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Walkie talkies are now prevalent in a large number of industries from security through to maintenance. The history of this device can be traced in the military sphere although the first portable radios were developed in Australia by the law enforcement agencies. Ultimately walkie talkies are a way for mobile personnel to communicate with each other in real time, allowing for greater operational ability.

The handheld variety of radio was predominately developed during the Second World War, their invention being traced to Canada. They were created in order that military personnel would be able to plan strategy on the battlefield, reacting to events and devising ways to approach problems.

Motorola have been at the forefront of the development of walkie talkies for over half a century. The first device was the Motorola SCR- 300, released in 1940. This inaugural device however was in no way as portable as modern variants, requiring the user to wear an entire backpack that contained the circuits and wiring. Strangely however it is this device that is a true walkie talkie, troops terming it such during the war.

The first handheld models were instead termed ‘handy talkies’ by troops although this name fell out of use in post war years. During these early stages the handheld variants were operationally limited, not possessing the power for communication over a large range, hence the predominance of the backpack model.

The post war years saw rapid development of walkie talkies by both the allied nations and their soviet counterparts. Even after extensive development the device still had major flaws. Power was still not great enough for long distance communication meaning that the backpack variants were still predominant in military circles.

Even these larger models however required a system of repeater transmitters to be erected in order to achieve effective strategic communication. A major disadvantage of this was that if the enemy were able to knock down a repeater tower, communication in the immediate vicinity would be lost. This form of tactic was widely used by guerrilla fighters who realised that a lack of communication meant the disarray of enemy troops.

Walkie talkies today are still widely used by the military although the technology has been considerably improved; the biggest improvements have been in range and size although the development of headsets and mouthpieces has also been important. It is not just the military however that use the device, any industry that needs real time communication utilises walkie talkies; such industries include emergency personnel, security forces and even bar staff.

Developments have also meant more robust varieties are now available; this means that the modern device can be waterproof and more resistant to extreme temperatures and hardwearing environments. In addition development has occurred in the scrambling technology across radio waves; this development in particular has been useful for law enforcement agencies who wish for messages to remain confidential.

While true walkie talkies were developed for military purposes their usage today goes far beyond the original mandate. Not only are they used by companies all over the world but are also available as recreational devices and toys for children.

Catering for the communication requirements of so many industries is not easy, it is a task however that the walkie talkie is able to perform. Walkie talkies help protect our society through their usage by police forces worldwide whilst they also save our lives when being used by other emergency personnel. It is in the military however where the importance of the device is assured, it has been an integral part of the advancement of modern warfare tactics, without it the world would simply not be the same.

Technology expert Thomas Pretty looks into the development of walkie talkies and their impact on society and the world.

Estate agents are often employed in the buying and selling of property. With so many agencies out there however it is difficult to choose one, comparing services is obviously essential although there are many other key considerations that must be made. Picking the right agents can mean a smooth transition between properties while the incorrect selection can mean a number of unsuccessful deals and more stress for the homeowner. It is hoped that the following advice will give sellers the key information they will need in order to choose between different estate agents.

The first and most important thing to remember is that with much in life you get what you pay for. Fees are understandably an important part of the process but in most cases they are negotiable. It is important to realise however that the fees you pay will bear a direct relation to the service you receive. The general rule of thumb, although not always the case is that the less money you pay in fees will result in poorer services. This is why it is important when haggling with agents to barter for a realistic price and not simply the cheapest. In addition ask them exactly what you get for your money, how they will market the property and how they will entice buyers. Only through assessing this will you be able to find out the value for money you will be receiving.

Secondly, always take your reading glasses when visiting estate agents. Selling property is always complicated and hence a great deal of paperwork is integral to the process. Contracts are a necessary evil that must be undertaken and filled in properly. Reading them in their entirety is vital, skipping a clause could work out to be extremely costly. One of the clauses to avoid is a sole selling agreement; this will tie you to a particular agent for a period time, it also means that if you sell the properly outside of the agents control you must still pay their fees.

Many homeowners believe that by employing as many estate agents as possible the chances of selling their property will be increased. This however is not always the case, there is an element of ‘too many cooks’ when it comes to selling property, with agents pulling in different directions all fighting for the commission. In addition if one agent realises that you are doing this their effort may be reduced in terms of marketing. A final point on the multi-agency approach is that with numerous signs dug into the lawn buyers are often left with the impression that you are desperate to sell, the result being smaller offers. That said, there is no guarantee that two or more agents will not work together well; if they are able to pool their resources it can have a successful outcome. This however is a rarity in the property industry.

When selecting agents the best course of action is to interview each as if they were applying for a job. Essentially that is exactly what they are doing, applying to sell your home and make money from that sale. During this interview process it is important to remain methodical and logical; there is little point in holding misconceptions and being judgemental, after all the most practical decision is usually the best one. Practicality does however have limits; if an agent makes you feel wholly uneasy in their presence it is rarely worth using them; if they gave you this impression, just consider the impression being given to potential buyers?

Hopefully this article has gone some of the way to explaining the decision making process involved in choosing an estate agent. With a careful and conscientious approach it should be possible to find a great service, additionally if you can get a personal recommendation, take it; good customer service travels far. With this information it should be possible to find that dream home and sell your own with the minimum of stress and effort.

Property expert Thomas Pretty looks into the decisions that must be made when selecting estate agents in order to secure a great deal and service.

As we all know the health risks from obesity are numerous. It always seems as if the latest study contradicts earlier ones and it’s hard to know what to believe. But, over the last few decades, a wide array of independent studies has tended to confirm some conclusions about the relationship between excess body fat and associated health risks.

What most seem to agree on is that anyone who is considerably overweight is at higher risk for a number of potential health problems. These include various forms of heart condition, high blood pressure, diabetes, colon cancer, liver damage, gallstones and others. As you can see the health risks from obesity are many and very serious.

How can you tell if your obese or seriously overweight?

There’s no ideal weight for any given individual, though there are various factors that provide a healthy range. One measurement that is a good starting point is BMI (Body Mass Index). To calculate it, just divide your weight (in kg) by your height (in m) squared. The following table is a rough classification:

Under 18.5 = Underweight
Between 18.5 and 24.99 = Normal Weight
Between 25 and 29.99 = Overweight
Between 30 and 34.99 = Obese (Class 1)
Between 35 and 39.99 = Obese (Class 2)
40 and above = Extreme Obesity

If you are on the lower end of the BMI scale, health risks are no more (or at most only moderately higher) than for anyone. Genetic and other environmental factors will outweigh any body fat or weight issues. But for those nearer the higher range, there is strong evidence that health risks are higher.

Other health risks from obesity include, abdominal obesity (having large fat deposits around the stomach and abdomen) is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and insulin resistance syndrome. For women, a waist circumference of 35 inches or more (40+ in men) is an indicator of abdominal obesity. Among other conditions, high blood pressure, high triglycerides and high cholesterol are all common factors associated with that condition.

There is also narrowing of the arteries, or atherosclerosis, which contributes to the possibility of a clot which can cause a stroke. Excessive body fat is one factor in producing that condition. At the same time, it plays a part in increased blood pressure (hypertension).

If you have rapid weight gain, from 10-20 lbs for the average person, this will increase the odds of developing Type 2 diabetes. Genetic factors are fundamental, but weight gain plays a role, according to most studies. The risk is double that of an individual who has not had a weight gain, when other factors are held constant.

Another health risk is Liver disease, apart from that associated with excessive alcohol consumption, can be caused by insulin resistance. That resistance is much more likely among those who are obese. There are many studies which have correlated BMI with the degree of liver damage. The higher the BMI, the greater the odds of liver trouble.

Then there are gallstones which are more likely to form in those who are obese, and may be correlated with a rapid rise in BMI. Sleep apnea (interruption of breathing during sleep) is another condition commonly linked to obesity.

To conclude, though no single study is definitive, and there are many genetic and other environmental elements, excessive body fat is a substantial factor in health issues. Being overweight and the health risks from obesity is not merely an issue of acceptable appearance, it’s a health risk.

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The car rental industry has been rarely viewed as a world leader in the sense of technological development. In the past, even the quality of the cars being used was called into question, some customers claiming that the cars they hired had been so damaged by previous customers that they were just as likely to breakdown at the roadside as get you to your destination. This situation has definitely changed however; the car rental industry now embraces technological change, providing customers with an efficient and reliable service.

One of the largest influences on the car rental industry has been the impact of global warming and more widely the environmental concerns of customers. It is hoped by many car rental companies that by introducing more efficient cars into the fleet, fuel efficiency will be increased and customers will receive a better deal. This is not all of the car rental companies, but some have noticed the niche in the market for customers with an environmental conscience; revealing a wider trend not only in car hire but in society more generally.

The most obvious way that car rental companies can reduce their environmental impact is by introducing highly efficient cars into their fleets. An example would be the hybrid cars that are becoming extremely popular at the moment; they bring the benefits of a smaller environmental footprint and cheaper fuel rates for customers. Not all have embraced the introduction of hybrid cars however, some view their introduction as purely a temporary measure that in no way tackles the root causes of emissions. Additionally, the use of bio-fuel cars has been growing, while this fuel is cheap and produces less harmful emissions critics have been quick to realise that if all of the arable land in the world was turned over for the production of bio-fuel plants, then foodstuffs would be extremely short. It is all rather Malthusian but it is a good point nonetheless.

Some of the more future conscious car rental companies have been studying the ways in which to change the application of rates to customers. In the past companies would charge for the hire of a vehicle on a daily basis, meaning that if you returned the car just half an hour late, another day’s charge would be added to the bill. Many companies have noticed that this is not great customer service and have subsequently introduced an hourly pay structure into their operations. While some profits may be surrendered following this strategy, customer service will be increased whilst a bi-product is that fewer cars will be on the road at any one time.

Many car rental companies have been quick to realise the benefits of GPS technology and the ways in which it can aide their operations. GPS tracking devices give the rental company the option to track their fleet vehicles, allowing them to record the way in which cars are being driven and their location. While for many this may be seen as an invasion of privacy, it is not; it is simply a reaction to the large amount of organised crime that focuses on the theft of rental cars. With GPS technology the chances of a company recovering the stolen vehicle are increased considerably, showing that this strategy is simply a way for companies to protect their assets.

The introduction of high technology to the car rental industry has been a long time in coming. Whether this is due to a reluctance to change or simply because the technology has not been effective enough is hard to ascertain. One thing is certain however, with the introduction of GPS, biometric data recorders, environmentally friendly cars and revolutionary pay structures; the future of the car rental industry is bright.

Cultural affairs expert Thomas Pretty looks at technological and environmental strategies being implemented by the car rental industry.

We may take for granted now that the arts in this country are prone to relatively little external censorship. However, this has only really been the case since 1968, when the Theatre Act was passed by government to allow for freer artistic expression in British playhouses.

Before this time all play-scripts destined for production were required to be sent to the Lord Chamberlain for his approval. Not technically an instrument of the government but of the monarchy, the Lord Chamberlain’s ‘readers’ had the power to fine, censor or ban outright any play that they deemed unsuitable for public performance.

Famously, the censorship encompassed outlawing nudity, swearing and anything regarded as ‘promoting’ homosexuality or homosexual acts.
In 1968 however, bowing to much public and artistic pressure, the matter was brought before the House of Lords and the Theatre Act of 1968 was enforced abolishing theatrical censorship.

Key figures in proceedings were the playwright John Osborne and the outspoken critic Kenneth Tynan who both gave evidence at the hearing.

The liberation of theatre came at a time synonymous with cultural revolution. The 1960s, a decade famed for its radical uprooting of social conventions, had already legalised homosexuality and begun to alter the way it viewed casual sex, racial inequality and recreational drug use. What’s more, many young playwrights (often grouped together under the banner “The Angry Young Men”) where producing thought-provoking works that tested and scrutinised the boundaries of what could and could not pass for ‘legitimate’ theatre. Great writers like John Osborne, whose play ‘Look Back in Anger’ is often cited as the quintessential work of the movement, and Harold Pinter were quickly amassing reputations as challenging, and even dangerous, theatrical practitioners.

Of course, in such a turbulent political and cultural climate theatre censorship became completely untenable. The Theatre Act of 1968 was brought in and the American musical Hair opened in the West End just 24 hours later. Featuring scenes containing nudity, drug taking and boasting a stringent anti-Vietnam War message, the show was a complete break from the repression of theatre censorship that preceded it.

Since then, it might be argued, that theatre has ‘gone the other way’ and now shows little regard for staging any material that might offend. The comedian Peter Cook once quipped: “I don’t want to see plays about rape, sodomy and domestic abuse; I can get all that at home.” Though, of course, Cook was taking a fairly surrealist swipe at the prevailing middle-class (often hypocritical) sensibilities, perhaps there might be a germ of truth in what he’s saying. Namely, just because theatre can show things like rape, sodomy and domestic abuse, should it?

The answer, it would seem, is entirely dictated by an individual play and the motivations and intentions that it possesses. Gratuitously exploiting a subject is not the same as fearlessly addressing it.

A more pressing consideration might be concerned with taking another look at the idea that opened this article, that theatre is prone to little external censorship. Though now there are no legislative restrictions in place to curtail playwrights’ artistic vision, other factors may seem to limit theatre in ways not altogether obvious. For example, Margaret Thatcher’s government cut public funding to the arts dramatically in the 1980s. Such a financial stranglehold might not have directly censored dramatic material, but it certainly forced many playhouses to stage fewer new plays and even close outright.

In more recent times, when the Birmingham Repertory Theatre staged Behtzi in 2004, the theatre was the scene of angry rioting by a portion of the sikh community that felt the play mocked their faith.

Whether theatre and the arts can ever be totally free to express itself in the way it chooses is debatable, the debt owed to those that ended the formal censorship however is not. Quite simply, without the efforts of people like Osborne and Tynan, the West End might not be the respected home of expressive theatre that it is today.

Samantha is a London theatre fanatic and regular West End theatregoer. She writes and researches some of the biggest London shows you can view examples of her work here Buddy Holly: The Buddy Holly Story and Show and Stay.

One of the main advantages of a free English learning course is that it doesn’t cost you any money. As long as you have access to the Internet on your computer, you can take such a course from anywhere in the world and become fluent in the English language. There are lessons for beginners and those who have some knowledge of English. If you can speak the language, but you are not so good at writing or spelling, then you can gain valuable knowledge from taking such a course. The courses have resources for learners of all ages, so that a whole family can learn at the same time. You can still continue to live and work in your home country and set a schedule for your studies at any time of the day or night.

There is no doubt that parts of the course will prove difficult for you. Even native speakers have problems with some aspects of English grammar and often have to use a dictionary to help them with meanings and spellings of words. You should not let yourself become frustrated when you hit a difficult point in your learning. It should be something that you enjoy. For this reason, there are games you can play to help relieve the monotony and help you increase your vocabulary at the same time. All learners can enjoy and benefit from playing word games, such as Memory and Hangman and in completing word search puzzles.

When you have a buddy to study with, such as a friend or family member, you can help each other. When one person has difficulty with some aspect, the other person may understand it and be able to offer assistance or an explanation. If you are studying alone, you should set a time when you are going to access the online site and inform others in your household that you can’t be disturbed for that period of time.

Don’t set a few hours for each study time because it will make the time seem longer and you may get bored easily. Short study periods are best, so if you set 30 minutes a day, you will not have any problems with completing the course. You will certainly find some lessons easier than others and be able to accomplish more on some days than others. Set goals for yourself that are achievable and then celebrate your successes.

The best thing about taking online courses to help you learn English is that you can review the lessons as many times as you feel it is necessary. Complete the practice exercises and when you have some of the answers wrong, go back and find where you made a mistake. Even if you do not do well on a quiz, review the lesson and retake the quiz. Take advantage of the listening and reading activities to improve your own speech and comprehension. Even though these lessons are free, there is no limit on the number of times you can review the material.

If you are interested in taking a free English learning course you should visit http://www.1-Language.com This site offers lots of online English courses and lots of other ways to learn English online.