http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/emma-waverman/eco-friendly-travel-tips_b_4703230.html

I can't forget those big eyes looking up at me. Angelica is two years old and she has been living at one of the Dominican Republic's SOS Children's Villages since she was six months old. A social worker first found her alone in a hovel, covered in flies. Her brothers were out scavenging for food on the streets -- they were only two and four at the time.

Now, they have a permanent home at SOS Children's Villages, where they live with their SOS mother Anna and seven other children.

Today, Angelica thrives; she walks down the street holding her brothers' hands. When she turns four she will attend the local school, which is part of the village. Her future is bright and the odds are she will leave her tough start far behind her.



Angelica is just one of the current 78,000 children who has been given a home by SOS Children's Villages. You may never have heard of them, but SOS Children's Villages cares for more abandoned and orphaned children around the world than any other aid agency.

The vision of SOS Children's Villages is "a loving home for every child" and they provide stability and a family for abandoned and orphaned children in 133 countries. The children are housed in groups of approximately ten with an "SOS mother." Their "SOS mother" cares for the children as if they were her own, and usually continues a relationship with them long after they leave the village. Some of these children have suffered unspeakable horrors; their families in one way or another had abandoned all of them. There are often schools, medical clinics and social workers in the community as well.

I visited and stayed at two SOS Children's Villages, thanks to Air Transat who flew me to the Dominican Republic so I could see first-hand the good work of SOS Children's Villages. Transat has been a generous partner to SOS Children's Villages since 2009 when they chose to focus on children's organizations that work in their destination countries. They have donated almost a million dollars and helped thousands of kids get better lives. Everyone from the executive level to the grounds crew and passengers has donated to SOS Children's Villages. Some of that money goes to the running of the villages; and some of the money goes to projects like a needed water filtration plant in the Children's Village in Haiti.



During my week in the Dominican, I learned a lot about the organization, and also about unconditional love and how the feelings of permanence and security can help a child heal from trauma. It changed how I think about children in need, and also about how I look at travel.

The Children's Villages were far from the all-inclusive resorts that make the Dominican Republic a desirable destination. Our guides took us to downtown Santiago and Santo Domingo to show us their country, and it was beautiful. We ate local food, and were schooled in the correct avocado to eat with dinner and the wonders of the plantain.

The trip got me thinking about how I could be a better, more responsible traveler. How could I teach my children to enjoy travel, but also do it in an eco and culturally responsible way? I was not surprised to find that I am not alone in trying to find that balance. A study by Transat Holidays found that 87 per cent of Canadian package travelers prefer a vacation carrier that takes part in socially responsible tourism like environmental protection efforts and giving back to the communities in which it serves.

Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Travel Tips

1. Take photos, and leave the natural environment as is -- leave your sand, shells and coral souvenirs on the beach.
2. Support the local economy by purchasing unique gifts and souvenirs made by local artisans.
3. Go out to tourist-friendly restaurants outside of your hotel, to support local business.
4. Look for a company that gives back to the destinations in which it travels to by supporting social or humanitarian causes.
5. If you have a specific set of skills, research trips where you can use your skills to help a community in-need.

Recommended Sites:
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The city is finished with a display of regions and suburbs. All of which are particularly dissimilar, which makes this hub of Asia is a true melting pot of cultures.

The city has had a chaotic history going back to the 12th century and the influence conquering nations have had on Jakarta is obvious. Portuguese, Dutch, Chinese and British architecture can be seen in different parts in the entire city.

Jakarta is one of the extravagant cities you would want to visit and represented globalization in almost every admiration.

After deciding on what hotel you want to stay, then the next thing you have to worry about is getting there. The most convenient means to roam around the city is to fly into Soekarno Hatta International Airport. The airport is serviced by most major airlines and you will find that getting to your Jakarta hotel from here is easy just 20 km outside the city.

There is a free shuttle bus into the city, but it can be random, so pre-booking a taxi could be the better choice. But, these can be very costly.

One more option is to rent a car so you can go directly to your Jakarta hotel without any trouble, but be very patient with the traffic because it can be a nightmare.
Travelling to and from the city is trouble-free by train and there are many of excellent connections. Commuter services start running early from 5.00 a.m. local time, and they frequently up until late into the night. The service is usually dependable and you can choose from four distinctive services such as air-conditioned non-stop trains, semi-express trains, ekonomi AC – which will stop at every station but is air conditioned – and ekonomi.

If you are tight on cash, an upgrade is worthwhile since your journey will be a great deal.

Bus connections are good and the means of transport are rather comfortable because not so crowded than the train. On the other hand, it is suitable not to travel from your hotel in Jakarta during rush hour.

There are also less considerable means of transport like other destinations. Jakarta has an enormous number of bajajes. This can be used as a fast and convenient if you know precisely where you are headed.

Mile-high bargains
Check the airline’s website to its foreign-language website, it could have a potentially cheaper ticket there. Use Google Chrome’s translation feature and make sure your credit card has a low international-transaction fee prior to making a deal. Who knows you might be in luck so always do so. Check if there is a sale in the region.

Use soap to soothe an insect bite
Just rub a bar of soap in the insect bite, you can use what’s available, hotels usually has soaps in their bath, and leave it dry. This will save you time and money going to the pharmacy to buy some relief for the bite.

Cancel your booking without paying for it
If you miss the cancellation window for your hotel or rental car booking don’t worry because you can still change the reservation date for free. Here is what you should do, move the reservation several weeks or months ahead, then call back and speak to a different person to attempt to cancel it.

Venting can be good
A sick seatmate on the plane can be bad, you might get sick as well so if you are worried about germs on planes, experts suggest that aiming your air vent in front of your face can deflect any circulating germs away from you.

Save on phone bills
You can save on phone bills using apps like Skype or Facebook’s Video Calling, just the WIFI will do. Both have unlimited calling while you can use WhatsApp and Kik to text with loved ones back home for free.

Be more supportive
Some airline seats are uncomfortable because they do not have lumber support; this makes passengers back and neck sore. Here is what you can do, put a blanket or rolled up piece of clothing behind you so your back can maintain its natural curve. And for the armrests, drape a folded scarf over it to boost the comfort factor.

Just roll with it
Use an expandable bag rather than bringing multiple suitcases, or running out of room to pack all your items after a huge shopping spree overseas

Pack like a pro
Organize your clothes well and save them from getting crumple in your bag by using packing folders or you can roll your clothes instead of folding. You can also zip it up and reopen it and you’ll often find more room has emerged in the corners.

Think outside the box
You can go and check out some site like HomeAway.com, they have a list of ranges of properties you can rent for your holiday, and most importantly they are usually cheaper than hotels. And it is negotiable! You can negotiate the price and length of stay when renting these types of properties.

Use Vaseline to remove makeup
Petroleum jelly can work as a make-up remover. But avoid getting it in your eyes.

Use a pillowcase for your dirty clothes
Pillow cases can be practical for separating your dirty clothes from the clean ones and are also useful to wrap delicate souvenirs collected during your trip.

Remove lint with your bag tag
Get rid of that fluff, or animal hair, by removing the baggage tracking sticker placed on your suitcase.

Timing is everything
Tuesday and Wednesday are usually the least expensive days to fly because most people tend to take to the skies on Friday and fly back home on Sunday making air travel more expensive on these days.

Airlines also tend to pull discounted airfares in advance of the weekend.
What’s more, never buy airline tickets earlier than three-and-a-half months before departure, and be warned that prices can go up radically within two weeks of the scheduled flight.

The early bird gets the worm
According to deal websiteFarecompare.com, the first flight out in the morning is usually the cheapest. You’re also usually more likely to avoid the worst delays, because airlines are starting with a clean slate.

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http://chengpark.wordpress.com/2014/03/01/blog-a-road-to-wellness-less-travelled-jennifer-shearin-group-wellness-coaching/

With the upsurge of the wellness industry in the past thirty years, more and more people are living well-balanced and active lives. And as the essential medical knowledge and practices improve even more, we can look forward to more people living up to a hundred years or more, something which was apparently a common thing in ancient times. In certain parts of the world, such as Thailand, Spain, Japan, France and the US, where we can find the most number of centenarians, dietary and lifestyle habits are commonly investigated and emulated as effective means of achieving not just long-life but for maintaining a sense of well-being.

If it was such a common thing for people to live up to a hundred or even much longer in ancient times, how come modern people no longer approach that level of physiological durability? We are more of an exception now rather than the rule in biological longevity. Sea turtles, swans and carps and some other animals have longer average life spans than us humans. And they do not even read bibles and blogs!

But we should not despair as life is, as often said, not measured in the length of one’s life but in the quality of life that one has. What human can survive living in water as tortoises and carps do? Yet the quality of life, not just the length of it, can now be attained through observing certain basic health tips and lifestyle changes any person can do without having to spend so much. And one need not reside in Okinawa or in Nepal to achieve this.

Jennifer Shearin provides a valuable list of how one can attain wellness, and, it follows, a long and happy life. She does not tell her readers to do all, of course. One only has to choose those that fit one’s budget and other conveniences in life.

Take, for instance, tip # 45 on taking up yoga. Yoga, admittedly, has so many health benefits. But such benefits can only be attained through some rigorous body exercises unique to yoga. Here is where many people feel challenged, especially the aged and the physically disabled? What then? As suggested, one must look for other alternatives while trying to achieve the same health benefits.

Certain ancient Chinese breathing exercises are known to provide rejuvenation of internal organs through slow, meditative deep-breathing routines. Almost any person of any age and even with disabilities can practice them. Perhaps, certain body movements, just as certain expensive foods are inaccessible to most people, are not meant for everyone. But there are certainly other ways to get the health benefits through some other means.

And with 74 ways to choose from, Jennifer Shearin has certainly covered most bases when it comes to having a healthy, happy and long life. For that, we can only thank her.

Watch the video online of A Road to Wellness Less Travelled, Jennifer Shearin Group Wellness Coaching

To join conversations about having a healthy, happy and long life, visit http://ellislab.com/forums/viewthread/242809/

OXFORD -- The smoke emanating from outdoor wood-burning furnaces can lie thick and low. Rather than rising and dispersing, it can spread out, leaving smoky particles hanging about.

In a time when indoor cigarette smoking is all but forbidden and greenhouse gases are a common concern, there are 500 to 1,000 wood furnaces in the state, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection estimates, and they are largely unregulated.

That's about to change.

The federal Environmental Protection Agency recently announced it will start regulating the amount of air pollution emitted from wood furnaces, wood stoves and wood pellet stoves in 2015. But talk to people who sell and use wood-fired heating sources, and you'll come away with the view that much-maligned outdoor wood boilers might be doing the environment a favor. Advocates of the wood boilers claim people who burn gas and oil for heat are ruining the planet.

Jeff Luff sells outdoor wood boilers out of an office building that he and his wife, Claudia, own on Christian Street in Oxford. "Twelve thousand square feet, and it's all heated with wood," Luff said. "I can tell you're just overcome with the smoke," he added with smirk.

Indeed. On the north side of the building that's home to a number of other small businesses besides Luff's operation, is a large outdoor wood boiler. It was 18 degrees in the shade, and the shed-sized unit was keeping the entire two-story building toasty warm. The boiler was vented by a 25-foot stovepipe from which only a faint blue wisp could be detected.

The new EPA regulations will not apply to fireplaces, outdoor fire pits, barbecues or pizza ovens. Existing wood-burning appliances would be grandfathered in, but those manufactured in 2015 and beyond would have to meet far stricter pollution standards. The current EPA regulations allow indoor stoves to emit 7.5 grams of particulate matter an hour.

"A cigarette is 0.5 grams an hour," said Tom Swan, owner of Black Swan Hearth & Gift Shop in Newtown. "I sell stoves that release 0.8 of a gram of pollution an hour. That's less than two cigarettes."

Old stoves, he points out, can release as much as 40 grams of smoke an hour. New stoves, he said, are much cleaner. Swan, who acted as a liaison between the wood stove industry and the EPA while it worked on 2015 regulations, said it's the older wood furnaces that are a problem. "There are new wood furnaces that are cleaner than fireplaces," Swan said. To be sure, the horror stories heard from some living downwind of outdoor wood boilers are real. People's lives have been up-ended by a wood-burning unit up the street.

The change in EPA rules can't come soon enough for Wilson Converse, of Weston, and his wife, Suzan. The Converses live across the street from a wood-burning furnace, and they have measured the particulate level in their home when their neighbor burns wood. It can reach dangerous levels. Converse said it's not just his house. The entire neighborhood is being overridden with smoke from the furnace. "Everybody," Converse said. "It's 24-7."

The neighbor who owns the wood furnace, Joe Tassitano, said the complaints won't deter him from using his furnace. "I have nothing to say," Tassitano said. "I love wood boilers."

The EPA's new regulations would require increased efficiency. At the end of five years, the EPA has said, the wood stoves and furnaces on the market will be 80 percent cleaner than those sold today. These new stoves will burn wood much more efficiently. Those who own them will spend less on wood, saving money on fuel. They'll also reduce the health costs caused by breathing smoky air.

In all, the EPA has said, the new standards will create a $1.8 billion to $2.4 billion a year in economic benefit in the United States. Unmoved, Luff estimates thousands of wood boilers are running in Connecticut alone -- he had sold 2,500 himself -- and the vast majority of them operate without complaint. He is quick to point out that photos in the paper of smoking flues are usually taken when the unit is cold.

"Once it's up to temperature, you see nothing," Luff said. "That's called gasification burn."

Burning wood, Luff says, is better for the environment because it's not a fossil fuel. Burning wood has a "zero carbon footprint" because the carbon dioxide generated by the burning wood is offset by the trees that are growing to replace the firewood.

Luff said the people who burn wood are no match for the clean-air lobby, which they view as wrong-headed when it comes to wood.

"If you have 4 1/2 acres, you'll have an endless supply of fuel," he said. "You'll never diminish your supply of trees."

10 Things to Know About Travel in Southeast Asia
By travelwesthill

Lots of globetrotters and backpackers have journeyed to the fertile and culturally rich Southeast Asia. Known for its beautiful beaches, mesmerizing historical sights and a touch of adventurousness, this comparatively inexpensive travel destination baits thousands amongst thousands of people every year with landmarks like Angkor Wat, Cambodia; the city of Bangkok, Thailand; and the scenic views of Ha Long Bay, Vietnam. Don’t forget Jakarta Indonesia a surprise in Southeast Asia.

As much as we highly recommend you visit these places, the prudent traveler will do his/her homework as to abide the laws and traditions of these very different countries, as well as be prepared to face the risks, both financial and otherwise that could wind up tarnishing your vacation.

Almost everything is negotiable, almost: Haggling can be more beneficial in Southeast Asia than in most places in the world. Vendors at most malls and shops do not have price tags and it is common that when you ask for one, the price will be quite high because it looks like you have cash to burn. Don’t be afraid to ask for a lower price since another vendor just a few feet way is sure to be selling the same thing.

The food is great, just be careful: Renowned for its amazing cuisine, both on the street and in the restaurants, eating in SE Asia is one of the most exciting parts of going, but be cautious before eating just anything. One tip is to check if you see other patrons dining at a location before you go in.
Also, many of these countries have free English-written dining guides. Check them out.

Watch your pockets: Whether you are on the back of a motorbike or walking down the street, muggings and scams happen everywhere. Keep your personal belongings near to you at all times, perhaps consider a fanny pack or only bringing along essentials where you’re out of the hotel. This is a justified warning.
There is more to life than ‘backpacker street’: SE Asian countries have become very good at creating mini-tourism hubs of inexpensive hotels or hostels and surrounding them with vendors and bars and everything you need so that you don’t leave.
Granted, in places like Saigon and Bangkok, they are a lot of fun, but make a point to get out and explore other places. You’ll never know what’s waiting just around the corner.

Wetshill Consulting Travel & Tours based in Singapore specializes in in giving advice and tips for tourists from Australia, Canada, US and all countries all over the world.
Check the local rags and mags: As I mentioned before, most SE Asian countries have English-written guides. That’s because in a number of countries there, there is already an established community of expatriates. If you are looking to just find your bearings and want a safe bet on places to go, pick one up.

Be prepared to be approached by strangers: Locals in Southeast Asia are often very nice toward westerners and truthfully enjoy telling you how nice you look. Whether it is coming from a man or woman, get ready for a swarm of compliments on your appearance. It may seem a little strange at first, but you will get used to it. I promise.
This scotch does not taste like scotch: Drinks are a quarter of the price than what you’d find in Europe or in the U.S., the reason being that many of the typical name brands are regionally produced and use local ingredients, so don’t be shocked when your beloved Grey Goose on ice tastes a little different from what you are used to. Use the opportunity to try some very interesting locally produced spirits.

Take the tour deals seriously: Pretty much anywhere you go (of the major tourist destinations) there are sure to be tour pamphlets sitting around with great deals. From boat rides to day trips, there are great tours around that will get you where you need to go.

Hire local transport for the day: One great way to get around is to hire a tuk tuk or a moto-driver for the whole day to take you everywhere you want to go for a very nominal price. Your driver can also work as a de facto tour guide, getting you around to the spots you may not have thought of and that you would regret not seeing.
When you can, take a bus or train: When it comes to budget traveling, this is the way. Night buses get you from one country to the next for next to nothing, although they do take longer, no doubt about that. Roads between many destinations are well enough to travel, although there are going to be bumpy rides. None the less, when you need to do it on the cheap, this is the best option.

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From Westward plastics group to Brissco

The first time plastic came into the mass consciousness of people was in that scene in the 1967 movie, The Graduate, where a businessman advises Ben, the newly-graduated character of Dustin Hoffman, with this iconic line, “Just one word: Plastics. . . . There’s a great future in it.”

Well, the future has indeed come – in fact, a long time ago – even as early as the 30’s when the first polystyrene was made by BASF. Modern society would not have progressed as rapidly as it has without plastics. Think of the toys, furniture, appliances, textiles, computers, cars, planes, houses, buildings and factories that use plastic in one way or one form or another.

If Ben, or any other enterprising individual, had followed that prophetic advice in 1967, he or she would have become a billionaire by now. With that “one word”, life today has been made not just clean, colourful, convenient and comfortable but also affordable, replaceable and durable.

Plastic as building component is one of Brissco’s main supply materials. Building plastics has various applications for domestic, commercial and industrial use. Name it, the possibilities are unlimited by our imagination. Or as the website says: Brissco “offers a wide selection of products to suit every need”. Whether it is new installations or constructions or replacement of existing building parts, Brissco delivers. Examples are: uPVC fascias, polycarbonate roofing sheets, canopies and walkways.

Plastic gutters and pipes are especially crucial in roof systems. Although essentially hidden or invisible to most of us, they provide an essential function to buildings. Brissco’s rainwater systems, in fact, offer a wide choice of profile design, both traditional and modern, in a variety of colours to suit all tastes and applications. These systems are made of a material which is not readily flammable and will not support combustion. Most of all, these products, including pipes and fittings, comply with the material requirements of government technical standards.

Ben was a fictional character in a movie. Yet the idea planted into his mind was real and is now a reality in our times. One word that we all need to know and appreciate, if not make or save money out of is: Plastics.

Tisha Lim, a sophomore journalism major, felt unprepared for future professional pursuits. Unsure of how to market herself to employers or how to act during interviews, Lim sought out what she believed was her best option: the university’s Career Center.
The Career Center and the President’s Promise aim to prepare students for prospective internships and careers. The center has a wide range of services available, including mock interviews, resume critiques and online career tools. The center is also responsible for organizing many of the university’s career fairs, including one that begins Tuesday and runs through Thursday.
“It’s a great place to get your feet wet,” Lim said. “I really encourage people to go there — especially competitive majors.”
In the last academic year, the Career Center interacted with more than 25,000 students, said Rachel Wobrak, a program director and academic liaison at the center.
Career assistance appointments are the center’s most popular service and the three-day fall and spring career fairs are the most highly attended events, Wobrak said.
However, working with the Career Center is a two-way street, and officials said students need to take the initiative. Wobrak said the first step for students is awareness of the many resources available to them.
“Part of it is knowing your industry,” she said. “Some things are going to be more helpful than others. Not every student is going to need every service.”
The Career Center is not the only viable option for students looking for professional advice. Many individual colleges, such as the journalism, business and engineering schools, also have career and internship advisers. In addition, many of these schools set up career fairs geared toward their specific studies.
Adrianne Flynn, the internships and career development director of the journalism college, runs three internship classes, sends out memos about internship and career opportunities and gives students career advice. However, Flynn said only about a quarter of her students fully make the effort to take advantage of these resources.
Many students simply aren’t aware of the resources available to them. Ryann Rineker, a freshman enrolled in letters and sciences, and junior economics major Zein Syed said they had never heard of the Career Center. Others, such as Priscilla Wu, a junior nutrition and food sciences major, don’t know where the center is located — the top floor of Hornbake Library.
There are also students like freshman biology major Aviva Mazurek, who didn’t make an effort to go because she felt she wasn’t having trouble in her career and internship searches and didn’t have a need to visit the center.
However, Wobrak warned that “it is important for students to start early. Don’t wait until senior year.”
Flynn said the only way students can make the most of the career resources provided for them is to make the effort and approach these centers.
“Just like in school, you get out of it what you put into it,” Flynn said.
Flynn also suggested that students create relationships with their professors who are in the fields they’d like to pursue.
“There is a certain matchmaking quality,” she said. “While in school students must interact with professors. These professors become a part of the network, and the best way to get a job is to energize that network on your behalf.”

... when a file you are editing has been edited by a 3rd person or application, it indicates that change in notepad++ and prompts the user if its ok to update the file

The only feature currently making me stick with textmate, is that I can cd into a folder on the CLI and type 'mate .' on that folder, to have the whole folder open.

Sublime needs a clone of the mate script.