How to Master Your To-Do List

How to Master Your To-Do ListHow to Master Your To-Do ListFace it, we all have a lot to do. On any given day, our to-do lists include Work responsibilitiesHome responsibilitiesSchool schedules and activitiesErrandsPhone calls How do you keep track of it all? If youre like fruchtwein people, not as effectively or efficiently as you could. Is your office full of yellow notes stuck to every surface?Do you have separate to-do lists? One for home and one for the office? Or perhaps you have multiple lists for each?Do you grab envelopes or even napkins to jot down things that pop into your head while you are driving?How many different notepads are on your desk right now that include action items or to-dos? Be honest.Is your purse overflowing with scraps of paper that include jotted to-dos or phone messages?What about your kitchen counter? Is it full of notes, grocery lists and personal to-dos? To manage your to-do lists in the most efficient way, consolidate them into one master list. Time management expert Kenneth Zeigler is a big proponent of using a master list. In his book Organizing for Success, he says, The purpose of a Master List is to get everything out of your head. A master list is a journal of thoughts and activities as they occur. The mind can organize what you need to accomplish more effectively when it can see everything you need to complete. How to Get Started Find the right tool - You need to find a tool that works for youto capture your consolidated master list.Some may find that a simple notepad does the trick. Others may want to use a spiral notebook specifically designed for tracking tasks. Consider using an electronic note system such as Evernote.?Make sure the tool is portable - As to-dos pop into your head, you need a place to record them so make sure the tool you choose is portable. If youre using an electronic note system, carry a small notebook with you at all times to record thoughts, ideas, to-dos and commitments. You can transfer the se to your electronic note organizer at the end of the day. Consolidate all of your lists - Once youve selected the right tool, gather all of your various to-do lists. Transfer all tasks and items to your new master list. Dont worry about putting them in any particular order. You are simply capturing in one place every single thing you need to do. Dont be surprised if your master list is quite long.Adding to your master list - As you go throughout your day and think of things you need to do, add them to your master list. As you are assigned tasks, add them to your list. As your children tell you about things they need for school, add them to your list. As you think of errands you need to run, add them to your list. Your Daily Action List Either the night before or first thing each morning, review your master list. Select the tasks, jobs and commitments that must be done that day and transfer them to a daily action list. Remember to be reasonable about what you can actually acco mplish that day. Your daily action list becomes your working plan for the day. Ongoing Maintenance On a regular basis, your to-do list now works as follows You have one master list for all to-dosAs you go through your day and think of or are assigned additional tasks, add them to your master to-do list.Each day, you will review your master to-do list and transfer todays priorities to a daily action list. Periodically, evaluate your master list. You may find, due to cross-offs and additional notes that have been added to the margin, that it makes sense to copy the remaining outstanding items to a new master list. Dont throw away the old list. Keep it for historical review and future reference. By following this process, you will find that you are more efficient, more on top of tasks and that youre getting more done.

This Is Why You Missed Out On That Great Job

This Is Why You Missed Out On That Great JobThis Is Why You Missed Out On That Great JobThank you again for giving us the opportunity to consider you for a position with our organization. However, we regret to inform you that we will not be moving forward with your candidacy for this role. We wish you all the best in your job search.Thats an email no one likes receiving, especially after going through a dog-and-pony show of the phone vorstellungsgesprch, in-person interview, and even a 2nd in-person interview. When the opportunity feels like a perfect fit, it can be emotionally draining to find out they went with an internal candidate, they put the position on hold, theres no longer a budget for it, or to hear basically no real reason at all.If you never find out the actual reason why you werent selected, its easy to turn inward, filling in the blanks with something negative about yourself. You dont have the degree or certification, there was that gap in your employment timeline from a few years back, or some other reason. However, imperfect candidates get hired every single day of the week, so dont hang your hat on something about your own history that youre worried about. The reality is, the reasons they didnt hire you likely have nothing to do with you specifically or personally.The Timing Just Didnt WorkA question I frequently hear from candidates has to do with whether its better to apply when you first see a job posted, or shortly before the role closes if you know when that is. Youre only going to know that if the closing date is posted. Otherwise, theres simply no solid way youre going to be privy to the internal workings of the organization, nor to the thought process of the hiring decision maker.Ive had candidates find out that by the time they applied, the company was already in the final stages with 2 other candidates. That has nothing to do specifically with my candidate whose qualifications were great. It simply has to do with where they were in the process with other people.The Company Shifted Its PrioritiesSometimes, we decided to go in a different direction, has to do with the company or department as a whole, not necessarily, we decided to go in a different direction without you.That happens. So heres what you do be gracious in thanking the company, and make sure to stay in touch with the relevant people. Connect with them (notice how Im saying them there is always more than 1 relevant person for you to connect with in an organization) on LinkedIn, or follow them on LinkedIn. If youre still on the job hunt in 60 days, circle back to them. You may just be the reminder they needed, and they may be ready to resume the discussion about how your qualifications can help them at this time.Someone Else Was mora QualifiedI get it you were a perfect fit and you could have done that job 10 years ago with your eyes closed. That may be true. But perhaps someone else came in just a shade better than you just a shade. Does this me an you were terrible? Absolutely not.More importantly, does it mean that the rejection email is the period at the end of the sentence? Also, absolutely not. Todays, no, could really just mean, not yet, or not this role.One thing Ive talked about in other posts is to elevate your mind from job search to company search. A rejection regarding a job opportunity should not be the end. View the organization itself as an opportunity. If you like them, keep a sharp eye out for similar roles, and dont feel bad about applying for multiple roles within the same organization. Theres absolutely nothing wrong with doing this. Keep on the radar of the companies you like, and keep in contact with the connections youve made, rather than always trying to ferret out some brand new opportunity at a different organization.Heres whats important even though being rejected is always disappointing, change your attitude about it, and dont take the rejection personally. Take a deep breath in and keep moving f orward.If you want to see what winning candidates do to land interview after interview and ultimately get hired in the roles they actually want, we lay it out for you step-by-step in 5 Secret Job Search Hacks For The Age 50+ Job-Hunter.This is where we demonstrate how mature, experienced candidates beat the overqualification and age discrimination hurdles. You can rack up one success after the next and move forward in your job search consistently until you land the role you need. Register today.

All the Scientific Proof You Need to Convince Your Boss to Let You Work From Home

All the Scientific Proof You Need to Convince Your Boss to Let You Work From HomeAll the Scientific Proof You Need to Convince Your Boss to Let You Work From HomeI know a lot of people want, need, or just prefer to work from home. Im no different. In fact, Im writing this from my home office right now.Im super fortunate that work-from-home days are part of ourbenefits package at The Penny Hoarder, but some bosses still need convincing. If yours is one of them, maybe this news will help sway them.The Considerable Benefits of Working From HomeStanford Business Senior Editor Shana Lynch recently wrote about theresults of a study conducted by Stanford geschftlicher umgang professor Nicholas Bloom, who tracked employees at Chinese travel agency Ctrip to help the company understand the impact of workplace flexibility.Ctrip solicited worker volunteers for a study in which half worked from home for nine months, coming into the office one day a week, and half worked only from the office, expl ains Lynch.The performance of employees who worked from home shot up by 13%.Bloom attributes the increase to two things. He says workers concentrate better when they work from home and are more likely to work a full shift when they arent dealing withcommutes, long lunches, and other distractions.The study also discovered the rate of resignations at Ctrip dropped by 50% when employees were allowed to work from home. The company also reported it made about $2,000 more profit per work-from-home employee.So, lets recap Employees who work from home perform better, are more focused and less distracted, quit less often, and increase a companys financial profit.On a larger scale, work-from-home options help conserve oil, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and save companies buckets of money. (Apparently, anything is possible when employees are allowed to work from home. It probably also relieves dry skin, promotes hair growth, and cures bad breath. Those things just havent been studied yet.)An yway, if the results of Blooms study arent enough to convince your boss that employees should be able to work from home, laythese additional benefitson them. You can also obere extremitt yourself with proof thatworking from home increases productivity.If your boss wont go for remote working at all,try negotiating for a shorter work day. Still no luck? Dont let it get you down. In reality, only about7% of US workplaces offer telecommuting benefits.And to be perfectly honest,working from home isnt always as awesome as it sounds.Except when it is.This article was originally published on The Penny Hoarder. It has been republished here with permission.

How Chunking Improves Work Efficiency and Productivity

How Chunking Improves Work Efficiency and ProductivityHow Chunking Improves Work Efficiency and ProductivityAs managers, we spend too much of our day trying to fit mora work into less time. A common response for overworked professionals at all levels is to attempt to multitask by performing multiple activities at the same time. The problem is that multitasking doesnt work. Why Multitasking Isnt the Most Effective Approach For example, imagine that as you brush your teeth in the morning, you start thinking about the agenda for a big meeting later in the day. It doesnt take much of your brains processing power to brush your teeth, and you might be able to concentrate on the agenda while mechanically handling your morning teeth cleaning task. But what about two tasks that require more of your brains capacity? You might be talking on the phone while youre preparing breakfast. You may get both tasks done correctly, but the opportunity for mistakes due to lapses in attention is large. Chunking as an Alternative to Multitasking Chunking describes how human memory utilization works. It is important to remember this concept as we look at completing several tasks simultaneously. We are, in fact, switching between them rather than doing them at the same time (although, in the case of brushing your teeth, it may seem like they are simultaneous). Imagine you are on the phone when someone walks into your office. They ask for your advice or a quick decision on an issue. You stop listening to the person on the phone briefly, scan the note in front of you, scribble a response, and go back to the phone call. You did not do the two activities (phone call and in-person conversation) at the same time. You actually did three tasks in sequence started the phone call, had the in-person conversation, and then resumed the phone call. Just as in the breakfast example above, you could have gotten both of them done better, and in less total time, if you had done them one after the other instead of at the same time. The reason is that as you begin each task, you have to focus on it and get started. The Ineffective Start-Up Time of Multitasking When you started the phone call, you had to think about it, find the phone number, and make the call. When you were interrupted, you had to figure out what the person wanted from you to be able to give them a decision. Finally, when you resumed the phone call, you had to remember where you left off. You might even have had to say, Oops, sorry, someone walked in. What were you saying? The more starts and stops you make during the day, the more of these time-consuming start-up moments you have. These moments are non-productive time. If you have a daily report to prepare, the start-up moment is probably pretty short compared to that for the report you only do quarterly. Still, if you are preparing that report and you get interrupted, you have almost the same length of time for start-up each time. Lets say, for example, you can write a report in 30 minutes without any interruptions. However, it can take several hours if unplanned tasks and interruptions pop up throughout the day. This substantial delay often doesnt come so much from the actual interruptions as the time it takes to restart the report over and over again. Why You Should Try Chunking OK, sometimes you have to multitask. Your job may be operational, so what is better than multitasking? Chunking is better for productivity. Chunking is the concept of breaking up your day into larger chunks instead of reacting to constant interruptions. The more chunks of time you can devote to specific tasks, the fewer start-up moments you will have, and your efficiency improves commensurately. Since you wont be spending as much time in start-up moments, you will have more time, and you will get more done. As a bonus, since you will be able to focus on the single task at hand, you will do it better. As a sidebar, project managers long ago figured out the power of this technique and created their own version of chunking via the work breakdown structure process. How to Get Started With Chunking at Work So, how can you start chunking? Start small until you get the feel of it. Pick a single task, perhaps your weekly report.Set aside the 30 minutes you know it will take.Close your door or put up a sign that reads Genius at work or something like that and then concentrates on the report and nothing but the report.Ignore the phone.Dont check email.Just write the report. Attempt the same with phone calls, employee meetings, and other regular activities. Focus, chunk your days out, and after a few weeks of practice, you will feel and be more efficient. The Bottom Line Dont waste so much of your time trying to multitask. Instead, make yourself more efficient and more productive by chunking. While the term is awkward, the concept is effective. Updated by Art Petty

Be the First to Read What an Old Pro Thinks About Myperfectresume Reviews

Be the First to Read What an Old Pro Thinks About Myperfectresume Reviews You may have a look at the prices, functionality, and the amount of templates and features. So far as features are involved, it is a lot more versatile. The program is web-based instead of downloadable, and the variety of features, along with the websites connectivity and convenience, are not simple to beat. You also receive the choice to settle on a template from the bunch of beautiful resume templets out there. The Little-Known Secrets to Myperfectresume Reviews Builders are available in all shapes and sizes. Our resume builder is the quickest approach to create a resume that will allow you to get your fantasy job. Naturally, the rates are a lot cheaper since basically, you are the person doing the job. Take time to ensure your dates are in bestellung and can easily be legible at a glance. It is possible to also carry out an internet job search or earn a price of living comparison through its onli ne offerings. Still, even when you select the maximum price option, you will discover that the service is really very inexpensive. It is possible to only get to the software company directly via email when youve got a question or concern. When applying for work, its recommended to phone in advance and figure out if the business youre applying to scans their resume submissions. Theres no doubt a good resume can generate enough interest to help you receive an interview. Your job application is going to be to the point because an expert knows the way to create it in the very best quality. Introducing Myperfectresume Reviews Just sign up there, complete the details and your Resume is about to download. Figure out if a Video Resume is appropriate for the job which you are trying to get. The site offers access to different job opportunities also. Should you need access to unlimited resumes and cover letters youll need to pay more. Facts, Fiction and Myperfectresume Reviews When it has to do with working with an online resume builder you want to understand what areas youre struggling with and what areas youre good with. The website also hosts a network for employers searching for new talent. An example may be a niche skill needed for work, which you might happen to get, but may not be relevant to include for most jobs. You will have the ability to discover the greatest free resume builder which may help you make a professional resume that will grant you an impressive job prospect. Thus you would expect that the business has the ideal online resume builder of the planet. The easy resume builder will supply you with instructions on how best to fill in each blank space. Also, its updated daily to retain its status as the greatest free resume builder online. You will get a link that will make it possible for you to share it publicly with others on LinkedIn and other social networking platforms. For instance, you can find information about how to attrac t attention online using keywords. It is possible to even easily edit your CV on your cellular device. Your CV is going to be saved safely on the website and generating it is completely free of charge. The Free Resume Builder helps prepare resumes even when you dont possess the slightest idea on how best to do so utilizing a seven step practice. Writing a professional resume isnt effortless. Digital Interview videos demonstrate sample interview questions and scenarios intended to help you sharpen your abilities. A History of Myperfectresume Reviews Refuted When theres one particular fact about the medical business, its that it is dependent on nurses. The most effective free resume builder gives you the assistance you have to compose a stellar overview of all your achievements. Pay attention when you subscribe, however, because most services offer you a number of different plans and a few plans limit the characteristics or number of resumes youre able to create. One of th e main reason is the dearth of probable resources. The software only lets you create your first resume after youve created an account and it even tricks you into believing you cannot use the software at no cost. Ensure that whatever builder you select has professional looking templates which are free of grammatical errors. With the area of net, you can have thousands of alternatives which are available to you from samples, professional resume writers, and internet software that enables you to construct a perfect resume. If you opt to click the links on our website, we might get compensation. The site also provides essential strategies and guides to make Resume more attractive and potent. The website provides some helpful prewritten phrases you are able to use if you become stumped attempting to produce your own. It will tell you how many views your resume has.

Human Resources and Marketing Departments Allies with a Common Goal - Spark Hire

Human Resources and Marketing Departments Allies with a Common Goal - Spark HireAs part of your companys HR department, there are probably times when you feel like youre part of a lonely, little group thats laboring away to achieve company goals. You may feel that human resources is a misunderstood department one thats seen by others as working against the rest of the team, instead of with it. After all, youre trying to fortify your small business with good employees, while other departments, like the absatzwirtschaft team, is trying to build business so those employees have work.But heres a little secret that both of your departments might not understand the human resources and marketing departments are actually allies for a common goal. The goal of creating a stronger, mora successful business can be mora easily achieved when everyone works together as a team. These tips will help you promote team spirit between your department and the marketing people down the hall and co-ordinate best practices for hiring.Tips for Cohesiveness and ProductivityRealize the Value of Both Departments. Engaging kompetenzprofil employees is similar to the process and value of engaging potential customers. Both situations involve some courting and the need to create interest, with the ultimate goal of conversion. HR and marketing both add to the value by bringing aboard others who can help them achieve the companys missions through online recruiting and online marketing to strengthen the bottom line.Understand How You Impact Each Other. Whether you realize it or not, when the human resources department is off kilter, it impacts the marketing department and vice versa. Neither of you are islands, nor are your actions exclusive of one another. If for no other reason than the Domino Effect, its essential that the two departments recognize the impact they have on one another.Discuss Potential Contributions Toward Goal Achievement. The two-heads-are-better-than-one approach can work we ll when HR and marketing decide to get together and work toward specific goals. You may have different approaches and purposes, but your combined contributions will meld together to help achieve company-wide goals. During combined department meetings, ask one another What are you working on, and how can we help you reach your goal? When both departments ask this question, youll find that the line between HR and marketing blurs more often than you thought.Become Two Sides of the Same Coin. Despite the similarities, there are still enough differences between human resources and marketing that the two should be distinct and separate in their own right. To not recognize those differences would be the same thing as devaluing the unique expertise each department brings to the table. Your departments arent the same, but they can function as two sides of the same coin.Remain in Communication. In everything, communication is the key to a successful work relationship. Your company might find it most effective to have a department liaison meet with one from the marketing department. Or you may discover that its more productive to have both departments sit down together periodically to discuss goals. Through trial, error and constant communication, determine what practices work best for both departments.United You StandAlthough it may feel awkward at first, as soon as the human resources and marketing departments get used to working together, youll realize how beneficial your combined strengths are. The expertise you and your fellow human resources team use to bring valuable employees on-board works hand-in-hand with the business-building expertise the marketing team employs. When both departments are aligned with one another, they create a coalition thats hard to beat. On paper your department goals might look different from those of the marketing department. But when you put your heads together, youll see youve got a lot more in common than you realized and achieve far greater success in talent acquisition and talent management.Are your HR andmarketingdepartmentsaligned with one another tobenefityourorganization?Spark a conversation below.bild Courtesy of Flickr bythetaxhavenAbout the AuthorLucy Harper is an experienced blogger passionate about social media and digital communications. She is part of the writing team atwww.touchpointdigital.co.uk, a specialist media and advertising agency.

How to Work With Uncooperative Co-workers - The Muse

How to Work With Uncooperative Co-workers - The MuseHow to Work With Uncooperative Co-workers Whether a co-workers being a Debbie Downer while your teams launching a new project or your colleagues giving you a hard time when you ask for help, uncooperative team members can create huge problems for you- and your ability to hit your goals.While you definitely want to get the situation resolved as quickly as possible, its equally important to figure out why someones being so unhelpful in the first place. Below are nine strategies thatll give you the tools you need to decipher whats going on, as well as how to deal with someone whos making your job so much harder.Regardless of the situation, its crucial that you keep your cool. Step away from the team for a bit, plan your words carefully, and come up with an action plan. (Entrepreneur)Consider whether or leid this is a battle you really want to pick. You might be able to find a way to work around this person. (Lifehacker)Put the attentio n on troublesome people and open the lines of communication. Are they being generally difficult- or is there something specific thats keeping them from being helpful? (Psychology Today)Regardless of how other people are acting, show empathy. This makes others feel more at ease. (Evan Carmichael)When youre in the office, try not to take anything too personally. Often peoples issues simply arent about you. (The Huffington Post)Remember No matter how someone else is acting, you should always treat everyone in your office with respect. (Readers Digest)If you want to have a conversation about a co-workers uncooperative habits, think about what the best medium is (text, email, or call) for reaching out. (Business Insider)However, you should consider talking to your boss about it if its really bad. Just make sure you do it the right way. (Inc.)Finally, this five-step guide will help you get through any difficult conversations you do choose to have with a colleague. (The Daily Muse)

Top 28 exploration and adventure destinations

Top 28 exploration and adventure destinationsTop 28 exploration and adventure destinationsWe just announced our picks for the most intriguing destinations for the upcoming year in travel. The list- which weve divided into 4 segments- includes something for every travel style. From urban destinations to cultural and foodie hotspots, and from destinations ripe for exploration and adventure to others that are probably new on your radar. Youll find the complete listhere.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreFirst, we focused on seven thriving urban destinations then to seven destinations for cultural and foodie experiences. Now were looking at destinations for exploration and adventure. Weve chosen Tanzania, Congo, Hokkaido-Sapporo, Reykjavik, San Pedro de Atacama, Xian, and Uluru. See why these fascinating destinations made the list.TanzaniaNowhere in the world does the circle of life pl ay out quite the way it does in Tanzania. On the Serengeti, millions of wildebeest and zebras roam the expansive plains in the great migration- crossing the Mara River in the Northern Serengeti despite the dangers that await. Gazelles, impalas, Tope antelope, leopards, cheetah, warthogs, elephants, giraffes, crocodiles, and lions Theyre all here along with countless species of birds including the ever-watchful vultures.On any safari youll bear witness to new life as baby giraffes find their balance on wobbly newborn legs and the smallest elephants stay close to Mom waiting for nourishment. And youll also bear witness to the end of life as a cheetah stalks its prey and wins in a cloud of dust.The Ngorongoro Crater is simply stunning, a massive cauldron formed from the violent eruption of a volcano three million years ago. Its home to more than 25,000 large animals including black rhinoceros, lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos, and giraffes. The Sopa Lodge sits on the craters rim offer ing spectacular views and unforgettable sunsets. Be sure to keep the door to your room closed or the resident monkeys will be rummaging through your suitcase when you get back.CongoIn the Republic of Congo, the worlds second largest rainforest is still thriving. At its heart, the Odzala National Park occupies 5,000 square miles for exploration and discovery. Rare flora and fauna, more than 400 species of birds, and 22,000 lowland gorillas reside here amid giant mahogany trees.With the recent addition of weekly private charter flights from the capital city of Brazzaville, youre just two hours away from unforgettable encounters. Each region within the park offers varied experiences. Get in touch with your inner Tarzan as you track elephants, wade across the savanna, or set out on foot to track gorillas. Odzala Discover Camps tailor your experiences to the offerings of each region. You might find yourself face-to-face with a gorilla- well, within 20 feet. Thats probably close enough.Ho kkaido-Sapporo, JapanEvery February the capital of the mountainous Japanese island of Hokkaido transforms into a winter wonderland for the Sapporo Snow Festival. Hundreds of enormous snow sculptures depicting monuments, cartoon characters, celebrities, and temples are on display to the delight of more than two million visitors. What started in 1950 as an activity for schoolchildrens has grown substantially since Sapporo hosted the 1972 Winter Olympics. It now includes concerts, art exhibitions, food stalls, ice skating, snow tubing, and snowmobiling. Remnants of the Olympic games are still there with ski hills and jumps scattered around the city.And, if the thought of being with two million others brings on a little phobia, then visit a few weeks before when you can watch the sculptures being created.In the late 1860s, beer welches introduced to Japan from Germany at the beginning of the Meiji Restoration. German-trained Japanese brewer, Seibei Nakagawa, first brewed Sapporo Beer in 1876. A shopping complex now stands on the original brewery site, but nearby, the Sapporo Beer Museum offers free guided tours covering the history and brewing of beer in Hokkaido. The museum has an adjoining beer garden where you can quench your thirst after the tour.Reykjavik, IcelandIcelands capital has long been a jumping off distribution policy for exploring the dramatic landscapes of this spectacularly beautiful country. But dont just land and leave. Reykjavik is known for its high-quality restaurants serving local as well as international dishes. The finest restaurants in the Nordics are listed in the White Guide and Reykjavik has 14 on the list. Head downtown to check out DILL, Icelands first restaurant to be awarded a Michelin Star.Reykjavik is also home to a lively bar scene with many bars serving up a theme along with the drinks. There are those that are Euro-themed - Danish pubs, English pubs, Dubliners- and there are hipster kitschy throwback cafes.Just outside the ci ty, the famed Blue Lagoon is expanding. The project includes a redesign and enlargement of the main lagoon. A retreat encompassing an underground spa, 62 elegant guest suites and a restaurant will also be part of the expansion. Completion date is scheduled for the first half of 2018.San Pedro de Atacama, ChileSet on a high plateau in the Andes Mountains of northeastern Chile, San Pedro de Atacama beckons adventure seekers. Diversity is the theme running throughout the dramatic surrounding landscapes that includes desert, salt flats, volcanoes, geysers, turquoise lagoons, green riverbeds and hot springs. Added in the mix is the Valle de la Luna in the nearby Los Flamencos National Reserve where youll find pink-streaked mountains, massive sand dunes and a lunarlike depression with unusual rock formations.Explore on foot, horseback or bike with one of the more than 40 exploration outfitters. And at night, the stars are the focus for spectacular astronomical sessions.Xian, ChinaLocated in central-northwest China, Xian is one of the birthplaces of the ancient Chinese civilization in the Yellow River Basin area. With more than 3,000 years of history including 1,100 as the capital city of ancient dynasties, it has a rich cultural heritage that begs for discovery.Walk or bicycle through history along the citys imposing old walls. Built in 1370, the fortification is one of the oldest and best preserved in China and is surrounded by a dry moat. Xians premier sight, the terrakotta Army is one of the most famous archaeological finds in the world. This subterranean life-sized army of thousands of hand-molded figures stands guard over the burial site of Chinas first emperor, Qin Shi Huang.Xian is the eastern terminus of the famed Silk Road and a melting pot of cultures. In the Muslim Quarter youll find a seemingly unending line of food stalls. One of the most famous dishes of Xian is the Roujiamo- marinated beef or lamb stuffed inside a freshly baked bun.The city is also k nown for its cold noodles and youll find dozens of noodle stalls in the area. And there are soups with all types of meat- even soups with sheeps blood for adventurous eaters.Uluru, AustraliaPut Uluru at the top of your 2018 travel list to catch theField of Lightat Ayers Rock before the lights go out. British artist, Bruce Munro flew in 50,000 solar-powered bulbs from his studio in Wiltshire, England, and planted them over an area equivalent to the size of seven football fields. As night falls, the lights transform into a sparkling meadow of purple, orange, red, blue and yellow. The display will disappear after March 2018, but the ancient site will remain a place for exploration.Take in the magical views of this UNESCO Heritage site from the deck of the Dune Pavilion- the newest suite at the luxe Longitude 131 lodge. Youll want to take a break from your adventures and explorations long enough to experience the lodges new spa treatments focused on Anangu traditions.This article first appeared on Travel Squire.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people

ASME Recognizes Petroleum Mechanical Engineering Achievement at the Offshore Technology Conference

ASME Recognizes Petroleum Mechanical Engineering Achievement at the Offshore Technology Conference ASME Recognizes Petroleum Mechanical Engineering Achievement at the Offshore Technology Conference ASME Recognizes Petroleum Mechanical Engineering Achievement at the Offshore Technology ConferenceBenton Baugh, the president of Baugh Consulting Engineers Inc., received the ASME Petroleum Divisions 2013 Geoca Mechanical Engineering Achievement Award at the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) last month. ASME presented seven awards recognizing technical achievement and distinguished tafelgeschirr in the field of petroleum-related mechanical engineering during a special reception at the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC). The conference took place May 6-9 at Reliant Park in Houston.The 2013 awards program was sponsored by the ASME Petroleum Division, which works in conjunction with the ASME International Petroleum Technology Institute to provide continuing education and other service s to engineers and technical professionals in the oil and gas and related industries. (From left) Barbara Thompson, Petroleum Division Executive Committee member Michael Ireland, managing director, Institutes Tim Graves, operations director, IPTI ASME President-Elect Madiha Kotb and ASME Past President Victoria Rockwell at OTC. Benton F. Baugh, the president of Baugh Consulting Engineers Inc., received the 2013 Geoca Mechanical Engineering Achievement Award during the reception. This award, named after former ASME mainboard of Governors member and Petroleum Division Chair Karl Geoca, honors distinguished and meritorious achievement or service in the field of petroleum mechanical engineering.The Society also bestowed the 2013 Arthur Lubinski Award recognizing the best technical paper delivered during ASME-sponsored technical sessions at OTC. Three engineers at FMC Technologies - H. Brian Skeels, Kwok Lun Lee and Anand Venkatesh - shared the honors for their paper, De sign Guideline Strategies for HPHT Equipment.Aker Solutions Managed Pressure Operations unit was honored with the 30th Annual Woelfel Best Mechanical Engineering Award (BMEA), which is presented to a company or an organization for outstanding petroleum mechanical engineering achievement in a product, device or system displayed at OTC. Aker Solutions was honored for the development of a riser safety system that controls wellbore fluids during oil and gas offshore drilling. Aker Solutions won the Annual Woelfel Best Mechanical Engineering Award for outstanding petroleum mechanical engineering achievement in a product, device or system displayed at the conference. Four runners-up received BMEA Awards of Merit. Baker Hughes Inc. collected two Awards of Merit, for the FASTrak LWD fluid analysis and sampling service and the SureTrak steerable drilling liner service. Also receiving BMEA Awards of Merit were Cam Tech Products Inc., for designing the Gorilla Torque Iron Roughn eck, and Subsea 7, for the development of mechanically lined pipe for subsea applications.To watch videos of the Woelfel Best Mechanical Engineering Award winner and all of the finalists, visit the Petroleum Division Awards at the 2013 OTC webpage at http//asme-ipti.org/awards-at-otc-2013. To learn more about ASME International Petroleum Technology Institute programs and activities, visit www.asme-ipti.org.