Here's how to get the lowest airfares possible

Getting the lowest airfares has become a challenge because
there are so many different rates available and so many
different sites offering those rates. When you finally
decide to buy a ticket, its hard to tell if you really
got the best price.

Here are some tricks you can use to make sure you are
paying the least amount of money possible:

Secret #1: Call the airline you want to fly on -
many of the airlines will give you lower rates that you can
get on sites such as Travelocity, Expedia, Hotwire, etc.
Why? Because these sites are acting like travel agents and
get some sort of fee from the airline for processing the
reservation. The airlines simply pass some of the savings
on to people who contact them directly. I have saved as
much as 5-15% so its definitely worth making the phone call.

Secret #2: Check with the airline for special deals that
include special pricing when you get a rental car from a
"business partner" of the airline. You may get the rental
car free or at a substantially reduced rate. The rental car
you get is often an economy model, so you may opt for an
upgrade when you pick up your car at the counter.

3. Check the airfares from other airports within reasonable
driving distance 3-4 hrs. Sometimes, you can save big money
by traveling to another airport and then flying round trip
from there. Then drive back home. Its a little bit of a
hassle, but the rewards may be worth $50 per hour of
driving after gas costs. The reason for these savings is
a direct result of the "hub system" that is in place across
the USA. When a hub does not have a value airline such as
Southwest with a good schedule, the airfares go up.

Secret #4: Check out package deals that include hotel,
rental car and airfare. This is where you want to visit
Orbitz,Expedia, Travelocity and others. They often get
blocks of rooms, tickets and rental cars they put together
at great prices.

5. Check out airline last minute getaways. Especially
Northwest Airlines. They seem to have unbelievable deals
to major destinations if you are a little flexible with
your schedule.

6. You also want to ask the ticket agent if there are any
other discounts available that you may be elgible for.
AAA, AARP, others often negotiate special deals for their
members and you may, with a little sweet talking, be able
to get those discounts too, even if you're not a member!

I hope this helps you get the best rate available for your
next trip. Be diligent, be creative and be flexible, it can
save you a bundle on airfare.

Emiser Largent is the owner of
ABG Travel
which is a premier source for travel information.
For more information please go to:
http://www.abgtravel.com

THE JOURNEY CONTINUES - Travel Photographer of the Year 2005

Entries are open for the 2005 international Travel Photographer of the Year (TPOTY) competition, which once again boasts an outstanding line- up of travel and photography prizes worth over $100,000 - including the most valuable prize package for the overall winner yet offered by TPOTY.

Open to amateur and professional photographers, it features four portfolio categories covering every aspect of travel photography, a Single Image category, and a special Young Travel Photographer competition for those aged 16 and under. The travel prizes include round-the-world air tickets and trips to Nepal, Oman, the Islands of the Bahamas, Mali and the Amazon.

In 2004, photographers from 40 countries rose to the TPOTY challenge.
Rhode Island-based photographer Alexander Nesbitt won the Spirit of Adventure category with a glorious portfolio of images from the Egyptian desert, while his fellow American, Californian Mark Edward Harris, took the honors in the Single Image category, with a stunning black and white shot of children in the Marshall Islands (all these images can be seen in the 2004 winners' section of www.tpoty.com ).

The overall winner, and Travel Photographer of the Year 2004, was Pang Piow Kan, an amateur photographer and retired lecturer from Malaysia, and the young winner was Anna Scott, a very talented 13 year old from the UK. Entrants from Australia, Canada, France, Malaysia, New Zealand and Switzerland also won prizes.

TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR 2005
The photographer who demonstrates the greatest skill, diversity and creativity in two different portfolio categories will earn the prestigious title of Travel Photographer of the Year and the satisfaction of being judged the very best travel photographer in 2005.

The winner and a companion will be able to take the photographic trip of a lifetime with a pair of round the world air tickets from the Star Alliance network, the global network that brings together 16 of the world's finest airlines. Added to this is a superb Hewlett Packard Designjet 130 printer, complete with network kit, roll feed kit, stand and bin, Gretag Macbeth Eye One Display plus a generous supply of A1,
A2 and A3 paper and fade-resistant HP dye-based inks, so that they can produce stunning, long-lasting prints. They also win Adobe® Photoshop® CS and Video Collection so that they can optimize the images they take on their travels, and a beautiful leather portfolio book from Plastic Sandwich made in their own choice of size and format and personalized with their name, allowing them to present their images in the most impressive and professional way.

YOUNG TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR
Photographers aged 16 and under can submit four images on the theme 'World Through My Lens' to demonstrate what travel means to them. It's free to enter and the prizes are fantastic: a top of the range HP Media Center Photosmart PC, a top-spec HP Photosmart digital camera, photo centric scanner and photo printer, a photography masterclass in the Lake District with Light & Land for the winner plus an accompanying adult, and Adobe Creative Suite Premium.

PORTFOLIO CATEGORIES
This year's portfolio category themes are: Human Spirit, Travelers'
Tales, Go Beyond and Natural World.

Human Spirit - four images celebrating every aspect of the world's many and diverse cultures, and the richness that people bring to the travel experience. Prize: the Fujifilm S3 Pro plus lens - the very top of Fujifilm's outstanding range of digital cameras, and the camera that confirmed Fujifilm's status as one of the top three digital SLR makers - and two Fujifilm 4GB memory cards, and a Cultural Odyssey to Nepal for two with The Independent Traveler, plus Adobe Creative Suite Standard. The tour has been entirely designed for photographers, offering an insight into the day to day lives of Nepalese families and incorporating some of the best landscape and wildlife photographic opportunities.

Travellers' Tales - documentary and travel photography are intertwined, so the photographer must tell a story in four images.
Prize: a superb Hasselblad H1 Kit - an H1 camera body, complete with HC 2.8/80mm lens and roll-film magazine - and a two-week trip to Mali on a Journey to Timbuctoo with Guerba. Mali is without doubt the jewel of West Africa, home to a wide range of vibrant cultures, customs, music, historic empires and ancient civilizations. The winner also receives Adobe Creative Suite Standard.

Go Beyond - four images taken off the beaten track. Not just adventure travel, but travel away from and beyond the usual urban or rural tourist destinations. Prize: a custom-built website from TPOTY web builders and design experts Iridius, plus an adventure with a purpose - an expedition to work alongside scientists at the forefront of conservation in Oman with one of Land Rover's conservation partners, Biosphere Expeditions. The winner will also receive a full-day's off- road driving training from Land Rover, to help them access those hard- to-reach locations, plus Adobe Creative Suite Standard.

Natural World - four landscape and wildlife images that really capture the natural world.

Prize: a Mamiya 711 medium format rangefinder camera - the world's smallest and lightest 6x7cm camera - with 80mm lens, and a Sekonic
L-558 light meter, plus an Amazon Heartland expedition for two aboard G.A.P Adventures' legendary Expedition ship The Explorer. The Amazon Basin is the most ecologically diverse region on earth, home to 20 percent of the world's birds, 20 percent of all plants, 10 percent of mammals and thousands of undiscovered species. The winner also receives Adobe Creative Suite Standard.

Runners-up in the four portfolio categories will win a Wacom Intuos3 graphics tablet and a personalized Plastic Sandwich leather portfolio book. Aimed at digital media professionals and high-level pro-sumers, the Intuos3 range combines style with the highest efficiency and features Wacom's patented 'Penabled' technology.

Highly Commended entrants receive either a Billingham Packington camera bag or a Peli 1510 travel case, courtesy of Johnsons Photopia, plus Fujifilm Multijet Inkjet paper. Commended entrants win a hardback copy of Travel Photographer of the Year - Journey Two - plus Fujifilm Multijet Inkjet Paper.

A MOMENT OF FREEDOM
This year's Single Image category is looking for an image that shouts "Freedom." Prize - a trip to the highly photogenic Islands of the Bahamas, and Adobe Creative Suite Standard. The seven night holiday for two will be based on Nassau/Paradise Island and include a one day exploration to one of the Out Islands and the opportunity to swim with dolphins.

The runner-up receives a Plastic Sandwich leather portfolio book, while Highly Commended entrants win Journey One and Two (hardback editions) and Fujifilm Multijet Inkjet Paper, and Commended Entrants win a hardback copy of Journey Two plus Fujifilm Multijet Inkjet Paper.

Entry dates and entry fees

Entries are now open and close on September 9th. Entry costs from UK £5 to enter one portfolio category or four images in Single Image, up to UK £15 to enter every category. There are significant discounts for students and for those aged 65 and over, while entry is completely free for children aged 16 and under.

Full information and entry forms are available from www.tpoty.com or by emailing info@tpoty.com.

A chance to give something back
Entrants have the option to make a charitable donation with their entry fee. The 2004 TPOTY entrants raised UK £500 for charity. This year money will be raised in aid of Sight Savers International and The Tribes Foundation.

Take a Journey
Journey One, the first portfolio book of images from the Travel Photographer of the Year competition (TPOTY), is now available. This beautiful book features over 320 images taken by 164 of the photographers who entered the competition. It includes all the winning entries, the judges' favorite shots and a stunning selection of 'the best of the rest'.

Journey One is a 'must' for everyone who loves good photography and enjoys owning fine books. Priced at UK £25 (plus shipping) for the hardback version and UK £20 (plus shipping) for softback, it can be purchased via www.tpoty.com.

National Arbor Day Foundation Alarmed by Growing Disconnect Between Children and Nature

New endeavor introduced to reverse the emerging trend

NEBRASKA CITY, Neb., July 14, 2005 -- "I know, I don't want my children spending all their time watching T.V. or staying inside," said Cami Burchett of Lincoln, Neb. "My son, Brett, already has attention difficulties, and I worry they don't get outside enough."

The latest research shows many people feel the same as Burchett. This current generation of children treats nature as an afterthought, often choosing to stay indoors playing video games, surfing the Internet, and watching television, spending less time interacting with family and the environment.

"Simple outdoor experiences have a profound impact on a child's development," said Nancy Rosenow, executive director, Dimensions Educational Research Foundation.
"Research confirms there is no substitute for being outdoors."

According to Rosenow, young children often are inappropriately exposed to frightening environmental issues, such as global warming, ozone holes, and rain forest destruction at too early an age, further distancing them from nature.

Research shows nature brings benefits

Today's kids can benefit from time outdoors just like their parents did as children. Using data collected from direct observational research started in 1997, the Dimensions Educational Research Foundation substantiated significant evidence that experiences with nature bring profound benefits to children, including:

- More developed powers of observation and creativity[1].

- Heightened ability to concentrate including children with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)[2].

- More advanced motor fitness, including coordination, balance, and agility[3].

"Between 1981 and 1997, the amount of time U.S. children ages six to eight spent playing outdoors decreased by four hours per week, while the amount of time they spent indoors in school increased by almost five hours per week," said Rosenow. "As a result, children are losing touch with nature, and child development can be negatively affected."

This research has been reviewed with interest by The National Arbor Day Foundation, which works to engage people in planting trees and environmental stewardship.

"The exciting thing about the Dimensions research is it gives us a map of how to get kids outdoors in a meaningful, fun, and easy way," said Susie Wirth, The National Arbor Day Foundation Education Director.

Recognizing this as a growing problem, the Arbor Day Foundation collaborated with Dimensions Educational Research Foundation to give families a tool to encourage a connection with nature - an interactive program for preschool and elementary-aged children called "Kids Explore Club."

Outdoor activities for children

The research shows children should first enjoy and appreciate nature, not see it as a source of alarm and concern.

(1) Crain, William (2001). How Nature Helps Children Develop. Montessori Life, Summer 2001.

(2) Taylor, A.F. (2001). Coping with ADD: The surprising connection to green play settings. Environment and Behavior, 33(1), 54 - 77

(3) Grahn, P. (1997). UTE pa DAGIS, Stad & Land nr. 93/1991 Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet, Alnarp, Fjortoft, Ingunn (2001). The Natural Environment as a Playground for
Children: The Impact of Outdoor Play Activities in Pre-Primary School Children. Early Childhood Education Journal, 29 (2):111 - 117

"This generation of children is missing out on the benefits of spending time outdoors," said Wirth. "Outdoor activities help them get away from video games and the Internet and start a meaningful, beneficial exploration of the world around them."

Membership in "Kids Explore Club" revolves around missions such as "tree scavenger hunt," "bug's eye view," and "magic rings." The activities are centered on six characters who direct "Kids Explore Club" members to find unexpected discoveries through hands-on interaction with nature. All activities can be completed in any backyard or neighborhood.

"With Kids Explore Club I have become an active participant in my children's learning," said Burchett. "The activities and missions are such wonderful ways for families to enchance their children's experiences."

When the Kids Explore Club arrived at the Burchett house, Cami's children were excited to take a walk.

"As we walked through our neighborhood, I was surprised at how interested in Kids Explore Club my children were," said Burchett. "I was so happy at how quickly they 'tuned' in the outdoors."

According to Wirth, every aspect of the "Kids Explore Club"
has been created to encourage participation and learning. By combining outdoor activities, characters, and stories with educational messages, children will gain the inspiration and knowledge to take a more caring role regarding the planet.

The membership includes the missions, identification card, magic tree ring magnifier, mission clipboard, and explorer's portfolio. Add-on products also are available, including an explorer's positioning system, explorer's gloves, and an explorer's zoom cam. For more information, visit http://www.arborday.org/explore .

"Kids Explore Club activities help me introduce the outdoors to my children and further connect them to nature," said Burchett.

For more information, contact:

Brian Martorana
Fleishman-Hillard
816-512-2322
martorab@fleishman.com

The Choice of a University

by Edna Unadube

The choice of a university for admission is one of the most important and confusing decisions that a young person has to make. You do not have the luxury to make a hasty decision, as you might have to rue it in the future. But you do not have to worry, as university guidance counselors are there to make the best possible assessment for you. These counselors are extremely experienced and a tremendous resource to help you guide through making this tough decision.

In order to choose the best university, you first need to understand yourself. A university counselor will ask you questions so that you have a better understanding of your wants and goals and find a university to match your responses. After this analysis you may find that what's best suited for you isn't what you previously pictured at all.

A university counselor is a must for making a studied choice of a university. The reason being that you may not be fully aware of the factors to be considered for making this decision. Though geographical location of the university is important, other factors like campus size, its demographic status, study abroad programs, department strengths, tuition and housing cost, class size, public vs. private, financial aid availability, athletic programs, alumni networks, Greek organizations, and housing options. Hence talking to a university counselor is very important.

The first decision you'll need to make is your field of study. Once you've decided on what area you will major in, you will be quickly able to narrow down your university choices. Probably the most important aspect of college planning is finding a school that has an excellent department for the major you choose.

It is a good idea to apply to many universities rather than set all your hopes on one. That will save you the disappointment if you don't get admission in it. Let nature take its course and accept the university that is ready to accept you.

Remember, things usually happen for a good reason, so don't be disappointed if you don't get into the first university choice. Your counselor can help you decide on primary and backup universities.

The decision about the field of study is, indeed, the toughest one. So it is advisable to seek help from a professional who has better knowledge about the subject.

Together with a university counselor, a student and his or her family can find a particular field of interest and locate a university that will support development in that study.

Edna Unadube is the owner and operator of YA University, a leading Internet portal for university information. For more university information and resources, please stop by:
http://www.yauniversity.com

World Mountain Running Trophy - Wellington 2005 - Event Information

World Mountain Running Trophy - Wellington 2005 - Event Information

Approximately 350 athletes and officials from 30 countries are expected to converge on Wellington, New Zealand for the 21st annual World Mountain Running Trophy. It is only the second time that the World Trophy will be staged in the Southern Hemisphere.

Date
September 25th, 2005.

Venue
Mt Victoria
Wellington, New Zealand

History
The World Mountain Running Trophy is the official world championships for mountain running. The first World Trophy was held in 1985 in San Vagilio, Italy.

From 1985 to 1992, competitors could choose between running a short event consisting of an up and downhill course or a long event, which covered an uphill course only. Beginning in 1993, the World Mountain Running Trophy has alternated in style each year. On odd numbered years, the event is an uphill and downhill course, while on even numbered years, the event is an uphill only course.

The strength of the sport has traditionally been in Europe and the United Kingdom. However, as the strength and interest of the sport has increased, teams from all over the world participate in the event.

For full registration and eligibility information, visit the link at the top of this article.