Best Summer Vacation Value

The Jersey shore is way too crowded, the Hamptons have too much traffic, and Europe is way too expensive. Your best bet? The Caribbean. Although the threat of hurricanes is real, only one has hit the Carribbean in 10 years. That was hurriance Dennis, a category 3 storm, which passed by most of the islands. Plus you can get hurrricane travel insurance at www.insuremytrip.com in case you have to cut your trip short. At www.TravelZoo.Com you can get a 7 night round trip air and room deal in Barbados for $389! Plus they'll throw in breakfast. So check out TravelZoo for all inclusive air and room deals plus cruises for Anguilla, Aruba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia and Turks & Caicos before you even think about going any place else this summer.

Plan Your Wedding On The Web & Save Time & Money

To Start Off go 2: www.Weddings.Alltop.Comand www.ManoloBrides.Com for creative ideas. Price Out Your Dayat www.CostOfWedding.Comand www.CostHelper.Com to get a breakdown on low-end, mid-range and high-end weddings. Get Reviews On Vendors at www.WeddingWire.Com, www.TopWeddingQuestions.Com then get photographer, DJ, and band samples at www.ADJA.Org , www.WeddingMusicUsa.Com and at www.WPJA.Com . Order Wedding Invitations at www.Carlsoncraft.Com or at www.MomentalDesigns.Com Get Money Saving Tips at www.Cheap-Chic-Weddings.Com and out them in a spreadsheet from www.NumSum.Com Order Wedding Gown & Brides Maid Dresses at www.BridalOnlineStore.Com, www.BrideCouture.Com, www.GownSales.Com and www.VintageGown.Com. Create A Free Wedding Website at www.Ewedding.Com. Start A Wedding Registryat www.WeddingChannel.Com, or have guests contribute to your honeymoon at www.SendUsOff.Com or to your favorite charity at www.JustGive.Com. Shop For Wedding Favors at www.Beau-Coup.Com, www.Etsy.Com and www.Save-On-Crafts.Com Make travel arrangements for your honeymoon at www.TravelZoo.Com and www.BookingBuddy.Com Get An Online Map Tool fro out of town guests at www.WeddingMapper.Com. Find Dance Tutorials on ballroom dancing at www.YouTube.Com Check Out The Marrige Laws In Your State at www.MarriageLaws.Com Order Gifts For Attendants at www.MyGroomsMenGifts.Com or at www.BlueFly.Com. After e-mailing your wedding announcemnet to your local paper Finalize Your Reception Seating at www.SimpleSeating.Com

Grill Times For Chicken, Meat, Fish & Veggies

CHICKEN Bonless chicken breats should be cooked on direct heat 5 to 6 minutes per side. Cutlets should be cooked 2 or 3 minutes per side. Chicken wings should be cooked covered on indirect heat about 25 to 30 minutes. Bone-in chicken breasts should be cooked on indirect heat 40 to 50 minutes. All internal chicken temepratures should average 165F on a food thermometer. BEEF For 1/2 inch to 1.5 inch steaks cook on direct heat 4 to 6 minutes per side, then on indirect heat covered for 4 to 10 minutes for medium rare. For 1 inch hamburgers on direct heat 5 to 6 minutes per side for medium doneness. For tenderloin steaks, cook on direct heat turning occasionally 6 to 8 minutes. Then cook on indirect heat, covered, for 10 to 12 minutes. All internal beef temperatures should average about 145F to 160F on a food thermometer. PORK For 3/4 to 1 inch pork chops, cook on direct heat 4 to 6 minutes per side. For baby back ribs, cook on direct heat, covered, 4 to 5 minutes per side.Then cook covered on indirect heat for 15 to 20 minutes. All internal pork temepratures should average 160F on a food thermometer. LAMB For 1/2 inch to 1.5 inch thick chops, cook on direct heat from 3 to 6 minutes per side for medium rare. For bonless leg of lamb, cook on direct heat for 4 to 5 minutes per side, then cook covered on indirect heat for 15 to 20 minutes formedium rare. All internal lamb temepratures should average 145F on a food thermometer. SEAFOOD For 3/4 to 1 inch thick pieces of fish fillets or steaks cook on direct heat 3 to 5 minutes per side. For shrimp and scallops, cook on direct heat 1 to 2 minutes per side. VEGGIES Cook just about all veggies 4 to 6 minutes per side on direct heat.

Hot Summer Marinades, Rubs And Sauces

To Grill With Marinades combine all ingredients in a large 1 gallon resealable plastic bag, shallow bowl or baking dish. Never marinate in reactive metals like aluminum or cast iron. Add up to 2 pounds of chicken, meat or seafood or veggies and refrigerate covered from 20 minutes to overnight. The longer time the better. For seafood and veggies, marinate for no longer than 15 minutes or the seafood or veggies may become mushy. Turn the food occassionally so all surfaces are exposed to the marinade. Before cooking, remove food from the container and shake off excess liquid. Cook on a lightly oilled grill to the desired doneness. Then toss the marinade when you're done with it since it may contain bacteria. Lemon Rosemary Marinade 1/3 cup olive oil, 1 lemon sliced thin, 6 sprigs rosemary, 4 garlic cloves, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Ginger Sesame Marinade 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon grated ginger, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 2 scallions thinly sliced, 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper. South West Marinade 1/2 cup cilantro leaves, 1/4 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 jalapeno halved and sliced, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. RUBS To grill with rubs, combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Coat 2 pounds of chicken, meat or seafood with the rub by presssing gently to help it to stick to the food. Cook on a lightly oiled grill to the desired doneness. For best results, apply the rub several hours before cooking. Then refrigerate the food covered until you're ready to cook. Since rubs are easy to keep, you can make double or tripple batches to have them handy when you need them. Just keep then stored in a tightly sealed container in a cool dry place and they will remain fresh for a month. Mediterranean Rub 2 tablespoons dried basil, 2 teaspoons dried thyme, 1 taespoon dried sage, 1 teaspoon fennel seeds, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt,1/2 teaspoon pepper. Use it on bonless chicken and turkey breasts, skirt staek, lamb chops, shrimp and striped bass. Barbecue Rub 3 tablespoons paprika, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon dried oregano,1 tablespoon ground coffee, 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper. This rub is best with strip steak, bone-in chicken, and babyback ribs. Cajun Rub 1 tablespoon mustard powder, 1 tablespoon ground cumin, 2 teaspoons celery seeds, 1.5 teaspoons black pepper, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper. This rub gos best with chicken wings, london broil, pork tenderloin, pork chops, shrimp, and salmon. Parsley & Pine Nut Salsa 1/2 cup extra virgin oilive oil, 1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley, chopped 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts, 1 chopped scallion, 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Mustard Herb Sauce 1/2 cup Dijon mustard, 1/4 cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs like dill, thyme or parsley. 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Sweet Relish 1 medium red onion cut in half and thinly sliced, 3 tablespoons fersh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, 2 teaspoons honey, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Relishes, sauces and salsas go with any type of chicken , meat or seafood. For best results, they work best after the ingredients have a few hours to meld. But they should be discarded after 2 days.

HOT SUMMER WINES UNDER $13

REDS: 2006 Valentin Bianchi Elsa Malbec $9,
2006 George Duboeuf Beaujolais $12, Begeda Septima 2005 Argentina $12, Pascul Toso 2005 Argentina $12 , Montes Classic Series 2006 Chile $12 , Trivento Select 2005 Argentina $12.
WHITES:2006 McManis Family Vineyards Viognier $11. PINO GRIGIO: 2007 Yellow Tail Australia $8, 2006 Talus Collection California.ROSE: 2007 Yellow Tail Australia $8, 2006 Big House Pink $10.

World's Best Gin & Tonic & Margarita

Gin & Tonic: First, use ONLY Plymouth brand gin. Second, use ice cubes made ONLY from Schweppes tonic water. And last, top off the drinks ONLY with fresh Schweppes. Margarita Ingredients: 4 tsp grated lime zest, 1/2 cup lime juice from 2 or 3 medium limes, 4 tsp grated lemon zest, 1/2 cup lemon juice from 2 or 3 medium lemons, 1/4 cup super fine sugar, pinch table salt, 1 cup 100% reposado agave tequila, and i cup of Tripple Sec. Combine lime zest and juice, lemon zest and juice, sugar and salt in a large liquid measuring cup. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate from 4 to 24 hours. Then divide 1 cup of crushed ice between 4 to 6 Margarita or Old Fashioned glasses. Strain juice mixture into 1 quart pitcher or cocktail shaker. Add tequila, Triple Sec and remaining crushed ice. Then stir or shake until completely combined or chilled for 20 to 60 seconds. Strain into ice-filled glasses and serve immediately.

Check The Ratings Before You Buy Anything

In this age of corporate greed and profits, consumers can no longer depend on the historic performance of a particular brand. Before making a major purchase, you check all the following websites for consumer ratings: www.Buzzillions.com , www.ConsumerAffairs.com , www.ConsumerReports.Com , www.ConsumerSearch.com, www.Epinions.com, www.Inods.com , www.MyProductAdvisor.com, www.Ratings.net , www.HowStuffWorks.com, www.Wize.com, www.Cnet.com, and www.Viewpoints.com .

Get Free Health Care With Clinical Trials

If you're one of the 50 million Americans that don't have health insurance for one reason or another, then perhaps there is a free clinical trial available to treat your condition. Visit all of the following websites for more information: www.EmergingMed.com,www.ClinicalTrials.gov , www.CenterWatch.com , www.SearchClinicalTrials.org , & www.Cancer.org

Best 7 Chinese Restuarants In Beijing, China

1.Liqun Roast Duck , 11 Beixangfeng Alley,Zhengyl Rd, Chongwen district. Phone (86-10)6705-5578. Reservations a must. All major credit cards.Whole duck about $20. 2.Guo Yao Xiao Ju, 58 Jiaodaokou Bei Santiao,Dongcheng district, (86-10)6403-1940,major credit cards, about $15 a person.3.Jun Qin Hua,88 Meishuguan Houjle, Dongcheng district, (86-10)6404-7600. Cash only. About $7 a person. 4. Xian Lao Man ,(dumplings are a specialty) 252 An Nei Da Jie,Dongcheng district, (86-10) 6404-6944. Cash only. About $4 a person. 5. Jade Garden,(seafood specialties) 6 Jiqingli Chao Wal Ave, Chaoyang district,(86-10)6552-8688,major credit cards, $25-$40 a person. 6. Hong Zhuang Yuan ,has 24 branches around Beijing open 24/7, Panjia Yuan Rd,(near Panjia Yuan antique district)Chaoyang district,(86-10)8771-8029,cash only,about $7 a person. 7. Hua Jia Yuan ,(menu in English),235 Dongzhimen,Dongcheng district,(86-10) 6405-1908,major credit cards, about $20 a person.

Two Easiest Bread Recipes On Earth

1. No-Knead Bread This recipe takes about 1 1/2 hours and any where from 14 to 20 hours rising time. Ingredients: 3 cups all purpose or King Arthur brand bread flour, 1/5/8 cups of water, 1/4 teaspoon instant yeast, 1 1/4 teaspoon salt, and some cornmeal or wheat bran. In a large bowl, mix, flour, yeats and salt. Add in 1 5/8 cups of water and stir until blended. Dough should be shaggy andf sticky. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and let rest from 12 to 18 hours at room temperature or about 70 degrees. The dough will be ready when it is dotted with bubbles. Now lightly flour your work surface and place the dough on it. Sprinkle it with a little morer flour and fold the dough over on itself once or twice. Then cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rest about 15 minutes. Using just enough flour from sticking to the work surface or your fingers, gently and quickly shape the dough into a ball. Then gently coat a cotton towel,( never terry cloth) with flour, cornmeal or wheat bran. Then put the dough seam side down on the towel. Dust the dough with either more flour, cornmeal or wheat bran, Then cover with another cotton towel and lt it rise for about 2 hours. When its ready, the dough will be about double in size and will not readily spring back when poked with your finger. A half hour beforedough is ready, pre-heat the oven to 450 degrees. Put a 6 to 8 quart heavy covered pot like cast iron, pyrex or ceramic in the oven as it heats. When dough is ready, carefully remove the pot from the oven. Then slide your hand under the towel and turn the dough over into the pot seam side up. Shake the pot once or twice if the dough is unevenly distributed. Don't worry since it will even out as it bakes. Cover the pot with a lid, bake 30 minutes, then remove the lid and bake another 15 to 30 minutes until the loaf is golden brown. The cool off the bread on a rack. This recipe will yield about a 1.5 pound loaf. 2. Simple Crusty Bread This recipe takes about 45 minutes and about 3 hours of rising time.It calls for 6.5 cups of unbleached all purpose flour, 4 cups of water, 1 1/2 tablespoons of yeast, 1 1/2 table spoons of kosher salt, and some cornmeal. In a large bowl, mix the yeast and salt into 3 cups of lukewarm water about 100 degrees. Stir in flour, and mix it until there are no dry patches. The dough will then by quite loose. Cover the dough but don't make your cover airtight. Let the dough rise at room temperature at least 2 to 5 hours. Then bake it or keep it refrigerated for as long as two weeks. When you're ready to bake, sprinkle a little flour on the dough. Cut off a grapefruit size ppiece with a serrated knife. Turn the dough in your hands to lightly stretch its surface. This will create a rounded top and lumpy bottom. Now put the dowh on a pizza peel or other work surface and sprinkle it with cornmeal. Then let it rest 40 minutes. Repeat this process with the remaining portion of dough and refrigerate it. Now place a broiler pan on the bottom of the oven. Then place a baking stone on the middle rack of the oven and put the oven on 450 degrees. Let the baking stone heat up at 450 for 20 minutes. Dust the dough with flour and slash the top with a serrated knife 3 times. Slide the dough onto the baking stone. The pour 1 cup of hot water into the broiler pan and shut the oven quickly to trap the steam. Bake about 30 minutes or until it is well browned. Then let the loaf cool completely. This recipe will yield about 4 loaves of crusty bread.

How To Sell Your Gold Jewelry Without Getting Fleeced

If you've got old gold jewelry you'd like to sell, then forget about going to local jewelers or coin shops to get the best price. Most likely, you'll only get 50% of what it's really worth. If you deal directly with a gold broker or refiner, you can expect to get 90% of your gold's value. For starters, gold prices are quoted based on pure gold which is 24 karats. Most jewelry is 14 karat, and is valued at about 59% of the 24 karat price. Also, gold is measured in penny weights and 20 penny weights equals an ounce. To get 90% of your gold's value, you should deal with a reputable gold broker like www.USGoldBuyers.Com To deal with them , you don't have to visit them in person. Just call 877-977-GOLD and they'll arrange to have your jewelry picked up by FedEx and insured for $5,000. If you need more insurance, let them know. Once they receive your gold jewelry, you can can have them call you with a quote or have them send you an immediate check. If you don't like the price offered to you, they will ship your gold back to you at their expense. If you wish to visit them in person, US Gold Buyers is located at 62 W. 47th St, Suite 610, NY NY 10036. The local phone number is 212-764-7586.

Party Hardy For FREE in New York City

Mark "First Fridays" on your calendar and head over to the Asia Society & Museum,, 725 Park Ave, 212-288-6400. Cocktails are served FREE from 6 pm to 9pm at the Leo Bar. For more info see: www.AsiaSociety.Org Then go to the Whitney Museum Of American Art, 945 Madison Ave,800-944-8639. Pay whatever you wish from 6pm to 9pm and enjoy FREE live music and cocktails. For more info see: www.Whitney.Org But the most popular first Friday party with New Yorkers is the Guggenheim Museum, 1017 Fifth Ave, 212-423-3500For $25 you can enjoy FREE beer and wine and a prominent DJ from 9pm to 1am. Since its the most crowed venue, get there by 8:30 pm. For more info see: www.Guggenheim.Org If you're outside of Manhattan, check out the Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway, 718-638-5000, www.BrooklynMuseum.Org The party starts on "First saturdays" 5pm to 11pm,FREE. Or try the Bronx Museum Of the Arts, 1040 Grand Concourse, 718-618-6000. Also on "First Fridays",from opeing time until 8pm. See: www.BronxMuseum.Org

How To Send Your Kid To Harvard For Peanuts

Very few people know that the same BA degree offered by Harvard to day students can be had at the Harvard night extension university for about 10% of the regular tuition. For instance, for day time classes, Harvard charges $4,000 per course. At the night extension university, the cost is just $550 per course! And compared to the tough entrance requirements of the day school, there are no requirements to get into the night school. One just has to have a high school diploma, be 17 years of age, and one must get a B- in three courses before one can enroll in the bachelor's program. Then a student must maintain a C average to stay in the program. Plus all night student graduates are eligible to apply to all Harvard graduate schools. In addition, 52 out of the 128 credits required for a BA degree must be taught by top notch Harvard professors. And the only difference between the day school diploma and the night school diploma is that one reads "Harvard College" and the extension school diploma reads "Harvard University". The downside of going to night school is that a student will not have the social interaction of the day school. However, a young student can network and make job connections with people already in corporate life and with diverse people from all backgrounds ranging from their late teens to 35 years of age or more. One way parents can get around the high cost of room and board in Cambridge, Mass is to buy a 2 family income property 20 or 30 minutes outside of Cambridge. One apartment can be rented to an outside tennant and one can be for your offspring. The outside tennant may pay all or part of the mortgage and property expenses. When your child is finished getting his or her degree, the property can possibly be sold at a profit or it can be turned into an income rental duplex that can be managed by a property management company. Sending your kid to Harvard night school has three more benefits. One third of the courses may be taken online which would cut down on travel expenses to and from the campus. Plus night courses are sometimes less demanding than courses taught during the day. That's because instructors realize that night students have pressing job and family obligations and hectic schedules that must be met. And depending how well your child does in school, he or she could work full or part-time during the day to help defray tution and living expenses. Besides Harvard, other "ivy league" schools like Columbia, Brown University and the University Of Pennsylvania offer similar opportunities. As you can see, it's a "win-win" situation for the student and the parents.

Best Sandwiches In The USA

AZ-Phoenix Cheese N Stuff, 5042 N. Central Ave, 602-266-3636 CA-Los Angeles Canter's DEli, 419 N. Fairfax 323-651-2030, LAs Nuevas, 3701 E. First 323-264-0678, CA-San Francisco Saigon, 560 Larkin St, 415-474-5698, CO-Boulder Jimmy & Drew's 2855 Twenty Eighth St, 303-447-3354, CT - Noank Abbott's, 117 Pearl St, 860-536-7719, CT -Stonington Cove Fish Market, 20 Old Stonongton Rd, 860-536-0061, CT - W. Hartford Restaurant Bricco, 78 La Sallle Rd, 860-233-0220, FL - Miami Latin America Cafeteria, 9796 Coral Way, 305-663-2600, La Sandwicherie, 229 Fourteenth St, 305-532-8934, IL- Chicago Al's, 1079 W. Taylor Ave, 312-226-4017, Borinquen, 1720 California Ave, 773-227-6038, OH -Cleveland Beachland Ballroom, 15711 Waterloo Rd, 216-383-1124, Slyman's 3106 St. Clair Ave, 216-621-3760, Freddie's 1431 St. Clair Ave,216-575-1750, MA- Brookline Matt Murphy's, 14 Harvard St, 617-232-0188, OR - Portland Pine State Biscuits, Cor of SW Harriosn & Montgomery, Sat Only, No Phone ME- Southwest Harbor Little Notch Cafe, 340 MAin St, 207-244-3357, MI- Royal Oak Cafe Muse, 317 S. Washington AVe, 248-544-4749, MI- Ann Arbor Zingerman's , 422 Detroit St, 734-663-3354, NV - Las Vegas Restauarnt Guy Savoy, 3570 Las Vegas Blvd, 702-731-7731, NY - NYC Ino, 21 Bedford St, 212-989-5769, Katz's Deli, 205 E. Houston St, 212-254-2246, Manganero's 488 Ninth Ave, 212-563-5331, Manganaro's Hero Boy, 494 Ninth Ave, 212-947-7352, NC-Chapel Hill Allen & Sons BBQ 6203 Millhouse Rd, 919-942-7576, PA - Philadelphia John's Roast Pork, 14 E. Snyder Ave, 215-463-1951, PA-Pittsburgh Primanti Brothers, 46 Eighteenth St, 412-263-2142, RI -Providence East Side Pocket, 278Thayer St 401-453-1100, WA - Seattle Salumi, 309 Third Ave, 206-621-8772, Paseo, 4225 Freemont Ave North, 206-545-7446, VT - Brattleboro Vermont County DEli, 436 Western Ave, 802-257-9254, VT - Middlebury Noonie's Deli, 137 Maple St, 802-388-0014

How To Take Your Wedding Vows For Less

1. Venue The 3 main choices for a wedding venue are a hotel, banquet hall or outdoors. Outdoor weddings are the most costly. So consider using a banquet hall or a hotel. You can shave 20 to 25%off your bill if you have your wedding between November and April. Plus you'll save even more if you do it in January or February. To save even more money, have the wedding bewteen Monday and Thursday and you'll pay around $1,000 for a hall. 2.Flowers Most guests won't even remember your flowers so consider using candles or fruit arrangements instead of floral centerpieces. For bouquets,consider using roses. They grow everywhere, they keep their freshness and come in a variety of colors. You can use 5 roses for each bridesmaid and 12 for a bridal boquet. That should cut your floral budget down to $1.000 or less. 3.Catering A buffet dinner is less costly than a sit down dinner since wait staff adds 100 to $150 per person to the bill. Use the wedding cake as a dessert and you'll cut another 4 to $5 per guest off the bill. To save even more money, order a small decorative wedding cake for the cerimonial cutting and photo opts, and then serve the rest of the guests from sheet cakes in the kitchen. To avoid a big bar bill, offer beer, wine, champagne and/or a signature cocktail as an alternative. This could cut your booze bill from $10,000 to $3,000. 4. Dresses The wedding party's clothing can be 10% of your budget. To cut costs, choose synthetic fabrics instead of naturals since no one will be able to tell. Also, shop sample sales and don't be afraid to shop online. If you want a designer gown, rent it for $300 or less. These tips should cut your budget from $2,000 down to $500. 4. Music A live band can run $5,000 or more so opt for a dee-jay at around $1,000. As a plus, you'll have a pro who knows how to "work" a crowd and keep the party going.A lot of DJ's, bands and photographers work can be sampled at , and Today, an average wedding costs about $30,000. But with these tips, you can get by on $10,000.

10 Tips To Avoid Being Car Jacked Or Abducted

1. Your elbow is the strongest point on your body. If you are close enough to an intruder, use it! 2. If a robber asks for your wallet or handbag, DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM ! TOSS IT AWAY FROM HIM! Chances are he is more interested in your wallet or purse than you are, and he will go for the wallet or purse. THEN RUN LIKE HELL IN THE OTHER DIRECTION! 3. If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car, kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm out of the hole and start waving like crazy. The driver won't see you, but everybody else will. This has saved lives! 4. If you're a woman, and you just got into your car after shopping, eating or working, STOP CHECKING YOUR MAKE UP, DOING YOUR CHECK BOOK, FIXING YOUR HAIR, OR ANYTHING ELSE! A predator may be waiting you, and this is the perfect opportunity for him to get in on the passenger side of your car, put a gun to your head, and tell you where to go. AS SOON AS YOU GET IN YOUR CAR, LOCK THE DOORS AND LEAVE! 5. If someone is in your car and puts a gun to your head, DO NOT DRIVE OFF! Instead, GUN THE ENGINE AND CRASH INTO A THE NEAREST STATIONARY OBJECT ( a tree, a telephone pole, another parked vehicle) AND WRECK THE CAR! If the gunman is in the back seat, he will get the worst of it and your airbag will help you avoid injuries. AS SOON AS THE CAR CRASHES, BAIL OUT AND RUN! Its a lot better than having the police finding your body in a remote location. 6. When getting into your car in a parking lot or a parking garage, BE AWARE,LOOK AROUND YOU, LOOK INTO YOUR CAR AT THE PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR, AND IN THE BACK SEAT! If you're parked next to a big van, ENTER YOUR CAR FROM THE PASSENGER DOOR! Most serial killers attack their victims by pulling them into their vans while the women are attempting to get into their cars. Look at the car parked on the driver's side of your vehicle. If a man is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, walk back into the mall or work and get a security guard or a policeman to walk you back out. IT'S ALWAYS BETTER THAN TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY OR PARANOID THAN DEAD. 7. If a predator has a gun, and you are not under his control, RUN IN A ZIG-ZAG PATTERN! The predator will only hit you ( a moving target ) 4 in 100 times! And even then, it most likely will not be a vital organ. 8. If you're a woman, STOP BEING SYMPATHETIC! If may get you raped or killed. Ted Bundy, the serial killer, was a good-looking, well educated man who always played on the sympathies of unsuspecting women. He walked with a cane, or a limp, and often asked women "for help" getting into or going to his vehicle. That's when he abducted his next victim. 9. ALWAYS TAKE THE ELEVATOR! Stairwells are horrible places to be alone and are the perfect crime spot. This is especially true at night! 10. Watch out for the crying baby scam! A woman called police and said she heard a "crying baby" out on her porch at night. The police told her whatever you do, DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR! The police told her that there was a serial killer going around using the recording of a crying baby to lure women outside their houses! So don't open the door, unless you absolutely, positively know who is on the other side of the door!

11 Ways To Avoid Airline Delays

1.Allow Yourself More Time If you have to choose a connecting flight, choose a flight with at least a two hour layover. Any less time is cutting it too close. 2. Avoid Major Airports Use secondary airports like NY'S Long Island McArthur instead of Kennedy. Instead of San Francisco try Oakland or San Jose.Substitute Hobby for Bush International,and Dallas Love Field for Dallas/Ft. Worth. 3.Schedule Early In The Month Try to book your flights in the first 20 days of the month 4. Fly Only Non-Stop 5. Fly Out At Dawn Or The First Morning Flight 6. Get Sick If you're stuck on a plane for more than several hours, claim to be sick. Passengers who claim to be sick have to be let off the plane. 7. Carry A Video Camera Then interview the pilot as to the reason for the delay. Then threaten to post the video on YouTube. If the the airline calls the police, let them. It's not illegal to carry and use a video camera on a plane and the police might get you off a plane stuck at an airport. 8. Sue The Airline In 1999 passengers sued Northwest for false imprisionment and settled for 7 million. So claim false imprisionment and get results. 9. Take The Airline To Your Local Small Claims Court If an airline abruptly cancels your flight and leaves you stranded, sue em' for lodging, food and for tickets you have to purchase to get where your going. Chances are, they won't even show up in court and you'll win by default. 10. Ship You Bags Ahead Waiting for bags is a big time waster. So ship em' ahead via DHL, UPS or FedEx and get where your going fast. 11. Take The Train Whenever its practable, take Amtrak for short jaunts like Boston to NYC. In most cases, it's just as fast, more relaxing and cost about the same as a plane.

8 Ways To Avoid Holiday Flight Problems

1.Getting Bumped According to the U.S. Dept Of Transportation, if you're bumped involuntarily from a flight and you arrive between one and two hours late, you can collect up to $200 of a one way fare from your airline. 2. Invoke Rule 240 When an airline can't get you to where you want to go, and its their fault, Rule 240 says that the airline must pay for your flight on another carrier. 3 Beat Long Lines If your flight has been cancelled, forget about mobbing the gate with the other passengers. You can go to any one of your airlines other gates to cancel or confirm your new reservation. 4. Fly Early Flights between 6am and 7am have a 90% departure rate. But flights booked between 8 and 9pm have a 55% chance of being delayed. 5. Free Tickets If you give up your seat on an overbooked flight, airlines try to offer you a free space available standby ticket. You should refuse and ask for a confirmed round trip ticket that guarantees you an actual seat. 6. Cash In On Lost Luggage About 98% of all lost luggage is returned within a few hours. But if your bag turns up lost, make sure you inflate the dollar value of your bag contents by 30%. That's because airline depreciate the value estimate you give them by 30%. 7. Easy Check In If you haven't been assigned a seat, check in by phone or internet 24 hours before the flight. Some roomier seats like the exit rows are not assigned until the day of flight. 8. Wait In Comfort If you're flight is delayed, you should head straight for the arrival area. There, you'll find bigger seats to relax and more conveniences.

How To Be Treated Like A Star When Dining Out

1. Pick The Right Restuarant If famous people dine there, and you know about it,then avoid it like the plague. A good restauarnt doesn't want Hiltonesque publicity because it relies on discretion and a good reputation to keep busy. 2. Avoid Saturday Nights Many good restaurants equate Saturday night with amateur night. To be treated like a good friend, try to eat out on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights. 3. Book A Table 30 Days In Advance You should make reservations at busy restuarants at least 30 days in advance. If you cannot make your reservation, call in advance and cancel. You'd be surprized at the number of good restuarants that keep your information and put you on a blacklist. 4. First Impressons Count If a hostess is rude or treats you with out care or concern,then leave the restaurant. It's just a sign that things will probably get worse. If you're table isn't ready,a good eatery will apologize, escort you to the bar, and quite often buy you a drink. 5. The Golden Rule If you want great service,don't act like a jerk and be nice to your waiter. 6. When In Rome, Do As The Romans Do If a place is famous for steak, order steak. If its seafood, order fish. If you want a heads up on the best menu items, say this to your waiter: "If I had one day to live, which entrees would you recommend ?" If you have special dietary requirements, speak up. However, don't try to design your own menu, mix and match items, or ask that foods be over cooked. It's OK to share food when you ask for extra plates. But don't ask for half orders. In better places, avoid taking home leftovers. It makes you look like a chump. A good rule of thumb is don't do anything you wouldn't do on a first date. 7. How To Order Wine Don't be afraid to tell the sommelier that you don't know much about wine. Most people don't. Just tell him what you're eating and ask for a suggestion. If you'd like a bottle of wine, say this: "Can you select a moderately priced wine for me to go with the meal? Since I don't know much about wine, an expensive bottle would be a waste on me." 8. Send It Back If your food was not prepared as ordered, or if there is something wrong with it, tell your waiter. A good restuarant will correct the error. If the wine doesn't taste right, make sure you point it out after the first sip. Also, don't take out wrongly prepared food out on your waiter. He or she didn't cook it. 9. Tips On Tipping If your meal was good, 20% should be the minimum if you want to return .If you want to become a regular,tip 30% to make a good impression. Keep in mind that tips are split among lots of people. However, if you tip above 50%, you'll look like a fool.

How To Cook The Perfect Steak

First, start out with a good cut of USDA "choice" or "prime" beef available at BJ'S, Costco or Sam's Club. Cut strip steaks or rib-eyes about 1 1/2 inches thick, and 2 1/2 inches for a filet mignon. Remove steaks from the frig for 1 to 2 hours before cooking and dry them with a paper towel. While the steaks are resting at room temperature, make a dry spice rub as follows: Combine 1/4 cup ancho chile powder, 1/4 cup finely ground espresso coffee beans, 2 tsp of sweet paprika, 2 tsp of dark brown sugar, 1 tsp of dry mustard, 1 tsp of salt,1 tsp of dried oregano, 1 tsp of ground corriander, 2 teaspoons of ground ginger in a bowl. This yeilds about 1 cup of dry rub which can be stored in a tight-lided jar in cool dry place. To omit the dry rub, you can just rub 3/4 teaspoon of kosher salt for each side of the steak. To use the rub, omit the kosher salt. Apply the rub or the salt just before you're ready to start cooking. Pre heat the oven at 400 degrees with a rack set in the middle. If cooking outside, pre-heat the grill on high. Then heat a heavy cast iron skillet over medium high heat. The skillet will be ready when a few drops of water evaporate in 3 seconds. Then coat the bottom of the pan with 2 teaspoons of grapeseed or canola oil. Place the steaks in the pan or on the grill for 2 minutes on each side, flipping ONLY once using TONGS. Do not use a fork! During the searing, there will be some smoke. But the steaks are not burning. Its just smoke from the spice rub. If cooking outside, sear each side of the steak on the hottest part of the grill for 2 minutes on each side. Flip only ONCE using TONGS. While still in the pan, transfer the steaks to the oven and roast for 8 to 9 minutes on a 1 1/2 inch steak for medium rare. Transfer the steaks to a cooler part of the grill if cooking outside. Continue cooking for 8 or 9 minutes. An instant read thermometer will register about 125 to 130 degrees. When done, transfer the steaks with tongs and wrap them in a tent of aluminum foil. Then let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.