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Each year, millions of students gear up for a battery of pre-college testing. In order to help students do their best, Americans spend about $4 billion dollars on classes, tutors, study guides and books.
While helpful, many test prep resources can be dull, making it more difficult for students to stay focused. To help make effective test prep more engaging, Wiley Publishing, Inc. has created a unique and exciting way for students to build their vocabulary and raise scores using Stephenie Meyer’s popular “Twilight” series.
The “Twilight” books have a very loyal following, particularly among teens. Many parents looking to harness that passion into constructive study time find that the “Defining Twilight” guides are a perfect fit.
The series first began in June 2009 with “Defining Twilight” and then expanded to include “Defining New Moon.” The third and latest book in the series, “Defining Eclipse: Vocabulary Workbook for Unlocking the SAT, ACT, GED, and SSAT,” will arrive in stores on May 24, just in time for the release of the movie “Eclipse.”
Author and test prep expert, Brian Leaf says, “Every time I see a newly administered SAT test, I am amazed at how many of the vocabulary words appear in the ‘Twilight’ books – words like solicitous, macabre, inexorably, inure, baleful, ecstatic, blithe, placate, haggard, belligerent, stymie and nebulous. Students who learn all the vocabulary words in the “Defining Twilight” series will absolutely raise their test scores.”
“Defining Eclipse” has 40 four-page chapters with well over 600 vocabulary words and synonyms. Just grab a copy of “Eclipse,” refer to the page where each vocabulary word appears, read the word in context, and come up with a definition. Then check definitions against those provided in the workbook, make corrections, and complete the drills. Students will acquire vocabulary skills, learn synonyms, word parts, and memorization tools, and get drills and quizzes to integrate what they’ve learned.
To find out more about “Defining Eclipse” and other books in the series, visit places like cliffnotes.com
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Hearing loss is one of the most common conditions in the world. Yet there are a number of mis-perceptions about hearing loss which lead many to let it go untreated.
The Better Hearing Institute found that only 4 in 10 people with moderate-to-severe hearing loss use hearing aids. Many waited nearly seven years after they initially learned about their hearing loss to obtain a hearing aid, and that was after they’d lost so much hearing that their quality of life was affected. Hearing loss can create social and emotional barriers for the individuals living with it, or the families of those it affects. Research shows that when left untreated, hearing loss can lead to reduced earning power, disruptions in family life and can cause a wide range of other psychological problems.
According to a survey conducted by Hear the World, a global initiative by leading hearing system manufacturer Phonak, frustration (46.8 percent), isolation (45.3 percent), and fear (36.8 percent) were the feelings most often associated with untreated hearing loss.
“What I see in my practice is that the unnecessary fear and frustration associated with hearing loss and hearing aids is often accompanied by a lack of information about ways to prevent or solutions available to treat the condition,” said Dr. Kasper. “This is unfortunate given that hearing loss is a condition that can be treated with great benefit for the individual, as well as for society.”
Myth: Hearing loss only affects the elderly
Fact: Only 35 percent of people with hearing loss are over age 64. In fact, it affects all age groups.
- The number of Americans with hearing loss has grown to more than 34 million-roughly 11 percent of the U.S. population.
- In the United States, more than one million school-aged children have hearing problems.
- According to the National Institutes of Health, nearly 26 million Americans have high-frequency hearing loss that may have been caused by exposure to loud noise at work or in leisure activities.
Activities that put people at risk for noise-induced hearing loss include target shooting, hunting, snowmobile riding, woodworking and other hobbies, playing in a band and attending rock concerts. Harmful noises at home may come from lawnmowers, leaf blowers, and shop tools.
Myth: If I have a hearing loss, my doctor would have told me.
Fact: According to the Better Hearing Institute, only 15 percent of physicians routinely screen for hearing loss during a physical. And without special training, it may be difficult for your doctor to realize the extent of your hearing problem.
Do you:
- Have trouble hearing over the telephone?
- Often ask people to repeat what they are saying?
- Find it hard to follow conversations when two or more people are talking?
- Think that others seem to mumble?
- Have a problem hearing because of background noise?
- Have trouble understanding when women and children speak to you?
If you answered yes to three or more of these questions, visit a hearing healthcare professional and get properly tested.
Myth: Hearing aids are big and uncomfortable.
Fact: Hearing aid design and technology has developed significantly in recent years.
“Hearing loss and the solutions available to treat it have long been misunderstood,” said Dr. Craig Kasper, chief audiology officer of Audio Help Associates of Manhattan. “Hearing aids have come a long way and it is important to the well-being of those with hearing loss that these mis-perceptions be addressed. In fact, recent technology advances have made it possible for those who need a hearing aid to wear their devices with ease and confidence.”
Today’s hearing aids work with digital technology and are equipped with powerful computer chips, ensuring better sound quality, wireless connectivity, modern design and ever smaller dimensions to help users wear their hearing aids with minimal detection.
Good hearing plays a crucial part in quality of life. Don’t let myths about hearing loss keep you from enjoying what life has to offer. Get anonline hearing test and then locate a hearing health professional in your area.
Whether you have a home office or just a small corner that serves as the family work station, keeping it organized is key to getting things done. These simple tips will help clear out the clutter and make the most of your space.
Supplies and Demand. From paper clips to reams of paper, everything needs a place to go. Dumping it all into one drawer doesn’t really help you find things when you need them.
* Prefab drawer organizers don’t always fit the drawer sizes you have, so make your own. Use small containers such as mini loaf pans, small plastic baskets or other small square or rectangle tins and boxes. They’ll hold paper clips, thumbtacks, stamps, sticky note pads and plenty of other small desk items.
* For desktop storage, use jars, small vases or decorated cans to hold pens and pencils. They’re small and can add an interesting visual element to your work space.
Cut Cord Clutter. There’s nothing like a tangle of electrical cords to make an area seem even more cluttered.
Wireless Charging Station. To tame the cords needed to charge up electronic devices, go wireless instead. Powermat helps eliminate dead batteries, constant plugging/unplugging, loss of chargers and tangled wires. With real-time wireless charging for phones, games, music players and other popular electronic devices, Powermat allows users to charge multiple devices simultaneously, charging as fast as or faster than the device’s charger. It senses when the device is fully charged, and stops sending power so that it not only saves energy, but protects from overcharging.
The Powermat system pairs an ultra-thin mat with a sleek receiver that attaches to each device, enabling users to simply drop and charge. Custom receivers are available for the iPhone, iPod, Nintendo DS and Blackberry devices. These and over one thousand other devices may be charged using the convenient Powercube, a universal receiver that comes standard with every Powermat. Available in Portable or Home & Office versions, Powermat makes a great gift for any anyone looking to de-clutter their home or office. The Powermat’s suggested retail price is $99.99 for mats and $29.99 – $39.99 for receivers. Visit www.powermat.com for more information.
Go Vertical. Why spread out if you can spread up? Look for ways to take advantage of any vertical space you may have.
* Even one wall shelf can add some much needed storage space.
* Put up a wall-mounted message center, or create one with a small bulletin board, a write-on board, and a wall file.
* Stack equipment, but don’t cover up any venting. Use small chair-leg protectors as spacers in between to let air circulate and prevent overheating.
It doesn’t take much – and it doesn’t have to cost much – to get your workspace organized. A few simple fixes and you’re on your way to a more productive day.
Easy Ways to Better Your Community
Small town, big city, the suburbs or the country – no matter where you live, you’re part of a local community. Without realizing it, you can have a big impact on your community by the everyday choices that you make. And a thriving local community is good for everyone who lives there.
Why You Should Go Local
Local First, a Grand Rapids, Michigan based organization that encourages sustainable, locally-based economies, states that when you purchase at locally owned businesses rather than nationally owned, more money is kept in the community because locally-owned businesses often purchase from other local businesses, service providers and farms. Local First estimates that for every $100 you spend with local businesses, $73 remains in the community. Only $57 remains in the local economy when you buy from a national chain store.
Most new jobs are provided by local businesses as well, and local business owners donate more to local charities than non-local owners. This means that your support of local businesses has a farther-reaching effect than you might realize. You’re helping people find and keep jobs, and you’re helping make it possible for charitable organizations to continue doing much-needed work.
How You Can Go Local
Start Subscribing. Get a subscription to your community newspapers and local magazines. Not only will they keep you informed about what’s happening in your community, but you’ll help support local business.
Shop Locally. There are plenty of locally owned businesses and service providers in your neighborhood. One easy way to find them is through MerchantCircle.com, a social network of about 1 million local businesses. By signing up for a free account, you can easily search out and follow nearby businesses and service providers such as jewelers, plumbers, grocers, and accountants, to get coupons and find out about special events and offers. MerchantCircle’s “Answers” lets you get expert advice from local businesses in your area and across the country on virtually any topic for free. Car mechanics, veterinarians and professionals in every industry will quickly respond, saving you time and often money.
Get Involved. Many communities have volunteer advisory councils for local governments – everything from city planning committees to arts councils. Check out your town’s web site to find out how you can impact the development and character of your community.
Visit Local Attractions. Parks, arboretums, museums, parades, festivals, theatres – there plenty of ways to have a good time without leaving town. A staycation or weekend getaway at home is less expensive for you than heading out of town, and you get to enjoy local treasures.
Volunteer. Local schools, community centers, libraries, museums and charities often need people like you. Check the local paper, community bulletin boards and web sites such as VolunteerMatch.org to find out what you can do to make your community stronger.
(Family Features) – Are you shivering and bundling up inside your house? If your thermostat is set at the desired temperature, your furnace runs continuously, your utility bills are ridiculously high, but you are still cold, it is probably because energy is escaping your house.
As it gets colder outside, here are some clues that will indicate if your home has air leaks:
- You feel drafts or air moving even when all of your windows and doors are closed.
- The floor directly in front of the sink feels colder than the rest of the floor.
- There is a drastic temperature difference between levels in your house.
- You find bugs in the same room over and over again.
Outside air typically enters the home where building materials meet and where wires and pipes penetrate through the walls.
The EPA estimates that homeowners can typically save up to 20 percent of heating and cooling costs by air sealing their homes and adding insulation in attics, floors over crawl spaces, and accessible basement rim joists. Sealing and insulating these areas add up to an average of $200 worth of savings a year on energy costs.
There are several easy and cost-effective ways to eliminate drafts.
- Replace weather-stripping around doors, including the garage door.
- Add extra insulation in your attic.
- Insulate perimeter walls in your basement.
- Insure that the chimney flue is closed.
Filling gaps and cracks with an insulating foam sealant is an easy, fast solution that anyone can undertake. Sealants such as Great Stuff form an airtight, water-resistant seal that cures rigid. The foam is sandable, paintable, and can be trimmed with a utility knife afterwards.
Some common and effective places to seal include the holes where the HVAC ductwork enters the living space from the basement and attic, the attic hatch frame, plumbing stacks and shafts, and pipe, wire and conduit penetrations.
For a full list of places to use foam sealant, visit http://greatstuff.dow.com/pdfs/checklist.pdf.
SOURCE:
Great Stuff
(Family Features) – With the holiday season in full swing, party planners everywhere look to answer the same festive question with their annual gatherings – how do you spread the holiday spirit among guests? While décor and music play a role, nothing raises spirits more than a memorable hors d’oeuvres and drink spread that satisfies appetites and makes guests jolly.
Here are a few tips from King’s Hawaiian for creating a sumptuous first-course spread and festive setting that will keep guests entertained:
- Deck The Halls! Create an enticing aroma and beautiful display with candles. Set them atop holders accented with ribbon and seasonal trimmings from pine and noble firs (widely available this time of year).
- Punch it up! Create festive punches with a variety of toppings so guests may garnish however they want. Use red maraschino cherries, mint sprigs or cranberries. Consider pre-mixing drinks, so that you can enjoy the company of your guests. Also, offer beverages with and without alcohol for varying guest preferences.
- Ho Ho Hors D’oeuvres Made Simple! To minimize your time in the kitchen, incorporate tried-and-true, ready-made dishes that can be created well in advance and served at room temperature. Veggie dips, cheese trays and fruit platters all work well. Professional caterers recommend having 10 to 12 appetizers total per person.
- That’s Hot! As a complement to cold dishes, serve warm recipes that can be created almost to completion well in advance of the party. Just pop them in the oven right before guests arrive so they will be served warm, with minimal fuss.
- Festive Finger Foods. Add flair to dishes with themed-toothpicks, colored sauces or decorative dips. Present them on attractive serving dishes which display seasonal colors.
Here is an easy and elegant hors d’oeuvre recipe. Make the mixture and pour into muffin tins a day in advance of your gathering and, shortly before guests arrive, pop them in the oven to bake these simple and savory soufflé bites.
For more festive recipes, visit www.kingshawaiian.com
Mini Cheese Soufflé Bites
Ingredients
- 1/2 16-ounce King’s Hawaiian Original Bread, cut into 1/2-inch thick vertical slices
- 1 1/4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 3/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives
Preparation
- Trim crusts from bread slices and cut into 1/2-inch cubes.
- Beat eggs in large mixing bowl. Add milk, cheese and Worcestershire sauce. Mix together, then stir in bread.
- Let stand for 15 minutes.
- Put 1/3 cup soufflé mixture into buttered muffin cups.
- Place the muffin tin into a jelly roll pan filled with 1/2-inch of water.
- Bake in a 375°F oven until set, about 25-30 minutes. Remove when they have puffed up and are slightly brown on top.
- Sprinkle chives on each soufflé, for garnish.
Serves
Makes 10-12 servings
(Family Features) – Handmade holiday items bring a unique and personal touch to the season, making the giver and receiver feel special. This year, millions of families will be spending more time together creating low or no-cost crafts such as gifts, cards and decorations. In fact, the Craft & Hobby Association (CHA) estimates that in almost 43 million U.S. households will create handcrafted holiday gifts and decorations this year.
“Crafting provides an opportunity to spend time with friends and family while creating unique, one-of-a-kind gifts that don’t need to cost a lot of money,” said CHA President and CEO Steve Berger.
To inspire you, here’s an idea to get you crafting this holiday season.
Swirl Place Setting
Courtesy of www.ilovetocreate.com
Materials:
Aleene’s Fabric Fusion
Aleene’s Fast Grab Tacky Glue
Tulip 3D Fashion Paint
65088 Gold Glitter
65408 Gold Metallics
Red placemats and napkins
Gold fabric – 1/4 yard
Cardstock paper
Buttons – gold (4)
Bulky yarn – red
Eyelash yarn – red
1-inch low tack masking tape
Scissors
Scratch paper
Paper towels
Pencil
Ruler
Placemats
- Use tape to mask off around edge of placemats and across one corner of napkin. Start the flow of the Gold Metallic paint on a paper towel using an even pressure on the bottle. Squeeze thin lines of gold in assorted sizes of swirls on placemat. Immediately and carefully place scratch paper over paint then lightly rub over paper. Remove paper and tape. Let dry. Continue with remainder of placemats and napkins.
- Add a Gold Metallic line around edge of pattern and across the diagonal on the napkin. Let dry.
- Squeeze a thin line of Gold Glitter to all swirls and let dry.
- Squeeze a thin line of Fabric Fusion next to edge on the top of placemat. Press bulky yarn into glue. When dry, flip placemats over, apply a bead of glue to edge then press in eyelash yarn, twisting yarn so fibers show around edge. Let dry.
Napkin Rings
- Measure and cut a strip of cardstock 2 x 7 inches. Apply Fast Grab to one end of strip, overlap and hold with tape until dry. Continue with desired amount of napkin rings.
- Cut strips of gold fabric 4 x 7 1/2 inches. Apply a thin even coating of Fast Grab to the ring; press on fabric then smooth with fingers. Apply glue to the fabric edges then fold to the inside and press to secure. Let dry.
- Cut a 12-inch piece of both yarns then wrap together. Tie around napkin ring and knot on top. Add a dot of glue to the back of the knot to hold in place. Trim ends.
- Cut the shank from the back of button; add glue and press in place over the knot.
For votive and place card instructions, visit www.ilovetocreate.com.
Family Holiday Wreath
Courtesy of www.terriocraftprojects.com
Materials:
Wreath
Words of inspiration (K&Co.)
Rub-ons (K&Co.)
Favorite photos or seasonal stock photographs from www.iStockphoto.com
Heavy cardboard
Metal saying
Wire
Wire cutter
Glue gun
- Attach metal saying with wire to center of wreath.
- Print or download photos. The ones in this craft were printed in sepia.
- Adhere photos to heavy cardboard to fit the size of photo.
- Add rub-ons to photos.
- Glue words to wreath.
Winter weather poses unique challenges for drivers. Before heading out onto snowy or icy streets, take a few minutes to refresh your memory on how to drive safely in wintery conditions.
Before Leaving
- Make sure the gas tank is at least half full and the windshield washer fluid reservoir is full.
- Clear as much snow off of the car as you can, including the roof, headlamps and taillights. Scrape ice off of windows and side mirrors for maximum visibility.
- Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.
- If you are going to drive a long distance, find out what kind of weather to expect. Visit the National Weather Service website at weather.gov to check the forecast.
On the Road
- Slow down. Tires lose their grip in slippery conditions, so accelerating, stopping and turning all take longer on snow-covered roads. Give yourself time to maneuver by driving slowly.
- AAA recommends that the normal following distance of three to four seconds be increased to eight to ten seconds. This increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop.
- Accelerating slowly reduces wheel spin. If you’re starting from a standstill on ice or slick snow, start in second gear if you have a manual transmission. Some automatic transmissions have a winter mode that automatically starts in a higher gear.
- Don’t lock the wheels when braking. This can make the vehicle slide or skid. If your vehicle has an antilock braking system (ABS), depress the brake pedal firmly and hold it down. Do not pump the brakes. ABS usually send a vibration through the brake pedal – if you feel this, don’t let up, it’s normal.
- Do one thing at a time. Consumer Reports says that asking a vehicle to do two things at once – such as braking and turning, or accelerating and turning – can reduce your control. When taking a turn, slowly apply brakes while the vehicle is going straight. When it’s at the right speed to take the turn, let up on the brakes and smoothly turn the steering wheel. After you’re through the turn, slowly depress the accelerator to regain speed.
- Correct for a slide. If the rear of the vehicle begins to slide during a turn, gently let up on the accelerator and turn the steering wheel in the direction of the slide to straighten out. If the front end begins to slide, let up on the accelerator and turn the steering wheel in the direction you want to go.
- Pay extra attention to other drivers – they may not be driving as cautiously as you.
For more safe winter driving tips, visit consumerreports.org, aaa.exchange.com or the Federal Citizen Information Center at pueblo.gsa.gov.
(Family Features) – Bar·gain [bahr-guhn] – noun: an advantageous purchase, a great deal, especially one acquired at less than the usual cost.
These days, people are getting more creative with how they spend. When it comes to shopping, many are turning to the Internet for great deals on seasonal items, trendy fashions and the latest in tech gear.
One popular shopping resource is eBay. With over 88 million worldwide users each month, it has long been known as a place to find deals on new and used items.
Three eBay insiders – Constance White, style director, Cat Schwartz, gadget and toy director and Karen Bard, pop culture expert – have some tips to help deal hunters in their quest for the hottest items and the best bargains this year.
“The key is in the keyword search,” says White. “To find the best deals, be specific with your search terms. Instead of searching for shoes in general, try searching by designer, style, trend or even intentionally misspell the brand name to unearth hidden gems.”
Schwartz advises, “Consider searching pre-owned, re-furbished or used products, as well. Buying these goods eliminates waste going to landfills and scores you a great deal on a unique find.”
Bidding and buying strategies also play a key role in how much you’ll pay and how soon you’ll get the item. The basic strategies are:
- Daily Deals. Follow eBay’s Daily Deals, hot items at steep discounts. Visit http://deals.ebay.com to sign up for the Daily Deals e-mail, and information about the freshest deals will be delivered directly to your inbox every day.
- Buy It Now. Buy the item at a fixed price, and forgo the auction process. “Buy It Now is an easy way to make a quick purchase without bidding,” said Schwartz. “Use this option to purchase the item at a guaranteed low price.”
- Bid Early. In auction-style listings, bidding early with the absolute highest price you are willing to pay (a true maximum bid) allows eBay’s Automatic Bidding to do the work for you.
- Watch, Wait, Bid Late. “Another approach to auction-style listings is to watch the listing,” says Bard, “most bidding takes place at the end of the auction. Bide your time; you’ll get alerts when items you are watching are ending soon so you don’t miss out.”
Whether you’re an eco-conscious fashionista or are trying to keep up with the latest tech trends, being a savvy shopper can get you what you want without breaking the bank.
For more information and to find great deals on must-have items, visit ebay.com.
OK, we realize you’re going to want to take a vacation for more than 15 minutes (even with that pesky recession on!). But making the decision to take the family on a trip that involves helping others or respecting the environment instead of lounging at the beach can be made relatively quickly. There are a number of Eco tours and activist travel or work exchange programs that might even cost you less than that trip to Disneyworld and leave you or your family feeling more fulfilled upon your return home.
ResponsibleTravel.com – Listing thousands of options for a more sustainable vacation respecting the environments and local inhabitants, Responsible Travel is searchable by budget level, region, country, and even type of holiday and activities you’d like to do. Travelers are encouraged to review the tours they take, so you can also see others’ feedback on the trips you might be interested in.
Ecotour Directory – This site currently lists 95 different eco holiday and responsible travel options, searchable by continent.
TrekAmerica – TrekAmerica hosts tour programs focusing on appreciating and respecting the natural environment throughout North America. You get the opportunity to experience some unique environments while simultaneously having a positive impact on the land.
Volunteer Vacations – Instead of taking ad nauseum “I was here” photos in front of tourist traps on your next vacation, you could use your next trip to volunteer abroad. This site offers a number of 1-4 week vacation options from helping at children’s clinics to preserving wilderness trails to teaching math to kids in developing countries.
Global Volunteers – A clearinghouse of volunteer international service programs, Global Volunteers typically requires you front your own travel costs. They do however offer assistance qualifying for discounts or fundraising the cost of your service program fee.
Do you have other great world-changing ideas that don’t necessarily require an enormous time commitment? Let us know in the comments!
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