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The GPS, or Global Positioning System is currently the only fully functional Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). With over two dozen GPS satellites hovering in medium Earth orbit, they are transmitting signals that allow GPS receivers to determine the receiver's location, speed and direction. Since the first experimental satellite was launched in 1978, the GPS has become an indispensable aid to navigation worldwide, and has become an instrument used in map-making and land surveying. The GPS additionally provides a precise time reference used in many applications including scientific study of earthquakes, and synchronization of telecommunications networks. So much for the explanation of what a GPS is and what it is intended to accomplish.

For you and I, its a device with no equal. Its a true benefit of the space age that is a byproduct of the governments need to track the various movements on earth. So we can buy this gizmo that taps their satellites for a very reasonable investment. Available in portable models as small as a deck of cards, it offers travel information like no other service. They come preloaded with maps of every US town and street with international versions available as well. The POI or points of interestfeature let you find a nearby restaurant, hotel, gas station, attraction, or just about anything else. You use the touch screen and input the current address. Then set your course for another destination and it does the work. It displays a map and tells you what to do and when to do it. Here is a typical soliloquy:

Go 3 miles to Route 5. Turn left at Highway 344 North. You are approaching Main Street. Turn left in 500 feet. Now proceed towards Route 5 for 2.9 miles. Stay in the left lane to merge on to route 95 North. Proceed towards Route 5 for the next 2.5 miles.

Thats what the voice says while the map duplicates the route. If you change course, it will recalculate the trip and actually tell you it is changing or adjusting the route. In a recent trip, I printed out a MapQuest route and my Garmin Nuvi followed it exactly. There are many good brands to choose from, and most do the job well. You get to download new maps with new POIs as they become available. So, whats the big deal, besides the trip instructions?

We needed a gas station and it found, using the GPS just one a block away. Try doing that with your cell phone by calling information. It gave us directions to a Mexican restaurant and the phone number. It could even connect us and let us use our blue-tooth cell phone to dial the number. We can save any entry for future reference and has an internal battery good for up to six hours. It comes with a car-power adapter and can be mounted temporarily on the dash or windshield. We travel a lot and it goes with us everywhere we go. At a price between $300 and $600, depending on features, its a great investment. Because once you buy it, except for some low-cost upgrades of the software, its yours forever.

Magellan, Tom-Tom, Lowrance, Navman are just a few of the other brands you can research on the net. Next to our MP3 and Media player, we dont leave home without ours. Thats why I rate this baby a true, gottahavit. And I know you will too.

Jeffrey Hauser was a sales consultant for the Bell System Yellow Pages for nearly 25 years. He graduated from Pratt Institute with a BFA in Advertising and has a Master's Degree in teaching. He had his own advertising agency in Scottsdale, Arizona and ran a consulting and design firm, ABC Advertising. He has authored 6 books and a novel, "Pursuit of the Phoenix." His latest book is, "Inside the Yellow Pages" which can be seen at his website, http://www.poweradbook.com. Currently, he is the Marketing Director for http://www.thenurseschoice.com a Health Information and Doctor Referral site.

North West Science and Technology has led to many cutting edge scientific breakthroughs, such as Britains first aeroplane, the birth of the first test tube baby, splitting the atom, and the worlds first computer. Science and Technology is continuing to develop rapidly in this region, and many global brands, ranging from medical research to military aircraft have significant research and design facilities in the North West. Over 25% of the regions 106 billion economy comes from Science and Technology companies.

1.North West universities play a key role in Science and Technology, and have a combined turnover of over 1.2 billion, almost 1% of the regions total economy. Leading companies, including those in the Aerospace Business, automotive supply and manufacturing companies, nuclear energy and medical research are closely linked to North West universities. More than 50,000 North West students graduate every year, including 25,000 with life science degrees. Over 69,000 science students are trained every year.

2.The Aerospace Business in the North West has a turnover of 6 billion, and is responsible for producing military and commercial aircraft and components which are used both in the UK and exported worldwide. Extensive R&D programmes ensure that the latest technologies are available to create the most advanced planes in the world. Countries all over the world rely on the North West Aerospace Business for their military and commercial aircraft requirements

3.The Chemistry Industry plays a vital role in the North West, and sales of chemicals contribute over 10 billion to the economy, equating to approximately 20% of the UK chemistry industry. Approximately 220,000 people are employed in this sector. In 2005, the Department of Trade and Industry announced that as part of the Technology Programme, one of the 19 new Knowledge Transfer Networks (KTNs) would be in Chemistry in the North West. KTNs help to share knowledge and research between businesses, academic institutions such as universities, and trade associations.

4.The North West and Cumbria in particular, is widely acknowledged as the centre of the UK Nuclear Energy industry, and is home to the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. The research and development work done in this region has led the Government to conclude that utilising nuclear energy is part of a viable solution to meeting the energy needs of the UK.

5.There are over 50 research institutes, many of them multi-institutional, as well as traditional R&D departments. The North West is home to the Research and Development departments of several of the worlds leading companies, and business R&D investment in this region is greater than in any other part of the world except Asia. Recent reports show that 4 of the top 10 companies by R&D spending have significant facilities in the North West. Pharmaceutical development, including the largest cancer drug research centre in the UK, Aerospace Businesses, manufacturers of consumer products, as well as the Chemistry Industry and Nuclear Energy are well represented in the North West.

6.The North Wests seven science parks are home to many knowledge-based companies in diverse industries ranging from providing education to Nuclear Energy and decommissioning. Strong links to universities as well as research institutes and centres of knowledge, in the UK and abroad, help to ensure that Science and Technology in the North West is second to none.

7.Dedicated Strategic Science and Technology sites have been set up throughout the North West, and Manchester is aiming to become one of the UKs first six Science Cities by 2015.

Manchester Science Park is internationally recognised as a centre of excellence, and is one of the most successful of its kind. Tenants include specialists in healthcare, telecoms, and digital media.

The Daresbury Science and Innovation Campus, near Warrington in Cheshire, is home to leading companies in diverse industries ranging from healthcare research to business support services. The nearby Daresbury Laboratory is one of the best-resourced science facilities in the UK.

Liverpool Science Park, right in the centre of Liverpool, is the fastest growing science park in the UK, and contains computer games, website design and software companies as well as solicitors specialising in intellectual property and technology law. Speke, also in Liverpool, is home to the National Biomanufacturing Centre, which is set to become the leading biopaharmaceutical design centre in Europe, and helps to create and develop new medicines

West Cumbria Science Park, near Whitehaven, has over 60 companies on site, ranging from ecology to engineering, many of which are involved in the Nuclear Energy Industry.

A Science Park in Lancaster is scheduled for development this year, and will be located close to the top-ten ranked university. This exciting new project will combine the renowned academic knowledge and resources of the University with local businesses know-how and the Lancaster Environment Centre.

8.With Manchester recently voted the most creative city in the UK, and Liverpools reputation as one of the leading cities for computer game design, the North West is at the forefront of new technologies as well as traditional Science and Technology. The use of ICT in education, website design and internet technologies, TV and film production, as well as other media industries, is all flourishing in the region, thanks to Science and Technology.

9.As well as looking to the future, the regions scientific history is preserved through museums such as the World Museum in Liverpool, Quarry Bank Mill in Styal, Cheshire, and Wigan Pier. Visual displays as well as hands-on activities, demonstrations and different media show how Science and Technology has changed our lives, from mechanising everyday tasks to revolutionising manufacturing methods.

10.As well as the outstanding Science and Technology facilities, the North West is a popular business location thanks to its fantastic infrastructure. Within reach of 3 international airports, and a great motorway system, the North West is closer than you may think. In addition, the North West has many Areas of Natural Outstanding Beauty and the standard of living is high.

There has never been a better time to see how North West Science and Technology can help you.

To find out more about North West Science and Technology, and Research Institues, please visit www.NorthWestScience.com

Down payments can be difficult to come up with. Sometimes, the only way one can live the dream of homeownership is through 100% mortgage financing. This article will provide you with the ins and outs of no down payment loans.

Many lenders are now offering 100% mortgage financing at near-market rates. This makes it possible for borrowers with no down payment, and possibly less than perfect credit, to obtain a mortgage loan.

How 100% Mortgage Financing Works

Nowadays, 100% mortgage financing is available to the average borrower. Though your credit can't be terrible, it can be far from perfect. When obtaining 100% mortgage financing you have two basic options available to you:

Private Mortgage Insurance. To protect themselves in the case of default, most lenders require borrowers participating in a 100% mortgage financing program to carry private mortgage insurance (PMI). This insurance varies in cost depending on the size of the mortgage loan, and must be carried until enough equity has built in the home or until you have proven that you can make payments in a timely manner.

80/20 Loans. If you want to avoid private mortgage insurance, but still qualify for 100% mortgage financing, an 80/20 loan is a good option. This mortgage loan allows you to take out two loans. The first covers 80% of the home's purchase price, and the second acts as a 20% down payment.

100% Mortgage Financing Risks

There are some risks associated with 100% mortgage financing. For example, when you don't put a down payment on a mortgage purchase, you typically have little to no equity. If housing values in the area decrease, you could end up owing more for your home than it is worth. As with any loan, you should consider the risks before making a final decision.

For a list of Recommended 100% Mortgage Lenders Online, visit http://www.abcloanguide.com, an informational website about various types of loans.