New York City is one place you can spend a week in and find yourself wanting more. Here are some interesting things to do and see.
The least expensive way to get from the airport into NYC is using the SUper Shuttle. You should contact them and arrange pick up prior to leaving for New York:
http://www.supershuttle.com/htm/cities/nyc.htm
Take advantage of the New York City official website : http://www.nyc.gov Click on visitors information. You can find virtually any and all info on what to do in New York City on that website.
The Subway System in New York can get you virtually anywhere you want to go. Review the routs online, and ask for a map at any manned subway booth - it is really easy to get around if you use the maps. There are many buses in New York City as well, but the buses can seem exceedingly slow. Bus maps are available online as well.
A Metro Card will allow you to use the buses and subways. There are many types of cards available, as well as an unlimited one day pass. Read about them here: http://mta.info/metrocard/mcgtreng.htm#unlimited
There are two companies in New York City that offer Hop On Hop Off Double Decker Bus tours. These are tours where you can get on and off the buses as various locations to take advantage of sightseeing in many area of New York City.
City Sights NY: www.citysightsny.com Offers Downtown, Uptown & Night Tours.
Gray Line Bus Tours: http://www.coachusa.com/newyorksightseeing/ Offers uptown, downtown, Brooklyn, night tours and combination tours. On to the many classic "must sees" of New York:
The Empire State Building: http://www.esbny.com/index2.cfm Take advantage of the Sky Ride, a breathtaking view of New York City as seen through a helicopter.
The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island - http://www.circlelinedowntown.com/ Buy tickets online in advance to guarantee you will get in to visit the Statue. While tickets can be purchased at the Ferry itself, only a limited number of tickets are given out daily to visitors who want to access the inside of the Statue. If you purchase your tickets in advance, you will guarantee entrance to the Statue. Then take the ferry to Ellis Island for a tour of the place where millions of immigrants arrive in the U.S.
While you are on the website for tickets, you can also take a look at the Circle Line Ferry schedule for other areas - you can get a great "cruise" around Manhattan Island and see many interesting areas.
Take a look at Grand Central Station: http://www.grandcentralterminal.com/pages/default.aspx
New York is home to many interesting museums - I can personally recommend many of the Art Museums as well as the Museum of Television and Radio, the Intrepid Museum and the Museum of Natural History: http://www.amnh.org/ http://www.nyc.gov/portal/index.jsp?epi_menuItemID=5344998baa00eff6a62fa24601c789a0&epi_menuID=b89ffdd82b13aff6a62fa24601c789a0&epi_baseMenuID=27579af732d48f86a62fa24601c789a0
No trip to New York is complete without visiting Times Square for tickets to a show! In the middle of Times Square is the famous TKTS booth, where you can purchase half price tickets for shows the day of the show. Read about the TKTS booth here: http://www.tdf.org/tkts/
If you don't see the shows you like available at the TKTS booth (many of the most popular shows aren't available at the Booth) on the day of the show, got o the theater box office - unsold tickets may be available.
If you know in advance what you'd like to see, go to Broadway.com to see if tickets are available in advance of arriving in New York: http://www.broadway.com/
Don't forget off Broadway Shows as well - great family shows are "Stomp" and "The Blue Man Group".
Take a tour of the South Street Seaport. Take a subway to the Bronx Zoo or Yankee Stadium or Shea Stadium for a game. Don't miss Chinatown or Little Italy. Visit Soho. Go to Central Park, you can spend days there., There is also a small zoo in Central Park, the Central Park Zoo. Take a horse and buddy ride through and around the park.
Many talk shows are taped in New York City with free tickets available. Most of them you do need to request well in advance of your arrival, however, many shows have stand by lines detailed on their websites with info on how to obtain them. Here is a partial list of show tapings - you can go online and see if tickets are available for many (please note - some shows, such as The People's Court, don't tape in the summer):
Live with Regis & Kelly: http://tvplex.go.com/buenavista/regisandkelly/showinfo/tickets.html
The Late Show with David Letterman: http://www.cbs.com/latenight/lateshow/show_info/ls_show_info_get_ticket.shtml
Late Night with Conan O'Brien: http://www.nbc.com/nbc/Late_Night_with_Conan_O'Brien/tickets/
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart: http://www.comedycentral.com/shows/the_daily_show/tickets/tickets.jhtml
Saturday Night Live: e:mail - snltickets@nbc.com
The People's Court: Call 1-888-780-8587
Montel Williams: http://www.montelshow.com/misc/tickets
The View: http://abc.go.com/daytime/theview/tickets.html
Good Morning America: http://www.abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=144752 or Come by weekday mornings from 7am to 9am to see Diane Sawyer. Robin Roberts and Charles Gibson. (You will usually be seen outside the studio - e-mail for tickets inside)
The Today Show: The Today Show's studio is on the ground floor at the corner of 49th Street and Rockefeller Center. Inside, Katie Couric and Matt Lauer tell the country what's going on; outside a crowd of people waves signs and hopes to get on television. The show airs Monday--Friday 7am--10am. If you want a good spot, get there pre-dawn, try to stand toward the southeast corner (directly behind the anchor desk) and carry a sign that says something goofy enough to be noticed.
The Early Show: The ground-level set, located in the General Motors Building at Trump International Plaza next to FAO Schwarz, is visible to passersby through huge glass windows. Join Dave Price on the plaza weekdays at 8 and 8:30 as he does the weather forecast. CBS News also films other national and local news broadcasts here. Early Show audience services: 212/975-7636.
Who Wants to be a Millionaire: http://www.millionairetv.com/tickets.html
Total Request Live: (1550 Broadway, bet. 44th and 45th Sts., 212/258-8000) -- Young visitors gather at 3:30pm weekdays outside MTV's studios hoping to catch a glimpse of Total Request Live host Carson Daly. Although part of the studio faces the street, it's on the second floor, so street-level fans can't see too much. Young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 who want to be part of the studio audience can call the TRL audience hotline at 212/398-8549 or try for standby tickets starting at 2pm by lining up at 44th St. and Broadway.
Emeril Live: A ticket lottery is held at least once a year. Emeril Live will notify fans of entry dates through the Food Network newletter and on www.foodnetwork.com
New York City is a place full of yearwide events ? check out this calendar for events to take advantage of during your stay: http://www.nyc.gov/portal/index.jsp?epi_menuItemID=bd175b51da17d74f472ae1852f8089a0&epi_menuID=bd175b51da17d74f472ae1852f8089a0&epi_baseMenuID=27579af732d48f86a62fa24601c789a0
The rebuilding of Ground Zero is ongoing. Travel down to the area to see the massive effort at rebuilding this area.
New York City if for kids ? check this portal to see many of the things available for kids: http://www.nyc.gov/portal/index.jsp?epi_menuItemID=40e9c8417fc1a007a62fa24601c789a0&epi_menuID=e2a1b26d9be35ff6a62fa24601c789a0&epi_baseMenuID=27579af732d48f86a62fa24601c789a0
New York City is home to two of the most famous toy stores in the world ?
FAO Schwarz, located at 767 Fifth Avenue (Fifth Avenue at 58th Street) New York, NY 10153 212-644-9400 ext. 4242 Hours: Mon - Sat: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sun: 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Take a Ferris Wheel ride in the largest Toys R Us in Times Square ? see their huge Lego display and the roaring dinosaur. Located at 44th and Broadway.
While you are in Time Square, have your picture taken with the Naked Cowboy, a sight you won?t soon forget. (P.S. ? He?s not naked but is in his undies even when it?s cold and he?s not a real cowboy either!)
Visit Madame Tussauds Wax Museum in Times Square as well: http://www.nycwax.com/
As you can see, there is plenty to do on your visit to New York City.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Will the Real Marilyn Monroe Please Stand Up?
There have always been Marilyn Monroe impersonators capturing the essence and beauty that was Marilyn, however, now some of the top celebrities are getting into the Marilyn Monroe act.
Whether it was by intention or just coincidence, we have to admit that a photo of Paris Hilton performing in a champagne glass in a Swarovski crystal covered lingerie outfit does captured the Marilyn look.
Paris Hilton celebrated her 27 birthday by performing with the Pusscycat Dolls at Pure in Las Vegas, with her sister Nicky Hilton and beau David Katzenberg in the audience.
The Pussycat Dolls sang "Happy Birthday" to her and surprised her with an orange and chocolate striped cake with pink roses.
But we think the most interesting part of the performance resulted in one photo that reminds us of Marilyn.
Meanwhile, photographer Bert Stern tried to recreate the famous photo shoot he did with Marilyn Monroe in 1962 at Hotel Bel-Air.
The photo shoot with Marilyn Monroe became know at "The Last Sitting", occurring just 6 weeks before Marilyn Monroe died of a reported overdoes at age 36.
Lindsay Lohan was chosen to portray Marilyn Monroe for the photo shoot, which was featured on the cover and a spread in New York magazine.
Lindsey Lohan donned a blond wig, but was naked except for some props - see through scarves, veil, diamonds and lots of freckles.
The initial stories on the web about Lindsay Lohan - Marilyn Monroe shoot brought New York magazine web site to a crawl.
New York magazine web site published the story and photos entitled Lindsay Lohan as Marilyn Monroe in 'The Last Sitting' which included additional photos from the shoot that did not make it into the New York magazine photo spread.
So what do you think, mirror, mirror on the wall, who really looks like Marilyn Monroe?
Well, if you think you or your friends look like Marilyn Monroe, why not get a wig and dress and create your own Marilyn Monroe photo shoot?
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Sporty Spice Spectacular Back Flip Caps The Return of the Spice Girls World Tour
Melanie Chisholm - Sporty Spice performed a spectacular back-flip on stage that brought the audience to its feet with cheers and applause, as part of the emotional farewell to the The Return Of The Spice Girls world tour.
Not only has the Spice Girls music touched several generations of fans, but also their sexy outfits have added spice and glamour to the fashion world and, a course, sensuality to their shows.
World famous designer Roberto Cavalli created the lavish tour costumes for The Return of the Spice Girls world tour.
The designer carefully created each costume to match the personality of each of the Spice Girls.
Working with his beautiful wife, Eva Duringer, Roberto Cavalli created an eye-catching wardrobe for the Spice Girls that is unlike anything they had worn before on stage.
For each performance of The Return of The Spice Girls world tour, Roberto created very special costumes including white and black tuxedos, silver space age outfits, shiny mini dresses embroidered with Swarovsky crystals and feathers, sexy, formfitting leather corsets and brightly colored jumpsuits.
Before they closed the final performance with their song "Spice Up Your Life", an emotional Geri Halliwell - Ginger Spice said "This is the last night of the tour and we never dreamt we'd ever be back together and be such a success and who knows if we'll ever get back together again."
Victoria Beckham - Posh Spice, thanked all Spice Girls children, parents, and people who make the show possible.
Emma Bunton - Baby Spice said "I like to thank the girls", who was quickly joined by Mel Brown - Scary Spice as she pointed to each of the Spice girls to thank them for making the tour possible, followed by a big group hug and kissing.
Melanie Chisholm - Sporty Spice performed a spectacular back flip as her salute to the final performance.
The Spice girls performed their final concert in Toronto, Canada on Tuesday February 2/26/2008.
After the concert, the girls posted a message on their official website thanking fans for all their support.
"Our time is up. We've come to the end of the road. There are tears of both sadness and joy. Look how far we've come!
Who would have though that our reunion could have turned out to be this amazing? It just shows what can grow out of an exciting through, an idea, a hope, a dream. Yes, our reunion tour is proof that dreams do come true.
Well, the Spice Girls "The Return of the Spice Girls" world tour may have come to an end, but I am sure we will be hearing from the Girls: Geri Halliwell - Ginger Spice, Victoria Beckham - Posh Spice, Melanie Brown - Scary Spice, Emma Bunton - Baby Spice and Melanie Chisholm - Sporty Spice for years to come.
For a look back down memory lane, be sure to read or reread our story Sugar and Spice Unite and for some fascinating glimpses behind the tour, including stories about the The Spice Girls makeup, hair, bloopers, and stories from each of the Spice Girls official blog.
If you cannot see the video clip in your E-mail or news reader, just go to Spice Girls Final Show.
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Reduce/lower cholesterol- the best food to reduce cholesterol and protect your heart
Cholesterol: The best foods to lower your cholesterol and protect your heart
What's in? What's out? From one day to the next, you can't be sure. Find out the best foods to reduce your cholesterol and protect your heart.
Can a bowl of oatmeal help prevent a heart attack? How about a handful of walnuts, or even your baked potato dressed in sterol-fortified margarine? A few simple tweaks to your diet — like these — may be enough to stave off a cholesterol problem.
Oatmeal and oat bran
Oatmeal contains soluble fiber, which reduces your low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the "bad" cholesterol. Soluble fiber is also found in such foods as kidney beans, brussels sprouts, apples, pears, psyllium, barley and prunes.
Soluble fiber appears to reduce the absorption of cholesterol in your intestines. Gel-like soluble fiber binds bile (which contains cholesterol) and dietary cholesterol so that the body excretes it.
Five to 10 grams of soluble fiber a day decreases LDL cholesterol by about 5 percent. Eating 1.5 cups of cooked oatmeal provides 4.5 grams of fiber — enough to lower your cholesterol. To mix it up a little, try oat bran or cold cereal made with oatmeal or oat bran.
MORE ON THIS TOPIC
* Dietary fiber: An essential part of a healthy diet
Walnuts, almonds and more
Studies have shown that walnuts can significantly reduce blood cholesterol. Rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, walnuts also help keep blood vessels healthy and elastic. Almonds appear to have a similar effect, resulting in a marked improvement within just four weeks.
A cholesterol-lowering diet in which 20 percent of the calories come from walnuts may reduce LDL cholesterol by 12 percent. For a 1,200-calorie per day diet, a little less than 1/3 of a cup of walnuts is about 240 calories, or 20 percent of the total calories for the day.
All nuts are high in calories, however, so a handful will suffice. As with any food, good or bad, eating too much can cause weight gain, and being overweight places you at higher risk of heart disease. To avoid gaining weight, replace foods high in saturated fat with nuts. For example, instead of using cheese, luncheon meat or croutons in your salad, add a handful of walnuts or almonds.
MORE ON THIS TOPIC
* Dietary fats: Know which types to choose
Fish and omega-3 fatty acids
Studies in the 1970s showed that Greenland Eskimos had a lower rate of heart disease than did other individuals living in Greenland at the same time. Analysis of dietary differences between the groups showed that the Eskimos ate less saturated fat and more omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and whale and seal meat.
Research since that time has supported the heart-healthy benefits of eating fish. If you can't dine with the Eskimos, other good sources of omega-3 fatty acids include flaxseed, walnuts, canola oil and soybean oil.
Omega-3 fatty acids are noted for their triglyceride-lowering effect, but they also help the heart in other ways such as reducing blood pressure and the risk of blood clots. In people who have already had heart attacks, fish oil — or omega-3 fatty acids — significantly reduces the risk of sudden death.
Doctors recommend eating at least two servings of fish a week. The highest levels of omega-3 fatty acids are in mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna and salmon. However, to maintain the heart-healthy benefits of fish, bake or grill it.
MORE ON THIS TOPIC
* Fish FAQ: The merits and hazards of eating fish
* Ground flaxseed: Better than whole?
Foods fortified with plant sterols or stanols
Foods are now available that have been fortified with sterols or stanols — substances found in plants that help block the absorption of cholesterol.
Margarines and orange juice fortified with plant sterols can help reduce LDL cholesterol by more than 10 percent. The amount of daily plant sterols needed for results is at least 2 grams — which equals about two 8-ounce servings of plant sterol-fortified orange juice a day.
Plant sterols or stanols in fortified foods don't appear to affect levels of triglycerides or of "good" high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Nor do they interfere with the absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins — vitamins A, D, E and K.
However, the American Heart Association recommends foods fortified with plant sterols only for people who actually have high levels of LDL cholesterol.
Soy
Long thought to have cholesterol-lowering effects, a recent meta-analysis by the American Heart Association's Nutrition Committee showed soy protein actually has very little impact on reducing cholesterol levels. In January 2006, the American Heart Association issued a statement saying the cardiovascular health benefits of soy protein are minimal at best. No benefit was seen on HDL, triglycerides, or blood pressure and even with a large intake of soy, only a small impact on LDL was seen.
Though it may not lower your cholesterol, soy does contain vitamins and minerals and is a good source of fiber. It's also a healthy low-fat alternative source of protein.
Cut fats first
The first step for a heart-healthy diet is to reduce your intake of bad fats — especially saturated and trans fats. If cutting out bad fats isn't enough to reduce your cholesterol, you may want to try adding soluble fiber, nuts and fish to your diet. If you need more boost from your foods, try adding foods fortified with plant sterols.
Eating a combination of these cholesterol-lowering foods increases the benefit. But dietary changes alone are not always enough for everyone. If your cholesterol is still high after you've revised your diet and increased your physical activity, your doctor may suggest adding cholesterol-lowering medications to your treatment plan.
What's in? What's out? From one day to the next, you can't be sure. Find out the best foods to reduce your cholesterol and protect your heart.
Can a bowl of oatmeal help prevent a heart attack? How about a handful of walnuts, or even your baked potato dressed in sterol-fortified margarine? A few simple tweaks to your diet — like these — may be enough to stave off a cholesterol problem.
Oatmeal and oat bran
Oatmeal contains soluble fiber, which reduces your low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the "bad" cholesterol. Soluble fiber is also found in such foods as kidney beans, brussels sprouts, apples, pears, psyllium, barley and prunes.
Soluble fiber appears to reduce the absorption of cholesterol in your intestines. Gel-like soluble fiber binds bile (which contains cholesterol) and dietary cholesterol so that the body excretes it.
Five to 10 grams of soluble fiber a day decreases LDL cholesterol by about 5 percent. Eating 1.5 cups of cooked oatmeal provides 4.5 grams of fiber — enough to lower your cholesterol. To mix it up a little, try oat bran or cold cereal made with oatmeal or oat bran.
* Dietary fiber: An essential part of a healthy diet
Walnuts, almonds and more
Studies have shown that walnuts can significantly reduce blood cholesterol. Rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, walnuts also help keep blood vessels healthy and elastic. Almonds appear to have a similar effect, resulting in a marked improvement within just four weeks.
A cholesterol-lowering diet in which 20 percent of the calories come from walnuts may reduce LDL cholesterol by 12 percent. For a 1,200-calorie per day diet, a little less than 1/3 of a cup of walnuts is about 240 calories, or 20 percent of the total calories for the day.
All nuts are high in calories, however, so a handful will suffice. As with any food, good or bad, eating too much can cause weight gain, and being overweight places you at higher risk of heart disease. To avoid gaining weight, replace foods high in saturated fat with nuts. For example, instead of using cheese, luncheon meat or croutons in your salad, add a handful of walnuts or almonds.
* Dietary fats: Know which types to choose
Fish and omega-3 fatty acids
Studies in the 1970s showed that Greenland Eskimos had a lower rate of heart disease than did other individuals living in Greenland at the same time. Analysis of dietary differences between the groups showed that the Eskimos ate less saturated fat and more omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and whale and seal meat.
Research since that time has supported the heart-healthy benefits of eating fish. If you can't dine with the Eskimos, other good sources of omega-3 fatty acids include flaxseed, walnuts, canola oil and soybean oil.
Omega-3 fatty acids are noted for their triglyceride-lowering effect, but they also help the heart in other ways such as reducing blood pressure and the risk of blood clots. In people who have already had heart attacks, fish oil — or omega-3 fatty acids — significantly reduces the risk of sudden death.
Doctors recommend eating at least two servings of fish a week. The highest levels of omega-3 fatty acids are in mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna and salmon. However, to maintain the heart-healthy benefits of fish, bake or grill it.
* Fish FAQ: The merits and hazards of eating fish
* Ground flaxseed: Better than whole?
Foods fortified with plant sterols or stanols
Foods are now available that have been fortified with sterols or stanols — substances found in plants that help block the absorption of cholesterol.
Margarines and orange juice fortified with plant sterols can help reduce LDL cholesterol by more than 10 percent. The amount of daily plant sterols needed for results is at least 2 grams — which equals about two 8-ounce servings of plant sterol-fortified orange juice a day.
Plant sterols or stanols in fortified foods don't appear to affect levels of triglycerides or of "good" high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Nor do they interfere with the absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins — vitamins A, D, E and K.
However, the American Heart Association recommends foods fortified with plant sterols only for people who actually have high levels of LDL cholesterol.
Soy
Long thought to have cholesterol-lowering effects, a recent meta-analysis by the American Heart Association's Nutrition Committee showed soy protein actually has very little impact on reducing cholesterol levels. In January 2006, the American Heart Association issued a statement saying the cardiovascular health benefits of soy protein are minimal at best. No benefit was seen on HDL, triglycerides, or blood pressure and even with a large intake of soy, only a small impact on LDL was seen.
Though it may not lower your cholesterol, soy does contain vitamins and minerals and is a good source of fiber. It's also a healthy low-fat alternative source of protein.
Cut fats first
The first step for a heart-healthy diet is to reduce your intake of bad fats — especially saturated and trans fats. If cutting out bad fats isn't enough to reduce your cholesterol, you may want to try adding soluble fiber, nuts and fish to your diet. If you need more boost from your foods, try adding foods fortified with plant sterols.
Eating a combination of these cholesterol-lowering foods increases the benefit. But dietary changes alone are not always enough for everyone. If your cholesterol is still high after you've revised your diet and increased your physical activity, your doctor may suggest adding cholesterol-lowering medications to your treatment plan.
REDUCE/LOWER HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
High Blood Pressure: Things You Can Do to Help Lower Yours
What is high blood pressure?
Imagine that your arteries are pipes that carry blood from your heart to the rest of your body. High blood pressure (also called hypertension) occurs when your blood moves through your arteries at a higher pressure than normal.
What do the numbers mean?
Blood pressure is really two measurements, separated by a slash when written down, such as 120/80. You may also hear someone say a blood pressure is "120 over 80."
The first number is the systolic blood pressure. This is the peak blood pressure when your heart is squeezing blood out. The second number is the diastolic blood pressure. It's the pressure when your heart is filling with blood--relaxing between beats.
A normal blood pressure is 120/80 or lower. High blood pressure is 140/90 or higher. If your blood pressure is between 120/80 and 140/90, you have something called "prehypertension."
How is high blood pressure diagnosed?
Blood pressure is measured by putting a blood pressure cuff around your arm, inflating the cuff and listening for the flow of blood. Your doctor will measure your blood pressure at more than one visit to see if you have high blood pressure.
How often should I have my blood pressure checked?
Even in children, blood pressure should be checked occasionally, beginning at about age 2. After age 21, have your blood pressure checked at least once every 2 years. Do it more often if you have had high blood pressure in the past.
What problems does high blood pressure cause?
High blood pressure damages your blood vessels. This in turn raises your risk of stroke, kidney failure, heart disease and heart attack.
Does it have any symptoms?
Not usually. This is why it's so important to have your blood pressure checked regularly.
How is it treated?
Treatment begins with changes you can make to your lifestyle to help lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart disease (see the box below). If these changes don't work, you may also need to take medicine.
Even if you must take medicine, making some changes in your lifestyle can help reduce the amount of medicine you must take.
Lifestyle changes
* Don't smoke cigarettes or use any tobacco product.
* Lose weight if you're overweight.
* Exercise regularly.
* Eat a healthy diet that includes lots of fruits and vegetables and is low in fat.
* Limit your sodium, alcohol and caffeine intake.
* Try relaxation techniques or biofeedback.
How do tobacco products affect blood pressure?
The nicotine in cigarettes and other tobacco products causes your blood vessels to constrict and your heart to beat faster, which temporarily raises your blood pressure. If you quit smoking or using other tobacco products, you can significantly lower your risk of heart disease and heart attack, as well as help lower your blood pressure.
What about losing weight and exercising?
If you're overweight, losing weight usually helps lower blood pressure. Regular exercise is a good way to lose weight. It also seems to lower high blood pressure by itself.
Is sodium really off limits?
Not everyone is affected by sodium, but sodium can increase blood pressure in some people. Most people who have high blood pressure should limit the sodium in their diet each day to less than 2,400 mg. Your doctor may tell you to limit your sodium even more.
Don't add salt to your food. Check food labels for sodium. While some foods obviously have a lot of sodium, such as potato chips, you may not realize how much sodium is in things like bread and cheese.
Do I need to quit drinking alcohol altogether?
In some people, alcohol causes blood pressure to rise quite a lot. In other people, it doesn't. If you drink alcohol, limit it to no more than 1 or 2 drinks per day. One drink is a can of beer, a glass of wine or 1 jigger of liquor. If your blood pressure increases with alcohol, it's best not to drink any alcohol.
Does stress affect my blood pressure?
Stress may affect blood pressure. To help combat the effects of stress, try relaxation techniques or biofeedback. These things work best when used at least once a day. Ask your family doctor for advice.
What about medicine?
Many different types of medicine can be used to treat high blood pressure (see the box below). These are called antihypertensive medicines.
The goal of treatment is to reduce your blood pressure to normal levels with medicine that's easy to take and has few, if any, side effects. This goal can almost always be met.
If your blood pressure can only be controlled with medicine, you'll need to take the medicine for the rest of your life. Don't stop taking the medicine without talking with your family doctor or you may increase your risk of having a stroke or heart attack.
Return to top
Types of antihypertensive drugs
* Diuretics: These drugs help your body get rid of extra sodium and fluid so that your blood vessels don't have to hold so much fluid.
* Beta-blockers: These drugs block the effects of adrenaline.
* Alpha-blockers: These drugs help your blood vessels stay open.
* ACE inhibitors: These drugs prevent your blood vessels from constricting by blocking your body from making angiotensin II. Angiotensin II is a chemical that constricts blood vessels.
* Calcium channel blockers: These drugs help prevent your blood vessels from constricting by blocking calcium from entering your cells.
* Combinations: These drugs combine an ACE inhibitor with a calcium channel blocker.
What are the possible side effects of medicine?
Different drugs have different side effects for different people. Side effects of antihypertensive drugs can include feeling dizzy when you stand up after lying down or sitting, lowered levels of potassium in your blood, problems sleeping, drowsiness, dry mouth, headaches, bloating, constipation and depression. In men, some antihypertensive drugs can cause problems with having an erection.
Talk to your family doctor about any changes you notice. If one medicine doesn't work for you or causes side effects, you have other options. Let your doctor help you find the right medicine for you.
Heart Disease & Stroke
* Vascular Disease: How to Prevent It
* What Is My Risk?
* Reducing Heart Disease Risk
* Cholesterol
* Advice for Women
* Diabetes and Heart Disease
* Quitting Smoking
Other Organizations
* American Heart Association
7272 Greenville Avenue
Dallas, TX 75231
1-800-242-8721
* Revolution Health Heart Health Community
Source
Written by familydoctor.org editorial staff.
What is high blood pressure?
Imagine that your arteries are pipes that carry blood from your heart to the rest of your body. High blood pressure (also called hypertension) occurs when your blood moves through your arteries at a higher pressure than normal.
What do the numbers mean?
Blood pressure is really two measurements, separated by a slash when written down, such as 120/80. You may also hear someone say a blood pressure is "120 over 80."
The first number is the systolic blood pressure. This is the peak blood pressure when your heart is squeezing blood out. The second number is the diastolic blood pressure. It's the pressure when your heart is filling with blood--relaxing between beats.
A normal blood pressure is 120/80 or lower. High blood pressure is 140/90 or higher. If your blood pressure is between 120/80 and 140/90, you have something called "prehypertension."
How is high blood pressure diagnosed?
Blood pressure is measured by putting a blood pressure cuff around your arm, inflating the cuff and listening for the flow of blood. Your doctor will measure your blood pressure at more than one visit to see if you have high blood pressure.
How often should I have my blood pressure checked?
Even in children, blood pressure should be checked occasionally, beginning at about age 2. After age 21, have your blood pressure checked at least once every 2 years. Do it more often if you have had high blood pressure in the past.
What problems does high blood pressure cause?
High blood pressure damages your blood vessels. This in turn raises your risk of stroke, kidney failure, heart disease and heart attack.
Does it have any symptoms?
Not usually. This is why it's so important to have your blood pressure checked regularly.
How is it treated?
Treatment begins with changes you can make to your lifestyle to help lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart disease (see the box below). If these changes don't work, you may also need to take medicine.
Even if you must take medicine, making some changes in your lifestyle can help reduce the amount of medicine you must take.
Lifestyle changes
* Don't smoke cigarettes or use any tobacco product.
* Lose weight if you're overweight.
* Exercise regularly.
* Eat a healthy diet that includes lots of fruits and vegetables and is low in fat.
* Limit your sodium, alcohol and caffeine intake.
* Try relaxation techniques or biofeedback.
How do tobacco products affect blood pressure?
The nicotine in cigarettes and other tobacco products causes your blood vessels to constrict and your heart to beat faster, which temporarily raises your blood pressure. If you quit smoking or using other tobacco products, you can significantly lower your risk of heart disease and heart attack, as well as help lower your blood pressure.
What about losing weight and exercising?
If you're overweight, losing weight usually helps lower blood pressure. Regular exercise is a good way to lose weight. It also seems to lower high blood pressure by itself.
Is sodium really off limits?
Not everyone is affected by sodium, but sodium can increase blood pressure in some people. Most people who have high blood pressure should limit the sodium in their diet each day to less than 2,400 mg. Your doctor may tell you to limit your sodium even more.
Don't add salt to your food. Check food labels for sodium. While some foods obviously have a lot of sodium, such as potato chips, you may not realize how much sodium is in things like bread and cheese.
Do I need to quit drinking alcohol altogether?
In some people, alcohol causes blood pressure to rise quite a lot. In other people, it doesn't. If you drink alcohol, limit it to no more than 1 or 2 drinks per day. One drink is a can of beer, a glass of wine or 1 jigger of liquor. If your blood pressure increases with alcohol, it's best not to drink any alcohol.
Does stress affect my blood pressure?
Stress may affect blood pressure. To help combat the effects of stress, try relaxation techniques or biofeedback. These things work best when used at least once a day. Ask your family doctor for advice.
What about medicine?
Many different types of medicine can be used to treat high blood pressure (see the box below). These are called antihypertensive medicines.
The goal of treatment is to reduce your blood pressure to normal levels with medicine that's easy to take and has few, if any, side effects. This goal can almost always be met.
If your blood pressure can only be controlled with medicine, you'll need to take the medicine for the rest of your life. Don't stop taking the medicine without talking with your family doctor or you may increase your risk of having a stroke or heart attack.
Return to top
Types of antihypertensive drugs
* Diuretics: These drugs help your body get rid of extra sodium and fluid so that your blood vessels don't have to hold so much fluid.
* Beta-blockers: These drugs block the effects of adrenaline.
* Alpha-blockers: These drugs help your blood vessels stay open.
* ACE inhibitors: These drugs prevent your blood vessels from constricting by blocking your body from making angiotensin II. Angiotensin II is a chemical that constricts blood vessels.
* Calcium channel blockers: These drugs help prevent your blood vessels from constricting by blocking calcium from entering your cells.
* Combinations: These drugs combine an ACE inhibitor with a calcium channel blocker.
What are the possible side effects of medicine?
Different drugs have different side effects for different people. Side effects of antihypertensive drugs can include feeling dizzy when you stand up after lying down or sitting, lowered levels of potassium in your blood, problems sleeping, drowsiness, dry mouth, headaches, bloating, constipation and depression. In men, some antihypertensive drugs can cause problems with having an erection.
Talk to your family doctor about any changes you notice. If one medicine doesn't work for you or causes side effects, you have other options. Let your doctor help you find the right medicine for you.
Heart Disease & Stroke
* Vascular Disease: How to Prevent It
* What Is My Risk?
* Reducing Heart Disease Risk
* Cholesterol
* Advice for Women
* Diabetes and Heart Disease
* Quitting Smoking
Other Organizations
* American Heart Association
7272 Greenville Avenue
Dallas, TX 75231
1-800-242-8721
* Revolution Health Heart Health Community
Source
Written by familydoctor.org editorial staff.
3.5mm to 2.5 blackberry adaptor- want to connect your blackberry to your home or auto audio system
Question: want to connect your blackberry to your regular headphone or home or auto audio system
Answer: get the 3.5mm to 2.5 blackberry adaptor
This adapter converts the BlackBerry 8830, 8820, 8800, 8703e, or Pearl 8100 built-in 2.5 mm headset jack into a standard 3.5 mm headphone jack - perfect for listening to MP3s, playing games and more.
There are tons out there in ebay. make sure the adaptor is deep enough and ask the seller if it works with a blackberry. Check out Amazon.com too.
From my experience i actually bough one adaptor that didnt work. so always ask before you buy.
Answer: get the 3.5mm to 2.5 blackberry adaptor
This adapter converts the BlackBerry 8830, 8820, 8800, 8703e, or Pearl 8100 built-in 2.5 mm headset jack into a standard 3.5 mm headphone jack - perfect for listening to MP3s, playing games and more.
There are tons out there in ebay. make sure the adaptor is deep enough and ask the seller if it works with a blackberry. Check out Amazon.com too.
From my experience i actually bough one adaptor that didnt work. so always ask before you buy.
BLACKBERRY HOT KEYS/Shortcuts
Tips for the BlackBerry Pearl 8100
Basic Shortcuts
The following shortcuts can be used in many applications:
* To move the cursor, roll the trackball.
* To exit a screen or to move to a previous page in a browser, press the Escape key.
* To move upwards in a screen, press 3.
* To move downwards in a screen, press 9.
* To move to the top of a screen, press 1.
* To move to the bottom of a screen, press 7.
* To move to the next item, press 6.
* To move to the previous item, press 4.
* To move to a list item or menu item, type the first letter of the item.
* To select or clear a check box, click the trackball.
* To select adjacent items, hold the Shift key and roll the trackball.
* To delete a selected item, press the Delete key.
* To switch applications, hold the Alt key and press the Escape key. Continue holding the Alt key and select an application. Release the Alt key.
* To return to the Home screen, press the End key.
* To lock the keyboard, from the Home screen, hold the asterisk ( * ) key.
* To unlock the keyboard, hold the Send key and press the asterisk ( * ) key. Type your password.
* To switch between the Default and Vibrate notification profiles, from the Home screen, hold the pound ( # ) key.
* To turn on a theme or notification profile, select a theme or notification profile, then press the Space key.
Phone Shortcuts
The following shortcuts can be used in the phone application or during a phone call:
* To answer a phone call, press the Send key.
* To place an active phone call on hold and answer a second incoming phone call, press the Send key.
* To view the contact list, hold the Send key.
* To insert a plus sign ( + ) when typing a phone number, hold 0.
* To add an extension to a phone number, press the X key, then type the extension number.
* To assign a speed dial number to a key, from the Home screen or in the Phone application, hold the key you want to assign. Type the phone number.
* To check your voice mail, hold 1.
* To view the last phone number that you dialed, scroll to the top of the Phone screen, then press the Enter key. Press the Send key to dial the number.
Camera Shortcuts
The following shortcuts can be used in the Camera application:
* To take a picture, press the Right Convenience key.
* To zoom the camera in, press the Volume Up key.
* To zoom the camera out, press the Volume Down key.
Message Shortcuts
The following shortcuts can be used in the Messages application:
* To compose a message from the message list, press the comma ( , ) key.
* To reply to a message, press the exclamation point ( ! ) key.
* To reply to all, press the question mark ( ? ) key.
* To forward a message, press the period ( . ) key.
* To view received messages, hold the Alt key and press 3.
* To view call logs, hold the Alt key and press the period ( . ) key.
* To view voice mail messages, hold the Alt key and press 7.
* To view SMS text messages, hold the Alt key and press the question mark ( ? ) key.
* To view your message list again, press the Escape key.
* To move up a message in the list, press 2.
* To move down a message in the list, press 8.
Typing Shortcuts
The following shortcuts can be used when typing text in an application:
* To type the alternate character on a key, hold the Alt key and press the character key.
* To type an accented or special character, hold the letter key and roll the trackball left or right. Click a selected character.
* To type a symbol, press the Symbol key. To view more symbols, press the Symbol key again. Type the letter that appears below the symbol to enter the corresponding symbol.
* To insert a period, press the Space key twice. The next letter is capitalized.
* To capitalize a letter, hold the letter key until the capitalized letter appears.
* To turn on NUM lock, hold the Shift key and press the Alt key.
* To turn off NUM lock, press the Alt key.
* To insert an at sign ( @ ) or a period ( . ) in an email address field, press the Space key.
* To type a number in a number field, press a number key. You do not need to press the Alt key.
* To type a number in a password field, hold the Alt key and press the number key.
* To type a letter in a number field, hold the Alt key and use the multi-tap input method to enter the letter.
* To switch typing input languages, hold the Alt key and press the Enter key. Select a language, then release the Alt key. Note: To allow this functionality, on the Language screen, verify that the Use Input Method Shortcut field is set to Yes.
* To select a line of text, press the Shift key and roll the trackball.
* To select text character by character, hold the Shift key and roll the trackball left or right.
* To cancel a text selection, press the Escape key.
* To cut selected text, hold the Shift key and press the Delete key.
* To copy selected text, press the Alt key and click the trackball.
* To paste your cut or copied text, press the Shift key and click the trackball.
Search Shortcuts
The following shortcuts can be used when searching in an application:
* To search for a contact in a list of contacts, type the contact name or initials separated by a space.
* To view the criteria of your last search, in your list of searches, press the Menu key. Click Last.
Attachment Shortcuts
The following shortcuts can be used when viewing attachments:
* To search for text in an attachment, press Q.
* To switch between the table of contents and the full content of an attachment, press O.
* To change the size of a column in a spreadsheet, press Z.
* To move to a specific cell in a spreadsheet, press A.
* To view the content of a cell in a spreadsheet, press the Space key.
* To view a slide show presentation, press A.
* To stop a slide show presentation, hold the Escape key.
* To switch presentation views, press Z.
Browser Shortcuts
The following shortcuts can be used in the browser applications:
* To insert a period ( . ) in the Go To dialog box, press the Space key.
* To insert a forward slash ( / ) in the Go To dialog box, hold the Shift key and press the Space key.
* To open the bookmark list from a web page, press 5.
* To add a bookmark from a web page, press the question mark ( ? ) key.
* To view a thumbnail version of a web page, press X. To return to the normal view, press any key.
* To stop loading a web page, press the Escape key.
* To move to a specific web page, press the period ( . ) key.
* To hide the banner on a web page, press the exclamation point ( ! ) key. To view the banner on a web page, press the exclamation point ( ! ) key again.
* To close a browser, hold the Escape key.
Media Shortcuts
The following shortcuts can be used in the Media application:
* To pause a video, press the Mute key. To resume playing the video, press the Mute key again.
* To zoom in to a picture, press 3.
* To zoom out from a picture, press 9.
* To return to the original picture size, press 5.
* To rotate a picture, press the comma ( , ) key.
* To pause a slide show, press the Space key. To resume the slide show, press the Space key again.
* To pause a song, press the Mute key. To resume playing the song, press the Mute key again.
Maps Shortcuts
The following shortcuts can be used in the Maps application:
* To zoom in to a map, press L.
* To zoom out from a map, press O.
* To view the status information at the top of a map, press Q. To hide the status information at the top of a map, press Q again.
Calendar Shortcuts
The following shortcuts can be used in the Calendar Day view:
Note: To allow shortcuts in Day view, in the Calendar options, set the Enable Quick Entry field to No.
* To schedule an appointment, press the period ( . ) key.
* To move to the next day, press 6.
* To move to the previous day, press 4.
* To move ahead one hour, press 2.
* To move back one hour, press 8.
Basic Shortcuts
The following shortcuts can be used in many applications:
* To move the cursor, roll the trackball.
* To exit a screen or to move to a previous page in a browser, press the Escape key.
* To move upwards in a screen, press 3.
* To move downwards in a screen, press 9.
* To move to the top of a screen, press 1.
* To move to the bottom of a screen, press 7.
* To move to the next item, press 6.
* To move to the previous item, press 4.
* To move to a list item or menu item, type the first letter of the item.
* To select or clear a check box, click the trackball.
* To select adjacent items, hold the Shift key and roll the trackball.
* To delete a selected item, press the Delete key.
* To switch applications, hold the Alt key and press the Escape key. Continue holding the Alt key and select an application. Release the Alt key.
* To return to the Home screen, press the End key.
* To lock the keyboard, from the Home screen, hold the asterisk ( * ) key.
* To unlock the keyboard, hold the Send key and press the asterisk ( * ) key. Type your password.
* To switch between the Default and Vibrate notification profiles, from the Home screen, hold the pound ( # ) key.
* To turn on a theme or notification profile, select a theme or notification profile, then press the Space key.
Phone Shortcuts
The following shortcuts can be used in the phone application or during a phone call:
* To answer a phone call, press the Send key.
* To place an active phone call on hold and answer a second incoming phone call, press the Send key.
* To view the contact list, hold the Send key.
* To insert a plus sign ( + ) when typing a phone number, hold 0.
* To add an extension to a phone number, press the X key, then type the extension number.
* To assign a speed dial number to a key, from the Home screen or in the Phone application, hold the key you want to assign. Type the phone number.
* To check your voice mail, hold 1.
* To view the last phone number that you dialed, scroll to the top of the Phone screen, then press the Enter key. Press the Send key to dial the number.
Camera Shortcuts
The following shortcuts can be used in the Camera application:
* To take a picture, press the Right Convenience key.
* To zoom the camera in, press the Volume Up key.
* To zoom the camera out, press the Volume Down key.
Message Shortcuts
The following shortcuts can be used in the Messages application:
* To compose a message from the message list, press the comma ( , ) key.
* To reply to a message, press the exclamation point ( ! ) key.
* To reply to all, press the question mark ( ? ) key.
* To forward a message, press the period ( . ) key.
* To view received messages, hold the Alt key and press 3.
* To view call logs, hold the Alt key and press the period ( . ) key.
* To view voice mail messages, hold the Alt key and press 7.
* To view SMS text messages, hold the Alt key and press the question mark ( ? ) key.
* To view your message list again, press the Escape key.
* To move up a message in the list, press 2.
* To move down a message in the list, press 8.
Typing Shortcuts
The following shortcuts can be used when typing text in an application:
* To type the alternate character on a key, hold the Alt key and press the character key.
* To type an accented or special character, hold the letter key and roll the trackball left or right. Click a selected character.
* To type a symbol, press the Symbol key. To view more symbols, press the Symbol key again. Type the letter that appears below the symbol to enter the corresponding symbol.
* To insert a period, press the Space key twice. The next letter is capitalized.
* To capitalize a letter, hold the letter key until the capitalized letter appears.
* To turn on NUM lock, hold the Shift key and press the Alt key.
* To turn off NUM lock, press the Alt key.
* To insert an at sign ( @ ) or a period ( . ) in an email address field, press the Space key.
* To type a number in a number field, press a number key. You do not need to press the Alt key.
* To type a number in a password field, hold the Alt key and press the number key.
* To type a letter in a number field, hold the Alt key and use the multi-tap input method to enter the letter.
* To switch typing input languages, hold the Alt key and press the Enter key. Select a language, then release the Alt key. Note: To allow this functionality, on the Language screen, verify that the Use Input Method Shortcut field is set to Yes.
* To select a line of text, press the Shift key and roll the trackball.
* To select text character by character, hold the Shift key and roll the trackball left or right.
* To cancel a text selection, press the Escape key.
* To cut selected text, hold the Shift key and press the Delete key.
* To copy selected text, press the Alt key and click the trackball.
* To paste your cut or copied text, press the Shift key and click the trackball.
Search Shortcuts
The following shortcuts can be used when searching in an application:
* To search for a contact in a list of contacts, type the contact name or initials separated by a space.
* To view the criteria of your last search, in your list of searches, press the Menu key. Click Last.
Attachment Shortcuts
The following shortcuts can be used when viewing attachments:
* To search for text in an attachment, press Q.
* To switch between the table of contents and the full content of an attachment, press O.
* To change the size of a column in a spreadsheet, press Z.
* To move to a specific cell in a spreadsheet, press A.
* To view the content of a cell in a spreadsheet, press the Space key.
* To view a slide show presentation, press A.
* To stop a slide show presentation, hold the Escape key.
* To switch presentation views, press Z.
Browser Shortcuts
The following shortcuts can be used in the browser applications:
* To insert a period ( . ) in the Go To dialog box, press the Space key.
* To insert a forward slash ( / ) in the Go To dialog box, hold the Shift key and press the Space key.
* To open the bookmark list from a web page, press 5.
* To add a bookmark from a web page, press the question mark ( ? ) key.
* To view a thumbnail version of a web page, press X. To return to the normal view, press any key.
* To stop loading a web page, press the Escape key.
* To move to a specific web page, press the period ( . ) key.
* To hide the banner on a web page, press the exclamation point ( ! ) key. To view the banner on a web page, press the exclamation point ( ! ) key again.
* To close a browser, hold the Escape key.
Media Shortcuts
The following shortcuts can be used in the Media application:
* To pause a video, press the Mute key. To resume playing the video, press the Mute key again.
* To zoom in to a picture, press 3.
* To zoom out from a picture, press 9.
* To return to the original picture size, press 5.
* To rotate a picture, press the comma ( , ) key.
* To pause a slide show, press the Space key. To resume the slide show, press the Space key again.
* To pause a song, press the Mute key. To resume playing the song, press the Mute key again.
Maps Shortcuts
The following shortcuts can be used in the Maps application:
* To zoom in to a map, press L.
* To zoom out from a map, press O.
* To view the status information at the top of a map, press Q. To hide the status information at the top of a map, press Q again.
Calendar Shortcuts
The following shortcuts can be used in the Calendar Day view:
Note: To allow shortcuts in Day view, in the Calendar options, set the Enable Quick Entry field to No.
* To schedule an appointment, press the period ( . ) key.
* To move to the next day, press 6.
* To move to the previous day, press 4.
* To move ahead one hour, press 2.
* To move back one hour, press 8.
BLACKBERRY VS APPLE IPHONE
For starters, a BlackBerry set up with Microsoft Exchange Server sports intelligent push email while the iPhone does not. When an email is sent to an account on a BlackBerry, the message is downloaded immediately and an LED on the phone notifies the user that he or she has a new message. The iPhone, on the other hand, recognizes new messages at most every 15 minutes and must be checked actively to see if anything has arrived. This deficiency makes handling email on the iPhone slower and less efficient; it also translates into wasted battery power as users need to perform the extra step of opening the iPhone’s email program every time they want to check for new mail.
addition to these major drawbacks of the iPhone, our venture capitalist cites the following as reasons to prefer the BlackBerry:
* The BlackBerry 8800 possesses GPS, which makes Google Maps much more useful, especially for turn-by-turn directions
* The iPhone lacks basic cut and paste capabilities
* Despite Apple’s reputation for superior user interface design, the BlackBerry possesses keyboard shortcuts that make navigation around and between applications a breeze
* The BlackBerry’s phone quality is better than the iPhone’s
* The Safari browser is certainly more stunning than the BlackBerry’s primitive browser, but the iPhone seems to load even text-only pages more slowly than the BlackBerry over the EDGE network
* The BlackBerry possesses a general contacts application that makes contacting people by any given method more convenient
* The battery runs out faster on the iPhone simply because it is used for more tasks. This makes it less reliable for when one must take the device somewhere overnight without the opportunity to recharge.
Despite all of these criticisms of the iPhone, our venture capitalist admits that he would switch over to the iPhone if only it supported push email, calendar and contacts synchronization, and GPS. For him, the prospect of ridding his pockets of a separate device for music (an iPod nano), as well as enjoying all of the iPhone’s slick features (such as full-featured web browsing, stocks and weather apps, and its YouTube program), makes the iPhone very tempting. However, until Apple resolves these shortcomings (and perhaps Google makes its applications, especially Gmail, work as seamlessly with the iPhone as Microsoft makes Exchange work with the BlackBerry), others are going to have to pry his BlackBerry from his cold, dead hands (his words, mind you, not ours).
addition to these major drawbacks of the iPhone, our venture capitalist cites the following as reasons to prefer the BlackBerry:
* The BlackBerry 8800 possesses GPS, which makes Google Maps much more useful, especially for turn-by-turn directions
* The iPhone lacks basic cut and paste capabilities
* Despite Apple’s reputation for superior user interface design, the BlackBerry possesses keyboard shortcuts that make navigation around and between applications a breeze
* The BlackBerry’s phone quality is better than the iPhone’s
* The Safari browser is certainly more stunning than the BlackBerry’s primitive browser, but the iPhone seems to load even text-only pages more slowly than the BlackBerry over the EDGE network
* The BlackBerry possesses a general contacts application that makes contacting people by any given method more convenient
* The battery runs out faster on the iPhone simply because it is used for more tasks. This makes it less reliable for when one must take the device somewhere overnight without the opportunity to recharge.
Despite all of these criticisms of the iPhone, our venture capitalist admits that he would switch over to the iPhone if only it supported push email, calendar and contacts synchronization, and GPS. For him, the prospect of ridding his pockets of a separate device for music (an iPod nano), as well as enjoying all of the iPhone’s slick features (such as full-featured web browsing, stocks and weather apps, and its YouTube program), makes the iPhone very tempting. However, until Apple resolves these shortcomings (and perhaps Google makes its applications, especially Gmail, work as seamlessly with the iPhone as Microsoft makes Exchange work with the BlackBerry), others are going to have to pry his BlackBerry from his cold, dead hands (his words, mind you, not ours).
No-Fee Apartments
No-Fee Apartments
Fee vs. No-Fee
Real estate agents charge a fee for their services. The standard realtor fee in New York is 15% of the first year's rent. For a $1,000 / month apartment, that's $1,800 up front and out of your pocket. Given these sums, many people try to find no-fee apartments. No-fee apartments are apartments that are being rented out directly by their owners. Sometimes the owners are individuals and sometimes they are companies that own apartment buildings.
No-Fee Brokers
Given the current fervor for finding no-fee apartments, many real estate agents have jumped on the no-fee bandwagon. It is not uncommon for apartments to be listed as no-fee that are actually being rented by a realtor, who is being paid by the owner or landlord. As they say, there's "no free lunch": the presence of a broker will usually be reflected in a higher rent price.
Finding No-Fee Apartments
Finding a good no-fee apartment is not always easy. Backpage and Craigslist have large no-fee sections, as do many other online listings sites. There are also companies (many of whom lure in customers through online listings) that provide lists of no-fee apartments for a small ($100-$200) fee, which they claim will be refunded if you don't get your apartment through them. Some of these companies are legitimate, but there are many that are not, providing poor-quality listings and then refusing to refund your payment at the end. As always, be careful before handing over your money. One of the best ways to find a no-fee apartment is simply to find someone whom you know to be moving out of his or her apartment, and contact their landlord directly. Another option is to contact the companies that manage large apartment buildings. If you find a building that you would like to live in, look for the contact information of the building manager (usually right by the mailboxes in the entrance) and give them a call. There's a good chance that they'll know of an upcoming opening in that building, or in one of their other similar properties.
No-fee apartments are apartments that are being rented out directly by their owners. Sometimes the owners are individuals and sometimes they are companies that own apartment build
Fee vs. No-Fee
Real estate agents charge a fee for their services. The standard realtor fee in New York is 15% of the first year's rent. For a $1,000 / month apartment, that's $1,800 up front and out of your pocket. Given these sums, many people try to find no-fee apartments. No-fee apartments are apartments that are being rented out directly by their owners. Sometimes the owners are individuals and sometimes they are companies that own apartment buildings.
No-Fee Brokers
Given the current fervor for finding no-fee apartments, many real estate agents have jumped on the no-fee bandwagon. It is not uncommon for apartments to be listed as no-fee that are actually being rented by a realtor, who is being paid by the owner or landlord. As they say, there's "no free lunch": the presence of a broker will usually be reflected in a higher rent price.
Finding No-Fee Apartments
Finding a good no-fee apartment is not always easy. Backpage and Craigslist have large no-fee sections, as do many other online listings sites. There are also companies (many of whom lure in customers through online listings) that provide lists of no-fee apartments for a small ($100-$200) fee, which they claim will be refunded if you don't get your apartment through them. Some of these companies are legitimate, but there are many that are not, providing poor-quality listings and then refusing to refund your payment at the end. As always, be careful before handing over your money. One of the best ways to find a no-fee apartment is simply to find someone whom you know to be moving out of his or her apartment, and contact their landlord directly. Another option is to contact the companies that manage large apartment buildings. If you find a building that you would like to live in, look for the contact information of the building manager (usually right by the mailboxes in the entrance) and give them a call. There's a good chance that they'll know of an upcoming opening in that building, or in one of their other similar properties.
No-fee apartments are apartments that are being rented out directly by their owners. Sometimes the owners are individuals and sometimes they are companies that own apartment build
finding a rental property in Hawaii, New York, apartment, condo and single family homes
Apartment-Hunting Tips
Use word of mouth. Start any search with your friends, family, work, or school connections. Like jobs, the best apartments in New York City often come through personal connections and social networks. Email everyone you know and tell them when you are moving and what you are looking for. Ask them to email everyone they know. This approach takes some time, but is definitely worth it.
Give yourself some time. If you can move to the city and stay with friends, or sublet for a few weeks or even a month, do so. This will give you some time to get the lay of the land before deciding on a place to live.
Determine your budget. Your percent of rent in relation to your income in NYC could be higher than the standard 25%. Many New Yorkers spend between 30% and 40% of their post-tax income on rent, especially those making under $60,000 a year. A simple rent calculation is to double your income, and remove two zeroes. So, if your salary is $40,000 per year, the amount of rent you pay should very roughly be around $800 per month.
Look at the right time. The apartment rental market is most active during the summer, especially in August and September. The first and last week of each month are the best times to look. Usually tenants give 30 days notice at the beginning of the month. By the end of the month, owners are getting desperate if places are not filled.
Narrow your search. Form a picture of the kind of place you are looking for and can afford. Then stick to your guns and focus your search on that picture. That way you'll know when to pounce on a place, and when to walk. To keep from getting overwhelmed, try focusing your search on one or two neighborhoods.
Visit neighborhoods. Walk around each neighborhood and plan to spend some time there. Find a cafe or park and observe the environment to see if you like it. Try using the transit you would be using to go to work or school at different times of the day to determine if the commute will work for you.
Ask questions. When visiting apartments ask questions about noise, morning and evening light, neighbors, electrical and plumbing age, pests, as well as security. Also, be sure to ask whether or not the heating and utility costs are included in the rent. Heating costs in the winter can easily be as high as $300 a month.
Consider your commute. Easy travel to work or school should not be undervalued. As you will quickly realize, rent prices are almost always higher near subway stations, especially those in Manhattan. One common trade-off is between apartment size and commute length. You can get a much bigger place if you're willing to walk further or take a longer train ride.
Be ready to decide. Apartments do go quickly in this city, so come prepared to make a decision. It's a good idea to carry copies of your credit report and be sure to bring along any roommates who will be making the decision with you. All this being said, don't let people push too hard. If you need to think about it, take your time, but understand that the apartment may be gone by the time you decide.
Stick to your price. It is important to decide how much you can afford to pay for rent before you begin looking. When dealing with a real estate agent, it is a good idea to be clear about your budget, and to stick to it. If they offer to show you an apartment that is above your maximum, tell them that you're not interested. Remember: the higher your rent, the higher their fee.
Know your rights. Obviously, a lease is a legal document. Before signing one, you should know your rights as a tenant. Given all the things that can go wrong with an apartment (plumbing, leaky roofs, pests, noise, theft, etc), it's important to understand what your landlord is and isn't responsible for. Fortunately, the State of New York provides a great online Tenants' Rights Guide.
Use word of mouth. Start any search with your friends, family, work, or school connections. Like jobs, the best apartments in New York City often come through personal connections and social networks. Email everyone you know and tell them when you are moving and what you are looking for. Ask them to email everyone they know. This approach takes some time, but is definitely worth it.
Give yourself some time. If you can move to the city and stay with friends, or sublet for a few weeks or even a month, do so. This will give you some time to get the lay of the land before deciding on a place to live.
Determine your budget. Your percent of rent in relation to your income in NYC could be higher than the standard 25%. Many New Yorkers spend between 30% and 40% of their post-tax income on rent, especially those making under $60,000 a year. A simple rent calculation is to double your income, and remove two zeroes. So, if your salary is $40,000 per year, the amount of rent you pay should very roughly be around $800 per month.
Look at the right time. The apartment rental market is most active during the summer, especially in August and September. The first and last week of each month are the best times to look. Usually tenants give 30 days notice at the beginning of the month. By the end of the month, owners are getting desperate if places are not filled.
Narrow your search. Form a picture of the kind of place you are looking for and can afford. Then stick to your guns and focus your search on that picture. That way you'll know when to pounce on a place, and when to walk. To keep from getting overwhelmed, try focusing your search on one or two neighborhoods.
Visit neighborhoods. Walk around each neighborhood and plan to spend some time there. Find a cafe or park and observe the environment to see if you like it. Try using the transit you would be using to go to work or school at different times of the day to determine if the commute will work for you.
Ask questions. When visiting apartments ask questions about noise, morning and evening light, neighbors, electrical and plumbing age, pests, as well as security. Also, be sure to ask whether or not the heating and utility costs are included in the rent. Heating costs in the winter can easily be as high as $300 a month.
Consider your commute. Easy travel to work or school should not be undervalued. As you will quickly realize, rent prices are almost always higher near subway stations, especially those in Manhattan. One common trade-off is between apartment size and commute length. You can get a much bigger place if you're willing to walk further or take a longer train ride.
Be ready to decide. Apartments do go quickly in this city, so come prepared to make a decision. It's a good idea to carry copies of your credit report and be sure to bring along any roommates who will be making the decision with you. All this being said, don't let people push too hard. If you need to think about it, take your time, but understand that the apartment may be gone by the time you decide.
Stick to your price. It is important to decide how much you can afford to pay for rent before you begin looking. When dealing with a real estate agent, it is a good idea to be clear about your budget, and to stick to it. If they offer to show you an apartment that is above your maximum, tell them that you're not interested. Remember: the higher your rent, the higher their fee.
Know your rights. Obviously, a lease is a legal document. Before signing one, you should know your rights as a tenant. Given all the things that can go wrong with an apartment (plumbing, leaky roofs, pests, noise, theft, etc), it's important to understand what your landlord is and isn't responsible for. Fortunately, the State of New York provides a great online Tenants' Rights Guide.
AMAZON MP3 VS ITUNES MP3
Nowadays Amazon launched a beta version of a music store that breaks this lock-in. All of Amazon's tracks are sold as unrestricted MP3s, free of Digital Rights Management, or DRM. And they will work on just about any music player in the world, including an iPod, iPhone, PSP, Zune. The store marks iTunes' first real competition. In fact, I think it kicks iTunes' buttons.
ong quality
Amazon: MP 3, encoded at a 256 kbps variable bit rate
iTunes: encoded as AAC files with a bit rate of 128 kbps
Price
Amazon: Tracks $0.89, full albums $8.99
iTunes: Tracks $0.99, full albums $9.99
Easy of use
Amazon: download a small companion program (works on Windows and Mac), you can reproduce
iTunes: buy a song with one click, it's integrated into your music player(you never have to fiddle with files on your hard drive to get the songs into your iPod)
selections
Amazon: 2 million songs (EMI and Universal)
iTunes: 6 million songs
restrict
Amazon: everything is unrestricted, everything will word for ever
iTunes: copy-protection scheme (put your songs on just five computers at a time; make only seven CD copies of a particular playlist), DRM protected
1. Song quality: Audiophiles can argue forever on the merits of higher-bit MP3s versus lower-bit AACs
listening to the same song purchased from each store they are almost the same
2. I found that "Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness," Smashing Pumpkins' 1995 double album, is just $8.99, DRM-free, on Amazon. On iTunes it's $19.99.
From now on when I look for music, I'm going to go to Amazon first. Only if I don't find something there will I think about buying from iTunes. If you value your freedom, I may accept my way and follow someday.
ong quality
Amazon: MP 3, encoded at a 256 kbps variable bit rate
iTunes: encoded as AAC files with a bit rate of 128 kbps
Price
Amazon: Tracks $0.89, full albums $8.99
iTunes: Tracks $0.99, full albums $9.99
Easy of use
Amazon: download a small companion program (works on Windows and Mac), you can reproduce
iTunes: buy a song with one click, it's integrated into your music player(you never have to fiddle with files on your hard drive to get the songs into your iPod)
selections
Amazon: 2 million songs (EMI and Universal)
iTunes: 6 million songs
restrict
Amazon: everything is unrestricted, everything will word for ever
iTunes: copy-protection scheme (put your songs on just five computers at a time; make only seven CD copies of a particular playlist), DRM protected
1. Song quality: Audiophiles can argue forever on the merits of higher-bit MP3s versus lower-bit AACs
listening to the same song purchased from each store they are almost the same
2. I found that "Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness," Smashing Pumpkins' 1995 double album, is just $8.99, DRM-free, on Amazon. On iTunes it's $19.99.
From now on when I look for music, I'm going to go to Amazon first. Only if I don't find something there will I think about buying from iTunes. If you value your freedom, I may accept my way and follow someday.
HD VS BLUE RAY- BLE RAY WINS
Blu-ray wins
That's all, folks: it's safe to stick your head above the technological parapet. The next-generation DVD format war is officially over.
With the news this week that Toshiba was raising the white flag of surrender for its preferred format, HD-DVD, the victory for rival disc Blu-ray was complete.
In truth, the rot set in some time ago, but the pace of HD-DVD's demise accelerated dramatically and irreversibly when Warner Bros announced in January that it would only be releasing DVDs on Blu-ray.
advertisement
Support for HD-DVD began to fall, with US firms such as Netflix, Wal Mart and Best Buy throwing their weight behind Blu-ray.
It's a sweet victory for the Sony-backed Blu-ray format. Sony's technically superior Betamax video format lost out to JVC-backed VHS when those formats went head to head in the 1980s.
The battle between HD-DVD - backed by Toshiba and Microsoft, and ultimately just two film studios, Paramount and Universal - and Blu-ray - championed by Sony, Dell, HP, Philips and most of Hollywood's major movie makers - has been rumbling on for about two years. Sales of standalone Blu-ray and HD-DVD players have been relatively low, with only early adopters willing to hedge their bets and part with their cash on technology that could soon become obsolete.
Most ordinary consumers' only contact with the next-generation formats has been through games consoles - Sony's PlayStation 3 has a built-in Blu-ray player, while users of Microsoft's Xbox 360 have been able to buy an HD-DVD player for their console.
Sony's decision to incorporate Blu-ray playback into the PS3 is thought to have been a decisive factor in the format emerging victorious. According to industry statistics, 3.2 million PlayStation 3 consoles have been sold in Europe, plus 34,000 standalone Blu-ray players. But only 55,000 HD-DVD players, including the HD-DVD player add-on for the Xbox 360, have been sold in Europe. And once several big film studios began to release their films solely in Blu-ray, HD-DVD was always going to be on the losing side.
Interestingly, despite Apple giving its backing to the Blu-ray format, it has yet to produce a single computer with a Blu-ray drive. Instead, Apple seems to be concentrating on movies delivered across the internet, through iTunes and the new Apple TV, rather than on physical discs.
So although Blu-ray has won this battle, it may not have won the war. As home internet speeds become faster and consumers get used to video on-demand services, the movie market could undergo a similar change to the music sector, with films downloaded rather than physically bought.
That's all, folks: it's safe to stick your head above the technological parapet. The next-generation DVD format war is officially over.
With the news this week that Toshiba was raising the white flag of surrender for its preferred format, HD-DVD, the victory for rival disc Blu-ray was complete.
In truth, the rot set in some time ago, but the pace of HD-DVD's demise accelerated dramatically and irreversibly when Warner Bros announced in January that it would only be releasing DVDs on Blu-ray.
advertisement
Support for HD-DVD began to fall, with US firms such as Netflix, Wal Mart and Best Buy throwing their weight behind Blu-ray.
It's a sweet victory for the Sony-backed Blu-ray format. Sony's technically superior Betamax video format lost out to JVC-backed VHS when those formats went head to head in the 1980s.
The battle between HD-DVD - backed by Toshiba and Microsoft, and ultimately just two film studios, Paramount and Universal - and Blu-ray - championed by Sony, Dell, HP, Philips and most of Hollywood's major movie makers - has been rumbling on for about two years. Sales of standalone Blu-ray and HD-DVD players have been relatively low, with only early adopters willing to hedge their bets and part with their cash on technology that could soon become obsolete.
Most ordinary consumers' only contact with the next-generation formats has been through games consoles - Sony's PlayStation 3 has a built-in Blu-ray player, while users of Microsoft's Xbox 360 have been able to buy an HD-DVD player for their console.
Sony's decision to incorporate Blu-ray playback into the PS3 is thought to have been a decisive factor in the format emerging victorious. According to industry statistics, 3.2 million PlayStation 3 consoles have been sold in Europe, plus 34,000 standalone Blu-ray players. But only 55,000 HD-DVD players, including the HD-DVD player add-on for the Xbox 360, have been sold in Europe. And once several big film studios began to release their films solely in Blu-ray, HD-DVD was always going to be on the losing side.
Interestingly, despite Apple giving its backing to the Blu-ray format, it has yet to produce a single computer with a Blu-ray drive. Instead, Apple seems to be concentrating on movies delivered across the internet, through iTunes and the new Apple TV, rather than on physical discs.
So although Blu-ray has won this battle, it may not have won the war. As home internet speeds become faster and consumers get used to video on-demand services, the movie market could undergo a similar change to the music sector, with films downloaded rather than physically bought.
finding a rental property in Hawaii- living in Hawaii
The Cost of Living in Paradise is High!
If you are thinking of making Hawaii your home, consider the following facts:
Sources indicate a cost of living ranging from 30%1 above the national average to well over 60%2 for certain family sizes.
* In 2006, a family of 4 renting accommodation in Honolulu needs to earn $111,695 or 55% more income to maintain a lifestyle similar to a comparable family earning $72,000 in the continental United States.2
* Although the 2003 median income of $71,320 for a family of 4 in Hawaii was higher than the national figure of $65,093, this is still below the amount required to maintain the same standard of living for a family of 4 in Hawaii as elsewhere in America.3
Hawaii's High Cost of Housing and Low Income
A major component of Hawaii's high cost of living can be attributed to its high cost of housing and low income.
* In 2005, the State of Hawaii ranked number 10 out of 47 States surveyed (Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana were excluded) for having the most expensive housing market based on a 2200 sq. ft. (approx.) single family dwelling with 4-bedrooms, 2.5 baths, family room (or equivalent) and a 2-car garage in a corporate middle-management neighborhood. Hawaii ranks number 47 (bottom of the list) for the most affordable housing market! 4
* The national average of the markets surveyed in the above study was $401,767. The survey showed that the 2005 Average Sales Price for the most expensive Hawaii market was $745,454 (Kihei, Maui) and the most affordable was $737,625 (Honolulu, Oahu) - well over the national average.
* 2005 set record high prices for single family dwellings on the Island of Oahu. The 2005 median resale price of a single family home was $590,000. The 2005 median resale price for a condominium was $269,000.5 The cost of housing on neighbor islands was even higher and higher incomes were harder to obtain.6
* In 2004, Hawaii's home ownership rate (proportion of owner households to the total number of occupied households) was only 60.9%, ranking Hawaii as 48th (one of the lowest) in the nation - indicative of widespread speculative investment.7
* In 2005, Hawaii's total personal income grew by 8% - the biggest increase since 1990 and the third largest increase in the nation.8 However, Hawaii's 2004 Per Capita Personal Income of $32,606 ranked 20th in the United States, below the national average of $33,041.9
For salary and cost of living comparisons between Honolulu and other U.S. cities, see the Cost of Living Wizard.
Even with 2 adults working full time, rental housing and home ownership are becoming increasingly unaffordable, if not impossible, for the average family in Hawaii.
Cost of Food
Amazingly, Hawaii has less than a seven day supply of many foods, especially perishables. Some 90% of our food is still imported.
In recent years, the cost of food in Hawaii has been offset to some degree with the arrival of major warehouse outlets throughout the Islands (e.g. Costco, Sam's Club, Wal-Mart). However, the Economic Research Institute's 2006 Cost of Living Analyses for Honolulu shows that the cost of consumables weighted to pricing patterns of grocery and drug store chains is as much as 66% more than the U.S. average depending upon family size, earnings level and spending patterns.2
Perhaps 10,000 acres could grow all the perishable food Hawaii needs. Unfortunately, key factors in utilizing these acres are the high cost of some land, tax laws and leasing difficulties, water, labor and transportation.
You just can't grow cucumbers on $95,000+-an-acre land!
Land Availability
Nearly half of Hawaii's 4.1 million acres are managed by the State or Federal Government and of the remaining 50% in private ownership, approximately 20 percent is controlled by seven private landowners.10
Of the total acreage, the State Land Use Commission classifies 95% as belonging to either Agriculture or Conservation Districts and only 5% to Rural and Urban Districts.11
Increasing urbanization and growing pressure from developers to use agricultural land for resort and large subdivision development is likely to continue fueling the high price of housing, food, and cost of living in Hawaii.
America's Health Care - A System in Crisis
The Nation's health care costs in 2006 have hit the $1.9 trillion mark and now consume 16 percent of the gross domestic product.
Half of the people filing for bankruptcy in the United States cited medical costs as the reason. About 75 percent of those filing had health insurance when they became ill.
Currently, 46 million Americans are uninsured and millions more have inadequate health insurance. In terms of health indicators like life expectancy, infant and maternal mortality, and obesity, the United States ranks close to the bottom of the list of Western countries.12
Health Care Costs in Hawaii
As at January 1, 2006, the average cost for HMO (Managed Care) for an individual in Hawaii was $437 a month - for a family $747 a month. The average cost for Indemnity (Non Managed Care) for an individual was $563 a month - for a family $936 a month.2
The 2006 U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services Poverty Guideline for a family or household of 4 people in Hawaii is $23,000 a year.13 In Hawaii, approximately one in ten persons were living "at or below poverty level" in 2004. Of those below poverty, 12.4% were uninsured (compared to 4.4% of those above poverty).14
Hawaii Quest is a State program that provides health coverage through managed care plans for eligible lower income Hawaii residents. To be eligible for Hawaii Quest, you must have income not more than 100% of the current Federal Poverty Guidelines.15
In 2004, the percentage of the Nation's population without health insurance remained unchanged, at 15.7% percent.16 Hawaii had a total uninsured population of 5.2% in 2004.17
Beginning in 2006, Hawaii intends to extend Medicaid coverage to an additional 29,000 people over the next six years.8
Many Hawaiians believe that health care is a precious human right that cannot be trusted to the vagaries of the profit-driven market model.
In spite of everything, Hawaii is still a better place to be.
We draw strength from our diversity.
Some of the best people in one of the best places in the world!
If you are thinking of making Hawaii your home, consider the following facts:
Sources indicate a cost of living ranging from 30%1 above the national average to well over 60%2 for certain family sizes.
* In 2006, a family of 4 renting accommodation in Honolulu needs to earn $111,695 or 55% more income to maintain a lifestyle similar to a comparable family earning $72,000 in the continental United States.2
* Although the 2003 median income of $71,320 for a family of 4 in Hawaii was higher than the national figure of $65,093, this is still below the amount required to maintain the same standard of living for a family of 4 in Hawaii as elsewhere in America.3
Hawaii's High Cost of Housing and Low Income
A major component of Hawaii's high cost of living can be attributed to its high cost of housing and low income.
* In 2005, the State of Hawaii ranked number 10 out of 47 States surveyed (Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana were excluded) for having the most expensive housing market based on a 2200 sq. ft. (approx.) single family dwelling with 4-bedrooms, 2.5 baths, family room (or equivalent) and a 2-car garage in a corporate middle-management neighborhood. Hawaii ranks number 47 (bottom of the list) for the most affordable housing market! 4
* The national average of the markets surveyed in the above study was $401,767. The survey showed that the 2005 Average Sales Price for the most expensive Hawaii market was $745,454 (Kihei, Maui) and the most affordable was $737,625 (Honolulu, Oahu) - well over the national average.
* 2005 set record high prices for single family dwellings on the Island of Oahu. The 2005 median resale price of a single family home was $590,000. The 2005 median resale price for a condominium was $269,000.5 The cost of housing on neighbor islands was even higher and higher incomes were harder to obtain.6
* In 2004, Hawaii's home ownership rate (proportion of owner households to the total number of occupied households) was only 60.9%, ranking Hawaii as 48th (one of the lowest) in the nation - indicative of widespread speculative investment.7
* In 2005, Hawaii's total personal income grew by 8% - the biggest increase since 1990 and the third largest increase in the nation.8 However, Hawaii's 2004 Per Capita Personal Income of $32,606 ranked 20th in the United States, below the national average of $33,041.9
For salary and cost of living comparisons between Honolulu and other U.S. cities, see the Cost of Living Wizard.
Even with 2 adults working full time, rental housing and home ownership are becoming increasingly unaffordable, if not impossible, for the average family in Hawaii.
Cost of Food
Amazingly, Hawaii has less than a seven day supply of many foods, especially perishables. Some 90% of our food is still imported.
In recent years, the cost of food in Hawaii has been offset to some degree with the arrival of major warehouse outlets throughout the Islands (e.g. Costco, Sam's Club, Wal-Mart). However, the Economic Research Institute's 2006 Cost of Living Analyses for Honolulu shows that the cost of consumables weighted to pricing patterns of grocery and drug store chains is as much as 66% more than the U.S. average depending upon family size, earnings level and spending patterns.2
Perhaps 10,000 acres could grow all the perishable food Hawaii needs. Unfortunately, key factors in utilizing these acres are the high cost of some land, tax laws and leasing difficulties, water, labor and transportation.
You just can't grow cucumbers on $95,000+-an-acre land!
Land Availability
Nearly half of Hawaii's 4.1 million acres are managed by the State or Federal Government and of the remaining 50% in private ownership, approximately 20 percent is controlled by seven private landowners.10
Of the total acreage, the State Land Use Commission classifies 95% as belonging to either Agriculture or Conservation Districts and only 5% to Rural and Urban Districts.11
Increasing urbanization and growing pressure from developers to use agricultural land for resort and large subdivision development is likely to continue fueling the high price of housing, food, and cost of living in Hawaii.
America's Health Care - A System in Crisis
The Nation's health care costs in 2006 have hit the $1.9 trillion mark and now consume 16 percent of the gross domestic product.
Half of the people filing for bankruptcy in the United States cited medical costs as the reason. About 75 percent of those filing had health insurance when they became ill.
Currently, 46 million Americans are uninsured and millions more have inadequate health insurance. In terms of health indicators like life expectancy, infant and maternal mortality, and obesity, the United States ranks close to the bottom of the list of Western countries.12
Health Care Costs in Hawaii
As at January 1, 2006, the average cost for HMO (Managed Care) for an individual in Hawaii was $437 a month - for a family $747 a month. The average cost for Indemnity (Non Managed Care) for an individual was $563 a month - for a family $936 a month.2
The 2006 U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services Poverty Guideline for a family or household of 4 people in Hawaii is $23,000 a year.13 In Hawaii, approximately one in ten persons were living "at or below poverty level" in 2004. Of those below poverty, 12.4% were uninsured (compared to 4.4% of those above poverty).14
Hawaii Quest is a State program that provides health coverage through managed care plans for eligible lower income Hawaii residents. To be eligible for Hawaii Quest, you must have income not more than 100% of the current Federal Poverty Guidelines.15
In 2004, the percentage of the Nation's population without health insurance remained unchanged, at 15.7% percent.16 Hawaii had a total uninsured population of 5.2% in 2004.17
Beginning in 2006, Hawaii intends to extend Medicaid coverage to an additional 29,000 people over the next six years.8
Many Hawaiians believe that health care is a precious human right that cannot be trusted to the vagaries of the profit-driven market model.
In spite of everything, Hawaii is still a better place to be.
We draw strength from our diversity.
Some of the best people in one of the best places in the world!
LIFE IN HAWAII
Life in Hawaii
When we left New York, Feb 28, 2007, it was about 25 degrees Celsious. It was in the low 80's. I took off my long-sleeved shirt at the airport and enjoyed the beautiful sights.
We were greeted in Honolulu by thick clouds that shrouded the mountains. They were the kind of clouds that would make us expect a thunderstorm. We soon realized that these clouds are always there - that it is always raining 'mauka' (toward the mountains) and that it is usually clear 'makai' (toward the ocean). The phenomena is called orographic precipitation and you don't get to see it in New York.
I was in Hawaii for a 2 week vacation.
Waikiki is the tourist hot-spot in Honolulu. Its tall buildings contribute to one of the highest population densities in the world. ecture from the elegant greek revival to the 60's factory look.
One of our favorite places to visit was Hanauma Bay, a beach and coral reef fish sanctuary near Honolulu. The Bay is filled with fish. Snorkeling is a favorite activity here and you can see many types of tropical fish.
The cost of living is high in Hawaii. Our apartment is $800 a month. Food prices are at least 1/3 higher than on the mainland (never refer to it as 'the states;' you'll be corrected). A gallon of milk is $4.65. Bulky items are particular expensive. Breakfast cereal varies between $5.00 to $8.00 a box. There are sales and we found one grocery store that sells milk regularly at $2.99 a gallon. Of course, the cost of housing is astronomical. They generally start at about $350,000. This house would be about $500,000.
The weather is almost always perfect and one wonders why people would choose to live in any other type of climate. Daytime temperatures are in the mid-80's. At night, it usually gets down to 70 degrees. One night, it got down to 59. People thought that was very cold.
Two agricultural crops have been dominant in Hawaii - sugar cane and pineapples. Both are in decline. This sugar mill recently went out of business in Waipahu, near Honolulu. There is now only one sugar cane processing plant left on the island. By the way, only raw sugar is made in Hawaii. The raw sugar is sent to California to be processed (C&H Sugar stands for California and Hawaii).
Pineapples are also no longer canned on the island of Oahu. Pineapples are still grown in the central part of the island. They are consumed locally or exported as whole pineapples.
The North Shore of Oahu is particularly beautiful. Waimea Bay is a favorite spot for surfing and swimming.
There are many other beaches along the North Shore.
No, we haven't surfed. We did go to Sandy Beach one day and I went into the water in an area that has very high waves called 'The Gas Chambers' . Locals go out with their boogie boards (short surf boards used for body surfing). The power of the waves is amazing. I got caught under the curl a few times. Once, the curl put my face down into the sand and scraped it along the bottom for awhile. I may have done a somersault but I'm not sure. I lost all sense of orientation. I got back on the beach and walked-off in a daze.
Swimming isn't always possible at the beaches because the waves may be too high. In the winter, they're too high on the north and western side of the islands. In the summer, they're too high on the southern side. The waves are usually 1-3 feet. You can't go near the water when the waves are 3-5 feet. Winter waves on the north shore get up to 25 feet. The surf report is a major part of the weather forecast.
We will miss Hawaii. The people have always been very friendly. But, in many ways, it's easier visiting than living in paradise.
When we left New York, Feb 28, 2007, it was about 25 degrees Celsious. It was in the low 80's. I took off my long-sleeved shirt at the airport and enjoyed the beautiful sights.
We were greeted in Honolulu by thick clouds that shrouded the mountains. They were the kind of clouds that would make us expect a thunderstorm. We soon realized that these clouds are always there - that it is always raining 'mauka' (toward the mountains) and that it is usually clear 'makai' (toward the ocean). The phenomena is called orographic precipitation and you don't get to see it in New York.
I was in Hawaii for a 2 week vacation.
Waikiki is the tourist hot-spot in Honolulu. Its tall buildings contribute to one of the highest population densities in the world. ecture from the elegant greek revival to the 60's factory look.
One of our favorite places to visit was Hanauma Bay, a beach and coral reef fish sanctuary near Honolulu. The Bay is filled with fish. Snorkeling is a favorite activity here and you can see many types of tropical fish.
The cost of living is high in Hawaii. Our apartment is $800 a month. Food prices are at least 1/3 higher than on the mainland (never refer to it as 'the states;' you'll be corrected). A gallon of milk is $4.65. Bulky items are particular expensive. Breakfast cereal varies between $5.00 to $8.00 a box. There are sales and we found one grocery store that sells milk regularly at $2.99 a gallon. Of course, the cost of housing is astronomical. They generally start at about $350,000. This house would be about $500,000.
The weather is almost always perfect and one wonders why people would choose to live in any other type of climate. Daytime temperatures are in the mid-80's. At night, it usually gets down to 70 degrees. One night, it got down to 59. People thought that was very cold.
Two agricultural crops have been dominant in Hawaii - sugar cane and pineapples. Both are in decline. This sugar mill recently went out of business in Waipahu, near Honolulu. There is now only one sugar cane processing plant left on the island. By the way, only raw sugar is made in Hawaii. The raw sugar is sent to California to be processed (C&H Sugar stands for California and Hawaii).
Pineapples are also no longer canned on the island of Oahu. Pineapples are still grown in the central part of the island. They are consumed locally or exported as whole pineapples.
The North Shore of Oahu is particularly beautiful. Waimea Bay is a favorite spot for surfing and swimming.
There are many other beaches along the North Shore.
No, we haven't surfed. We did go to Sandy Beach one day and I went into the water in an area that has very high waves called 'The Gas Chambers' . Locals go out with their boogie boards (short surf boards used for body surfing). The power of the waves is amazing. I got caught under the curl a few times. Once, the curl put my face down into the sand and scraped it along the bottom for awhile. I may have done a somersault but I'm not sure. I lost all sense of orientation. I got back on the beach and walked-off in a daze.
Swimming isn't always possible at the beaches because the waves may be too high. In the winter, they're too high on the north and western side of the islands. In the summer, they're too high on the southern side. The waves are usually 1-3 feet. You can't go near the water when the waves are 3-5 feet. Winter waves on the north shore get up to 25 feet. The surf report is a major part of the weather forecast.
We will miss Hawaii. The people have always been very friendly. But, in many ways, it's easier visiting than living in paradise.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Darker Elegance for Academy Awards 2008
Basic black or dark brown colors were favorites of several actress at this years 80th Academy Awards, including Jennifer Garner, Hilary Swank, Kristin Chenoweth, Nicole Kidman and Rebeca Miller, wife of Academy Awards Best Actor Daniel Day-Lewis.
Well, what can you say - Juno actress - Jennifer Garner and a beautiful gown by Oscar de la Renta, a real winning combination.
Jennifer Garner wore a black; off the shoulders layered gown by Oscar de la Renta with bellowing huge ruffles radiating from the knee.
Adding sparkles to this beautiful black gown, were a vintage necklace, bracelet and rings from Van Cleff & Arpels.
A really glamorous look.
Also choosing black was two-time Oscar winner Hilary Swank.
Hillary Swank wore a exquisite black Versace gown with hairclips, diamond earrings and diamond bracelet by Chopard.
Kristin Chenoweth wore a beautiful brown lace strapless gown by Armani Prive with shoes by Christian Louboutin and jewelry by Tiffany & Co.
Kristin Chenoweth performed the Oscar nominated best original song "That's How You Know" from the motion picture Enchanted.
A pregnant Nicole Kidman and country star Keith Urban arrived on the red carpet together. The couple is expecting their baby in July.
Nicole Kidman wore a black Balenciaga dress that concealed her baby bump.
Crowning Nicole Kidman gown was a diamond sautoir necklace designed by L'Wren Scott which contained a total of 7,645 diamonds, including rough, faceted, and polished diamonds which total nearly 1,400 carats.
The necklace certainly drew attention away from her baby bump.
Daniel Day-Lewis, who won the Oscar for Best Actor for the movie There will be Blood, wife Rebeca Miller also wore a black gown on the red carpet.
See the complete list of 2008 Oscars winners at the official Academy Awards Oscar site.
For more pictures from the Academy Awards red carpet, just enjoy the red carpet slide show.
If you cannot see the slide show in your E-mail or news reader, just go to Darker Elegance at Oscars.
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Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Ladies in Red at Academy Awards 2008
Red was the favorite color of many of ladies of the red carpet, including Heidi Klum, Anne Hathaway, Katherine Heigl, Miley Ray Cyrus and Jillian Fink Dempsey, among others.
Heidi Klum red silk taffeta bustier gown with drape detail by John Galliano Haute Couture was especially riveting.
The gown had a very royal look to it, sort of the over powering look that a queen from a Disney movie may possess or perhaps the regal empress presiding over Project Runway.
Definitely one of the top gowns on the red carpet.
We understand that the gown will be auctioned off as part of The Heart Truth campaign to raise awareness about women and heart disease.
So if you really want to look regal and have Heidi figure, you may want to bid on this gown.
Anne Hathaway also picked a red gown by Marchesa.
The one shoulder strap gown featured an elegant rose design on the single shoulder strap.
Hathaway was accompanied by her tall, dark and handsome boyfriend Raffaello Follieri and was there to present the Best Animated Feature category.
Red was also the choice of Katherine Heigl.
Katherine Heigl wore a form fitting tight red silk georgette Escada column gown with one shoulder strap and draped and pleated bodice.
Patrick Dempsey wore a slim lapel tuxedo by Versace, while his wife Jillian Fink Dempsey chose a strapless red Versace gown.
Miley Ray Cyrus, aka Hannah Montana, was also in red.
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She choose a bright red Valentino chiffon gown with bow detail and a bronze lizard clutch with Swarovski crystals by Mary Norton and shoes from Sergio Rossi.
See the complete list of 2008 Oscars winners at the official Academy Awards Oscar site.
For more pictures from the Academy Awards red carpet, just enjoy the red carpet slide show.
If you cannot see the slide show in your E-mail or news reader, just go to Red Gowns at Oscars.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Feathery Bodice Gowns at Academy Awards 2008
Both Penelope Cruz and Jessica Alba choose off the shoulder gowns with feathery bodice for their Academy Award red carpet walk.
Penelope Cruz wore a navy blue feather embroidered gown specially designed by Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel Haute Couture.
The gown had layers of draped material from the waist, with the fabric gathered at the knee and flared out to the base from the knee.
Penelope Cruz makeup was by Chanel Beaute and she wore her hair in a very tight braided bun.
Pregnant Jessica Alba wore a loose fitting plum strapless Marchesa gown with feathers in the bodice.
Jessica Alba shoes and evening purse were by Jimmy Choo and her jewels were from Cartier.
The loose fitted gown helped to concealed her baby bump.
See the complete list of 2008 Oscars winners at the official Academy Awards Oscar site.
For more pictures from the Academy Awards red carpet, just enjoy the red carpet slide show.
If you cannot see the slide show in your E-mail or news reader, just go to Feathery Bodice Gowns at the Academy Awards.
Receive Hot Sexy Fashion Pictures by E-Mail
Now, you can receive Hot Sexy Fashion Pictures articles and photos directly by e-mail or by Skypr, AOL Instant Messenger and/or Twitter. Get the complete stories and photos updates delivered directly to your e-mail for free.
Best Actress and Gown Marion Cotillard - Academy Awards 2008
First time Academy Awards nominee, actress Marion Cotillard won the Oscar for Best Actress for her portrayal of the role of Edith Piaf, the legendary French singer who rose to international fame from her beginnings on the streets of Paris in the movie La Vie En Rose.
If there were a category for best gown on the red carpet, surely she would have won in that category also.
Marion Cotillard mermaid inspired designer gown was created by Jean Paul Gaultier and featured fabric shaped into white scale patterns.
The gown was gathered at the knee and flared into a fish tail like base.
This technique, we noted, was used in Rihanna green dress that she wore to the World Music Awards.
Marion Cotillard jewelry by Chopard included a champagne necklace layered with brown diamond bead necklaces and a square cut yellow diamond ring.
Designer Jean Paul Gaultier is famous for having created the famous breast cones worn by Madonna in 1984 and the cage dress worn by Grace Jones at the height of her notoriety
See the complete list of 2008 Oscars winners at the official Academy Awards Oscar site.
For more pictures from the Academy Awards red carpet, just enjoy the red carpet slide show.
If you cannot see the slide show in your E-mail or news reader, just go to Marion Cotillard - Best Actress and Gown.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Sexy New Bikinis and Swim Wear for Spring Break
It's time to search for a sexy new bikini and get back into shape because before you know it Spring Break will be here.
Whether you're planning a Mexico vacation to Cancun, the beaches of Jamaica or those beach side hotels - motels in Florida - Daytona Beach, Panama City Beach, Key West, Tampa or Miami, now is the time to plan for Spring Break 2008.
Spring Break really depends on when colleges and universities plan their breaks, which can be anywhere from the first week to the last week in March.
But, no matter when your school break occurs, Spring Break activities will be going on all throughout the month of March.
You will especially want a new hot bikini or several bikinis if you plan to party at all those great clubs in Daytona Florida like the Daytona Beach Clubs, Ocean Deck, Razzles and 600 North.
The beach side clubs are party central and a hot, sexy bikini is the Spring Break fashion statement, especially if you plan to participate in all the parties and contests that make Spring Break such fun.
Since MTV moved it's Spring Break activities to Panama Beach Florida, this has become the new US hot spot for students on Spring Break.
Panama City Beach is non stop entertainment during March with live Spring Break beach concerts, nightlife events, fashion shows.
The Sandpiper Beacon Beach Resort has daily Bikini and T-shirt contests, karaoke nightly; Classmate USA model search and shoot between March 8-16, 2008.
Club La Vela has the Maxim Magazine model search between March 8 - 15, 2008, live concert featuring Pubble of Mudd, Neurosnic, Tyler Read on March 4 and Live concert featuring Ying Yang Twins on March 11, 2008.
Plus MTV Spring Break beach events on the Panama City Beach Florida throughout the month of March 2008.
New Passport Regulations for US Citizens Traveling to Mexico or the Caribbean
New Passport regulations require a passport for US citizens traveling by air to Mexico or the Caribbean, so unless you have a Passport you will not be able to travel to Mexico or the Caribbean by air.
Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands are US territories and due not require a Passport for US citizens.
Currently, a Passport is not required for US citizens traveling by land or sea to Mexico or the Caribbean, however, new Passport regulations for land and sea trips are scheduled for mid 2009, so check with your travel agent or cruise line for current regulations.
Vivid Prints and Metallic Look in 2008 Swimwear
If you want wow the guys, you will want one or more of the new style bikinis.
Whether you favor the more fuller, traditional bikini or the more daring string bikinis, now is a great time to pick out and enhance your bikini wardrobe for Spring Break.
Bright, vivid prints bikinis are the hot item in 2008.
If you are looking for a traditional bikini that will really get attention, this is one way to go.
Hot pinks and mix and match are definitely good choices.
By mixing bikini tops and bottoms, you can create many different looks plus achieve a better fit, and since you will be wearing your bikini most of the time, these are good choices to make.
For the more daring, and you know who you are, string bikinis can show off as such of your body as you like.
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Some of the strings in string bikinis have become so small that they cover two inches or less.
String bikinis may be for the daring, but they certainly get attention.
Metallic - stretch liquid metal materials are popular for these tiny string bikinis.
From radiant red, gold, pink and silver, you will certainly stand out and catch the boys' eye in a metallic string bikini.
So before it's too late, make your plans for an unforgettable, Spring Break.
You know, the type of Spring Break that brings a glimmer to your parents' eye, although they might not want to talk about it.
If you cannot see the video or photos in your E-mail or news reader, just go to Sexy New Bikinis and Swim Wear for Spring Break.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Looking for a Valentine's Day movie Definitely, Maybe?
from the movie Definitely, Maybe
Looking for a romantic comedy movie for Valentine's Day - Definitely, Maybe?
Well, actually Definitely, Maybe is the name for this romantic comedy opening on Valentine's Day, February 14.
What happens when the 10 year old daughter Maya Hayes (Abigail Breslin) start asking her father about life before marriage and how he meet her mother and fell in love?
Maya's dad story began in 1992, as Will Hayes (Ryan Reynolds) a young, starry-eyed aspiring politician moves to New York from Wisconsin in order to work on the presidential campaign.
His recent divorce prompts his daughter to begin asking questions about how he met and choose her mother.
Will recounts his involvement with three women, one who would become her mother, but he changes the names so she will have to guest who he picked to marry.
Was her mother Will's college sweetheart, the dependable girl next door Emily (Elizabeth Banks) or his longtime best friend and confidante, the apolitical April (Isla Fisher) or perhaps the free spirited but ambitious journalist Summer Hartley (Rachel Weisz)?
As Maya envisions her father in the flash backs to the three women in his life, she realizes that love is not so simple or easy.
from the movie Definitely, Maybe
As Will tells her his tale, Maya helps him understand that it's really never too late to go back and maybe find a happy ending.
The movie stars Ryan Reynolds, who was recently named one of People magazine's "Sexiest Men" of 2007 as Will Hayes.
Ryan Reynolds has appeared in the romantic comedy movie Just Friends, has co-stared with Jessica Biel and Wesley Snipes in the movie Blade: Trinity and stared in the remake of The Amityville Horror classic cult film which opened number one at the box office.
Also staring in the movie is Elizabeth Banks who plays Will's college sweetheart, the dependable girl next doer Emily.
You may recall that Elizabeth Banks played the role of journalist Betty Brant in Spider-Man 3, she also appeared in both of the previous Spider-Man blockbusters.
Elizabeth Banks also stared in Disney blockbuster Invincible which open number one at the box office.
In the movie, "The 40-Year-Old Virgin", Elizabeth Banks played the role of Beth, a sex crazed bookstore employee.
Isla Fisher played April - Will's longtime best friend and confidante in the movie. Fisher first appeared stateside in the live action feature Scooby-Doo in 2002.
Abigail Breslin who plays Will Hayes daughter Maya Hayes in the film Definitely, Maybe, is best known for her portrayal of Oliver, the ambitious young girl who is obsessed with winning a beauty pageant in the critically acclaimed movie "Little Miss Sunshine".
She was nominated for her role in Little Miss Sunshine for Best Supporting Actress by the Academy Awards, SAG and BAFTA .
Rachel Weisz, who plays the free spirited but ambitious journalist Summer in "Definitely, Maybe", won an Academy Award and Golden Globe award for an Actress in a Supporting Role for "The Constant Gardener".
So catch this great Valentine's Day romantic comedy at your local Bejou.
If you cannot see the above video clip in your feed reader or e-mail, go to Definitely, Maybe Video.
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