Why A Bus Is A Smart Choice For Your Commute

Decades ago the tagline for the nation's largest cross-country bus line was, "Take the bus, and leave the driving to us." Those days are long gone and only a memory in the minds of the Baby Boomer generation. But as the saying goes, "What was old is new again." Except there's been a change, the destinations are different.

Instead of plotting a course to ride the bus across the country to visit family or vacation in an exotic location, today, it's all about making the commute to work. Not a commute across town, but a commute to a job that's as few as 10 to as many as 80 miles or more away from home. As people are faced with longer and longer commutes, taking a commuter motor coach is becoming the smart choice for several reasons.

For one, you can still "leave the driving to us." Instead of having to stare through the windshield of your car for an hour or more through all kinds of weather, traffic and mile after mile of the same view, you can sit back and relax. You can sit in a comfortable seat, read a book or magazine, visit with other commuters, catch up on work or just recline and take a nap. The best part is, you'll arrive at work and back at home rested and refreshed instead of hassled and hurried from fighting traffic.

Once you get to work, you don't have to drive around looking for that "perfect" parking space, pay for parking, or walk several hundred yards from a parking ramp or across a big corporate parking lot. You get dropped off at or near where you work more info. It may save you money too. Think of the wear and tear you're saving on your car. Fewer oil changes, tires are replaced less frequently, and you're saving tens of thousands of miles on your car. Some employers even supplement the cost of your commute.

Those are the advantages that help you. However, there is an even bigger global advantage. Traveling by motor coach is the most fuel-efficient means of travel per passenger-mile. That may sound surprising until you do the math. 56 people, traveling by motor coach achieve a mileage rating of 350 person-miles per gallon! A person driving alone in his or her own car is lucky to achieve 28 person-miles per gallon. That's a whopping 12 times more fuel-efficient. In the days when reducing our dependence on oil is so critical, traveling by commuter bus is a giant step forward toward oil independence. Add to this that more and more buses are being fueled by bio-diesel and the savings just keep adding up.

Planning how you can commute by motor coach is good for the environment too. When a commuter chooses the bus over driving a car an average of 12,500 miles per year, overall carbon dioxide emissions are cut by 4.3 tons per year. CO2 emissions are reduced by 85% per passenger-mile.

If you're making that tiring, expensive, inefficient commute mile after mile to work every day, there may be a better, smarter choice. Find a commuter bus line near you. Check out their routes and schedules. Help yourself, help the economy and help the environment. That old bus ad is truer than ever. Now you can "take the bus and leave the driving, maintenance, stress and improving the environment to us."

Love Sports? Why Not Visit New Orleans?

There's no better vacation, or lost weekend bang-for-the buck than an excursion to the ultimate party city of New Orleans, Louisiana! With sporting events like the Super Bowl, NFL home games with the New Orleans Saints, thrilling nights of NBA action with the New Orleans Hornets, or simply following your favorite PGA Golf favorites, this city has it all - plus some of the best food and music in the entire northern hemisphere! If you plan to "hit it hard" when you arrive, (as many do), just remember these four very important words: Party Bus: New Orleans. Why? Because keeping it safe is your best bet when you're traveling with your friends.

When attending any of the many sporting events available in The Big Easy, you'll have a better and safer experience if you're hiring a charter or limo bus. Our drivers know the area, the traffic patterns and the safest routes to get you and your comrades to and from your chosen venues - in the shortest amount of time - while you sit back and enjoy the ride.

Keep in mind that a trip to any city you're unfamiliar with can be as daunting as it is exciting. The last thing you're going to want to do is memorize shuttle bus routes and complicated schedules. And let's face it, after a night on Bourbon Street or partying at a sports complex, you may find that not all taxi services are going to be as "passenger friendly" as you'd like. Longer routes, overcharging or impatience with you and your partying buddies can often become unpleasant experiences. This is why a New Orleans Party Bus is your best choice when traveling with the gang.

A Charter Bus takes all of the guesswork out of your travel experience. Arriving at New Orleans International Airport, you'll be properly greeted and then guided directly to your shuttle bus, where you'll be safely transported to your hotel by a courteous New Orleans party bus driver.

Another option is to complete your New Orleans bus rental agreement locally, which will take all the hassle out of airport travel and security checks. Instead, your group can relax, converse or even sit back and watch a DVD movie on multiple monitors strategically positioned around the bus while you are transported to your destination. You'll arrive in New Orleans refreshed and ready to take on the town!

When you're not at your favorite sporting event, your New Orleans party bus rental can also take you on a tour of the renowned French Quarter, or perhaps a historical tour of the areas most affected by Hurricane Katrina might be of interest?

Why not take-in some fantastic music? As you know, the city of New Orleans is celebrated for its many jazz and blues havens along Bourbon Street more info. There's never any need to worry about "cutting loose" when there's a designated driver at your beck and call. You can enjoy any event with the peace of mind that you'll be safely returned to your hotel in the comfort of a climate-controlled coach bus by a courteous, professional driver.

Finally, sports fans don't forget about New Years Eve celebrations in New Orleans, as well as the ever-popular NCAA Sugar Bowl! In addition, New Orleans will play host to the 2013 NFL Super Bowl, so why not plan ahead?

There's never a shortage of things to do or sporting events to attend while in The Big Easy!

In fact, any event you may choose is made safer and much more convenient by a New Orleans party bus rental.

So take the guesswork out of your future travel plans by checking out our easy-to-navigate online reservation system, where you can choose your bus, get real-time access to price quotes. Due to the competitive nature of our business, always remember to book your New Orleans party bus in advance!

Crooners and Tony Bennett - There's Magic in the Mellow - A Look at the Music of Tony Bennett

Tony Bennett's smooth effortless musical artistry has been wowing audiences for over six decades. Now into his eighties, Bennett is still making records and touring the globe.

Born Anthony Dominick Benedetto on August 3, 1926 in Queens, New York; the singing legend has lived a true rags-to-riches life story. His father, a grocer and in poor health, died when Tony was just ten years old. The young Benedetto was musically inclined at a very early age. His musical heroes included Bing Crosby, Judy Garland, Al Jolson and Louis Armstrong. With the help of a Vaudeville connected uncle, Tony was performing the songs of his idols publicly by the age of ten.

Bennett fought in the final years of WWII where he narrowly escaped death on several occasions. Singing with the military band under the stage name Joe Bari, the young soldier played with many names that would go on to have big musical careers.

After leaving the army, he studied the 'bel canto' singing discipline at the American Theatre Wing, which was paid for by the GI Bill more info. This operatic discipline style of singing is believed to be what has kept his voice strong throughout his long singing career.

Still using the stage name of Bari, he recorded and released several songs with Leslie Records in 1949. The records did not sell. That same year he was noticed by singer Pearl Bailey and was asked to perform with her at Greenwich Village.

As fate has it, Bob Hope was in the audience and immediately recognized Tony's talent. Hope asked the young singer to come on the road with him but suggested a name change. Tony recalls, "...he asked me what my real name was, I told him, 'My name is Anthony Dominick Benedetto,' and he said, 'We'll call you Tony Bennett.' And that's how it happened."

By 1950 Bennett cut a demo of Boulevard of Broken Dreams and signed on with Columbia Records. He began his career a crooner, singing the pop hits of many of his idols. In 1951 Bennett hit #1 with Because of You, which held that place for 10 weeks and sold over a million copies. The song was produced by Mitch Miller and arranged by Percy Faith. This partnership proved golden for Bennett and the three worked together on Bennett's early hits.

In 1953, the young crooner hit it big again with Rags to Riches, which ironically is an autobiographical song for Bennett. The arrangement on this hit varied from his earlier releases in that it was a more up-tempo big band number with a brassy sound.

By the late 1950's rock and roll was hot off the presses and many pop/crooner artist were fading from the music scene. Bennett managed to remain popular during this time.

As many pop artist of that time experienced however, Bennett eventually suffered some decline and personal life challenges as well.

In 1962, Bennett's signature song, I Left My Heart in San Francisco was released. The song had only hit #19 on the Billboard charts but was popular on various other music charts and gave him more widespread exposure. The album of the same name and the single both achieved gold status and would become a Great American Songbook standard. The song went on to win Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Best Male Solo Performance.

Eventually starting his own record company (Improv) after leaving Columbia Records, he released two jazz albums and the hit single What is This Thing Called Love. The company eventually failed and Bennett moved to England for a short time.

Realizing that he was a singer not a businessman, he enlisted the talents of his son Danny to be his manager. That was the magical combination that catapulted Tony Bennett back to the mainstream with more success than ever before. By 1986, Bennett was re-signed to Columbia Records and released the well-received album, The Art of Excellence.

Not changing anything about his style, Bennett appealed to a younger audience. He says he thinks, "One of the reasons I'm popular again is because I'm wearing a tie. You have to be different." By not changing anything actually made him different with the younger generation.

Bennett's artistry is not limited to his vocal chords. He is an accomplished painter and his paintings are in high demand all over the world. Bennett has an extensive touring schedule but says he finds time to paint everyday. He's on top of the world and making the most of his twilight years. Timeless talent that supersedes age and change, Tony Bennett is living his Rags-to-Riches life to the fullest.

Darrell Berg-Smith, CEO of The Asian Regional Impact Initiative, is a professional speaker, author, consultant and entrepreneur who specializes in advising on Corporate Social Responsibility programs and cause marketing resources to NGO's and companies worldwide.

Darrell is also the founder of the Doctors For Cambodia Initiative and The Asian Regional Cancer Initiative... Non Profit Organisation working throughout South East Asia. They are always looking for new talented artists to help advance their career through cause marketing arrangements with these Initiatives.

Sir Anthony Hopkins Biography

Anthony Hopkins, born Philip Anthony Hopkins on 31st December 1937, is one of the most legendary and versatile British actors of all time, his award-winning film career spanning over 40 years.

Born in Wales, not far from another famous Welsh actor, Richard Burton, Tony, (as he likes to be called) was brought up living above the family bakery business, his bedroom overlooking the bright lights of a cinema. Hopkins is dyslexic and preferred art and music to the more academic subjects and so the shy, sensitive boy immersed himself in these subjects instead of paying attention to studying. Tony left school with one 'O' level in English. Hopkins' other interest was the cinema and by the late 1950's, Richard Burton was already a Hollywood star and when Burton returned home to Wales once, Hopkins went to get his autograph. This was a turning point for Hopkins, seeing how Richard Burton had got himself up and out of this little Welsh village and Hopkins aspired to follow in his footsteps in search of fame and fortune in America.

Hopkins won a place at RADA and was invited to join Olivier's prestigious National Theatre. In 1967 he was understudy for Olivier in 'Dance of Death' until Olivier was taken ill suddenly and Hopkins took the lead for himself, giving a very well reviewed performance which was quickly followed by a string of successful roles. The first tv film for Hopkins was 'A flea in her Ear', in 1967 in which Petronella Barker, whom Hopkins married that year, also had a part. Hopkins' proper movie debut followed in 1968 in the 'Lion in Winter', in which he gave a well-casted performance and was nominated for a Bafta more info. Having been a loner all his life, he did not take easily to the limelight into which success had thrust him and he started drinking heavily, although dedicated obsessively to his work at the same time.

Hopkins and his wife had a baby daughter, Abigail but the relationship soon began to falter and by 1972 they were divorced and Hopkins was separated from his daughter. His drinking and behaviour were getting progressively worse and 1973 saw him walk-out on the National Theatre. His fame grew nationwide when in 1973 he played the memorable Pierre in the tv epic 'War and Peace', for which he won a Bafta award.

In 1973 Hopkins married Jennifer Lynton, who supported him in his struggle against alcohol abuse and in 1975 Hopkins gave up drink for good. By the mid 1980's Hopkins had a string of films to his credit and the American dream had come true. Hopkins' versatility as an actor is immense and his ability to totally immerse himself in the diverse character roles is amazing. Hopkins' is a total professional where his work is concerned, he re-reads scripts hundreds of times if necessary and is not known for tolerating retakes. Numerous Bafta, and Golden Globe nominations were showered upon Hopkins, however working in America, began to take its' toll - Jenni, his wife could not see the attraction of the States, and so Hopkins concentrated on his UK career from the mid 1980's onwards. Anthony Hopkins is best known the world over for the role that catapulted his stardom to Oscar status in 1991 - Hannibal the Cannibal in 'Silence of the Lambs'. His American career had once again taken off, but this time on a grand scale. Hopkins finally had his Oscar and two more Lecter films followed, 'Hannibal' and 'Red Dragon'. The continuity of character in the three films is consistently brilliant and addictive but Hopkins claims to have hung up his Hannibal mask, who knows?

In 1993 Anthony Hopkins was rewarded with a knighthood and in 2000 he became a U.S. citizen, shortly after the end of his marriage. The Hollywood career just kept getting better, with 'Howards End', 'Remains of the Day', 'Shadowlands', 'The Edge' and 'Fracture' being notable, some attracting Oscar nominations.

Today, living in California, Hopkins spends his time composing music, painting and playing the piano - a man of many talents, a true film star and icon, a film director and composer of film scores, as well as an accomplished pianist and artist.

Finding Your Zone

You hear about it all the time, that 'zone' where athletes excel with apparently little or no effort. Footballers seem to attract the ball like a magnet and place it exactly where they want it with ease. An archer can't seem to miss his target, whilst the gymnast can't put a foot wrong.

In business, especially sales, too, 'the zone' is a well populated place. From deals that seem to close themselves to thorny scientific problems that are suddenly very clear, evidence of it abounds if you listen to the speech of the achievers.

There are two things to note about this 'zone' experience. First, it's no accident. Whatever the sport, the sportsman or woman who excels in the zone can only do so because of the years of training that have gone into building the skills and physical abilities needed to perform well. Without the background knowledge, no amount of raw talent will sustain 'zone' performance for any length of time. The rookie may experience this sense of infalllability briefly, but without time and training, the bubble will burst sooner rather than later.

Secondly, every one of us has a zone. We all have a talent within us that we are meant to hone and practice until it is second nature. For some this talent is obvious, such as singers, entertainers and other artists, sportsmen and journalists, even politicians.

For others of us, our talent may be less obvious to us. We may feel there is no one thing we excel at, or love doing above all others. Or we may just feel that our interests are not worthy of such attention.

Perhaps your first love is food, and you feel guilty for that because it's led you to be overweight, rather than being channeled into a career in catering, or even as a dietician more info. Or maybe you loved playing with plasticine as a child but your parents frowned on it, so your inner scultptor has been buried.

Maybe it's been so long since you even tried the thing you love, that you've convinced yourself you wouldn't enjoy it any more. For me, I loved writing poetry and short stories as a child, an activity my mum considered 'silly and pointless.'

The thing is, if you don't know what your passion is, how can you fulfill your creative potential. And if you do know what it is but never give it the time and effort it deserves to develop your skills, you are depriving yourself of that 'zone' experience.

And that's a crying shame, because most of us could and should live in the zone, or at least very near to it.

So what if you don't know what your 'zone' activity is? 

Well, here are some questions you can ask yourself to at least point you in the right direction.

If you had unlimited funds in the bank, and didn't have to work ever again for money, what would you do tomrrow?

Once you'd done all the usual stuff, like a blow out holiday, new home and furnishings, and bought a whole new wardrobe and car. What would you do then?

If money was no object how would you pass your time? 

Chances are there's something you would gravitate towards, whether it's something you already do but on a 'held back' basis, such a weekend golf or fishing, or something you have always fancied 'having a go at', whether tha's potholing or scuba diving or whatever.

If you were to take an evening class, what would it be in? Flower arranging? Cake Decoration? Brick Laying? Welding? 

What subjects did you like at school? Art? Drama? Geography? History? What were your childhood hobbies? Stamp collecting? Bug collecting? Skateboarding?

What gets you 'on your soap box'? In conversation, what topics get you going? When do you catch yourself debating your opinions? Are you a vegetarian? A conservationist? or just a conversationist? Do you love telling jokes or stories?

The point is there is something in your life that makes you come alive. If it's not obvious to you, ask your family and friends what subjects you talk about most, and use this as a starting point.