As we immerse ourselves into a digital age, with satellite navigation systems in our cars, and GPS mobile phone tracking in the palm of our hands, how much time do we have until paper maps and atlases become obsolete, in favour of their digital version?From an environmental standpoint, digital maps may be a positive change, with a reduction in paper when printed maps are not longer required, lessening the strain on our diminishing forests. Will, however, the fascination of atlases in particular be lost in future generations? World maps filled with mystical discovery of far flung places, filling our minds with adventure, and appreciation at the sheer size of our planet. Will school children’s fascination with fantasy ‘pirate’ treasure maps, be lost as paper maps cease to exist for future generations?We are taught to read maps from a young age, which are appreciated, and understood by the majority of the worlds’ population, regardless of language.Historically, modern paper maps became increasingly popular, and accurate, around the 16th to 18th century, however, with the introduction of GIS (Geographic information systems) in the 1970s and 1980s, cartography (the art and science of making maps) has changed forever. Our earth, our countries, our cities and roads, are mapped, stored, and analyzed in digital format.We could hold into our paper maps, giving us reason to rediscover our past world at a later time, although it is expected that many outdated maps will be banished to landfill over the coming decades. Perhaps a better way to preserve our paper maps while we still have an abundant of them, might be to create a product which contains their existing material, but is upcycled into an attractive artistic piece to admire.Such ideas include making art pieces from unwanted atlases, drink coasters from discarded maps from a favourite holiday destination, using recycled maps to make an origami bowl, a recycled map bunting to decorate your room, how about a wintery Christmas map wreath, or revamping an old desk or furniture piece with decoupaged recycled atlases.What is the beauty of using old maps in craft projects? They tell a story, serve as an attractive piece of art, and from an environmental point of view, reusing paper maps for decorative purposes, gives Mother Nature the nod!One does wonder if we will also lose our sense of direction in our digital future, when paper maps are gone?
Getting Through Airport Security Can Be Quick and Painless With a Little Knowledge
Flying can be a trying experience for anyone. Adding airport security to the mix can make a bad day into a nightmare. With long lines and strange rules, airport security checkpoints can lead to missed flights and embarrassing situations. However, with a little planning and knowledge, the major pitfalls of airport security can be effectively avoided, sending you on your way with time to spare.Gather Information Before You ArriveThe more you know before you reach the airport, the better position you will be in when you arrive. It is important to know about anything that might delay your arrival. Check traffic reports and the conditions at the airport parking lot. If there appears to be a chance for substantial delays, be ready to leave earlier. The less of a rush you find yourself in, the easier airport security will be.Knowing the status of your flight will also help. If you flight is canceled or delayed, showing up on time at the airport will not help you. Knowing gate changes ahead of time can also lessen the chance that security will keep you from your flight as you can head directly to where you need to go once you are through the checkpoint.Prepare for SuccessPreparing yourself before you leave your house will pay off in large dividends once you start your trip. The first thing you can do is plan your flights during non-peak hours. This will make the security lines much shorter and help you reach your gate with little hassle. Parking will be easier to find and security agents will be less stressed and more likely treat you better.You should wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Your shoes should be able to slip on and off. Packing your carry-on bag in a neat manner using layers is recommended as it helps during the screening process. You might want to weigh your bags ahead of time as well, so that you aren’t faced with unexpected fees or problems.Help Airport Security Help YouBefore you approach the security checkpoint have your boarding pass and identification out and ready. Think ahead of what you will be required to do and prepare yourself for the many steps involved. You should follow all instructions calmly and quickly. This will help move the line along and lead to a lower stress level amongst the passengers waiting to go through security.Be nice, briefly greet and nicely smile at the TSA agents. Don’t act strange or anything but just be nice. They are there working at their jobs.It’s important to remember that the security is there to keep you safe and that the agents are on your side. They will see how well you have prepared and will treat you well. Being prepared and responsive to instructions will go a long way in making your experience enjoyable.ConclusionThese were just a few, quick tips to help you get through airport security a little easier. Like we said, do some planning and try to reduce as much stress as you can. There is a lot of things in your control, so plan adequate time to get yourself ready and arrive ahead of time at the airport.
How to Deal With Credit Card Debt Collection
Have you fallen behind in your credit card or other debt payments? If so, you are not alone; millions of people carry too much debt and either fall behind a little from time to time, have some personal situation arise – such as involuntary unemployment, skyrocketing medical bills, disability, or divorce – that makes them unable to pay at all, or simply made some poor decisions and got in over their heads. If you are in one of the above categories, you may now or may soon be receiving notices from credit card debt collection agencies.Getting such notices may be very scary to some folks, as there may be a sort of mystery about them, so let’s take a look at exactly what credit card debt collection agencies are and how they work.First of all, collection companies are not like the police. They cannot arrest you or take away your house or any such thing. They are simply companies who make a profit by trying to recover bad debt on behalf of creditors. Most creditors have a point at which they decide that they are not likely to recoup a debt, but they don’t want to “just forget it,” so they make the decision to use a credit card debt collection agency.There are two basic types of credit card debt collection options available to creditors. The first type is based on a commission. They enter into an agreement with creditors whereby they receive a commission for what they are able to recoup on behalf of the lender. In essence, the lender hires the collection agency to do the legwork, and in exchange pays the collection agent a percentage of what he/she is able to get you to pay. The percentages are open to negotiation and have nothing to do with you. It is an agreement between the creditor and the collection agent. One-third, or thirty-three percent, of the amount recovered is not unheard of.The second type of credit card debt collection agency is one that purchases the outstanding debt for a reduced rate. They then become the “owner” of the debt and all legal rights to any amount of recovered money become theirs. As the new owner of the debt, they also obtain all legal rights to sue or otherwise recover the debt. Why does anyone ever do this – buy someone else’s debt? Because they can get it for a greatly reduced amount of money and then have the legal right to do everything possible to get the full amount owed.