Tips Memberi Nama Anak

Memberikan nama untuk sang buah hati itu “gamsus” alias gampang-gampang susah. Karena salah-salah nama bisa jadi beban buat si anak. Oleh sebab itu hati-hatilah dalam memberikan nama untuk anak tersayang. Karena nama akan disandang seumur hidupnya.

Berikut adalah beberapa tips dalam memberi nama yang saya kumpulkan dari berbagai sumber,

1.  Mengandung Do'a

Nama anak adalah cermin harapan orang tua. Nama itu mengandung do'a. Tetapi perlu diingat do'anya yang singkat saja ya. Karena jika terlalu panjang nanti dikira tahlil atau wirid. Sehingga kelak saat dipanggil bukannya nengok, malah bilang "aamiinn.."

2.  Jangan Menyusahkan Orang Kelurahan

Nama anak mudah dibaca atau dilafalkan dan mudah pula untuk ditulis. Meskipun tampaknya bagus bin keren, usahakan jangan sekali-kali menggunakan huruf mati yang digandeng-gandeng atau didobel-dobel, misalnya Lloyd, Jhonny, Nikky, Thassya, dll.). Karena biasanya petugas kelurahan seringkali salah tulis dalam pembuatan Akta Kelahiran, Kartu Keluarga, KTP, dll.

Nah.. tidak enaknya lagi kalau kita minta revisi atau diperbaiki, biasanya mereka minta ‘biaya’ tambahan lagi.. dan prosesnya pun lama atau sengaja dilama-lamain. He..he..

3.  Jangan Hanya Terdiri Dari Satu Kata Saja

Minimal ada First Name, Nick Name, dan Family name begitu loh sob..

Hal ini sangatlah penting terutama saat sedang mengurus Paspor atau Visa. Jangan sampai ia gagal berangkat ke Amerika atau ke negara Eropa hanya gara-gara namanya cuma Tono atau Hartono atau Sartono atau Partono atau Martono. Kan kasihaan...

4.  Jangan Terlalu Panjang

Nama yang panjang dan bererot (bukan mak erot ya!) bisa membuat susah si pemilik nama.

Di samping sulit untuk mengingatnya, juga sangat merepotkan waktu mengisi lembar jawaban UN (Ujian Nasional) atau formulir pendaftaran masuk Perguruan Tinggi Negeri (jaman saya UMPTN). Itu loh.. yang menghitamkan (arsir) bulatan-bulatan pakai pensil 2B. Capeek kaan...

Nama panjang seperti “Siti Kristiani Soesilawati Bembi Yudhayani Hartati Riwayati Kini Mulianingsih Adiningrum Mekar Semerbak Berseri Sepanjang Hari..” adalah sangat-sangat & teramat sangat not-recommended.

5.  Bersifat Internasional.

Anak kita hidup di masa depan, di era globalisasi dimana hubungan dengan dunia internasional amat sangat intens. Maka jangan mempersulit anak dengan nama-nama yang sulit di-eja.

Misalnya nama 'Saklitinov',

Orang Jepang nyebutnya Sakuritino, orang Sunda bilang aktinop orang Bule bilang Sechlaytinove..

Susah kaan.. Padahal maksudnya 'SAbtu KLIwon TIga NOVember'...

Aya-aya wae yeuh...

6.  Ketahuilah Arti dari Sebuah Nama

Ketahuilah arti dari nama anak yang kita beri. Jangan memberikan nama hanya karena enak diucapkan atau bagus ditulisnya saja.

Nama ‘Jalmowono’ memang sepintas enak untuk diucapkan dan bagus kalau ditulis namun tahukah sobat, bahwa ‘Jalmowono’ itu artinya ‘Orang Utan’.

7.  Jangan Pakai Nama Artis

Nama artis memang keren-keren, Yah.. kalau artis itu kelakuannya baik.. Lah hanya saja masalahnya, kalau artis itu jadi bahan gosip melulu karena hobinya kawin-cerai atau selingkuh.. kan bisa jadi beban buat si anak.

Lagipula pakai nama artis itu menandakan bahwa sobat tidak kreatif alias tidak mau cape dalam memberi nama untuk sang buah hati.

8.  Abjad Huruf Pertama Nama Anak

Huruf pertama "A" pada nama anak ada enak nggak enaknya. Nggak enaknya kalau pas ada ujian/test/wawancara sering dipanggil duluan. Jadi tidak sempat nanya-nanya sama temannya.

Tapi terkadang juga pas giliran dapat pembagian apa gitu, dapetnya juga sering duluan.

Jadi sebaiknya ambil huruf pertama itu antara D sampai K.

Kalau huruf depannya "Z".. wah.. biasanya adanya di bawah alias posisi terakhir.. Dan biasanya lagi ketika pembagian makanan atau bonus seringkali tidak kebagian karena alasan sudah habis. Hikhik...

9.  Jangan sok Kebarat-baratan

Jangan memberi nama anak dengan bergaya kebarat-baratan, apalagi alasannya biar dibilang keren. Harus bin kudu ingat, Anda lahir di bumi Nusantara, orang Indonesia, kultur ya tetap saja orang Indonesia.

Kalau nama keindo-indoan, tapi mukanya ya melayu-melayu juga, malu sendiri kan.. baik anaknya maupun ortunya.

Lagipula kalau kejepit toh bilangnya tetap saja "Adawww!..." bukan "Oh my God!...". He..he...

Demikian beberapa tips yang dapat saya sampaikan. Semoga bermanfaat bagi para sobat dan juga semoga dapat menghibur tentunya.

Sekian, Terima Kasih dan Salam Berbagi!...

--Dari Berbagai Sumber--

Chicco Jericho Ingin Menata Rambut Ala Boyband Korea

CHICCO Jericho berencana untuk mengubah tatanan rambutnya agar terlihat lebih modis dan trendy.

"Dari dulu sampai sekarang gaya rambut gue ya gini-gini aja. Bella juga nyaranin supaya gue ganti model rambut, tapi bingung mau dibikin kayak apa," ujar Chicco.

Model rambut seperti apa yang diinginkannya?

"Kayaknya seru kalau rambut gue dibikin gaya K-Pop, biar kayak personel boyband Korea, hahaha," ucap Chicco saat ditemui di Ballroom Ritz Carlton Hotel, Pacific Place, Jakarta Selatan, Senin (26/3) malam.

Meski mengaku tak pernah mengubah gaya tatanan rambutnya, Chicco tetap perlu berbangga diri. Pasalnya, rambut Chiccho justru dianugerahi 'The Best Hair Do for Actor' dalam ajang 7th Johnny Andrean Award.

sumber

Mau Rambut Cepat Panjang?

Adakalanya seseorang merasa menyesal karena telah memotong rambut indahnya dengan model yang terlalu pendek, atau model yang tidak sesuai dengan bentuk wajah. Namun menunggu rambut itu menjadi cepat panjang kok, terasa lama?

Berikut ini adalah beberapa sebab mengapa rambut amat lama tumbuh, atau kurang sehat dan bahkan bercabang. Jangan khawatir, ada pula tips agar rambut cepat panjang.

• Rambut lama tumbuh atau yang tidak panjang-panjang, biasanya karena kurang nutrisi. Untuk tumbuh panjang dan sehat, tentu saja rambut butuh nutrisi dan vitamin. Tidak hanya dari luar, seperti vitamin rambut yang kerap dilumurkan pada batang rambut, namun juga nutrisi dari dalam seperti makanan yang Anda konsumsi.

• Rambut yang tidak sehat bisa jadi pula disebabkan oleh salah pilih produk perawatan. Karena itu, jika membeli produk perawatan, kenali dahulu jenis rambut dan sesuaikan dengan produk perawatan rambut tersebut.

• Makanan yang bisa mempercepat tumbuhnya rambut adalah yang mengandung protein tinggi. Konsumsi secara rutin makanan seperti telur, daging, ikan, ayam, kedelai, dan juga jamur, sehingga nutrisi rambut untuk bertumbuh cukup.

• Cukup tidur dan beristirahat untuk memberi kesempatan tubuh kita bertumbuh, juga penting. Sebab saat tidur, sel-sel tubuh kita termasuk sel rambut akan beregenerasi dan bertumbuh.

• Gunakan sarung bantal yang lembut, misalnya dari satin atau sutra. Dengan ini, batang rambut tidak akan bergesekan dengan keras dan gampang rusak atau terluka. Jika banyak batang rambut yang terluka, maka pertumbuhannya juga akan lambat.

sumber

Gambar Untuk Undangan Khitan dan Nikah

 Gambar Untuk Undangan Nikah

 Gambar Untuk Undangan Khitan

 

 Gambar Undangan Nikah, Undangan Khitan, Undangan Bayi

 Gambar Bunga Untuk Undangan

 Gambar Burung Dara untuk Pernikahan

 Gambar Khitan

Gambar dua Burung Dara

Download Logo Kabupaten, Logo Kota, Arti dan Makna Logo dapat dibaca disini

Gambar Untuk Undangan Nikah, Gambar Anak Khitan, Gambar Burung Dara, Dua Burung Dara, Dua Sejoli, Simbol Pernikahan, Simbol Khitan,  Gambar Simbol Undangan

Gambar Background Indah

 Background Pernikahan

Gambar Background Abstrak

 Gambar Background Imajinasi

Download Logo, Arti Logo, Contoh Surat dan Wallpaper ada disini

Gambar Background Abstrak, Background Anak-anak, Background Dewasa, Background Pernikahan, Background Imajinasi, Gambar Bagus, Gambar Anak TK,

Download Logo Kabupaten, Logo Departemen, Arti dan Makna Logo dapat dibaca disini

Background Wedding Party

 Background Wedding Pink

 Background Bunga

 Background Pernikahan

 Download Logo, Arti Logo, Wallpaper dan Kaligrafi disini

 Download Logo Departemen, Logo Kabupaten, Logo Kota disini

 Download Contoh Surat Pernyataan, Contoh Surat Keterangan disini

Gambar Background Indah

Background Wedding, Background Pernikahan, Wallpaper Nikah, Gambar Background Pernikahan, Gambar Background Sunatan, Background Pink, Background Biru, Background Kuning

Download Logo Kabupaten, Logo Kota, Arti dan Makna Logo ada disini

Asal Mula Istilah

Good Night, Sleep Tight

Jaman dahulu di Inggris, matras yang digunakan untuk tidur biasanya diikat ujung-ujungnya dengan tali yang dikaitkan ke rangka tempat tidur.

Ketika seseorang hendak berangkat tidur, maka tali-tali tersebut ditarik sehingga matras menjadi lebih kencang, lebih "firm" untuk tidur. Maka dari sinilah lahir ekspresi "Good Night, Sleep Tight".

Honeymoon

Di masa Babylon 4.000 tahun lalu, selama sebulan setelah acara pernikahan, ayah dari mempelai putri biasanya akan menyediakan sejenis minuman yang terbuat dari madu lebah (honey).

Dan kala itu mereka menggunakan kalender bulan (moon) sebagai sistem penanggalan, maka tenggang masa selama sebulan itu mereka sebut sebagai "Honeymoon".

You're fired

Orang-orang Skotlandia pada millenium pertama mempunyai kesepakatan untuk mengusir orang tak berkenan dari kampung mereka, dengan jalan membakar rumah orang tersebut tanpa memberikan peringatan sebelumnya.

Nah dari sinilah istilah "Get fired" muncul untuk orang yang dikeluarkan secara paksa dari organisasi atau perusahaan.

F.U.*.K

Nah yang ini paling seru sob.. di jaman baheula di Inggris sana seseorang tidak bisa berhubungan badan tanpa memiliki izin tertulis dari raja (kecuali kalau memang dia anggota keluarga kerajaan).

Jadi.. jika seseorang ingin memiliki bayi, mereka akan pergi ke raja untuk meminta izin tertulis. Sang raja kemudian memberikan semacam kartu pass yang harus digantung di daun pintu kamar ketika mereka berhubungan badan. Kartu ini bertulisan "F.U.*.K" (Fornification Under Consent of the King)

--Dari Berbagai Sumber--

Alat Komunikasi Canggih

Chodirin, sang eksekutif muda, menghampiri seorang bapak tua yang ia perhatikan sedari tadi. Si bapak tua terlihat sibuk bicara sendiri sambil mondar-mandir membawa dua buah koper besar.

"Pak, saya perhatikan dari tadi kok ngomong sendiri sih?” tegur Chodirin.

"Oh, ini, Dik, Bapak sedang membicarakan masalah bisnis dengan klien bapak di Amerika,” jawab si bapak.

"Oh ya, bicara melalui apa, Pak? Saya tidak lihat Bapak pakai handphone?” tanya Chodirin bingung.

"Ah ini, saya menggunakan teknologi komunikasi tercanggih produksi perusahaan kami, dengan microchip super mini ini, saya cukup menempelkannya di kerah jas saya dan saya bebas berkomunikasi dengan siapa saja, dimana saja, dan dalam jangka waktu yang cukup lama, ya.. kira-kira sekitar tiga harian lah..." kata si Bapak bangga.

"Wah, bisa dibeli di mana, Pak? Kebetulan saya juga sedang butuh alat seperti ini," ujar Chodirin.

"Ah, kebetulan sekali, perusahaan kami sedang promosi, jadi barang ini bisa adik miliki dengan hanya membayar 10 juta rupiah saja," kata si Bapak.

"Wah, murah sekali, Pak? Oke saya setuju, dan ini uangnya, Pak," ujar Chodirin sambil memberikan uang yang disepakati.

"Baik, dik, ini barangnya" si Bapak menyerahkan microchip super mini tersebut sambil ngeloyor pergi.

"Thanks banget nih, Pak...!” kata Chodirin girang.

Setelah mengamati alat tersebut untuk beberapa saat, Chodirin teriak memanggil sang bapak, "Paakk! Kopernya ketinggalan..!!”

Dari jauh si bapak berteriak menjawab, "Ambil saja, Dik, itu baterainyaaa...!!"

Download Pakta Integritas Pengawasan Kepala Sekolah Baru

Untuk membasmi KKN (Korupsi, Kolusi & Nepotisme) sekarang ini pemerintah gencar melakukan langkah pencegahan... Salah satunya untuk membuat Pakta Integritas bagi guru-guru disekolahan yang memiliki kepala sekolah baru.
Bagi guru dan staf sekolah tersebut harus membuat Surat Pernyataan Integritas, untuk mengawasi dan patuh serta membantu Kepala sekolah tersebut dalam menjalankan tugasnya.

Pernyataan Pakta Integriras

Data Nama Guru-Guru

Ini sudah AJ buat dengan Mail Marge..... jadi bagi yang membutuhkan tidak merubah saja data-data guru dibawah.

Semoga membantu dan Wassalam.............

Akar dan Batang

Di sore hari yang cerah Teguh sedang duduk dengan pacarnya di sebuah taman. Tiba-tiba si Teguh berkata pada pacarnya,

Teguh : "Dik, ibarat pohon kamu adalah akarnya."

Hyeni : "Maksudnya kita tak akan terpisahkan begitu kan, Mas?"

Teguh : "Bukan, dik, maksudku seandainya tidak ada batang akar pun berguna"

Hyeni : ??@%!!? (Kurang asem.. berarti aku ini dianggap barang re-jack yang dijadikan pelampiasan doang dong...)

(Puisi Edan) Agar Kamu Tahu

Kupendam semua ini sejak dulu

Jujur kukatakan....

Malu dan ragu selalu menghantui

Khawatir dan takut rasamu

Berbeda dengan rasaku

Kini aku tiada peduli lagi

Karena yang terpenting kini

Lega rasa di hati...

Kan kuungkapkan semua

Yang cukup lama kupendam

Sudah saatnya kukatakan padamu

Bahwa aku.. aku...

Tak kuasa lagi menangung derita

Tuk menahan kentut ini

Pppssss..ssttt..BBRuuuut...!!

Download Defragment Hardisk

Ketika hardisk di komputer mulai terasa lambat di akses atau sudah penuh dengan berbagai macam software yang di install, ada saatnya kita mulai men-defragmentasi hardisk tersebut. Defragment secara mudah adalah menata ulang lokasi file di hardisk agar performa komputer meningkat.

Meskipun Windows atau sistem operasi lain sudah menyertakan fitur defragmentasi, ada baiknya kita mencoba menggunakan software pihak ketiga.

Berikut 7 Software gratis defragmenter yang bisa dijadikan alternatif atau pengganti bawaan windows:

Ultra Defrag

Ultra Defrag merupakan software defragmentasi Open source. Tersedia versi installer atau portable, termasuk pula versi Command-line. UKuran software ini cukup kecil, hanya sekitar 277 KB.

 Download Ultra Defrag

MyDefrag

Sebelumnya bernama JKDefrag (Open Source), tetapi sekarang berganti menjadi MyDefrag dan tidak open source, tetapi tetap Freeware. MyDefrag menggunakan teknik seperti yang digunakan Windows, sehingga fitur penuh hanya dapat digunakan oleh user yang mempunyai hak akses administrator.

Support : Windows 2000, 2003, XP, Vista, 2008, Win7
Download MyDefrag

Defraggler

Mungkin sebagian kita tidak asing dengan software CCleaner, nah Defraggler merupakan salah satu software gratis dari pembuat CCleaner. Defraggler menggunakan teknik yang sama seperti windows, tetapi dengan tampilan dan beberapa fitur tambahan lain.

Support : Microsoft Windows 7, Vista, XP, 2003 dan 2000.
Download Defraggler

QuickSys Disk Defrag

QuickSys mungkin masih pendatang baru di bidang ini. Saat artikel ini ditulis, QuickSys Disk Defrag masih versi beta. Tetapi mempunyai fitur yang tidak kalah dengan yang lain, seperti misalnya QSICA (Quicksys Intelligent Clusters Allocation) untuk Optimisasi clusters. Selain versi Installasi, tersedia juga versi Portable.

Support : Windows 2000/XP/2003/Vista/2008/Seven
Download  QuickSys Disk Defrag

Untuk perbandingan mana yang terbaik, AJ sendiri belum sempat mencoba dan mengetes mana yang terbaik. Silahkan berbagi informasi jika sudah atau mencoba salah satu program diatas.

Mengatasi 40 Eror pada Windos XP dengan XP Quick Fix Plus

Ada begitu banyak program gratis windows untuk memperbaiki dan mengembalikan kesalahan umum yang sering terjadi di windows XP. Tetapi ada waktu ketika kita hanya ingin memperbaiki salah satu error windows dengan hanya satu klik saja, seperti misalnya mengembalikan Task Manager atau Registry Editor.

Untuk hal itu, kita bisa menggunakan freeware ini, XP Quick Fix Plus.

XP Quick Fix Plus merupakan program kecil dan portable (tidak perlu install) yang berfungsi untuk memperbaiki kesalahan (error) umum yang sering terjadi di windows XP. Program ini mempunyai tampilan yang sederhana, sehingga sangat mudah digunakan. Disertakan 40 fungsi untuk memperbaiki error umum yang sering terjadi.

Program yang hanya berukuran sekitar 584 KB ini cukup praktis untuk disertakan dalam flashdisk dan dijadikan aplikasi standard. Di antara fitur-fiturnya adalah sebagai berikut (total terdapat 40 fitur):

• Mengaktifkan task manager yang tidak bisa dijalankan (disabled)
• Mengaktifkan Registry Editor
• Mengaktifkan Folder Options
• Menampilkan Run dialog yang hilang
• Mengaktifkan command prompt
• Mengembalikan My Computer Properties
• Mengembalikan Device Manager
• Boot.ini tab hilang dari MSCONFOG
• Error klik kanan windows
• CD/DVD drive hilang atau tidak dikenali
• Icon Turn Off hilang dari Start menu
• Mengaktifkan CD autoplay

Penggunaannya sangat mudah. Setelah di download, buka file zip-nya (extract) dan jalankan file lfx.exe. Ketika mouse di tempatkan di salah satu tombol, maka akan ditampilkan penjelasan dan fungsi lebih detail d bagian bawah. Klik saja tombol tersebut untuk memperbaiki error windows sesuai dengan yang informasi yang diberikan.

Selain meyertakan program dengan antarmuka grafis (GUI = Graphical User Interface), disertakan juga aplikasi command line qfc.exeE yang mempunyai 6 fitur, untuk memperbaiki Task Manager, Registry Editor, Folder Options, Run Dialog, My Computer properties dan tidak bisa menjalankan file-fle EXE.

Bisa download DISINI Gan.

Semoga bermanfaat!

The Morality of Child Labor

From the comfort of their plush offices and five to six figure salaries, self-appointed NGO's often denounce child labor as their employees rush from one five star hotel to another, $3000 subnotebooks and PDA's in hand. The hairsplitting distinction made by the ILO between "child work" and "child labor" conveniently targets impoverished countries while letting its budget contributors - the developed ones - off-the-hook.

Reports regarding child labor surface periodically. Children crawling in mines, faces ashen, body deformed. The agile fingers of famished infants weaving soccer balls for their more privileged counterparts in the USA. Tiny figures huddled in sweatshops, toiling in unspeakable conditions. It is all heart-rending and it gave rise to a veritable not-so-cottage industry of activists, commentators, legal eagles, scholars, and opportunistically sympathetic politicians.

Ask the denizens of Thailand, sub-Saharan Africa, Brazil, or Morocco and they will tell you how they regard this altruistic hyperactivity - with suspicion and resentment. Underneath the compelling arguments lurks an agenda of trade protectionism, they wholeheartedly believe. Stringent - and expensive - labor and environmental provisions in international treaties may well be a ploy to fend off imports based on cheap labor and the competition they wreak on well-ensconced domestic industries and their political stooges.

This is especially galling since the sanctimonious West has amassed its wealth on the broken backs of slaves and kids. The 1900 census in the USA found that 18 percent of all children - almost two million in all - were gainfully employed. The Supreme Court ruled unconstitutional laws banning child labor as late as 1916. This decision was overturned only in 1941.

The GAO published a report last week in which it criticized the Labor Department for paying insufficient attention to working conditions in manufacturing and mining in the USA, where many children are still employed. The Bureau of Labor Statistics pegs the number of working children between the ages of 15-17 in the USA at 3.7 million. One in 16 of these worked in factories and construction. More than 600 teens died of work-related accidents in the last ten years.

Child labor - let alone child prostitution, child soldiers, and child slavery - are phenomena best avoided. But they cannot and should not be tackled in isolation. Nor should underage labor be subjected to blanket castigation. Working in the gold mines or fisheries of the Philippines is hardly comparable to waiting on tables in a Nigerian or, for that matter, American restaurant.

There are gradations and hues of child labor. That children should not be exposed to hazardous conditions, long working hours, used as means of payment, physically punished, or serve as sex slaves is commonly agreed. That they should not help their parents plant and harvest may be more debatable.

As Miriam Wasserman observes in "Eliminating Child Labor", published in the Federal Bank of Boston's "Regional Review", second quarter of 2000, it depends on "family income, education policy, production technologies, and cultural norms." About a quarter of children under-14 throughout the world are regular workers. This statistic masks vast disparities between regions like Africa (42 percent) and Latin America (17 percent).

In many impoverished locales, child labor is all that stands between the family unit and all-pervasive, life threatening, destitution. Child labor declines markedly as income per capita grows. To deprive these bread-earners of the opportunity to lift themselves and their families incrementally above malnutrition, disease, and famine - is an apex of immoral hypocrisy.

Quoted by "The Economist", a representative of the much decried Ecuador Banana Growers Association and Ecuador's Labor Minister, summed up the dilemma neatly: "Just because they are under age doesn't mean we should reject them, they have a right to survive. You can't just say they can't work, you have to provide alternatives."

 Regrettably, the debate is so laden with emotions and self-serving arguments that the facts are often overlooked.

The outcry against soccer balls stitched by children in Pakistan led to the relocation of workshops ran by Nike and Reebok. Thousands lost their jobs, including countless women and 7000 of their progeny. The average family income - anyhow meager - fell by 20 percent. Economists Drusilla Brown, Alan Deardorif, and Robert Stern observe wryly:

"While Baden Sports can quite credibly claim that their soccer balls are not sewn by children, the relocation of their production facility undoubtedly did nothing for their former child workers and their families."

Such examples abound. Manufacturers - fearing legal reprisals and "reputation risks" (naming-and-shaming by overzealous NGO's) - engage in preemptive sacking. German garment workshops fired 50,000 children in Bangladesh in 1993 in anticipation of the American never-legislated Child Labor Deterrence Act.

Quoted by Wasserstein, former Secretary of Labor, Robert Reich, notes:

"Stopping child labor without doing anything else could leave children worse off. If they are working out of necessity, as most are, stopping them could force them into prostitution or other employment with greater personal dangers. The most important thing is that they be in school and receive the education to help them leave poverty."

Contrary to hype, three quarters of all children work in agriculture and with their families. Less than 1 percent work in mining and another 2 percent in construction. Most of the rest work in retail outlets and services, including "personal services" - a euphemism for prostitution. UNICEF and the ILO are in the throes of establishing school networks for child laborers and providing their parents with alternative employment.

But this is a drop in the sea of neglect. Poor countries rarely proffer education on a regular basis to more than two thirds of their eligible school-age children. This is especially true in rural areas where child labor is a widespread blight. Education - especially for women - is considered an unaffordable luxury by many hard-pressed parents. In many cultures, work is still considered to be indispensable in shaping the child's morality and strength of character and in teaching him or her a trade.

"The Economist" elaborates:

"In Africa children are generally treated as mini-adults; from an early age every child will have tasks to perform in the home, such as sweeping or fetching water. It is also common to see children working in shops or on the streets. Poor families will often send a child to a richer relation as a housemaid or houseboy, in the hope that he will get an education."

A solution recently gaining steam is to provide families in poor countries with access to loans secured by the future earnings of their educated offspring. The idea - first proposed by Jean-Marie Baland of the University of Namur and James A. Robinson of the University of California at Berkeley - has now permeated the mainstream.

Even the World Bank has contributed a few studies, notably, in June, "Child Labor: The Role of Income Variability and Access to Credit Across Countries" authored by Rajeev Dehejia of the NBER and Roberta Gatti of the Bank's Development Research Group.

Abusive child labor is abhorrent and should be banned and eradicated. All other forms should be phased out gradually. Developing countries already produce millions of unemployable graduates a year - 100,000 in Morocco alone. Unemployment is rife and reaches, in certain countries - such as Macedonia - more than one third of the workforce. Children at work may be harshly treated by their supervisors but at least they are kept off the far more menacing streets. Some kids even end up with a skill and are rendered employable.

Independence Day Costumes! Celebrate America's Birthday In Costume Style

For many of you asking why I'm writing about Independence Day costumes in the spring? My answer is simple, and with the Olympics in Torino already in full conclusion, and World Cup Soccer 2006 quickly approaching, many Americans are experiencing a real sense of pride for their American Athletes and country!

Being on a celebratory high, we start to focus our thoughts on the best American birthday that lands on Independence Day, and as you look forward to America's birthday event with spectacular fireworks, and exciting parties, the only next step now is to help you create your best theme with a unique patriotic costume to wear!

Whether your costume will be for your favorite parade, special event, or themed house party, having great pride in your national birthday is the reason why wearing national costumes in patriotic themes is not only fun, but is also an important way to express your pride!

From Adult To Kids Costumes! What Historical Costume Is Right For You?

When searching online you will easily come across a variety of costumes and the selections that can easily become overwhelming for you, and your costumes celebration choice will depend on the theme party or parade you're attending.

If you don't find what you're looking for in many of your local costume shops, you can quickly visit many fully stocked online costume supplier sites that will list numerous options for you to choose from.

All the costumes are listed in convenient categories, and instead of standing in long retail store lines, or getting frustrated because the perfect costume you wanted is already sold out, you can comfortably sit at home on your computer, find exactly what you want with a couple of clicks of your mouse, so you can spend less time trying to find the right outfit, and have more of your time preparing for the big party this year!
 

Memperbaiki Windows Seven dengan 7 Quick Fix 2.0

Untuk memperbaiki masalah windows, ada banyak software atau utility yang bertebaran di internet, mulai dari yang sederhana sampai yang rumit. Tetapi ketika kita hanya ingin memperbaiki satu atau dua masalah windows dengan sekali klik saja, ada software kecil dan gratis yang bisa dijadikan alternatif, yaitu 7 Quick Fix 2.0.

Seperti namanya, 7 Quick Fix 2.0 ditujukan untuk Windows 7 baik 32 bit maupun 64bit, tetapi bagi pengguna Windows Xp tidak perlu khawatir, karena ada software khususyaitu XP Quick Fix.

Berikut tampilan 7 Quick Fix, kategori Enable/Disable (masih ada 5 kategori lainnya).

Tampilan program ini cukup sederhana, karena hanya menampilkan tombol-tombol dengan nama sesuai fungsinya. Program ini menyertakan 108 fungsi atau perbaikan masalah windows yang sering terjadi dengan membagi fungsinya kedalam 6 kategori, yaitu :

• Enable/Disable, untuk mengaktifkan atau mematikan berbagai fungsi atau fitur bawaan windows yang bermasalah.
• Restore Missing Stuff, untuk mengembalikan beberapa fungsi windows yang hilang atau tidak tampil
• Performance, untuk meningkatkan atau memperbaiki performa beberapa fungsi windows yang bermasalah/lambat
• Error and Crashes, untuk memperbaiki berbagai error atau masalah windows
• Tweaks, seperti program tweaking lainnya, berfungsi menambah atau mengubah setting tersembunyi windows
• Associations, memperbaiki asosiasi file yang bermasalah, seperti tidak bisa menjalankan file dengan ekstensi tertentu.

Penggunaan

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 Penggunaan software ini sangat mudah, tinggal memilih fitur atau fungsi apa yang akan dijalankan dan klik, selesai. Ketika mouse di gerakkan diatas tombol, maka dibagian bawah akan dijelaskan lebih detail fungsinya. Setiap kita menjalankan operasi, maka akan dibuat backup setting atau konfigurasi sebelumnya, sehingga ketika terjadi efek yang tidak di inginkan, setting bisa kita kembalikan.

 

Backup ini akan berada di folder yang sama dengan program atau aplikasi 7 Quick Fix (QF.exe), sesuai dengan kategori masing-masing. Backup ini dapat berisi file registry, file ini atau file lain yang bisa dijalankan langsung untuk mengembalikan ke setting semula.
Agar berjalan sesuai harapan, disarankan agar program jalan sebagai administrator (klik kanan dan run as administrator).
 

Installasi

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Meskipun software ini dapat bersifat portable, tetapi untuk menggunakan pertama kali harus di install terlebih dahulu, kemudian jika ingin menggunakan sebagai aplikasi portable, hasil installasi ini bisa di copy atau disimpan untuk dijalankan dari komputer lain atau dari USB flashdisk.

Satu hal yang perlu diperhatikan ketika menginstall adalah adanya opsi yang akan menginstall Babylon Toolbar serta mengubah halaman website di browser. Untuk itu, pilih Custom Installation dan hilangkan semua cek dibawahnya (seperti gambar diatas).
Secara umum, software ini sangat bermanfaat untuk mengatasi berbagai masalah yang umum terjadi dengan Windows 7, apalagi ketika sudah menjadi software portable.

 Bisa Download DISINI

Flowers For U

There are many times when flowers are the perfect gift. There are specific occasions when flowers add just the right touch. Flowers are also used for decorating at weddings, receptions and parties.

Who doesn't like to receive flowers? Unless you have an allergy, flowers are one of the favorite gifts to give and receive.

There are birthday flowers, anniversary flowers, get well flowers, I'm sorry flowers, and new baby flowers. You can send flowers to remember special dates, to celebrate new homes and to wish people well with a new job or business.

Christmas flowers look beautiful above the fireplace or mantle. A Thanksgiving bouquet makes the table complete and an Easter basket loaded with tulips and other spring flowers looks lovely on the coffee table. Put a vase of Valentine roses next to your bed or send your Irish friend a St. Paddy's bouquet filled with bright flowers and greenery.

Even a vase of daisies brighten up the darkest winter day. Order flowers to welcome spring and to celebrate a graduation. Flowers can make an ordinary day less than ordinary and just a small bouquet makes a thoughtful gift.

A baptism is a wonderful time for a special bouquet. First communion or a confirmation is even more beautiful when flowers are sent.

Time for a wedding? You can choose from the most exquisite flower arrangements. Use flowers to decorate the church for the service. Plan gorgeous flowers for the bride and for all the attendants. Don't forget the groom and all the other family members and friends. You can use flowers at the receptions, too. Flowers will look wonderful on the tables and placed around the room.

If you are planning a party you may want to use flowers. Fresh flowers perk up a table and add flair to any party. You can use flowers in vases, bouquets, with candles and other decorating items.

Don't forget the other things that can be added to flower orders. You might have an occasion that calls for flowers and balloons, flowers and cookies, flowers and stuffed animals, etc.

For an excellent selection of flowers you should begin your search online. There are many sites that have fantastic flower arrangements and bouquets. You will be able to look at all kinds of flowers and then choose which ones you want.

Flowers can be used for many gifts and occasions. Don't forget the flowers when you need a gift or want to celebrate a special day or plan a party.

How to Reduce Spam in Your Inbox and Enhance Your Email Security

Spam is the internet's equivalent of junk mail. Spam is defined as an e-mail message sent to people without their consent or permission. Addresses of recipients are often harvested from Usenet postings or web pages, obtained from databases, or simply guessed by using common names and domains.

Spam is sent to promote practically any product or service ranging from "Adult" products to logo design for websites. It is also used by hackers to spread viruses or links to dangerous websites used to gather your personal information like credit card details or passwords for sites like Ebay or PayPal. To the average user these messages appear genuine. Even the link has a genuine looking domain name. This technique is known as "Phishing."

Here are some smart strategies and tips you can employ now to start reducing Spam and boost your email security.

- Configure your anti virus software to automatically scan your incoming email for viruses. Email is still widely used to distribute malicious software. Make sure you keep your anti virus software definitions up to date.
- If you are someone that frequently signs up for "freebies" or other stuff on the internet start using a separate e-mail account just for this purpose. Accounts from providers like Yahoo!, Hotmail, and Google's Gmail all come with generous storage as standard.

 - If sites don't accept free e-mail address from the services listed above then use a free disposable email service like Sneakemail - http://www.sneakemail.com.
- If you are posting your email to a blog or your website then submit it in a way that is only recognizable to a human. For example if your email is johndoe@hotmail.com then post it as "johndoe at hotmail.com".
- Never open a message from an address you do not recognize – always delete it straight away. This is especially so if there is an attachment. Never reply to a message as this only confirms the email address is "live" to the spammers.
- If you get an official looking message from your bank or Ebay or another site you are not sure is genuine here is what you do. Instead of clicking on the link embedded in the mail log on to the site normally via your browser. If there are any genuine serious problems you should get a message when you log on. Alternatively contact the site's customer service via the phone if possible.
- Consider using standalone spam filtering software. This software analyses your email for common characteristics of spam email including words like "click" or "teens." It also compares senders' emails against a "Friends List." Try Mailwasher for free here - http://www.mailwasher.net.

Slimming Fashion Tips For Plus Size Women

We all want to look our best, whether we're short and slim or tall and heavier. Here are a few tips I've collected for plus size women that will help us look our best.

Pants

Choose pants that are long enough for you. If your pants are too short, it visually cuts the length of your legs. The longer your legs look, the slimmer they'll appear.

Also choose pants that fit you well, not too tight or clingy. Fabrics that are too thin tend to cling to your legs and reveal bumps we'd rather keep out of sight.

Choose pants that are either boot cut, wider legged or flared at the bottom. The boot cut is slimming, while the wider cuts also add a slimming effect by keeping a visual straight line from our hips to our ankles. The worst choice would be a tight, tapered pant leg bottom as this enhances the width of your hips and thighs.

Capri pants are very slimming as well if they're the right length. Choose a style where the bottom of the pant ends a few inches above your ankles but below the widest part of your calves.

Skirts

Choose skirts that rest just above your knees. A mid-calf skirt cuts the length of your legs and draws eyes to the thickest part of your lower legs.

Again, proper fit is key here. Something too tight will visually enhance and draw attention to bulges that we'd rather not publicize. Also look for skirts that fit below the waistline if you have a thick waist.

Bras

A well fitted bra is a must for every woman. Not only to give support and comfort, but a too tight bra can pop out those back rolls like nobody's business!

If your cup size is not too large, consider trying a sports bra for a comfier fit that has adequate support. No wires here ladies!

Colors

Choose darker colors for areas you don't want the eyes to focus on and brighter colors for places you want to accentuate. Darker colors such as black and navy are very slimming and should be in every woman's closet.

Dressing from head to toe in one color is also very slimming as it makes a person look taller. Matching your pantyhose to the color of your shoes and skirts helps achieve this look.


Patterns

Stay away from large patterns and look for vertical stripes - thin is best. Thin stripes help give the illusion of length. Adding length helps give the illusion of a longer body, which helps you look thinner. Small, delicate prints can also be very flattering.

Fit

If your clothing is too tight, it accentuates and magnifies all flaws. If our clothing is too loose and baggy, we think we're hiding our size but the opposite actually happens: we magnify our size.

So many tips to keep in mind when shopping for new clothes! But the key points to remember are proper fit and visually lengthening fashions. We have so many options now in plus size fashions that we can find exactly what works best for our body types.

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Credit Cards: Why You Should Pay More Than The Minimum

In today's world of online shopping and bill servicing, credit cards have become almost an essential part of our everyday lives. No one would argue that they don't make life easier, but it's also true that they have a dark side in that it's all to easy to build up debt.

Of course, it's simple to advise against getting into debt by overspending with your card, but that advice is perhaps a little hollow for people who have already built up a balance. If you're lucky, that balance is not yet too much of a problem, but one almost guaranteed way of setting your debt on the slippery slope is to continue spending with your card while only making the minimum monthly repayment required by your card issuer.

Each month when you receive your statement, the minimum amount you have to pay will be clearly shown, and many people choose to have this amount repaid automatically through their banks. This makes it easy to keep your account up to date, and gives the illusion that you're keeping on top of your card balance.

The problem lies in the size of the repayment you're making. In the early days of plastic, the minimum repayment level was generally around 5% of the balance, but over the years this has drifted inexorably downwards with 2.5% to 3% being the norm nowadays, with some cards going as low as 2%.

Why is this a problem? Surely a lower repayment amount is attractive, as your credit will cost you less each month, putting less pressure on your budget? This is true to an extent, but the problem lies in the long term. To get an idea of how bad an idea only paying the minimum is, we need to look a bit more closely at your credit card statement.

As well as showing the familiar annual interest rate, or APR, your card statement will also show the monthly rate of interest charged on your balance. A typical card might show a rate of around 1.6% a month. In simple terms, this means that each month you will be charged 1.6% of your balance in interest. Compare this to a 2% repayment, and you'll see that over three quarters of everything you pay is swallowed up in interest charges, leaving your original debt virtually untouched

This situation is bad enough, but it gets worse when you consider that the interest rates charged on other ways of using your cards such as instant cash or overseas use can be much higher. Monthly rates for withdrawing cash, for example, can be nearly as high as the minimum repayment percentage. If you withdraw a significant amount of cash within a month, it's quite possible that the whole of your repayment can go towards interest, with your debt level not reduced at all.

So even from this quick look at repayment levels, it's plain to see that if you only make the minimum payment required on your statement, you'll be prolonging the life of your debt by many years and vastly increasing the amount of interest you'll be paying in total. How can you avoid this?

The best way is to set up automatic payment of the minimum, so that you'll be sure that every month you'll at least be staying within the terms of your credit agreement and not risking damage to your credit rating. Then, at the end of the month, make an extra payment of as much as you can afford without borrowing from another source. Even if you can't afford to pay a large amount, every little helps especially as all of it will count towards reducing your balance and not servicing interest charges.

Blogging- Developing a Readership

1) Quality Content – Interesting content will keep your readership returning. Update your blog regularly. Googlebot, which is Google's web-crawling robot loves content. The more you update your blog, the more frequent the search engine spiders will return to it.

2) Take part in blog exchange communities, like BlogExplosion and BlogClicker. Ask other bloggers for their opinion on your blog and take their suggestions to heart.

3) Publish an RSS/Atom/XML feed. If you're using Blogger, you can turn on RSS feed by clicking on settings in your dashboard and then clicking on site feed and make sure that your settings are set to yes.

4) Carefully choose your subject titles, taking into consideration what other internet users may be searching for. Use keywords in your title. I suggest subscribing to Word Tracker. Their report of the most popular searches is published each Tuesday and distributed to over 30,000 subscribers. Technorati.com , is a blog search engine that also lists the top search words. The more targeted your keywords are, the greater your return in search engines will be.

5) Involve yourself in commenting on other blogs. You can gain a loyal readership just by offering feedback to your fellow bloggers. The comment feature allows you to add a link back to your blog as well.

6) Be sure to include your blog address in forum signatures and in your email signature.

7) Submit your blog to directories. Submit your blog's url to Technorati, Daypop, Blogdex and Popdex.

8) Write articles. Include a resource box in your article and submit it to article directories such as iSnare.com

9) If you're using blogging software such as Blogger, there is an option to notify the central blog update services (such as weblogs.com) whenever you've made a new entry to your blog. Make sure that this option is turned on! In blogger, click on publish in your dashboard and make sure that your settings are set to yes under notify weblogs. Alternatively, you can go to ping-o-matic.com and send out a ping each time you update your blog. This lets everyone know that you've just updated your blog.

10) Link to other blogs. Use services like blogrolling, which is similar to linking. Blogrolling allows you to maintain an updated list of your favorite blogs. But, don't build a long blog roll of sites that you have no intention of returning to. There is nothing more annoying then visiting a blog that has a humongous blogroll.

Be patient, traffic doesn't happen overnight. The best way that I've found to increase traffic is by getting to know people. Spend what free time that you have, reading blogs, leaving feedback and building friendships. Try to leave comments on the blogs that you visit as often as you can. While you are waiting for the traffic to come, just enjoy blogging. You'll be improving your writing in the process. Eventually you'll build a network of not just readers, but friends and loyal supporters. Blogging is not just about marketing; it's about creating lasting relationships.

French Cheese Can Add A European Touch To Your Entertaining

France is certainly in the forefront of cheese manufacturing, with over 500 varieties of cheeses that are made in this region alone! While many of these cheeses are of the soft variety, French cheeses can actually be a healthy alternative to some of the cheese favorites that are frequently served in the United States. French cheeses are lower in fat while packing in the flavor because of the higher water content in soft cheeses that actually keeps the fat count at a reasonable level.

These delicious varieties of cheese can be a great choice for everyday, by using them in pasta dishes and sprinkled into salads. They also work well for entertaining, on platters offering a variety of cheeses with crackers and crusty breads for spreading.

French Cheese and Other Foods

French cheeses make a nice complement to a number of different types of food, including breads, fruits and honey. Soft cheeses like the popular brie taste delicious when paired with fruits like blackberries or figs. Blue cheeses work well with a number of fruits, as well as a variety of nuts for maximum flavor and variety. Try a salad sprinkled with blue cheese and chopped walnuts for a delicious topping.

Semi-hard French cheeses are delightfully paired with fruits like pineapple, kiwi and cherries. Chutneys are another nice complement to many of the cheeses today, and you can make your own or buy them in a variety of gourmet shops. Try placing a bowl of chutney next to your cheese platter for guests to serve themselves.

French Cheese and Wine

It is hard to think about the delicious French cheeses without considering which wine is the best pairing. Wine and cheese go together like peanut butter and jelly, but the question always becomes which wine is the right choice? Red wines are often the clear choice with French cheeses, but there are many white selections that will work equally well.

The best rule of thumb to keep in mind is to avoid a wine that is too light to mix with the pungent aromas and flavors of the cheeses that you will be serving. It is also a good idea to limit the number of choices in cheeses that you place on your platter to ensure that the ones you select will work best with your wine selection.

Stronger cheese flavors will require a more full-bodied wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Shiraz. On the other hand, softer cheeses can be quite nice with a lighter and fruitier wine like Beaujolais.

When in doubt about the right wine to serve with your French cheese platters, ask someone at your local liquor mart for advice. Many of these stores will offer wine experts that will answer all of your questions.

Checklist For Campers

Whether you are a beginning camper or an experienced one, it's always good to have a list of camping equipment you need to take with you. In fact what I do is have a trunk-like plastic container filled with the non-perishable supplies that I always take camping. This way everything is ready to go. Once a year in the beginning of camping season, I update the items and do a supply check.

Food - It's a good idea to have easy to prepare food. Make a list before you go of meals you want to prepare and go shopping. You can always check the internet for good camping recipes. Have on hand dry condiments such as salt, pepper, spices, sugar, and powdered cream. Be sure to bring staples such as coffee, bread, potatoes, catsup, mustard, onions, bacon, eggs, and marshmallows. Camping convenience foods you may want to include are granola bars, instant oatmeal packs and peanut butter and jelly for quick eating. Don't forget something to drink.

Sleeping Equipment - As you are aware, the tent is a very important part of camping. Make sure it is waterproof and has a canopy for rain run off. Include a tarp or ground cloth for under the tent. Make sure the tent is always stored in a dry place to keep it free of mildew. Include sleeping bags to keep you nice and warm and an air mattress to keep you off the ground. Don't forget the pillows.

Lighting - There is nothing worse than walking around a campsite without light. Bring a lantern either powered by propane or batteries. Include a good heavy duty flashlight and it's always good to have a spare one. Don't forget the extra batteries

Cooking Utensils - Include a frying pan, camp stove with fuel, pot with lid, grill, spatula, coffee pot and tongs.

First Aid Kit - A great ideas is to put together a waterproof container filled with the following supplies that you keep stored with your camping equipment and is always ready to go. Be sure to include Tylenol or other pain reliever, antibiotic cream, antiseptic, band-aids/bandages, tweezers, allergy medicine if needed, sunscreen lotion, bug repellent, antacid tablets and a box of pre-moistened towels such as baby wipes.

Personal Items - Once again it's a great idea to keep these items stored in a waterproof container for easy accessibility. Include bar of soap, hand sanitizer, shampoo, toothpaste and toothbrush, razor and shaving cream, deodorant, comb/brush, makeup bag, washcloth and towels.

Miscellaneous Supplies - Here are some things that will help make your camping experience a good one.

• Water bottles
• Tools such as hammer, screwdriver and pliers
• Aluminum Foil
• Paper plates, napkins and plastic knives, forks, and spoons.
• Paper towels
• Trash Bags
• Tablecloth
• Charcoal
• Fire starter log
• Matches
• Small shovel
• Duct tape for emergency repairs
• Compass
• Small shovel
• Pocket knife
• Weather radio
• Dishpan, scrub pad and dish soap

Bring along your camping reservation and directions to the campground and your good to go camping. Have fun camping! 

Motorcycle Tips for the Beginner Riding Enthusiast

There are many options available to the burgeoning motorcycle riding enthusiast. There is help though. The following tips will help to point a beginner in the right direction. Hopefully you will come to enjoy motorcycle riding like so many other people in this world.

The smell of lightweight oil, the rumble of the seat, the slight hint of octane perfume lingers in the air as you slip on your motorcycle helmet. You have your motorcycle boots on, and a rain suit packed on your motorcycle luggage rack. You ease the clutch out slowly and rev the throttle slightly, gliding forward, like a large self propelled ice skate.

The moment is yours. You have all of your motorcycle gear and apparel and have taken off into the wild blue yonder on a journey for your soul. The road and you become one, with your motorcycle as the medium, for your transitive state of mind. Your blood begins to race through your veins, your heart racing in tune with the engine. The vibration of the engine massages every muscle in your body at once. There is really no other feeling that comes close to riding a motorcycle.

If you are a beginner rider there are some attributes about motorcycle riding that you should consider. The first is motorcycle gear, and motorcycle apparel. You should always wear a motorcycle helmet. Motorcycle boots are a nice addition as well. But why stop there? Buy a second set of motorcycle apparel as safe keeping in your motorcycle luggage rack. There may be times that you will need to change clothes on a long trek through the countryside.

You probably won't need to buy multiple motorcycle helmets, unless you have a partner with you for the trip. In which case, there is a definite reason to make sure that you have enough motorcycle luggage storage space. All of your motorcycle apparel can be stored neatly in a motorcycle luggage trailer. Other options available for motorcycle luggage are motorcycle sissy bar bags, motorcycle saddle bags, leather tool bags, and leather windshield bags.

 Motorcycle boots have evolved over the century or so of motorcycling's history. There are many different styles and colors to choose from today. A popular style of motorcycle boot used to be WWII combat boots. They were durable, had high sides to help protect from muffler burns, and were water resistant to help protect against the occasional puddle.

Many types of motorcycle gear have been made for todays motorcycle riding enthusiast. From mechanical additions to the motorcycle itself, to additional motorcycle gear for the rider. There are leather and textile jackets, rain suits, leather sissy bar bags, leather tool bags, eye goggles, leather and textile gloves, leather and textile pants, chaps and boots. In sizes ranging from young to old, short to tall, a multitude of choices await you when you purchase your next set of motorcycle apparel.

When purchasing your motorcycle gear, motorcycle apparel and motorcycle boots, remember to get some leather cleaning products for all of your new motorcycle gear. This will help to ensure that the gear you have now, you will have for years even decades to come. There may be many types of leather cleaning products available, but talk to the owner of the shop from where you purchased the motorcycle apparel, and they should be able to point you towards a proven product. After all, they have to keep all of that leather clean while it waits to be boughten from a consumer.

Corsets, Waist Reduction and Corset Comfort

Corsets and Waist Reduction

By wearing a tightly-laced corset for extended periods-a practice known as tightlacing-men and women can learn to tolerate extreme waist constriction and reduce their natural waist size. Tightlacers usually aim for 40 to 43 centimetres (16 to 17 inch) waists. The Guinness Book of World Records records two instances of women reducing to 15 inch waists: Ethel Granger and Cathie Jung. Other women, such as Polaire, also claim to have achieved such reductions.

These are extreme cases. Corsets were and are usually designed for support, with freedom of body movement an important consideration in their design. Present day corset-wearers usually tighten the corset just enough to reduce waists to dimensions that range from 18 to 24 inches.

Corsets and Corset Comfort

Moderate corset lacing is not incompatible with vigorous activity. In fact, during the late nineteenth century, when corset wearing was common, there were sport corsets specifically designed to wear while bicycling, playing tennis, or horseback riding, as well as for maternity wear.

Many people now believe that all corsets are uncomfortable and that wearing them restricts womens' lives, citing Victorian literature devoted to sensible or hygienic dress. However, these writings were most apt to protest against the misuse of corsets for tightlacing; they were less vehement against corsets per se. Many reformers recommended "Emancipation bodices", which were essentially tightly-fitted vests, like full-torso corsets without boning.

Most modern day corset-wearers will testify that corsets can be comfortable, once one is accustomed to wearing them. A well fitted corset should be very comfortable. Women active in the Society for Creative Anachronism and historical re-enactment groups commonly wear corsets as part of period costume, without complaint.