http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/shopping/fashion/denim-reigns-supreme.html http://www.articletrader.com/shopping/fashion/denim-reigns-supreme.html Wed, 12 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0500
Do they know where it comes from? No, not a question asked to primary school children about where they think crisps originate, this is about fashion. For the past few decades, the fashion trends of popular culture have repeatedly borrowed from the past. In the 90s, the grunge scene kids adopted an angsty attitude, but also many of the looks that were popular in happier, hippier times. Laid back looks dominated and were taken on by those keen to adopt the MO of not caring how they looked. However, many knew this apparent lack of pride in one's looks to be a façade, and frequently caught glimpses of men messing up their hair to get that 'just out of bed' look perfect.

In more recent years, fashions that many people dreaded came back with a vengeance - the styles typical of the 80s returned and in the most surprising circles. Skinny jeans, androgenous looks and variations of the mullet exploded on the scene in many cities across the globe in hipster circles everywhere.

The painters, singers, band members, actors and people living in squats and on friends' sofas everywhere picked up on the style - minus the converse shoes. Then the inevitable; onlookers and fashion watchdogs all over caught on and soon this fresh look could be purchased at corporate malls everywhere instead of just from thrift store racks.

Many might have been in doubt upon first seeing Pete Dogherty who has epitomised the new rockstar look in the tabloids, but like many trends, the fresh new look caught on. Many in the fashion world work towards being the first to predict the next new 'must have' item, and it looks like the skinny jeans trend will not end before the year is out. It is still the item that many teens will want, and coupled with the upsurge in young men who have become increasingly interested in image and fashion, sales are set to continue with many of the biggest names on the high street putting out new lines of the skinny cut.

However, what may be the glue holding this trend to us might not be the skinny, it is more likely to be the jean. The world fell in love with denim when it first came out of America. The rugged cloth and clean look maintained even in the grubbiest conditions combined with its versatility and wearability made it an instant favourite and a trend that will probably never disappear. Flared, straight, boot cut, skinny or the next invention for denim, any could be the next big thing for the beloved cloth.

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Elisha Burberry is an online, freelance journalist and keen movie-goer from Scotland. Her interests include travelling, cooking and photography.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/business/marketing/exhibition-displays-made-easy.html http://www.articletrader.com/business/marketing/exhibition-displays-made-easy.html Wed, 15 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0500
When displaying your literature at an exhibition, it is not just about how many brochures your display stand can hold, and there are many factors you should consider when choosing a brochure display for your exhibition, conference or show.

For instance, don’t settle for a fixed display that is not collapsible, just because it looks good. Remember that fixed displays can be bulky in storage and hard to transport, so while they may look good, they may not be practical. On the other hand don’t compromise on quality and appearance to get a display that is mobile. Both could cause problems that might contribute to a stressful display unit that does not suit your needs. However, it is possible to have a high quality folding brochure holder which looks great and is perfect for use at exhibitions to help make your life a lot simpler.

Having a portable literature rack that you can rely on can be a huge advantage when working at exhibitions, conferences or shows. Ultimately you want to be able to pop the display stand in the car without any storage or transport worries. For a successful display that is no trouble, you should be able to transport the brochure holder to different shows in a compact carry case and be able to erect the display in seconds. It is also vital that you know the display is durable and creates an attractive display.

If you travel to different locations for exhibitions, a folding brochure holder that collapses to a small size and fits in a professional carry case is ideal. When preparing for a conference, a portable literature rack that is easy to put up will save time and stress at the hectic stage of setting up your display. If you're looking to catch the attention of your buyers, it makes sense to use a striking display stand of a high quality. However, if you're looking to pack your display away quickly after a show, all you'll want is a brochure holder that folds down in seconds, so when the conference or exhibition is over you'll be able to store away the collapsible literature holder in its protective a carry case and be on your way to your next exhibition quickly.

Sometimes it is now not worth using the hire service for a display unit to present your literature, as it is now possible to own an excellent portable literature rack for a similar price, especially if you work at more than two shows every year and would normally use the hire service. Once you own a trustworthy portable brochure holder you will no longer need to give it any thought when presenting at exhibitions and shows, allowing more time to devote to organising other facets of your exhibition.

Importantly, collapsible literature holders need to have durable frames so they can be used over a long period of time. A lightweight unit is essential for easy transportation around different locations, while a flat base makes the display stable and less prone to being knocked over.

If you are planning a conference or exhibition, there are a range of businesses online, such as Displaysense who offer a wide range of literature holders and display stands for use at exhibitions, shows and conferences.




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Elisha Burberry is an online, freelance journalist and keen traveller and watersports enthusiast. Originally from Scotland, she now resides in London.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/travel/whats-the-most-economic-and-convenient-way-of-travelling-throughout-the-uk.html http://www.articletrader.com/travel/whats-the-most-economic-and-convenient-way-of-travelling-throughout-the-uk.html Fri, 10 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0500
So, how do prices match up when it comes to differentiating between air, rail or road travel? For many years, air travel was only for the better off, with prices out of the reach of the masses. However, with the advent of low-cost airlines, competition increased and prices have dropped dramatically to the extent that an airline ticket can cost the same or less than mainline train tickets. Depending upon the carrier, a cheap return air ticket between London and Manchester can cost as little as £69 - comparing favourably against a return train trip fare of £110! However, low-cost domestic airlines only operate between major airports, which tend to be few and far between, giving the traveller less choice if they live outside the country's major conurbations.

Train operators have been subject to criticism lately, both over the cost of travelling and also their inability to consistently keep to their published timetables. Indeed, Virgin recently lost their cross-country franchise after 10 years service, mainly due to one in five trains arriving late and costing the government over £2m per week in subsidies. This move is seen by many as the start of price increases for train travellers, as the operators will now seek to recover their costs from the public rather than the government.

Coach travel is mostly a cheaper alternative to using trains or planes and in many cases can be even better value than car travel. Most coach travel in the UK operates between fixed routes on a timetable basis, but there are also many charter companies from which you can hire a coach to a destination of your choice. This is a handy solution if a group of people wish to travel to a special event, and again can prove cheaper than taking the car.

In summary, there are many options for travelling throughout the UK, but the majority of us still choose to use our own private transport. That is likely to continue until there is major investment in the rail and road infrastructure; until then travelling anywhere in the UK will continue to be frustrating, mostly expensive and largely unsatisfying.


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Elisha Burberry is a freelance writer who enjoys sharing her works over the internet


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/travel/destinations/summer-in-london-city-cooling-down-in-the-capital.html http://www.articletrader.com/travel/destinations/summer-in-london-city-cooling-down-in-the-capital.html Fri, 10 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0500
Hampstead Heath Swimming pools have been popular with hardy London folk since 1860, but bathing was not the original intention for this string of ponds, which were created as reservoirs to supply London with water. The three pools, Highgate Men's Pond, The Kenwood Ladies' Pond and Hampstead Mixed Pond, are famous for bathers who enjoy bathing as nature intended (i.e. in their birthdays suits!) and even those who are a little shy need not worry - the murky waters should maintain your modesty!

For those who prefer their water chlorinated, the Parliament Hill Lido was recently been upgraded with a £2.9 million overhaul. Not for the wet, this pool is unheated. But it's ideally located to allow amazing views of the city from its elevated spot, attracting a range of people who take to the waters - from serious swimmers to teenagers and toddlers.

Park Road Pools in Crouch End boasts a 50m open air Lido which is warmed and open between May and September. There are also three adjacent indoor pools - including a diving pool - for when the sun isn't shining.

Hyde Parks' Serpentine Lido is a hugely popular swimming venue situated in the very heart of London. The swimming area is part of the lake which is cordoned off, and it offers an attractively tiled veranda with deck chairs to host sun worshipers. After your swim, why not combine your cooling off with some art-viewing at the nearby Serpentine Gallery, a premier location for modern art exhibition.

One of the earliest built Lidos is in Tooting Bec. Having received continual upgrades, the Lido is in good shape and also features the more modern amenities of a sauna and Jacuzzi. Situated in the Greenfield site of Tooting Bec common, the pool can get busy during a hot summer - with up to 2000 visitors during a sunny day, but it's less crowded from October to May - which is great, as long as you don't mind swimming in the rain.

Those not lucky enough to live in the capital can find a range of hotels in London to suit all budgets, so pack your cossie, grab a towel, and head for the cool waters of London's Lidos!


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london, hilton, hotels in london, lido, swimming, summer


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/hobbies/the-fall-of-the-middle-man-online-classifieds-and-the-internet-effect.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/hobbies/the-fall-of-the-middle-man-online-classifieds-and-the-internet-effect.html Thu, 09 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0500
But the internet has changed the way buyers and sellers connect, allowing a market place with far greater reach. Internet auction sites and online classifieds allow people from all over the world to browse and buy items that previously would have either been hard to get hold of, or would have cost much more. It's great for the personal buyer and the casual seller, but this trend has affected the more traditional ways of buying and selling.

It's now very quick and easy to get an estimate of how much anything is worth on the global market. From a used TV to a set of tumblers, from bicycles to bongo drums, a quick internet search may reveal that your unwanted items are actually worth selling online.

Second hand shops and charity shops say that they are receiving fewer items than before, as more people are realising the worth of their unwanted goods and selling off these items themselves on ebay or through online classifieds.

Some people have used the power of the internet to create new businesses, turning classifieds into a cottage industry. Scouring traditional sources such as charity shops, second hand stores and car boot sales for under priced items, they buy up the cheap goods and then list these in online classifieds or internet auction sites for a profit.

The rise of web 2.0 is bringing about similar changes in other industries, cutting out the middleman wherever possible. For example, in the recruitment industry, new websites now allow anyone to recommend a job to a friend; and if the friend is successful in their application, the person who made the reference receives the recruitment fee that previously would have gone to the recruitment agency.

We are also seeing a move to social lending and borrowing, where anyone can lend money to those who need a loan. This negates the need for banks and the huge costs associated with them and means that both borrower and lender benefit, with better rates.

The internet has levelled the playing field in many industries, so next time you need to buy or sell something, cut out the middle man and go straight to the source via the world wide web.


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Elisha Burberry enjoys writing, and sharing her works on the internet


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/travel/taking-the-stress-out-of-air-travel.html http://www.articletrader.com/travel/taking-the-stress-out-of-air-travel.html Wed, 08 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0500
The most important thing you can do to make your flying experience as pleasant as possible is to allow yourself plenty of time to get to the airport. This means arriving at least two hours before your plane is scheduled to leave or, if possible, even earlier.

There is nothing more stressful than sitting in a traffic jam and seeing the time until your plane's planned departure tick away. This is the absolute worst way to commence a journey, so ensure you double check all flight times before departure and allow yourself plenty of time to get to the airport. Don't forget to take into account the chance of heavy traffic, delays or possible security checks of vehicles.

If you have an early morning departure, then it's a good idea to travel down to the airport the night before your flight and take advantage of an airport hotel. Almost all large airports have hotels on site, from Heathrow to Honolulu, and will allow you a full night's sleep, avoiding the hassle and stress of having to rush to the airport in the early hours. Instead, you'll be able to enjoy a leisurely breakfast and take a shuttle bus, (which most airport hotels provide for free) to the airport.

Once you arrive at the airport, locate the correct check in desk by looking at the large screens which show the flight timetables. If you have hand luggage only, some airports and airlines offer a new service called "online check in", through which you can print off your own ticket and avoid the check in queue altogether. This is especially useful for short haul and business travellers, but unlikely to be of much use to those who are going on holiday and therefore have large amounts of baggage.

Don’t underestimate the amount of time needed to pass through security and into the departure lounge. During peak time this can take up to half an hour, so it's essential you budget for this. Another mistake that novice travellers have been known to make is not allowing enough time to reach their departure gate. At large international airports, getting to the gate can take twenty minutes or more, and may even require travellers to take internal transport system.

So as long as your plan your journey and allow yourself plenty of time, it's easy to take the turbulence out of flying!




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Elisha Burberry is an online, freelance journalist and keen traveller and watersports enthusiast. Originally from Scotland, she now resides in London.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/loans/secured-loans-can-help-spread-the-cost-of-summer.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/loans/secured-loans-can-help-spread-the-cost-of-summer.html Wed, 08 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0500
As Steve Shore, head of banking at high street lender Abbey puts it: “Kids can be pretty demanding and it is difficult to budget for summer holiday boredom.” So, if you are beginning to tot up the cost of keeping your children entertained over summer then you will be interested in the poll by Abbey that prompted Shore’s comments. Amongst its revelations is the fact that the average family expects to spend an average of £1,300 just to keep the kids occupied over the summer. That is a massive sum of money to spend in such a short time leaving many wondering how on earth they will fund the summer holidays. For homeowners, one painless solution could be to take out a secured loan.

Secured loans are one of the cheapest methods of borrowing in the UK, and are generally less costly than the vast majority of unsecured personal loans. The price differential is because secured loans offer less risk to the lender as they are secured against property. Therefore, it is easier for the lender to recover their debt in the case of a borrower defaulting. Additionally, because the loans are secured against property, credit history is less important to lenders when they consider whether or not to grant the loans.

The Abbey survey also found that 41% of parents underestimated the cost of summer last year, suggesting that many will need to find a way to fund their spending once it has taken place. Paying for summer holiday activities by using credit cards could be a short term solution - but unless the balance is paid off in full it could prove very costly in the long run. Secured loan rates are much lower than those charged on outstanding credit card bills and they are easy to arrange. With a secured loan you can painlessly spread the cost of summer across the entire year, meaning that both you and the children can enjoy an action-packed and fulfilling summer without crippling your finances for the rest of the year.



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Elisha Burberry is an online, freelance journalist and keen traveller and watersports enthusiast. Originally from Scotland, she now resides in London.


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/shopping/fashion/gold-silver-and-platinum-theyre-not-called-precious-metals-for-nothing.html http://www.articletrader.com/shopping/fashion/gold-silver-and-platinum-theyre-not-called-precious-metals-for-nothing.html Mon, 06 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0500
Silver, for example, is one of the cheapest precious metals, and currently sits at about one fiftieth the price of gold by mass, although it did once trade at one sixth the price of gold before the Age of Discovery. As a soft metal, silver needs to be alloyed with other metals before being made into jewellery, in order to make the metal stronger and more resistant. 'Sterling Silver' needs to contain at least 92.5% pure silver in order to gain this mark (the remaining 7.5% is usually comprised of copper). This small copper content means that silver jewellery is likely to tarnish, so if you're thinking about buying a sterling silver ring or bracelet, it's important to make sure you clean in properly. Many people like to use toothpaste to clean silver jewellery, but if you're looking for a less abrasive cleaning formula, it's best to invest in a silver-cleaning fluid at the time of purchase. Further, to make sure the silver jewellery you've bought is high quality, ensure that it's been stamped with a purity mark (like 925) before you buy.

Gold, on the other hand, has long-held associations with investment and wealth as a precious metal. As with silver, gold is a soft metal and so also has to be alloyed with other metals to make it hard enough for jewellery making. Pure gold, for example is yellow, while white gold is gold that has been alloyed with nickel, copper and zinc, and can sometimes look similar to platinum. In this way, the colour of gold can be manipulated in order to create a number of different types.

Of these three popular precious metals, however, platinum is the most expensive. Its heavy-weight and durable nature means that it's great for diamond-encrusted jewellery and is similar in colour, though not in properties, to white gold. Generally speaking, platinum jewellery is 90% pure platinum and 10% iridium or palladium alloy. Moreover, jewellery that contains more than 95 per cent pure platinum is marked 'platinum' (950 plat or 950pt), whereas 85 percent pure platinum will be marked 850plat or 850pt. Platinum jewellery is rapidly gaining popularity and other related metals - like palladium and titanium - are, as a result being used with increasing frequency in jewellery-making. Hence, platinum jewellery designs are often modern and chunky, with an ethos that reflects the lifestyle of its new buyers.


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Elisha Burberry is an online, freelance journalist and keen traveller and watersports enthusiast. Originally from Scotland, she now resides in London.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/travel/vacations/the-niagara-wine-festival-an-annual-highlight-for-wine-lovers-across-north-america.html http://www.articletrader.com/travel/vacations/the-niagara-wine-festival-an-annual-highlight-for-wine-lovers-across-north-america.html Mon, 06 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0500
Among the most popular annual festivals held in Niagara Falls is the Niagara Wine Festival. Held every year in September, the Niagara Wine Festival hosts more than 100 events, including winery tours and wine tastings, as well as concerts, artisan exhibits, wine seminars and the opportunity to sample local Niagara cuisine. What's more, attendants of the 56th Niagara Wine Festival in September 2007 will be able to witness one of the largest street parades in Canada - The Grande Parade.

One of North America's most celebrated wine festivals, the Niagara Wine Festival began in 1952 and today hosts two spin-off festivals from the original: the Niagara Icewine Festival, held each January, and the Niagara New Vintage Festival, which occurs annually in June. Moreover, the festival has twice been named Ontario's Cultural Event of the year and has been hailed as one of the Top 100 Events in North America by the American Bar Association (ABA), so is a permanent fixture on the calendars of wine lovers across the continent.

The main celebrations of the Niagara Wine Festival take place in Montebello Park in St Catharine's. Here, Niagara Wine Festival attendees can enjoy the finest wines, indulge in the well-known regional food and take delight in the festival's opportunities for merry-making and revelry that are virtually unparalleled anywhere in Canada in the Fall. If you're planning to visit the Niagara Wine Festival this year, you'll be able to keep up to date on the festival's website, which offers videos and podcasts for download.

Last year, the Niagara Wine Festival attracted over 500, 000 visitors - so booking your hotel in Niagara early is essential if you're counting on having a comfortable place to stay. In fact, the Grande Parade in itself is expected to attract around 150, 000 visitors this year, so even if you're only planning to attend this main event, booking ahead is crucial.

And if you're driving to Niagara from the United States, new regulations mean that you won't have to show your passport when you cross the border into Canada or when you return to the USA, although visitors travelling by air will still be required to carry these documents. Getting to Canada has never been easier - so there's really no reason not to visit the Niagara Wine Festival this year.


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Elisha Burberry is an online, freelance journalist and keen traveller and watersports enthusiast. Originally from Scotland, she now resides in London.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/business/career/so-you-want-to-be-a-debt-collector.html http://www.articletrader.com/business/career/so-you-want-to-be-a-debt-collector.html Thu, 02 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0500
However, while levels of consumer debt continue to spiral out of control, so too does the level of bad debt. Many bad debt accounts wind up with specialist debt recovery agencies - an industry that has seen rapid growth in recent years. As such, vacancies within the debt recovery sector have become numerous as these companies expand to meet demand. So, what does it take to become a debt collector?

A debt collector's task is to reclaim money owed to an organisation by businesses (commercial debt) or individuals (consumer debt). There are around 10,000 people working in debt collection in the UK, and they may collect for their employer or at the behest of a specialist debt recovery organisation. There are no minimum qualifications required for a career in debt recovery, although decent grades in English and Maths are desirable, while qualifications in legal studies, economics or accounting are also highly prized. A background in the legal or law enforcement sectors is also highly sought after, and age is generally no barrier to a successful career in debt recovery.

Debt collectors should possess good oral and written communication skills as the job of a debt collector will involve contacting the debtor either by letter or telephone in order to obtain settlement of bad debts. Debt collectors need to be able to work well under pressure and should be able to relate to people from a wide variety of backgrounds. They should also be polite, tactful, honest and firm in dealing with people and should have good computer and organisational skills as well.

Most debt collection agencies generally operate between 8am and 9pm, Monday to Saturday, although some also operate on Sundays. Collectors are likely to work as part of a shift system, or on a flexible-time basis to accommodate family commitments. Part-time work is also common within the industry.

Debt collectors normally train on the job, but may attend in-house or external courses covering relevant aspects of the law, as well as essential skills in subjects such as telephone techniques and negotiation. The Institute of Credit Management offer professional qualifications for careers in credit control.

Finding a job as a debt collector needn't be difficult, and there are many sources available to people looking to work within the debt recovery sector. Companies like Capquest, for example, list vacancies across several Internet job-sites and also on their own website, while other debt recovery companies also list vacancies on their websites. There are also a number of recruitment agencies who specialise in vacancies within the credit sector.

With experience, debt collectors may be promoted to lead a small team. There may also be opportunities to progress into a management role, or to become a director in a collection agency. Debt collectors may move into other areas of finance, such as sales, debt counselling or bailiff work, while there are also opportunities for individuals to become self-employed and work from home, or perhaps set up their own agencies.


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Based in the UK, Capquest Debt recovery is a market leader in the purchase, management and collection of sub-performing consumer debt. Elisha Burberry is an online, freelance journalist and keen traveller and watersports enthusiast. Originally from Scotland, she now resides in London.


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>