So your teen is having some friends over to “hang out.” Your teen wants you to provide a movie, snacks, and a six-pack of beer. Should you do it? Isn’t it safer to have your teen home with you so you can provide supervision? When you were young, the drinking age was 18, and you turned out fine. Isn’t it more important to teach your teen to be a responsible drinker than to abide by a law that features an arbitrary age limit?

Some parents do provide teens with alcohol, or simply look the other way when their teens drink, espousing a “kids will be kids” attitude. They think there is nothing they can do to stop the teen from drinking. They fear their teen’s reaction to a strict prohibition against drinking. They want to be their teen’s friend because they want to keep the lines of communication open.

Some parents think that if the teen only drinks alcohol in their own home, the parents will be in control of the amount consumed. They think they can keep watch over their teen to make sure that nothing bad happens while the teen is intoxicated. They reason that at least this way, their teen isn’t driving drunk or riding with another drunk teen. They rationalize that if they let the teen’s friends sleep over, everyone will be safe.

But these parents aren’t taking many facts into account that refute the notion that parents should allow underage children to drink:

Teenagers are not physically, mentally or emotionally ready to be under the influence. Even one alcoholic drink is too much for their developing bodies and brains.

For every year under the age of 21 a teenager begins drinking alcohol, they are five times more likely to battle a lifetime of alcohol abuse and dependence (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2005)

Adolescent use of alcohol increases the risk of dependence because teens’ brains are not fully developed. The prefrontal cortex, which we use to assess situations, help us use good judgment, and keep our emotions and desires under control, does not develop completely until we are in our early 20s (NIDA, 2007)

Teenagers may look mature, but their bodies are still developing. They require a lower level of consumption of alcohol to obtain a rapid “high,” which means their judgment is affected almost immediately, but they also have increased levels of alcohol tolerance, making it easy for them to overindulge.

Teenagers are emotionally immature. They are still learning about themselves, relationships, and what direction they should take in life. Because even a small amount of alcohol reduces inhibitions and impairs judgment, they may react emotionally while under the influence without considering the consequences of their behavior.

 

The use of alcohol by teens increases the risk of activities that may result in serious long-term consequences, including:

Use of other drugs (alcohol is a gateway drug because its use compromises judgment and reduces inhibitions)

Driving under the influence

Alcohol poisoning from binge drinking (teens often binge drink to relax and may participate in drinking games that result in ingestion of large quantities of alcohol in a short period of time) Increased sexual activity and multiple sexual partners due to lowered inhibitions, which increases the risk of pregnancy and/or sexually transmitted diseases

Exacerbation of underlying, perhaps undiagnosed, mental illness

Violence and rape (whether the victim is under the influence or not)

Suicide

Parental accountability for social hosting is on the rise. Twenty-four states have enacted social hosting laws to hold adults criminally responsible for providing alcohol to minors. No state makes it legal for an adult to provide alcohol to other people’s children. Civil suits can result in the loss of many or all of a person’s assets — whether they knew alcohol was being served in the home or not. Turning a blind eye is not an excuse.

When you host a gathering for your teen, you must tighten your resolve. Avoid being a friend and focus on your role as the parent. The following tips will help you through the process:

Set expectations with your teen ahead of time. Make sure your teen knows that you will not allow alcohol (or other drugs) at the party and that this is communicated to all guests. Ask your teen to tell you about any concerns she or he has about any of the guests or any situations that could occur. Make your neighbors aware of the party and enlist their help in monitoring the area.

Make a guest list with your teen. Limit the number of teens so you can be sure of adequate chaperonage. Be sure you have contact information on each teen’s parent. Make sure guests and their parents understand that if a teen leaves the party, she or he won’t be allowed to return and parents will be called. Make sure parents who won’t be chaperoning know the start and end times of the party and will prearrange transportation.

Limit guest access to certain areas of the house and property. Lock up all valuables, breakables, alcohol and weapons. Plan activities to occupy the guests. Provide plenty of snacks, soda and water. Set an example by not providing alcohol for any adults who are present. Regularly move through the party unannounced and as inconspicuously as possible, checking any off-limit areas. Collect all keys so you can keep track of who is arriving and leaving. Keep coats and purses in an area that can be monitored. Speak to each person before they leave; check for warning signs of impairment.

If a guest arrives at the party already under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, keep them there while you call a parent to pick them up. If the guest leaves and someone is hurt or injured, you could be held responsible.

Visit our Teen Safe Driving Blog to read more about these issues and more to help improve your teenagers learning experience.  

ield borough comprises more than forty towns and villages, including woodlands and countryside, and the principle city has a population of almost 80,000 people.

The history of the city dates back to the Middle Ages, and much time and care has been devoted to preserving and excavating the city’s archaeological treasures. But the numerous museums, heritage centres and historical sites do not detract from the city’s vibrant, modern atmosphere.

The thriving nightlife, cultural facilities and top quality restaurants make the city a popular place to visit, and the £100million regeneration plans are sure to further increase tourism to the area.

History

Wakefield has existed since the medieval era, and gained industrial importance from its cloth-dealing industry. Coal mining provided much employment in the area, and Wakefield was hit hard by the closure of the pits during the mid- to late twentieth century.

Caphouse Colliery, the oldest working mine in the country, has since been converted into the National Coal Mining Museum, providing tours several times a day, exhibitions and educational events.

Sandal Castle, immortalised by the rhyme ‘The Grand Old Duke of York’, is the ruin of the castle at which the Duke of York was defeated during The War of the Roses, and is open to the public today.

Art Galleries

The Wakefield Art Gallery is home to a vast collection of paintings and sculptures, dating from the sixteenth to the twentieth century. Local sculptors, Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth, are well reflected in the gallery’s collections. The gallery is close to the city centre and located in a nineteenth century town house.

The Hepworth will replace this gallery in 2008, as it is believed The Wakefield Art Gallery is not able to display the works to their best advantage.

The Yorkshire Sculpture Park is based in 200-year old landscaped gardens, and comprises four exhibition areas, showcasing a variety of sculptures and art installations.

Theatres

The Wakefield Theatre Royal and Opera House comprises three levels and seating for 500 people. The building is Grade II listed Victorian, and retains much of its original dramatic ambience and acoustics. The theatre is incredibly successful, with an annual turnover of £1million, and presents a busy programme of drama, comedy, musicals and lectures. As with many theatres, its most popular production is that of the annual Christmas pantomime.

The Wakefield Cycle is the performance of 32 plays, based on Bible and folk stories, in various locations around the city over 32 days. The ‘cycle’ is an ancient British tradition, but Wakefield’s is one of only four remaining. No dates have yet been set for 2007.

The Stagecoach Theatre Arts School stage performances twice a year.

Restaurants

The Cow Shed is the sixteenth century, Grade II listed building that inspired Joanne Harris’s novel, ‘Chocolat’. The restaurant serves contemporary grilled food and offers a choice of indoor and outdoor seating. Catering for up to 60 people is available.

The Kaye Arms serves contemporary British cuisine and snacks, with an extensive, international wine list. The restaurant is family-run and has been trading for forty years.

Rinaldi Ristorante Italiano is an Italian fine dining restaurant, serving traditional Italian cuisine and an extensive choice of specials. Other Italian fine dining restaurants include Valentinos and Bella Roma.

Spice Cottage and Aggrah are popular Indian restaurants that serve quality food at reasonable rates. Thai Kitchen’s prices are higher, but its dishes are authentic Thai that have been praised by critics and customers.

Pubs/Bars

The Westgate Run is a 500-yard stretch, that forms a popular (and notorious) pub-crawl.

Harry’s Bar is one of twenty on The Westgate Run, voted ‘Pub of the Season’ in Spring 2006 by CAMRA, and listed in Good Beer Guide.

The Redoubt is another real ale bar, and regarded as the start of ‘The Run’. The pub is separated into snugs, lounges and games room, and staff are said to be friendly and welcoming. The Union is another place to start, and serves a wide selection of beers, wines and cocktails.

Escobar is a more upmarket establishment, with higher prices and playing host to live music events and DJs in the evenings. Mex is a reasonably priced cocktail bar, and Pink Lizard is an upmarket cafe-bar.

Nightclubs

Club Ikon is one of the most popular clubs in the city, and offers trance and hard house, including a Ministry of Sound night. There are separate nights for under-18s and over-21s, but the majority of nights are for the 18+ crowd.

Mustang Sally’s is a popular student club, presenting cheesy pop and commercial dance. ICE nightclub is also loved by students, and offers techno, tech-trance, hardstyle and house music most nights, and r’n'b, hip-hop and funk on others.

With a capacity of 1400, Club Havana is the largest of the club, bar and lounge complexes in the city. The club is open every night, and presents 70s and 80s retro, soul and funk.

Zeus is the city’s most popular gay club, offering chart music and sing-along classics.

Shopping

Wakefield’s markets have been in existence since 1204, and there are currently eight of them. Regular markets trade in food, electricals, new and second-hand clothing, and much more. Specialist markets held at various times throughout the year include a Farmers Market and a Victorian Market. There is a second-hand market on Tuesdays and a Car Boot Sale on Sundays.

The Ridings Shopping Centre comprises 90 stores, including major retailers such as Miss Selfridge and Marks and Spencer. There is a multi-kiosk food court with family entertainment and seating for 300 people, secure parking, and a car hand wash and valet service.

Carlton Lanes Shopping Centre includes 50 stores, a multi-kiosk food court and secure parking.

Sports

The Wakefield Superbowl comprises 28 ten-pin bowling lanes, an amusements area, a cafe and licensed bar; and provides different special offers every day. F1 Indoor Karting is another choice for a family day out, and is open seven days a week.

Knottingley Sports Centre is one of five leisure centres in the city, and comprises a large pool and licensed snack bar. There are athletics and martial arts classes, and fitness facilities. Lightwaves Leisure Centre is larger, and comprises a leisure pool with wave machine and slides, and facilities for badminton, squash and five-a-side football.

Pontefract Golf Centre is an ideal course for beginners and those seeking a more relaxed game. Spring Mill Golf Course offers tuition for children and the more experienced.

Mergers and acquisitions provide good drama in the stock market industry. Who is going to buy out whom? Will the merger between Company A and Company B become the next force to be reckoned? As soon as the word is out that a merger is going to take place, stock market enthusiasts religiously follow the process. However, for those who are yet familiar with the concept of corporate restructuring, there are terms that hold a different meaning when put in the context of mergers and acquisitions.

There are more ways than one in which a merger can proceed. Companies may become partners on a single pet project. Two or more regional stock exchanges can combine to build a national stock exchange. A large corporation can buy out their competition with all of its assets and liabilities and place a new management. In the perspective of mergers and acquisitions, these actions can be summed up in two-word terms that make up a rich vocabulary.



Hostile Takeover

There are two parties involved in a hostile takeover namely the raider and the target firm. A raider is a company that is in search for other companies that have considerable cash reserves, underestimated assets, or great potential. These companies are called the target firms. After singling out a target firm, the raider will get hold of shares that will guarantee controlling interest. If the top executives of the target firm firmly object the acquisition, it is referred to as a hostile takeover. Although there are some hostile takeovers that worked out for the best, they are generally perceived as disreputable since the employees of the target firm are likely to have ill feeling towards the raider.

Dawn Raid

A dawn raid takes place when a raider purchase enough shares of the target firm to gain a controlling interest through brokers at the time the stock market opens. Since there is a presence of a broker, the target firm does not have an idea who is the raider. The purchase is done as early as possible so that the target firm is not fully aware of what is happening. Some countries, such as U.K., already made some actions to limit this type of takeover.

Saturday Night Special

Saturday Night Special may bring to mind disco balls, live performances, vodka, tequila shots, and party people. In the world of merger and acquisitions, it is all about the unexpected effort of a company to acquire another through public tender offer. This kind of attempt is executed during weekends hence the name. Apparently, the U.S. is not so fond of Saturday Night Special since this action is limited due to the Williams Act, which states that if a company is to purchase more than 5% of another’s shares, the purchase must be reported to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

A takeover is not a takeover unless the target company has already waved the white flag and surrendered to the raider. In most cases, companies are not willing to give out the controlling interest to the competition. To win the battle, there are techniques that can guarantee a way for companies to drive away the raiders. These practices are called shark repellent.

Golden Parachute

Once a company acquires another, the top executives of the target company will be forced to resign their positions. One strategy of preventing a takeover is to cite in the contracts of the corporate managers that in case of mergers and acquisitions, they are entitled to money-spinning benefits such as bonuses, compensation packages, even stock options. Since a golden parachute is tantamount to millions of dollars, raiders will then have second thoughts in pursuing the company.

People Pill

The top executives issue a memo stating that once another company takes over, everybody will resign their positions. Since the prospect of a new management is not appealing to the employees, nearly every one is agreeable to this action. Upon the knowledge of this, the raider will have doubts especially if the company it is targeting is known for effective human resources. However, the usual practice in a takeover is that the employees of the acquired company are going to be sent packing so this kind of strategy is not so much of a shark repellent.

Poison Pill

As opposed to the people pill, the top management of the target company makes the raider think twice in proceeding with the takeover by making their assets or shares less tempting. One of the ways to carry this out is for the actual shareholders of the company to purchase more stocks in a discounted price while the price is higher for other bidders. Before a company can be acquired, the raider must buy enough shares for the controlling interest. If the value of each share is too expensive, it is less likely for the takeover to proceed.

White Knight

Like the proverbial white knight, another company comes to the rescue of the target company who is at war with a raider, which is also known as the black knight. In essence, the target company is still facing a merger or an acquisition. The difference is that the white knight offers something like a partnership instead of a hostile takeover.

It seems that drama is the wrong word. Judging from the jargons used in its context, it is more befitting to say that mergers and acquisitions provide a good backdrop for a war or espionage film.

Finding delicious has just become easier since you found our website. There are many wonderful low fat salmon recipes that will please your palate plus the palates of your dinner guests or family.

This first low fat salmon recipe uses yummy ingredients such as low or non-fat sour cream and low or non-fat mayonnaise to create a delectable creamy salmon recipe that is perfect for any occasion.

For this recipe you will need:

2 pounds of salmon filets,

¾ cup of low or non-fat sour cream,

1/3 cup of low or non-fat mayonnaise,

2 tablespoons of all purpose flour,

2 tablespoons of lemon juice,

8 ounces of low or non-fat cream cheese,

1 minced clove of garlic,

1/3 cup of your favorite white wine,

salt, pepper, and paprika to taste.

Pre-heat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Wash the salmon and pat it dry with a paper towel.

Use a non-stick spray such as Pam and spray your 9×13 inch baking dish. Place the salmon filets in the baking dish with the skin down in a single layer. In a medium size bowl, blend together the sour cream, mayonnaise, flour, lemon juice, cream cheese, garlic, and wine until smooth and well blended.

Now, with the back of a spoon spread the mixture over the salmon. Sprinkle with the salt, pepper and paprika to your liking. Do not cover and bake for around 20. You can use a meat thermometer to ensure your salmon is done and not overcooked. The internal temperature should be 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The salmon will still cook once you remove it from the heat source. Do not go by color alone.

You can also prepare low fat salmon recipes on your grill or barbeque and create some wonderful low fat sauces to enhance the flavor of your salmon.

A great sauce to serve alongside grilled salmon is a low fat lemon dill sauce.

For this sauce you will need:

2 tablespoons of non-fat mayonnaise,

2 tablespoons of lemon juice,

1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard,

¾ teaspoon of dill weed,

salt and pepper to taste.

Blend together all ingredients with a wire whisk and refrigerate until ready to serve.

When I heard that the Ryder Cup was being ferried from across the pond to the financial capital of the world (and my hometown) I had to get a closer look. This trophy is won for the honor of the game and not for the amount of money on the line. There’s history etched into this 1927 award and the few spaces remaining around its base herald in hushed possibilities of a new cup, leaving this one in a trophy case sometime in the next ten years.

It was with great pride that I held the Ryder Cup at the Wales on Wall Street luncheon. The Ryder Cup was, perhaps, being “used” to introduce the 2010 Celtic Manor Resort course, but with all of the attention it received, I’m sure it didn’t mind. People lined up for the opportunity to share a piece of history and most were awed by its presence.

The Celtic Manor Resort Twenty Ten Course was built specifically for Ryder Cup action and is ready and open for play (only 12 tee times are issued per day!) It is a links course and, from what Ian Woosnam claims, “The closing stretch is fantastic…you’ve got two great match-play par 4s at the 14th and the 15th,” he noted. “Then the 18th is a really cracking par 5 to finish. You are going to be standing there, thinking shall I or shan’t I go for it?”

There are two additional golf courses at this compound, one of which was designed by Colin Montgomerie (par-69) and has been described as “a short course, one you can go around very quickly”. Montgomerie’s course obviously cannot compete with the challenge of the championship 2010 course but variety is the spice of life so Monty’s course will get plenty of play.

Celtic Manor is a five-star luxury resort which features two spas (for the non-golfers in your group) and boasts an exceptional array of activities. Aside from admiring the undiscovered countryside and playing way too much golf, mountain biking, hiking and something that I’m really interested in trying, “kite-buggying”, will keep your party hopping.

With 200 golf courses and the country only a 45-minute “hop, skip and a jump” from London, Wales is quickly becoming a tourist hotspot.

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The staff at Wales on Wall Street really put on a terrific show. There were Penderyn whisky tastings, Watkins ales pouring freely and Welsh dishes designed with Americans in mind. In other words, no Laverbread, crempog or faggots. The mood was made more festive with a choir onstage singing in their native tongue.

The golf simulator on hand told me that my swing had a slight out-to-inward path but not bad for the wintry season. Interfering structures had to be repositioned for my lefty swing but I still smacked one shot 200 yards…I’ll take that coming from a simulator using a taped-up Golden Bear driver!

The Spherical Blade putter was also introduced to us Yanks. After testing it at the “putting challenge” I noticed that the face was created of, what appeared to be, smoothened steel curved both horizontally and vertically, not like the soft, urethane insert of my Odyssey Two-Ball putter, forcing me to lighten my swing to a bare touch. Some golfers may like this feel but I would need to test it further.

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The Wales on Wall Street luncheon drew attention to the 2010 Ryder Cup competition and to all of the culture and activities Wales has to offer. It also “teased” golf fans with the Ryder Cup in plain view.

With a “fast start” being devised by 2008 U.S.A. Ryder Cup Team Captain Azinger, one plan to claim victory is “freedom to set the course up however it fits his team.” Other ideas to secure victory include “taking only the top eight players and basing the points entirely on money”.

So…alert to the U.K….

The next time the Ryder Cup enters the United States on “official business” will probably be in Kentucky and this time it won’t just be on a visa…it’s staying!

Bachelorette party games add more flavor and fun. You will find so many crazy bachelorette party games and you can be sure that you will not be disappointed. The internet will give you variety of games and if you thought they were scarce, you will be surprised by the variety of games now in practice in most of the parties held for a bride to be. Firstly, a bachelorette party is where there is celebration of the end of singlehood. It is a common signature in many of our cultures and it is supposed to usher bride into a new reality of commitment and marriage. Therefore, so much importance is placed on the party and they are most common in the western world.

The following are examples of bachelorette party games. Mardi Gras madness, rate the men, napkin trivia game, pin the penis on the man, suck for a buck, bachelorette party mad lib, I know what it is, pecker toss, card games, drinking games, walking penis racers, funniest story, create a story, the cherry game, advice for the bride, the guy game, bachelorette drink or dare game, identify the hunk and the so many others. Many people continue to come up with viable game ideas for games and there is a world of possibilities for party games at the bachelorette party. To understand the above games well, you must know the in depth details of how to play some of them. Some games are wild after all, this is a very wild night.

The first game in the list of bachelorette party games is the Mardi Gras madness game. In this game, girls get to wear colored Mardi Gras beads where the men strip to have the beads. This game will surely keep the party going as the people enjoy themselves. The other very interesting game is where the girls get to rate the men using bachelorette party rating cards where there will be conclusions like ‘not my type’, ‘needs to grow’ and many other comments. The ladies love this game because they can get away with a lot of comments during the party. The napkin trivia game is sure to create a different mood in the party and reveal not so common truths about the women and the men in their lives. The napkins have questions on then which include what the  intimacy preferences for their men are.

A favorite of the bachelorette party games is the drink or dare game. Where the girls get to choose to drink or a dare. Dares are very tough because they might contain virtually any request like flash of a bra and others. This game manages to put many on the spot making it one of the most common game at a party for the bride to be. When you are attending this kind of party, be ready to get yourself go to enjoy fun and adventure. This does not mean that you neglect safety. Arrange for how you are finally going to get home because you want to come out of the party in one piece.

Flaming Sambuca …

These pasta recipes are excellent for dinners or parties.

In this article, I’m going to share with you three delicious pasta recipes that you can prepare for any occasion that suits you. The recipes are very easy and can be prepare in less than 30 minutes.

So, here we go…

Lemon Tuna Pasta

4 tsp Butter

18 Black olives, pitted & sliced

1 tsp Oil; olive

2 can Tuna; chunk, drained

4 large Garlic cloves, chopped

Pasta; penne, cooked and drained

1/8 cup Lemon juice

4 tsp Butter (add at end)

3 tsp Capers, drained

Melt butter with oil in skillet. Add garlic and cook 2 minutes. Add lemon juice, capers and olives and cook another 2 minutes. Turn heat to lowest setting. Add tuna & separate it (do NOT flake) with a fork. Heat through, stirring gently. Drain pasta. Add remainder of butter and sauce to hot pasta, tossing well.

Tomato Soup with Pasta

3 tbsp Olive oil

1/2 tsp Black pepper

1 small Onion, chopped

1 tsp Basil

1 lb Tomatoes, chopped

3 pt Stock

1 Carrot, sliced

1 cup Small pasta / broken vermicelli

1 Celery stick, sliced

1 tbsp Chopped parsley

1 tsp Salt

Heat oil in soup pot & gently fry the onion for 2 minutes. Add tomatoes, carrot & celery. Mix well with the oil. Sprinkle in the seasonings & stir together. Fry for 3 minutes. Add stock & bring to a boil. Simmer for 10 minutes then add pasta. When pasta is tender, serve, garnished with parsley.

Both Pasta Recipes yield 4 servings

If you are concerned about your health and think that the above pasta recipes are too rich in calories, here is one recipe that I’m sure you’ll love…

Broccoli-Pasta Toss

2 cups Broccoli flowerets

3 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated

4 oz Fettuccine, broken up

1 tsp Sesame seed, toasted

1 tbsp Oil, cooking

1/8 tsp Garlic powder

In a large saucepan cook broccoli and pasta in a large amount of boiling water for 6 -8 minutes or just until tender, stirring once or twice. Drain. Add oil to pasta mixture and toss. Add cheese, sesame seeds, garlic, and pepper to taste. Toss gently to coat. Serve immediately. 4 servings

hgfhgfhgf …

Doing tequila shots on New Years Eve. Dec 31st 2006. …