Low Cost New York Dentists

By Jennifer Bailey

For those who cannot afford high-cost dental treatment, there are a number of avenues open for them in New York. Various dental plans and community services are in operation so that the poor are not deprived of necessary treatment.

Take for instance the NYU College of Dentistry. The college provides nearly 230,000 visits annually to the most multiethnic, multicultural and desperately poor patient population in the United States. They include a large numbers of Medicaid recipients who account for approximately 60,000 patient visits annually. Many other patients are treated free of charge because they are unable to pay for care, uninsured, or ineligible for Medicaid. The College provides more than $30 million annually in free care.

There are a few thousand network dentists participating in different dental plans in New York. There are also clinics that provide free or cheap treatment to those who cannot afford expensive treatment.

Lutheran Medical Center Dental, New York City Technical College, New York University David B. Kriser Dental Center, and Sunset Pediatric Dentistry are some of the places where dental treatment can be received at a low cost.

Moreover, there are a number of dental plans that offer poor patients an opportunity to receive treatment at a low price. Some of them are Aetna Dental Access, GE Wellness Plan, Patriot Plan, and UNI-CARE 200.

Some of these plans are not dental insurance policies and they do not pay directly to the providers of dental services. The plan member is obligated to pay the dentist for all dental care services that he or she receives. But the member will receive a pre-negotiated discount from the dentists listed as providers in the network, in accordance with the specific pre-negotiated discounted fee schedule.

Los Angeles Cosmetic Dentists.

Naturopathy Colleges

By Michael Bustamante

In modern times, prospective students may choose to enroll in one of several Naturopathy Colleges to earn their Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine Degree. Usually offering four-year programs in naturopathy, Naturopathy Colleges train students to become holistic and natural care doctors.

Providing health education that seeks to not only to diagnose and treat patients, Naturopathy Colleges use a practical and academic approach that believes in evaluating the "whole" person when treatment is necessary. Students of Naturopathy Colleges will learn a great deal about this ancient healing system of medicine, which is derived from a variety of historical societies (Arabian, Ayurvedic, Chinese, Egyptian, European, and Greek).

While naturopathy is more well-known today as a form of natural and alternative medicine, one of the first Naturopathy Colleges was founded in 1902. Since that time, naturopathic medicine has grown to become quite popular. This has led to growth in Naturopathy Colleges and schools to accommodate the demand for students desiring to become naturopathic doctors.

Most four-year courses at Naturopathy Colleges are very comprehensive and intense. Common curriculums offered through Naturopathy Colleges include introductory classes in anatomy and physiology, and theories and philosophies of naturopathy. Second, third, and fourth year courses offered at Naturopathy Colleges are normally comprised of naturopathy and pathology studies, herbal and botanical medicine, bodywork, nutrition, homeopathy, and clinical and laboratory studies. For example, students that attend Naturopathy Colleges will gain an in-depth look into how homeopathic medicine is a medicine where "like cures like." They will learn how to use this medicine to help promote body, mind, and spirit healing. Students that attend Naturopathy Colleges will ultimately be prepared to sit for state licensing exams.

In many cases, successful graduates of Naturopathy Colleges go onto opening their own private practices. others may elect to work in integrative health and wellness centers or holistic oncology clinics. Since career potential is virtually unlimited, traditional practitioners may wish to enroll in one of many naturopathic colleges to attain extended education in this medicinal practice to broaden their scope of professionalism and patient services.

To learn more about and additional learning programs, search our site for more in-depth information and resources.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on SchoolsGalore.com.

Copyright 2006 - All Rights Reserved Michael Bustamante, in association with Media Positive Communications, Inc. for SchoolsGalore.com

Notice to Publishers: Please feel free to use this article in your Ezine or on your Website; however, ALL links must remain intact and active.

Michael Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. in association with SchoolsGalore.com. Find at SchoolsGalore.com; your educational resource to locate schools.

Online Schools Allow for Flexible Learning Environment

By Michael Bustamante

Did you ever think you could get a college degree in your skivvies and bare feet? Perhaps not in any respectable campus classroom setting, but it is possible to earn a degree at home in front of your own computer through an online school. It�s actually happening every day. Hundreds of thousands of students attend classes over the Internet daily, making it possible to earn a respectable degree in the convenience of their own homes. Online schools have gained in popularity and continue to grow in use as this flexible learning environment gains credence.

Degrees in practically any field � education, sciences, business, art, humanities � can be earned through online and distance learning venues. Technology is amazingly available and proficient, allowing "virtual schools" to provide virtual classroom experiences and allowing learning and interaction between students and instructors. Students often interact with professors and other students enrolled in the same classes through online discussion boards.

Vocational and technical schools also offer distance learning and online degrees. Enrollees can study culinary arts, carpentry, engineering, graphic design, health care, computer technology, and much more for diplomas and certificates and associate degrees. Other students may prefer non-credit courses for the pleasure of learning a new skill or for broadening their experience through educational programs or single classes. Online schools allow learning anytime from anywhere. Students without a personal computer can even attend an online school in a public library, if necessary.

There are so many advantages to online courses: Parents can earn a degree without sacrificing the emotional and mental wellbeing of their children by studying online while kids are in school or tucked in for the night. Working adults can prepare for advancement or job changes without sacrificing their regular jobs to attend classes on campus somewhere. And, high schoolers can get a jump on college studies before college admission officially begins.

There is a drawback: To be successful in an online school, you must be self-disciplined and focused on achieving your goals. No one is going to look you in the eye and apply pressure to complete assignments or remind you of deadlines with a schedule that you control. Do yourself a favor and give your character and ambitions an honest assessment before starting on the online college path.

Also, before enrollment commences, keep in mind that accreditation is key to a quality education. A school that is not accredited amounts to little more than a waste of time. Schools must be accredited by national associations and organizations to confer online degrees that hold merit. In addition to determining accreditation, you should do some research on institutions that specialize in the areas and fields of your particular interest. Also check out the employment potential of your particular field; marketable degrees that are in demand are certainly more worthy of your time and effort than an obscure, meaningless degree.

If you are interested in learning more about and other programs of study, please search our site for more information and resources.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on SchoolsGalore.com.

Copyright 2006 - All rights reserved by SchoolsGalore.com, in association with Media Positive Communications, Inc.

Notice: Publishers are free to use this article on an ezine or website, provided the article is reprinted in its entirety, including copyright and disclaimer, and ALL links remain intact and active.

Michael Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc., in association with SchoolsGalore.com. Visit our and other Schools, Colleges, Universities, and Trade Schools at SchoolsGalore.com; your educational resource to locate schools.

Radiologic Technology Online

By Michael Bustamante

Online Radiologic Technology Schools offer affordable, flexible, and convenient degree programs to busy, working adults. Online colleges and universities allow the option of learning at home at your own convenience. Distance learning is a convenient way to study anywhere via the Internet through online schools, colleges, and universities.

Radiologic Technology is a medical specialty that incorporates imaging to diagnose and treat diseases. Associate degrees and certificates in Radiologic Technology include x-ray and radiation, while advanced degrees in Radiologic Technology from four-year institutions are possible in ultrasound, fluoroscopy, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and in nuclear medicine.

Training programs in Online Radiographic Technology schools, colleges, and universities range in length from one year for a certificate to about two years for an associate degree. Two-year associate degrees are most common. Bachelor and degrees in Radiologic Technology take longer.

Programs of study may include office skills and office management, as technicians of Radiologic Technology may be responsible for maintaining records and equipment, managing a radiology department, or preparing work schedules.

Most positions in Radiologic Technology are found in hospitals, but many positions are in physicians' offices, medical and diagnostic laboratories, imaging centers, and outpatient care centers. Opportunities in the field of Radiologic Technology are very favorable, as reports indicate that it is difficult to find enough well-prepared technicians to fill the number of positions available.

If you are interested in learning more about Online Radiologic Technology Schools, search our site for more in-depth information and resources.

Copyright 2006 - All Rights Reserved Michael Bustamante, in association with Media Positive Communications, Inc. for SchoolsGalore.com

Notice to Publishers: Please feel free to use this article in your Ezine or on your Website; however, ALL links must remain intact and active.

Michael Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. in association with Radiologic Technology Online at SchoolsGalore.com; meeting your needs as your educational resource to locate schools.

Give The Gift of Language This Holiday Season

By Beth Butler

We live in an increasingly global society - our neighbor is from Puerto Rico, our co-worker from South Africa and our child's teacher from Sweden! We realize as adults how hard it is to learn a new language at this point in our life, but it's not too late for our children!

Time & Newsweek ran feature articles on the window of opportunity for second language learning - reported to be between birth and ten years old. It's true! Why? A growing number of brain studies indicate that young children learn languages easily and retain them longer if they are exposed to new languages early in life. Experts agree that while a baby is learning one word for an item, it is just as easy for his young brain to learn a second word for the same item.

Recent studies out of York University show that children who received instruction in two languages scored twice as high on language tests than their monolingual peers. These bilingual children also read sooner and demonstrated advanced problem solving capabilities. (Dr. Ellen Bialystok, 2001)

Latest research suggests that children learning through a bilingual format will outperform their mono-lingual peers in grade school as they experience advanced cognitive development. And the added benefit of learning a second language before middle school? These children will speak the new languages with native or near-native pronunciation.

You see how quickly your child learns new things between the ages of birth and five - why shouldn't a new language be next on the list of important things to bring into her life? Give this gift early enough, and your child will read sooner, score higher on standardized tests and have better opportunities in life. With many linguists, educators and experts agreeing that sooner is better, begin the bilingual fun now!

By six months old a baby has the ability to learn all the languages of our world - all at the same time. Up until the age of five a child still has the ability to learn five languages simultaneously. By middle school we all know learning a new language is no longer as easy as it used to be in elementary school. Children whose brains have been wired to learn languages early in life will experience advanced success in learning any language of their choice later in life.

Find a fun way to bring the language learning into your family's daily routine. Look for programs and products that use a bilingual format for children ages birth - five. Reason being that as the young child is still acquiring skills in their native language, the new language should be presented in a seamless bilingual format with both languages presented side-by-side. This allows for better retention and higher self esteem.

Make the second language journey easy and fun for you and your child. Sing, dance and play together as you enjoy learning each new word on the path to becoming bilingual for successful travel through our very global society.

Beth Butler is the creator of the BOCA BETH Language Learning Series for young children. Find out how fun and easy it can be to raise a bilingual child. Sample the BOCA BETH bilingual music and movies for free at http://www.bocabeth.com Call toll free to 1.877.825.2622 or 1.813.244.1432.

How Would You Pray That God Enlarge Your Territory As Jabez Prayed (I Chronicles 4:10)?

By Carey Kinsolving

"I would ask God for more space because my brother won't leave me alone a lot of times," says Jenny, 10.

Jenny, I recommend that your brother talk with Kevin, 9, whose territory-development plan includes "being nicer to my little sister and not being a showoff around people."

Most of us have never considered enlarging God's territory in people's lives by giving them psychological and physical space. You don't hear the phrase "stumbling block" much, but it's a graphic picture in the Bible of what we can become. One of the goals in all relationships should be to do no harm.

"I pray that God would enlarge my territory by being nice to people who are different than I am," says Marshall, 12. Now there's a challenge. Instead of avoiding people who differ from us in skin tone, culture or mannerisms, let's see if we can appreciate the differences.

An incredible New Testament command says, "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself" (Philippians 2:3). Expand your territory by applying this Scripture!

Good relationships in life begin with getting along with your parents, says Natalie, 9: "I would ask God to help me not have an attitude with my parents." Having a bad attitude with your parents will definitely shrink your territory. I experienced this shrinkage many times. My parents called it "being grounded."

Speaking of attitudes related to parents, Devon, 9, has got it going in the right direction: "I've got a messy room, and my mom cleans it. God can enlarge me by helping my mom out around the house."

It might be fun to organize your territory just to see the expression on your mom's face when she opens the door to your room.

After you expand your territory at home, why not take some ground at school, says Jacob, 8: "I would pray that God would enlarge my life by having a heart for education. I would enlarge my life by being smarter and making straight A's."

Many times we have to do things for which we don't have a heart. For many kids, school is one of those things. It's not easy, but we can pray that God will change our hearts. Many people work at jobs that are not exciting or fulfilling.

The Lord Jesus said that even a cup of water given in his name will be rewarded. You can do any dull job with enthusiasm, as if you were an executive vice president for the Kingdom of God, Inc. Remember, God said he would expand your eternal territory by rewarding you for whatever you do for him. Imagine the peace you'll have in doing your job for the Lord.

Eternal life is a free gift received by faith in Christ alone, but rewards are earned. "You can't take it with you" is a well-known cliche. However, you can send it on ahead in the form of eternal rewards by doing whatever you do as unto the Lord.

"I would ask God to enlarge my life by asking him to enlarge my love for him," says Michaela, 6.

Experiencing God's love in a deeper way will expand and transform your life more than anything. The journey into that vast territory of God's love makes every other trek look minuscule by comparison. It's a journey that transforms the heart from which all of life flows (Ephesians 3:17-19).

Think about this: God wants to enlarge your territory.

Memorize this truth: "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord, you will receive the reward of the inheritance" (Colossians 3:23-24a).

Ask this question: Are you in a place spiritually where God can expand your territory?

Carey Kinsolving is a syndicated columnist, producer, author, speaker and website developer. To see more articles like this one, visit http://www.KidsTalkAboutGod.org/ColumnArchive.aspx The Kids Talk About God website contains free, online content for children and families. See Carey�s Kid TV Interviews. Print free lessons from the "Kids Color Me Bible" and make your own book. Let an 11-year-old girl take you on a trip around the world in the Mission Explorers Streaming Video. Print Scripture verses illustrated by child artists. Receive a complimentary, weekly e-mail subscription to our Devotional Bible Lessons.

Bible quotations in this Bible lesson are from the New King James Version.

Facing the Homeschool Super Mom

By Laura Bankston

I know this Mom. She homeschools her 5 children, plus she tutors several other children that are dropped off at her house. AND she's a Pastor's wife. AND she's working on fixing up the fixer-upper they just moved into. Whenever I've been in her house, it's been immaculate. Her children all have perfect manners. They all seem to be way ahead of their grade level. She's definitely gotta be a Homeschool Super Mom.

You're probably thinking of someone like this too, right? Someone that made you think, "Man, my son isn't reading as well as hers." or "My house isn't as clean as hers." Or a million other things.

And you probably discovered her when you were new to homeschooling. When you were already feeling uncertain in your new endeavors. You were already putting high expectations on yourself. You were constantly analyzing to be sure you were doing everything right. And as a result, you tend to be a little over-sensitive about what other's are accomplishing around you without giving enough credit to yourself.

So, it's really important that you remember (as a new homeschooler or a seasoned one) these basic principles that we all so easily forget:

"The 4 Basic Principles That Conquer the 'Super-Moms' Syndrome"

Principle #1: We always see other's through glasses that make them larger than life. When I was a teenager, there was this lady in our church. Her hair and makeup was always perfect. She lived in a big, expensive home. She was very stylish and her kids were so cool. I always wanted to grow up and have that.

But I don't anymore.

I'd rather have my house that gets messy 5 minutes after it gets picked up, my hair that falls down into my eyes as I pick up my children, and my face that only gets makeup on Sunday. Why you may ask? Well, here's why. I'm happy. I love my family, and I wouldn't trade them for anything.

The lady I had idolized as a teen? She still has her perfect home and impeccable style. But, she has a marriage without love and children who are stuck up adults who ignore her totally.

I had seen her through glasses that made her larger than life. In the end, she's not any bigger or greater than me. In fact, she probably wishes that she had my life!

So, if you start to think about someone else who seems to have the life you want, STOP LOOKING! Instead, sit down and make a list of 100 good things in your life--from the air you breathe, to the heat in your home, to the kisses from your child. I guarantee that you'll feel better about yourself that you ever have before.

Principle #2: Everyone has their own unique gift. Everyone has their own unique ability and we tend to notice in other's the abilities that might be our "weak" ones.

For instance, if you think you're house is always messy, you'll seem to know all these people who have perfectly neat homes.

For an example from my life, I have a son who struggles with speech and it seems like every other parent within a 100 mile radius have children with perfect diction. But you know that's not the way it is. My son might not pronounce every phonic sound correctly--yet!--but he has so many other gifts that hardly make that one seem important.

For instance, no one notices his speech. They always comment, though, how loving he is. Just running up to people and giving them hugs. And he has fun no matter what he does. Can you believe one day I actually heard myself saying, "Ryan. Stop that. Not everything is supposed to be fun." I had to step back and slap myself. Then I said, "Never mind. Mommy was wrong. Have as much fun as you can." And I learned a lesson from that.

So, forget about what the homeschooled Jones' are doing. Discover your child's unique ability and relish in it and develop it and learn from it.

Right now, at the end of your list of 100 things that you're grateful for, list 10 wonderful qualities or abilities for yourself and each of your children. Work on acknowledging, praising, and being thankful for all of your gifts. And don't forget to thank God that you got the greatest kids ever born on this earth.

Principle #3: It doesn't matter what others think. I know, it seems easier said than done. But I guarantee that if you've actually taken the time to write down your list of 100 things that you're grateful for and 10 wonderful qualities of your child, that you won't care what other people think because you will know and appreciate what you have.

And, see, it really doesn't matter what other people think.

What matters is what's important to you. Your core values. Your beliefs. Your ethics. How do you want your children to be as adults? Hey, write it down right now. 5 things you want your child to be as an adult.

Okay, I'll do it right now too for Ryan who is 6 years old--but do yours before you read mine: A loving husband and father An honest, ethical entrepreneur Faithful in service to God Kind, thoughtful, and helpful to those less fortunate Thankful and content for what he can do and what he has Now, I'll bet that you had similar types of things. Not, "makes $1,000,000 by age 30" or "wins he Miss America contest".

Focus on developing and rearing your child to have those 5 qualities, and I'll guarantee that the fact that Mrs. Smith's daughter who is 2 years younger than yours is reading book three times as difficult. Geez, that's a real life skill. You see what I'm getting at?

Principle #4: When you say "yes" to one thing, you are always saying "no" to something else. Have you ever heard that before? I heard that from an owner of a successful multi-million dollar business. That was the simple rule that he used to prioritize his life. When he sat at his desk with phone messages to return, he would literally think, "If I say 'yes' to calling this person, what will I be saying 'no' to?" When someone would asked to do something, he was able to say "no", knowing that if he said "yes" to that project, that he would be saying "no" to extra time with his family.

This principle applies to everyone whether they are conscious of it or not.

Mrs. Smith who is working so hard to have her child advanced in reading is saying "no" to some other educational area. Or, Suzie Homeschool Super Mom up the street who has her immaculate home is saying "no" to time with her kids or family or something else.

The same applies to me. I've said "yes" to this homeschool site, so I've had to say "no" to things like having a perfectly neat house, laundry always done and put away, and a 5 course home-cooked meal on the table by 5:00 every night.

Only say "yes" to the things that are important to you. (See, you don't know it, but I've been gone for 20 minutes. My daughter came downstairs crying, and I stopped to take care of her. And I've also acquired a set of ear muffs made from pipecleaners and pom-poms.) So, as I was saying, say "yes" ONLY to the things that are most important to you. And know ahead of time what you'll be saying "no" to before you say "yes"!

Principle #5: Take advantage of every possible tool. That's right. I don't lift a finger (well, hardly a finger) to clean my home as I have cleaner's come twice a week to take care of that responsibility for me. And to solve my meal preparation dilemma? I purchase items that can be thrown in the oven and get side dishes that are quick and easy.

You can do similar things. I have a homeschooling friend who takes one day a month and cooks all day to makes meals for 30 days that she freezes and uses one at a time. And I thought she cooked from scratch every night!

Having difficulties organizing? Don't fight it. Buy something that organizes your stuff or forget it. It really isn't that important to waste time stressing over!

Use all the tools you can, and leave everything else to collect dust.

So whatever happened to that super mom?

Hopefully by now you've done the exercises or at least skimmed enough here and there to know that there is no super mom except the unrealistic giant you've created in your mind. Instead, you should have a full, realistic view of the gifts and treasures that you possess and a new appreciation for all you get done and how you can enjoy doing what you do a little more! If you've done that, than I wasn't wrong in saying "yes" to this project!

Release your worries and enjoy life!

About The Author

Laura Bankston is author of Internationally selling Cooking with Kids Curriculum: Homeschool Cooking in a Box and the Homeschool Cookbook. She currently home schools her three children, maintains home school support websites, and manages their family-owned service business. For information on her curriculum and free home school support services, please visit http://www.homeschoolcookbook.com

laura@homeschoolcookbook.com

Careers Through Culinary Arts Program

By Milos Pesic

Don�t you just love going into a restaurant that boasts of impeccable service? Have you experienced tipping more than the usual amount because you were totally impressed of the food and the level of service? Don�t you wish you�d experience this every time you go into a restaurant?

Actually, the Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP), is exerting a lot of effort to help raise the quality of service in restaurants. And how do they do this? Careers through Culinary Arts Program provide opportunities for the underserved youth. The program includes education on culinary arts, internship, and employment.

This non-profit organization offers the biggest culinary scholarship program in all of the United States. Careers through Culinary Arts Program presented a whooping $2,000,000 scholarship fund to student chefs in 2004.

The organization does not only focus on the youth. Careers through Culinary Arts Program also encompass other services like teacher trainings, jobs and internships, volunteer industry professionals, college and career advising, after-school programs, product and equipment donations, and scholarships to post-secondary culinary programs.

Careers through Culinary Arts Program give out awards and scholarships ranging from $1,000 to the full-tuition. The organization also extends its assistance to students to help them make the right decisions in terms of college and career. Careers through Culinary Arts Program also provide C-CAP high school students to compete in its Cooking Competition for Scholarships. The competition which are divided into the Preliminary Competition and the Final Competition, aims to provide able students the chance to make the culinary arts a profession. Juniors and Seniors from any Careers through Culinary Arts Program high school who have been through any culinary, cooking, or home economics class are welcome to join the Preliminary Competition. The Seniors who succeeded in the Preliminary Competition are the ones who will be advancing to the Careers through Culinary Arts Program Competition for Scholarships.

The private and the public sector have joined forces to organize Careers through Culinary Arts Program. The efforts of both of these sectors have attracted donations from different companies. Schools which lack the resources to teach more than the basic of food preparation are now being assisted by the organization. Careers through Culinary Arts Program has now acquired a long list of sponsors which have contributed more than $1 million in food and equipment.

Lately, the organization has started a new program involving restaurant internships for the students. This program prepares them for jobs in the culinary profession. This worthwhile program of the Careers through Culinary Arts Program is also driven by the objective of improving the service competence in restaurants. Even if some people insist that a person should be born with the skills and talent to be in the industry, the organization believes that there are those who never knew they had it in them.

Milos Pesic is a successful webmaster and owner of popular and comprehensive Culinary Arts information site. For more articles and resources on Cooking and Culinary Arts related topics, visit his site at:

=>culinary.need-to-know.net

Help Your Child Succeed - 2 Things You Must Do

By Eli Anne

Why do parents spend top dollars to send their children for enrichment classes or spend so much time and money in planning for the best education for their children?

Some might say, �Because I didn�t have all these opportunities when I was young� or �I want to be proud of my kid.�

I think the answer really is this: You want your child to learn to be independent. Isn�t it what it all boils down to? That when you and your better half are gone, your child has the necessary skills and ability to lead an independent life, to earn a living, to make informed decisions, to protect himself from manipulation by others, etc.

There are a million factors why a child could fail or succeed in life (eg. Choice of friends, choice of education system, habits, family role models, etc) But let�s talk about 2 simple things for now that we as parents can do to help our child succeed:

LET HIM BE THE TEACHER SOMETIMES

There�s always not enough time. And because of this, sometimes we want to do everything, speak up for everything, show everything to our child so that they �get it� FASTER. Sadly enough, because of this, sometimes the child is robbed of the opportunity to understand the learning process. Because he did not think through the process himself, because he did not feel the pain from the consequences of the decision he made himself, the likely result is that he will not remember the lesson.

As such, starting from little things, try to let him be the teacher without interrupting or telling him the �better method� immediately. Listen, don�t judge prematurely and encourage him to explain himself why and how he is going to approach a matter.

Sometimes you might be surprised yourself at his �inferior� method and be inwardly proud by his logical explanation.

By encouraging him to speak up, you are also honing his thought organization skills and communication ability.

When you really listen, you make him feel special, and he will reciprocate by showing you the same level of respect when you speak or share your ideas in future.

ENCOURAGE CURIOSITY

Children are a naturally curious bunch � that�s why as babies, we need to watch over them 24 hours to make sure they don�t wander off, split things apart or make a mess.

That�s why sometimes as parents, we make the mistake of over-protecting them. �Don�t let him walk on the sandy beach, he might cut himself on shells�, �Don�t let him touch the vases, she might break them� or �Don�t let her wear her shoes herself, she might not fasten them properly�.

In the end, our children become anything but independent. Over time, our over-protection stifles their natural desire for learning and exploration. The lack of environmental stimulation inhibits their mental development and in the process, kills their original love for self-learning.

Within certain safety limits, allow your child to explore his surrounding environment. Or look for ways to encourage his curiosity. When your child asks you questions (even seemingly tiresome stupid ones), instead of shutting him off or saying �I don�t know�, �Don�t� disturb me now�, �Can you go ask grandma�, ask him what he thinks or ask him how did he come to ask this question? Encourage him to find something he is interested in and ask him to explain/ show it to you.

CONCLUSION

The type of environment your child grows up in is critical. That is why more and more parents are beginning to understand the limitations of a traditional classroom setting and discover the benefits of a Montessori education, which aims to develop a child�s natural inclination towards self-learning.

Its objective is to help a child reach his fullest potential.

Eli Anne is the webmaster for http://www.astarkid.com. It is written by a seasoned educator and mother of 4, who gives you the full story of the advantages of a Montessori education.

Extreme Adventures - Queensland

By Roger Hamilton

Would you like to book an Air Safari? We fly over Aoraki Mount Cook and the Fox Glacier - it's a wonderful view. Oh you would rather jump out? How about the skydive option from 15,000 ft? Too straight-forward? How about paragliding, or hand-gliding, jet boating or whitewater rafting? Or take a aerial ride in a stunt plane, jump off a bridge on a bungy rope or try the Shotover Canyon Swing?".

I am speaking to Diane, a helpful counter rep at 'The Terminal': A one-stop shop for all your adrenaline needs nestled in quiet Queenstown. In case you were wondering, the Canyon Swing is 'the world's highest swing' - launching you from a cliff face into a 200 meter arc, accelerating you to 150kph, and then back again. This is one of the more recent inventions in Queenstown, where you have the option of being launched in one of ten different methods, from "The Cutaway", "Elvis Cutaway" and "Indian Rope Trick" to "Gimp Boy Goes to Hollywood", and where each method is rated from "Scary" (One underpants rating) to "Very, very, very scary" (Five underpants rating).

After much deliberation I decide to opt for Asia Pacific's highest bungy jump, the 440 feet high Nevis Highwire Bungy. Unlike the original 140 feet Kawarau Bridge bungy over Kawarau river, or the 335 feet Pipeline bungy over Shotover river, the Nevis Bungy isn't attached to a bridge. Instead, AJ Hackett Bungy invested NZ$2 million in a tailor-made, purpose built, fully protected "Jump Pod", dangling by high-tension wires over the Nevis Gorge (and when I say 'fully protected', I don't mean you, I mean the pod - it has 30 different patents. Presumably so that if you find a gorge as deep as Nevis on your travels you will think twice before strapping wires to the side and building a similar pod to jump out of, for fear of being sued in the event you survive the fall).

I'm here on the invitation of a great group of New Zealand Entrepreneurs who have taken time out from their schedule to show me a piece of New Zealand. Greame Fowler is a well-known property investor, and author of the best-selling book "NZ Real Estate Investor's Secrets", Kevin Heppleston is an award-winning business coach with Action International, based in Wellington, Gill Daldin and Lisa McCarthy are both franchise owners of an Australian appliance rental business, Mr Rentals. All are making the most of the fact that, as well as having the highest percent of entrepreneurs of any country in Asia Pacific, New Zealand also has some of the most stunning spots to take a break from all that entrepreneurial activity.

Queenstown, nestled on the Southern tip of New Zealand's South Island, promotes itself as "The World's Adventure Capital". How did it find this niche? The town grew out of the gold rush at Shotover River in the 1860's. Surrounded by awe-inspiring mountain, it became a summer tourist spot after the gold was exhausted. It took a century before anyone was attracted to Queenstown in the winters, when the Mount Cook Group turned Coronet Peak into a ski field in the 1960's, turning the area into a year-round destination which in turn attracted more hotels, shops and restaurants.

Bill Hamilton, a South Island country farmer, can be credited for introducing adventure tourism in the 1970's. Here's one version of how the story goes: While trying to invent a high powered water pump to drain water from his land, he created a turbine pump so powerful that when he turned it on: instead of water shooting through, the pump dislodged and end up shooting across the water. After a little lateral thinking, he forgot about the pump idea and built a speed boat around the turbine instead. The Jet Boat was born. Needing less than 3cm of water to maneuver in at high speeds, before long Shotover Jet was taking visitors on breath-taking rides through the spectacular canyons of Shotover River for $75 a pop.

Then, in 1988, AJ Hackett and Henry Van Asch (two speed skiers who had been inspired by a video documenting the attempts of members of the Oxford University Dangerous Sports Club to copy Vanuatu villagers' ritual of jumping off man-made towers attached to vines) arrived in Queenstown having spent two years at the University of Auckland developing a special bungy cord to bungy jump from. Until then, the only other alternative were the vines that the Vanuatu locals used - not too reliable.

In June the previous year, AJ Hackett had used the cord they had developed for a high profile (and highly illegal) bungy jump from the Eiffel Tower. Now they were ready to go commercial, with a plan to offer jumps from Kawarau Bridge. Despite obvious skepticism from locals that people would be willing to pay to jump from a bridge, business boomed. Within a year, a second site was launched at Skippers Bridge and since then further sites - each one bigger and better - have continually launched with an estimated 350,000 jumpers in Queenstown to date. With each new option, business increased. When the Nevis bungy launched in 1999, demand was so high, the company made back its investment of $2M within ten months.

Adventure tourism took off in Queenstown in the 1990s, and year after year the adventure options have grown, with visitor numbers reaching 4.8 million by 2001 (compared to a resident population of 12,000), 5.5 million by 2005, and a projected 7 million visitors by 2010.

It seems, then, that I am in good company by choosing to bungy jump! After all, this is what people do in Queenstown, right? I hear that up to 100 people each day jump from the Nevis Highwire Bungy. A quick calculation reveals that, with off-days, that's maybe 20,000 out of the five million Queenstown visitors each year. Only four people in every thousand decide to try it? What about the other nine hundred and ninety-six of them? Before leaving the Terminal with my ticket and T-Shirt, I look for reassurance from the others in the group. I ask them what it's like to bungy jump. None of them have bungy-jumped before. None of them want to. Ever.

The humiliating possibility of being the laughing stock of the Jump Pod suddenly becomes a worse fate than ending up spread all over the canyon floor I ask for the release instructions again and would have written them down if I could. But before I know it I am on my feet, hearing the countdown, seeing myself jumping, remembering to scream on the way down as per my brother's instructions ("It makes the video more dramatic"), watching the river accelerate towards me and then reverse back just as dramatically, and then triumphantly releasing myself from the bungy shackles.

Lisa's husband, Austin, decides to jump with me and we hop on the bus. Leaving the sedate streets of Queenstown, we trekked for an hour over sheep country before reaching the 'cable car' that would take us out to the jump pod. The cable car is actually an open metal box with a grill floor, which can squeeze in six people at most. The long, wobbly journey out to the Jump Pod gives us time to reconsider - two of the earlier jumpers had already pulled out. I consider whether I am being brave or stupid or both. I decide both and it makes me feel a little better.

Austin goes first. He looks nervous, which makes me more nervous. It is a very long way down - a little like jumping off a 60 storey building. After being given instructions by the crew, Austin hobbles out to the end of the 'gangplank', 500 feet above rock level, and the countdown begins: "5..4..3..2..1"�.. He is still standing there as if admiring the scenery. My heart goes in my mouth. Now what? One of the crew says "It'll only get worse the longer you wait". I remember being told that as a kid when I didn't take my medicine. Is this what this is? They count down again, and this time he's GONE! Just like that, out of sight, hurtling towards the rocks at 130 kph.

I don't have time to reflect on his sudden disappearance as I'm up next. As I get the bungy strapped on, I hear a barrage of instructions come my way. As there is no easy access to the bottom of the gorge, we're going to get winced back up afterwards and there is a simple (yet at the time impossibly complex) process for releasing your feet from the bungy on your second bounce so that you don't get winced back up upside down. If you get it wrong, the consequence is that you will appear back in the Jump Pod upside-down, "�like a hooked fish, at which point we will all laugh at you."

The adrenaline rush lasts for hours, and leaping off the mountain in a paraglider on our return to Queenstown feels like a country stroll in comparison. I can see why extreme adventure sports has become so addictive for so many, and why millions travel to the bottom of the earth to get high head-first. In Deepak Chopra's words: "Living on the edge has become an obsession, and adrenaline junkies are more prevalent than heroin addicts ever could be."

I'll be coming back for my fix soon.

Belief, courage, action

-Roger Hamilton

Chairman
XL Results Foundation Pte Ltd
30 Robinson Road
#11-01 Robinson Towers
Tel: 65-63723383
Fax: 65-63231131
Website: www.resultsfoundation.com

An Extraordinary Magazine For Extraordinary People, XL Magazine is dedicated to the individuals who choose to live Extraordinary Lives: Those who strive to fulfill their potential, who are maximizing their power to create and contribute - and who, while in the process, choose to live life to the full.

XL Results Foundation provides the platform for XL people to increase Social Entreprise awarness around the world;

We also provide a unique profiling system with which you can discover your path of least resistance to wealth. This is a very powerful tool for any company manager or entrepreneur. Thousands of people have already discovered their path, now you can do the same: http://www.wealthdynamics.com

How To Preserve Your High School Football Jersey

By Kelly Johns

High school football jerseys have become very popular due to the overall popularity of football in general.

The question is, how do you preserve your high school football jersey so you can always remember the season, my teammates, my school?

Here is a great idea, take your jersey and get it professionally framed and matted, exactly how professional athletes frame and mat their jersey. Add a picture of your team, a memorable moment from the season, and a plaque inside the frame and now you have your very own collectible, something you can pass down to your kids.

Otherwise, your high school jersey is just going to get thrown in a closet and get ruined -- you might as well memorialize it so you have something to look back on.

Another great idea is to have your high school jersey replicated so your parents can wear it to the games, your fellow students can wear them, and then you can keep the collectible jersey as a piece of your own sports history.

Many high school football fans are doing this with their jerseys now instead of just tossing them after the season. They are also getting them framed instead of doing trophy's at the end of the year. A good friend of mine gave their coach his son's framed high school football jersey at the end of the season instead of a trophy and the coach was amazed.

There are a lot of companies out there that can create custom high school football jerseys for you and then frame your jersey after the season is over. With the popularity of sports memorabilia today -- and the enormity of high school football, it is becoming the premier way to preserve those high school memories.

Find out more on how you can your high school football jerseys preserved and to find out other info regarding high school football collectibles.