Driving Down Risk for Younger Motorists

Younger drivers aged 17 to 21 are more at risk of accidents than any other age group. There are more penalties for speeding than ever before and insurance premiums are becoming more expensive each year. This article looks at the management of risk whilst driving.

The risk factor can never be fully eradicated from driving. Every time we get into a car and move away we are taking a risk as we cannot foresee what will happen next. Risk is an important part of human development and we all react to it in different ways depending upon our personality and the situation we find ourselves in. the secret to safe driving relies on the control of risk rather than ignoring it or simply shrinking away and avoiding it altogether.

The younger age group are more willing to take risks as they are at a developmental stage where they are trying to find out where their limits are. This can translate into reckless driving and carelessness with the inevitable consequences. I have seen former pupils speeding around and going against everything they were taught during their driving lessons. They listened at the time and were successful in passing their test but the message did not stick. The sense of freedom and self identity which goes hand in hand with gaining a driving licence overrides any previous teaching. It seems rules and advice are ineffective against our natural impulses to seek excitement and danger.

At the other end of the scale we see younger drivers who fear risk and will do almost anything to avoid it. Fear of emerging at junctions or even of moving off on a hill in case they roll backwards are symptoms of an inability to control risk. A dependence on being warned in advance or denying the element of risk altogether play a part in making a driver unsafe on the road. The timid driver is unpredictable and slow which can be a danger to other motorists. This can be seen on the road when drivers hold up traffic and invite others who are impatient into dangerous overtaking. Knowing there is risk involved in a task and managing it helps us to function well and gain a sense of self control. This is the middle ground we are looking for when it comes to good driving.

Younger drivers need to be taught active risk management from the very beginning of their driving career. When risk is neither feared nor embraced it can be controlled and decision making made all the more easier. Peer pressure will always be a factor for younger drivers especially males and this can be hard to account for as they are willing to allow others to tell them what level of risk is acceptable for fear of ridicule. Younger drivers need to have an idea of personal responsibility and this could be instilled if traffic education was on the school syllabus and they were taught about attitudes to driving from a young age.

Protect Your Car and Yourself With Insurance

It is a lot more important than you think it is. While you may not give it much attention, having the proper car insurance for your vehicle can make a big difference if you are ever involved in some kind of incident. Whether it is the fault of someone else, you lost control on a slippery road or an animal happened to cross your path at the wrong time, it only takes an instant for something to happen, and it is at that point that you begin to think about your insurance coverage. It is best to think ahead and protect your car and yourself with insurance.

There are many things involved in a policy that you should be aware of. All the intricacies and small print should not escape your attention. Take heed of everything written in your policy so you are always sure of what you are covered for and what your costs may be.

There are many discounts that you may be eligible to receive. Perhaps you have not had any accidents and you are entitled to a safe driver discount. Maybe your car has some special safety features that give you a percentage off your policy.

Finding out about additional added benefits that you can have on your policy is always a good idea as well. Many insurance companies offer things like roadside assistance, towing coverage and glass coverage as things you can add on to your coverage. Other options may be available to you as well.

If you ever are in an accident, you need to know that more than just repairs need to be covered. If there are injuries as a result, making sure you have something like bodily injury liability could be important. You may also want to consider having additional coverage in case the offending driver is uninsured.

Making sure you have the proper protection is something that people take for granted. They very often do not fully understand everything in their policy. Taking the time to have everything explained to you properly can make a big difference in the type of coverage you want.

When seeking out an insurance for your car, consult with an expert to give you the best advice. A professional can help you go over your existing policy and suggest changes that can be made. You may come out of that meeting feeling better about yourself and your coverage.

How to Secure Your Small Business with a PIX Firewall

One of the more popular firewall products for the small business market is the Cisco PIX 501. Out of the box it requires just a few configuration entries and you are up and running.

In this guide, we will walk through the steps for configuring your brand new pix at the network edge.

This guide is written for the user who has no knowledge of the PIX firewall. As such, it is not a treatise on network security, but a quick, by-the numbers guide to configuring a PIX firewall with as little jargon as possible.

We are assuming that you have an internet connection with at least one static IP address. While the PIX can easily handle a dynamic IP address (that is the default configuration), you won't be able to easily configure remote access, VPNs, Mail, or web servers without a static IP address.

Your PIX should have come with an AC adapter, a yellow CAT 5 cable, an orange CAT5 cable and a flat, (typically) baby blue cable with a 9-pin serial connector on one end and an RJ-45 plug on the other.

The yellow CAT5 cable is a standard Ethernet cable and is used to connect your pc or server to the 4-port Ethernet switch built into the PIX. The Orange CAT5 cable is a cross-over cable and may be required to connect the outside interface of the PIX to your ISP's router (if your PC's or workstations are plugged into a Cisco switch inside the network, you will also require a cross-over cable for connecting to one of the switch ports on the PIX).

What we are going to use for our configuration is the baby blue rollover cable. Insert the serial jack into one of the serial ports on the back of the PC or laptop you will be using to configure the PIX. Then, insert the RJ-45 plug into the port on the back of the PIX labeled "console."

Windows has a built in application that is used for (among other things) configuring serial devices. Using the start menu, go to Start > Programs > Accessories > Communications > Hyper Terminal.

Choose the Hyper Terminal application. You may get a dialog box asking if you'd like to make Hyper Terminal your default telnet application. Unless you have a preference, go ahead and choose yes.

Then you will be asked for the area code from which you are dialing, although it isn't applicable here, the program still wants to know, so fill it in and click 'next' or 'ok.'

You can call the connection anything you'd like; in this example we'll use PIX. Click 'ok' to move on.

Next, we'll be asked to enter the details for the phone number we'd like to dial. Since we aren't dialing a phone number, use the drop-down selector at the bottom of the box to choose COM1 or COM2 (whichever is applicable). If you have no idea which one is which, you may need to try it both ways.

Now, you will be expected to tell the application some specifics about the port settings so that it can effectively communicate with the PIX.

Luckily, it isn't too complex, just remember 9600, 8, none, and 1. Enter these settings into the drop down selectors of the box on your screen.

Now we are ready to set up the PIX. Insert the power cable and you will be greeted with the startup monologue (it's not a dialog in this case; it's just informing you of what is occurring).

Then, you will be greeted with a screen that asks if you'd like to program the PIX using interactive prompts. For the purpose of this exercise, type no and click 'enter'.

You will now get a prompt that looks like this: pixfirewall> Type the word 'enable' (no quotes), when prompted for the password, just click 'enter' as the default is no password.

The prompt has changed to a hash mark: Pixfirewall# Type the phrase 'configure terminal' (no quotes); you are telling the PIX that you want to enter the global configuration mode and you will be doing your configuration via the terminal window.

Your prompt will now look like this: pixfirewall(config)#

The first thing we want to do is give your pix a host name. The PIX command syntax is: Variable name

Thus, to set the hostname we will enter: pixfirewall(config)# hostname mypix

Now, the domain name; it's alright if you don't have a domain set up on your network, you can call it whatever you like. However, give some thought to whether a domain might be a possibility at some point and plan your naming scheme appropriately. pixfirewall(config)# domain-name mydomain.com

As you can see from the configuration above, the ethernet0 interface is the outside interface, with a security setting of 0, while ethernet1 is the inside interface with a security setting of 100. Additionally, you can see that the interfaces are shutdown. All we need do to bring them up is enter the speed at which they should operate. As they are Ethernet interfaces, any software version after 6.3(3) will take 100full, prior to that, use 10full.

pixfirewall(config)# interface ethernet0 100full pixfirewall(config)# lnterface ethernet1 100full

Now to assign an address to the inside and outside interfaces; the ip address command sets the ip address of an interface. The syntax is as follows: Ip address

An example might be as follows: Ip address outside pixfirewall(config)# ip address outside 12.25.241.2 255.255.255.252 (this IP address, netmask combination should not be used, it is shown here for example only. Use the IP address/mask given to you by your ISP).

Then the inside IP address ip address inside pixfirewall(config)# Ip address inside 192.168.0.1 255.255.255.0

A brief word about IP addressing is in order here.

One way that is used to conserve public IP addresses is through the use of non-routable IP addressing blocks specified in RFC 1597. You may sometimes hear them referred to as "private" IP addresses, which is fine, but not quite technically accurate. There are three different blocks to choose from: 10.0.0.0 - 10.255.255.255 with a netmask of 255.0.0.0 172.16.0.0 - 172.31.255.255 with a netmask of 255.255.0.0 192.168.0.0 - 192.168.255.255 with a netmask of 255.255.255.0

as long as your internal network's IP addresses are all within one of those blocks of address space, you will not need to introduce the complexity of routing within your LAN. An example scheme for those who are not familiar is shown below: PIX - 192.168.0.1 netmask 255.255.255.0 File/DHCP server - 192.168.0.2 netmask 255.255.255.0 Workstations - 192.168.0.10 - 192.168.0.254 netmask (each) 255.255.255.0 * I intentionally skipped over the 192.168.0.3-9 addresses to plan for future expansion and the possible need for additional servers, you don't have to do this. * Configure your DHCP server to hand out addresses in the specified block using your ISP-provided DNS servers for name resolution. Make sure to change this should you ever decide to install a name server within your own network. * If you don't want to set up a DHCP server, just configure each PC with the IP address, default gateway, netmask & DNS servers

It is very important now to add a default route to the PIX configuration. Another term for default route is the "default gateway." You need to tell the PIX that if it receives traffic destined for a network that isn't directly connected, it should send it to the connected ISP router. Your ISP should have given you the IP address of your default gateway when you received your setup information.

Here is the syntax: Route The English translation is "if packets destined for interface on the network specified by network address are bounded by mask then route it via a next hop at the optional command is used to give an indication of distance.

For example pixfirewall(config)# Route outside 0 0 1 (if packets are destined outside the network to any ip address with any netmask, send them through the ISPs default gateway, which is one hop away, meaning it is the device to which the PIX is connected on the outside interface).

To password protect your PIX in order to prevent unauthorized access, use something that is secure and hard to guess. Try to stay away from the names of spouses, children, pets, birthdays or other easily guessed variable. Whenever possible, use a combination of letters and numbers. The syntax is as follows (but please don't use cisco as your actual password) pixfirewall(config)# Passwd cisco (note the abbreviated spelling of the word password) this will set a password for basic access (rembember the pixfirewall> prompt?) pixfirewall(config)# Enable password cisco this will set the password for administrative access

Now that your PIX has been given a basic configuration, you should be able to access the internet, while preventing unauthorized access to your resources.

Basic Sailing Terminology: Through the Eyes of a Super Yacht Chief Stewardess

Basic Seamanship terminology!

A.

Aft: The back end of the yacht, also known as the stern. Anchor ball: Round black shape hoisted up forward to show that the yacht is anchored.

B.

Bow: The front part of the yacht also known as forward. Bow line: The line running from the bow when docking Bowline: Type of knot, produces strong loop. Very useful to learn if you safely tie of a tender. Bosun: A non-commissioned officer responsible for the deck equipment and the boss of the deckies. Beam: width of yacht at the widest point Bilge: The space or compartment at the bottom of the hull: usually contains storage, originally the space where water collects. Bridge: This is the location from which the yacht is steered, navigated and where the speed is controlled. It's also a great place to find the Captain.

C.

Cast off: To leave go. Capstan: A large vertical winch used to wind in anchors or tighten lines. Cleat: a fitting where lines are made fast. (Tied off). Cockpit: An opening in the deck from where the yacht is handled. (sail yacht).

D.

Deck Fittings: Those shiny items used to work and secure lines. Items include cleats, pad eyes and bits. Dead ahead: Directly in front.

E.

EPRIB - Emergency Position Indication Radio Beacon - Make sure you know where this is fitted, because this will save your life in an emergency.

F.

Fair lead: round opening used to put a line through to prevent it rubbing. Fire Extinguishers: You covered this in your fire fighting course for STCW95. Here are the basics again: Foam extinguishers - Class A & B - For use on solids and liquids on fire, found regularly in the interior. Powder extinguishers - Class A,B & C - Not usually found on-board because of collateral damage these do. CO2 extinguishers - Class B - Found in galley and near electrical Do not use on people as it creates frost-burns First mate: (chief officer) second in command Fender: An air filled bumper used to keep boats from banging into docks or each other.

G.

Galley: Kitchen. Gear: Ropes, blocks, tackle... general term for deck equipment. Gangway: Where people board and disembark the vessel... (Get on and off).

H.

Head: Toilet. Hull: Is the main construction of the vessel.

K.

Keel: The centre line of the vessel, (the back bone). Knot: The rate which you measure the speed. 1 knot = 1 nautical mile = 1.15 miles = 1.852 km

L.

List: angle of lean or tilt to one side (along length of ship this is called pitch) (LOA). Length overall: This is the measurement of the yacht along its centre line. Lazarette: The Garage where all of the toys are kept. Located aft of the vessel. Leeward: The side away from or sheltered from the wind. Opposite of windward.

M.

Master: Captain Muster station: The location where the crew and guests meet in case of an emergency.

P.

Passarelle : walkway ashore at stern of yacht Port side: The left side of the yacht when facing forward. The easiest way to remember the red light that is allocated to indicate the port side for navigational purposes is by remembering this little verse. "No port left in the bottle... (Port side is left and port the drink is red)'

S.

Starboard side: Is the right side of the yacht when facing forward and opposite to port-side.

Note: So you don't get confused with this remember when referring to the port and starboard side of a vessel it is when you are facing the bow.

Screw: The propeller. Scuppers: The drains in deck. Spring line: Used in docking to stop the boast moving forward or astern. Squall: Sudden and violent wind always with loads of rain. Stern: The rear part of the yacht

T.

Transom: the flat back panel of the yacht

W.

Windward: - In the direction that the wind is coming from. Opposite of leeward. Winch: used to pull up anchor and tighten bowlines.

The Different Types Of Internet Advertising

There are many different types of internet advertising available to businesses today. This type of advertising can be very broad reaching hundreds of people or specifically narrow capturing high potential customers of a niche market. Online marketing remains one of the best ways to reach customers and get your message to the masses. Here are a few types to consider when choosing to advertise online.

Banner ads are a great way to advertise online while paying a one time fee. Many ads are paid for upfront and remain on the web page for a specified amount of time. Some examples of these ads include floating ads and wallpaper ads. A floating ad is an ad that floats above the content of the web page. A wallpaper ad changes the background of the viewable content to your ad or logo. Pop up ads are also considered a banner ad, but might not be as viewable due to pop up blocker software.

Newer types of banner ads feature video and animation, instead of a static image. One type of this kind of ad is called a video ad and features moving video clips. Another type is a superstition ad that displays video using either flash or three dimensional content. These ads are more sophisticated and provide the target market with more of a television like advertisement.

Email can also be very effective in online advertising. Companies can display opt in options for customers through out their website. These opt in options are legitimate ways to obtain email addresses for this type of advertising. Once an email is obtained, companies can begin emailing newsletters and special offers to potential customers.

Social media marketing is on the rise and many companies are beginning to jump on board. The first way social media can be used is by advertising on the social media sites through banners. These sites continually receive heavy traffic and are often visited multiple times a day by the same person. This can also be a great way to target specific consumer groups.

The other way to utilize social media marketing is creating a presence on the social media site for your business, such as a profile or page. These types of pages make it easier to get a message out of a mass amount of people at little to no cost. Higher traffic numbers can be brought into your page by periodically offering specials. The cost effectiveness of this type of online marketing makes using social media a great way for small businesses to create an online presence.

The latest wave of online marketing is the use of mobile devices. Almost all mobile devices today have a way to quickly access the internet. Companies are beginning to take advantage of this by creating apps and mobile friendly websites. Both of these typically feature new products or weekly ads. Mass text messaging through the internet, similar to the emails previously discussed, are also being utilized today.

Internet advertising can greatly benefit a company's marketing potential. Most of the time, online marketing is very cost efficient, while still reaching a mass audience. These are just a few ways companies can utilize this special type of marketing. No matter which online outlet a company chooses, the benefits will far outweigh the cost.

Success Tips From Boxing

Ray Winstone, the London East End barrow boy, who became an actor famous for acting hard men, did some boxing when he was younger. He learned a key lesson from boxing which helped him in the acting world and which could help any of us in any situation.

"You would go into your corner and look at the man in the corner opposite you and you would say 'I can beat him' or look at another man and say 'I can't beat him.'"

Boxing taught you to learn to beat the man you thought you couldn't beat. Ray had about 88 fights and lost only 8 of them.

When faced with the challenge of acting the role of Henry VIII, Ray, at first, thought he could not act the part but then drew on his boxing experience and achieved what had seemed impossible to him.

I was not too convinced by his acting in this part but a lot of people were. He certainly portrayed the thuggish side of King Henry convincingly!

Another lesson from boxing is the way champion boxers keep punching even when their opponent seems completely untroubled by their best punches.

On Friday March 4th 2005, I watched Clinton Woods fight Rico Hoye for the IBF light heavy weight championship of the world. The fight took place at the Magna Centre in Rotherham, South Yorkshire.

Clinton landed one great punch after another but Rico Hoye seemed totally undisturbed by the powerful punches. He also landed a few good ones of his own.

Clinton kept patient and did not rush in to try to finish the fight too quickly. He knew that impatience could lead to disaster. If you charge in regardless you are likely to leave yourself open to a killer punch.

Round after round passed and the fight seemed totally even. Then suddenly, half way through the fight, the effect of Woods' punches manifested itself.

Hoye started moving slowly and staggering round the ring although he still kept up a brave attempt to defend himself. The referee stopped the fight and Clinton Woods, after four attempts, was now a world champion.

Clinton was 32 years old at the time of this fight and knew that it might be his last shot at the title. He was not the bookies' favorite but ignored his critics and trained harder than he ever had for a fight.

Boxing teaches that, if you keep on working hard and keep on fighting even if it seems you are getting nowhere, you can beat the man you thought you would never beat.

If you do the same thing in ordinary life you will achieve 'impossible' goals that have eluded you for years. You will know the same ecstasy that Woods felt after long years of struggle to become champion of the world.