Category: Tips
A proposed law has the bloggers and iPod users agitated. Senator Carl Kruger’s bill proposes that anyone using an iPod or similar music player, Blackberry or mobile phones, portable game players or any electronic gadget of the like at crosswalks should be fined $100. The senator says that this bill was triggered by the death of three pedestrians after they stepped off the curb without checking the street since they were distracted by their portable entertainment gadget.
While everyone agrees that the senator has good intentions, many feel that his bill should not become law. Can you imagine the police trying to stop every person who uses one of the mentioned devices? It is a law that punishes the many because a few do not use common sense.
Rather than make this a law, Michael Rose of New York, who blogs at Tuaw.com, the Unofficial Apple Blog, suggests that they put together a targeted PR campaign to remind users of these gadgets to “‘Turn down & tune in’ while navigating the mean streets”. Other bloggers point out that pedestrians have right of way no matter what, whether they are using any of the types of gadgets listed above or not.
The year is almost over and everywhere people are getting ready to countdown to a brand new year. 2006 has been quite an eventual year indeed for many.
There are parties going on everywhere. All the major cities have plans for fantastic fireworks displays and celebrations. Whether you go to London, New York, Paris or down under to Syndey, the new year will be welcomed in with a bang. In New York’s Times Square, plans for 19 stellar performances from some of the Grammy award winners are lined up including Christina Aguilera, the Rascal Flatts and more.
For those who will be joining the London celebration, good news. You need not worry if you don’t have a car since the public transportation system will be running later than usual. In fact, NatWest is sponsoring transportation on the 31st via the London Underground, London Buses, Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and via the tram. Just don’t wait til the last minute since there is bound to be quite a crowd.
You’re sure to be partying hard on this last night of the year but do keep yourself safe. This can easily be done by following a few simple safety tips:
- Stay with your friends. There is always safety in numbers.
- Keep your valuables safely at home or very carefully guarded. There are often pickpockets at crowded events such as these.
- Drink responsibly. No point in getting so drunk you miss out on all the fun. That’s no way to start a new year.
- Wear shoes that you’ll be comfortable in. You’ll have a long night ahead of you. There is no reason not to be both stylish and comfortable.
- Dress warmly. No point in catching a cold when a little common sense will keep you from this annoying bug.
Every December many children (and a few adults) are hopeful that they will get a visit from Santa. They are each hoping that they made it on the good list and not on the naughty one. Some do not believe that he exists at all.
Well, for those who do believe and hope that they will see him when he comes calling, there is a way to find out where the guy in the bright red suit is. North American Aerospace Defense Command is ready and waiting to help track Santa. Operation NORAD Tracks Santa will begin at 2am MST on December 24, Christmas Eve.
NORAD, and its predecessor CONAD, have been doing this for 50 years. They track Santa using the radar called the North Warning System. It has 47 installations along the North American border. The moment that Santa has been detected taking off from the north pole, the satellite network will now be used to track Santa’s flight. It works using infared sensors which can detect Rudolph’s red nose easily by its infared signature.
There are also Santa cams deployed this year. These high speed digital cameras are scattered around the world. Note that they are only used once a year – on Christmas Eve.
Lastly, there are NORAD (Canadaian and American) fighter pilots assigned to intercept Santa and welcome him at various points. They will fly will fly with Santa and his reindeers part way, taking turns.
Children can call or email to ask about Santa’s location. There will be over 800 volunteers taking turns to answer the lines and respond to the emails. They can also visit the website for updates.
If you are like most people, you probably have a wardrobe full of the little black dress. It’s perfect for all occasions; except this one. Get ready to kick your heels up and add some color to your closet. It is Christmas time after all.
Take a page from the December issue of O Magazine and brighten up your days. You’ll feel the immediate lighteinging of your spirit as you go about in your vibrantly coloured frocks. No crows hanging around this holiday season.
Instead of going for your usual somber shades, go for some reds, yellows, blues and greens. Choosing a material like satin brings an added texture. Think of it as your gift wrapping. You take the time to wrap your presents in beautiful gilt paper. Your colorful dresses go around your best gift – yourself. Isn’t that a great reason to leave the little black dress in the closet this month?
It can be difficult to find gifts for one’s loved ones these days. With the increasing emphasis on technology and gadgets, gifts are often just too expensive. The sentiment still holds true though: as long as it comes from the heart.
Speaking of which, if you’re looking for a way to your game loving boy’s heart, keep abreast of what games are coming out this December. Today, the newest addition to the Metal Gear Series hits the stands. Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops is perhaps the most awaited PSP game of the year. It provides a link between the popular Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater and the original game, Metal Gear.
Another game released today is Star Trek: Legacy. For those who’ve always wanted to know how James T. Kirk would fare against the relentless Borg, this is the game to have. The game spans all the generations of the Star Trek TV Series, from Enterprise, to the Original Series, The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine and Voyager. Definitely a game that any Trekkie or Trekker would be looking forward to. Available for PC and XBOX 360.
