Dinner, drinks, a movie... there's nothing wrong with the "standard package," but if you're considering an upgrade for your next first date, check out these creative, tried-and-tested ideas from other iVillagers, from bookstores to barn hunts.
1. One of my best first dates was a hike with the guy and his dog. It went so well that we got a coffee after the hike and then took his dog to the beach.
2. My favorite first date was at a dinner comedy theatre. My date and I had time to chat and get to know each other over dinner, and then the play (a British farce with plenty of sexual innuendo, mistaken identities, running around and door slamming) kept us laughing.
3. Try meeting at one of those pottery stores that let you come in and paint something and then return later for the finished project.
4. When it's a blind date, I'm partial to bookstores. You can meet at the coffee counter and then learn a lot about someone by the kind of books and magazines they read and the music they listen to.
5. Some of the best dates I've been on early in the relationship are "fun" dates: miniature golf, bowling or an amusement or theme park.
6. For first dates, I think you should do something active. That way, you have something to do so there's no pressure to talk, but there is plenty of opportunity. My boyfriend and I met for a drink at a local bar to see if we liked each other, and then we went kayaking a day or two later. It made conversation so much easier, and the day flew by!
7. In wintertime, skiing, ice skating, darts or driving around looking at the holiday lights can be good activities for a first date.
8. Go to the zoo! Or try an aquarium or an aviary. I'm also a fan of public gardens, weather and conditions permitting.
9. Rather than meeting for dinner, take a wine tour together or try a wine tasting or cooking class. That way there's something going on besides sitting across a table trying to think of something to say.
10. I think I'm the queen of unique dates! My first date with my boyfriend was spent riding around the countryside in his deuce and a half and stopping to look at some pickups for sale. We ended up digging through junk in his barn! Don't even ask about the dead dog! Okay, so we're different, but you can do something fun together that you both like to do or share an interest in.
Friday, May 30, 2008
One way to date
It's Just Lunch is a dating service for busy professionals.
It's Just Lunch! Boca Raton/Ft. Lauderdale is one of three offices in South Florida; other locations include Miami and West Palm Beach. They have been introducing busy professionals in the South Florida area for over seven years. Coordinating quality first dates over lunch, brunch or a quick drink after work. Their biggest reward is when they make a perfect match!
It's Just Lunch! Boca Raton/Ft. Lauderdale is one of three offices in South Florida; other locations include Miami and West Palm Beach. They have been introducing busy professionals in the South Florida area for over seven years. Coordinating quality first dates over lunch, brunch or a quick drink after work. Their biggest reward is when they make a perfect match!
Date facts
Dating Stats and Facts·
· 76% of Men:
Prefer brunettes over blondes.
· Wednesday:
The best day for a first date according to 41% of singles.
· 1 in 8:
The chance you have that a first date will call you for a second date after 24 hours have passed.
· 15 Minutes:
The time it takes for a man to determine whether or not he wants to see a woman again.
· Top Conversation Killers:
Past relationships—49%, dieting or body image—21%, politics—15% and marriage—15%
· 110 Million:
The number of single adults in the United States.
· Top cuisine choices for a first date:
46% Italian, 19% Steakhouse, 16% Japanese, 11% Mexican, 8% French
· 11:
The number of single friends the average 27 year old has.
· One Hour:
The time it takes for a woman to determine whether or not she wants to see a man again.
· Baseball games:
A great place to meet men says 74% of single women.
· 76% of Men:
Prefer brunettes over blondes.
· Wednesday:
The best day for a first date according to 41% of singles.
· 1 in 8:
The chance you have that a first date will call you for a second date after 24 hours have passed.
· 15 Minutes:
The time it takes for a man to determine whether or not he wants to see a woman again.
· Top Conversation Killers:
Past relationships—49%, dieting or body image—21%, politics—15% and marriage—15%
· 110 Million:
The number of single adults in the United States.
· Top cuisine choices for a first date:
46% Italian, 19% Steakhouse, 16% Japanese, 11% Mexican, 8% French
· 11:
The number of single friends the average 27 year old has.
· One Hour:
The time it takes for a woman to determine whether or not she wants to see a man again.
· Baseball games:
A great place to meet men says 74% of single women.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Customer service tips
From Liz Tahir
Customer Service That Will Keep Them Coming Back
The People aspect of business is really what it is all about. Rule #1: Think of customers as individuals. Once we think that way, we realize our business is our customer, not our product or services. Putting all the focus on the merchandise in our store, or the services our corporation offers, leaves out the most important component: each individual customer.
Keeping those individual customers in mind, here are some easy, down-home customer service tips to keep ’em coming back!
1. Remember there is no way that the quality of customer service can exceed the quality of the people who provide it. Think you can get by paying the lowest wage, giving the fewest of benefits, doing the least training for your employees? It will show.Companies don't help customers... people do.
2. Realize that your people will treat your customer the way they are treated. Employees take their cue from management. Do you greet your employees enthusiastically each day; are you polite in your dealings with them; do you try to accommodate their requests; do you listen to them when they speak? Consistent rude customer service is a reflection not as much on the employee as on management.
3. Do you know who your customers are? If a regular customer came in to your facility, would you recognize them? Could you call them by name? All of us like to feel important; calling someone by name is a simple way to do it and lets them know you value them as customers.
Recently I signed on with a new fitness center. I had been a member of another one for the past ten years, renewing my membership every six months when the notice arrived. I had been thinking about changing, joining the one nearer my home and with more state-of-the-art equipment. So when the renewal notice came, I didn’t renew. That was eight months ago. Was I contacted by the fitness center and asked why I did not renew? Did anyone telephone me to find out why an established customer was no longer a member or to tell me they missed me? No and No. My guess is they don’t even know they lost a long-time customer, and apparently wouldn’t care.
4. Do your customers know who you are? If they see you, would they recognize you? Could they call you by name? A visible management is an asset. At the Piccadilly Cafeteria chain, the pictures of the manager and the assistant manager are posted on a wall at the food selection line and it is a policy that the manager’s office is placed only a few feet from the cashier's stand at the end of that line, in full view of the customers, and with the door kept open. The manager is easily accessible and there is no doubt about "who's in charge here". You have only to beckon to get a manager at your table to talk with you.
5. For good customer service, go the extra mile. Include a thank-you note in a customer's package; send a birthday card; clip the article when you see their name or photo in print; write a congratulatory note when they get a promotion. There are all sorts of ways for you to keep in touch with your customers and bring them closer to you.
6. Are your customers greeted when they walk in the door or at least within 30-40 seconds upon entering? Is it possible they could come in, look around, and go out without ever having their presence acknowledged? It is ironic it took a discount merchant known for price, not service, to teach the retail world the importance of greeting customers at the door. Could it be that’s because Sam Walton knew this simple but important gesture is a matter of respect, of saying "we appreciate your coming in," having nothing to do with the price of merchandise?
7. Give customers the benefit of the doubt. Proving to him why he’s wrong and you’re right isn’t worth losing a customer over. You will never win an argument with a customer, and you should never, ever put a customer in that position.
8. If a customer makes a request for something special, do everything you can to say yes. The fact that a customer cared enough to ask is all you need to know in trying to accommodate her. It may be an exception from your customer service policy, but (if it isn’t illegal) try to do it. Remember you are just making one exception for one customer, not making new policy. Mr. Marshall Field was right-on in his famous statement: "Give the lady what she wants."
9. Are your customer service associates properly trained in how to handle a customer complaint or an irate person? Give them guidelines for what to say and do in every conceivable case. People on the frontline of a situation play the most critical role in your customer’s experience. Make sure they know what to do and say to make that customer’s experience a positive, pleasant one.
10. Want to know what your customers think of your company? Ask them! Compose a "How're We Doing?" card and leave it at the exit or register stand, or include it in their next statement. Keep it short and simple. Ask things like: what it is they like; what they don’t like; what they would change; what you could do better; about their latest experience there, etc. To ensure the customer sends it in, have it pre-stamped. And if the customer has given their name and address, be sure to acknowledge receipt of the card.
Remember that the big money isn’t as much in winning customers as in keeping customers. Each individual customer’s perception of your company will determine how well you do this and that perception will depend on the level of customer service you provide.
Customer service
The Customer is King.
UNKNOWN
There are no traffic jams along the extra mile.
ROGER STAUBACH
Quality in a service or product is not what you put into it.
It is what the client or customer gets out of it.
PETER DRUCKER
Do what you do so well that they will
want to see it again and bring their friends.
WALT DISNEY
If we don’t take care of our customers, someone else will.
UNKNOWN
Our life is frittered away by detail. Simplify, simplify!
HENRY DAVID THOREAU
If you make customers unhappy in the physical world, they might each tell 6 friends.
If you make customers unhappy on the Internet, they can each tell 6,000 friends.
JEFF BEZOS
Customers don’t expect you to be perfect.
They do expect you to fix things when they go wrong.
DONALD PORTER
Give trust, and you'll get it double in return
KEES KAMIES
The quality of our work depends on the quality of our people.
UNKNOWN
One of the deep secrets of life is that all that is really worth doing
is what we do for others.
LEWIS CAROL
The goal as a company is to have customer service that is
not just the best, but legendary.
SAM WALTON
Mistakes are the portals of discovery.
JAMES JOYCE
Being on par in terms of price and quality only gets you into the game.
Service wins the game.
TONY ALESSANDRA
Our greatest asset is the customer! Treat each customer as if they are the only one!
LAURICE LEITAO
People expect good service but few are willing to give it.
ROBERT GATELY
Well done is better than well said.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
To my customer.
I may not have the answer, but I’ll find it.
I may not have the time, but I’ll make it.
UNKNOWN
Here is a simple but powerful rule - always give people
more than what they expect to get.
NELSON BOSWELL
UNKNOWN
There are no traffic jams along the extra mile.
ROGER STAUBACH
Quality in a service or product is not what you put into it.
It is what the client or customer gets out of it.
PETER DRUCKER
Do what you do so well that they will
want to see it again and bring their friends.
WALT DISNEY
If we don’t take care of our customers, someone else will.
UNKNOWN
Our life is frittered away by detail. Simplify, simplify!
HENRY DAVID THOREAU
If you make customers unhappy in the physical world, they might each tell 6 friends.
If you make customers unhappy on the Internet, they can each tell 6,000 friends.
JEFF BEZOS
Customers don’t expect you to be perfect.
They do expect you to fix things when they go wrong.
DONALD PORTER
Give trust, and you'll get it double in return
KEES KAMIES
The quality of our work depends on the quality of our people.
UNKNOWN
One of the deep secrets of life is that all that is really worth doing
is what we do for others.
LEWIS CAROL
The goal as a company is to have customer service that is
not just the best, but legendary.
SAM WALTON
Mistakes are the portals of discovery.
JAMES JOYCE
Being on par in terms of price and quality only gets you into the game.
Service wins the game.
TONY ALESSANDRA
Our greatest asset is the customer! Treat each customer as if they are the only one!
LAURICE LEITAO
People expect good service but few are willing to give it.
ROBERT GATELY
Well done is better than well said.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
To my customer.
I may not have the answer, but I’ll find it.
I may not have the time, but I’ll make it.
UNKNOWN
Here is a simple but powerful rule - always give people
more than what they expect to get.
NELSON BOSWELL
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Hurricane expo
With hurricane season looming, Miami-Dade and Broward counties are gearing up with expos on how to be prepared.
Here are the details:
• Miami-Dade: Storm Prep Expo 2008 at the Miami Beach Convention Center, 1901 Convention Center Dr., Hall C; Saturday, May 31, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, June 1, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Representatives from local, state and federal government will be on hand to provide information about hurricane-related services, and vendors will be selling storm supplies and conducting giveaways.
• Broward: Hurricane Preparedness Expo at the Emergency Operations Center, 201 NW 84th Ave., Plantation; Saturday, May 31, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Get a tour of the EOC, learn about registering for emergency services such as special-needs shelters, evacuation transportation and hurricane e-mail updates.
Balloons and goody bags will be on hand for the kids, as well as giveaways and prizes for the grown-ups.
Admission to both events is free.
Here are the details:
• Miami-Dade: Storm Prep Expo 2008 at the Miami Beach Convention Center, 1901 Convention Center Dr., Hall C; Saturday, May 31, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, June 1, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Representatives from local, state and federal government will be on hand to provide information about hurricane-related services, and vendors will be selling storm supplies and conducting giveaways.
• Broward: Hurricane Preparedness Expo at the Emergency Operations Center, 201 NW 84th Ave., Plantation; Saturday, May 31, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Get a tour of the EOC, learn about registering for emergency services such as special-needs shelters, evacuation transportation and hurricane e-mail updates.
Balloons and goody bags will be on hand for the kids, as well as giveaways and prizes for the grown-ups.
Admission to both events is free.
Be prepared
Get Ready Now - Hurricane Season Is Almost Here
Hurricane Preparedness Week: May 25 - 31st
Storm Prep Expo: Miami Beach Convention Center
Saturday & Sunday: Free Admission
(CBS4)
Hurricane Season is just around the corner and Governor Charlie Crist is urging all Floridians to prepare for the season which begins Sunday June 1st. That's why Gov. Crist has proclaimed this week, Hurricane Preparedness Week.
"If you call the Sunshine State home, now is the time to get a plan and get ready," said State Emergency Management Director Craig Fugate.
State and local emergency managers are hosting outreach events and expos from the Panhandle to the Keys o get Floridians ready for the annual season. The state kick-off event takes place Tuesday in St. Petersburg.
Here in South Florida, the American Red Cross, along with the Miami-Dade County Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security is hosting a Storm Prep Expo this weekend at the Miami Beach Convention Center (Hall C), located at 1901 Convention Center Drive.
Storm Prep Expo 2008 is a not-for-profit event aimed at raising hurricane preparedness awareness among Miami-Dade County residents. Miami-Dade County has not been affected by a major hurricane in the past three years. Experts are predicting an active 2008 hurricane season, so it is important that residents remain ready.
"June 1st marks the beginning of the 2008 Hurricane Season. As we all know, the best defense against hurricanes is to plan and prepare early. Even though Miami-Dade County is better prepared than ever to provide services to those residents and visitors in need before and after a hurricane strikes, government cannot do it all alone," said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez. "We continue to urge residents to prepare their hurricane disaster kits and plan to be self sufficient for at least 72 hours following a storm."
"This is a great opportunity for residents to come out and make their final preparations for hurricane season," said C. Douglas Bass, director of the Department of Emergency Management & Homeland Security.
Mayor Alvarez will hold his annual hurricane season kick-off news conference at the Expo on May 31st, at 11:00 a.m. Dozens of local, state and federal agencies will be on hand to inform residents about available services. Vendors will be selling hurricane supplies and conducting major giveaways, including free generators, vacations and other great prizes.
Special guests include former National Hurricane Center (NHC) Director Max Mayfield and current NHC Director Bill Read.
CBS4 Meteorologist David Bernard will also present a half-hour Hurricane Preparedness presentation on Sunday, June 1st, at 2:00 p.m.
Storm Prep Expo will also feature a family zone with fun activities for children, as well as a performance by the Florida Marlins Mermaids, police K-9 demonstrations, and more.
Storm Prep Expo Hours:
Saturday, May 31st, 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 1st, 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Admission is free.
Click Here for more information about Hurricane Preparedness Week.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts 12 to 16 named storms this year.
The 2008 Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 through November 30, 2008. To develop your personalized family or business disaster plan, click here.
Hurricane Preparedness Week: May 25 - 31st
Storm Prep Expo: Miami Beach Convention Center
Saturday & Sunday: Free Admission
(CBS4)
Hurricane Season is just around the corner and Governor Charlie Crist is urging all Floridians to prepare for the season which begins Sunday June 1st. That's why Gov. Crist has proclaimed this week, Hurricane Preparedness Week.
"If you call the Sunshine State home, now is the time to get a plan and get ready," said State Emergency Management Director Craig Fugate.
State and local emergency managers are hosting outreach events and expos from the Panhandle to the Keys o get Floridians ready for the annual season. The state kick-off event takes place Tuesday in St. Petersburg.
Here in South Florida, the American Red Cross, along with the Miami-Dade County Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security is hosting a Storm Prep Expo this weekend at the Miami Beach Convention Center (Hall C), located at 1901 Convention Center Drive.
Storm Prep Expo 2008 is a not-for-profit event aimed at raising hurricane preparedness awareness among Miami-Dade County residents. Miami-Dade County has not been affected by a major hurricane in the past three years. Experts are predicting an active 2008 hurricane season, so it is important that residents remain ready.
"June 1st marks the beginning of the 2008 Hurricane Season. As we all know, the best defense against hurricanes is to plan and prepare early. Even though Miami-Dade County is better prepared than ever to provide services to those residents and visitors in need before and after a hurricane strikes, government cannot do it all alone," said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez. "We continue to urge residents to prepare their hurricane disaster kits and plan to be self sufficient for at least 72 hours following a storm."
"This is a great opportunity for residents to come out and make their final preparations for hurricane season," said C. Douglas Bass, director of the Department of Emergency Management & Homeland Security.
Mayor Alvarez will hold his annual hurricane season kick-off news conference at the Expo on May 31st, at 11:00 a.m. Dozens of local, state and federal agencies will be on hand to inform residents about available services. Vendors will be selling hurricane supplies and conducting major giveaways, including free generators, vacations and other great prizes.
Special guests include former National Hurricane Center (NHC) Director Max Mayfield and current NHC Director Bill Read.
CBS4 Meteorologist David Bernard will also present a half-hour Hurricane Preparedness presentation on Sunday, June 1st, at 2:00 p.m.
Storm Prep Expo will also feature a family zone with fun activities for children, as well as a performance by the Florida Marlins Mermaids, police K-9 demonstrations, and more.
Storm Prep Expo Hours:
Saturday, May 31st, 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 1st, 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Admission is free.
Click Here for more information about Hurricane Preparedness Week.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts 12 to 16 named storms this year.
The 2008 Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 through November 30, 2008. To develop your personalized family or business disaster plan, click here.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Teachers ask, you choose
You can come to the rescue of a teacher. Teachers accusomed to paying for classroom supplies out of their own pockets are now looking online for help. Many are getting supplies from folks like you through a website called DonorsChoose.org.
According to the site: Teachers ask for materials and experiences their students need to learn. You choose to give to the classroom project you find most compelling. Students learn and then send you personal thank-you letters and photos.
According to the site: Teachers ask for materials and experiences their students need to learn. You choose to give to the classroom project you find most compelling. Students learn and then send you personal thank-you letters and photos.
Suits that suit you
Find the Perfect Swimsuit for your Body Type
By Juliana Day
Bathing suit season is finally here. I don't know about you, but this time of year I cram my fridge with cottage cheese and baby carrots. I just had my second child, and I need HELP when it comes to the fine art of camouflage. I did some research on the best suits for different shaped figures, and though I know most of us have perfect bodies (ha!), I thought I'd share my findings.
Large Bust
The nursing mother has plenty to show up top. Whether you're nursing or just plain busty, you can minimize your overflowing cups with spaghetti straps or wide straps on your swimsuit or bikini. (Though most busty women have already from hard experience that unless you are trying out for a spot on "Baywatch", there are slim pickings for full coverage in the bikini top department).
Busty women can also try a sports top. These tops keep everything in place and add the comfort of full coverage.
Small Bust
Ah! The freedom of the small bust! To give yourself a little boost in this department, try the vast array of padded bikini tops available. If you prefer something with a little more coverage, try suits with a horizontal neckline or bloused top. This will draw attention to your shoulders and give the illusion of a fuller bust.
Long Torso
Shorten a long torso by employing the use of horizontal stripes on a bikini. This will allow the eye to focus on the top and bottom, not the middle. A sports top will also camouflage a long torso by creating a more uniform look.
Short Torso
Surprise, surprise: vertical stripes.
Wide Shoulders
Choose a swimsuit or bikini with a halter top. Thick straps up top help make shoulders look more proportional.
Belly Bulge
Hey sister, nothing to be ashamed of. I'm there myself; it's just not the most fun thing to show off at the beach. Try an empire waist. You will find it draws attention to the bust line and slims the tummy area. Also, choose solid, dark-colored swimsuits for a more streamlined look. Some women like the look of a V neckline as it draws the eyes up towards the bust and the face.
Heavy Hips, Thighs and Backside
Employing a pretty skirt or shorts is a fun way to dress up a swimsuit while hiding heavy hips, thighs and backside. A bloused top also creates proportion and helps minimize the look of heavy legs.
Short Legged
A high cut leg on a swimsuit elongates your glamorous gams. A solid one-piece suit creates an elongating affect on the petite gal and doesn't break up the body (causing the body to look shorter). Stay away from shorts and skirts on the bottom as they tend to make you appear shorter.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind while shopping for the perfect beach side apparel:
While trying on suits, notice where you eye is first drawn to on the suit. This will let you evaluate how flattering (or not) it is. You want your eyes to be drawn to your best features.
Accentuate an hourglass figure with a belt or band across the smallest part of your waist.
Choose something comfortable! Take a few steps, stand up, sit down, twist and turn to determine whether or not you will be tugging or pulling at your swimsuit all day.
Swimsuits are a tricky business, but by employing these simple tips, you should have no problem finding something perfect for your body type.
By Juliana Day
Bathing suit season is finally here. I don't know about you, but this time of year I cram my fridge with cottage cheese and baby carrots. I just had my second child, and I need HELP when it comes to the fine art of camouflage. I did some research on the best suits for different shaped figures, and though I know most of us have perfect bodies (ha!), I thought I'd share my findings.
Large Bust
The nursing mother has plenty to show up top. Whether you're nursing or just plain busty, you can minimize your overflowing cups with spaghetti straps or wide straps on your swimsuit or bikini. (Though most busty women have already from hard experience that unless you are trying out for a spot on "Baywatch", there are slim pickings for full coverage in the bikini top department).
Busty women can also try a sports top. These tops keep everything in place and add the comfort of full coverage.
Small Bust
Ah! The freedom of the small bust! To give yourself a little boost in this department, try the vast array of padded bikini tops available. If you prefer something with a little more coverage, try suits with a horizontal neckline or bloused top. This will draw attention to your shoulders and give the illusion of a fuller bust.
Long Torso
Shorten a long torso by employing the use of horizontal stripes on a bikini. This will allow the eye to focus on the top and bottom, not the middle. A sports top will also camouflage a long torso by creating a more uniform look.
Short Torso
Surprise, surprise: vertical stripes.
Wide Shoulders
Choose a swimsuit or bikini with a halter top. Thick straps up top help make shoulders look more proportional.
Belly Bulge
Hey sister, nothing to be ashamed of. I'm there myself; it's just not the most fun thing to show off at the beach. Try an empire waist. You will find it draws attention to the bust line and slims the tummy area. Also, choose solid, dark-colored swimsuits for a more streamlined look. Some women like the look of a V neckline as it draws the eyes up towards the bust and the face.
Heavy Hips, Thighs and Backside
Employing a pretty skirt or shorts is a fun way to dress up a swimsuit while hiding heavy hips, thighs and backside. A bloused top also creates proportion and helps minimize the look of heavy legs.
Short Legged
A high cut leg on a swimsuit elongates your glamorous gams. A solid one-piece suit creates an elongating affect on the petite gal and doesn't break up the body (causing the body to look shorter). Stay away from shorts and skirts on the bottom as they tend to make you appear shorter.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind while shopping for the perfect beach side apparel:
While trying on suits, notice where you eye is first drawn to on the suit. This will let you evaluate how flattering (or not) it is. You want your eyes to be drawn to your best features.
Accentuate an hourglass figure with a belt or band across the smallest part of your waist.
Choose something comfortable! Take a few steps, stand up, sit down, twist and turn to determine whether or not you will be tugging or pulling at your swimsuit all day.
Swimsuits are a tricky business, but by employing these simple tips, you should have no problem finding something perfect for your body type.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Grill safe
Are you Master of your Propane?
According to the NFPA, gas and charcoal grills caused an average of 900 structure fires and 3,500 outdoor fires in or on home properties in 2002, resulting in a combined direct property loss of $30 million. To make sure your next barbecue doesn't go up in flames, the Home Safety Council recommends these safety tips.
Enjoy that steak as you become Lord of the Grill!
According to the NFPA, gas and charcoal grills caused an average of 900 structure fires and 3,500 outdoor fires in or on home properties in 2002, resulting in a combined direct property loss of $30 million. To make sure your next barbecue doesn't go up in flames, the Home Safety Council recommends these safety tips.
Enjoy that steak as you become Lord of the Grill!
Cost of grilling
Hamburgers and hot dogs? Check. Lighter fluid? Check. Beer? Check. More money?
Americans are about to fire up their barbecues for the start of the summer cookout season, and one thing has become painfully apparent: It's going to cost a lot more than it did last year to roast a burger, or just about any other barbecue favorite, on the grill.
Food inflation is the highest in almost two decades, driven by record prices for oil, gas and mounting global demand for staples such as wheat and corn, and for proteins such as chicken. And that's reaching into Americans' backyards.
The price of an average barbecue -- with burgers, hot dogs, beer, soda, condiments, salad, paper plates and lighter fluid -- could run families about 6% more than last year.
Read more.
Americans are about to fire up their barbecues for the start of the summer cookout season, and one thing has become painfully apparent: It's going to cost a lot more than it did last year to roast a burger, or just about any other barbecue favorite, on the grill.
Food inflation is the highest in almost two decades, driven by record prices for oil, gas and mounting global demand for staples such as wheat and corn, and for proteins such as chicken. And that's reaching into Americans' backyards.
The price of an average barbecue -- with burgers, hot dogs, beer, soda, condiments, salad, paper plates and lighter fluid -- could run families about 6% more than last year.
Read more.
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