Earn CLEP Credit During Summer Vacation
Earn CLEP Credit During Summer Vacation
While many college students use their summer vacations to kick back and relax, they could put this time to better use by getting ahead in their education. And they needn’t darken the door of a classroom to make these educational gains. A wise student will use her summer vacation to study for CLEP exams and then gain college credit by testing out of the subject material.
The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) offers 33 exams on a variety of subjects, ranging from American Literature to College Algebra. Students can earn anwhere from 3 to 12 credits for each exam. And each CLEP test costs only (increasing to on July 1, 2010). CLEP offers a real bargain considering the ever rising cost of tuition and fees at public and private universities across the nation.
Some students choose to study for these CLEP exams on their own, using a textbook or other study materials. Others find it most effective to study in a group setting. Still other students prefer to enroll in a test preparation course, where structured study materials streamline the CLEP exam study process. Traditionally offered at local study centers, CLEP exam test prep courses are now being offered in an online format. These online courses provide a convenient option for students who are juggling work and study or for those who lack geographic proximity to a test prep center. Of course, many students simply prefer the self-paced freedom of studying from the comfort of their own home.
The advantages of pursuing CLEP exams are numerous. Of course, as mentioned before, the financial savings are significant. But the student also saves precious time. A student can usually study for and pass a CLEP exam in much less time than he would spend taking a traditional college course. Additionally, the student doesn’t have to waste long hours attending boring lectures for subjects in which she has no interest. Using CLEP to breeze past basic courses will enable the student to spend his time at college focusing on subjects in his desired major.
To get started on your CLEP summer pursuit, log on to the College Board’s website and determine if your college accepts CLEP credit. To determine this, simply use the College Board’s CLEP College Search or call your academic advisor. Next, you should browse through the course descriptions of the various tests that CLEP offers. Decide which tests you would like to take, and then register to take the exams at your nearest CLEP test center. Next, decide whether you’d like to study on your own with a textbook or by enrolling in an online test prep course. Then, get to studying!
After putting in the hard work of spending your summer studying for CLEP, you’ll receive fruit for your labor in the way of many hours of CLEP college credit. When it comes time for fall registration, you’ll be thankful for each CLEP tests that you took as you bypass the rigors of many hours of college coursework.
It Adds Up: This Was New York’s Hottest Summer
There was no cataclysm that defined the summer, but the average temperature, 77.8 degrees, was a record.
Beware The Summer BBQ!
Beware The Summer BBQ!
Now that it’s summer, it’s almost impossible to avoid the ever-popular summer BBQ. Some of our favorite meals are cooked over charcoal, but we still need to be aware that many of the traditional ’summer’ foods are packed with fat and calories!
Isn’t it ironic that some of the ‘fattest’ foods make their debut in the summer when we’re all trying to fit into that bathing suit?
So which traditional summer foods will break the belt?
HOT DOGS. Although they’re small, the typical hot dog contains about 30% of your daily saturated fat intake! At about 180 calories each, hot dogs may seem quite harmless until we realize that 140 of those calories are from FAT. Don’t forget that the average hot dog bun has 110 calories, which boosts the total to 250 calories per hot dog.
HAMBURGERS. Ground beef comes in all sorts of varieties, from ‘full-fat’ to ‘low-fat’. You’ll pay more for the low-fat version, but it’s worth it. The average hamburger has about 275 calories and 12 grams of fat (includes the bun). That’s slightly less fat than the hot dog, but more calories. “The secret to keeping the burger lean is to avoid the high fat toppings such as mayonnaise, bacon, cheese or sauces and instead, garnish simply with ketchup, mustard, tomatoes, onions and relishes” (Source: Ontario Cattlemen’s Association). Pile on the high-calories toppings and you’ll boost the calorie count to 800 or even higher!!
POTATO CHIPS. A summer BBQ just wouldn’t be a BBQ without the chips! But while we’re enjoying the crunch, we’re putting on the pounds. Many brands of potato chips contain about 150 calories per serving. Doesn’t sound like much? Consider that what they call a ’serving’ is really one ounce…..11 chips. Here’s another way to look at it: each SINGLE potato chip provides a bit more than 1% of your daily recommended fat intake!
So what’s a summer-BBQ-lovin’ person to do? Relax! There’s no need to avoid the fun this summer! By just making a few creative adjustments to the menu, we can enjoy the family picnic while keeping our diet under control.
Try fruits, veggies and baked beans instead of chips. We all know the health benefits of eating more fruits and vegetables, so focus on those instead of full-fat potato chips. High in fiber and low in calories, these choices will help us feel full without putting on the pounds.
Try a ground turkey patty instead of a hamburger. It will save you more than 100 calories, and it’s really not bad tasting! Be sure to look for SKINLESS ground turkey, which has far fewer calores than just ‘ground turkey’.
Consider putting some boneless, skinless chicken breasts on the BBQ instead of beef. Lower in calories and fat, chicken breasts are a good choice for any event.
Don’t forget about fish! The choices are almost endless, and the health benefits are overwhelming. Put some salmon on the BBQ and enjoy! “We recommend eating fish (particularly fatty fish) at least two times a week. Fish is a good source of protein and doesn’t have the high saturated fat that fatty meat products do” (Source: americanheart.org).
Finally, watch the drinks. High-calorie beverages like lemonade and Kool-Aid boast between 60 and 100 calories per glass, and sometimes even more. A single can of soda usually contains about 160 calories. Choose low-calorie drinks like iced tea (unsweetened) or just plain old water.
With just a little effort, the summer BBQ doesn’t have to add inches or pounds! Choose healthy, low-fat and low-calorie foods instead of the traditional fare and keep those pounds off!
Have a GREAT summer!
Tracie Johanson is the founder of Pick Up The Pace, a 30-minute
exercise studio for women, focusing on fitness, health and
nutrition for maximum weight loss. For more information please
visit letspickupthepace.com.
Copyright 2005 Pick Up The Pace. No information in this article
or on our website should be used to diagnose, treat, cure or
prevent any medical condition.
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Top Stiletto Styles Of The Summer
Top Stiletto Styles Of The Summer
Stiletto shoes have always been a weakness for men and make women who wear them almost irresistible. There is nearly a secret code among modern women that they must keep a pair of sexy heels around. Sexy high heels give women’s legs the illusion of looking more lengthy.
With summer right around the corner, it is time to get a pair of high heel sandals and be in style. This particular style of heel is very versatile and the perfect compliment to any woman’s wardrobe because it will go with anything. This season the choices are seemingly endless for high heels as there are so many cute and flirty styles available.
With summer right around the corner, many stores have increased their inventory and are carrying heels in many different designs and styles. With so many choices it is hard to imagine that the perfect pair of shoes cannot be found for every woman. To help aid in the search below is a list of some of this season’s top shoes.
‘Fronttime’ Style High Heels by Nine West
The shoe is available in 5 sexy colors. Nine West really made a splash this season with this ‘Fronttime’ style and the shoe will definitely turn heads. Not only does the shoe look fabulous, but it is so versatile that it will work flawlessly with nearly any outfit and is bound to give the wearer mountains of confidence.
With a leather upper part, adjustable strap, and buckle closure, the “Fronttime’ heel is not only incredible comfortable but also gives a hugging fit. The heel is covered and gives the wearer a 4 inch boost while beautifully elongating the legs. Padded insoles make this masterpiece as comfortably fun to wear as to show off.
‘Lezlie’ Pumps Designed by Steve Madden
These shoes designed by Steve Madden are redefining sexy. These unique sexy pumps will make you burst with confidence and a new sex appeal you never knew you had. They are available in a variety of colors including black, burgundy, and green styles. These sexy new shoes will compliment almost any outfit.
As if the style wasn’t enough, the shoes are lined by leather with pony hair accents. Padded insoles help to keep the wearer comfortable and to keep the shoe evenly distributing weight so as to minimize stress on the wearers feet.
There is a range of styles available for the heel including mid-sole mini platform, a 4 inch stacked heel, or even one can opt to go with a covered variety. The heel design can come in printed fabric and the shoe can also feature accessories such as a buckle affixed to the toe area.
Twiggy Sling-backs Designed by Oh Deer!
Perfect for clubbing and partying, the Twiggy sling-back sandal designed by Oh Deer features shine and a flirtatious style that keeps the wearer in the center of attention. This heels can be matched perfectly with evening wear and gives that extra spice to one’s wardrobe. One thing is for sure, the heel is bound to turn heads.
Stiletto pumps are a big deal this year. So be learn where the best deals on black stiletto pumps are and don’t be left out.
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Boston woman diagnosed with West Nile, first case this summer – Boston Globe
 TopNews United Kingdom (blog) |
Boston woman diagnosed with West Nile, first case this summer
Boston Globe A 46-year-old Boston woman has been diagnosed with West Nile virus, the first human case of the mosquito-borne virus in Massachusetts this summer, public health authorities said today. The Boston Public Health … More West Nile Cases As Health Concerns Grow West Nile Virus sickens Boston woman West Nile infections raise preparedness concerns in Europe |