Posted: July 28th, 2011 | Author: Ellen S. | Filed under: Family and Leisure Travel, Guest Post, School Visits, Tips | Comments Off
The following is a guest post by Louise Baker who ranks online programs for Zen College Life. She most recently wrote about getting an online criminal justice degree.
TRYING TO FIND the perfect college for you can be a difficult process; you research, visit, and ponder about which college will be the best for you both personally and academically. Searching for colleges can be time consuming and exasperating. You may feel like so many colleges offer exactly what you’re looking for. At the thought of choosing the right college, you immediately feel anxious. Not to worry! Finding your perfect college is not impossible; when visiting it’s important to know the right questions to ask that will give you insight to whether or not a college is really right for you.
“What are your best programs?
Often, students ask the college whether or not a specific program is good. It wouldn’t be good for the college to put down it’s own programs, and as a result, most colleges will say that the program is good. In order to get to the bottom of things, it’s better to ask the college what their best programs are. If the program you’re interested in isn’t mentioned, you might want to consider taking the college off of your list of possibilities.
“Can potential students shadow current students?”
If you really want to find out what a college is like, staying with and following a current student around campus, to classes, the dining hall, and other important places, is one of the best ways to find out whether or not you truly like the college.
“How are the dorms protected?
Depending on where your college of interested is located, security can be extremely important. Make sure that you’re comfortable with the college’s answer to this question.
“Can I live off campus? When? Can I bring a car?”
Some colleges don’t allow freshmen to live off campus and some colleges don’t even allow you to bring a car for your first year. Although you may be perfectly happy living on campus, you may eventually seek a different living situation. If the college doesn’t allow you to bring a car, be sure to ask about what kind of transportation they offer, both for on and off campus trips as well as getting you home to visit on the holidays!
“What kind of extracurricular activities are offered?”
Remember that you’re not going to in class or studying all of the time. You’ll want your perfect college to offer extracurricular activities that you’ll be interested in.
Remember that your perfect college is out there. Good luck!
Posted: May 13th, 2011 | Author: Ellen S. | Filed under: Business Travel, Family and Leisure Travel, Guest Post, Just for Fun | Tags: Relaxing | Comments Off
Our friend Christopher Ford, Chief Mixologist at Party Mix, put together a suggested playlist for Fleet clients to listen to while flying. Christopher doesn’t just play music, he crafts together a moving backdrop customized for every situation.
I took my time pulling together a good, incredibly varied list of songs. Allman Bros. Fleet Foxes, Sinatra, Wagner, James Bond – wow! I was envisioning one of Fleet’s clients waking up and making their way to the hangar to fly one of Fleet’s planes – taking off and coming home – all in ten songs! I designed the list to be played from beginning to end. Each song works with the next, telling a story as you go on your journey.
- Fleet Foxes “Sun It Rises”
- Chantal Kreviazuk “Leaving On A Jet Plane”
- The Allman Brothers Band “Blue Sky”
- The Beatles “Flying”
- Seal “Fly Like An Eagle”
- Wagner “Die Walküre – Ride Of The Valkyries”
- John Barry Orchestra “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”
- Frank Sinatra “Come Fly With Me”
- Gotan Project “Triptico”
- Simon & Garfunkel “Homeward Bound”
From Park Avenue to Palm Beach Christopher Ford’s Party Mix™ has been providing great music, sound, theatrical lighting and FX for every occasion for almost a quarter of a century. At Party Mix™ they understand that no two events are ever the same. Each client is special, and their goal is to help make your special day just as unique as you are.
Whatever the size or the scope of your event Party Mix™ is always the best choice for you and your guests. Discover what they can do for your next party!
Posted: April 13th, 2011 | Author: Ellen S. | Filed under: Guest Post, Safety | Tags: Affordable, Relaxing | Comments Off
At Fleet, your physical safety from the minute you leave your house all the way to your final destination is our number one concern. But what about other kinds of safety while traveling? Our friends at People’s United Bank have some helpful tips for keeping your identity, finances and bank balances secure while on the road.
++++++++++++++++++
Going away for business or a personal holiday? You likely have your luggage packed, making sure to protect all valuables by placing them in carry-ons, rather than checked luggage. If you’re heading south, you also probably have your SPF lotion to protect your skin from the sun’s damaging rays. But what are you doing to protect your finances as you travel?
Below are some tips you should follow:
1. Take all transaction receipts with you when you use an ATM machine. Don’t leave a paper trail for strangers to find that might list your account balances.
2. Never write down your PIN code or other personal identifying information on your ATM card.
3. Use difficult-to-guess passwords on all your accounts. Never use passwords that relate to family names, birthdates or Social Security Numbers.
4. Travel with a light pocketbook. Don’t take any credit or debit cards that you know you will not need. Take only one debit and credit card. The less you have with you, the less you’ll lose in the event your wallet or purse is stolen.
5. When paying for purchases with either a debit or credit card, never let that card out of your sight and take your receipt.
6. In the event you do lose a card, call your bank immediately. The sooner you close the account, the sooner the thief will be unable to use your card.
7. Know the rules and restrictions on your bank accounts and credit cards for usage while you travel. At $2.00 or more each, ATM and transaction fees can really add-up.
If you have an Advantage Checking account from People’s United, you can protect yourself from all those bothersome ATM fees. As an Advantage client, all out-of-state ATM fees are waived. So protect your pocketbook and inquire about an Advantage account today at your nearest People’s United branch. With 340 offices throughout New England and New York, you’re sure to find one near you.
They are simple, but these tips can help protect you … and your identity!
Posted: April 5th, 2011 | Author: Ellen S. | Filed under: Family and Leisure Travel, Guest Post, Pet Travel | Comments Off
Fleet Aviation was recently featured on Stacy Knows – a popular lifestyle blog here in Westchester County, NY. Here are the highlights of “7 Smart Reasons to Fly Fleet Aviation”. You can read the full article here: http://stacyknows.com/2011/7-smart-reasons-to-fly-fleet-aviation/.
1. Never Miss a Moment
2. Depart From Your Backyard
3. Skip the Rush Hour Traffic
4. Keep Your Shoes On and Your Computer in it’s Bag
5. Lap Dogs and Great Danes Welcome
6. Lead a Jet-Set Lifestyle at a Fraction of the Cost
7. Spend More Time With Your Friends and Family
For details – visit the post (http://stacyknows.com/2011/7-smart-reasons-to-fly-fleet-aviation/) and follow Stacy on Twitter @stacyknows.
Posted: March 9th, 2011 | Author: Guest | Filed under: Guest Post, School Visits, Tips | Tags: Productivity | Comments Off
Planning a spring time visit to explore colleges with your teen? Here are five easy tips to follow that will enhance not only the quality of your campus visit experience, but also the quality of the information you seek:
1. Visit Your First-Choice School Last.
This tip comes from Eric and Cole Yaverbaum’s book, “Life’s Little College Admissions Insights: Top Tips from the Country’s Most Acclaimed Guidance Counselors.” If you save the “best” for last, then you’ll be well equipped to make that exact determination. Once you have a few college visits under your belt, you’ll be able to make a much better decision as to whether or not that first-choice is the right choice.
2. Don’t Visit More than Two Schools in One Day.
Visiting more than two schools in a single day requires scholastic stamina, a finely tuned transportation schedule, and perhaps a pair of running shoes. Sure, you can visit more than two in a day, but if you really want to get to know a school, you’ll need more than a drive-through glimpse of campus. Plan a visit so you’ll have time to talk with students and teachers, get your questions answered, and see more than the admissions office while your are there.
3. Let the Kids do the Talking.
College and university web sites usually already provide enough information to satisfy most questions on a parent’s list, so while on campus, give your teen some space and let him or her know it’s okay to ask questions. This may be easier if you split up. Have the teen go on the tour while you attend an information session, then switch off for the next round of events. Or, if more than one tour is going out at the same time, join different groups. Either way, encourage your teen to ask questions. The sense of autonomy may stimulate a deeper level of engagement in the college admissions process. At the very least, you’ll have something new to talk about on the trip home!
4. Ask the Tough Question.
It takes a little nerve to walk up to a stranger and try to get a conversation started, but you’ll find college students generally open to talking about their school. The dining hall or student center are good places to meet students. The question you may want to ask though, is not “What do you like about your school,” but just the opposite — “What DON’T you like about CollegeX?” You’re likely to find the answers to be refreshingly honest and unique.
5. Visit the Campus Bookstore.
There’s more to college bookstores than just books. According to Charles Schmidt, Director of Public Relations of the National Association of College Stores, “The college bookstore isn’t just for textbooks anymore.” Sure, they still sell textbooks, but in addition to books and t-shirts, you’ll also find a focus on services that range from computer repair to dry cleaning to tanning beds. Some stores are even expanding their wares to include locally grown fruits and vegetables or fair trade certified coffee, tea, sugar, and chocolate. A visit to the bookstore will definitely provide an insight as to what appeals to the students on any campus you tour.
*********
Z. Kelly Queijo is founder of Smart College Visit, Inc., a college visit planning resource for college-bound teens and their families.
Http://www.smartcollegevisit.com
Posted: February 10th, 2011 | Author: Ellen S. | Filed under: Guest Post, School Visits | Comments Off
College interviews should be an important part of the fact gathering process, for both the colleges and for the student. Not all schools require an interview, but it’s to your advantage to request one. It allows admissions to put a face with the name on the application and also offers the opportunity to provide more information than what is on the application. When admission time rolls around, there’s a good chance that you will have an advantage over someone who did not take the time to interview.
Be Prepared
The worst thing you can do is go into the interview unprepared. (I take that back, the worst thing you can do is go into the interview with a parent. Interviews are NOT a place for parents.) Read the college catalog before the interview to prepare for the questions and for the questioning. It’s also good to make a list of questions to ask and a list of things you would want the admissions officer to know. It’s like any interview: going in unprepared or cocky will have a negative result. If you are going to take the time to interview, you should also take the time to prepare.
Think About The Questions
Interviews are all about questions. The admissions officer will ask you questions and you will, in turn, have an opportunity to ask some questions as well. The officer can learn as about you through the answers and also through the questions you ask. Don’t ask questions where the answer can be easily found. Use this time to learn facts about the college that aren’t normally addressed in college catalogs or on their website.
Here is a sampling of some interview questions admissions officers often ask:
- Tell me about yourself
- Why are you interested in our college?
- What can I tell you about our college?
- Who in your life has most influenced you?
- What do you want to major in?
- What will you contribute to our campus community?
- Tell me about a challenge you overcame.
- What do you do for fun in your free time?
- What do you see yourself doing 10 years from now?
- Does your high school record accurately affect your record and ability?
- Recommend a good book to me.
- If you could do one thing in high school differently, what would it be?
- What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses?
- What experiences in your life have shaped you as an individual?
Here are some questions you can ask:
- What percentage of freshmen return for sophomore year?
- Are there tutors and/or a mentoring system for students?
- Does the college help students with internships during school and employment after graduation?
- Are there scholarships available that I need to apply for?
- Other than tuition, room and board, and books, what other expenses can I expect to have?
- What do you think is the number one reason freshmen struggle?
- What is your alumni association like and how involved are they on campus?
- What is it about your college that sets it apart from others like it?
- May I have your business card? (Note: ask when the interview is finished)
Make a Good Impression
Obviously, the interview is where you want to put your best foot forward. If you follow these simple tips, you will make a good impression.
- Arrive on time—being late disrupts schedules and shows a lack of respect.
- Dress appropriately—business casual is recommended
- Participate in the interview—don’t just answer “yes” and “no” to the questions
- Be yourself—don’t memorize a speech and spit it out like a robot
- Act interested—don’t say “You’re my back-up school” or “I’m here because my parents made me come”
- Do your research—know about the college before you go into the interview
- Tell the truth—never embellish or exaggerate
- Follow common rules of etiquette—shake hands, say thank you, and
- ALWAYS send a thank you note afterwards
Follow these simple tips and you should be able to ace the college interview and be on your way to an offer of admission.
**********************************
Parent college coach Suzanne Shaffer counsels parents in the college admissions process and the importance of early college preparation. As a parent herself, she knows the trials and tribulations—and is out to prove that with the proper preparations, any child can achieve his/her dream of a college education. Her Parents Countdown to College Coach blog offers timely college tips for parents.
Posted: January 17th, 2011 | Author: Ellen S. | Filed under: Business Travel, Guest Post | Comments Off
The combined efforts of former
New York Knicks superstar,
John Starks and his business partner, Gary Basciano, have created a place where the cigar enthusiast can go to unwind at the end of the day.
A few months ago, the Stamford Cigar Lounge opened its doors to the public and the response has been impressive. Selling their own
E. Zarzuela brand of cigars from the Dominican Republic, the lounge is outfitted with five flatscreen televisions and lots of couches and space to socialize or smoke. Though it is important to note, that the lounge, located at 75 Research Drive in Stamford, CT, is about more than just cigars.
“This just evolved more out of a passion; a love of the camaraderie of guys sitting together smoking,” said Basciano. “Cigar smokers are social and love to network.”
The desire to provide a place for people to come together and socialize over a good cigar was the reason that Basciano and Starks turned their passion into a business. Now it seems that their business has become a pretty wonderful place to “do business.”
Starks, long a Knicks fan-favorite, is well known for his skill with the basketball, but also spends time taking care of business on the golf course.
“Business gets done on the golf course, when you can talk and be relaxed. This is like being at the golf course,” he says of spending time at the cigar lounge. “This is the perfect place in the winter months to go and cut deals.”
Every day, friends and co-workers from all over show up to unwind and mingle with other folks who have stopped in to see what the lounge is all about. New friendships and associations are growing over a shared interest in cigars and new partnerships and ventures are being forged daily.
The lounge will always be open to the public, but will soon offer exclusive membership to those who are interested in member privileges like private humidor lockers. There is no fee to visit Stamford Cigar Lounge to network and socialize, however, while you are there, Basciano and Starks would love you to purchase one of their cigars to see what sets them apart from other brands.
With the holiday season underway, the lounge is a great place to stop in for a stocking stuffer or two for the aficionado on your list. Basciano and Starks both recommend the cigar developed by Starks himself, the “Dominican Legend’s” cigar. Individual cigars range from $4 – $12 and if you can’t get to the lounge, you can place an order by phone and have it shipped directly to you or your gift recipient.
The lounge is also available for events and will offer on-premise catering from
Marcia Selden Catering as part of their event package for businesses and corporations looking for a unique meeting or party space.
Fleet Aviation looks forward to working together with Stamford Cigar Lounge in the coming months to present some unique events for our friends and clients.
You can reach the Stamford Cigar Lounge at: (203) 359-6271
