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Family Channel

the Apartment Guide

Don't Let Your Dream Apartment Turn Into a Nightmare, please follow this list:

• Impress the Landlord: If you find a great apartment, fend off likely competitors by being prepared: Check your own credit history and bring along a current credit agency report;
  If possible, ask your previous landlord to write a favorable letter of reference; and, Also ask your employer, co-workers, and friends if you can use them as character references.
• Fees and Deposits: Find out exactly how much you are expected to pay up-front to rent the apartment. Note: security deposits may not be more than one month's rent in stabilized units; fees to superintendents or doormen, commonly called "key money," are illegal.
• Ask for a Lease: Leases provide many important protections for unregulated tenants such as a fixed rent for the duration of the lease. Unless you have a lease, your landlord can also evict you without giving any reason (after 30-days written notice). However, if you want the flexibility of moving on short notice, you may not want a lease.
• Read your Lease: It is important that you examine your lease carefully. Once you and your landlord sign it, the lease is considered executed and you have in effect agreed to every provision inside it.
• Who is on the Lease? If you are a renter, having your name on the lease gives you more protections and rights than any unsigned tenants.
• Roommates? If you are joining a household as a roommate, try to find out what the primary tenant's plans are. If the primary tenant leaves and you are not on the lease, you have no right to stay in the apartment. If you would like to stay at your discretion, see if you can add your name to the lease, although this may trigger a substantial rent increase in stabilized apartments.

Pittsburgh Apartment Guide

Pittsburgh offers a wide range of rental properties. From renovated historic buildings and loft apartments Downtown, to apartment communities with swimming pools and fitness centers in the suburbs, Pittsburgh has an apartment to meet everyone's taste.

North Suburbs - Traveling North from Pittsburgh on I-279, Route 8, or Route 28 brings numerous apartment communities in neighborhoods such as Ross Township, Wexford, Allison Park, Shaler, Fox Chapel, and Cranberry. Garden-style apartment communities abound in this popular location for entertainment and shopping.

South Suburbs - South through the tunnels from downtown Pittsburgh brings you to close-knit ethnic city neighborhoods with standard apartment buildings as well as numerous converted homes with character and charm. Further south, the suburban neighborhoods of Bethel Park, South Park, and Peters Township offer many larger upscale apartment communities and a variety of activities for visitors and residents.

West Suburbs - West from Pittsburgh through the Fort Pitt Tunnel brings a large variety of apartment communities with easy access to both downtown Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh airport. City neighborhoods like Crafton, Carnegie, and McKees Rocks offer primarily apartments in converted homes and buildings, while more suburban neighborhoods such as Greentree, Robinson Township, Moon, and Sewickley offer more traditional apartment and townhome communities. There are a lot of newly constructed apartment communities on this side of Pittsburgh.

East Suburbs - Heading East from Pittsburgh via I-376 brings you to Monroeville, a large shopping district and residential area with plenty of apartment and rental options. Other eastern suburbs, including Greensburg, Forest Hills, Penn Hills, Plum Borough, and Murraysville, offer a wide variety of apartment options - from upscale and luxurious, to charming and affordable.

To Get More info about pittsburgh apartment guide in Pittsburgh.about.

Arts Channel

Filipino Folk Arts and Culture

by Zonia Elvas Velasco
(Copyright 1997, All Rights Reserved)

A country's past history dictates its culture and tradition. This tradition is presented in its arts through music, dance, literature, architecture, fine arts, print, weaving, dress, cuisine, beliefs, folktales, stories, etc.. What is called traditional is that which is passed down from generation to generation through practice, word of mouth, written text, rituals and performances.

The Philippine culture is distinct from its other neighbors in the Pacific and Southeast Asia. Not only has it been accessed through migrations and trade from the neighboring countries, but countries from the opposite side of the world have come into the country, leaving their cultural mark on its inhabitants which in turn have passed them on to the present generation.

Has anyone ever wondered how a Filipino can easily learn Hawaiian-Tahitian dances, and dance them in an instant, without need of much coaching? How come some of the dances of southern Philippines have gestures that look similar to that of Indian classical dance? How come our Jota dances look like they are flamenco dances of Spain? And our lilting balitaws, polkas and valse's - why do Europeans love them so much?

The Philippines is situated strategically where on the eastern seashore laps the Pacific ocean, while to its west is the calmer China sea. Countries to the north are China, Taiwan and Japan, to its south is Borneo, Celebes (Sulawesi) and the other islands of Indonesia. To its west is Malaysia and Indo China and to the east is the vast Pacific and its Pacific Islands. To read more arts info >>

In the Realm of Gods and Kings:

Arts of India Selections from the Polsky Collections and The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Indians live in many centuries at once, that is, they live in a historical continuum-the past informs the present. The Polsky collections of Indian art-primarily paintings from the later periods of Indian history (sixteenth to nineteenth century) and augmented with works as diverse as terracottas from the second century B.C.E. and contemporary photographs-evoke the idea of connections among disparate strands of Indian culture and history. The striking range of the collections also reflects Cynthia and Leon Polsky's keenly felt engagement with India and its culture ever since their first visit in 1960.

In the Realm of Gods and Kings celebrates the Polskys' deeply personal connection with India, as students, visitors, collectors, and patrons. Thus, the exhibition comprises selected pieces from the Polskys' personal collections, their gifts to their children and to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, as well as works acquired by curators at the Metropolitan Museum of Art with generous funds given by the Polskys.

This exhibition is divided into two sections: The Realm of Gods and The Realm of Kings. The groupings and the subsections within them are meant to suggest rather than proscribe clear-cut classifications. Thus, works are organized in loose thematic categories, allowing for unusual juxtapositions. In this exhibition, viewers are invited to make imaginative connections between images, to open their eyes and minds to new insights, and to engage in a creative act that fuses seemingly disparate elements into an experience of intuition and wonder. To know more india arts and culture info >>

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Shopping channel

Tips on Shopping

Hours -- Shopping malls are generally open from 10am to 9pm Monday through Saturday, with some stores keeping shorter Sunday hours. The malls sometimes remain open until 10pm on holidays. Smaller shops are open from around 10am to 5pm Monday through Saturday but are almost always closed on Sundays. Hours will vary from shop to shop. Arab Street is closed on Sundays.

Prices -- Almost all of the stores in shopping malls have fixed prices. Sometimes these stores will have seasonal sales, especially in July, when they have the month-long Great Singapore Sale, during which prices are marked down, sometimes up to 50% or 75%. In the smaller shops and at street vendors, prices are never marked, and vendors will quote you higher prices than the going rate in anticipation of the bargaining ritual. These are the places to find good prices, if you negotiate well.

Bargaining -- In Singapore, many shopkeepers cling to the old tradition of not fixing prices on their merchandise, instead making every item's purchase a little performance piece by insisting their customers bargain for it. For Westerners who are unaccustomed to this tradition, bargaining can be embarrassing and frustrating at first -- after all, Westerners are accustomed to accepting fixed prices without an argument, and if you don't know the protocol, you can't be sure what to do. All it takes is a little practice, though, and soon you'll be bargaining with the best of 'em. I've seen many travelers go into their first market like lambs to the slaughter, only to loosen up after a few encounters and begin to enjoy the process for the sport it really is.

The most important thing to remember when bargaining is to keep a friendly, good-natured banter between you and the seller. Getting him or her mad won't save you a dime, and if you get 'em really riled up, they won't sell you anything at any price and will just throw you out. But don't let that scare you; just be nice and patient, and you'll get where you want to go.

One important tip for bargaining is to first have an idea of the value of what you're buying. This can be difficult for unusual items, but a little comparison shopping here may help you out. Try to look like you live in Singapore. A lot of the local European and North American residents shop at these places, so you won't look out of place. If a salesperson asks you where you are from, don't smile and say London or San Francisco, but try "Holland Village," the neighborhood where many Western expatriates live. If they think you're an expat, many times they'll give you a better price in the hopes of a repeat customer.

A simple "How much?" is the place to start, to which they'll reply with their top price. Let the bidding begin! It's always good to come back with a little smile and ask, "Is that your best price?" They'll probably come down a bit, but if it's obvious they're trying to soak you, tell them you'll pay a price that's about half of what they had originally offered; otherwise, just knock about 30% or 40% off. The standard reaction from them will always be to look at you like you're a crazy person for even suggesting such a discount -- but don't falter! This is standard technique. For each little bit their price comes down, bring yours up just a bit until you reach a price you like. If you're having trouble talking them down, try these strategies: When buying more than one item, ask for a generous discount on the less expensive item. If you've seen it cheaper elsewhere, tell them. Or you can pull the old, "But I only have $20" ploy. Try anything, even if it's just a wink and a little, "Don't you have any special discounts for ladies shopping on Wednesdays?"

Some people have said that once you start the bargaining ritual, it's rude to walk away and not purchase the item. Well, I see it this way: It's my money, and if I still don't feel comfortable shelling it out, then I won't do it under any feeling of obligation. (However, if you've spent hours negotiating over a high-priced item, and the owner agrees to your offer, it may be considered harsh to walk away after going through all that trouble.) Besides, the final bargaining strategy is to just politely say, "No, thank you" and walk away. You'll be surprised at how fast prices can come down as you're walking out the door.

Global Refund Scheme -- When you shop in stores that display the blue "Tax Free Shopping" logo, the government will refund the goods and services tax (GST) you pay on purchases totaling S$100 (US$59) or more. Upon request, the sales clerk will fill out a Tax Free Shopping Cheque, which you retain with your receipt. If you've purchased up to S$100 (US$59) at the same store but on different dates, you can still claim the refund for all of the items. When you leave Singapore, present your checks at Customs along with your passport and let them see the goods you've purchased to show that you're taking them out of the country with you. Customs will stamp the forms, which you then present at any of the Global Refund Counters in the airport for an on-the-spot cash refund (in Singapore dollars), a check, or a direct transfer of the amount to your credit card account. To qualify you must spend at least S$300 (US$176) over-all, and you can't receive a refund of more than S$500 (US$294) per person.

Clothing Sizes -- Those of you used to shopping in big-and-tall stores will unfortunately find little ready-to-wear clothing in Singapore that'll fit you -- but that doesn't mean you can't take advantage of the many excellent tailors around town. Shopping for ready-made clothing in standard sizes can be confusing, because clothing made in Singapore is generally for export and everything else is imported from outside. This means that clothing in local shops can reflect American, British or Continental sizes, depending on which country it came from or was intended for. Really the only way to be sure if it's your size is to try it on. To visit the website and learn more >>

Online Holiday Shopping Tips

Tis the season once again which means that if you are planning to do any of your shopping online, you should be mindful of a few tips that could save you money, time and Christmas aggravation.

• Know your seller. Where did you here about this vendor - from an unsolicited e-mail? If that is the case, then you will probably not know much about the vendor. If you are unfamiliar with the vendor then check our Complaint database, the database of the Better Business Bureau and other consumer watchdog sites. If the seller's web site indicates a phone number, call the number to obtain more information about it. If your seller is located in a different part of the country or in a foreign country, your ability to return defective goods and to recover amounts paid will be difficult. As well, sellers in different countries are bound by different laws. There might not be any consumer protection legislation which could otherwise assist you
• Don't be fooled by a professional looking web site. Well-designed web sites can be created easily and inexpensively.
• Know the terms of offer. Read all the small print and ensure that all essential terms are indicated at the web site including guarantee and return policies. Print those terms out for documentary proof of the offer. If you have any additional questions, ask the seller and ensure that such terms are in writing.
• Know the terms of delivery including cost and timing. Whenever you are making an online purchase, factor into your decision the cost of shipping and handling. Online buyers can normally choose the manner of delivery, whether it is ground, two-day or overnight. Determine the cost of each and make your selection accordingly. If your purchased item has not been delivered on time, act quickly to determine the root of the problem.
• Consider method of payment. The most prudent manner to pay over the net is by credit card because you might be able to stop payment by notifying your card provider that you are disputing the purchase. In addition, if you have an unauthorized charge on your credit card bill, your liability is limited to $50. Be suspicious where the vendor wants you to pay by cash, cheque or money order. To read more detail about shopping >>

Business Channel

Top 10 Home Business Opportunities

From Susan Ward ,
Your Guide to Small Business: Canada .

The Best Home Business Opportunities Now And Tomorrow

Are you one of the many people searching for a hot home business opportunity? Then this list of the best home business opportunities based on current and future trends may be just what you're looking for.

I say "may be" because these home business opportunities are NOT suitable for people who are looking for "a money-making machine" or who "want to make money in their sleep" or any of those other phony promises.

Nor are these home business opportunities for people who expect to just make an initial investment and then just watch the money roll in. Successful home businesses are real businesses. To turn a home business opportunity into a success, you need to be prepared to work at it and have the appropriate knowledge and skills that you need to run any business.

But those caveats aside, here are what I think are the best home business opportunities - best because of their potential right now and because there's going to be a even greater demand for these products and or services over the next few years.

1) Home Renovation Services
Home renovation services are hot, hot, hot - and there's no sign of this trend slowing down. On the contrary, as the population ages, even more people are going to want to make their homes more livable by investing in the home renovations they need to stay where there are. The best home renovation to focus on for the long-term? Bathroom renovations.

2) Pet-Based Products
Is there anything that indulgent pet owners won't buy for their pets? If you can come up with a product for dogs or cats that you can produce in your home, you'll have a real winner of a home business opportunity on your hands. From designer collars to "organic" pet foods, the sky's the limit.

3) Catering Services
Think dinner for eight. Not just delivered, but served. Catering services aren't just for big parties any more. Career couples are having almost every social occasion catered, and busy families who are tired of living on take-out are spending more on having food brought in. If you have a knack for planning and preparing nourishing, appealing food and can deliver it hot, this is the home business opportunity for you.

4) Cleaning Services
Along the same lines, there's currently a heavy demand for cleaning services, and the demand for domestic cleaning services will only increase. If you're good at organizing and comfortable with the thought of running a crew, this home business opportunity has the potential of turning into something big.

5) Fall Prevention Products
Did you know that falls are the leading cause of fatal injury among elderly Canadians? Did you know that falls in seniors account for over $10 million health care dollars annually in Toronto alone? Now what if you developed or distributed a product related to helping seniors prevent falls? Think of the growing size of the potential market!

6) Wedding Consultant/Planner Services
More people are opting to get married which means growing opportunities for wedding consultant services. Unless the laws change in the United States, there will also continue to be a growing demand for weddings from gay couples seeking to tie the knot.

Are you good at planning? Do you have a mind for details? Becoming a wedding consultant could be the home-based business opportunity you've been looking for.

7) Dietary Consultant Services
Another growing trend that's only going to get larger is the perceived need for dietary advice. People are increasingly concerned about the food they put in their mouths and increasingly aware of the connection between dietary habits and their general health - and they're increasingly prepared to pay for personalized dietary planning and advice.

8) In-Home Beauty Services
This home-based business opportunity combines two trends; the insatiable demand for services that make people look and feel younger and better and the growing desire to have those services delivered. And why not? Having someone come to your home and cleanse and tone your skin and do your makeup is the height of luxury.

9) Sewing and Alteration Services
Sewing is on the way to becoming a lost art as more and more people find they have less and less time. But as not everyone is the regulation size, the demand for other people to provide these services will only increase. If you're really skilled, tailoring is another good home-based business opportunity.

10) Life/Business Coaching Services
Coaching has been hot for a while now, but I think this new industry will continue to grow. Remember when everyone had or wanted a personal fitness trainer? Now everyone has or wants a personal coach. If you have the skills and training necessary, this is a great home-based business opportunity because it can be done remotely as well as in person.

And a last tip - Most of the home-based business opportunities on this list call for specialized training or skills. If you don't have the specialized training or skills needed for a particular home-based business opportunity, you can still "be a part of it". Find a person with the appropriate training or skills and invest in his or her business. Being an angel investor can be rewarding in so many ways.

Click here and continue to find more business info >>

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Career Channel

Executive Recruiters: Your Job-Search Commandos

By Bill Radin

©2000 Innovative Consulting, Inc.
Career Development Reports

Executive recruiters (also known as headhunters or search consultants) have firmly established themselves as a visible and highly valued fixture in today's employment landscape. Through their aggressive matchmaking, headhunters affect the careers of individuals, the lives of their families and friends, and the profitability of entire corporations.

No one knows exactly what the business world would be like without the influence of headhunters, but one thing's for sure: sometime in your career , you'll either receive a call from a headhunter, or initiate contact yourself. In either case, you should learn how to work with them effectively, and take full advantage of the many benefits their service provides. Here's what you get from establishing a relationship with an executive recruiter:

• Greater exposure. Headhunters not only maintain a myriad of existing contacts within your field, they can also scout out new companies you never heard of.
• Increased efficiency. Headhunters are obsessive networkers; they spend their time researching and penetrating the job market. Their knowledge can save you time in identifying and pursuing prospective employers.
• Personalized public relations. Employers generally look more favorably towards a candidate who's professionally recommended. Headhunters stake their reputations on the quality of their candidates, and will always present you in the best possible light.
• Confidential representation. Some job search situations require a great deal of discretion. For example, you may want to explore an opportunity with your present company's direct competitor. In such an instance, a headhunter can present your background confidentially, thereby protecting your identity, and eliminating (or at least minimizing) your risk of exposure.
• Authoritative career consulting. Headhunters can help you determine the job or career track that's right for you, based on current market conditions and your own values and abilities. They're also in a unique position to walk you through (and monitor) each step in your job changing process.
• Private training. Headhunters can give you practical, time-tested suggestions on how to strengthen your resume and improve your interviewing technique. In many ways, a headhunter acts as a personal coach.
• Third-party representation. As experienced brokers, headhunters find ways to put favorable deals together, and iron out differences you and the hiring company may have regarding your salary, benefits, and relocation package.

In addition, working through a headhunter can actually improve your chances for success once you've been placed. That's because the search fee the hiring company paid the recruiter represents a sizable financial investment in your future success -- an investment worth protecting. To visit Abastaff and find more related info >>

Aviation Career Guide

Military Flying

The big dream for many is to become a military aviator. And it is no big secret that they are the top of the line flight students, getting the best training and flying the fastest, best, and most advanced aircrafts out there.

Also flying for your country put you on top of most job queues if you one day want to turn civilian again.

As the different branches and countries have different qualifications and application procedures this is just a general introduction to military aviation.

To get in you should be between 17 ?and 28 years, but these requirements vary from country to country . United Kingdom for instance have set their age limits from 17 ?to 23, while others may not have a high limit. However the younger you are when getting in, the better it is. Just be aware that some countries only let you apply ones and maturity is absolutely required to make it in.

You should have at least a high school diploma, and some countries even want you to have a college degree before applying. Studies in math and physics are also preferred. This may vary depending on country , branch and aircrafts to be flown.

Most countries prefer you don't have any previous flight experience before applying. This is because military flying differ from civil flying, and there is flying involved in the selection process. In short, they want to form you into a good military pilot, and the best way of doing this is starting with a fresh flight student.

So if you are already a commercial pilot or have lots of flight hours you may not even qualify to apply. Again this varies. In the Unites States for instance you find many civil trained pilots flying for the National Reserves. However these spots are popular and you need at least a college degree and some flight experience to get in.

The good side of military aviation is definitely that you get to fly top of the line aircrafts. All flight training is paid for and if you one day wish to fly for the airlines you are more then qualified. The salaries are good and the job is pretty secure.

On the other side almost all countries have a binding time after completed training. This varies but is usually from 8-12 years of service; a long time if you don't think military is the best place to be. Also you become a political tool and risk deployment wherever your country has armed interests.

4/29/2004

To view the website and learn more careers info >>

Sexual Orientation and Career Decision Making

STEPPING OUT

Life Beyond Macalester for GLTB students.

Join us for a discussion of issues of special interest to GLBT students when deciding about and applying for internships, employmet and graduate school oppotunities.

Facilitated by Laura Smidzik, past Internship Director at Macalester and activist in the GLBT community.

• Whe do I come out in the application process?
• How do I find a company that supports GLBT employees?
• When do I put on my resume to describe my involvement in the QU?
• Are there career resources for GLBT students?

As a gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered / transsexual (GLBT) student, upon graduating and entering the "real world," you are faced with an additional struggle in career decision making, because of your sexual / affectional orientation or gender.  The question of whether or not to come out during a job search or on the job may be new to you because you have attended a college which is accepting of your sexuality ot gender.  In looking of a job, you may be weighing, for the first time, the risks of coming out. Perhaps the most helpful thing to remember is that you are not alone - because we all work and change jobs in our lifetimes, every working GLBT person has struggled many times with the issue of coming out on the job. To read related info, please visit the site now!

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