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Starwood announces plans to add 50 new hotels in Europe, Africa and ... - AME Info

And with the recent opening of the Sheraton Bratislava Hotel - along with 13 additional hotels slated to open this year - the division is firmly on track to reach this goal. "With more than 240 hotels in 55 countries in EAME, we currently have a ...

Diablos players feel at home with host families - El Paso Times

EL PASO -- The Sun City became Clegg Snipes' dream vacation last summer. But, he didn't come to El Paso by way of a sweepstakes or lottery. His dream vacation began when he signed with the El Paso Diablos and became one of the more than 200 players ...

Courtesy El-Gouna - Egypt Today

Th e most striking thing about El-Gouna is the attention its developers have paid to detail. There are no eyesores at this resort: Everything from the elegant villas and five-star hotels to the studio apartments and smaller four-star inns have been ...

Carnival Cruise Lines - Chicago Tribune

If you're hoping for another year of dirt-cheap cruising, I have news for you: That ship has sailed. After foundering in the recession, cruise lines have been buoyed by a recent surge in bookings. And that is bringing higher prices. In the last three ...

Another Cruise Line Raising Prices -- End of Last-Minute Deals? - Cruise Critic

A week after Carnival announced a 5 percent fare hike on summer cruises beginning March 22, NCL has followed suit with its own announcement of a rate increase of up to 7 percent fleetwide, beginning April 2. The line's press release says that an ...

DUI hysteria’ must stop - Independent Record

and therein lies the problem... " Maybe everyone should go to jail so their won't be any crime on the streets. We are ruining people's life with overzealous law enforcement and overrestrictive limits." The actual goal is to make all skels also ...

DJ OIL FUTURES: Oil At 8-Week High On Economic-Growth Prospects - Investors Business Daily

Crude-oil prices closed at an eight-week high Monday, lifted by a more upbeat outlook for the economy. Gains were tempered, however, by analysts noting that oil demand, particularly in the U.S., has yet to show real signs of improvement, despite the ...

Starwood To Add 50 Props In Europe, Africa And The M.E. By 2012 - Hotel Interactive Network

From the International Hotel Investment Forum (IHIF) in Berlin, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) today announces plans to open 50 new hotels in its Europe, Africa and Middle East (EAME) division by 2012. And with the recent ...

Oil climbs to an eight-week high - The Australian

French President Nicolas Sarkozy said yesterday that a number of European Union countries were preparing a support package for Greece. Oil ... summer, when Americans typically take to the road for their vacations, should boost petrol demand.

US Jobs Data Propels Crude Oil - MSN Money

Jobs data indicating that US economic recovery might be picking up steam finally pushed crude oil futures decisively over the stubborn $80-a-barrel threshold. Nymex’s benchmark West Texas Intermediate settled Friday at $81.50 a barrel, a seven-week ...

Resolved Question: European Travel Question(s).?

I am planning on traveling Europe for my summer vacation. I was wondering what are the best options for me when it comes to traveling inside of Europe. Is the rail system cheaper or bus system??? For those of you who traveled to Europe before please let me know what options you took and how you traveled inside of Europe. more

Voting Question: Windows Vista complete system restore?

My laptop runs Windows Vista and it is currently a $1400 brick. I bought this laptop less than a year ago and I have had so many problems with it that it is absolutely ridiculous. I came home today after using my laptop just fine earlier in the day and after dinner I turned it back on again, and nothing happens. The computer takes forever to boot up on the vista start screen and nothing happens later; I just get a black screen. I have no clue what is causing this to suddenly not work and I'm getting very pissed off about it. I can't get into Windows to do a System Restore and so I'm trying to do a system recovery by pressing F11 and even that isn't working. What can I do to have my computer work again? This is so frustrating and I'm going to lose all the pictures that I took of my European vacation and my entire music collection (I've backed it up but the only thing I can do now is a full wipe, and I don't have access to my backed up files until I'm home for the summer (they are on an older computer). What can I do? more

Voting Question: When are the two weeks when the vast majority of europeans go on summer vacation?

I know the French get like 2 weeks around bastille day (july 14th) but when do most of the other european countries get those 2 weeks off, specifically the czech republic? more

Resolved Question: Where should I go for my high school trip?

My mom has decided that she will pay for me to go on a trip either my junior or senior year of high school because she allowed my sister to do that when she was in high school. I need advice on whether to go to South Africa or a European trip. I feel so blessed to go to either. So, the European trip is a school run trip that I would go on the summer before senior year. One of my best friends and her family plus our American History teacher is going. We spend a little less than two weeks in London, France, and Italy. We will tour cities and countryside and go to many famous places. This is covered in $3,000+ including the hotel rooms and food. My sister went on this trip and enjoyed it, but she seems to be trying to convince me to go to Africa, not Europe. I think the culture will be impressive and I actually may remember something from my AP Euro History course last year. The South Afirca trip is a business trip for my mother to Durban ; so she will be in conferences a lot of the time and I am not allowed to run about South Africa on my own without her. I would go on this trip the summer after senior year. I really want to see the animals of Africa and the culture because I want to have a career involving Anthropology or Zoology; so I think it would be a good experience. I fear that the city may be to touristy and built up though. Also, my mother hinted that her new boyfriend may be coming with us; he is nice, but he is around us way too much and has become annoying. I don't know if my opinion of him will change in a year, but right now the idea of spending my vacation in Africa with him makes me want to jump on the plane to Europe. I really want to pick the right place because I don't think I will be able to experience other cultures than the U.S. for a long time once I have to pay for everything myself, and I want to make the most of this gift. Please tell me which you think would be the best trip and why. :) more

Resolved Question: Naval Adademy Admission?

I am a junior in high school. I have a 3.6 un-weighted, 4.3 weighted GPA. I try to be as active as I can. I play soccer and lacrosse. I have been told that I could play defense for Wheeling Jesuit right now so playing at the academy is a possibility. I may be a captain this season and I will be next season. I am the class treasurer and have been since my sophomore year. I participate in Model European Union, Model Untied Nations, Mock Trial, Young Republicans, I used to play the bass in the orchestra, and I help with many health projects with a doctor in my area. I was an alter server at my church for about two years and I currently teach Sunday school as well as volunteering at their vacation bible school in the summer. I plan to do boy state through the American Legion this summer along with the Summer Seminar. I have taken the SATs and didn't score quite as high as I need to but I am confident that they will come up enough to be more competitive. I feel I need more. Any suggestions? more

Resolved Question: Do you like this story?

You gotta love this Grandpa!! This may the best e-mail in the history of them. John G. is 63 years old and owns a small business. He's a life-long Republican and sees his dream of retiring next year has all but evaporated. With the stock market crashing and new taxes coming his way, John assumes now that he will work to his dying day. John has a granddaughter. Ashley is a recent college grad. She drives a flashy hybrid car, wears all the latest fashions, and loves to go out to nightclubs and restaurants. Ashley campaigned hard for Barak Obama. After the election she made sure her grandfather (and all other Republican family members) received a big I told-you-so earful on how the world is going to be a much better place now that her party is taking over. Having lost both roommates, Ashley recently ran short of cash and cannot pay the rent (again) on her 3 bedroom townhouse. Like she has done many times in the past, she e-mailed her grandfather asking for some financial help. Here is his reply: Sweetheart, I received your request for assistance. Ashley, you know I love you dearly and I'm sympathetic to your financial plight. Unfortunately, times have changed. With the election of President Obama, your grandmother and I have had to set forth a bold new economic plan of our own..."The Ashley Economic Empowerment Plan." Let me explain. Your grandmother and I are life-long, wage-earning tax payers. We have lived a comfortable life, as you know, but we have never had the fancier things like European vacations, luxury cars, etc. We have worked hard and were looking forward to retiring soon. But the plan has changed. Your president is raising our personal and business taxes significantly. He says it is so he can give our hard earned money to other people. Do you know what this means, Ashley? It means less for us, and we must cut back on many business and personal expenses. You know the wonderful receptionist who worked in my office for more than 23 years? The one who always gave you candy when came over to visit? I had to let her go last week. I can't afford to pay her salary and all of the government mandated taxes that go with having employees. Your grandmother will now work 4 days a week to answer phones, take orders and handle the books. We will be closed on Fridays and will lose even more income to the Wal-Mart. I'm also very sorry to report that your cousin Frank will no longer be working summers in the warehouse. I called him at school this morning.. He already knows about it and he's upset because he will have to give up skydiving and his yearly trip to Greenland to survey the polar bears. That's just the business side of things. Some personal economic effects of Obama's new taxation policies include none other than you. You know very well that over the years your grandmother and I have given you thousands of dollars in cash, tuition assistance, food, housing, clothing, gifts, etc., etc. But by your vote, you have chosen to help others -- not at your expense -- but at our expense. If you need money now sweetheart, I recommend you call 202-456-1111. That is the direct phone number for the White House. You yourself told me how foolish it is to vote Republican. You said Mr. Obama is going to be the People's President, and is going to help every American live a better life. Based on everything you've told me, along with all the promises we heard during the campaign, I'm sure Mr. Obama will be happy to transfer some stimulus money into your bank account. Have him call me for the account number which I memorized years ago. Perhaps you can now understand what I've been saying all my life: those who vote for a president should consider the impact on the nation as a whole, and not be just concerned with what they can get for themselves. What Obama supporters don't seem to realize is all of the money he is redistributing to illegal aliens and non-taxpaying Americans (the so-called "less fortunate") comes from tax-paying families. Remember how you told me, "Only the richest of the rich will be affected"? Well guess what, honey? Because we own a business, your grandmother and I are now considered to be the richest of the rich. On paper, it might look that way, but in the real world, we are far from it. As you said while campaigning for Obama, some people will have to carry more of the burden so all of America can prosper. You understand what that means, right? It means that raising taxes on productive people results in them having less money; less money for everything, including granddaughters. I'm sorry, Ashley, but the well has run dry. The free lunches are over. I have no money to give you now. So, congratulations on your choice for "change." For future reference, I encourage you to try and add up the total value of the gifts and cash you have received from us, just since you went off to college, and more

Resolved Question: NBA TRIVIA QUIZ (Nowitzki & Bird)? take the quiz?

Who ever scores the highest percentage will get BA. No talking during the test or else your test score will be canceled. 1. What was the reason for Larry Bird dropping out of indiana state the 1st time and almost not pursuing his basketball dream? A. He didn't think his skills were good enough B. He had to attend his ill grandmother C. He was uncomfortable not having friends and being in a big university D. He has a bully 2. What issue did Larry Bird deal with during his early college years? A. His father committed suicide B. His mother was doing crack C. His brother got into a car accident and wad severely injured D. His college coach had something against him 3. What does Dirk Nowitzki enjoy doing in his spear time? A. Watching old highlights of Larry Bird B. Playing Saxophone and Reading C. Watching scary movies late at night D. Listening to german rap 4. Were did Dirk Nowitzki take a summer vacation to clear his head after the Golden state loss? A. Germany B. Russia C. Australia D. New Zealand 5. Who was Dirk Nowitzki's favorite player growing up? A. Michael Jordan B. Larry Bird C. Scottie Pippin D. Karl Malone 6. After Bird left indiana state university, he left accomplishing what feat? A. Mr basketball of indiana B. Indiana's alltime leading rebounder C. NCAA 5TH leading scorer all time D. Most 3 pointers made in indiana history 7. Who is Dirk's mentor in basketball when he has trouble? A. Dirk's father B. Holger Geschwinder C. Bernhard Heinrich D. Daniel Brühland 8. Dirk Nowitzki and Larry Bird are the only two players in nba history to accomplish what? A. Win NBA MVP in their 9th season B. Get 100+blocks and 100+three pointers in 1 season C. Average 50%fg, 40%3pt, and 90%ft while scoring 24+points in a season? D. Lead a team with no other All Stars to the NBA Finals 9. In what year did Larry Bird set his all time best coaching record for a season and what was the record with the Pacers? A. 2000 (56-26) B. 1998 (58-24) C. 2004 (64-18) D. 2002 (50-32) 10. After Dirk Nowitzki's playoff loss to the Warriors, who was the 1st to call him to talk with him? A. Don Nelson B. Holger Geschwinder C. Steve Nash D. His Father BQ worth 5 points on your test Which international accolade between these has Dirk Nowitzki not won? A. Eurobasket MVP B. World Championships MVP C. All euro league 1st team D. Germany's flag bearer during the olympics SURVEY OF INFO (Just tell me if you knew these things below, this section is not part of the quiz) 1. Did you know that over this past decade Dirk has only turned the ball over 8.5% of ALL the possessions he has ever had. (That is lowest among superstars) 2. Did you know that Dirk lead the league in both wins shares and efficiency three straight years at the same time? 3. Did you know that Dirk is in the top 10 playoffs scorers in averages, of alltime? (25.3 ppg) 4. Did you know Dirk was the first European player to win MVP, get on the all nba first team and start in the all star game? 5. Did you know he is the tallest person ever to win the three point shootout? (For the last 5, just tell me if you knew those things) BQ2: Your thoughts on the info.EDIT#1:Shadricks quiz score is cancelled.EDIT#2: Lil tsunami scored a 0. It was a quiz GENIOUS.genius*...........EDIT#3: STEVE-O scored 50% more

Resolved Question: What's up with American news stations these days?

I've noticed that America news stations are more concerned about entertaining their audience than they are with giving them unbiased info. Glenn Beck, Colbert, Nancy Grace, etc are all ridiculous shows. They are so biased and are for people with an IQ of 80. Seriously! When I was on vacation in France this past summer, I watched BBC and a french news station and I noticed that it was so much more objective than American news. Why can't American news be more like European news (straightforward and objective)? more

Resolved Question: A girl and I have mutual feelings, but she's scared? (long)?

Long story, I'll try and shorten it up but here goes.. A fellow coworker of mine (we are RAs in the dorms of our college) got out of a fairly serious relationship that lasted 3 years just last March. While we had been pretty good friends since we worked together and worked out together, I found myself in the aftermath of her relationship as the person she came to for comfort and when she just needed to cry. Not long after we started to develop feelings for one another, but it was too soon after her breakup and we went back to our hometowns in May for summer.. I told myself I would just take a break and not worry about it, give her the time she needed, but over the summer she texted me all the time. I went off the Europe to study abroad for the summer and she would send me texts saying things like "have fun with those European ladies but don't forget we have a date when you get back to school," and she eventually sent me an email confessing to me that she had feelings for me.. However, when we got back for work and school, I found that she was avoiding me to an extent. We would hang out but she always had to have her friends around and it was somewhat awkward. When we would be alone she would just play on her computer/phone and not really talk much to me. I finally asked her what the deal was and pushed for the date that she had essentially begged me for over the summer to no avail. She told me that she did indeed have feelings for me, but she didn't want a boyfriend and wasn't sure when she would want a boyfriend again. I was a little upset because I felt she had essentially tried to sabotage my European vacation and keep me from womanizing so I wouldn't forget her on my once in a lifetime trip. We still hang out a lot but never alone. She is always cutting me down and playfully hitting me, which I usually take as flirting. She talks about me to her friends all the time and makes sure to invite me wherever they go. But she won't go on the date she wanted or really give me a shot at anything more than a friendship even though she treats me much more different than any of her other guy friends. While I enjoy being around her still, I can't help but feel that resentment sometimes or get over my feelings that I have for her. I just think it's really unfair to me that she would tell me she has feelings for me when I'm 5,000 miles away but not act on them when things get real and in person. I feel like I should move on but I've put so much into this that I don't want to walk away, and I still do enjoy her company. However, at this point I don't think we could ever just be friends after all she has done and what we've been through. My friends say I should just go cold turkey, but I work with her and have to see her regularly throughout the week (my job pays my room and food so it's worth a lot). I just don't know what to do, it wears on me a lot and when I ignore her at all she constantly texts me and asks what's wrong or if we are still friends. I'd like to think that hanging out with her regularly like I do will eventually win her over if she really does like me, but I just don't know what to do at this point. I'm really sorry about the length of this question but I really couldn't think of a way to shorten it. Maybe I'm venting a little too.. ANY help would be GREATLY appreciated from anyone who has dealt with something similar or just knows how these things usually turn out. Thank you! more

Resolved Question: how long is the summer holiday for workers in europe or netherlands. when will the people return to work.?

it started late of july, how long does it normally take for europeans workers spend their summer vacation? when will they return to work, is it the end of august? more

Resolved Question: Do you think 0bama has a way around Health Care like this - Vive Le French Care?

Health Care in France is Often Held Up as a Model the U.S. Might Follow Yet the French Have Their Own Problems that Show There's No Such Thing as a Free Lunch — or a Free Doctor's Visit By INVESTOR'S BUSINESS DAILY | Posted Wednesday, August 26, 2009 4:20 PM PT Call it the grass-is-greener syndrome. Advocates of national health care, acknowledging the flaws in ObamaCare yet despising the current U.S. system that has the best medicines, the best medical equipment and the shortest waiting lists, have turned their eyes lovingly to places like France. As City Journal contributing editor Guy Sorman notes, the French would also love to have the low-cost, high-service system some Americans gush about. Unfortunately, they don't. France's system isn't that cheap and is financed by high taxes on labor that have heavy economic consequences. Sorman notes that a Frenchman making a monthly salary of 3,000 euros has 350 of them deducted for health insurance. Then the employer throws in an additional 1,200 euros. This raises the cost of labor to prohibitive levels and puts a brake on economic growth. This helps explain why French unemployment hovers around 10%. France imposes an additional tax levy to cover the constant deficits that national health insurance runs. The French Parliament raises this levy, which applies to all forms of income, every year. Altogether, Sorman writes, "25% of French national income goes toward what's called Social Security, which includes health care and basic retirement pensions for all." Drugs developed in America at enormous expense do cost less in France, which decides what drugs are to be used and at what prices. American patients in effect subsidize the French, who take the same pills at half the price because American pharmaceutical companies don't want to lose the French market. French taxpayers fund a state health insurer, Assurance Maladie. Assurance Maladie has run in the red since 1989, and this year's shortfall is expected to be 9.4 billion euros ($13.5 billion) and 15 billion euros in 2010, about 10% of its budget. Regardless of the cost, does the French system produce better outcomes? Not always. Infant mortality rates are often cited as a reason socialized medicine and single-payer systems are better than what we have here. But according to Dr. Linda Halderman, a policy adviser in the California State Senate, these comparisons are bogus. Official World Health Organization statistics show the U.S. lagging behind France in infant mortality rates — 6.7 per 1,000 live births vs. 3.8 for France. Halderman notes that in the U.S., any infant born that shows any sign of life for any length of time is considered a live birth. In France — in fact, in most of the European Union — any baby born before 26 weeks' gestation is not considered alive and therefore doesn't "count" in reported infant mortality rates. France reimburses its doctors at a far lower rate than U.S. physicians would accept. As David Gratzer, a physician and senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, wrote in the summer 2007 issue of City Journal: "In France, the supply of doctors is so limited that during an August 2003 heat wave — when many doctors were on vacation and hospitals were stretched beyond capacity — 15,000 elderly citizens died." After the tragedy, the French parliament released a harshly worded report blaming the deaths on a complex health system, widespread failure among agencies and health services to coordinate efforts, and chronically insufficient care for the elderly. It's hard to imagine that happening here, where hospitals have enough air-conditioned beds and doctors that aren't on vacation. Fact is, most Americans like their health care. There are ways to provide expanded coverage at lower cost, such as pushing individually owned health savings accounts, malpractice reform and allowing insurance to be bought across state lines. We needn't be forced to sacrifice quality for cost. Nor do we need to look to the French for a better solution. They don't have one. http://www.ibdeditorials.com/IBDArticles.aspx?id=336178343967257 more

Resolved Question: Cell phones in Europe?

So I'm thinking about going to europe next summer with some friends. I have some concerns about the use of cell phones in France, Germany, UK, Spain, and Italy (the countries we're thinking about going to) 1. I have t-mobile and i know it works in europe, but will i get massive overage charges? 2. I have a data plan for unlimited data, will I have to pay extra for data In europe? 3. Will the GPS function without using data? Just to see if I should worry if the data costs more. 4. What is the best course of action regarding a cell phone in europe, I heard getting a pre paid one is the best. Could I put a pre paid SIM in my G1 and use that? thanks in advance. Any other advice for a european vacation for some 18 and 19 year olds regarding accomodations and travel would be appreciated as well, :) more

Resolved Question: Is this a good price for a European vacation?

I'm a freshman in high school and I was offered the chance to go to England, France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Switzerland next summer as part of the student ambassador program. But it's almost $7,000!!! Is that a good price for a trip like that? It seems pretty expensive to me, but hey what do I know? Please tell me if this is a good deal or if they are ripping me off!It includes all food and expenses and it's for 20 days. more

Resolved Question: What do you think of my story so far?

It must have been at least 90 degrees. Manhattan was going through a summer heat wave like no other. Sweat beads formed on my temple sliding down my cheek like a trail of tears. Yet I did not hesitate to wipe them off. I swore under my breath as people pushed their way pass me through West 42nd Street. It was the morning rush hour and the streets were crowded with impatient business people in designer labels. Suddenly the crowd parted. It was so sudden that I bumped into the bony faced woman in front of me and nearly caused her to spill her Starbucks coffee. "Sorry," I mouthed my face burning. Way to start off your first day of work. I thought. She glared at me disapprovingly but then turned back to see the cause of the disturbance. I followed her gaze and nearly gasped. It was a woman. Hardly 23 or 24. She was so striking that it was impossible not to stare. Her walk, her clothes, her face all spelled out perfection. She walked with such confidence, such ease that she could have pulled off anything. And she knew it. She had straight honey blonde hair that flowed right above her shoulder blades. Tall and slender like a couture model, her lips were curved in a sultry smile as if she was pleased by the attention. Her eyes were hidden behind a pair of oversized Dior sunglasses that gave her an air of mystery and her skin was a perfect golden bronze that hinted of a lavish European vacation trip The goddess walked pass in a strut that belonged on the runway and I heard several whistles and jests. She hardly turned her head to acknowledge them. she passed and the crowd once again merged. It was all so brief. Merely 10 seconds. Yet somehow this girl, this perfect creature managed to stop traffic. Stop time, even. I looked down self-consciously at my own modest outfit. It was just a pair of my favorite Express grey trousers and a cream colored blouse. It hung loosely against my skinny frame and was hardly worth complimenting. I sighed feeling dejected but brushed it aside. It was my first day at Mod Magazine as a Junior Assistant Secretary of Jacqueline Windor, Editor-in-Chief. I smiled smugly to myself thinking about the thousands of girls who would die for this job. It wasn't much. Just getting the coffee and booking appointments: that kind of stuff. But it was a start. I had always loved fashion. Loved strolling down Park Avenue looking into the trendy designer boutiques. Fashion spoke to me in a way that nothing else did. I understood it completely and in a way that I cannot even begin to explain. The clothes, the labels were always out of my budget. Even the items on sale. Yet somehow I was never tempted to splurge on say a new asymmetrical Alexander McQueen dress or a vintage Coco Chanel bag. I love fashion. But not for myself. It probably has something to do with my appearance. I'm not tall, striking or beautiful. Designer labels, I believed, were reserved for those who were. Like the stunning Miss Fashionista who stopped traffic. Finally I stopped in front of Mod. It was a thirty story white business building and Mod Magazine was on the twenty eithth floor. I looked up trying to discern the correct floor squinting against the sun. Its rays blinded me and for I second I swayed. Mod seemed so high up. I felt so insignificant compared to the momentous influence this magazine had over women worldwide. People shoving behind me made me come back into the real world. I took a deep breath. This was just a job. Like any other job I had. And if I worked hard enough, maybe someday I could be important. Maybe someday I would speak to the world about fashion and maybe someday I would be heard. I pushed through the revolving glass doors. The white lights were dark compared to the bright morning sun, It took several seconds for my pupils to adjust. I gazed at the lobby in awe. It was unsettling to think that everyday I would walk pass these marble floors and ride the elevator up to the twenty eigth floor. Everyday I would pass below the crystal chandelaire that sparkled as it caught the sunlight and walk pass the white fountain where the pink lilies bloomed. I spun around admiring everything. The red plastered walls, the portraits set in gold frames, the oriental vases filled with artificial flowers, the subtle smell of an exotic perfume... I smiled dreamily when-- CRASH! I felt something heavy crash into me and papers flew all around. I was lying on the ground with a throbbing pain on my knee. Something large and sturdy was on top of me and no matter how much I squirmed I couldn't push it off. Suddenly the weight was lifted and a pair of strong hands lifted me up. I was standing face to face with the most gorgeous guy I had ever beheld. He had soft blue eyes and untidy brown hair. He was tall and tan and looked both worried and flustered at the same time. His lips, they were moving. For a second I was confused. Then I realized he was speaking"--so sorry! You're not hurt are you?" he said in a deep, genuinely worried voice. I realized his hands were still on my shoulders steadying me. He seemed to realize this too and let them drop awkwardly. I blushed and stammered, "I-- I'm fine. I'm sorry this was my fault-- I shouldn't of--" I stopped. He was laughing. His blue eyes sparkled. "Don't worry about it, happens all the time. You're new arn't you?" He bent down and begin gathering up the papers. I bent down to help him and stared at his beautiful face. At that moment he looked up. His eyes were smothering and I blushed again looking down. "Today is my first day," I mumbled, "Is it really that obvious?" He laughed again and I smiled carefully. I wasn't used to cute guys, or any guy really, laughing at my jokes. I handed him the papers and he made a neat stack before putting back into his briefcase. I noted the Armani logo. "I can always tell," He said, "They all have the same expression you have when they walk i"I can always tell," He said, "They all have the same expression you have when they walk into the lobby." "And do you always run into them?" I asked suprised at my bravery. "Always," there was that crooked smile again.To PinkLemonade: Weird, I've never seen the show but I've heard of it. But I assure you that it will be completely different. Its not gonna be so much of a comedy and theirs gonna be plot twists that takes her away from the fashion industry.To David M: Thanks you! That was really insightful and I think I'll do something like that!Cathri69: Haha yeah so Mr. Perfect falling on her is a little cliche and maybe I'll just have her stop in the middle of the street to watch Ms. Perfect. Thank you so much! It was really insightful! more

Resolved Question: souvenir to collect from every country i visit?

i am going on a European vacation (8 countries total) and next summer i am going to the UK and Morocco. i am also in the process of planning a trip to Japan. bottom line is i will be traveling a lot and i thought it would be cool to get the same souvenir from every country but i am having trouble coming up with something. i dont want t-shirts, or snow globes, or little flags (all of which people keep suggesting). any ideas??????? more

Resolved Question: How much money should you plan on spending on a 10 day European vacation?

My husband and I are planning on visiting Poland, my home country, next summer. Apart from the plane tickets and hotel room, how much money should we plan on spending while we are there? We're planning for 10 days and this will include dinners, tours, festivals, sight seeing, souvenirs, etc. etc. Thank you! more

Resolved Question: CYPRUS VS. GREECE VS. CROATIA VS. BALKINS ....?

hi my family and I are choosing where to go for a week or two for summer vacation. My sister and i thought that greece would be a great idea because it has culture and all and is different from anywhere we have ever been, but is also quite nice and warm and relaxing, which is something my parents really need. However my parents are a little skeptical of greece (they think it might be not so relaxing and packed with too many tourists), so my sister and i thought of cyprus. but is cyprus just a lame version of greece. also my parents suggested maybe the balkins or croatia or northern spain, but me and my sister are worried that these places will just be nice churches and european cities to walk around in, and those are the only types of places we have ever gone too. So frankly we are quite confused and if someone could help up us pick/find a place thats not to far or expensive, and is also quite differentt and very relaxing, please let us know!!!!! more

Resolved Question: Where did all the people who demonstrated against Israel disapear?

We see demonstrations here and there, but these are mainly Iranian exiles. Europe, in principle, is peaceful and calm. So is the United States. Here and there a few dozens, here and there a few hundreds. Have they evaporated because it is Tehran and not here? All the peace-loving and justice-loving Europeans, British professors in search of freedom and equality, the friends filling the newspapers, magazines and various academic journals with various demands for boycotting Israel, defaming Zionism and blaming us and it for all the ills and woes of the world -- could it be that they have taken a long summer vacation? Now of all times, when the Basij hooligans have begun to slaughter innocent civilians in the city squares of Tehran? Aren't they connected to the Internet? Don't they have YouTube? Has a terrible virus struck down their computers? Have their justice glands been removed in a complicated surgical procedure (to be re-implanted successfully for the next confrontation in Gaza)? How can it be that when a Jew kills a Muslim, the entire world boils, and when extremist Islam slaughters its citizens, whose sole sin is the aspiration to freedom, the world is silent? Imagine that this were not happening now in Tehran, but rather here. Let's say in Nablus. Spontaneous demonstrations of Palestinians turning into an ongoing bloodbath. Border Policemen armed with knives, on motorcycles, butchering demonstrators. A young woman downed by a sniper in midday, dying before the cameras. Actually, why imagine? We can just recall what happened with the child Mohammed a-Dura. How the affair (which was very harsh, admittedly) swept the world from one end to another. The fact that a later independent investigative report raised tough questions as to the identity of the weapon from which a-Dura was shot, did not make a difference to anyone. The Zionists were to blame, and that was that. And where are the world's leaders? Where is the wondrous rhetorical ability of Barack Obama? Where has his sublime vocabulary gone? Where is the desire, that is supposed to be built into all American presidents, to defend and act on behalf of freedom seekers around the globe? What is this stammering? There is a different Islam. This is already clear today. Even in Iran. There are millions of Muslims who support freedom, human rights, equality for women. These millions loathe Khamenei, Chavez and Nasrallah too. But part of the global left wing prefers the ayatollah regime over them. The main thing is for them to raise flags against Israel and America. The question is why the democrats, the liberals, and Obama, Blair and Sarkozy, are continuing to sit on the fence. This is not a fence of separation, it is a fence of shame. more

Resolved Question: What Colleges should I look at?

I got a 2260 on the SAT with a 740 on reading, 760 on math, 760 on writing (with only an 8 on the essay). My GPA is 3.61, I've been in the gifted/honors program since my freshman year. I've taken AP Physics B and AP US History and am going to take 6 more AP classes my senior year (Calculus BC, European History, Macroeconomics, US Government, Literature, and Psychology). I've got a pretty good list of extracurricular activities: Member of Mock trial team, spanish club, younglife, cross country, amnesty international, ECOS, Track and Field (two years hurdling and one sprinting), chosen for a year long leadership academy, started a chapter of Young Democrats at my school, Played guitar in jazz big band for 3 years, member of jazz combo for one, volunteered for habitat for humanity, spent a long weekend volunteering at a family camp, spent a week every summer volunteering for vacation bible school, etc. I have no idea where to start looking for colleges I live in Georgia and if I stay in state I'll probably go to UGA, but I would prefer to go out of state does anyone have any recommendations based on my resume?I'm sorry I probably should have been more specific: GOOD colleges. more

Resolved Question: summer vacation trip with friends?

hi guys, I was wondering if you could suggest a good vacation package for me and 3-4 of my friends, may be 2 weeks long?! we're 17, and we'll be going without parents.. its been a stressful school year and i just need to get away.. I'm looking for something in august, b/c we're doing gr. 12 english in the summer to get it over with.. We really want to go to Japan or may be Europe.. i know they're like the two most different places.. haha none of us actually speak japanese or any european language, we're a group of korean, chinese, viet girls lol I've looked on sites and i havent found too much on Japan... Also, good places for us to visit, things to do, shopping areas, etc? more

Resolved Question: how to avoid procrastination? (i have a lot of summer homework)?

next year i am taking AP European History (grade 10) and the teacher assigned a lot of homework where we have to write about four essays and some multiple choice papers and 5 Ws vocabulary, and two chapters of the book to do. [a test is going to be given of the first chapter on the first day] and i have an honors English book assigned past year i procrastinated on this so much to where i did it on the last day of summer vacation and e-mailed it on the day it was due. so any tips to avoid procrastination? is AP Euro that hard? any pointers? how was it? did you pass the AP test? more

Resolved Question: What do you think about a 15 year old doing this?

I have a 15 year old "step" son...however he is essentially my son. His mother rarely ever attempts to call, let alone share in the responsibility and care. If a father were this far behind in support ($20,000+) he'd likely be in jail by now, but as we have no financial problems we have no interest in doing that to her. We prefer just to have our family peaceful and drama free, so we don't make an issue of her bad behavior. He is raised, loved and cared for fulltime by his father and I. **ALL this just to establish the family dynamic for you all** We are sending him to a camp that is related a a field he is interested in this summer (military...he wants to join when he is older). He is very excited. It recently came to my attention that he has been sending his mother emails asking her for very expensive items, claiming they are for his camp and that "we need the help to buy them". That is where my issue lies. He has the right to ask his mother for a gift-he does each Christmas and she usually comes through and has something shipped to our house...however these things are NOT items he is supposed to have for camp (in fact, I'm fairly certain they aren't even allowed to bring them...it's a military camp) and if they were required we would have purchased them, just like we willingly purchased everything else for the camp. I feel like he is making it sound like WE are asking her to buy them, in addition to lying about whether he really needs them to guilt her into buying them for him. And also I think it's just wrong for him to ask this woman who shows no interest whatsoever in his care or upbringing to buy him such EXPENSIVE items (over $100...she won't even pay the $300 support she was ordered, despite her very nice lifestyle. It seems like a lot to ask for from someone who won't even do that much for their kid) He already has more than most kids-we live in a 3 story house and he has the entire 3rd floor (2 bedrooms, living room and bathroom) all to him self, in addition to computers, gaming consoles, his own TV, European vacations...basically he has a more than abundant lifestyle). It's something that he doesn't need, but we probably would have bought him if he had told us he wanted it. We take very, VERY excellent care of him... If I am right, and he is wrong for asking by misrepresenting the necessity and our ability to buy these items, how do I address this issue with him? *note(Please...save the "stepkid" drama. --sorry to sound harsh, but you would be amazed at the amount of ding-dongs that think stepkids should have a free pass with poor behavior no matter HOW good their lives are and how well they are loved. He doesn't get a special ticket for improper behavior. Poor behavior is poor behavior, and misrepresenting the truth is still just that, it doesn't change just because he is a child of divorce)Rest assured, he is dearly loved. I thought it was obvious, but allow me to make it clear-I was merely trying to illustrate that he is provided for above and beyond, as this post was not about love but about the purchasing of items. However we make certain to spend time with him each evening together, talk to him and really KNOW our son. Yes, his mother wrote me an email with his email copied in it.I didn't think I said any of that was what made him loved....just provided for, since that is what this was about-buying stuff, not proving love. Thanks though for your "toughness" there, though ;-) more

Resolved Question: Which Greek Island to stay on?

I am planning a European vacation next spring/ early summer (May-June) that includes 5 nights in Greece. I am thinking that I would like to stay on one Island and then day trip to the others. Do you recommend this? And if so, which Island is best to base out of? Thanks so much! more

Resolved Question: Summer vacation: Munich/Salzburg vs. London?

My family of four (parents, 16 yr old girl & 18 yr old boy) are planning a European summer vacation.... our main options are: 1. Munich & Salzburg: Spend a few days in and around Munich, Germany (visit Dachau, see some other cool German stuff!) and then a few days in Salzburg, Austria... (maybe go see Switzerland too). This option is very affordable (hotel/flight-wise). 2. London: Spend a few days touring London (castles, huge ferris wheel, the "tube", historic stuff, palaces & such)... maybe (if it works with $$$ and time) take the Chunnel to France and explore Paris and stuff! This option is a tad more expensive but not horrible. Which option sounds like a better idea, and why? (considering money, travel, sites, culture, etc.) I'm wondering what everyone has to say about these options! If you've traveled to either or both of these places, your input would be very much appreciated! ALSO: if you know of any other interesting, fun, *affordable* European vacation ideas, PLEASE share! :) more

Voting Question: Hey guys-where should I go for vacation?

I want to go out of the country-I'm thinking Australia or South Africa. I'm in the U.S., by the way. I'm a world-traveler, and I'm planning my family's summer vacation. Anything good? (Oh, I've already been to Hawaii, Mexico, Canada, the U.K., France, Andorra, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, and the Republic of Georgia, so please don't suggest any of those places-I'd like to go somewhere new!) If there are any great restaurants or anything, that would rock. Oh, by the way, we aren't into the tourist-y stuff. We like to fit in with the locals, and sometimes we had to disguise ourselves as Europeans, so we'd fit in better. So please don't have any icky 'tourist joints' or a tour bus or a tour guide. They're great; they're just not for us. Well, thanks for answering (if you choose to). God bless, and happy summer!Oh, by the way, thanks but I'm not so hot on Carribean vacations. Somewhere REALLY far away-anything that takes a long plane ride. Oh, no cruises also, please. more

Resolved Question: Full Size Wagon Rental in Germany?

My family will be vacationing in Germany for three weeks this summer and I need to rent a vehicle for 3 adults and 2 kids and about 3 large suitcases. Will a "full size" wagon do the job? It looks like the European wagons have a lot less storage room, but the rental sites advertise 5 passenger and 4 large suitcases for some, i.e. the BMW 320 Touring. Can anyone who's actually driven some of these cars give me some advice? The adults are all tall, and the kids are 8 and 10 years old. more

Voting Question: European vacation! How to get percieved well?

So im 90% Polish and i speak it fluently. I was born in the United States but most of my friends are Europeans who immigrated here. Im finally taking a three week trip to Europe over the summer. I'll be visiting England,Poland, and France. This is sort of weird but i take alot of pride in my ethnicity so this trip is really important to me. I? dont want to come off as just some American visiting Europe. So the question i have is regarding the clothes i should wear. I have a sort of punk style and like wearing band shirts and im into the whole Kinderwhore look too. But im also very school smart and pretty classy. So should i pack my more classy, sophisticated clothes or the punk rock stuff. This sounds like a dumb question but i want to represent myself well yet still not be bland and seem like i have no personality. Im only 16 but im hoping this trip will bring me closer to my nationality and change my life. I want to be percieved well.Just to be clear: i do not want to "fit in". It's more of the fact that personally im on the borderline of not being sure if i want to be one of those punkrocker teenagers or embrace the fact that im also a very organized sorta nerdy girl. So this trip is sort of supposed to get me away from all the people and things that influence my decision of that here. more

Resolved Question: I am from INDIA n i am studying medicine in ROMANIA, ( eu) ,can u tell me how can i work in EU in summer..?

hello.friends ! well i am a student in medical university in Romania( EU). and i want to work for a short term job in the summer vacations..which start from the july 2009. i request for the suggestions on how can i go and work in other european countries like Italy, Germany, Austria, spain,Hungary, United Kingdom, etc? i am from a medium status family and i do not have enough money to pay for my school fees for next year.. please help me more

Resolved Question: what should i pack for a long european vacation?

I am a teenage girl going to Germany this summer for nearly three weeks. I know some of the basics to pack, based on what the culture is like and how light it needs to be, but what SHOULD i pack to make my load the lightest, yet still have everything i need? THANKS! more

Resolved Question: Help with my first dog :P?

Here is the link to the dog I'm maybe going to get: http://gall.pets.ee/main.php?g2_itemId=37124 On Mondays Wednesdays and Fridays I leave to school at 8:00 a.m and I come back at around 6:00 pm because I have tennis practice but there is nobody home from 10 a.m till around 5:15. On Tuesdays and Thursdays I leave at 8 and come back at around 4:15 but there's nobody from 10 to 4:15. What should I do to keep the dog at home safe? My friend has a eastern European shepherd and for the time he's gone he ties up his dog to her dog house. But I heard that a dog can damage a limb or choke from getting tangled up in the chain. BTW: I'm planning to get this dog when my 2 and a half month summer vacation has started. At that time I can spend my whole day with the dog.I could let it roam around my garden as I have a large backyard but the height of the fence only ranges from 70cm to 81cm...I could extend the fence height but what would you think would be the best fence height for a large dog like this one? more

Resolved Question: I need vacation ideas for this summer?

I live in Pennsylvania, and I need ideas for my family vacation. I'm a 13 year old girl, my brother is 15, and I have a mom and dad. So it would have to be for a family. I went on a huge European trip last year, and with the economy, we don't really want to fly internationally. Does anyone know of a family vacation spot in the US? Thanks. =] more

Resolved Question: Turkey or Tunisia for low budget vacations?

I'm interesting to visit a Muslim culture (non European) country at this summer but my budget is very low, so I'm between these two.. Turkey and Tunisia.. or maybe and Morocco What do you suggest me ? are safe these countries and where is cheaper ?lol @listles ... :)) more

Resolved Question: Would it be expensive for European for California vacation ?

I'm German and i live in Paris at the moment and go to London once in a while. It's seriously expensive, it took me 7 months to find an apartment. It's worse than New York. I know New York, but i don't know about Los Angeles or San Diego, would it be expensive to go there for vacation for someone from Paris or London ? . I was going to go for summer vacation to California for 3-4 weeks, so is it realllyyy Expensive like people say, like you'd have to bring 10.000. Dollars or something ? more

Resolved Question: european vacation??????

ok so my mom and i went to europe last year and fell in love with the culture we want to return this summer but cant find a tour that fits what we want. here are the places i want to go to, Veronia, venice, paris, rome, spain, london and amsterdamn id also love to see greece but we dont have to. more

Resolved Question: European Vacation Expenses?

My girlfriend and I are planning to go to Europe this summer for three weeks, and I was just wondering what expenses should we plan for. We where planning on staying with some of her relatives, and in cheap hostiles. How much should we budget if we are trying to do this vacation on the cheap. Thanks. more

Resolved Question: Where is your next vacation?

Where is your next vacation? this summer im going on a 10 day european cruise. im 13 and i have been on 5 cruises but they have all been to the caribbean so i am excited for something new! it starts at rome, it goes to Sicily, Italy ;; Athens, Greece ;; Mykonos, Greece ;; Ephesus, Turkey ;; Rhodes, Greece ;; Santorini, Greece ;; Naples/Capri, Italy ;; and then back to rome! Im sooo excited xD ! tell me all about yours :]awesome! what cruise line are you going on ? i normally go on royal caribbean! but my parents decided to go on celebrity.... thats okay! its not going to ruin my trip! were going on the solstice! their new ship! :] more

Resolved Question: Best European leagues to watch football in the summer?

I'm American and while I follow Tottenham passionately, the most practical time to go on vacation/holiday for me is during the Summer. The Premiership and most of the other leagues aren't going on then but I do there are a few. I know that Russia, Ireland, and a few of the Scandinavian leagues play during the summer and the only thing I really know about the leagues is who the best teams are. I have no idea about the atmosphere of the games. Does anybody know where I would enjoy myself best watching a game? How hard would it be to get tickets to say maybe a Rosenborg game or one of the top teams? more

Resolved Question: Traveling Europe using French work permit?

Hey Guys, I have a question. I will be going to France for an internship over the summer. I looked at the French consulate website in US and they said if I my stay is less than 90 days I need a schengen visa. But if it is longer than 90 days I have to take a French work permit. It looks like my internship will be ending in Sept starting in May that's about 4 months. So I need to get a work permit. So I want to ask if you get a work permit, can you travel to other European countries (for pleasure/vacation)? I am planning to travel to Switzerland, Italy and few other countries. Would you know if work permit lets me travel to these countries or I have to obtain another visa cuz I'll be staying over 90 days? Thanks guys more

Resolved Question: Toplessness PuntaCana?

Last year I want to Mexico and all the Europeans were topless on the beach so I had one hell of a vacation. This summer I cam going to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic is their any rules on Toplessness there? more

Resolved Question: What do you think of my bucket list?

I got snowed in today, and I was bored out of my mind so I made a list of things that I would like to do before I die... 1. Graduate college with at least a 3.7 GPA 2. Graduate med school 3. Buy a house 4. Buy a dog 5. Start my own pediatric practice 6. Further my degree in medicine by specializing 7. Find true love 8. Marry her 9. Have kids 10. buy a vacation home on the ocean 11. retire early 12. learn to fly 13. buy a plane 14. travel around the world 15. leave a $1000 tip at a restaurant 16. buy Yankees season tickets 17. buy colts season tickets 18. attend all 7 games of the world series 19. attend the Super Bowl 20. attend the Stanley cup Finals 21. attend the NBA finals 22. Skydive 23. Go zorbing (look it up) 24. Write a book 25. Teach myself how to play the guitar 26. Learn to play the piano 27. Learn to play the drums 28. Watch the Indianapolis 500 from a blimp 29. Take a shower in a waterfall 30. Climb a BIG mountain 31. See the 7 wonders of the world 32. Scuba dive with sharks 33. Base jump 34. Follow a band on their European tour 35. Get on stage at a Dave Matthews Band concert 36. Write and produce a song 37. Write and produce a movie 38. Visit the grave of Kurt Cobain 39. Visit the grave of Jimi Hendrix 40. Go to Woodstock 41. See Led Zeppelin in concert 42. Go to the top of the Sears tower in Chicago and stand on the rail, with my head against the glass 43. Break a Guinness world record 44. Run all of the major marathons in the world 45. Enter a Triathlon 46. Go to the winter and summer Olympics 47. Dance with my wife in the rain under the Eiffel tower 48. Take all of my friends on a second spring break in the Bahamas (my treat) 49. Be able to do a double black diamond run on skis and a snowboard without falling once 50. Do a 720 on a skateboard 51. Donate a large amount to a charity 52. Give a homeless person a steady job 53. Find the remains of jimmy Hoffa 54. Live alone in the wild for a month 55. Ride a bull for 8 seconds 56. Open a restaurant 57. Stay at the Atlantis Palms resort in Dubai for a week 58. Stay at the under-water resort in Dubai the following week 59. Golf at Pebble Beach and at Augusta National and St. Andrew’s 60. Shoot 5 under par one 18 holes 61. Learn a 2nd language 62. Use it in a foreign country 63. Learn a 3rd language 64. And use it in a foreign country 65. Renew my vows with my wife at the place of her choice 66. Catch a 6 foot marlin 67. Ride a sea turtle 68. See a symphony at the Sydney Opera house 69. Learn to surf 70. Give someone a tattoo 71. Celebrate the New Year on Time Square 72. Celebrate the New Year in a different country 73. Go on a hot air balloon ride 74. Design a pair of shoes 75. Shoot my own turkey for thanksgiving 76. Be a vegetarian…for a day or so 77. Buy and restore a classic car 78. Dunk a basketball 79. Attend the world cup 80. Learn to play rugby 81. Learn to fence 82. Learn to play cricket what do you think? give me a star if you like it! :) more

Resolved Question: what do you think of my bucket list?

Resolved Question: What do you think about my bucket list?

I got snowed in today, and I was bored out of my mind so I made a list of things that I would like to do before I die... 1.Graduate college with at least a 3.7 GPA 2.Graduate med school 3.Buy a house 4.Buy a dog 5.Start my own pediatric practice 6.Further my degree in medicine by specializing 7.Find true love 8.Marry her 9.Have kids 10.buy a vacation home on the ocean 11.retire early 12.learn to fly 13.buy a plane 14.travel around the world 15.leave a $1000 tip at a restaurant 16.buy Yankees season tickets 17.buy colts season tickets 18.attend all 7 games of the world series 19.attend the Super Bowl 20.attend the Stanley cup Finals 21.attend the NBA finals 22.Skydive 23.Go zorbing (look it up) 24.Write a book 25.Teach myself how to play the guitar 26.Learn to play the piano 27.Learn to play the drums 28.Watch the Indianapolis 500 from a blimp 29.Take a shower in a waterfall 30.Climb a BIG mountain 31.See the 7 wonders of the world 32.Scuba dive with sharks 33.Base jump 34.Follow a band on their European tour 35.Get on stage at a Dave Matthews Band concert 36.Write and produce a song 37.Write and produce a movie 38.Visit the grave of Kurt Cobain 39.Visit the grave of Jimi Hendrix 40.Go to Woodstock 41.See Led Zeppelin in concert 42.Go to the top of the Sears tower in Chicago and stand on the rail, with my head against the glass 43.Break a Guinness world record 44.Run all of the major marathons in the world 45.Enter a Triathlon 46. Go to the winter and summer Olympics 47.Dance with my wife in the rain under the Eiffel tower 48.Take all of my friends on a second spring break in the Bahamas (my treat) 49.Be able to do a double black diamond run on skis and a snowboard without falling once 50.Do a 720 on a skateboard 51.Donate a large amount to a charity 52.Give a homeless person a steady job 53.Find the remains of jimmy Hoffa 54.Live alone in the wild for a month 55.Ride a bull for 8 seconds 56.Open a restaurant 57.Stay at the Atlantis Palms resort in Dubai for a week 58.Stay at the under-water resort in Dubai the following week 59.Golf at Pebble Beach and at Augusta National and St. Andrew’s 60.Shoot 5 under par one 18 holes 61.Learn a 2nd language 62.Use it in a foreign country 63.Learn a 3rd language 64.And use it in a foreign country 65.Renew my vows with my wife at the place of her choice 66.Catch a 6 foot marlin 67.Ride a sea turtle 68.See a symphony at the Sydney Opera house 69.Learn to surf 70.Give someone a tattoo 71.Celebrate the New Year on Time Square 72.Celebrate the New Year in a different country 73.Go on a hot air balloon ride 74.Design a pair of shoes 75.Shoot my own turkey for thanksgiving 76.Be a vegetarian…for a day or so 77.Buy and restore a classic car 78.Dunk a basketball 79.Attend the world cup 80.Learn to play rugby 81.Learn to fence 82.Learn to play cricket what do you think? more

Resolved Question: How do you cope with being open-minded and living in the ghetto?

I was born in Latin America, and I moved to the states like 5 years ago. I'm getting my citizenship soon. My family back in Latin America is lower class. My mother went to college and she used to work as a secretary for a private institution. Even though I was poor I grew up with what some people call "middle-class values". Like you don't spend money that you don't have, independence was always very important, having manners, understanding that wearing expensive sneakers won't fool anyone about my economical background, etc. I'm not saying only middle-class people behave this way, I'm just saying that's usually the label people use. I also grew up listening to Rock, blues and other types of music, saved money and bought my own electric guitar, learned about philosophy while going to school, etc. What I mean to say is that I grew up with an open mind about things. But then we were lucky enough that we moved to the United States, and I was really happy about it. The only problem is what happens to a lot of Latin Americans that moved here from their countries. You end up living in the ghetto. Don't get me wrong, I was living in a poor neighborhood back there, but I had friends in those neighborhoods who were educated, people that were more like me. It's been so hard after I moved here. So many people in the ghetto behave like animals, everybody seems to idolize rappers, and so many people waste their money on stupid shoes and clothing that are so expensive it just doesn't make sense. I had a girlfriend once, but that didn't go too well. She was a nice person, but she would spend all this money on sneakers, plus the fact that a lot of people act in a very rude way, which apparently they don't perceive a being rude. I read a lot about sociology, and psychology, so I understand a lot about American culture. I don't feel like I'm better than the people that were born where I live now, I understand they're just people who have a hard life. And I have no problem with "interracial" relationships, I actually feel sorry for them and wish there was something I could do to stop them from being so ignorant about so many things. But the fact that I feel that way doesn't help me when it comes to make friends or find a girlfriend. I mean, I've been called "******" more than once because I don't wear baggy pants like they do. American culture is so black and white. When I go to free dating websites I usually get matched with white girls, which would be fine by me, but it's such a big deal here. Plus women usually date up, so once you tell them you live in the ghetto that's the end of it. I met Asian girls that I like too, but for some reason they usually go only for the white or the Asian guy only. A have seen a few black and latino girls that I actually liked but then there's always one or two kids and some crazy baby daddy that just got out of prison of something like that. I like America, but I hate the ghetto. I went on vacation last summer, back to my country, and I hooked up with a couple European girls, and my friend moved to Germany thru a program and he has an European girlfriend. Some times I wonder how come some Americans still see themselves as having a freer society than so many countries in Europe. I don't see how I can be offending anybody. My question was deleted before. I'm just asking if there's anybody that's been in a similar situation and how they've managed to turn it into a learning experience. If possible at all. more

Resolved Question: How is London, England?

I'm planning to go to London, England sometime next summer for vacation. To any American who has gone there, how is it? Is it cool? Has their attitude toward the U.S. changed since Obama became elected President (because I heard that many European citizens, including England hated America because of George Bush's presidency. I'm not a fan of Bush either.) I also welcome some responses from British people here who would suggest for me to come.I'm from New York BTW. more

Resolved Question: WHAT COLLEGE CAN I APPLY TO (TEN POINTS)?

Which colleges can I apply to? Hi. I am really hoping you can help me with colleges and I would really appreciate it. See, I moved to America when I was eight from Belarus (a small country next to Russia) and my parents do not know much about colleges; therefore, I am trying to figure out as much as I can. I am currently in 10th grade at a public school which is top ten in New Jersey, my STATS are: 4 years of girls varsity tennis 4 years of multi cultural club – vice preident 4 years of Future business leaders of America – secretary (hopefully will become vice-president) 4 years of varsity club 4 years of science league 3 years of mock trials – vice president 3 years of model united nations 3 years of academic team 3 years of Latin club 9th grade publicist VOLUNTEER/SERVICE; senator's office school library Belarus orphanage (over 800 hours - I have been volunteering since I was 7 during my summer vacation) AP; European history, world history [DIDN'T THESE CLASSES YET BUT I AM PLANNING TO] HONORS; biology, world history, us history I, math, spanish 4 [DID NOT TAKE MATH OR SPANISH YET] ETHNICITY; Belorussian GENDER; female My weighed GPA is 3.989, however, I screwed up my freshman year and hopefully will improve. Also, I will be ranked for tennis in USTA (since NYU is like a DIII school in tennis) Also, I was thinking of starting a non-profit organization - does anyone have any tips on this?! I know my GPA and my classes arn't great - but my extra curriculars and the fact that I'm an immigrant and completely fluent in another language? PLEASE HELP ME :) I give points generously! more

Resolved Question: TEN POINTS FOR HONEST OPINION?

Which colleges can I apply to? Please don't say Columbia, Harvard just to please me - obviously I cannot be accepted to those. But please realisticly help me. Thanks so much!!! Hi. I am really hoping you can help me with colleges and I would really appreciate it. See, I moved to America when I was eight from Belarus (a small country next to Russia) and my parents do not know much about colleges; therefore, I am trying to figure out as much as I can. I am currently in 10th grade at a public school which is top ten in New Jersey, my STATS are: 4 years of girls varsity tennis 4 years of multi cultural club – vice preident 4 years of Future business leaders of America – secretary (hopefully will become vice-president) 4 years of varsity club 4 years of science league 3 years of mock trials – vice president 3 years of model united nations 3 years of academic team 3 years of Latin club 9th grade publicist VOLUNTEER/SERVICE; senator's office school library Belarus orphanage (over 800 hours - I have been volunteering since I was 7 during my summer vacation) AP; European history, world history [DIDN'T THESE CLASSES YET BUT I AM PLANNING TO] HONORS; biology, world history, us history I, math, spanish 4 [DID NOT TAKE MATH OR SPANISH YET] ETHNICITY; Belorussian GENDER; female My weighed GPA is 3.989, however, I screwed up my freshman year and hopefully will improve. Also, I will be ranked for tennis in USTA (since NYU is like a DIII school in tennis) Also, I was thinking of starting a non-profit organization - does anyone have any tips on this?! I know my GPA and my classes arn't great - but my extra curriculars and the fact that I'm an immigrant and completely fluent in another language? PLEASE HELP ME :) I give points generously! more

Resolved Question: Which colleges can I apply to?

Hi. I am really hoping you can help me with colleges and I would really appreciate it. See, I moved to America when I was eight from Belarus (a small country next to Russia) and my parents do not know much about colleges; therefore, I am trying to figure out as much as I can. I am currently in 10th grade at a public school which is top ten in New Jersey, my STATS are: 4 years of girls varsity tennis 4 years of multi cultural club – vice preident 4 years of Future business leaders of America – secretary (hopefully will become vice-president) 4 years of varsity club 4 years of science league 3 years of mock trials – vice president 3 years of model united nations 3 years of academic team 3 years of Latin club 9th grade publicist VOLUNTEER/SERVICE; senator's office school library Belarus orphanage (over 800 hours - I have been volunteering since I was 7 during my summer vacation) AP; European history, world history [DIDN'T THESE CLASSES YET BUT I AM PLANNING TO] HONORS; biology, world history, us history I, math, spanish 4 [DID NOT TAKE MATH OR SPANISH YET] ETHNICITY; Belorussian GENDER; female My weighed GPA is 3.989, however, I screwed up my freshman year and hopefully will improve. Also, I will be ranked for tennis in USTA (since NYU is like a DIII school in tennis) Also, I was thinking of starting a non-profit organization - does anyone have any tips on this?! I know my GPA and my classes arn't great - but my extra curriculars and the fact that I'm an immigrant and completely fluent in another language? PLEASE HELP ME :) I give points generously! more

Resolved Question: Best Travel Deals for a European Vacation?

Say for maybe next summer, for example, a two or three week trip that would include germany, holland, and italy or something, what websites have the best deals for those kind of packages? Thanks. more

Resolved Question: Would you rather have rule the world: the USA or Europe?

Europe: very few people of color in local or national government or in the media out of a continent that is 20% minority; separate but equal is still practiced. Discrimination is rampant. USA: minorities have been influential and powerful in the U.S. for decades and are very visible on TV and in pop culture. Americans recently elected a black president. Oprah has more money than the French university system. Arab-Americans are some of the most prosperous in the U.S.; Arabs in Europe are poverty-stricken for generations. Gay marriage and gay adoptions are illegal in most of Europe. There are only four countries which permit gay marriage. Scandinavia does not have gay marriage, but gay domestic partnerships, the same they currently have in California. But bans on gay marriage and gay adoptions have been upheld by European courts, including Sweden. Gay marriage is permitted in three states, and several allow civil unions, virtually the exact same benefits as marriage. Of the states that ban gay marriage, only two ban gay adoptions. Even Alabama permits gays to adopt, unlike France and Sweden. Muslim radicalism is pushing back gay rights in many parts of Europe, including the Netherlands where attacks against gays are far more common than in the U.S. Domestic violence in Europe is one of the highest in the industrialized world--3x higher than in the U.S. which actually has a higher reporting average than Europe---still the U.S. rate is lower. Overall crime is also higher in Europe today than the U.S. Crime in the U.S. has been steadily dropping for 15 years; it has risen steadily in Europe. Europe's street crime is 5x higher than street crime in the U.S. Europe's unemployment rate rarely goes under 10%. Americans freak out if their unemployment rate hits 6%. The elderly in Europe are abused and neglected. In the summer of 2004 a heat wave in Europe resulted in 45,000 deaths (25,000 in France alone) mostly of old people. Relatives left their bodies at government-run morgues, sometimes leaving them outside on the doorstep. The heat wave came in August and most didn't want to end their month-long vacations. The elderly in the U.S. move to Florida or Arizona and live like decadent royalty, sucking their grandchildren's futures dry off government-funded pyramid scams. Europe has no comprehension of free speech. It is still grappling with “hate speech codes” and its effect on liberty. Cartoons cause riots in Europe. Americans dealt with the issue of freedom of expression 200 years ago, most specifically with the “Cartoon Defense” in which the U.S. Supreme Court said that government cannot sue newspapers over cartoon parodies. They still riot over cartoons in Europe. The French president recently sued the manufacturer of a doll made in his likeness because he thought it was insulting. The court ruled partially in his favor. Ok, liberals, come to Europe's defense! Let's hear all you people who think Europe is the center of the universe come and rescue it from my horrible outburst! Come, liberals, don't take this sitting down. You must find a way to support Europe and debase the U.S. It's part of your religion! Now do it! more

Resolved Question: Caribbean or European vacation ?

My husband and I want to take a vacation after I graduate from nursing school next summer. We both want to go to the Caribbean but also on a tour of Europe (England, France, Germany, Italy, etc.). Only 1 vacation though. We have two daughters, age 14 and 15. Based on your experiences, which vacation do you think they would enjoy more ? Caribbean or Europe ? more