. Savvy cruisers will often invest in a pre-cruise hotel the night before the cruise so that they can avoid the stress caused by late arriving flights. Remember, if the airline leaves you on the tarmac for 7 hours and you miss the ship, that voucher for a free flight will not seem very appealing. And unfortunately, the airline will not compensate you nor will the cruise line refund your money as you are counted as a no show.

10. Travel Insurance: What is the one thing you must bring on your cruise that you hope never to use? Trip Insurance! As you can see in #9 above things can and do go wrong. An affordable comprehensive trip insurance policy can cover many of these contingencies including, lost baggage, trip interruption, medical evacuation and more.

Your cruise specialist can explain the various programs available as there are several. Mark sure you understand fully the coverage and limitation before accepting coverage and keep in mind that you can not get coverage retroactively. It is a small, but absolutely vital part of your vacation expenditures. Keep in mind very few medical insurance polices cover you while out of the country and basic homeowner policies often do not compensate for lost luggage or other events. Just as in land based trips, the carriers responsibility to you is extremely limited by their contract and should a medical emergency arise on board or ashore you are responsible for all expenses incurred.

Tip: Cancellation coverage is very specific. Understand what is covered and not covered. You can not decide not to go at the last minute without incurring substantial cancellation charges. And if you have any pre-existing health issues, this may or may not be a covered event. That is why it is important to actually read the coverage.

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The Benefits of Becoming a Travel Agent

There are many different benefits of being a Travel Agent. First off being a Travel Agent means that you are now in the industry, which means you automatically qualify to receive travel and vacation benefits. There is a great way you can get these benefits and much more that I will be discussing below without having to get a license or qualifications or anything of such. But the question is, how can you benefit from being a travel agent. And yes you do need a license to be a Certified Travel Agent, but I'm going to honestly show you a way where you can become a travel agent without having a license and still receive all the benefits I'm going to share with you.

Lets talk about the benefits of being a travel agent.

cruise lines offer travel industry rates for bona fide travel agents. The rates can vary from $35.00 - $50.00 per person per day. The travel professional is allowed to bring one companion at the same rate.

Hotels and car rental firms offer discounts to travel industry personnel. The discounts can vary from 10% up to 50% off normal rates. These discounts are subject to availability and offered at the discretion of the supplier.

Many escorted tour companies will offer substantial discounts on their tours. These discounts will also vary but are typically 10% - 50% off the retail price.

One of the most appealing benefits to travel agents is the opportunities to go on a FAM Trip! FAM is short for familiarization. Special trips are organized specifically with the travel professional in mind.

They are offered by tour companies, hotels, convention and visitor bureaus, airlines and cruise lines. The purpose of these trips are to familiarize the agent with the products as being a benefit for being in the industry. The great thing about these FAM trips or sometimes called member trips is that they are so easy to use. Once you become a agent you are able to take one of these FAM trips immediately. These trips are extremely discounted, and can save you up to 1,500 per vacation, which is well worth it. Here are some examples of some of the member trips that you can take advantage of.

1.) 4Day Jamaica Vacation for only $234.00
2.) 4Day Cozumel, Mexico only $181.00
3.) 4Day Cancun Mexico Vacation only $230.00
4.) 6 Day Caribbean Cruise for only $285.00
5.) Myrtle Beach golf vacation for 3 nights for only $359.00
6.) Disney World 3 Day/ 4 Nights Only $335.00- oh the kids will love this one...
And there are dozens of others that you can take advantage of as well. These are not single trips these are family vacations.

Other benefits include commissions from booked travel from 70% to 90%, and enhanced commissions, educational programs and events, Corporate and leisure hotel programs, travel insurance vendors, blocked cruise space & exclusive vendor deals, professional familiarization (FAM) rates on luxury cruises, resorts and tours. Travel agent discount on hotels and rental cars, show and theme park discounts and free admission to popular attractions, Take advantage of huge tax breaks available for home-based businesses. You also can do all of this from home because you get your very own customized website ready to go set up just like expedia, orbitz or any other major travel website where your friends and family can book and you can receive your commissions. And you can set your own hours.

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Ireland - The Emerald Isle

Ireland is an island in the northern Atlantic Ocean west of Great Britain, divided between the independent Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, which is a part of the United Kingdom. Ireland is the third-largest island in Europe. Dublin is the capital of Ireland.

Ireland is also known as the Emerald Island. It is one of the most beautiful countries of the world. Ireland is compared to a precious gem 'Emerald' because of its mesmerizing and captivating lush green natural beauty. The heavy rains in the western parts are responsible for the brilliant green grass.

The exquisite Irish landscapes make profound impressions on the minds and souls of the beholders. Ireland has the most seducing landscapes. They seem to be the most luscious expression of romantic poetry. The Irish beauty is vinous, voluptuous, ravishing, enchanting, intoxicating...

Irish weather is sometimes so enticing that it makes a person to yearn for wings or makes a person fly with the wings of fancy to view the truly luminous greens and luxuriant wildflowers from the azure sky.

The Irish name for Ireland is "Eire" and "Hibernia" is the Latin name for Ireland. Ireland is also known as the Land of saints and scholars because of the strong educational and religious tradition in Ireland. Sometimes Ireland is dubbed as silk of the kine; the nickname comes from the Irish síoda na mbó.

The Emerald Isle is one of the coveted tourist spots of the world. It attracts the tourists from all parts of the world. Ireland is a perfect spot to explore the natural beauty.

The ireland vacation, ireland golf vacation and ireland vacation packages are hotly pursued all over the globe.

The tourism and hotel industry is one of the cornerstones of Irish economy. The hotels in ireland are sheer manifestation of comforts and luxuries. The Ireland hotels offer the exquisite scenic beauty.

If you are planning for ireland vacation, cheapirelandhotels.info can help you find best and cheap hotels in ireland. The website offers tons of info ireland hotel, hotel dublin ireland and cheap ireland hotel. The website also carries the info on ireland vacation, ireland golf vacation and ireland vacation packages.

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