The Lone Star Crescent

October 2009 Issue | Online: www.myCRESCENT.com | T: 214-306-7920 | E: dallas@myCRESCENT.com | In North TX Since 2006 Free Copy

Preventing Hypertension

By Roohe Ahmed, MPH/RD We go to the local pharmacy. We’re waiting for our medicine. In the corner of the waiting area is one of those blood pressure machines.

We decide to check our blood pressure, maybe not really knowing what the results mean.

However, it is very important to understand the significance of those two figures given.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is also referred to as a silent killer because many people have this disease for years and have no idea. Approximately, 1 in 4 Americans have high blood pressure, and 30% of those people don’t even know it. There really aren’t any blatant signs in the early stages that an individual has high blood pressure which is why many folks remain in the dark about having hypertension.

Hypertension is dangerous because it makes the heart work harder than it should and the force of blood flow can harm the arteries.

Uncontrolled, it can increase the risk of stroke, heart attack, heart disease, heart failure and kidney failure.

When one’s heart beats and pumps blood to the arteries, it creates pressure in the arteries. This blood pressure is caused by two factors: first, as blood pumps into the arteries themselves and second, as the arteries resist the flow of blood. Throughout the day, blood pressure varies, and can even vary between heartbeats. It can change as we change postures, and increases with activity.

Blood pressure is indicated as two numbers and measured in millimeters of mercury, such as 120/80 mm Hg. The first number is called systolic pressure which is the maxi-

mum pressure in the arteries as the heart is beating, and the second number, diastolic pressure, is the lowest pressure in the arteries

when the heart is resting between contractions. Ideally, one’s blood pressure should be below 120/80. Coninues on page 06>>

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The Lone Star Crescent | October 2009 | COMMUNITY REPORT

Embracing Diversity

ICNA Billboard Campaign in Dallas / Fort Worth

TI Shows How Embracing Diversity Builds Employee Morale

(DALLAS, TX) The Islamic Circle of North America- Dallas chapter (ICNA –Dallas) has launched a billboard campaign spanning 5 major Freeways over the next month to promote peace and address questions and concerns people may have about Islam.

ICNA is taking the initiative by reaching out to fellow citizens through a campaign whose objective is to disseminate accurate information on Islam and Muslims.

This will be achieved through distribution of free literature, answering questions and addressing popular stereotypes of the Muslim community. In what is to be a one month initiative that started on Tuesday September 1st, billboards are going up across the Dallas metroplex at 5 major freeways, encouraging all to call a toll free number or visit their informational website to learn about Islam and promote interfaith discussion.

The hotline 877-WHY-ISLAM is taking all questions. Interested parties can also visit the project website at whyislam. org, ask questions, participate in a discussion forum, request free literature, or schedule a mosque visit.

The campaign is completely financed by charitable donations from the American Muslim community. ICNA’s volunteers are committed to reaching out to fellow citizens through this effort and promoting interfaith understanding and harmony.

By Manzur Mahmud How do you help an employee feel connected to his faith while at work? The global semi-

conductor company, Texas Instruments (TI), had an idea. In the mid-1980s, TI sanctioned the formation of a number of grassroots, employee-led organizations to help the company and its employees not only practice, but also understand, diversity across races, religions and beliefs.

TI employees in the U.S. have formed approximately 30 diversity initiatives, including the Muslim Employee Initiative (MEI).

As a Muslim, my religion is always at the core of what I do everyday, including my job as Program Manager for High Performance Analog Product Engineering Group. I

never imagined I could feel so connected to my faith while at work.

The MEI is a formal diversity network which allows Muslim employees to voice their needs, foster understanding, and ultimately accelerate career development and TI’s retention of Muslim employees.

The MEI gives Muslim employees a sense of inclusion, pride and even a sense of home, which is something I haven’t experienced working anywhere else during my career. No doubt, the initiative plays an important role in retaining more than 250 Muslim employees at TI. Because TI recognizes the importance of making employees feel comfortable in the workplace, most of us work with our managers to utilize flexible work schedules so that we can take time on Fridays to pray Jumuah at the masjid and even to fast in Ramadan. TI also established serenity rooms in several facilities around the world, where Muslim employees can pray.

Being able to pray easily at work drives employee loyalty as well as efficiency. For instance, I pray two to three prayers during normal work hours. Before the serenity room was available, I would have to go

from one meeting room to another to find an empty and quiet space, or leave the facility altogether to go to the nearest mosque – both of which took time from my workday.

My colleague, Samia Islam, cochair of the MEI, recalls that she discovered the serenity room when interviewing at the TI site in San Diego. This definitely played a key role in Samia’s decision to accept TI’s job offer. One can only imagine how awestruck people are when they find out that TI actually has rooms where Muslims can pray and even perform their ablution!

Muslim employees appreciate the open and inclusive culture TI has created, where they are even free to share Islam with others and participate in open dialogue about their faith. At TI, Muslims are able to build bridges of understanding through interfaith activities with members of the Christian and Jewish employee initiatives. This atmosphere of openness and tolerance has removed stereotypes and has created a more effective team environment where employees continue to learn from one another.

Every day, technology is changing in the way we live our lives. The chips that TI develops make it easier for us to stay connected to our faith. From the chip in your cell phone which can be used to record lectures and Halaqas, to the chip in your MP3 player to play Qur’an recitations and other Islamic lectures. .......................................................................

Manzur Mahmud is program manager in the High Performance Analog/Power Product Engineering Group at Texas Instruments.

Billboards At: I-30 W/O Westmoreland SS/EF Loop 12 0.25 miles S/O I-30 ES/NF I-35 East 1116’ N/O FM 407 ES/SF I-635 200’ E/O Forest Land NS, WF Hwy 121 0.4 miles W/O Fish Hatchery, NS, EF Online at www.icna.org

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The Lone Star Crescent | October 2009 | Community Report

Youth Group Holding 3rd Annual Toy Drive

By Shaheen Salam The Toy Drive will run 10/13-11/13...toys will be picked up on 11/13 and delivered on 11/14, InshaAllah Texas Muslim Women’s Foundation’s (TMWF) Youth Committee, is respectfully requesting help from various organizations / Masajid / schools to keep a box (one per location) for their annual toy drive, in order to benefit the sick children of Children’s Medical Center, children at Ronald McDonald House, Dallas, CITY House, Teen Shelter of Plano, and the Muslim children of the South Dallas Masjid Al-Islam (Eid Al-Adha gifts) and also for Adopt A Family venture of the Volunteer Center of Collin County. The Committee is requesting you to encourage the community and students in the schools/ Sunday schools to purchase items and deposit them in the boxes which will be placed at these locations. NEW, UNOPENED, UNWRAPPED Toys in their original packaging will be accepted only. The boxes/flyers/poster will be in provided to the organizations by October 12, InshaAllah. This is also going to

Shariah Guided Financial Consulting In Dallas

be a great opportunity for the children of our community to participate and learn the benefits and rewards of doing charitable work.

The TMWF Youth Committee is also requesting the organizations please add this reminder to their daily /Jumuah announcements from October 13-November 13.

All toys will be delivered to the various recipients on November 14, InshaAllah, with a greeting from the Muslim community and our children.

Alhamdulillah, last year’s Toy Drive was a great success and the committee was able to deliver 500+ toys/items to Children’s Medical Center, City House Teen Shelter, Ronald McDonald House, Masjid Al-Islam and Plano’s Adopt-A-Family program. These organizations have appreciated the Youth Committees’ Toy Drive efforts in the previous years and are looking forward to these again. .......................................................................

Shaheen Salam is the President of Texas Muslim Women’s Foundation.

“Meet Your Muslim Neighbor” at ICI The Islamic Center of Irving (ICI) will hold an open house on October 10, 2009. The theme is “Meet your Muslim neighbor”. The event’s offerings include tours of the center, informational booths on Islam and Muslims, an Islamic cultural exhibit, and food from various parts of the Muslim world. The program will take place at the Masjid on 2555 Esters Road Irving, TX 75062-5009. For more information, please visit www.irvingmasjid.org or call Jason Black at 972-812-2230, ext. 1005 / 214-783-8185.

Special Business Profile Brian Payne is not a member of either the South Asian or Muslim communities, but that has not stopped him from developing a fast growing practice catering to their investment needs. Mr. Payne, a financial advisor with Wells Fargo Advisors, has been assisting his clients with their retirement goals for 18 years. Several years ago, he was introduced to the Muslim community through his close friendship with Monem Salam, Director of Islamic Investments for Amana Mutual Funds. After hearing from various members of the Muslim community about Mr. Payne and his efforts to help guide them toward their investment goals, I took advantage of an opportunity to meet him at his office in North Dallas for a brief interview.

1. Why would someone need a financial advisor?

There are many reasons to work with a financial advisor. I think one of the most common reasons is the benefit in developing and following a long-term investment plan. I work

PUBLISHER Melanz Publishing P.O. Box 851764 Richardson, TX 75085 T: (214) 306-7920 ads@myCRESCENT.com EDITORIAL: COMMENTS / STORIES, INQUIRIES / E: dallas@myCRESCENT. com Send an email to ads@myCrescent.com for general ad inquiries or sales jobs.

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The Lone Star Crescent is published monthly by Melanz Publishing. We welcome and encourage readers’ feedback and opinions. All materials, articles, photos, comments or samples submitted to the The Lone Star Crescent will become property of the publisher and may be printed at our discretion. The publisher / paper takes no responsibility of claims made by advertisers, financial, legal, family and/or educational advise in its content. Readers must check and inquire themselves. Online at www. myCRESCENT.com

with my clients to define specific retirement goals, establish an investment portfolio and monitor progress toward those goals. There is a difference between a collection of investments and a comprehensive investment strategy. A strategy is comprised of several individual investments that function independently, in conjunction with and even in opposition to each other. A good financial advisor can help a client to maximize upside potential and minimize downside risk so that their long-term plan stays on track.

2. Besides education and experience, what are the qualities of a good financial advisor?

I would say empathy and good listening skills. The first step to helping a family achieve their financial goals is to understand who they are now, where they want to go and what their concerns are in getting there.

If you can’t empathize with their situation, then you will have a hard time guiding them along the path to their goals. If you are not a good listener then it’s hard to truly get that level of understanding. Clients don’t always tell you their concerns straight for-

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The Lone Star Crescent | October 2009 | Community Report

wardly. Many times they are veiled in stories of passed experiences or in their body language. A financial advisor can recognize those unspoken concerns, address them with the client openly and then make allowances for them in the client’s investment plan.

3. What steps are involved in developing an investment strategy based on Islamic principles?

Basically, the same steps that are involved in developing any investment strategy. I begin every client relationship by profiling the family. I will ask about all the things you would suspect I would need to know. I’ll ask about the household income, desired retirement age, investment experience, current investable assets, future investable assets and such.

I will then ask about their feelings regarding Islamic principles. While the overwhelming majority of the Muslim community require strict adherence to these guidelines, some allow for an occasional exception. I discuss the client’s personal viewpoint on the matter and recommend an investment strategy that is appropriate for their outlook.

4. Is it harder to build an investment strategy that adheres to Islamic principles than one that does not?

In my opinion, yes. With a strategy not based on Islamic principles, the bond market is often used as a hedge against the uncertainty of the stock market. Bonds also provide income that can be re-invested into the stock market.

The income from bonds can be used to purchase additional shares if the stock market is going up or to lower an investor’s average cost per share if the market is going down.

Those in the Muslim community don’t have

this option because of the prohibition of riba. Of course, not all stocks go hand in hand with Islamic principles either. I work with the client to identify attractive investment opportunities that are not only agreeable in principle, but are consistent with the client’s long-term investment plan. It takes some additional planning, but with a little diligence, I can help my clients achieve their financial goals and follow the guidelines of their faith in the process.

Work Continues For ICI Expansion Story & Photos By Ali Luqman On June 26th 2009 Islamic Center of Irving (ICI) held its ground breaking ceremonies for the new expansion project. It was a joy-

and would like to be part of a venture that can establish the Islamic Center definitely as the minaret of the west. The returns on Investment are twofold, one the monetary reward and second the spiritual rewards. An-

ous and happy occasion for the entire community, Council person Allen Meagher was the official representative from the city of Irving and other dignitaries from various Islamic communities were in attendance everyone looked forward to the moment even though the 100 degree temp ware every present no one was bordered. The Islamic Center of Irving goal is to be recognized as the Minaret of the west with such a lofty vision the leaders are working hard at establishing this project. . Many years after this present generation is gone the expansion project in its entirety will serve the City of Irving both as a place of learning and a place of beauty.

This expansion project will be seen as an iconic structure where people from all over the world will visit and share their experiences with family members, neighbors and friends...

Brother Mohammed Egal the presi-

other vital aspect of this expansion project is sixteen classrooms and a multipurpose venue. The idea of the multipurpose facility would allow the Center to have a total of four activities all at once. This multipurpose venue would accommodate both Eid prayers, fundraising events and handle the over flow of people who attend the Jummah services.

Availability of space for the school is a primary motivation for this expansion project the multipurpose facility will include a cafeteria and other neckties to meet the need of our children. The size of this multipurpose space is schedule to be approximately 14000 sq ft which will allow for community activities that will include a large portion of our youth. Men and Women of this community will enjoy excellent sport activates that will include basketball volleyball and other sporting events. Islamic Center youth director Brother Mustaqim is looking forward to

dent of the Islamic Center Council who is a long time member of the community expressed in very positive terms the vision the hope and aspirations of this project. He also pointed out the passion and commitment the early builders of this Center they beloved in the motto “let us build it and they will come.” That same concept and vision is at the core of the present expansion project we see in action today. Part of the original ideas for this project is development of a retail center. The cost of that phase is approximately $7 million with over 58,000 sq ft that will include a combination of town homes and retail stores. Town homes will be on the top level and retail stores on the lower level.

This concept is new and would take sometime to petition the City of Irving to grant the Islamic Center an ordinance to re-zone the area in question. These are just some of the challenges that confront the project however Brother Egal is confident that even thought we see a decline in donation about 25% the vision of this project stays on course because the benefits to the future generations are greater than the challenges. This project needs investors, who believes in the vision

having activities that can be safe controlled and fun for the youths. The added space would give sisters an opportunity to develop and participate in more activities that is vital to community grown and progress. Brother Egal goal is to have this ambitious phase of the expansion project completed by June 2010. That will be possible if the community can raise the needed funds. This portion of the project cost could be up to Three Million dollars. At the moment the grading of the land is completed, the necessary pipes are laid in the ground and placement of the playground is in place. Now is the time to start building. In fact within few weeks from now that portion of the project will be started. As in any project there can be delays and the expected completion date may not be reached as stated. However with patience and perseverance with commitment and hard work the owner of this project will produce great results. The Islamic Center of Irving must be congratulated from its accomplishments.

The Islamic Center of Irving is a very generous hard working community that can be a model for other communities in the future.

5. What are some mistakes that people make in their investment portfolio?

The main thing I see is that investors have no plan. They buy a little of this because a neighbor has had some luck with it, or maybe they hear about some company on television, and so they think it’s a good idea for them too. That’s why I always say that there is a difference between a collection of investments and an actual strategy. A strategy is the extension of a well-thought-out plan that is to be carried out over a long period of time. If you are constantly moving in and out of the market and various investments, then your plan is continuously changing. In other words, you have no plan.

6. With the market down as much as it is, what looks good to you?

I have no way of answering that. Investment recommendations should be very personal things. It’s not one size fits all. Just because something has the potential to appreciate in value doesn’t make it appropriate for everyone. I have no idea who is reading this, how old they are, what their income level is, their investment experience, risk tolerance or what their portfolio currently looks like.

After sitting down with a prospective client and discovering this information, I would be more than happy to make some recommendations. But until then, it wouldn’t be the right thing to do. ......................................................................

Brian Payne can be reached at 972-728-3123 and by e-mail at brian.payne@wfadvisors. com.

Interview with Brian Payne online at www.myCRESCENT.com.

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The Lone Star Crescent | October 2009 | Preventing Hypertension (From page 01)

• Gender: During early adulthood and middle age, the risk of high blood pressure is higher in men than in women, however this trend reverses after the age of 60, with risk increasing for women more than men.

Your

GATEWAY To

Controllable Risk Factors...

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From Page 01>> Anything from 120139/80-89 is considered pre-hypertension, and while it isn’t full blown hypertension, it is advised to make changes in one’s lifestyle, especially what one eats and drinks and to increase/add physical activity. Stage 1 hypertension includes systolic pressure ranging from 140-159 and diastolic ranging from 9099; stage 2 hypertension is the most severe and includes systolic pressure above 160 and diastolic above 100. If either systolic or diastolic pressure is above normal limits, this indicates hypertension.

Risk Factors…

The causes of a majority of cases of hypertension are unknown, however there are plenty of risk factors that can predict the onset of hypertension.

Uncontrollable risk factors:

ads@myCRESCENT.com www.myCRESCENT.com JOB OPENING ASSISTANT IMAM/ QURAN TEACHERSan Antonio, Texas Job Description: MCECC is seeking a full time assistant Imam with Hifz ul Quran.

Responsibilities: To teach the children Holy Quran with Tajweed and good pronunciation. Also, will lead the regular prayers.

Qualifications/Skills Requirements: * Hifzul Quran with excellent Qirat. * Ability to speak English. * Ability to lead five daily prayers. * Ability to speak Arabic or Urdu would be a plus. * The Center offers a good paymnet package.

Where to send resume: Muslim Children Education & Civic Center 5282 Casa Bella San Antonio TX 78249.

Attan. Mufti Ameen Aziz Director

• Genetics: if one’s parents or other close relatives have high blood pressure, you are automatically at increased risk of inheriting it from them • Age: generally, the older one gets, the higher the risk. For men, the risk increases between the ages of 35 and 55, and for women, the risk increases after menopause.

• Ethnicity: African Americans are at higher risk to get high blood pressure; although us South Asians also have an increased risk.

• Obesity: those individuals with a body mass index of above 30 are more likely to develop hypertension. The more body mass one has, the more blood is needed to supply the body with oxygen and nutrients.

Therefore, more blood is being pumped, creating even more force against the artery walls.

• Inactivity: with reduced or no activity, one has a higher risk of becoming obese and hence developing high blood pressure.

• Smoking: chemicals found in tobacco can damage artery walls causing plaque to develop. Nicotine from tobacco can also make the heart work harder by constricting blood vessels.

Unfortunately, once one has high blood pressure, it is a lifelong disease, and needs to be controlled. As time progresses, damage can be done to organs in the body by the excessive force on artery walls. The higher one’s blood pressure or the longer the time it goes uncontrolled, the more damage is wreaked upon the body. However, by no means is it a lost cause! In order to help control high blood pressure, the following steps can be essential: maintain a healthy weight; be active most days of the week; eat healthy, especially decreasing the amount of salt in one’s diet; quit smoking; and take one’s medications, if need be, as directed.

We will focus on diet as a method to control/prevent high blood pressure, especially concentrating on the infamous DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet. The DASH diet was researched by scientists supported by the NHLBI (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute); they found that blood pressure was reduced when participants ate a diet low in saturated fat, cholesterol, total fat, and which concentrates on increased fruits, vegetables, and low fat dairy products. The DASH diet incorporates reduced consumption of red meat, sweets, and is rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium, protein and fiber. In the study, blood

pressure was reduced within 2 weeks of participants starting the plan. A separate study was conducted in which participants had reduced dietary sodium and were either following the DASH meal plan or were just eating a typical American diet. Blood pressure was reduced with a low sodium diet, however, those on the DASH diet, had bigger blood pressure reductions. So then, what is the DASH diet?

(See DASH Diet Chart online at www.

CRESCENT.com) In addition to following the recommended servings and amounts of the DASH diet (shown online), it is crucial to also reduce the amount of salt and sodium in one’s diet. Ideally aim for total sodium of less than 2,400 mg per day (check food labels under “Sodium”; also check the serving size to get a better approximation of the amount of sodium in the food you are consuming).

Ways to Reduce Sodium...

• Choose low, reduced or no-sodium products.

• Reduce the amount of salt you add to your foods. Instead, spices can be a great alternative for flavor as well as condiments such as lemon, lime, vinegar, or salt free seasonings.

• Choose fresh or frozen vegetables over canned veggies, or opt for those with “no salt added” • Limit the amount of canned, processed or smoked meats such as cold cuts, hot dogs, etc • Limit condiments such as ketchup, pickles, and sauces with increased sodium.

• Beware of the amount of soy sauce added in foods; choose the low sodium version, but watch how much you add It all seems like common sense doesn’t it? It really is, although it may be a bit of a challenge changing one’s diet plan.

Not only is the DASH diet good for controlling/preventing hypertension, it is also helpful in reducing cholesterol, controlling diabetes, and just having a healthy lifestyle overall. Following the diet will help those who are keen on losing weight to shed those extra pounds. However remember, diet also goes hand in hand with physical activity.

Try to work in at least an hour of activity most days of the week—walking around the neighborhood after dinner, taking a bike ride with the kids, buying your favorite workout video, etc… And most importantly, remain positive--increased stress can raise one’s blood pressure too. Yes, easy to say in this stress filled world, but take some time out for yourself and your health: do something you like. You deserve it. .......................................................................

The article presents only general tips, but does not address specific condition of any person. ALWAYS consult with your physician first before making any changes to your diet and exercise.

Send your story ideas, comments and suggestions to us via email at dallas@myCRESCENT.com.

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The Lone Star Crescent | May 2009 | CONFRONTING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

(from page 01)

P. 08

The Lone Star Crescent | October 2009 | CAREER

Secret Career Document - The Nine Magic Job Interview Hints (Get Hired Fast)!

By Lynn Chase What good does a great resume, a stellar cover letter or your Job Interview Secret Career Document do you, if you can’t cut it when it comes down to the real test - The Job Interview? This is when you really have to be on your game, where the most important decision is made, whether to hire you or not and where you better bring you bag of impressive tricks. But first let’s make sure you get all the basics down because let’s be real, if you mess up any of the following things it’s over before you even get a real chance to shine and show what you can bring to the company.

The 9 Most Important Job Interview Hints: 1. The day before the interview, call and confirm the time for your appointment. Yes, that’s right call them up, its professional and shows you’re responsible about your commitments. Be firm in your confirm, don’t ask something like “is my interview still on and what time was that again?” The night before make SURE you know where you are going, get MapQuest directions, and take a map of the city where you are going to be.

2. Plan for the unknown, such as getting lost, traffic jams, traffic accidents. Arrive early, better to sit there trying to look productive than arrive late and have NO chance at getting the interview. With an Interview it is always One strike and you are out.

3. Treat everyone in your path like gold, including the receptionist. Behave warmly, professionally and with enthusiasm. You never know who is going to cross your path on your way to the interview, the CEO may ride up the elevator with you or the interviewer coming back from lunch, you never know. Take every opportunity to shine!

4. When meeting the interviewer, give a firm handshake (not a death grip though), and offer a polite and enthusiastic greeting, and smile.

5. Your body language means everything!

Do not slouch, yawn (this can be a nervous

tic but you will come across looking uninterested), fold your arms in a defensive manner or give off any other signals that may turn the interviewer off right away.

6. Show your desire to participate, take notes during the interview and actively engage in the conversation with nods and smiles. Always make direct eye contact with the interviewer!

7. Do Not drift off in your thoughts and then make the interviewer repeat a question. Keep on task, which is giving the interview process your undivided attention. Even a small “drift” about thinking how you are doing in the interview or whether you think the interviewer likes you is enough to side track your line of thinking forcing you to say, “could you repeat the question, please.”

8. Answer with confidence, take the time to think before you speak. A small pause is fine and preferable to any ramblings that may come out of your mouth because you’re not sure what to say. Even using phrases such as “that is a great question”, may give your brain time to think of where it is going. And it is much better than Ummmmm!

9. Be proactive and if the interview appears to be going well, ask to tour the office, remember to introduce yourself to those you meet. You never know how a good impression will play out and help improve your chances of landing the job.

Bonus Tip: Finally, submit your Best Job Interview Weapon - the 30/60/90 Day Action Plan -your Secret Career Document! This will have the interviewer practically eating out of your hand they will be so impressed. More Job Offers are won with this piece of paper alone than anything else! .......................................................................

Do these special tips intrigue you? Than find out more Job Interview Hints and how to write a 30/60/90 Day Action Plan with ease at Secret Career Document Article (www. squidoo.com/secret-career-document). Visit http://jobinterviewsecrets.info to learn how you can create your own action plan that will practically force your job interviewer to hire you on the spot!

want to share career tips with our readers?

Are you an experienced career consultant?

Or do you have tips and strategies for jobs and career?

Email your suggestions and advice to dallas@myCRESCENT.com.

P. 09

The Lone Star Crescent | Octiber 2009 | REAL ESTATE

Tips About Free Home Inspection Checklists

By Francis Murphy

Home is probably the biggest investment an individual makes in their lifetime. But a home is much more than just an investment.

Home is a place that provides us shelter and protects us from all the extreme weather conditions. A person spends most of its time at home. Home purchasing is a step worth taking that a person takes rarely in his lifetime.

Therefore, you need to follow a few Free Home Inspection Checklists while considering a dream home of your choice.

While making a decision regarding purchasing a home, you can design a self made Free Home Inspection Checklist.

This checklist can easily be designed by doing some search work on the internet and by looking for some house improvement sites.

The health of your home is much like your own personal health. It also requires proper timely checkups and maintenance, so as to keep it in a good and up to date healthy condition. Most of the buyers while buying home consider cost as the most important factor and they thus decide to save money by doing home inspections themselves.

These self made inspections can be carried out either by searching for some free online inspection checklists or by using free home inspection software.

These Free Home Inspection Checklists predict some general checks that are useful in considering a home purchase.

For instance, these free checklists can help in predicting the general outlook of the building like the roofing and the walls, without any trained eye to look for the pitfalls in the construction and to observe the defects that cannot be predicted by the normal eye. That is why the years of inspection and the knowledge of the basics proves much more beneficial in determining the physical structure of the home and help you to get the best home deal. ..........................................................

Francis Murphy loves to write and share information on topics like Home Inspection (www.olympiancares.com) and Home Inspector Nassau County. You may visit us for more information.

Use Caution If You Buy Your Home Online

By Robert J. Carlton You can buy anything online these days. But is it a good idea to buy your home online?

Here are some things to consider before you buy real estate via the internet.

There are many “property for sale” listings to be found online, but you had best be cautious. Remember, the listing is an advertisement, so the positive aspects of the parcel will be emphasized and the negative ones will be played down, if they are mentioned at all. Photographs may have been edited as well. Do not buy a parcel based on the listing alone.

If at all possible, visit the site you are considering and have it inspected by a licensed professional. Is the building structur-

ally sound? Does the roof leak? Is the parcel landlocked: That is, does it have access to a road? Is there access to utilities?

Be sure to look around the neighborhood. Is the area well maintained? Are there a lot of “for sale” signs? Read the local newspaper and visit the local government offices. Are there any liens on the property?

Does the seller have clear title to the property? Are there any restrictions or special tax assessments on the parcel?

It may be tempting to buy property via an online auction site, such as Ebay.

However, this may cause more headaches for you than you may realize. As you may know, placing a bid is a binding contract. If you are the lowest bidder, you are bound to complete the purchase. While there is such a thing as a nonbinding bid, that simply means you won’t receive negative feedback at Ebay if you cannot complete the real-estate purchase. You may or may not be able to avoid legal problems from not following through with the sale.

Before you make such a large purchase through an auction site, be sure to review the site’s policies. Don’t bid until you

understand them thoroughly. The site may have a forum page in which you can get helpful advice from those who are experienced with online real-estate purchases. Read their stories and learn from their experience.

Some people absorb information better from a printed page, rather than from a computer screen. Your local library or bookstore should have a lot of information on real estate investing and online buying and selling. Get all the information you can before making a purchase.

Above all, make sure you don’t take part in an online real-estate purchase without consulting a real-estate lawyer. Attorney fees will be extra money well spent to make sure you get a good return on your investment.

Real estate investing online is possible but it is a very risky venture. Don’t do it unless you have the time, money and legal and hands-on know-how.

Rob Carlton’s web pages can be discovered on quite some online sites linked to property on the costa blanca and costa blanca property for sale.

His publications on costa blanca property for sale are found on his web sites. www.alicante-spain. com/costa-blanca-property.html

P. 10

The Lone Star Crescent | October 2009 | Travel By JustSayGo.com

Old West Country

By Naeem Randhawa En route from Dallas to the north of Texas is the panhandle, a geographic region that juts

out like the handle of a skillet or pan that a cowboy might use on an evening campfire.

The Texas panhandle is home to the largest beef production region in the U.S., and Amarillo is the city that produces, manages and ships that beef to the rest of the country.

Amarillo, founded in the 1870s, is also the Texas town that gained worldwide attention when Oprah Winfrey was called to an Amarillo court in a battle with cattlemen and the beef industry. The cattlemen became riled after Winfrey made some apparent slanderous remarks about beef and mad cow disease. In the end Winfrey won, but has since refrained from making any remarks.

Amarillo enjoys its beef, and doesn’t take any matters relating to beef very lightly.

Of course, Amarillo is also worldfamous for its position on the map as one of the Texas towns that Route 66 ran through.

Although the highway has been decommissioned since Interstate 40 was constructed to accommodate modern transportation, the relic road is still celebrated in tourist stops all along the highway, which is now called Sixth Avenue in Amarillo.

In 1974, local eccentric Stanley Marsh III, having made his a fortune in the helium business, decided to assemble used Cadillacs and build Cadillac Ranch, located in his dusty farm fields along Route 66. With the help of The Ant Farm, an art collective from San Francisco, Marsh half-buried 10 Cadillacs (in perfect mechanical shape, including working air-conditioners) nosedown, facing west at the same angle as the pyramids of Cheops. This offbeat road-side attraction is not marked by any official city or state markers, so you’ll have to get directions from the locals. Stop by for some great vacation pictures.

Another of the city’s oldest and best-known sites is the Amarillo Natatorium, a recorded historical landmark that has changed and evolved through time. Now an antique mall and café, The Nat began as an enclosed swimming pool opened to the public in 1922. In 1926, this indoor pool was

Dallas / Fort Worth----Gotta Love It

By R. “Ruqayyah” Khalifa Living in the Dallas Metroplex area alone is enough to make anyone feel like the size of an ant. It is like a maze of freeways and streets that are in some way or other attached to all the cities and towns throughout the whole Metroplex area. For a newcomer, it might seem like all there is to the city is endless miles and miles of pavement to drive on and encountering many traffic jams. How-

ever, once you get lost a few times, you tend to find out where all the fun places are.

One of the best fun places to go is the Dallas Zoo. It starts at the Entry Plaza with their Endangered Species Carousel and right next to that is the Children’s Zoo with all kinds of interesting and educational things for kids to do. Zoo North is the main area where many of the animals are and in the Wilds of Africa, you can take a 20-minute narrated tour on the Monorail Safari. The

converted into The Nat Dine & Dance Palace. The passing years brought top-flight talent, including Bennie Goodman, Little Richard and Roy Orbison. In the 1960s, The Nat was closed to public dancing. It was placed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1994, and became a Texas Historical Landmark in 1995.

The Golden Light Café may be the oldest restaurant in Amarillo. This establishment was created in 1946 by Chester “Pop” Ray and his wife, Louise. Since its opening days, The Golden Light has changed owners four times but has kept its reputation for great food. Musicians, stars and even some of the same customers from its opening days frequent this café. Celebrities such as Matthew McConaughey and the band Cooter Graw keep the ambiance exciting. The current owner also believes that the eatery’s location on Route 66 simply adds to the Golden Light experience.

Less than an hour from Amarillo, Palo Duro Canyon is a must-stop for enjoy-

ing some down-home outdoor dance and performance. The open-air theater has hosted the musical Texas since 1966. The country’s second largest canyon after the Grand Canyon, the Palo Duro makes for a great getaway for those seeking outdoor sports, hiking and jeep tours. The canyon is home to abundant wildlife, including deer, sheep and antelope.

If there are any hardcore carnivores in your traveling company, head over to The Big Texan Steak Ranch, another Lone Star state original. Besides serving up succulent steak and Western ambiance, the restaurant offers a 72-ounce steak challenge. If you can eat the entire steak in less than an hour, you get it for free; if not, they keep the $50 deposit. Among the 30,000 people who have attempted to consume the free steak since 1960, nearly 4,800 have succeeded. The oldest person to eat the steak was a 69-year-old grandmother; the youngest an 11-year-old Dallas Zoo has something for all the members of the family to enjoy.

Located off the southeastern shore of White Rock Lake is the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden that sits on 66 acres.

With a series of gardens and fountains, this

is the place to be with a panoramic view of the lake and downtown Dallas skyline.

Another fun place to go to is the Dallas World Aquarium. With 85,000 gallons of salt water, it features Marine life from around the world and the largest selection of azaleas in the U.S. But make sure you leave your fishing rod at home because you cannot go fishing here.

There is also Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington. Not only is it the oldest theme park of the Six Flags chain which opened on August 1, 1961, it is also larger than Disneyland. This major theme park resides over

boy. The record time to eat the mammoth steak was 9.5 minutes by Frank Pastore, a former pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds.

Old World romance and intimacy are offered at Auntie’s House Bed & Breakfast. Conveniently located in downtown Amarillo, the residence was built in 1912 by Allen Early Sr., owner of the first grain elevator in Amarillo. This residence, as well as the entire neighborhood, is on the National Register of Historic Places. The three-bedroom bed and breakfast is owned and managed

by Corliss and Skip Burroughs, a charming couple that makes visitors feel at home. All of the rooms have private bathrooms and cable TV with VCRs. This historic home is furnished with mostly antiques that the owners have accumulated by visiting and foraging through estate sales, antique shops and auctions. To get authentic moldings, Corliss pried them off the walls of a house as a demolition crew worked around her. The guest living room showcases a collection of books and videos that you can enjoy while seated on comfy sofas by a cozy fire. Flight paraphernalia offers unique decor, including a great map that charts all of the flights that Skip, an experienced pilot, has flown throughout the Southwest.

The Enchanted Cottage, located separately from the residence, offers the ultimate couple’s experience. Tastefully decorated in original Victorian style, the cottage boasts 10- and 12-foot ceilings as well as furnishings from the 1870s and 1880s. You will find complimentary wine, champagne or your favorite soft drinks iced down by the whirlpool upon your arrival. On request, the whirlpool is filled with milk or champagne for those extra-special nights, there is an extra cost for this, and you’ll want to let them know in advance. Be sure to check out the antique French chandelier hanging in the center of the room; the five-foot handcrafted import is a unique piece of art and form. .........................................................................

For more information: The Golden Light Café www.goldenlightcafe.com The Nat www.thenat.com The Big Texan Steak Ranch www.bigtexan.com Auntie’s House Bed & Breakfast www.auntieshouse.com Reservations (888) 661-8054

212 acres and offers over 45 rides and rollercoasters. It is home to the TITAN which is the tallest and fastest rollercoaster ever constructed by Six Flags Inc. In addition, there is a wide variety of top-shelf entertainment in the park.

And the most fun things that Muslims can enjoy is the “G” Program at the Islamic Center of Irving. Founded by Brother Mustaqiim, it is a program that helps encour-

age the Muslim youth to remember their Islam through online assignments, Qur’an recitations, halaqas, and salah. Yet at the same time the youth earn “G” Money to spend on field trips, games, and at the youth store as an incentive to want to study more about Islam. Parents are also more than welcome to attend most of the activities with their kids.

Good rewards for good works. Check it out at www.thegprogram.com. Whatever the craving, there is something for everyone.

P. 11

The Lone Star Crescent | July 2009 | CAREER

P. 12

The Lone Star Crescent | October 2009 | Technology

Best Handheld GPS Makes Maps Obselete

By Peter O’Brien

NISSAN EPORO: LEARNS FROM SCHOOLS OF FISH TO PREVENT CAR CRASHES “Nissan has been been studying schools of fish and how they avoid colliding with each other while swimming. They have come up with similar technology and put it in these threewheeled bots—seven of them can travel together and avoid crashes by using laser range finders which measures distance from one another. Then they, like a good family of fishies, share the info with each other. The hope is to bring that communication to the cars of the future.” -Gizmodo.com ...................................................................................................................................................

“While the EPORO prototype ‘car’ doesn’t actually travel underwater, it does try to replicate the movement of fish in a school in an effort to navigate safely and avoid accidents. To achieve that, EPORO cars ‘speak’ to each other using Ultra Wide Band (UWB) radio and measure their positions with laser range finders. Once they know where they are in relation to each other and to their surroundings – so the theory goes – the tiny autonomous vehicles should be as safe as houses.” -TechRadar.com

Garmin GPS technology has changed society forever. With the new Garmin eTrex Venture HC Handheld GPS, traveling in your car or backpacking up a mountain just got a whole lot easier. Instead of using large and annoying maps that flop in front of your face while your in your car, try using the new Garmin eTrex Venture HC Handheld GPS. This new model will make your traveling experience wherever you are, more enjoyable and less stressful.

The Garmin eTrex Venture HC Handheld GPS has a very bright yellow design and is very easy to use. The Garmin eTrex Venture HC is easy to use with one hand therefore you can get other tasks done at the same time. This device is essential for navigation excellence. All travel locations (500 way points and 50 routes) are easily accessible in the device. On the other hand, the routes on maps are spread all over and it is difficult to decipher which route is which.

The WAAS enabled GPS receiver allows the system to quickly determine your exact location so it can give you the correct directions.

The best handheld gps tells you exactly where to go unlike a map which you have to figure it out yourself. The Garmin eTrex Venture HC is the best handheld gps because it serves as a great guide to wear you are going and it is worth it to buy it.

This device is also waterproof so it can be taken fishing or boating without worry of ruining it. Just think what would happen if you dropped a map in the lake: completely unreadable. The 1.7 by 1.3 inch LCD screen makes it easy to view the screen and be able to see the exact direction where you are go-

ing.

The TFT display screen is extremely helpful because it changes the tint of the screen in relation to the time of day.

This makes it easier to see at night or during the day when sunlight can be very glaring. The device runs on AA batteries and has a long lasting battery life of 14 hours. With all of these features the Garmin eTrex Venture HC is the best handheld gps unit that garmin has to offer.

So whether you are driving, hiking, backpacking, or boating the Garmin eTrex Venture HC is the perfect guide and it can get you to your desired location swiftly without stress. With this new unit, reading a map will be like using a type writer. The Garmin eTrex Venture HC Handheld GPS is clearly a great value and the best handheld unit garmin has to offer. With an easy to view screen and navigation excellence, why wouldn’t you buy one for your car. .......................................................................

Read customer reviews with a star rating system for the Garmin eTrex Venture HC Handheld GPS by visiting: Best Handheld GPS (http://learning-about.com/garmin)