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Sunday, 13 September 2015

How to Be a GOOD Backseat Driver

hink of everyone you know. Your friends, family, co-workers, and even the occasional hitchhiker are all people you choose as passengers. They're either good backseat drivers or unfortunately, bad ones.
As a driver you can choose who you allow in your car, and as a passenger you can choose how to react to your driver. Follow these tips and you'll not only avoid injuries, but expensive repairs and an insurance increase.
1. When in doubt: Say Something!
Though it seems the driver sees a potential threat, he or she may not. When you see a car breaking in front or a rogue driver merging, be sure to tell the driver. Be calm and concise with your warning. A verbal warning like "Watch out", "Car ahead", or a simple "Hey!" will get the driver's attention and could prevent an accident.
2. When the driver is tired: Wake them up!
Falling asleep at the wheel is one of the most common reasons for automobile accidents. If you're riding with someone who's low on sleep, play some music! Turn the radio to a station or song the driver knows and can sing along with. At the very least, something your driver can mumble incorrect lyrics or hum to. Avoid music that could lull them to sleep. Roll the passenger window down and, when possible, engage the driver in conversation. Keeping a driver in the moment and focused on the road is the key to safely reaching your destination.
3. Don't bother the driver.
The first two suggestions may make a reader believe that it's important to always let their driver know how they're doing. This is not the case. Let the person who's driving simply drive. Remember that you are the passenger and act accordingly. If your friend or driver wants to listen to a radio station or song you don't like, you can only do one thing: get over it! The best way to ensure you and your driver's safety is to let the driver be comfortable and at ease.
4. Do NOT engage the driver in elaborate stories or debates.
A long story with many details can easily distract a driver. Imagine reading a book. While reading, many people become completely consumed by their imaginations and immersed in the book's descriptive nature. Most people forget their reality entirely. This can also happen when a backseat driver tells their driver a long and involved story. Whether it's about your day, your girlfriend, or your disdain for organized government, you can easily distract the driver. This endangers your lives and the lives of those around you. No one wants to be in a devastating car accident over a political or religious argument.
Bottom line: Let the driver be the driver. Your job is to be a passenger. Benevolent backseat driving includes staying aware, knowing your driver, and recognizing their signs of sleepiness. Avoid unnecessary distractions and you'll avoid injury. And if you prevent an accident you'll hear the words, "Wow. thanks, dude."

A Brief History of Taxis

The history of taxis is something you may not think about as you're trying to hail one on a busy workday. However, this mode of transportation actually has an interesting background that stretches back as far as the late 19th century.
The Early Years
It didn't take long for a lot of people who owned automobiles in the late 1800s to start hiring them out. Even though the first taxis were odd-looking contraptions that had batteries weighing as much as 800 pounds, there were almost 100 of them in New York City by 1899. They did a great deal of business competing with horse-drawn carriages, since many people found them not only faster, but also quieter and a great deal cleaner. The first gas-powered cabs arrived in New York in 1907, but, surprisingly, they were imported from France and not built in the U.S. The 1920s saw an explosion in the taxis, as thousands of them were in use every day
This burgeoning industry needed regulation, and the Mayor of New York, Fiorello H. La Guardia, obliged by signing the Hass Act of 1937. The act forced cab companies to obtain licenses and also introduced the medallion system, which is still in use today. These are the small metal plates you'll see on top of the vehicle that certifies it is legally allowed to pick up passengers. The system helped the government keep track of not just the number of taxis, but the quality of them as well.
A Resilient Form of Transportation
Even though they faced serious competition from buses, subways and trains, taxis in New York remained a staple for millions of people. Approximately 12,000 of them were in service by 1950. While you may think that cabs have always been yellow, it actually wasn't until the 1960s that they were required to be painted that iconic color. This not only helped cut down on drivers working without licenses, it helped cabs become indelible parts of New York's culture.
Today, the cab industry is as robust as it has ever been. There are about 40,000 drivers in New York City alone, and millions of others throughout the U.S. and the rest of the world. Cabs have not just been the focus of sitcoms, they've also spurred countless news stories, advertising campaigns, and anecdotes. They've also changed in appearance; while there are still many sedans in service, they also come in SUVs and even mini-vans. An estimated 200 million passengers travel about 800 million miles a year, and pay fares totaling about $1 billion a year in New York alone.
While just about everything else in this world changes, hailing a cab remains as popular today as it was more than 100 years ago.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8815132

Top 10 Sights to See On Your Sardinian Vacation


A Sardinian vacation is a dream come true for many people, with a pleasant Mediterranean climate, rich culture and colourful history. If you want to make the most of your trip, you should add these notable sights to your itinerary of things to do and places to visit while on this wonderful Italian island.
1. Costa Smeralda - Located in Arzachena, this particular stretch of coastline has become a hotspot for tourists. With villas, resorts, marinas, shops and restaurants, this is the place to go if you want to kick back and really enjoy your Sardinian vacation.
2. Museo Archeologico - Located in Olbia, this museum is dedicated to the maritime and commercial history of the island as well as the conflicts between the Romans and the Carthaginians. Often you can even catch a concert while the exhibits are in progress.
3. Su Nuraxi di Barumini - Located in Barumini, this ancient bastion is one of the oldest and most impressive examples of Nuraghic architecture. The dressed stone and circular defensive towers offer quite the treat for the history lover.
4. Is Zuddas Caves - Located in Cagliari, these connected caverns are filled with hauntingly beautiful stalactite and stalagmite formations. There is even a formation that looks eerily similar to a pipe organ. As well, you can encounter the even eerier horizontal aragonite formations, which researchers have yet to fully understand.
5. Nora - Located near Pula, the ancient ruins of this site are recorded as the oldest on the island, and home to the Nora Stone - the oldest document mentioning the name Sardinia in the Phoenician alphabet.
6. Spiaggia Le Dune di Piscinas - Located in Arbus, this stunning beach brings forth the refreshing appeal of the azure sea coupled with mesmerizing views of sand dunes and inland vegetation. This particular beach is particularly attractive to visit if you manage to come during the off-season.
7. Le Bombarde Amusement Park - Located in Alghero, this amusement park is great if you are travelling with children on a Sardinian vacation. Aqua bumper rides, electric mini quad tracks, inflatable play areas and even trampoline areas make this a fun destination for the whole family.
8. Sa Sartiglia - Located in Oristano, this festive event is the Sardinian version of "Carnivale". It comes complete with equestrian events and its own "king of celebrations" - Su Componidori - who appears replete in an implacable white mask and representative of the duality of many things in life.
9. Basilica San Gavino - Located in Porto Torres, this former cathedral is built in the proto-Romanesque style of vaults and rounded arches. While the structure itself is a simple but delightful example of early Roman architecture, it is worth noting that the church allegedly houses the remains of martyrs venerated through the ages.
10. Tenute Olbios - Located in Olbia, this winery offers guided tours covering the wine-making process as well as a wine-tasting event where you can sample classic local vintages. You can even expand the tour to cover the vineyard and sample cheeses, antipasti and salumi - a definite must for foodies on a Sardinian vacation.
Carolyn Spinks is COO of ABTOI - The Association of British Travel Organisers to Italy. If you're looking for the perfect Sardinian vacation their LoveItaly website provides destination information, contact details of tour operator members to help you plan the best Italian holiday, 'insider' tips, year round special offers and information on everything from beach holidays in Sardinia, cycling in Sicily, to a wedding or honeymoon in Tuscany.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8815738

Exploring the Lesser-Known Region of Molise, in Italy

Tucked down in the southern part of Italy, right above the spur and boot, is the coastal region of Molise. This is the youngest region in the country, as it only split away from its neighbour in 1963. Italian villas in this area are perfect for exploring the Adriatic Coast, with its beautiful blue waters and Mediterranean vegetation just a stone throw away.
Although the region is not one of the most popular ones, this actually benefits the independent traveller. Here, you can still feel like you are discovering something new, exciting and authentically Italian. Villas near the sea make a great base to explore the coast, while those nearer the Apennine Ridge will take you into the heart of the Italian countryside. While you are in the region, there are some places that you simply must visit, including Campobasso, Isernia, and the National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise.
Campobasso
Thought to have been founded prior to the 8th century as a fortified village where the castle now stands, Campobasso still provides an outstanding and imposing city that you can visit while staying in one of the excellently located Italian villas around Molise. The old town is home to the Castle Monforte, which was rebuilt in the 16th century by Count Nicholas II Monteforte, after the epic earthquake. The large castle is an impressive symbol of the city, with its square ramparts and panoramic views. Besides the castle, the city also boasts a cathedral, built in 1504 and reconstructed in 1805; the Romanesque Church of Saint Bartholomew; and the 12th century Gothic church of San Giorgio. You should also stop in to the Museo del Presepe, in the old town, to learn more about the antique recreations of the nativity scene.
Isernia
Still reflecting the layout of an ancient Roman town, Isernia is a must see if you are interested in history. The town was founded some 700,000 years ago, and in fact is home to some of the oldest human remains ever found. Though the city has faced a lot of destruction over the centuries - with earthquakes and wars - it was and is resilient. While there, be sure to stroll along the streets, taking note of their distinct layout, then head out to see the Fraterna Fountain, which was built in the 13th century out of Roman ruins.
The National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise
Often still just called Abruzzo National Park, the national park that covers these three regions is vast and filled with an interesting variety of flora and fauna. Staying in Italian villas near the park gives you the perfect excuse to enjoy some of the most unspoiled natural preserves in the country. Founded in 1922, the park now plays an important role in the conservation of animals like the bear and wolf. The best way to explore the park is by a horseback ride or cycling tour, which will allow you to really experience the wild spaces.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8815924

Top 10 Sights to See On Your Sardinian Vacation


A Sardinian vacation is a dream come true for many people, with a pleasant Mediterranean climate, rich culture and colourful history. If you want to make the most of your trip, you should add these notable sights to your itinerary of things to do and places to visit while on this wonderful Italian island.
1. Costa Smeralda - Located in Arzachena, this particular stretch of coastline has become a hotspot for tourists. With villas, resorts, marinas, shops and restaurants, this is the place to go if you want to kick back and really enjoy your Sardinian vacation.
2. Museo Archeologico - Located in Olbia, this museum is dedicated to the maritime and commercial history of the island as well as the conflicts between the Romans and the Carthaginians. Often you can even catch a concert while the exhibits are in progress.
3. Su Nuraxi di Barumini - Located in Barumini, this ancient bastion is one of the oldest and most impressive examples of Nuraghic architecture. The dressed stone and circular defensive towers offer quite the treat for the history lover.
4. Is Zuddas Caves - Located in Cagliari, these connected caverns are filled with hauntingly beautiful stalactite and stalagmite formations. There is even a formation that looks eerily similar to a pipe organ. As well, you can encounter the even eerier horizontal aragonite formations, which researchers have yet to fully understand.
5. Nora - Located near Pula, the ancient ruins of this site are recorded as the oldest on the island, and home to the Nora Stone - the oldest document mentioning the name Sardinia in the Phoenician alphabet.
6. Spiaggia Le Dune di Piscinas - Located in Arbus, this stunning beach brings forth the refreshing appeal of the azure sea coupled with mesmerizing views of sand dunes and inland vegetation. This particular beach is particularly attractive to visit if you manage to come during the off-season.
7. Le Bombarde Amusement Park - Located in Alghero, this amusement park is great if you are travelling with children on a Sardinian vacation. Aqua bumper rides, electric mini quad tracks, inflatable play areas and even trampoline areas make this a fun destination for the whole family.
8. Sa Sartiglia - Located in Oristano, this festive event is the Sardinian version of "Carnivale". It comes complete with equestrian events and its own "king of celebrations" - Su Componidori - who appears replete in an implacable white mask and representative of the duality of many things in life.
9. Basilica San Gavino - Located in Porto Torres, this former cathedral is built in the proto-Romanesque style of vaults and rounded arches. While the structure itself is a simple but delightful example of early Roman architecture, it is worth noting that the church allegedly houses the remains of martyrs venerated through the ages.
10. Tenute Olbios - Located in Olbia, this winery offers guided tours covering the wine-making process as well as a wine-tasting event where you can sample classic local vintages. You can even expand the tour to cover the vineyard and sample cheeses, antipasti and salumi - a definite must for foodies on a Sardinian vacation.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8815738