The future of cars: Drivers not needed

By John D. Sutter, CNN January 10, 2011 5:57 a.m. EST | Filed under: Innovation

Joyride in a 2030 concept car

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• General Motors showed off a self-driving car at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas
  
• GM says the podlike cars could be on the market by 2030 at a cost of $10,000
  
• The EN-V runs on battery power and plugs into a wall, with a max speed of about 30 mph

Las Vegas (CNN) -- It's conventional wisdom in the auto industry, but the rest of us may be a bit shocked to find out that cars of the future likely will drive themselves.

In some ways, they already are.

A $100,000 car from Mercedes aims to give the human foot a rest in traffic jams. It senses how far away other cars are -- and then speeds up and slows down accordingly. No need to turn off cruise control and hit the brake. You just steer. (Wired Magazine, which tested the car, called this a "magically scary experience.")

And tech companies are pushing car automation even further.

In October, Google announced it had developed a fleet of cars that use various sensors and maps to feel out the roadway. "They've driven down Lombard Street, crossed the Golden Gate bridge, navigated the Pacific Coast Highway, and even made it all the way around Lake Tahoe. All in all, our self-driving cars have logged over 140,000 miles. We think this is a first in robotics research," the company said on its blog.

The latest edition in this trend comes from General Motors, which showed off a self-driving car last week at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

The EN-V (pronounced "envy" and short for "Electric Networked Vehicle") combines two ideas about how to teach cars to drive -- using sensors like cameras and sonar to keep the car from hitting pedestrians; and network technology that lets cars talk to each other.

This "car internet" lets the cars link up wirelessly and follow one another in a sort of wirelessly linked train. If one EN-V needed to pull out of the line, it could.

More than just fun and games at CES

Rough-and-tumble technology

On the floor at CES

The best of CES

RELATED TOPICS

• Alternative Fuel Vehicles
• General Motors Corporation
• International Consumer Electronics Show

The pod-like cars, which are just prototypes for now (GM says they could be on the market by 2030 at a cost of $10,000), look somewhat like large scuba-diver helmets, or smushed dust busters. They roll on two wheels, which are aligned like the front two wheels of a car, not like a bicycle. GM partnered with Segway, maker of those futuristic-looking transporters, to create technology that allows the car to balance.

"It's basically a dynamically balanced skateboard," said Chris Borroni-Bird, GM's director of advanced technology vehicle concepts.

The EN-V runs on battery power and plugs into a wall -- giving it a max speed of about 30 miles per hour and a range of about 30 miles. That's not far or fast, but it's enough to make the EN-V useful for cutting down congestion in urban settings, particularly high-density cities in China and India, Borroni-Bird said.

The car also aims to improve safety, since human drivers don't have a sterling record on that front. An estimated 1.3 million people die in traffic-related accidents each year, according to the World Health Organization.

The EN-Vs are just as wide as they are tall, measuring 5 feet cubed. Two people fit inside comfortably, but there's not much room for anything else. A bubble of glass sits close in front of the driver's face. "You can probably pack 5 or 6 times as many of these EN-Vs in a parking lot as you could conventional cars," Borroni-Bird said.

Even though the cars can communicate with each other and drive themselves, drivers can take control if they choose. That's important, Borroni-Bird said, both for safety reasons and so drivers can get some sense of enjoyment from the vehicle.

Drivers use a joystick of sorts to steer and throttle the vehicle, which can spin in place and accelerates rather quickly.

Still, Borroni-Bird says, there are a number of obstacles that need to be hurdled before something like the EN-V hits the market.

The wireless signals that let the vehicles communicate are problematic because hackers, in theory, could access them and send cars off track; and because a lost wireless connection could cause the automated system to lose control of the car.

"It's one thing if a computer goes down, but it's another thing if it happens here," he said.

But he sees a bright future for the concept.

"For the last 100 years the car really hasn't changed in a fundamental sense," he said.

Self-driving cars may buck that trend.

10 trips for every type of traveler

By La Carmina, CNNGo

January 10, 2011 9:32 a.m. EST

Palau is known as a destination for undersea exploration.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• This is the year to mount a camel and tackle the mighty Himalayas
• For a great foodie trip, try the Sichuan capital of Chengdu in China
• France offers the best gambling trip
• Looking to get away with kids? Vancouver, British, Columbia, is the place to be

(CNNGo) -- While it's true that most travel destinations aren't like haute couture -- "in" one year and "out" the next -- there are some points on the map particularly worth visiting in 2011.

For good reasons, this is the year to mount a camel, trip through Palau's underwater psychedelia and -- yes, you can -- tackle the mighty Himalayas.

Here's a planner for the year's best trips.

Best adventure trip: Everest base camp

The thrill of high-altitude trekking in Nepal was once available only to a gung-ho few. Recently, the journey has become more accessible.

In April 2011, co-host of international television show Word Travels and travel writer Robin Esrock will lead a trek to the Everest Base Camp with World Expeditions.

The journey begins in Kathmandu Valley and ascends through Sherpa villages to Tengboche Monastery, where awestruck hikers get panoramic views of the rock star mountains of the Himalayas: Tawache, Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam.

Hikers will traverse part of the treacherous Khumbu Glacier, followed by an ascent of Kala Pattar (18,192 feet), before stopping at Everest Base Camp.

"In Nepal, acclimatizing is going to be key, as is exercising for several months beforehand to ensure your body can take it," Esrock cautions. "Wearing in your gear is a must, although those incredible Sherpas will no doubt be worth their weight in stardust."

The World Expeditions hike to Everest Base Camp runs April 4-24, 2011, and begins in Kathmandu.

Price is $2,768 per person, including food, trek pack, porters and accommodation.

CNNGo: Where to be, when to go, what to do in 2011

Best foodie trip: Chengdu, Sichuan province, China

In August 2010, the Sichuan capital of Chengdu was honored as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.

That same month on Twitter, American TV host Andrew Zimmern could barely contain his enthusiasm for the budding food scene. He uploaded a photo of local dumplings that could be mistaken for giant jellyfish. Chengdu's meat market was packed with every type of dried pork, including pig skin face.

For those less adventuresome, an easy first stop on the Chengdu food safari is the bustling Chuan Chuan Xiang hotpot restaurant. Here, meat and vegetables are cooked together rather than piecemeal. (Chuan Chuan Xiang, 45 Double Bridge Road, Chengdu)

Another Chengdu favorite: Grandma Jin's Handmade Noodles (Xiaojiahe St, Chengdu), where hand-pulled "bedspread" noodles resemble a large and chewy sheet. The most popular order is noodles topped with spicy red braised beef.

Located near Wen Shu Temple, the intimate BuddhaZen hotel is highly rated on TripAdvisor and other web forums. The spacious rooms go for $64-$76. (BuddhaZen hotel, B6-6, Wenshufang Street, Qingyang District, Chengdu)

CNNGo: 10 food and drink trends for 2011

Best road trip: Ireland clockwise

The endless highways of North America or Australia are inviting, but in 2011, the Emerald Isle makes for a more mystical (and affordable) setting for a long, freewheeling drive.

Ireland native Herbie Brennan is the bestselling author of more than 100 books, many with themes of mystic exploration.

For a short trip, Brennan recommends driving 32 kilometers (about 20 miles) northwest from Dublin to Newgrange.

"It is probably the most spectacular megalithic site on the planet, beating Britain's Stonehenge," he says.

Far more satisfying is a ten-day, 1,320-kilometer (820-mile) Ireland clockwise road trip starting from Dublin. First big stop is Kilkenny, a preserved medieval village, followed by a session with the Blarney Stone.

The route takes in Kerry's 4,000-year-old stone forts, majestic Cliffs of Moher and rugged Connemara, then zips back around to Belfast. Along the way you'll get your fill of sodden bogs, picturesque towns, Irish music, charming country pubs and, yes, green, green, green hills.

Visitors can lease a ride from Dublin-based Argus Car Rentals for as low as $10 a day (See what we mean about affordable?) Go Ireland lists rates and specials for hotels all over the country.

How to make the most of the drive?

"Visit the country pubs and talk to people," advises Brennan. "Or rather, listen. With the Irish it's difficult to get a word in edgeways."

Best eco trip: Borneo

Described by Charles Darwin as a "great luxuriant hothouse made by nature for herself," Borneo is one of the world's most eco-diverse zones. For now.

In December 2010, the Malaysian government began building a coal plant in Sabah, a virtual death threat to the bio-rich Coral Triangle.

That makes 2011 the year to support the island's eco-friendly tourism.

On Sipadan Island, the most famous island off Borneo, divers can swim with exotic creatures -- batfish, clownfish, lionfish, harlequin ghost piefish. To get there, fly to Kota Kinabalu or Tawau, then continue for one hour by car to Semporna for a boat launch.

Animal lovers can play with primates at Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary, a rehabilitation center that re-trains the displaced animals for life in the jungle. The sanctuary is reached by bus or taxi, a 23-kilometer (14-mile) ride from Sandakan town. (Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary, Batu 14, Jalan Labuk Sandakan Sabah, admission $10.)

Selingan Island is home to green and hawksbill turtles that creep onto the beaches after dark to lay their eggs.

Since access to Selingan Island is restricted, joining a day tour is the best option. There are several tour operators at the floating village on the Sandakan waterfront. A guided tour and overnight stay from Journey Malaysia begins at $280.

Another way to help preserve the island's future: stay at an ecolodge. North Borneo's Sukau Rainforest Lodge has its own generators and uses solar-heated water. Down south, Rimba Orangutan Eco Lodges offer rainforest strolls and wooden boat rides.

Best tropical island trip: Palau

In 2010, Palau withdrew support for Japanese whaling, called for an end to shark finning and became the third country worldwide to ban the bottom-trawling fishing method of dragging nets across the sea floor.

That commitment to marine health put the Pacific Island nation on the 2010 Ethical Traveler's list of 10 best destinations in the developing world.

With ongoing eco-initiatives in 2011, Palau is preserving its reputation as a destination for undersea exploration.

Jellyfish Lake is famed for the millions of harmless gold jellies that pulse through its waters. To reach the lake, take a 45-minute boat ride from Koror to Eil Malk island. Highly regarded Sam's Tours offers a full day of diving and snorkeling for $139. (Sam's Tours, P.O. Box 7076, Koror, Palau)

Sam's also operates land tours of the "big island" Badeldoab, best known for its 98-foot high Ngardmau Falls. Also of note: ancient stone monoliths and WWII gun emplacements. Sam's Tours has $150 day trips.

The only hotel with its own beach is the Palau Pacific Resort. Rooms with oceanfront views begin at $280, and the hotel is conveniently located in the business district of Koror. (Palau Pacific Resort, PO Box 308, Koror 96940, Palau)

Best budget trip: Morocco

Owing to a certain Humphrey Bogart film, many think of Morocco as a mysterious and extravagant place. However, once travelers touch down in North Africa, the sightseeing costs are surprisingly bearable.

In Marrakesh, foodies can fill up at the vegetarian Earth Café for $5-$8 (Earth Café Marrakesh, N 2, Derb Zawak, Riad Zitoun Kedim, Medina, Marrakesh). The restaurant is known for its fresh juices and generous portions of flavorful food, such as pastille (savory pie) and amlou, a thick almond dip.

A camel trek is a classic Moroccan experience that won't break the bank. For $20, travelers can ride up the Sahara dunes at sunrise and catch a glowing red view of the desert.

At sunset, your Ship of the Desert ambles to a desert hotel, where you can relax and listen to live Berber drumming.

To access the Camel Tours takeoff point, take a bus from Bab Doukala station in Marrakesh to Rissani; it departs at 3 p.m. and arrives 7 a.m., and costs $21. Guides will then transport you to the Erg Chebbi dunes.

The Riad Charlott has four-star-quality rooms for $98-$183. Visitors enter a classic courtyard and are greeted with mint tea and biscuits, and rose petals on the bed. (Riad Charlott, Derb Sidi Ahmed Bennacer, Kaat Bennahid, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco)

Morocco's best hostels and riads (family run guesthouses) are ranked in this article.

Best gambling trip: France

Gambling in France is a classy affair, with nearly 200 upscale casinos around the country populated by elegant socialites imbued with the highbrow 'tude of the Riviera.

In February 2011, the France Poker Series finals play out at Cercle Haussmann's 25 tables. (Cercle Haussmann, 22 rue de la Michodière, 75002, Paris)

Blackjack originated in 17th-century Paris, and Cercle Wagram's paneled walls and chandeliers keep the old-time feel. (Cercle Wagram, 47 avenue de Wagram, 75017, Paris)

The casino in Divonne-les-Bains, a spa town bordering Switzerland, is the largest in France. Gamblers can choose between French and English roulette, and shift from Texas hold 'em to stud poker. (Domaine de Divonne, Avenue des Thermes, 01220 Divonne les Bains)

Lorraine's Casino de Contrexéville was established in 1900, its Baroque architecture inspired by the Paris Opera House. The casino recently added a hall for nearly 200 slot machines. (Domaine de Contrexeville, 13 Rue de Metz, 88140 Contrexéville)

Best trip with kids: Vancouver, Canada

Prettiest big city setting on the planet? Vancouver, British Columbia, has got to be in that discussion.

And the scenery isn't just for show -- in British Columbia, kids can wet their pants over the towering Coast Mountains while getting up close to wild animals, such as whales, eagles, sea lion and deer.

"Outdoor activities, like hiking and kayaking, are available right from the city, and at fairly affordable rates," says Asta Mail, a marine biologist at Vancouver Science World.

Mail recommends a walk in Richmond Nature Park, which has four easy trails totaling seven kilometers in length. The "Nature House" has a small collection of live animals and an active beehive. (Richmond Nature Park, 11851 Westminster Highway, Richmond, BC)

After catching age-appropriate buzzes on Tim Hortons famous coffee and/or donuts, families can hit Deer Lake Boat Rentals to rent canoes, rowboats or pedal boats for about $17 an hour, while blue herons, beavers, turtles and other creatures dart between the lily pads. (Deer Lake Boat Rentals, 5435 Sperling Ave., Burnaby, BC)

Several kid-friendly music and theater festivals are slated for summer 2011.

The popular Children's Festival moves to Granville Island for the first time in 2011, increasing the number of performers and stage capabilities. The May 30-June 5 lineup includes Al Simmon's Juno Award-winning musical comedy.

Best revolutionary trip: Che Guevara's Route, Bolivia

Because of its high, isolated plateaus and devout, indigenous population, Bolivia is sometimes called the "Tibet of South America."

The trails are welcoming to backpackers, and the living is easy: trekkers can eat and sleep well for $25 a day.

On one of those trails, modern history buffs can relive a Che Guevara journey on "La Ruta Che," which follows the guerrilla fighter's path as he tried to advance a socialist revolution in South America.

Swiss Bolivian Adventures (Swiss Bolivian Adventures, Avenida Mariscal Santa Cruz, Handal Center Planta Baja, Oficina 6, La Paz, Bolivia) offers three- and six-day tours of the trail, beginning at $125.

From Santa Cruz, the path leads to the Vallegrande laundry where the leader was exposed, to Abra del Picacho where his guerrillas fought, and finally to La Higuera, the site of Guevara's execution in 1967. The route is fine for beginners.

Hostels such as Jodanga in Santa Cruz are tailored specifically to backpackers. The communal atmosphere and Spanish lessons let fellow trekkers meet and exchange info.

A bed in the dorm is $10; a private bathroom and room with air-conditioning is $31 a night. (Jodanga Backpackers Hostel, El Fuerte N0 1380, Barrio Los Choferes, Santa Cruz, Bolivia)

Best volunteer trip: Cambodia

In November 2010, the Cambodian bridge stampede that killed hundreds drew attention to both the country's beauty and incessant troubles.

"Cambodia faces problems of health, corruption, poverty and lack of education," laments Chi Lo, a travel blogger and volunteer at the Women's Media Centre.

Opportunities for visitors to help Cambodians are plentiful. Visitors can do human rights work, dig wells and latrines and teach everything from English to hospitality to hairdressing.

Travelersphilanthrophy.com has tips on giving responsibly.

Star Kampuchea's volunteer programs are four to 24 weeks long, with volunteers working 30-40 hours per week. The organization helps visitors acquire visas (about $43) and connect with host families. Cost begins at $770 per month; an independent stay is $490 per month. Training begins the first and third Monday of each month. (Star Kampuchea, No. 67, Street 123, Sangkat Toul Tompoung 1, Khan Chamkar Morn, Phnom Penh)

For more volunteer vacations check out these 6 inspiring trips in Asia.

5 things we learned at CES

By Mark Milian, CNN January 10, 2011 7:24 a.m. EST | Filed under: Gaming & Gadgets

The Consumer Electronics Show, a showcase of cutting-edge gadgets, took over the Las Vegas Convention Center last week.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• As CES comes to a close, we take a look back at some of the show's biggest trends
• 3-D spread from TVs to cameras and laptops, and tablets were everywhere
• Gimmicky gizmos and promotional-friendly celebrities also were big draws

Las Vegas (CNN) -- After tapping dozens of greasy touchscreens, getting our ears pinched by 3-D glasses and braving crowds that would make a penguin claustrophobic, we members of the tech media said goodbye Sunday to the Consumer Electronics Show.

While the planet's biggest technology companies box up their prototypes and disassemble their grandiose booth displays, we're reflecting on the past week and what it could mean for the year ahead.

Here are five things we learned at CES:

1. 3-D isn't going away

Disappointing sales of TVs have not deterred technology and media companies from pursuing 3-D products.

We saw 3-D TVs, laptops, cameras, movies, games, portable devices and picture frames.

Three-dimensional TVs were a huge theme at last year's CES, too, although cost, shortage of 3-D content and those bulky special glasses made consumers wary. This year, we saw big steps in 3-D big-screen viewing without glasses, though little in the way of solidified products.

But in case the home 3-D craze falls completely flat, television makers are betting another trend may help them sell new TV sets or accessories. We saw all kinds of "smart TV" systems that connect the big screen to the content of the Web.

2. Android tablets are hot

Following the blazing success of Apple's iPad, practically every manufacturer with any kind of expertise in building screens, gadgets or software unveiled their own touchscreen tablets at CES.

Mobile industry watchers expect Google to repeat its success with the Android operating system for smartphones in the tablet category as well. The company demoed Honeycomb, its new Android 3.0 operating system for tablets, at CES to good reviews.

One prototype Honeycomb tablet, Motorola's Xoom for Verizon Wireless, got perhaps the biggest buzz. LG Electronics offered the G-Slate for T-Mobile, which also runs Honeycomb, but the company had nothing to show at CES besides a video.

There were dozens of other tablets running older versions of Android or a tablet-optimized version of Microsoft's Windows 7 operating system. Or, in Lenovo's case, both.

One disappointing trend, from a tech reporter's perspective, was the companies' reluctance to let the public handle tablets in person. Many devices were waved about on stage or displayed behind glass but not made available for show attendees to play with.

3. Celebs are great for hawking gadgets

What better way to promote an otherwise dull piece of equipment than with a familiar face?

Rapper Ludacris was in town to promote his upcoming line of headphones. Fellow musician T-Pain was hawking a microphone. And 49ers football legend Jerry Rice was scheduled to attend CES -- but bailed days before -- to promote a video game where his character competes against dogs. (No, that's not a joke.)

Lady Gaga, the official creative director for Polaroid (also not a joke), arrived about 40 minutes fashionably late to her event at the camera company's booth.

The pop star demonstrated a portable photo printer she said she designed herself, which she carries in her purse, and a bulky pair of sunglasses with a camera built in. Gaga encouraged the audience to buy the sunglasses and bring them to her concerts.

If Polaroid wanted to make a splash, it worked: Gaga's appearance produced a massive crowd, swarms of paparazzi and countless headlines. Whether anyone will actually buy the sunglasses is another matter.

4. Gimmicky things can get buzz

Acer's Iconia, a laptop with two touch-screens instead of a keyboard, won a gadget competition despite not demonstrating a working version of the product onstage.

The Iconia appears to face some of challenges. It has the heft of a laptop without the convenience of being able to type on physical keys.

Chinese computer maker Lenovo got some attention for its laptop hybrid with a removable touchscreen tablet -- despite the fact that the company showed off basically the identical gadget at CES 2010.

And several companies introduced home appliances -- refrigerators, ovens and washing machines -- with internet connections and touchscreens. Your oven, for example, can send you a text message when your roast is about done.

Of course, declaring something a gimmick before it's had ample time to be accepted or rejected by consumers is probably not fair. Who knows? Maybe people will really want to tweet from their fridge.

5. Gadget 'Transformers'

Sometimes being a really good phone, laptop or Web-connected entertainment center isn't enough. Take Motorola's Atrix 4G , for example. It's all three.

The Android smartphone is super-fast, with a dual-core processor inside. But like in the hit "Transformers" movie, the big reveal comes when this truck becomes Optimus Prime.

The Atrix can dock to a laptop shell or monitor to become a sort of Android desktop computer, complete with Firefox for full Web browsing. Hook it up to a TV, and the videos and music stored on the device can be played on the big screen using a media-center system.

Samsung's Sliding PC 7 Series laptop starts out as a touch-screen Windows tablet. But users can pull out a hidden keyboard, similar to the ones on slider phones, which turns the tablet into a sort of netbook.

To see shots of that computer and other gadgets, here's a gallery of some of the buzzier products shown at the world's biggest tech trade show. And for more, check out all of our coverage from CES.

8 ways women can get ahead in the workplace

By Stephanie Chen, CNN

January 10, 2011 8:59 a.m. EST

Career authors and workpalce experts offer advice for the ladies on how to get ahead in the office in 2011.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• Studies show a gender pay gap remains in workplace
  
• Women who want to get ahead have to start asking for promotions
  
• Social outings and work parties are other ways to network and advancen your career
  
• What you wear and say in the workplace can affect how managers perceive you

(CNN) -- As a new year begins, some women are vowing to change their workplace situation. But how exactly do you get noticed by the boss? Or earn that pay bump? Or snag that sweet promotion?

It won't be easy.

A study last month by Catalyst, a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding opportunities for women in the workplace, reported women accounted for only 14.4 percent of executive positions.

Government studies also find gender inequality remains prevalent in the workplace. While the gap has narrowed, women continue to earn less than men. For example, female managers earned 81 cents for every dollar earned by male managers in 2007, according to the most recent GAO report available.

So what can women do to catapult their careers?

CNN interviewed a group of business experts, researchers and authors about the unconscious mistakes women can make in the workplace -- and how to avoid pitfalls that may hurt their careers.

Here are eight ways to make your 2011 workplace resolutions come true.

1. Quit thinking the workplace is fair

Last month, the Supreme Court Court agreed to decide whether to certify the largest class-action employment lawsuit in U.S. history, a long-standing dispute against Wal-Mart Stores Inc. over alleged gender bias in pay and promotions. The plaintiffs allege women were paid less than, and were given fewer opportunities for promotion than, their male counterparts.

A few months earlier, the New York Times reported three former Goldman Sachs female employees filed a lawsuit claiming the firm discriminated against women.

The reality is that gender matters, says professor Sheila Wellington, who teaches the course "Women in Business Leadership" at New York University's Stern School of Business.

She says one of the most common mistakes women make is believing the playing field is equal. "They have it in their minds that it doesn't matter if I'm a woman."

By acknowledging the barriers ahead such as the difficulties of reintegrating into the work force after having a child, women can better plan their careers. Wellington also pointed out some managers still believe women may not work as hard or put in as many hours. A woman can overcome this assumption by putting herself forward and offering to do more work.

2. What are you waiting for?

Many women believe if they do what they are told, they will be noticed and rewarded, says Lois P. Frankel, psychologist and author of the book "Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office."

In fact, Frankel warns that "hard work typically begets more hard work."

She advises women should subtly call attention to their achievements. When it comes to compliments, she says women tend to reply shyly instead of owning her accomplishment by saying, "Thank you for noticing."

Asking for assignments that can help build your career is another way to get your manager's attention, Frankel says. Women should also speak up quickly at meetings. Employees who are the first to speak at a meeting are seen as having more self-confidence than those who make comments at the end, she said.

3. Don't be afraid to ask

Sheila Wellington at NYU added that she finds women are less likely to ask for a pay raise than men. A 2008 Washington Post survey reported women were 85 percent less likely to ask for a promotion than their male counterparts.

"If you lack the courage to ask your supervisor for something, then the answer is always 'no'," Wellington said. "What's the worse that could happen?"

Mariko Chang, a Stanford-educated sociologist and author of books on women and wealth, said women should investigate the pay for their roles at similar companies or cities. By doing the research, women can negotiate a better pay or a new job offer.

4. Don't ever, ever cry at work

We all know that work can be stressful, especially in this economic climate. With budgets shrinking and layoffs looming, people are more prone to snap, says Alexandra Levit, workplace issues speaker and author of "They Don't Teach Corporate in College."

Levit has heard stories of women losing their jobs because they were perceived as "over-emotional."

Criers are more likely to ruin their credibility with coworkers and managers, she said. To avoid a meltdown, Levit says women should take time outside of work to think of situations that make them upset and practice how to cope with them calmly.

5. Make the most out of feedback and criticism

It's not easy to swallow your mistakes, but sometimes you just have to do it.

You have to let your boss be able to give you honest feedback, says Hannah Seligson, author of "New Girl on the Job."

Seligson says politely handling negative feedback can demonstrate you are a resilient and receptive worker.

6. Look outside the office for opportunities

Just showing up to your cubicle is not enough. Actively participating in social outings, outside company functions and parties is just as important, says Catherine Tinsley, associate professor at Georgetown's McDonough School of Business.

Tinsley says women tend to hold the misperception that if they work extra hours, they can advance their career. Instead, the best way to network may be golfing with the guys or grabbing a beer with your coworkers.

"You really have to press the flesh," Tinsley says. "You have to let people know and see you."

7. Remember wealth is more than a paycheck

A job brings fringe benefits such as 401(k) plans and other employer contributions, and women should be taking advantage of them. Mariko Chang, who has written on women, wealth and the workplace, says women are less likely to invest in these benefits than men. She advises they should start contributing to their 401(k) immediately after their first job.

"Income is important, but wealth is what lets people retire comfortably," she said.

8. The way you look and talk matters

Your attire and speaking skills affect how others perceive you, and it's nothing personal.

Author and psychologist Lois P. Frankel says company cultures may vary, but proper workplace etiquette is essential for landing the next big job. Frankel advises young women to look to how successful senior female managers dress and emulate that style.

When women communicate, they should stick with simple but confident sentences. The more words used, the softer the message sounds, Frankel says. Women can also practice short speeches at home to help push their main ideas to the beginning.

Travel globally, spa locally

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

In Health

10 January 2011 | By Lindsey Galloway

A turquoise wrap treatment at the Golden Door Spa in Arizona.

Gone are the days when a massage room in London looked just like one in Lima. Today, cutting-edge spas want to give guests an extension of the travel experience, not an escape from it.

These eight spas across the world offer exactly that: treatments inspired by local traditions and native ingredients.

Turquoise wrap
The Golden Door Spa at The Boulders, Carefree, Arizona (www.theboulders.com/golden_door_spa)
Worn by Native Americans for its protective properties, turquoise defines the jewellery of the American Southwest. Increasingly, it is defining the region's spa treatments too and at the Golden Door Spa, you can start your day in a tub full of turquoise bath oils. "Turquoise has a colour vibration that protects against negativity," said Golden Door Spa director Jennifer Wayland-Smith. "It also helps calm a stressed or hyperactive mind." The bath is followed by a massage with Hopi blue corn meal for exfoliation and a clay wrap with ionized turquoise to warm and detoxify the skin.

Meritage facial
SpaTerra Napa, California (www.spaterra.com)
When relaxing in wine country, you expect grapes in your glass - not on your face. But that is exactly what you will find in many Napa-area spas, since grape seeds offer skin-saving benefits. Often discarded after the wine-making process, seeds from red and white grapes are collected and distilled into nourishing body oils. The extracts work to fight aging through their high antioxidant levels, and in the SpaTerra Meritage facial, technicians apply a grape seed masque and serum to restore suppleness to travel-weary skin.

Red chile and honey wrap
Nidah Spa at the Eldorado Hotel, Santa Fe, New Mexico (www.eldoradohotel.com/nidah-spa)
Spice up your spa day with Chimayo New Mexican red chiles. An ideal winter treatment, "chile for the skin is warming, stimulating and increases circulation," said spa director Susan Keene. The wrap combines powdered pepper with local honey to moisturize and re-mineralize the skin.

Blueberry body wrap
The Cliff House, Ogunquit, Maine (www.cliffhousemaine.com)
Excluding lobster, the blueberry body wrap combines a little bit of everything that makes Maine special. Organic local blueberries and algae provide a mix of sea and land that restores and heals the skin. "Blueberries have one of the highest levels of antioxidants of all fruits," said spa director Mary Weisheit. When used on the body, they protect capillaries, fight signs of aging, and soften the skin. Plus, they smell delicious. "Guests always remember us for our blueberry treatments and the wonderful scent," said Weisheit.

Colombian coffee deluxe
Tcherassi Hotel and Spa, Cartagena, Columbia (www.tcherassihotels.com)
Downing espresso is not the only way to get a caffeine boost in Cartagena, Columbia. At the Tcherassi Spa, the body is first exfoliated with a chocolate scrub, then wrapped in a mask made of Columbian-grown coffee. The caffeine increases blood flow, relieving dullness and plumping the skin. Some say it can even temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite, and many women in South America have used the ingredient to make skin-smoothing creams.

Kumali ritual
Spa qualia, Hamilton Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia (www.qualia.com.au)
The Aboriginal word "Kumali" means "sacred," and in this treatment, Spa qualia reveres the native and natural ingredients used to bring guests relaxation. After applying a rice and oil scrub, a massage therapist rubs heated poultices full of Australian herbs and extracts, like tea tree and kakadu plum, over the body. "Eucalyptus, lemon myrtle and other native aromas provide a relaxing and therapeutic treatment," said spa director Aleisha Lloyd. "The heated herbs relieve tight muscles, while the sacred herbs act to bring the client into a dreamtime state of consciousness."

Banana leaf wrap
Spa Vida of Hilton Papagayo Costa Rica Resort and Spa, Guanacaste, Costa Rica (www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/SJOPAHH-Hilton-Papagayo-Costa-Rica-Resort-Spa/index.do)
You do not have to traverse the rainforest to bask in banana leaves. In this uniquely Costa Rican treatment, warm local volcanic mud is applied all over the body before you are cocooned in five banana leaves. The metre-long leaves work to keep the mud warm while it works its re-mineralizing, relaxing magic.

Frankincense salt scrub
Spasaab at Sasaab, Kenya (www.thesafaricollection.com/camps-and-lodges/sasaab.aspx)
Extracted from the Boswelia neglecta trees in Northern Kenya, the frankincense oil used in Spasaab's salt scrub not only lifts moods and regenerates skin, but also contributes to the local community. "Frankincense is a traditional African beauty product and the sustainable collection provides an important source of income for rural people," said Ali Allport, one of the general managers of Sasaab, the safari resort located just west of Samburu National Reserve. "Using native ingredients and traditional remedies fosters a deeper connection to the experience and locally grown and collected ingredients provide a direct benefit for the local people."

Stroke recovery boosted by a course of Prozac

10 January 2011 Last updated at 02:18 GMT

Improving motor functions in stroke patients helps their independence

Giving stroke patients Prozac soon after the event could help their recovery from paralysis, a study has found.

Researchers discovered more improvement in movement and greater independence after three months in patients taking the antidepressant (also known as fluoxetine), compared to placebo.

The Lancet Neurology study was based on research on 118 patients in France.

UK stroke experts said the findings were "promising".

This was the largest study of selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and stroke recovery to date.

Tests on stroke patients 90 days after being given the drug found that patients taking fluoxetine had gained significantly more function in their upper and lower limbs than patients who were not given the drug.

Patients in the fluoxetine group were also more likely to be coping independently.

All patients in the study had moderate to severe motor disabilities following their stroke.

'Dual benefit?'

The study noted that the side-effects from the antidepressant were generally mild and infrequent, although this group did notice more instances of nausea and diarrhoea.

Continue reading the main story

“Start Quote

It's very interesting to see that this already licensed drug could have a dual benefit”

End Quote Research team

The authors, led by Professor François Chollet, said: "The positive effect of the drug on motor function of recovering patients suggests that the... action of SSRIs provides a new pathway that should be explored further in the treatment of acute ischaemic stroke."

Every year in the UK 150,000 people have a stroke and a third of these will be left with a disability such as paralysis down one side of their body.

Dr Sharlin Ahmed, research liaison officer at the UK Stroke Association, said: "We are continually searching for new treatments which can improve the outcomes for stroke survivors and the results of this research look promising.

"Antidepressants, such as fluoxetine, can be used to treat stroke patients with depression which is a common side effect of stroke, so it's very interesting to see that this already licensed drug could have a dual benefit.

"However, further research needs to be undertaken before the use of this antidepressant can be accepted as an effective treatment for improving movement following a stroke."

UK tech to aid private space shot

10 January 2011 Last updated at 14:18 GMT By Rob Coppinger Spaceflight writer

Bigelow is planning an inflatable space station

UK technology could aid a US company's ambitions to send spacecraft beyond low-Earth orbit.

Bigelow Aerospace's plans include telescopes that could be sent into deep space.

The UK's Astronomy Technology Centre (UK ATC) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Bigelow.

UK ATC has developed an infrared sensor for the US-European James Webb Space Telescope.

Bigelow's space telescope concepts include operating beyond the Moon, more than one million kilometres away at one of the Lagrange points - gravitational "sweet spots" where spacecraft can hold station without expending too much fuel.

But before any deep space mission UK technology could be tested onboard the private space station Bigelow is planning.

The space station, to be launched in 2014 and operated from 2015, will consist of three habitation modules.

Orbital expansion

Bigelow's modules are based on Nasa inflatable technology, also known as "expandable" technology.

The US company has already launched two technology demonstrator modules, Genesis I and Genesis II. Launched flat, the modules expand in orbit like a balloon to create habitable volume.

"The very purpose of expandable habitats was initially to go beyond [low Earth orbit], so they are ideal for such applications," Bigelow's Washington DC operations and business growth director Michael Gold said.

"Certainly there is a wide variety of activities that could be conducted at the Lagrange points, whether it's serving as a hub to support Lunar or Martian exploration, or supporting next-generation astronomy missions."

Because the space telescope spacecraft's design could be based on the station modules, both could use the same solar panels from Scotland.

This is because following a February meeting in Edinburgh between UK ATC, Scottish space companies and Bigelow, Glaswegian solar panel specialist Clyde Space has become a bidder for station module contracts.

It was following this Edinburgh meeting that UK ATC signed the MOU with Bigelow. To conduct discussions about possible projects the UK ATC also signed a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).

Because of the NDA, the UK ATC declines to talk about its discussions with Bigelow.

Technology test-bed

However the space station could be a test bed for a range of technologies the UK ATC would want to use for international government funded space science.

Scotland's satellite data communications specialist STAR-Dundee has also declined to comment about any relationship with Bigelow.

STAR-Dundee's managing director Steve Parkes did not deny that his company had met with Bigelow but said "I have nothing to say and we do not give out the names of our customers".

He added that his company did not meet with Bigelow at the Edinburgh meeting.

In October, Bigelow announced that it had signed MOUs with organisations in six nations.

Four of those six are still unknown but the other two are the UK ATC and the state-owned Swedish Space Corporation. The Swedish company has not revealed what its MOU is about.