Learn Proper Backgammon Board Setup

If you have ever played checkers, then you can learn to play the game backgammon. Backgammon is very similar to the checkers. It is basically the same concept, only with a little twist. Backgammon boards set up is easy and takes little or no time at all. You can have a backgammon board set up in a matter of minutes.

The set up for backgammon is easy. The board and the game pieces usually come together in the box. If you are someone who has been playing backgammon for a long time, then you may already have your very own board and game pieces.

The boards are found in any department or game store. They can be bought for little money and make awesome gifts for any child or adult. Both adult and child will probably enjoy the games.

To set up the board, you have to take it out of the box and place it on a table or flat surface. There should also be thirty game pieces of two different colors. Take them out and divide them by color to each of the players. These will be known as your game pieces or checkers.

Along with the game is a pair of dice. These dice are used to determine the number of moves each player can make with their game pieces. Each player will take turns rolling the dice and moving to the opposite end of the board.

The object of the game then is to get all fifteen of your players to the home board and the off the board completely. The first player to achieve this is considered the winner of the game.

The board set up is fun and easy and the clean up is even faster. You can even play this game on the go. You can have fun and excitement playing this game wherever and when ever you want. The travel boards are the same only smaller and come in a compact case. This makes it easier to keep all the pieces and board in one place so that they do not become lost. You can keep these in the car or in the office for safekeeping. For sure mom will know where to keep the games.

If you do not want the typical cardboard board, then you may decide to make your own board. You can do this with wood or plastic or any other lasting material. If you are an avid player of the game, this may be the right idea for you so that the board does not get worn out too quickly.

? backgammonholygrail.com
About the Author

Chamonix Nightlife

Chamonix, is one of the hot spots of the French Alps and is just a train ride from Paris. Better known for its ski slopes, many people never seem to fully appreciate the nightlife available here unless you have had the pleasure of experiencing it yourself. There are many things that are worth doing in this resort that never sleeps.

If you like a flutter, you should certainly check out one the Casinos. They have slots galore, but don't bother wasting your time on these, the real fun is in the tables and the card games held there every night. There have been people who have been in the casino for the better part of night without even realizing how much time has passed.

Casino de Chamonix is one such place located on the Rhone Alps, the address of the casino is 12 Place Saussure Chamonix, Rhone Alps, 74400 France. The casino has 82 slots and 10 table games and it's open from 2100 hrs to 0300 hrs.

If casinos aren't your thing, that is not a problem with a town like Chamonix. There are also arcades that are referred to as game-rooms. These are some of the best in all of France and have all the popular games at hand.

This is a place that can bring out the child in everyone. There is also a modern bowling alley that has the alleys open for most of the night and offers eight lanes and a billiard tables to show the skills of those that are willing to put them up on display.

With its huge collection of restaurants and bars, the nightlife in Chamonix is some of the best the French Alps has to offer. The most famous club is La Cantina, which offers different DJ's each night. It's pretty small and can get over-crowded and sweaty.

Le Privilege is a bar located on Rues de Moulins. This is one of the chicest bars in Chamonix with it's Africantheme, wood d?cor and jet-set crowd.

For a quite evening by the river you should make a call at the O'Byrne's Inn, located in the center of Chamonix. They are famous for their Irish malt whiskeys.

However, the most talked about bar in Chamonix is the MBC or Micro Brasserie de Chamonix. It's not just a bar but Micro Brewery. The food served here is excellent and well known for its home cooking and world flavors.

If you've come to Chamonix for a romantic skiing holiday, then maybe hearing thumping music until 5am isn't your thing. There is plenty of magic to be found at one of the many candlelit restaurants in Chamonix.

La Maison Carrier is a restaurant that belongs to the Hameau de Albert Premier hotel group. This is a traditional French restaurant with a good ambience. One can have a good three course meal for something between 22 to 40 euros.

Restaurant Les Lanchers is a great restaurant that is located at Les Praz de Chamonix. This is a good restaurant with a bar attached and you can make a choice between having your meals on the terrace or indoors. Their specialties are Italian French and Savoyard, in addition to the local food. A three-course meal will set you back by 26 euros.

Another restaurant at Las Praz is the Hotel Eden Restaurant, located at a distance not far from the Flegere cable car station. Their menu is influenced by the modern French and they have an attached bar with terrace option. A three course meal here will cost you 40 euros.

If you are in a mood for an excellent up beat grill then you should move up to the center of Chamonix where you will encounter the Goophy's Grill. This place doesn't serve the local specialties, but you can have something for as little as 28 euros.

Many have been to ski slopes of the Alps, but going to Chamonix will give you so much more. With a city like Chamonix you'll receive the perfect welcome and experience the skiing holiday of a lifetime. There have been many places that have tried to compete with this town but there is only one Chamonix.
About the Author

Orson Johnson writes for Holiday Velvet, a website providing listings for bed and breakfasts, villas, hotels, apartment and chalets in Chamonix

Rules Of Backgammon

When you find something really good, there's no need to improve upon it. Take the game of backgammon for instance. It's been around for a long, long time, but the game of backgammon has not changed. No one has created a version with blinking lights, or made it more extreme. That's because backgammon is easy to learn, fun to play and you can finish a game in just a few minutes. How can you improve on that?

The main objective in backgammon is to move all of your game pieces from one side of the playing board to the other, eventually removing your pieces from the board. If you are the first player to move all of your pieces off the board, congratulations--you are the winner.

On alternate turns, each player rolls two dice. The numbers rolled will determine how many spaces the game pieces can be moved. The individual number on each dice represents each of two different moves. For example, if you roll a 4 and a 3, then you can move one game piece four spaces and the other piece three spaces. You also have the option of moving one game piece seven spaces.

Whenever possible, it is essential that the active player use both of the numbers rolled. When only one number can be used, the player must play that number. If neither of the numbers can be used, play moves on to the opponent. If they roll two many numbers, then the player can move as many spaces as there are available. On each move, a game piece can be moved on to an open point, a point protected by you, or a point with only one of your opponent's pieces on in.

If you roll a double, you are able to play twice the number shown on the dice. For example, if you roll two threes, then you can move four pieces each three spaces, or you can move one piece twelve spaces.

The game is finished when one player removes all of his or her playing pieces by counting off. The loser then determines how many points are lost. If the loser has removed at least one game piece, he or she loses only the value showing on the doubling cube. If, however, no pieces have yet been removed, the losing player is gammoned and loses twice the value of the doubling cube. Backgammon occurs when the losing player has not yet taken pieces from the board AND still has pieces in play in the vertical area of the board. In this case, that player loses triple the value of the doubling cube dice.

Backgammon rules can seem confusing at first, but it really is a very easy game to learn and to play. The best way to learn is to play with someone who understands the game, and keep a copy of your backgammon rules close at hand.

About the Author:

Nancy Anderson contributes articles to several popular Internet magazines, on hobbies and sports and travel and hobbies topics.

New Surgical Treatment Options for Hernias

New Surgical Treatment Options for Hernias

 by: Joseph R. Lopez

Hernia repair is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures worldwide. In fact, there are over 600,000 hernia repair surgeries performed each year in the U.S. alone. A hernia is a weakness or defect in the abdominal muscles which can result in the protrusion of tissue through an opening in the outer layers of the abdominal wall. Hernias can develop at any part of the abdominal wall, but generally occur in areas that have a natural tendency to be weak. These areas include the groin (inguinal hernias), umbilicus (umbilical hernias), hiatus (hiatal hernias) and incisions from previous surgeries (incisional or ventral hernias). While hernias generally do not pose serious long-term health problems, they can cause severe pain and discomfort for those suffering from this condition.

Hernias may be present from birth, or can be caused by strain on the abdominal muscles. In either case, hernias do not go away by themselves and depending on the degree of bulging or pain, generally require a surgical procedure to be repaired. Hernia repairs are usually done on an elective basis, which means that the patient and physician decide whether or when the procedure should be performed. Emergency procedures are only done for strangulated hernias, which are hernias that have become pinched to the point that the blood supply is cut off. These hernias require immediate medical attention since they can become infected and lead to a life threatening condition very quickly.

Hernias are typically repaired through a surgical procedure called herniorrhaphy, in which the surgeon repairs the hole in the abdominal wall by sewing surrounding muscle together or by placing a patch called mesh over the defect. Most surgeons make an incision at the site of the hernia in order to gain access to the defect, although some surgeons prefer to do these procedures laparoscopically.

During a laparoscopic hernia repair, the surgeon makes very small incisions to pass through specialized instruments and an endoscope, a device that allows the surgeon to see the abdominal area without opening the patient up. Laparoscopic hernia repair generally results in less postoperative pain and recovery time than open surgery. There is still a great deal of controversy over the long-term benefits of laparoscopic hernia repair, however, and it is by no means an option for every patient.

The use of surgical mesh to repair hernias is gaining in popularity with surgeons. Most meshes currently on the market are made from synthetic materials such as polypropylene, polyester, silicone or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), commonly known by the DuPont brand name Teflon. While these meshes have good strength characteristics, they remain in the body as permanent implants and sometimes can cause adverse reactions when the surrounding tissue identifies these materials as foreign bodies.

In order to avoid adverse reactions to synthetic materials, some surgeons prefer to use meshes made of biomaterials which are gradually resorbed by the body over time and are then eliminated through biological processes. Since these meshes are not permanent implants, they generally only offer temporary repair of abdominal wall defects and additional surgical procedures are sometimes required to replace the absorbed mesh.

An alternative to synthetic and absorbable mesh is human tissue. There are a handful of companies that are now marketing processed, freeze-dried human dermis for soft tissue repair and augmentation. This material is implanted using the same technique as other meshes and provides for revascularization, cellular ingrowth and remodeling into the patients tissue. While this option generally provides a permanent repair with few adverse reactions, the processing and distribution of human tissue is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as are most other products that are implanted in the human body. In fact, there have been a number of recent cases of serious infections and even deaths resulting from the implantation of human cadaveric tissue during surgical procedures.

New technologies have recently been developed to solve the problems associated with the use of synthetic substances, absorbable materials and human tissue in hernia repair procedures. Scientists in Europe have been conducting research and development into alternatives to these products over the past two decades and have made major breakthroughs in this area over the past several years. New ways of collecting and processing natural materials have led to a series of products that offer the strength of synthetic compounds, the biocompatibility of biomaterials and the regenerative properties of human tissue.

What material can offer all of the benefits of the previously mentioned products without the corresponding disadvantages? Porcine dermal collagen has an architectural structure very close to human tissue, and is therefore readily recognized as friendly by the human body. A leading medical technology company in Europe has developed a patented process by which a sheet of porcine dermis is converted into a safe and effective surgical implant for soft tissue repair and augmentation. The process, which takes several weeks to complete, removes all non collageneous material from the sheet except elastin, and stabilizes the material through a cross-linking process. The result is an acellular, non reconstituted, non allergenic membrane which has excellent strength characteristics, is completely biocompatible and provides a permanent solution for the repair of abdominal wall defects. Since the material itself is a byproduct of the meat packaging industry, it is more readily available than human tissue. In addition, the harvesting and processing of the material is strictly regulated by local government, as well as international directives and quality standards.

This collagen surgical implant has been used in Europe for these types of procedures for several years and there is strong clinical evidence of the safety and effectiveness of the product. In fact, the implant has been approved for sale in the U.S. by the FDA and there have not been any adverse reactions reported after several thousand implantations in Europe. Not only is it safe, since the structure of the collagen is so similar to human tissue, once it is implanted the sheet provides the basis for cellular ingrowth and revascularization. This results in a permanent fix in even the most difficult cases. In addition to the positive clinical outcomes, surgeons like the fact that they do not need to change their surgical technique to use this product. They can use the same exact same steps they would use for synthetic or absorbable surgical mesh in both open and laparoscopic procedures.

Only physicians can properly diagnose and appropriately treat hernias. However, patients have the right to actively participate in decisions that affect their health or quality of life. Information about the various treatment options that are currently available can play an important part in the discussions between patients and their physicians regarding the best surgical treatment option for them.

About The Author

Joseph R. Lopez is the Executive Director of BioSurgical Innovations, Inc., a privately owned sales, marketing and distribution company that focuses exclusively on new technologies in biomaterial implants, biosurgical devices and complementary products for a number of surgical specialties. These products are designed to interact with living tissue and have the capacity to improve procedural efficiencies for surgeons and enhance the clinical outcomes and quality of life for their patients. BioSurgical Innovations sells its products through a distribution network that covers Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as key accounts in the U.S.

For additional information, contact:

BioSurgical Innovations, Inc.

Tel: 954-331-8044

Fax: 954-331-4601

http://www.bsurgical.com

jlopez@bsurgical.com

Why I Love Strategy Games

A strategy game is one in which the skills of the play and his decision making combine to influence the outcome. Usually, strategy games come in the form of video, board or computer games. Most games involve some strategy of some sort, however, those classified as strategy games tend exact the decision making skills of the player to determine more than half of the final scores. The word strategy echoes from the military meaning military planning and tactics to achieve results. This is in contrast to games in which players can rely to a large extent on probability to win.

Strategy games vary widely and can be found with different themes. Some of the genres include abstract strategy, war games, real time tactics or strategy games, simulation, building of cities and God games. In war games for instance, there is usually an extensive simulation of past military battles involving great leaders such as Alexander the Great, some Roman Emperors and even world wars I and . The player is usually required to take on the role of an important military person such as a general or commander or even an ordinary soldier who literally has an impossible mission to save the day. Traditionally, strategy games are played with physical miniatures or on a board. With the advent of the internet, however, one can find many online strategy games to play of for those who prefer, they can download strategy games.

In addition, there are also real time strategy games and real time tactics strategy games. The former apply to certain computer games, such as NukeZone, Blizzards Warcraft and Starcraft, where the player has to make quick decisions and take fast action as the games state change constantly. The latter however, concentrates more on control and operational aspects of warfare. Examples include the Close Combat and Total War series.

Simulation strategy games attempt or use real life situations as themes. Thus the player's decisions and actions result in similar consequences as it would be in real life. Abstract strategy games, on the other hand do not necessarily use real life themes. The player must understand the logic to win the game. This includes games such as Go, Chess, Checkers. Many free online strategy games can be played on the internet as well.

God strategy games are those in which the player assumes the role of God with everything else subject to him. The challenge is to find ways and means to overcome such unbridled power. Games in this genre include Populous, Black&White and God's Playing Field which is a free online strategy game.

Economic strategy games usually simulate real life business and require the player to win in a business or economic situation. Some examples are Monopoly, Transport Tycoon, Supreme Ruler 2010, Capitalism and Railroad Tycoon. City building strategy games also allow the player to build and manage a city. There are arguments as to whether games such SimCity and City Building Games series employ the player's analytical skills at all. Nevertheless, they are considered as strategy games. There are also the turn based strategy games (TBS) which forces the user to think about the game first before committing to play. They are different from the real time counterparts in that sense.

As with many other things, the advent of the internet has changed the face of gaming. Most people especially kids and teens prefer to play games online, whether it is strategy or puzzle or from any other category. To meet these demands, there are a number of quality websites offering quality free online strategy games. There is no need to download anything, nor is there any need for plug-ins. Literally, playing online multiplayer strategy games is just a mouse click away.

As time rolls on, we are likely to see many more free strategy games available for game lovers to choose from. Certainly this is a good sign.

About the Author:

By Jake Jenkins, Free Games Fan
Play Free Online Strategy Games, Free Action Games at Strategy Games

Start A Home Based Business Under 100 USD

It's really true; you can start a home based business under $100, or even as little as no money at all. The Internet is the resource that makes it all possible, and starting an affiliate business - where you sell the goods and services of existing merchants - means you can have legitimate, profitable products to sell and make money on.

The affiliate business is the perfect way to get started online with a home based business under $100. Affiliate sales are huge, making billions of dollars for its merchant members and their affiliates. It's a very simple system: You sign up to be an affiliate, or partner, to an existing merchant. The merchant gives you tools - links, graphics, and page locations - for you to use to market their products. You handle the marketing of the products and drive sales and leads to their site, receiving a percentage of each transaction you are responsible for. Huge companies use affiliate programs to increase sales - companies such as eBay, Quicken, Eddie Bauer, J.Crew, Citibank, Lending Tree - the list goes on an on. Every time you visit a web site and see a flashing advertisement, it's very possible that is an affiliate link, and the website owner will be paid if you click and buy from the merchant's ad!

You can start a home based business under $100 as an affiliate simply by signing up with affiliate management companies such as Commission Junction or LinkShare Network, which represent hundreds of major retailers and service providers. You can sign up and get started with just an email. Although some companies want you to have a web site, it is not by any means required to begin to represent many quality products and services. Some companies will even help you by making an entire site for you - you only have to register a domain name and point it to their site! A domain name costs about $10 as of this writing - and some domain registration companies offer free web hosting and email too.

Once you start making sales by marketing the products and services, your partner company will send payment by check or sometimes direct deposit. You may have to generate a certain amount of sales to trigger a check, but if you are serious about building a home based business under $100, you'll find the checks start coming as your efforts start to pay off. By using affiliate programs, you can get started building a real online home based business with far less than $100.

MF Calhoun writes on home business issues for a variety of sites and publications. Act now to receive immediately a FREE 165-page course, The Affiliate Masters Course and learn how to build a high-earning affiliate business TODAY at http://www.bestwebsite.biz/under100biz2.html

Who Is Man Enough To Be A Nurse?

Introduction

Nursing is a well respected and noble profession. Candidates undergo the long and arduous test of nursing school, gain experience through trained professionals, and must constantly learn of new developments in the field while nurturing patients and vigilantly watching their health. Nursing appears to grant those working in the field a job that is both challenging and rewarding. So, where are all the males in the profession?

Men in the profession

The proportion of men to women nurses remains to be very unbalanced. In 1980, 2.7% of RNs were men and that percent rose to only 5.4% by 2000. The medical field has seen the increase in women doctors, yet the number of male nurses does not come close to that of women.

This was not always the case. Up until the 20th century, more than half of the people providing nursing services to the ill and injured were male. A dramatic shift occurred during the course of the early 20th century making the percentage of male RNs to be below 1% by the 1930s.

Flawed perceptions

Many laypeople and those with experience in the field attribute the lack of men in the field to the public image and misconceptions of being a nurse. Billboards, commercials, textbooks, and the gender of nursing teachers all aid in promoting ?feminine? image. Add fallacies about salaries, poor working conditions, and a limited amount of male role models, and we begin to see where the root of the diversion lies. The lexicon even seems to ameliorate the lopsidedness: A women is referred to as a ?nurse,? but a man is a ?male nurse.?

A new image?

The answer may be to reconstruct the image of a ?nurse.? People view nurses as caring, nurturing, and sensitive. These are exceptional attributes, but are generally referred to as being feminine. Some suggest altering the public perception with advertisements and suggestions that nursing is challenging, action-oriented, and fast-paced.

Still, others suggest that the compassionate, sensitive, and caring traits should be embraced by all people and not be misconstrued to describe one gender. Proponents believe it does take a certain person to become a nurse, but developing and exhibiting the nurturing side of one?s personality should not deter men from the field. Some feel these characteristics are ?positive? and to be revered, and not stereotyped as being ?feminine.?

Conclusion

Nurses (women and men alike) state nursing affords them a flexible schedule, good pay and benefits, job security, and an intrinsically rewarding feeling that you can not place a price upon. Those in the field believe that projecting all of the positive aspects of being a nurse should be more than enough to attract all people to the profession. It is not the profession that needs to change, but the outside perception of how important and noble the position is for everyone.

About the Author:

With over 25 years of experience in the Nursing Education field, Western Schools has now sold over 1 million ANCC accredited courses to nursing students across America. All courses are held up to strict, professional standards.

Review Of Motorola i850 (Camera Phone)

Model Motorola i850 (Camera Phone)
Carrier Nextel
Price $0.00
Final Price FREE*
Product Features The Motorola i850 takes push-to-talk to a new level. With support for both Nextel Direct Connect Walkie-talkie service, as well as Nextel's new Group Connect Services, this phone helps you get more done. Also, this phone lets you Push-to-Send a contact or your own info to others so they can get more done. Add in a nice 2.2 color display, a digital camera that takes print-quality pictures, and a quality speakerphone, and you've got quite a phone in your hands.
Advanced Features

GPS Services Support - Yes, Telenav 2.3 Pre-loaded for Driving Directions or Local Points of Interest
Data Capable / Use This Phone As A Modem - Yes, With Software Sold Separately
PC Synchronization - Yes, With Software Sold Separately
Digital Camera - Yes, VGA-quality (640 x 480 Resolution Max)
Battery Life

Battery Type - LiIon
Talk Time - Up To 245 Minutes
Standby Time - Up to 70 Hours
Compatibility Features

Device Supports Voice Plans - Yes
Available For Purchase Without Service Plan - Yes
Device Supports TeleNav 10 Service - Device Supports TeleNav 10 Service
Device Supports Group Walkie-Talkie Services - Yes

click Here For ReverseGenie - Reverse Lookups

Core Features

Color Main Display - Yes, 176 x 200 Pixels, Over 65,000 Colors, TFT
External Display - Yes, 96 x 32 Pixels, Monochrome Blue, LCD
Speakerphone - Yes
Push-to-Talk - Yes, Supports Nextel Direct Connect, Plus Group Connect and Push-to-Send My Contacts or My Info
Voice-activated Dialing - Yes
Voice Memo - Yes
Calculator - Yes
Calendar - Yes
Vibrate - Yes
Phonebook Capacity - 600 Entries
Multiple Numbers Per Name - Yes, 7 Numbers Plus Email Address
Highlights

External Display Shows Caller ID, Battery Life and More
Large 2.2 Color Display Shows Over 65,000 Colors
Nextel Direct Connect Walkie-talkie And Group Connect Services Help You Get It Done
Push-to-Send A Contact or Push-to-Send My Info To Co-workers
Quality Speakerphone
Send and Receive Picture and Text Messages
VGA-quality Digital Camera Takes Print-quality Photos
Voice Memo Reminders
Messaging Features

Mobile Web Browsing - Yes, Openwave 7 Browser Built-in
Multimedia Messaging - Yes
Text Messaging (SMS) - Yes, 2-way Via SMS
Personalization and Fun Features

Polyphonic Ringtones - Yes
MP3 Ringtones - Yes
Ringer Profiles - Yes
Picture Caller ID - Yes
Multiple Languages - Yes
Languages Supported - English, French, Spanish, Portuguese
Games - Yes, Downloadable
Customizable Graphics - Yes
Technical Specifications

Application Platform - Java
Network Compatibility - iDEN 800
Ringtone Types Supported - MIDI, WAV, MP3
Predictive Text Entry - Yes, T9
Dimensions - 3.46 in x 1.85 in x 1.14 in
Weight - 4.32 oz
What's In The Box With The Phone

Additional Items Included - Battery, Wall Charger, User Guide, Carry Holster With Swivel Clip

Click Here For Phone A Babysitter- Phone A Babysitter.com Provides A Service Needed By 3 Out Of Every 5 North American Households. Every Parent Needs A Babysitter.

About the Author

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The Best Internet Backgammon Opportunities

More Than Just Strollers

The Combi stroller line has a number of great strollers to choose from when you’re looking to purchase your first stroller. In fact, Combi has so many choices it can be a bit overwhelming. When choosing a stroller you have to first think about what you want exactly. Do you want a stroller only? Do you want a system that gives you both stroller and car seat working together? Do you want something that can accommodate exercise or two children? The great thing besides a lot of choices is that you can also expect most Combi strollers to be lightweight and compact. In my research I didn’t come across any Combi models that appeared to be a hassle. Whatever it is you’re looking for in a stroller, Combi should be able to accommodate you and your family’s needs.

Many of the umbrella Combi Strollers are lightweight, compact and come with a shoulder strap. They are also affordable range from very inexpensive to relatively expensive. The Combi City Savvy Stroller comes in a variety of colors not typical of strollers. Its fashionable, modern look gives it the Combi Savvy Stroller appeal for the city dweller. This umbrella stroller weighs only 12lbs and can form a travel system with the Combi Connection Infant Seat! The infant seat boasts a five-point harness and is good for the first year or until your child reaches 22lbs.

Also, available is the Combi Cosmo DX Stroller that comes in colors mango and keylime. The Combi Cosmo DX is one of many Combi lightweight tri-folding strollers and weighs only 13lbs. It is a reasonably priced duo-system you don’t want to overlook. The Cosmo DX (chocolate) is a top of the line stroller with a five-star rating. In addition to the mango and keyline models above, this version has a canopy and viewing window, front swivel wheels along with removable guardrail and washable cover.

In addition to just being a stroller, Combi offers a number of travel systems. This combination makes it a two-way system that functions to serve you and your child while you are out and about your daily routine. The Combi Cosmo ST Travel System accommodates the Centre ST Car Seat, which is part of the LATCH system. It comes with an energy absorbing foam that keeps the child’s head both cushioned and comfortable in case of an impact. The DK-5 Ultra Lite Travel System is another one to check out. This stroller comes in three different colors, is lightweight and portable. It also comes with a shoulder strap for parents on the go. I personally love the look of this stroller and at first glance one can see the ergonomics of its snail-shape build. And lastly, Combi also has a Twin Savvy EX Double Stroller. This Combi Double Stroller again, is lightweight and compact. It can also by itself once it is folded!

About the Author

LynnMarie is On-Line Editor for Babyage.com which is one of the top online retailers of Strollers with a wide variety of Combi Strollers for you to choose from!

Retail Steel Buildings

Retail steel buildings are great protectors for all types of retail establishments.

Because of multiple advantages, retail steel buildings are becoming popular day by day among franchisee chains and retail developers. It is a time consuming process to construct a retail building. In addition, significant amount of investment is needed. A wide number of pre-engineered steel building systems are in the market to fulfill your retail building needs. The providers of retail steel buildings assist building needs in the most economical manner. By erecting a retail steel building, you can save loads of money than is possible in conventional construction.

Retail steel buildings are designed to prevent the harshest climatic conditions on earth, such as heavy snow, tornadoes and hurricanes. It provides maximum usage of space with minimal investment. These buildings also prevent rusting and rotting. They are available in attractive designs with a variety of panel and trim colors.

Most retail steel buildings come with pre-drilled, pre-cut, pre-punched and pre-welded structures. By utilizing retail steel buildings, customers can uphold a clear span of up to 300 feet wide. Doors, roll-up doors, windows, insulation, ceiling lights and additional building options are offered. Along with these components, numerous exterior choices such as brick, slate, stone and stucco are also supplied to improve the look of the retail steel building.

Other benefits of using retail steel buildings are less maintenance, fire retardant, durability, flexibility, faster erection and cost efficiency. It can be easily expanded to any length according to your needs. Most of the retail steel buildings come with column free designs and do not require interior load bearing walls.

Many companies in this business attach warranty programs on retail steel buildings. They also offer warranty programs on the different components and parts. Almost all retail steel building companies provide project experts, who help all the way from concept to delivery.

Olympia Steel Building Systems, Crown International Steel Building Systems, American Steel Span, Standard Steel Buildings LLC, and General Steel Corporation are some of the leading manufacturers of retail steel buildings.

Steel Buildings provides detailed information on Steel Buildings, Commercial Steel Buildings, Pre-Fabricated Steel Buildings, Steel Storage Buildings and more. Steel Buildings is affiliated with Metal Building Kits.

Buying Equipment For A Home Gym: What You Should Know First

So you?ve gone through all the options and decided that a home gym is right for you. After all it?s convenient, private and can save you money by not paying for a gym membership.

You know what?s coming next. You have to plunk down 200, 500, maybe even 2,000 dollars to get the system that you want. And with all the choices out there how do you really know what you want anyway?

There are two main types of machines on the market, cardiovascular and strength training. Your body will look very different after you?ve shed the pounds depending on which exercise machine you choose.

Cardiovascular: These machines get your heart pumping quickly and increase your overall stamina. They include treadmills, ellipticals, exercise bikes, rowing exercise machines, steppers and skiers. Once you get your heart rate going on one of these machines you?ll start shedding calories fast. And most come with a calorie tracker so you can see when you?ve burned off that hamburger you felt so guilty about eating.

Cardio machines often only focus on a few muscles, meaning that your legs might get toned but you won?t get a six-pack or strengthen your arm muscles if all you do is use an elliptical. If you want a toned look all over, you?ll need to add other exercises like sit-ups and push-ups to your routine.

When shopping for a safe machine make sure it is sturdy and quiet when in use. Some cheaper brands tend to be wobbly which can be dangerous and distract you from getting the most out of your workout. An anti static floor mat may also help the stability of your machine by creating a hard surface for it to stand on. Compare prices to the quality of a brand you like. It may be worth it to get the upgrade because it will last longer.

You?ll also want the control panel to have quick response time because when you?ve reached your limit on a treadmill you need to stop immediately. Some machines keep going until a few seconds after you press the button.

To avoid having problems order from an online retailer that has a good return policy. Check to see how thick the base legs are. This is something you can find easily on Pro Form treadmills or NordicTrack Ellipticals.

Strength Training: This is what you want if you?re looking for the big bulk. Pumping weights is the fastest way to get larger muscles without using harmful drugs. You can also tone your muscles with strength training by lifting smaller amounts.

If you plan to work out alone you?ll need to find a machine that has a built in spotter or uses resistance in place of weights. If not you may find yourself at a stalemate with the 100 pounds above your head. Talk about an awkward situation!

Just like cardiovascular workouts, you won?t get big arm muscles if all you buy is an AB CoreMaster. So make sure you know what muscles a particular machine targets before buying. You may find that it?s worth it to spend a little extra money to get an all-in-one gym that targets most major muscle groups than a machine that focuses on just a few.

And don?t be surprised if you don?t lose any weight after strength training for a long period of time. Since muscle weighs more than fat you may even find that you?ve gained a few pounds.

Take the time to analyze your goals. What areas of your body are you concerned about and how do you envision yourself looking at its best? You may decide that what you need is a combination of cardiovascular exercise from a machine like the Pro Form treadmill and strength training from a set of weights. There are a few machines on the market, like the Cardio Cruiser by Jake that do both in one. But no matter what you decide you?ll be happier with your purchase and the results you get if you base it on your goals.

About the Author:

Karen Gates offers free information on hundreds of different weight loss methods. She also provides honest and unbiased dieting and weight loss product reviews. Go to Best Weight Loss Program also found at http://www.bestweightprograms.com

Budgeting Ideas For Mother And Baby

The good news is that there are ways to effectively budget and save that can greatly reduce these costs. You will find with smart shopping and good planning, you can still provide everything that your child needs while saving a great deal of money in the process. Here are some cost-saving tips that are sure to take some of the strain off of your bank account:

Dont feel that you need to buy everything at once. Your baby will not need to much more than an infant car seat, a safe place to sleep, diapers, and a few changes of clothing for the first few weeks.

Consider breastfeeding. You can save considerably if you dont have to buy formula and bottles.

Buy nappies on sale and in bulk, or better yet, buy a few dozen reusable cloth nappies that can be worn and washed over and over.

Dont be embarrassed to accept hand me downs from friends and family or shop in resale stores. You might be surprised to find that much of the clothing and toys have hardly been used at all.

Dont always assume that the more expensive items are better quality. Ask a trusted family member or friend who has small children what brands they like and use.

Shop the end-of-season sales for baby clothing and stock up on sizes that youll need for next season.

Water Balloons

This is a great activity for children, teenagers and even parents to do together. Buy a bag of water balloons and fill as many as you can. Place in plastic buckets or washing up bowls. Small children will need help. After everyone has an equal amount of wobbly, jiggly balloons, go into the garden and let the water fight begin! Hosepipes and water guns are not allowed. Wearing funny goggles, bathing caps, snorkels and NOT changing into bathing costumes makes it even more fun. The more spontaneous the better. Simple safety rules should be laid down first i.e., no running in the house, balloons must not be aimed at chest or head etc., Everyone will be laughing and having a great time, especially if grownups get involved. Afterwards, the children can go on a treasure hunt to see who can collect the most pieces of broken balloons in the garden - we don't want birds, dogs or cats to choke on any bits of rubber left in the garden.

If you have internet access log on to large coach company websites to find special deals: on one its possible to pre-book to any destination for ?1 each way per person. You have to be specific about times outward/return etc. This is a cheap way of introducing your children to different cities and having fun. Do your homework on your chosen destination and find out free venues and events. Pack a lunch and get discovering!!

Save up your vouchers from supermarket point systems and exchange them for days out tokens. This is a cheap way of affording expensive days out at theme parks as the vouchers are often worth more than their money equivalent.

Evaluate how much youll be spending for childcare if you are returning to work. You may just find that its less expensive to stay at home with your child.

Explore options to work from home to eliminate childcare costs.

Begin a higher education savings plan early on and contribute to it on a regular basis.
About the Author

Julian Hall of GiftBabies.co.uk - The
Baby Christening Gifts Company - The Most Unique,
Innovative Gift Ideas for Babies, Christening Gifts, Newborn Gifts, Personalised
Gifts, Organic Clothing, Nappies, Blankets, New Baby Gifts

A Small Formula To Simplify The Bear Off In Backgammon

Is Big Brother Dead?

Has collective collaboration taken the power from the top of the pyramid and dispersed it among the participants?

There is no one overseeing camera that records our every move. There are millions of them, in the hands of the public and on the walls of private businesses. The Mainstream Media cannot get the news to us faster than the masses of bloggers do. In addition, if they push something based on an agenda, it is swarmed by truth seekers. New stars and celebrities are created by choice, not force. Peer to Peer file swapping changed the entertainment industry forever. Google Video and YouTube have leeched television viewership significantly, and foreshadow the future of video entertainment.

Hopefully, my lack of example doesn't spoil the point of the article.

To me it seems that the power, once controlled by the few, is now slipping into the hands of the masses. Not that Orwell had it wrong, but the transmutation of his novel's message, and the prediction of greater totalitarian control in accordance with the development of technology, is wrong.

How does this affect the real estate industry?

Hundreds of thousands of voices can question the leadership, decisions, policies, management and opinions of those above and beside them. These voices can and will be heard whether anonymously, individually or collectively. Accountability is now the highest priority for those that took their power for granted. The NAR can be questioned, MLS's can be questioned, large brokerages can be questioned, top producers can be questioned, the questioners, questioned.

Search Engine results are up for grabs. Top placement is achievable by those who won't settle for static content. The long tail of search results is made up of the many many active voices. The more they say, the more they are heard, the more they are networked, the more Google loves them.

The once coveted access to MLS listings is becoming less of a compelling offer to generate leads. As the barriers soften and the public have access to that which was once locked away in a private, powerful book, service, education and trust define the attraction to an agent. One's ability to be heard among, and supported by the critical mass will replace the gatekeeper mentality and influence.

Reputations, the cornerstone of any long-standing business, depend on the collective voice. It can take years of success to be 'talked about.' One negative blog article can wash it all away.

Soon sellers and their listing agents will be held accountable by the collective audience for the facts they present about a property.

The future of listing a home?: Listing goes online. The audience participates in its description and perception. Property values become influenced by the community's comments.

With great power comes great responsibility.

Jim Cronin is the creator and author of The Real Estate Tomato: http://www.realestatetomato.com

Mission: To Provide Realtors With A Destination For The News, Knowledge, Technology and Service They Need To Be Successful.

SEAT at Techno Classica Essen

SEAT, Volkswagen Group's Spanish automotive brand has showcased some of their most popular and classical vehicle models at the concurrent Techno Classica Essen in Germany.

Techno Classica Essen is one of the largest classic automotive shows in the world for veteran cars, vintage cars, and classic cars from different automakers. Moreover, also included in the Techno Classica are auto parts and accessories show, forum for manufacturers and clubs, and market for tools, clothing, model cars and others. Last year, more than 150,000 visitors from more than 30 countries participated in the show that took place at Essen, Germany. Over 1,000 exhibitors comprised of 15 domestic and international manufacturers have presented their products at the 110,000 square meters, 17 halls of exhibition space.

For the third time, SEAT has participated in the 19th edition of the Techno Classica Essen, presenting four of their most popular models including classic cars, concept, and production models. Leading the product lineup is the legendary SEAT 600, along with the SEAT 850 Sport Spider, which has dominated the European market in their time. In addition, SEAT has also showcased the Toledo Marathon and the SEAT Formula concept car at the show.

The SEAT 600, built from 1957 to 1973 is popular for initiating a massive production of vehicles in Spain that helped the country to recover economically after the Spanish Civil War. SEAT will display one of the last units of SEAT 600 produced in Barcelona in 1973. Another classic model, a 1969 SEAT 850 Sport Spider with a 903 cc engine that pumps out 52 horsepower is presented at the Techno Classica Essen. According to the Spanish automaker, the SEAT 850 Sport Spider made history as the first sporty convertible vehicle model sold in the Spanish market during the 60s 70s.

Meanwhile, the SEAT Toledo Marathon embodies the SEAT's ingenuity in building models that stand out for their popularity and great success in motor sports. The SEAT Toledo Marathon was built in 1992 by SEAT Sport and competed in some of the European and international off-road rally racing events and gave the Spanish automotive brand some great victories including the Greece Raid in 1993.

Last but definitely not the least is the spectacular SEAT Formula concept car. Unveiled in 1999, the 2-seater convertible concept car features a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder 20 valve turbo engine capable of pumping out 240 horsepower, coupled with a 6-speed transmission with sequential gearbox taken from SEAT Cordoba World Rally Car. Performance is at 5 seconds acceleration time from 0 to 60 mph, reaching a top speed of 146 mph. The SEAT Formula is most probably equipped with VW strut mount. Unfortunately, the SEAT Formula concept has not yet put into production until now

For more about your VW parts needs like VW strut mount, visit your trusted online source.

Benjamin Hudson works as a supervisor at one of the top engineering firms in the business district of Louisiana. He is also a freelance journalist and has passion for anything automotive.

Teaching Outside the Box: Tough Times Require Extraordinary Creativity

(ARA) - Teaching is now competing with testing, leaving less classroom time for hands-on, experienced-based learning. With record debt -- upwards of $200 billion -- and school funding dependent on compliance and performance, programs promoting creative thinking have become unaffordable luxuries.

Its not just P.E. hours and pencil allotments being cut, says Susan Singer, president and founder of Field Trip Factory (FTF), a company which provides free, experiential learning adventures to U.S. schools. Were seeing less active learning in classrooms despite research showing a direct correlation between the learners involvement and learning retention. Studies have demonstrated 40 to 60 percent increases in retention when students have an opportunity to test previously learned facts and theories, revise assumptions, and derive new and first-hand knowledge.

The growing success of Singers company is a testament to the overwhelming demand for creative, affordable ways to reinforce curriculums and engage all kinds of learners. Last year, Field Trip Factory took 200,000 pre-K through 8th grade students out of the classroom -- into the field -- to teach lessons in nutrition, fitness, creative problem-solving, teamwork, eye science, biology, recycling and geography.

Students were able to taste their way up the Food Pyramid, suit up with sports safety gear, plan birthday parties using time and budget allotments, examine the similarities linking living beings, and much more. According to Chicago public school teacher and field trip participant, Mee Soohoo, The interaction between the students and the community professionals on-the-job had a real impact on students learning and behavior. In a survey done following a recent nutrition field trip, student participants reported eating 38 percent healthier and increasing their consumption of nutritious foods by 12 to 18 percent.

This past spring, 600 schools signed-up for FTFs new in-school Creative Break program, which promotes self-expression and creative problem-solving, while supporting cross-curricular instruction. Teachers embraced the Breaks art-based, no wrong answer activities and students eagerly exchanged their number two pencils for colored markers.

Interest in experiential learning has ebbed and flowed since the late 19th century, but is growing by leaps and bounds today. Cost has always been a consideration but now Singer and Field Trip Factory have taken that consideration off the table. Educational psychologists support hands-on learning not only for learners whod be left behind by traditional classroom instruction, but for all students. In an ever-changing, highly competitive global market, children must be readied to apply flexible, creative strategies to practical, real-world problems.

For more information about any of Field Trip Factorys programs, call (800) 987-6409 or visit the website at: www.fieldtripfactory.com.

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Building a Foundation of Learning ARABuilding a Foundation of Learning
(ARA) - Any parent with school-age children knows that school budgets have been strained to their limits in recent years. State and federal government pledges of no new taxes also mean no new funding for schools. Extra-curricular activities such as band and drama are usually the first casualties, but basic academic programs can be affected, too. Some schools, in an effort to raise money, resort to solutions like installing vending machines selling soda pop, or bringing fast food franchises into the school cafeteria.

Coming up with exciting lesson plans that include hands-on learning elements can be a challenge for teachers under these circumstances. Two programs that have won thumbs up reviews from both teachers and students are Build Up! and On Site!. These two programs help teach math, science, technology and language arts to fifth through ninth grade students, using a fun curriculum based on the buildings around them.

In teams, the kids in my class built bridges and skyscrapers, said Dan Jordan, a fifth-grade teacher at Barton Intermediate School in Queensbury, N.Y. They thoroughly enjoyed this weeklong project. Some of the teams had structures that held over 100 pounds! As an educator, and former businessman, I appreciate whenever companies or groups get involved with helping to educate our children.

Build Up! is geared to fifth grade students, and takes them on a journey of discovery inside the structures that make up their world. In addition to using math skills, students also stretch their imaginations and use their science knowledge as they look ahead and discuss futuristic building challenges, such as mile-high buildings, extra-long bridges and energy efficient buildings.

The Build Up! curriculum was very well received by the students and the activities were highly motivational. It gave them an excellent understanding of the skills required by those in the construction industry, as well as the career opportunities that are available, said Sara Miller, a fifth-grade teacher (ret.) from Washington, D.C., who piloted the program during the 1997 to 98 school year.

The On Site! program is tailored to middle/junior high school students (grades 6 through 9). This multi-media program travels through time and brings students from the early construction in ancient Rome to construction today, where environmental, economic and social impacts are considered as new projects are undertaken.

One of the most popular aspects of On Site! is The Most Astounding Structures video. Developed in conjunction with the History Channel, the video provides a 30-minute overview of the most extreme structures on earth -- the tallest, strangest, largest.

All of the lessons in Build Up! and On Site! are linked to National Standards for social studies, science, math and language arts. Build Up! debuted in January 1999 and has been refined and improved using teacher feedback. This feedback was also used in creating On Site! To date, the two programs have reached over 1 million students.

The construction industry is an honorable profession, says Dennis Day, executive director of public affairs for the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), a Washington, D.C.-based trade group for the construction industry. It is still one of a few industries where you can climb the ladder of success as high as you want. By creating our Build Up! and On Site! curriculum, AGC brings the merits of the profession to students, teachers, and parents allowing them learn how construction contributes to our quality of life.

Build Up! and On Site! are available free to teachers and schools courtesy of AGC. The tool kits for each program are turnkey supplementary education programs that include a teaching guide with lesson plans, student activity books, audio visual components, and consumable materials for hands-on projects such as wooden dowels, washers, Popsicle sticks, rubber bands, floatable concrete mix, etc., which are used in conjunction with the student activities.

AGC members and chapters sponsor kits at a cost of $199 each; after a teacher requests a kit, AGC works to find someone in their area who will sponsor their materials. AGC members are also available as speakers to provide real-world connections to the academic material, sharing their knowledge and experience with students.

For more information on Build Up! and On Site!, visit www.agc.org.

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Parents Need a Back-to-School Checklist for Educational Technology ARA(ARA) - New clothes that strike a balance between appropriate and cool? Check. New school supplies that include the latest backpack style? Check. New ulcer caused by your teens impending first day of high school? Check mate. You may not be ready for it, but youre pretty sure they are. Youve raised them to appreciate an education, youve taught them everything you know and youve given them all the trappings of the 21st century teen. But have you given them an edge?

Technology has dramatically altered the classroom in the last decade, allowing students to achieve a deeper level of understanding of their schoolwork. The calculator you used, which probably offered a one line screen and had only basic math functionality, is now as antiquated as the abacus. There is a new breed of educational handheld devices more akin to handheld computers. They make the word calculator woefully inadequate to describe what is possible for your teen. This new technology is not a calculator at all, but closer to a portable and personal handheld computer. It leverages software algorithms and micro-technology and offers functions beyond mere mathematical calculation to enrich the learning experience across a spectrum of subjects. It gives a child the edge that the hippest clothes, the coolest school supplies and even a parents best intentions cant provide.

But your VCR still flashes 12:00 a.m. You know as much about the latest technology as you do about the newest boy band. So how do you know youve given your child the best tool to succeed? What should you look for in an educational handheld? There are three elements to consider in the checklist for this back-to-school purchase: educational value, lifecycle and price.

Educational Value

Perhaps the most important factor in choosing an educational handheld device is the company that makes it. Are they focused on education? Some companies are marketing their business handhelds, or personal digital assistant (PDAs) as educational handhelds. However, these are often not created with the student, or learning, as the priority. The best devices are developed after rigorous research and testing with educators. Teachers should be involved in developing the products as they offer significant input on what capabilities are necessary to heighten the impact of the coursework. Teens are also often asked what they would like to see integrated into the handheld. The devices themselves are even tested in the school environment, having to survive a crunch test in a book bag that simulates the wear and tear the average teen can inflict. The best way to research a company to make sure it meets this educational criterion is by asking your childs teacher or looking on the companys Web site.

Another way to evaluate the educational value of these products is to look at the additional software applications that are offered. These applications extend the capabilities of a handheld device into different subject areas. Some companies, like Texas Instruments, have developed educational apps that are easily downloadable via computer from their Web site. Again, ask your students teacher what applications will be used in class, but also know that many apps can be used as student-driven study aids. They add functionality, flexibility and fun to the learning process, and top-of-the-line devices allow you to choose from an array of subjects.

Obviously, students still need the traditional math and science functions that allow them to explore equations for algebra, plot graphs, determine coefficients and perform the higher arithmetic functions, but many educational devices leave off there. There are, however, devices on the market, like the TI-83 Plus Silver Edition, that also enable students to graphically analyze data for biology, offer spreadsheet capabilities, and timelines for history, social studies, and other classes. It can even be used as a personal organizer to keep class schedules and important contact information. Educational handhelds like this can connect with computers for software app downloads as well as operating system upgrades that can further extend its usability through the school years.

Some devices even have capabilities to review electronic flash cards for any subject, including foreign languages. The best devices for learning are allowed for use on standardized tests, such as the SAT and ACT, and even required for some state exams. This gives your child a decided edge in the testing environment, as these are often the same tools they use in class.

Lifecyle

A handhelds lifecycle, or how long its technology is up to date, is another important factor when deciding on an educational device. Always check the applications. Do they cover a variety of educational subjects? Do they actually offer anything new that will help your child succeed? Beware of superficial changes and your childs desire to simply have the coolest looking model, regardless of its value in the classroom.

The second thing to understand is that we live in an age of software. Downloads should be readily available at a companys Web site and should offer a wide range of options that extend the use of the product through multiple subject areas and different educational levels.

Price

Obviously this lifecycle is an important distinction when pricing handhelds, as is the educational value. This is an investment that you are making for your childs future. A good handheld should take a student through three or four years of learning, with the average device costing between $100 and $150. When one thinks of the school supplies bought every year (remember those designer tennis shoes?), an educational handhelds cost is negligible when spread out over its entire lifecycle.

Make sure youre getting what you paid for. Does the device add value by delivering more apps across a wide spectrum of subjects? Was it developed with input from educators? Will it withstand the pressure between a chemistry and English book? Can they use it for standardized testing? Can the lifecycle be extended through downloads saving you multiple purchases?

As your teen begins his or her high school years, you can be confident that their learning experience will be enriched with the right educational handheld device. It is one more tool and one more edge you can give them as they enter that brave new world. As you look for the right device to fit your needs, you can rest easy in the knowledge that you now know more about educational handhelds than you ever thought you would. Boy bands and the clock on the VCR are still a mystery.

Information on TI products can be found at www.education.ti.com/bts.

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Robots Shoveling Snow? Humanoid Robot Inspires Students to Study Science ARA(ARA) Imagine getting some help decorating your holiday tree or shoveling snow off your driveway from a friendly robot. It could happen sometime in the future.

Honda is asking kids to imagine what it would be like if robots were a part of our daily lives. The ASIMO Essay Contest provides a chance for one school to win an exclusive visit from ASIMO, the worlds most advanced humanoid robot, in March of 2004.

We hope that the ASIMO Essay Contest encourages students across the nation to dream about the future of robotics, said Jeffrey Smith, leader of the ASIMO North American Project. We also hope that it inspires them to learn more about the science and technology involved in humanoid robotics.

Developed by Honda after 17 years of research, ASIMO (Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility), can walk forward and backward, turn smoothly without pausing, climb stairs and maintain balance while walking on uneven slopes and surfaces. With its smooth moves, ASIMO can even disco dance with the best of them. This compact robot is about the size of a fourth grader, but it represents big possibilities for the future of robotic technology.

Created to resemble a human shape and operate in human environments, ASIMO has two arms and two hands, necessary to someday work in our world where we need to reach and grasp objects, switch lights on and off and open and close doors. ASIMO also can recognize the faces of a select number of individuals and respond to voice commands and hand signals.

Honda hopes that one day ASIMO may be able to assist elderly, disabled and other people in need with day-to-day activities. In the future, a robot like ASIMO could also possibly perform dangerous duties such as fighting fires and cleaning up hazardous wastes.

To enter the contest, each participating class or group of students will research the science and history of robotics and submit an essay on their school's vision of the role of humanoid robots in our society. The contest is open to all public and private elementary, middle, junior high and high schools in the 48 contiguous United States and the District of Columbia. The winning school will be notified by February 20, 2004.

ASIMO is currently traveling on a North American Educational to motivate students to study sciences such as math, engineering, physics and computer science. Classroom materials for teachers and robotics-related educational resources for parents can be found at www.asimo.honda.com.

For more information about the ASIMO North American Educational Tour and the essay contest, visit www.asimo.honda.com.

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How to Choose a 2007 Prom Dress

You are so excited. You thought this big event would never get here. Here it is only months away and now you have to choose the one prom dress that will make you look beautiful and feel confident. There are so many different styles and colors available in prom dresses. This is the reason you need to start shopping months before the big event.

Take the time to find out what style best suits you and your body shape. Find out what is popular this year. Trends change drastically every year and you want to be the new girl.

Before Shopping for 2007 Prom Dresses

It is always a good idea to look through up-to-date magazines such as Seventeen, Prom Magazine, and even bridal magazines. You would be surprised at the different fashions you will see and the great ideas from the models in these magazines. If a dress really catches your eye, tear out the page and take it with you when you go shopping for your gown.

Another timesaving step is to take your measurements before you go shopping. Jot down your height and weight. This will give you more time to look. This information will come in handy when you decide to go online and shop.

Knowing how much you have in your budget and which price range best suits you will also save you time.

Shopping for Your Gown

Once you have jotted down your measurements and have set your budget, it's time for the fun part. SHOPPING!!!! Go to every dress shop that you can find in your area or you may have to shop out of town. Visiting different shops will give you an idea of what styles are available this year.

Try on several different dresses at each shop to help you determine what style and color suits you. If your budget is low, check out the outlet stores and thrift shops in your area. You may be surprised at the dresses carried by these shops. Bridal shops are also a great place to shop for your prom dress.

When choosing your prom dress, you want the dress that best suits your figure. Always buy a dress that fits you now. Do not buy a size smaller and hope that on prom night you can fit into the dress. When shopping for your prom dress, it is best to shop at stores where the employees can help you and give you advice if needed.

Bright, bold colors seem to be the trend at this time. These colors tend to be eye-catching and bring color to your face. Beads and jewels draw attention by catching the light on your gown.

Keep in mind your undergarments that you will need to purchase such as a strapless bra or corset. You may want to purchase these items before you shop for your dress so you will have them available when you try on gowns.

Remember, keep your options open. If you have shopped 'til you dropped and still have not found that dream dress for your 2007 prom, you can go to a tailor shop and have them design a dress just for you or surf online at your own convenience.

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Learn more about Choose Your 2007 Prom Dress or Majon's Clothing for Women directory.

Retiring Overseas Why Record Numbers Of Americans are Doing it

More Americans than ever are retiring overseas than ever before and the reason is many people simply don?t have enough money to maintain their standard of living when they stop work.

If you are or have never considered retiring overseas, then this article will explain the main benefits of how you can instantly improve your standard of living and the best destination.

The major concern of retiring abroad

That most people have about retiring overseas is that they will be a long way from their loved ones or feel alone, but this need not be the case.

For example, a destination such as Costa Rica is just a three hour direct flight from the US.

More importantly, as there is such a large American community already established people feel at home and have an infrastructure catering for Americans so there are lots of familiar shops and entertainment.

When retiring overseas in Costa Rica it can seem more like moving between States than countries!

Now let?s look at the huge benefits of retiring overseas to Costa Rica.

1. Property

Up to 70% cheaper than in the US.

Imagine a stunning beach or mountain view, in one of the most beautiful countries on earth, well it?s within reach of many Americans who live here, they get beautiful properties with stunning views at a cost that?s very affordable.

2. A lower cost of living

Imagine being able to live comfortably on just $2,000 a month.

Well, when retiring overseas to Costa Rica social security checks simply go further, as everything is cheaper.

3. Its easy to move

Re locating to Costa Rica is easy residency is quick and simple to obtain and when you buy property you get the same rights as residents and there is no tax on social security checks from abroad

4. Costa Rica is safe and the pace of life slower

Costa Rica is safe and serious crime is rare and the pace of life is just that little bit slower, like it used to be when people had time to stop and talk to each other.

5. All the leisure you want at your finger tips

You have all the leisure interests you could want including restaurants, casinos and shopping, as well as being in one of the top adventure holiday destinations in the world.

Outdoor pursuits include great fishing, sailing, and white water rafting or maybe gentler pursuits such as strolling in rainforest or a round of golf. You get all this and more in Costa Rica.

An affordable slice of paradise close to home

Retiring overseas in Costa Rica appeals to many Americans in particular because it is close and almost like moving between States and the large community already there of foreign nationals means there is a community you can feel at home in.

The major advantage is the lifestyle you can get at a cost that?s simply not available in the US. Costa Rica really is an affordable slice of paradise.

You have worked hard so relax and enjoy your golden years in one of the most beautiful countries on earth with a standard of living that?s second to one.

Look at the facts and you will see why more Americans than ever are retiring overseas and Costa Rica is their number one destination.

FREE Retiring Aborad Report

Of a free report on retiring in costa rica with all the facts on living and buying the home of your dreams in visit http://www.costaricalandlots.com

Price Categories for Baby Strollers

There are prices of Baby Strollers for every budget. I was shocked to find that one could spend in excess of $800 on a baby stroller. So, I did some research and based that my research, these are the most popular baby strollers in each of the six following price categories:

Less than $50:

* Kolcraft Jeep All-Weather Reclining Umbrella Stroller
* Kolcraft Jeep Wrangler All-Weather Stroller
* Chicco Caddy Stroller
* Baby Trend snap-n-go Stroller

Between $50 and $100

* Combi City Savvy LX Stroller
* Baby Trend Expedition Stroller
* Britax Esprit Stroller
* Kolcraft Jeep Wrangler Twin Sport All-Weather Stroller
* Baby Trend Snap-N-Go Double

Between $100 and $200

* InStep Safari Double (11-AR266) Stroller
* joovy Caboose Stand-On Tandem Stroller
* Baby Trend Deluxe Sit N Stand
* Baby Trend sit-n-stand Stroller
* Cosco Eddie Bauer 01068 Stroller
* Baby Trend Deluxe Sit N Stand LX
* Safety 1st Signature Tandem Stroller
* Graco DuoGlider LXI 7951 Stroller
* Maclaren Quest Mod Stroller
* InStep Safari TT Single (13-SC505) Stroller
* InSTEP Schwinn Free Wheeler (13-SC506) Stroller
* Graco DuoGlider Stroller 7919

Between $200 and $350

* Graco Quattro Tour Duo 6K00 Stroller
* Kolcraft Contours Options Tandem Stroller
* Peg Perego Pliko P3 Classico Stroller
* InSTEP Schwinn Free Wheeler Double (13-SC906) Stroller
* joovy Big Caboose Stand-On Triple Stroller
* InStep Schwinn Mark 3 (13-SC767)
* Combi Twin Savvy EX Stroller
* Maclaren Twin Techno Stroller
* Baby Jogger Q-Series Single Stroller

Between $350 and $650

* BOB Revolution Duallie Stroller

Greater than $650

* Stokke Xplory Stroller
* Bugaboo Frog Stroller

There are literally hundreds of other brands and models of baby strollers but based on my research these are the most popular baby strollers in each of these price ranges. Good luck!

Michael Thompson is a freelance article publisher.

For links and information on any of these baby strollers please visit my Baby Strollers by Price web page

Or, for the whole story on Baby Strollers, check out my Baby Strollers Buyer's Guide web site.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=M.Thompson

By M. Thompson and Don Merrill

Do Top Indian Casinos compare to Las Vegas Casinos?

You might be surprised...

Indian Casinos all around the country are shattering the notion that Indian Casinos are a less than par alternative when compared to their Las Vegas counterparts.

However, just like in Sin City itself, the quality of Indian Casinos varies dramatically.

With literally hundreds of Indian Casinos spread out across the United States, to give you an idea of the level of quality gaming emerging on reservations countrywide, let's focus in on a few of the top Indian Casinos leading the way.

A good place to start is from an area often considered the Indian Casino capital of California and the location of an extremely competitive Indian Casino market, San Diego, California.

Here's a quick snapshot of 6 Top Indian Casinos in San Diego:

1) Barona Valley Ranch Resort and Casino

Barona offers visitors Vegas style gaming action, combined with unique dining experiences, a luxurious hotel, and world-class golf. This spectacular highly acclaimed ranch-themed resort and casino has earned various awards for its casino and games, as well as for its restaurants and golf club.

2) Viejas Casino

Viejas is a well-established and popular Indian casino. Beyond its top notch gaming, Viejas Entertainment puts on high caliber concerts and the Viejas Outlet shopping center is known for it's upscale outlet shopping. The casino also caters to the trend setting crowd with their new V Lounge bar.

3) Harrah's Rincon Casino

Harrah's Rincon Casino follows in the footsteps of the Harrah's gaming brand. A new 21-story hotel tower adds to the resort feel and recently was voted as having the Best Rooms, Best Suites, Best Hotel Service and more in 2005 by Casino Player magazine. Amenities include a luxurious spa and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Harrah's Rincon routinely attracts famous acts to it's entertainment complex.

4) Pala Casino

Pala Casino offers award winning gaming, has eight restaurants, a 10,000 square foot day spa, a four-diamond resort with 507 deluxe hotel rooms, including 82 suites, four entertainment venues and an Olympic size pool with 12 cabanas. Pala routinely attracts big name entertainment concerts as well.

5) Pechanga Resort and Casino

As one of the country's newest resort destinations, Pechanga Resort & Casino, an AAA four-diamond property, offers the best of hotel luxury, Vegas style gaming, entertainment, meeting facilities and seven fine dining choices. A-list performers scheduled regularly in the 1,200- seat Pechanga Theater

6) Sycuan Resort and Casino

In addition to great gaming, dining and entertainment, Sycuan Resort offers 54 holes of Southern California's best golf, championship tennis courts, great overnight accommodations and a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy cocktails and fine dining. The Showcase Theatre features great shows and concerts.

If you are getting the itch to visit Vegas but don't want to make the trek, you might not have to look much further than your local Indian Casino.

You definitely won't be let down by any of the Top 6 San Diego Indian Casinos.

About the Author

Oregon Commercial Real Estate

Real estate is broadly categorized into two types. This includes residential and commercial real estate. As the name suggests, the latter revolves around sale and lease of property that is intended for use in trade and business. This includes a wide range of business opportunities including shopping malls, gas stations, car parks and office buildings. The Oregon commercial real estate market is huge and encompasses innumerable viable plots and property.

Oregon commercial real estate could refer to an empty plot of land, a building, a store or multiple shops, or even a park. The instant any property is to be used for a business purpose, it is categorized as commercial real estate. Oregon commercial real estate includes land, as well as anything that is permanently built or fixed onto it. These fixtures include nursing homes, buildings and fences. They also refer to pipes, plumbing, heating devices and light fixtures that are inbuilt or fixed on the exterior of a building. Commercial real estate can be purchased, sold or rented as required. Such commitments prove to be profitable for real estate agents who deal in them. Since commercial real estate deals with profitability in the long run, entrepreneurs do no rush into such commitments. It is important to find an Oregon commercial real estate property that is feasible and can help increase trade.

Price points for Oregon commercial real estate depend upon their location. Areas that are established as commercially profitable are categorized within higher price brackets, as compared to others located in developing areas. Their rates are calculated differently from residential real estate. A number of Oregon real estate listing companies have dedicated commercial real estate databases that are easy to access and designed to help clients find a viable property in a short time. Before finalizing an Oregon commercial real estate deal, it is important to ensure the property is not blacklisted and all fixtures within it are in compliance with state regulations.

Oregon Real Estate provides detailed information on Oregon Real Estate, Portland Oregon Real Estate, Bend Oregon Real Estate, Oregon Coast Real Estate and more. Oregon Real Estate is affiliated with Denver Real Estate Agents.

Spring Fashion Freshness

Its a whole new season so why not kick start it with some fabulous fashion finds, a change in fragrance, and maybe even a new hairdo, and dont forget to lighten up your makeup.

Its a whole new season so why not kick start it with some fabulous fashion finds, a change in fragrance, and maybe even a new hairdo, and dont forget to lighten up your makeup.

This season is full of wonderful fabrics and styles, from ultra feminine to the boldness of the ethnic prints. From short to long dress and skirt styles. From halters to cap sleeves. From tweed to pastel shades. Shoe styles vary from flip flops to wedges to stiletto heels. And be sure to check out the fabulous styles in casual and sporting sandal wear.

When choosing items for your spring wardrobe, first analyze your body shape and determine what styles will look best on you. Next decide what your favorite colors are for this season and determine what colors flatter you the most and which flatter you the least. Stay away from the colors and styles that don't flatter. Choose clothing that is most flattering, but also be sure to step out on the limb a little bit and choose a few items that are not a traditional style or color choices you would make. Dare to experiment a little bit. Its always nice to add a little spice to your wardrobe.

This season there truly is something for everyone. We see skirts that go from mini to ankle length. Full skirts, pencil skirts, flared skirts - they are all in style. We've got great selection in summer tops from open back, to halter, to baby tee's, to strapless. And shorts are arriving on the scene in a variety of lengths from short shorts to knee length.

Your color choices are truly endless! The full spectrum of pastel shades is at your fingertips. But wait, so are the vibrant bright shades such as yellow, chartreuse, turquoise, and pink. Traditional white is still in the running and is very easy to dress up or down.
This seasons jewelry is also large with something for everyone. We've got long dangles, full chandeliers, fun studs, large hoops, and more. There are plenty of rhinestones and crystals on the scene this season. And wait! Pearls have had a whole new facelift - now faux pearls are available in a wide variety of color and they don't just belong with your formal wear. This season pearls are ever so chic with your fave pair of jeans. Now that's progress!

Bangles are on the top of the fashion radar this season. Load your arm from top to bottom, wear a single, mix and match materials, sizes and styles.

Wood jewelry is the top pick to go with the ethnic prints of the season. There's some wonderful vintage pieces to be had for a reasonable price. The beauty about vintage is the exotic woods you can find which are no longer used today because of cost.

While you are busy uplifting your wardrobe and jewelry, why not uplift your body? Perhaps a new fragrance, a new hair cut or color, add some lighter shades to your makeup.

Remember to make your fashion statement you have to pamper the whole you! Spring is a time to rejuvenate, so take some time to rejuvenate not only your wardrobe but yourself.

Make your fashion statement!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Estate Jewelry International has been serving customers for over 20 years, providing estate jewely & costume jewelry for all occasions, as well as a wealth of information on jewelry, fashion, designers, and beauty. Please visit us at http://www.estatejewelryinternational.com/

Steve Merril's Wednesday Fullcourt Report (Jan. 11)

A huge college basketball card for Wednesday night as conference action is now in full swing. Two of the biggest matchups take place on ESPN national television. Michigan State returns home after back-to-back road losses to face Indiana, while Maryland faces their biggest rival, Duke, on the road.

INDIANA at MICHIGAN STATE (-5 ?, 146 ?) (ESPN)

The BIG 10 is shaping up as the most competitive conference in the country this season with at least six legitimate Top 25 programs. Both Indiana and Michigan State qualify in this grouping, along with Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Ohio State.

The Spartans were a preseason #1 pick by many handicappers, but have struggled so far this season with four losses already versus Hawaii, Gonzaga, Illinois, and Wisconsin. The Spartans lost both road games last week and shot just 36 percent versus the Illini and only 35 percent versus the Badgers.

Michigan State is a perfect 8-0 SU at home this season, but remain over-priced as evident by their 2-4 ATS mark in those home games. The biggest problem has been a terrible perimeter defense that has allowed 42 percent shooting from three-point range at home this season. Overall, Michigan State is allowing 38 percent from long range (versus opponents that average just 34 percent overall).

Indiana is an excellent shooting club and the Hoosiers are averaging an incredible 48 percent this season from three-point range (versus opponents that allow just 35 percent). The Hoosiers have one of the most explosive offenses in the nation and have shot 49 percent or higher from the field in ten of their twelve games this season. Overall, Indiana averages 81 points per game and 53 percent shooting (versus opponents that allow just 67 points and 44 percent on average).

Indiana also has a strong defense that allows just 65 points and 40 percent shooting this season (versus opponents that average 71 points and 45 percent overall). The Hoosiers are coming off back-to-back home wins over Michigan and Ohio State, but Indiana failed to cover both games, going 2-0 SU and 0-2 ATS.

Home court has been strong in this series with the home team going 10-1 SU and 8-3 ATS over the past eleven head-to-head meetings.

MARYLAND at DUKE (-14, 156) (ESPN)

This has been one of the greatest rivalries in college basketball over the past decade as these schools have met thirteen times in the past five years with Duke holding a narrow 7-6 SU advantage. However, Maryland is a strong 9-4 ATS in those games and the Terps have gone a perfect 3-0 SU/ATS in the three most recent head-to-head meetings, winning all three games outright as an underdog of +9, +12 ?, and +3 ? points.

Duke is currently the #1 ranked team in the nation and the Blue Devils are coming off an impressive 82-64 road win at Wake Forest on Sunday. Duke has shot 53 percent or higher in five of their past six games and overall they are averaging 52 percent from the field this season (versus opponents that allow just 40 percent overall).

Maryland is a strong offensive team as the Terps average 48 percent shooting (versus opponents that allow just 43 percent). Maryland is also strong from long-range as they hit 38 percent of their three-point shots.

Duke is averaging 40 percent (versus opponents that allow just 33 percent) from beyond the arc, but the biggest difference between these two clubs is perimeter defense as Duke allows just 25 percent from three-point range, while Maryland allows 35 percent.

Maryland had played four away games on neutral courts this season, but they had not play a true road game on an opponent's home court until this past Saturday when they lost 84-70 as a 3-point road favorite at Miami-Fla.

About the Author

Steve Merril is a documented member of the Professional Handicappers League.

How to Sell Your House

If you have a house and need to sell it for some reason, it requires some thinking and planning effort. The most important task is to correctly value your house. This can be done with the help of an agent or evaluator. There are also some online facilities available for establishing the value of a property. You must take into consideration the mortgage payoff, taxes, and real estate agents? commissions before finalizing the worth of your house. Ensure again that it is neither under- nor overpriced.

The next task is to present your house to prospective buyers in a respectable condition. For this you could get the help of a professional home inspector, who could recommend what improvements are needed before you put the house up for sale. The exteriors of the house should be attractive and well-maintained. The outside areas should be neat and clean. It is a good idea to touch up the interiors wherever they are damaged. It will be helpful to replace any bathroom and kitchen fittings if they are worn out or leaking.

At this point, you are ready to put out advertisements and flyers or even contact agents to sell the house. You should allow the prospective buyers to come and see the house at their convenience. If you can be available to show the house, chances are it would sell faster. Before buyers come to visit, ensure that there are no bad smells in your house, there is proper lighting at all places, all pets are under control and the house has a neat and tidy look.

Once there is a buyer who agrees to purchase your house, you need to bring your attorney forward to handle legalities and paperwork. They can handle the title search and paperwork for a small fee. And then you must prepare to vacate your house as per the agreement. More often than not, it is an emotional moment, and one should be mentally prepared for this eventual separation.

Selling a house is a crucial task. Sometimes, owners do not like to involve agents, but prefer to sell the house themselves. For this you must have information on all aspects of selling and agreements between buyers and sellers. This way you could save a few thousand dollars in commission. On the other hand, if you are not very conversant with negotiation, you may strike a low paying deal. And even the paperwork and legal formalities become your responsibility. So if you feel you are not up to it, it is better to hire a reputable real estate agent to do the job for you.

Sell House provides detailed information on Sell House, Sell Your House Fast, Sell House By Owner, Sell Your House Online and more. Sell House is affiliated with Real Estate Note Brokers.

Keeping Baby Safe: your most important role as a parent

Saying Thanks, But No Thanks to Used Safety Equipment

Once your beautiful bundle of joy arrives, the work of raising your child really begins. The biggest job you have as a parent is keeping your baby safe. Yet, it is impossible to watch over your children twenty-four hours a day.

Thankfully, there are many safety products available to keep them from getting hurt. These products include safety gates, outlet covers, oven and table bumpers, doorknob covers, bed rails, locks and guards, and many more. As a parent, you need to use products that are one step ahead of their children's abilities, and can do so by getting down on their level and looking around. This gives you a child's eye perspective of child safety issues in your home.

But with so many products to buy and so many different brand names, how do you decide what products you need most? The best thing to do when it comes to safety is buy new products rather than used ones. An older, used product may have been recalled due to dangerous safety issues, or it may be damaged from previous use. Although hand-me-downs are great for clothes and toys, your childs safety is just too important to leave to chance. Babies R Us is a great place to find all the safety products you need.

That still leaves the issue of how to choose between one safety gate, for instance, and another. Here are some purchasing tips for some of the more popular safety items you will need for your baby.

Car Seats

More children are seriously injured and killed in auto accidents than in any other type of accident. Each year, hundreds of lives could be saved if children were protected in cars by using child safety seats. Using a child safety seat is the best protection you can give your child when traveling by car.

When purchasing a car seat, look for:

Label states that it meets or exceeds the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards;
Is the car seat appropriate for your child's height and weight?
Be aware of the type of seat belts your car has; all car seats are not compatible with all seat belts;
Check recent car seat recalls before making a purchase;
Be sure that the seat you choose fits your child - a smaller baby can slip out of a seat that's too large. Infants one year or younger and up to 20 pounds must be placed in a rear-facing seat, toddlers (older than 1 year and between 20 and 40 pounds) may use a forward-facing seat, and children who are between 40 and 80 pounds need to be placed in a booster seat;
Consider choosing a seat that is upholstered in fabric - it may be more comfortable for your child.

Safety Gates

Baby safety gates are an essential element in making your home baby proof. Now that he's on the move, every nook and cranny is a potential area of exploration for him. Your baby is curious about his new environment, wanting to investigate each little corner and new room. The best way to make sure he can't do any harm to himself is to install safety gates. These will prevent him from reaching the stairs, kitchen, or an office room, where there might be many wires and electrical equipment just at his height

Accordion gates, which open to form diamond-shaped patterns with wide V's at the top, can trap a baby's head and have resulted in strangulation deaths. In January 1985, gate manufacturers halted production of these gates, but there are still an estimated 15 million gates in use. Mesh gates also can be dangerous because a toddler's fingers can become trapped.

When purchasing a safety gate, look for the following:

A hardware-mounted gate that attaches to the doorframe without any openings to trap fingers or necks. Pressure-mounted gates should not be used between rooms of different levels or at the top of stairs; children can dislodge them and take a tumble.
Gates that swing out should never be used at the top of stairways.
Nonflexible vertical slats or rods should be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart.
Check for sharp edges and protrusions that could hurt a toddler's hands.
Avoid gates with structures that could give a child a foothold for climbing. Keep large toys away from the gate to prevent a child from using them to climb over.
The gate should be no less than 3/4 of the child's height

Playpens

These high-sided, enclosed play areas are popular because they allow parents to put their baby down with the knowledge that he can't wander off. It is great when you have to answer the phone, do a bit of ironing, or just catch a quick breath!

When purchasing a playpen, look for the following:

Holes in the mesh should be no larger than 1/4 inch to keep small fingers from getting caught;
The sides should be at least 20 inches high, measured from the floor of the playpen;
Look for padding on the tops of the rails to protect your baby from bumps.
The locks that allow you to lower a side should be out of your baby's reach.

Baby Monitors

The idea behind a baby monitor is that you can have the ability to move around the house or your yard and still be able to keep tabs on your baby by listening or now viewing your baby. This can help alert you to a crying baby, a baby who needs your help or just help you watch baby while he or she sleeps.

The baby/nursery monitor that you buy will have different levels of mobility. The base usually plugs into the wall, usually the nursery or wherever your baby is sleeping. The receiver can plug in or be mobile. If you intend to use the monitor as you move from room to room, you will want to invest in the mobile kind, versus the stationary variety.

When purchasing a baby monitor, look for the following:

There should be at least two channels to choose from;
Be sure that you have a low battery indicator light. Without this you might be listening to the receiver, thinking all is quiet in the baby's room, when in fact all you've got is a dead battery;
Has a power-on light so that you can know the unit is on without disturbing the baby;
Has a volume control to put you in charge of how loudly you wish to hear your baby;
Are you planning to carry around your end of the monitoring system? Then you might want a belt clip!

Bath Seats

A bath seat gives your child added support while in the bathtub and can help prevent a soapy baby from slipping out of your hands and hitting her head on the tub. Keep in mind, however, that you should NEVER leave your child unattended in the tub!

When purchasing a bath seat, look for the following:

Never use a bath seat on textured or non-skid surfaces unless the manufacturers instructions specifically state the seat is intended for such surfaces;
Look for the JPMA Certification Seal.

Always remember, no matter what safety product you are buying, to look at the features to be sure they meet your specific requirements. Also check to be sure that the product you are considering has not recently been recalled. The safety of your child is of utmost importance dont leave it to chance!

Once your beautiful bundle of joy arrives, the work of raising your child really begins. The biggest job you have as a parent is keeping your baby safe. Yet, it is impossible to watch over your children twenty-four hours a day.

Thankfully, there are many safety products available to keep them from getting hurt. These products include safety gates, outlet covers, oven and table bumpers, doorknob covers, bed rails, locks and guards, and many more. As a parent, you need to use products that are one step ahead of their children's abilities, and can do so by getting down on their level and looking around. This gives you a child's eye perspective of child safety issues in your home.

But with so many products to buy and so many different brand names, how do you decide what products you need most? The best thing to do when it comes to safety is buy new products rather than used ones. An older, used product may have been recalled due to dangerous safety issues, or it may be damaged from previous use. Although hand-me-downs are great for clothes and toys, your childs safety is just too important to leave to chance. Babies R Us is a great place to find all the safety products you need.

That still leaves the issue of how to choose between one safety gate, for instance, and another. Here are some purchasing tips for some of the more popular safety items you will need for your baby.

Car Seats

More children are seriously injured and killed in auto accidents than in any other type of accident. Each year, hundreds of lives could be saved if children were protected in cars by using child safety seats. Using a child safety seat is the best protection you can give your child when traveling by car.

When purchasing a car seat, look for:

Label states that it meets or exceeds the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards;
Is the car seat appropriate for your child's height and weight?
Be aware of the type of seat belts your car has; all car seats are not compatible with all seat belts;
Check recent car seat recalls before making a purchase;
Be sure that the seat you choose fits your child - a smaller baby can slip out of a seat that's too large. Infants one year or younger and up to 20 pounds must be placed in a rear-facing seat, toddlers (older than 1 year and between 20 and 40 pounds) may use a forward-facing seat, and children who are between 40 and 80 pounds need to be placed in a booster seat;
Consider choosing a seat that is upholstered in fabric - it may be more comfortable for your child.

Safety Gates

Baby safety gates are an essential element in making your home baby proof. Now that he's on the move, every nook and cranny is a potential area of exploration for him. Your baby is curious about his new environment, wanting to investigate each little corner and new room. The best way to make sure he can't do any harm to himself is to install safety gates. These will prevent him from reaching the stairs, kitchen, or an office room, where there might be many wires and electrical equipment just at his height

Accordion gates, which open to form diamond-shaped patterns with wide V's at the top, can trap a baby's head and have resulted in strangulation deaths. In January 1985, gate manufacturers halted production of these gates, but there are still an estimated 15 million gates in use. Mesh gates also can be dangerous because a toddler's fingers can become trapped.

When purchasing a safety gate, look for the following:

A hardware-mounted gate that attaches to the doorframe without any openings to trap fingers or necks. Pressure-mounted gates should not be used between rooms of different levels or at the top of stairs; children can dislodge them and take a tumble.
Gates that swing out should never be used at the top of stairways.
Nonflexible vertical slats or rods should be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart.
Check for sharp edges and protrusions that could hurt a toddler's hands.
Avoid gates with structures that could give a child a foothold for climbing. Keep large toys away from the gate to prevent a child from using them to climb over.
The gate should be no less than 3/4 of the child's height

Playpens

These high-sided, enclosed play areas are popular because they allow parents to put their baby down with the knowledge that he can't wander off. It is great when you have to answer the phone, do a bit of ironing, or just catch a quick breath!

When purchasing a playpen, look for the following:

Holes in the mesh should be no larger than 1/4 inch to keep small fingers from getting caught;
The sides should be at least 20 inches high, measured from the floor of the playpen;
Look for padding on the tops of the rails to protect your baby from bumps.
The locks that allow you to lower a side should be out of your baby's reach.

Baby Monitors

The idea behind a baby monitor is that you can have the ability to move around the house or your yard and still be able to keep tabs on your baby by listening or now viewing your baby. This can help alert you to a crying baby, a baby who needs your help or just help you watch baby while he or she sleeps.

The baby/nursery monitor that you buy will have different levels of mobility. The base usually plugs into the wall, usually the nursery or wherever your baby is sleeping. The receiver can plug in or be mobile. If you intend to use the monitor as you move from room to room, you will want to invest in the mobile kind, versus the stationary variety.

When purchasing a baby monitor, look for the following:

There should be at least two channels to choose from;
Be sure that you have a low battery indicator light. Without this you might be listening to the receiver, thinking all is quiet in the baby's room, when in fact all you've got is a dead battery;
Has a power-on light so that you can know the unit is on without disturbing the baby;
Has a volume control to put you in charge of how loudly you wish to hear your baby;
Are you planning to carry around your end of the monitoring system? Then you might want a belt clip!

Bath Seats

A bath seat gives your child added support while in the bathtub and can help prevent a soapy baby from slipping out of your hands and hitting her head on the tub. Keep in mind, however, that you should NEVER leave your child unattended in the tub!

When purchasing a bath seat, look for the following:

Never use a bath seat on textured or non-skid surfaces unless the manufacturers instructions specifically state the seat is intended for such surfaces;
Look for the JPMA Certification Seal.

Always remember, no matter what safety product you are buying, to look at the features to be sure they meet your specific requirements. Also check to be sure that the product you are considering has not recently been recalled. The safety of your child is of utmost importance dont leave it to chance!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Claire Bowes is a successful freelance writer and owner of baby-gifts-unique where you will find further information on the products available from babies r us and unique gift ideas Personalized Baby Gifts