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There was a time when a college degree wasn’t necessary at all. Fifty years ago, when public schools were churning out students to become factory workers a person could get a good job relatively easily straight out of high school. Once the factories began closing, it became more urgent for a person to obtain a college degree to get a decent job. This was the major consensus when I was growing up, in the late 80’s and early 90’s. So, I went to college and got my degree. However, as we ponder the future, we must ask ourselves, “Is it still as important as it once was to get a college degree?” In a world where many of the wealthiest people in our society are comprised of college dropouts it seems like a legitimate question. Early childhood education courses Sydney could be the answer to educate more the young one’s.

The “Yes” Argument

I don’t regret getting my degree. It has allowed me job security in a tumultuous time. Although I don’t get paid a great deal (I’m a teacher), it has been a steady and reliable income. But more than that, I loved college. I met so many great people, and I learned a lot of stuff. It’s very motivating when you’re paying for an education to get all you can out of it. I could have easily been happy as a lifetime student if only I could have supported myself.

As a college graduate, you open up many more options for yourself. Whether you learned anything or not, that little piece of paper affords you a lot of respect in some circles. Theoretically, anyway, you should have at least a base level of knowledge about your subject no matter how much you partied in school. Walking into a job interview with a college degree on your side is definitely an advantage, all other things being equal among your competition. But the world is a different place than it used to be.

The “No” Argument

Put simply, college costs a LOT of money. I’ve been out of school for 10 years and I’m still paying off student loans, and I didn’t even go to grad school. At some point you have to ask yourself if it’s worth it when you figure in the cost. College tuition rises every year. Although, I think many colleges will soon begin to see less applicants simply because a large portion of Americans find it harder and harder to afford college.

The other fact is that we live in an age of so much information availability that everything that was once held in secrecy by college professors is now readily available to anyone. Sure, we have to weed through it all to get what we need, but Google is here to stay. No longer do you have to shell out hundreds of dollars for outdated textbooks. We just pull up the search box and get the most up-to-date information for FREE. We no longer need to wake up before the sun to sit through a 7:00 in the morning lecture. We just pull one up on YouTube at our convenience.

So many ultra-successful people have been getting to the top without degrees that it’s making the rest of us question the necessity of that piece of paper. And we all know that for most jobs, having a degree really doesn’t give you much more knowledge about a job than someone without a degree. Most of the specific knowledge you need for a job comes through on-the-job training anyway. So, yes or no?

The “Maybe” Argument

Well, I think this one depends on what career you are wanting to go into. A college degree certainly gives you basic knowledge to build upon. More and more jobs are being created in the information technology fields all the time. At the rapid pace at which our technologies change today it is easy to see how, in the 4 years it takes to get a degree, everything can change drastically. Essentially everything you learn in year one is outdated by the time you walk across the stage at graduation. This wasn’t always the case, but it applies very often in today’s rapidly changing world.

We have gotten to the point where we are changing things quicker than we can keep pace. Most jobs in the future don’t even exist right now. We’re having to create roles as we go, as things change and make them necessary. People no longer retire from the same career that they began in most cases. It’s much more common today to go through several career paths throughout your life. We don’t have time to get a new degree every time we change careers.

Perhaps it’s time to redesign our degree programs to be much shorter and more customizable. Let the rest of our knowledge be gained on- the- job and on- the- go. Although I don’t advocate skipping college altogether, I do think we live in a world where people are much more used to individualization. Information is not as sacred as it used to be. It’s only a matter of time before the current college structure out lives its usefulness, or has it already?

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“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” – Lao-tzu, Chinese philosopher (604 BC – 531 BC). One of our most beloved silhouettes, the Classic Tall black Ugg boots is an icon of casual style.

Now we know that the first step should definitely begin with rugged foot protection. If you’re hiking or hunting, need balance and support, or if you work in construction or for the police or the military, investing in the right foot wear is a critical decision. But, choosing the boots that will not only fit your feet, but will fit your lifestyle too, is not as easy as it sounds. When you get to the showroom or look on-line at all the options in a boot warehouse, the selections of brands, styles and types of construction are nothing less than overwhelming.

Finding Your Way

To help you find your way through the maze of the work boot world, there are questions that will help in the decision making process. Do you need a safety toe boot or a plain toe boot? Does your work warrant waterproof boots? How about slip and oil resistant boots? Will you be working in cold conditions and need insulated boots for warmth? The idea is to try to match the boots as closely as possible to your work, occupation or your outdoor activity levels. The closer the match, the better the lifestyle fit – not just the fit for your foot size.

Boot styles vary considerably and each style is designed with specific real-life problems in mind. For instance, Magnum boots are good for stability and agility on patrol. LaCrosse boots are great for uneven terrain and tracking big game. Did you know that Belleville and Caterpillar military boots are military approved and loved for their durability? If you’re looking for top-notch construction and a slip resistant outsole, Bates boots are the way to go.

Rocky boots combine strong, waterproof construction with insulation and a stable platform. And Danner boots are tough footgear with a reputation for long lasting protection with rough use. These are just a few examples of boot brands that are built for unique kinds of wear and tear. Doing the research in advance, will help you select the best all around fit for your personal lifestyle.

How Are the Boots Made?

Do you want a lightweight, easy walking boot? Look for boots made of a nylon mesh and leather combination. They’re good in warmer climates, flexible, and easy on the feet. Full-grain leather boots are extremely durable and the boot of choice to deal with the roughest terrain. They are in the class of water resistant boots and the seams are usually coated with silicone to repel moisture. Manufacturers also use other methods of waterproofing boots. Waterproof liners are built into many work boots and can also do a great job of keeping you dry.

Be sure to check the tread on the bottom of the boots you are considering because the more pronounced the tread, the more traction you’ll get. This is important for most hikers and hunters, to be aware of.

Caring for Your Boots for Longer Wear

The first rule in boot maintenance is to keep them clean. Brush your boots regularly to remove soil and mud that can accelerate deterioration. You can use plain old water and a boot cleaner on the outside, but don’t try regular household soaps or detergents. Don’t over oil your boots either and if they get soaked, here’s a tip: Pack them loosely with newspaper and allow them to dry in a warm place.

Making the Wisest Choice

Since most ordinary folks walk about 8,000 to 12,000 steps a day in normal conditions and in less challenging environments, it’s vital that if you hike for miles in uneven terrain, work in a heavy industry or perform maneuvers that require balance and agility, you must have boots designed with your specifics in mind.

Buying sturdy, reliable boots is one of the most important investments you can make for your comfort, your well being, your safety and your health. Be sure to look carefully at all the options and try to match closely how those boots will fit into your lifestyle for play or for work. Then, be sure to care for your boots on a regular basis for continued service and extended wear. With the right boots and proper care, you can now begin your journey of a thousand steps with confidence. You are protected for the duration.

The Quantico Boot Company in Quantico, Virginia specializes in premium footwear for today’s hardest working professionals in industry, construction, police and the military. For complete product listings read the descriptions and learn more.

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Top 5 Benefits of Pilates Mat Exercise

TCM Northern Beaches dedicated to ensuring that you receive effective treatment that specifically addresses your unique needs and issues. Pilates exercise is a worldwide phenomenon, popular among the general public as well as elite athletes. The simple reason is that Pilates works like no other fitness method. Here are the top five benefits of this amazing technique.

No Equipment. Pilates mat exercise utilizes your own body for resistance. This back-to-basics kind of exercise is now the top fitness trend according to a recent survey from the American College of Sports Medicine.

Pilates mat exercise is one of the few fitness methods that uses your own body for resistance. This freedom from any equipment or a gym means that you can do it anywhere and anytime – perfect for our increasingly mobile lifestyle!

Mat exercises are the original Pilates workout. Interestingly, the special equipment that you find in Pilates studios was first created by Joseph Pilates for people who could not do the mat exercises due to disability, illness, or injury. This is not a criticism of Pilates machines or any other kind of exercise equipment, but if you want a fabulous workout free of equipment, the Pilates mat routine is for you!

Big Breathing. Joseph Pilates emphasized breathing, and each Pilates mat exercise has a breathing pattern. Big, expansive breath combined with precise, controlled, and fluid movement results in a truly invigorating experience. You feel energized after a Pilates workout rather than exhausted!

A Complete Workout. According to fitness research the body needs three distinct kinds of exercise – strength training, stretching, and cardio-vascular conditioning (better known as aerobic exercise). You need all of these exercises, because any one of them alone will not keep you healthy.

The reason for this is that starting at about age 30, both men and women begin to lose muscle tissue all over the body. You need strength training to restore muscle tissue. Aerobics and stretching won’t do this. On the other hand, you need cardio for heart health which stretching and strength training can’t deliver. And finally, you need stretching for flexibility and – yes, you guessed it – strength training and cardio don’t do this.

Fitness methods that combine all three of these exercises are referred to as complete exercise techniques. Pilates mat exercise at the advanced level is not only a complete method, but one of only a few exercise methods that do this.

Healthy Joints. There are no harsh movements in Pilates. This prevents harm to your joints. Movement is controlled, precise, and fluid. This kind of joint-healthy movement means that Pilates is exercise that you can do for the rest of your life! You can’t say this for many of the exercises that we love to do such as running and hiking to name just a few which cause wear and tear on our joints.

Relief for Most Back Problems. Nearly 100 years ago Pilates discovered that by strengthening the muscles around the center of your body – popularly known as core muscles – most back problems disappear. Today doctors agree that most back problems are better served by exercise rather than surgery or medication. This is one reason I refer to Joseph Pilates as the Einstein of fitness. His exercises and principles of core strength are widely used by physical therapists and trainers worldwide.

Now that you know the fantastic benefits of Pilates exercise, it’s time to try it. Pilates will change your life!

An advanced certified teacher of Pilates for over 35 years, Bob specializes in the mat exercises. He offers online pilates lessons, daily exercise tips and motivation, high intensity Pilates, and a wide variety of Pilates information and resources including a new understanding of Pilates breathing. Learn more about daily exercise.

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