Kathy Steinemann Profile and Articles

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1). Teenagers and Holidays - Not Always an Easy Mix!
Teenagers are adults-in-training. They crave independence, but they still require guidelines. Vacation planning can be a daunting task for any parent of adolescents.

Make your job easier - involve your teenagers in the planning process. Arrange a family brainstorming session and decide on a holiday that everyone will enjoy.

A vacation plan should take into consideration each teen's likes and dislikes.

2). How Can You Do It?
You know it's true. Everyone has told you. You have to spend as much time as possible listening to a foreign language. But how?

* Co-Workers - Friends - Family

If you are fortunate enough to have people around you who speak the language, spend as much time as you can with them. Be forewarned, though. Daily conversation with friends and relatives will probably be filled with idioms and grammar that would make your foreign language teacher nauseous.

3). No - It Can't be That Easy! You Can Learn a Foreign Language in Your Sleep?
The average human utilizes less than 10% of the brain. What’s happening with the rest? Can it be harnessed while you sleep? The answer is a qualified 'yes'.

Sleep learning has been employed with varying degrees of success for many years. It is not a completely passive process, however. You can't plug in headphones, listen to a German CD, and expect to wake up in the morning, fluently speaking German.

4). Are You Stressed by Studying for Exams? Study More Efficiently!
Whether you are learning a new language or a subject like geography, these simple tips could save you hours of study time - and result in higher marks.

HIGHLIGHTING FUNDAMENTALS

You have probably used highlighters in textbooks and study notes; but are you getting the most out of them?

To learn anything, you must repeat the material. You go over it again - and again - and again.

5). Too Tired to Enjoy your Vacation?
Perhaps jet lag is the culprit. Crossing time zones while you travel is just one of the causes. Some advance knowledge and preparation can result in a more enjoyable trip.

PRIMARY CAUSES OF JET LAG

* Crossing two or more time zones: This is worse on eastbound flights because you have to adjust to an earlier schedule.

* Lack of sleep before you travel.

6). How to Choose Exactly the RIGHT Foreign Word
English has many words with more than one meaning - for example: 'can' - to be able to; tin receptacle. Many foreign language words also have multiple definitions. How can you ensure that you choose the correct one? Mistakes can be embarrassing!

Instead of searching for a single word, prepare a list of synonyms (words that mean close to the same thing).

7). Is it Wise to Travel away from Home While your House is Empty?
Did you know that potential break-in artists could be waiting to burglarize your home while you are on holidays? And who is going to mow the lawn while you're away? Who will watch for fires or leaks in the hot-water heating system? An empty house can be a recipe for disaster!

Career criminals will be on the alert for things like:

* Yards with untrimmed.

8). Yikes! More Security! What is on the 'Banned List' since August 10?
Since August 10, 2006, new precautions have been introduced in response to the air terror plot thwarted in Britain by security officials. The following article provides more information.

Remember that individual airlines may have slightly different regulations, and the restrictions on domestic and foreign flights may vary. The new rules in the USA may not be followed by other countries.

9). So, Why Can't I just Choose the Cheapest Luggage for my Trip?
Your choice of luggage can make any vacation or business trip much easier if some forethought is used. Never buy suitcases based purely on price or your favorite color!

Careful consideration should be given to several factors, such as:

* How long do you plan to travel?

* Do you intend to pack heavy items (like books or sports equipment)?

* Are you.

10). No - SMALLER is Better!
Which would be easier for you to memorize?

1.) The entire New York telephone book
2.) A small nursery rhyme

If you picked #1, please go away!

Scientific studies have shown that we learn best by absorbing small morsels of information, applying them in a practical manner, then building on what we know. As we add more chunks of information our minds correlate, collate, and link everything, referring back to previously learned facts to form a comprehensive sphere of knowledge.

11). To Learn a Language (like German) FIRST Find the Similarities
Even if you don't know a single word of German, you can probably read and understand the following German text. Did you know that English and German descended from the same language? (Proto-Germanic) Many words in both languages are the same or similar.

A link to this story's translation will be provided at the end of this article.

* GERMAN STORY *

Guten Tag! Mein Name ist Monika.

12). Big Savings on Gas While you Travel!
Gas prices are soaring! This has resulted in elevated travel expenses. If you travel by car, YOU have some control over the costs.

Here are some ways to save money on gas:

* Switch to synthetic motor oil. It reduces engine friction and may make your car a little less ravenous at the gas station. (There are brands available claiming 5%-20% increases in fuel economy.

13). Creative Use of your Computer Can Make Language Learning Easier
Your computer can be used as a creative tool in your quest to learn a foreign language. Some innovative ideas can turn your language education into an entertaining, truly memorable experience.

* Audio Modification

Many companies produce software packages that enable you to transform your voice (or someone else's). You can make your voice feminine, masculine, or robotic.

14). Is Travel with your Kids a Monumental Family Disaster?
Whatever your mode of travel, there will be special challenges if you take the kids along. The key to sanity is some careful planning - and a calm, unruffled approach.

* Where Should we Stay? *

If you are planning at stay at a bed and breakfast, do some research. Many bed and breakfasts are not suitable for children. However, you may be able to find a 'farmstay' - a bed and breakfast on a farm that allows your kids to interact with the animals.

15). Is a Vacation too Expensive for your Limited Budget?
Mounting fuel costs have made travel more expensive than it used to be. A few cost-saving measures can help you to have a great vacation - even on a limited budget.

* Hydration Economics

If you have done any research, you know that you shouldn't drink local water when you travel. However, bottled water can take a significant chunk out of your wallet.

16). How can you Ever Plan a Successful Romantic Getaway? Men and Women are too Different!
Gals, do you sometimes feel that the only way you can really get close to your guy is to gulp down booze while you cuddle up to him on the sofa and watch sports on TV? Guys, do you envision a room full of perfumed candles, sentimental music, and hours of effort as the only way to get your gal in the mood?

Guess what?

Many guys don't really care all that much about sports.

17). How can You Set the Mood for a Romantic Getaway? With Sexy Lingerie, of Course!
Perhaps you are planning a honeymoon for your June wedding - or a romantic getaway with your man. You want to feel sexy. First step: elegant lingerie! However, something that looks good in a catalogue may not emphasize *your* positive features.

Size yourself up in the mirror. Find something about yourself that is especially alluring. Maybe it is your silky-smooth neck, glossy hair, bedroom eyes, or shapely legs.