Autographs of John Ford of the John Ford Theatre are uncommon. Yet his life and the theatre he founded have an important role in American history.

John Ford was a very successful businessman from Baltimore, Maryland, where he managed the Holiday Street Theatre for twenty-five years. Ford also built the Grand Opera House in Baltimore. In 1861, Ford expanded his theatrical business to Washington, D.C. where leased the First Baptist Church that had been built in 1833.

At first, Ford converted the building into a music hall. In December 1862, a fire destroyed the building and a replacement was built. Theatrical productions resumed in August 1863. President Abraham Lincoln was shot on April 14, 1865, while watching a production of “Our American Cousin” at Ford’s Theatre. Ford was arrested and sent to jail for suspected complicity in the murder. After a few months he was exonerated and release from prison.

Autographs from John Ford or anyone associated with the Lincoln assassination are highly prized because of the historical association of these personalities. Letters, photos, and documents signed by John T. Ford are occasionally available on the autograph market. Handwritten letters signed by Ford with ordinary content customarily sell for hundreds of dollars. In 2007, an auction company sold a cabinet photo signed by Ford for about $1,300.

Ford signed a large number of documents because he held a large number of responsible positions. Besides his theatre in Washington, D.C., Ford managed theatres in Virginia, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina. He also managed a wide variety of traveling companies. Ford also served on the board of directors for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. Collectors often retained documents signed by Ford in his role with various organizations. Theses documents occasionally appear at auction or at paper shows.

The theatre where Lincoln was assassinated is preserved today as Ford’s Theatre National Historic Site. Autographs from John T. Ford remind us of the greatness of Lincoln and the hopes and ideals he held for the United States.

When preparing to go for a semester abroad program, students and parents alike need to research how they will keep in touch. There are computer programs like Skype that cost nothing to video chat with one another online, but the use of a cell phone is handy and keeps you safe on the streets of a foreign country.

However, the logistics of international cell phone use can be complicated. Different countries not only have different carriers, but there are different international cell phone services as well. Knowing the best possible international options is very important and can save you (or cost you) hundreds of dollars.

The first thing to do when preparing for your semester abroad program is check with your provider if there is an international plan available on your specific phone. If not, ask if there is an international cell phone they offer that you can trade up for. International cell phones use a GSM wireless service; over 200 countries. Most American servers use a CDMA (Verizon and Sprint), TDMA (Nextel) or AMPS.

This Q&A section is covering international cell phone use in Great Britain. Great Britain covers England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Many of the answers will also coincide with other countries cell phone use.

How much does it cost to rent an international cell phone?

The cell phones you rent from the country you are studying abroad in will not be international. They will be based in the country you are studying in, which means they will be using the GSM services. The cost of these rentals are anywhere from $29-59 a week with per minute charges random from $1.50-5.00 per minute. When studying abroad (which usually lasts 3 or more months) this is not a very economical choice.

Will my US phone work in the UK?

If you use T-Mobile or Cingular, your phones will work without any tweaks. In fact, you might already have a GSM world phone without knowing it. However, even though your phone will work overseas, it is still based in the US which means you will be roaming whenever you use your phone. Roaming charges range anywhere from $1-5 per minute.

How can I travel to the UK and use a phone cheaply?

The best way to save money and still use your phone without counting minutes is to purchase a GSM cell phone in the UK along with a local UK prepaid SIM card for use throughout the different countries of the UK. The SIM card gives you your phone number and allows you to pay only 37 cents for calls back to the US (and 25 cents for local calls). The best thing about these cards is that incoming calls are free! These SIM cards usually range around $40 and come loaded with time that you can continue to load during your semester abroad program.

While it may seem like there are a good number of hotels that are reportedly “pet friendly,” the truth about many of these hotels is that this status is no more than a marketing tactic. Most hotels that let you have pets just charge you an additional fee and don’t offer any amenities that will help you care for your pet while you are traveling. If all you are looking for is a room that will allow you to have your pet, these hotels will suit you just fine; however, if you are looking for more, you will need to seek out the hotels that offer actual services for your pet, such as knowledgeable staff, extra assistance, and a place for your pet to play and relax. You might not realize that some of the most pet friendly hotels offer beds for your pet, food, and more. The best way to make sure that you get exactly what you are looking for is to call the hotel and discuss your pet’s needs in detail. Don’t just rely on an online description to help you choose which hotel will be suitable for you and your pet.

In addition to finding the right hotel for you furry friend, you also need to consider how you will get there. While it may seem simple to fly with your animal, what many people don’t realize is that air travel can be very stressful for your pet and isn’t always the best option. In fact, it is best to use air travel as a last resort; if you have other options, consider them first.

If you choose to drive to your destination, make sure that you pet is comfortable riding in the car. You may want to consider taking a few test drives before you depart for your destination. Some pet owners have found that a harness or crate is the best way to transport their pets; whatever you choose, just make sure that you pet is comfortable and safe.

As you get ready for your trip, remember that most cities have strict leash and waste laws. Make sure that you have your pet’s leash and plenty of plastic bags to clean up after your pet. And while travel can sometime upset your pet’s eating schedule, make sure that you have enough food and plenty of water to make it through the entire trip. A little preparation on your part will go a long way when it comes to traveling comfortably with your pet and your family!

Next time you travel on vacation or for business to Boston, don’t worry about who’s going to feed and look after your darling pet. Just take it along.

Every hotel has individual policies for pets. For example, the size of the pet, whether or not the pet can be left unattended in the hotel premises, whether they will charge you per night for the pet or a one time fee are all taken into account. Some hotels may also charge a refundable pet fee and some may mention that they only allow “Well-behaved” pets, so teach your pet a few lessons in etiquettes before you decide to take it along. At some hotels, you may also hire a pet sitter. So, you can go into the city for work or pleasure, while your pet is being well pampered by the hotel staff. Book yourself into a hotel after a careful review of the pet policies of the hotel. Also, book well in advance because in every hotel, there are a limited number of rooms that are pet friendly.

Some of the favorite hotels in Boston for pet lovers are The Inn at Crystal Cove; Best Western Roundhouse suites that will give a special welcome to your pet with a goodie bag; Boston Harbor hotel; Swissotel Boston and Holiday Inn Boston-Brookline. The luxury hotels like the Ritz Carlton and Onyx will treat your pet like a king. Your pet will be groomed and pampered in much the same way as you. So, go ahead and enjoy a lovely holiday with your pooch.

A 401k is a retirement savings plan that allows a person to save for retirement by taking a set percentage of their earnings out of their paycheck each pay period. This money is invested and looked after by the employer. Some companies match what you invest in your plan by a percentage or all of what you have contributed to your retirement plan.

A 401k plan sounds easy enough, but putting together the basis for your retirement plan when you are in your early 20s is a lot more daunting than it seems. The last thing one wants to do in the beginning of their career is take out even more money from their paychecks. Between rent, food, student loans and day-to-day expenses, taking just 5% out may seem like too much.

Although it seems hard, starting your 401k plan now will really help down the road. Here are some tips on how to set it up so you can still live comfortably now, and plan for a retirement where you can live comfortably as well.

Start Early

Even before you get your first paycheck, fill out the required forms to start your 401k. Although many companies might push you to save 10% initially, it is OK to put as little as 4% into your retirement plan. As you earn raises with your company, the amount you put away will increase, and you can continue to raise the percent you put into the plan.

Get a 401k Match

As previously mentioned, some companies will match the savings you put into your 401k plan. A company match of 50% up to 6% of pay for an employee earning $35,000 annually can boost that worker’s retirement savings by $1,050 each year. That adds up to a lot when you think about retiring after 40 years of work!

If your company does not offer to match, you still want to invest in a 401k plan; not only for the savings but for the tax break as well. You do not pay any taxes on the money you save until you reach retirement.

Roth 401k

In 2006 the Roth 401k plan was created. This plan allows you to place some or all of your contributions into a Roth savings plan and have it treated as after-tax dollars. This means that instead of getting the tax break of the traditional 401k plan, which makes you pay the income tax in retirement, the money will be taxed now. This in fact might be a better option for young professionals because they tend to be in a lower tax bracket than they will be during retirement.

Scrutinize Autopilot Settings

Make sure you know if your company automatically enrolls you in a 401k plan or not. This is more common in larger companies and can affect you poorly if the amount they take out is too big a percentage. Keep an eye on how much is taken out of your paychecks, what fees you are being charged, and when you are allowed to make changes.

Pick Diversified Investments

The economy is slowly on the rise, which is good for young investors. As a young professional, you have the opportunity, with your 401k, to enter the world of investments at low prices and benefit from rising equity values. Choosing a mix of stock funds, bonds and cash that fits your personal risk tolerance is highly recommended by economists. “If the provider offers low-cost index funds, indexes are a nice, low-cost way to build a diversified portfolio,” said Mark Berg, a certified financial planner and the president of Timothy Financial Counsel.

Another thing you want to make sure you don’t do is invest too heavily in your own company. Staying below 5% of your investments is recommended.

Atlantic City is a seaside city, offering non-stop entertainment for its visitors, regardless of age. Atlantic City has world-class fishing areas, sandy white beaches and golf courses, particularly for those who love outdoor activities and luxurious casinos as well as other gaming facilities.

Spend enjoyable nights playing low-stake slot machines or high-powered poker in some of the amazing pet-friendly casino hotels around the city.

Children and adults will love playing in the amusement parks and arcades. You can visit shops offering all kinds of wares and go to the famous boardwalk. Atlantic City is definitely a city everyone will adore, including pet lovers.

Although there are some rules to follow, you don’t need to worry about tagging your pet dog or cat along because the city has numerous pet-friendly hotels you can choose from.

Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center Hotel

The Sheraton Convention Center Hotel is located in the middle of the busy shopping complex, the famous boardwalk and lively casinos. This 502-bedroom, 16-floor hotel is just a few steps away from these destinations.

It offers high-speed internet communication which is very convenient for even business travelers.

It also offers can-rental services, convention amenities, along with dry-cleaning services, data port, meeting rooms, and business centers. Provided also are dining rooms, wheel chair access and swimming pools, as well as golf, fitness facility, and family rooms.

They allow pets inside the rooms. Visitors do not have to pay an extra amount for their pets to stay in the hotel. Only dogs can be tagged along, with a maximum weight of 80 lbs only.

Residence Inn by Marriott Atlantic City Somers Point

Just approximately 15 miles from the Atlantic City International Airport, the 120-room hotel is conveniently accessible for travelers. Furthermore, it is a mere 3 miles away from the beautiful beaches.

It is also located very near the casinos and local attractions like shopping malls and boardwalks. Although a little farther away, it is still very accessible to the Cape May County Zoo, the Wildwoods and the historic Cape May.

Hotel visitors will enjoy amenities like a complimentary breakfast, valet/ laundry services, as well as fax/photocopy services, free newspapers, dinner delivery services from local restaurants and free onsite parking services. There are also limited business services and an evening manager’s reception. Also enjoy free use of the outdoor pool and solarium.

Guest suites also feature distinct living areas, dataports, voicemail services, along with internet access, coffeemakers, cable TVs and ironing services. You can also avail of dry cleaning services, hairdryers and kitchenette with microwave ovens and a refrigerator. Sports lovers will also love the tennis court other game facilities.

The hotel enforces strict no-smoking policy. Pets are allowed but comes with a fee.

Econo Lodge Boardwalk

Econo Lodge Hotel is conveniently located right in the center of the casino district and is a mere 2 blocks away from the boardwalk. It is relatively small with only 51 rooms in a 4-floor building.

Though small, it has a swimming pool and free parking. Accommodations come with complimentary breakfast. It also has a non-smoking area, free high-speed internet, as well as free local calls, economy and family rooms.

Pets are allowed without restrictions but visitors will have to pay a certain fee.

The fort was built to protect Baltimore’s harbor from any invasions, but Fort McHenry is probably best known for its famous battle during the war of 1812. The British had their eye on Baltimore and they wanted to capture the city during a hard-fought and historic twenty-five hour battle that saw the United States forces hold them off and saved the city from being captured and occupied. This is the battle that Francis Scott Key was to be inspired by when he wrote the words of the American national anthem.

The young lawyer was in Baltimore to help in preparing for the release of Dr. William Beans. His friend had been taken by the British as a prisoner and as part of the truce effort he had to sit detained aboard an American ship in the harbor. On this ship he witnessed as cannons constantly bombarded Fort McHenry all day and continued on into the night.

On the morning of September 14, 1814 after the first light of dawn the British stopped firing and the American flag was still seen flying over the fort. It was during this battle that Francis Scott Key wrote the poem for the Star-Spangled Banner which later became the national anthem of the United States on March 3, 1931.

Fort McHenry continued on as an active military post for the next hundred years and never again came under attack. When you get there you will see that the fort has been restored to its early 1800’s appearance. There is a replica of the Flagstaff where the historic flag continues to fly 24 hours a day, due to a presidential proclamation, and it stands in the same area that it stood in 1814.

When you first get there you will get a park orientation, and you get to watch a 15 minute movie about the famous Battle of Baltimore, Francis Scott Key, and of course the inspirational writing of the current national anthem.

There are some guided activities and if you get there on the weekend you may see a performance that includes the Fort McHenry guard, and in the Summer there are some special programs that you can enjoy. There is an admission to the Fort, but it is free for children. There is also a shuttle boat that is available for a tour of the harbor, and lets you get a nice view of the fort from the bay.

This is one of the must see tourist attractions when you are in the Baltimore, Maryland area, and it will not disappoint fans of American history.

If your travel companion happens to have fur, or walk on four paws instead of feet, then you will probably need to locate a few pet friendly hotels for your travels. Most hotels will not allow you to bring your four legged friend in for a nights stay, so its important to call ahead to any hotel you plan on staying in to make sure that except pets as well as people.

You can find pet friendly hotels in almost any area, and at almost any price range. Pet friendly hotels are typically just like your normal hotels. You can visit a bed and breakfast, or a spa; all with your cat or dog right there beside you. Since pet friendly hotels are a rarity, the will often book up a little quicker than other similar hotels will. For that reason it’s important to call ahead and book your room early if you know you will be traveling with your pet, and be in need of accommodations. Particularly if you are traveling to a cat or dog show in a particular area, the rooms will book up exceptionally quickly in a pet friendly hotel, so you will want to be sure to secure yours before they are all gone.

In many pet friendly hotels the hotel will set aside certain rooms of the hotel specifically for use by pet owners. By setting aside a room specifically for pet owners, they allow other hotel guest to be able to spend their stay in the hotel in a room free from pet dander, as well as the hassle of running into, or hearing other people’s pets. For dogs, many pet friendly hotels will sometimes have a special place for you to take your dog outside to relieve him or herself, occasionally the better pet friendly hotels will have some sort of dog park or recreation area as well where you dog can have the opportunity to get some exercise and socialize with the other dogs who are also staying in the hotel.

Hotels that are not only pet friendly, but also those that have the pets in mind with things such as recreation areas and pet friendly dining are usually some of the best to take your pet to. In these situations you pet is often invited to do everything that you are in the hotel, and the hotel sometimes s will offer addition activities for the pets as well, such as a dog day camp that can allow you to go out on the town and have fun, while leaving your dog behind having fun as well.

In most cases be prepared to pay a little extra for your pet to stay in the hotel along with you. While pet friendly hotels do allow pets, most require some sort of supplement for the privilege of having your pet stay along with you in the same room. The supplement is usually not as expensive as having another person stay along with you, but it can get a little expensive depending on the hotel that you select.

Before traveling to any pet friendly hotel do your research. Talk to friends who also travel with their pets that have gone to the area and visit a hotel that they particularly enjoyed. Your friends are often your best resource in locating the very best places to visit. If you know you are traveling to a certain location and want to stay in a particular hotel then book your room as advance as you can. In most cases the earlier you book your room the less expensive it will be, and the better your chances of getting the room and location that you want. Booking your hotel room late or at the last minute could mean that all of the pet friendly hotels are booked up, and you will have to leave your pet at home.

Copyright 2006 S Wander

As more and more people are choosing to take their pets away with them on vacation it is often surprising how few hotels and guest houses allow pets. Taking a look at a hotel’s policies can prove depressing as, time after time, you find the dreaded statement “No Pets Allowed”. The problem is particularly annoying when there are a great many hotels to plough through and with this in mind this article lists 12 “pet friendly” places to stay in the Scottish city of Aberdeen.

As finding accommodation which allows pets can prove difficult we strongly advise that you book your hotel or guest house at the earliest opportunity. It is best to book up to five or six months in advance if you are planning a vacation in the summer months and this is most important when booking hotels in scotland as many places are booked up to a year in advance. The pet friendly Aberdeen hotels and guest houses listed below have stated that pats are allowed on request in their hotel policies as many do not charge extra I have made a point of highlighting those places which state otherwise.

Thistle Aberdeen Caledonian

The 4 star Caledonian (Union Terrace) is one of the most centrally located pet friendly hotels in the city. Charges may be applicable for pets. 77 rooms.

Royal Hotel

The 2 star Royal (Bath Street) is right in the heart of the city. Charges may be applicable for pets. 42 rooms. This hotel states that due to it’s central location it can suffer from external noise.

Jurys Inn

The 3 star Jurys Inn is just minutes from the city center on Union Square Guild Street. Charges may be applicable for pets. 203 rooms.

Express by Holiday Inn Aberdeen City Centre

This 3 star Express by Holiday Inn (Chapel Street) is less than half a mile from the city center, just off Union Street. 155 rooms.

Malmaison Aberdeen

The 3 star boutique hotel Malmaison is just over a mile from the center of the city. Possible charges for pets. 80 rooms.

Holiday Inn Aberdeen Exhibition Centre

This 3 star Holiday Inn is at the Exhibition Centre under three miles from the very center of the city. Charges may be applicable for pets. 123 rooms.

Britannia Hotel

The 3 star Britannia is three and a half miles from the center of the city. Features: Sauna, Fitness Centre, Solarium, Indoor Swimming Pool. Disabled facilities. 144 rooms.

Mercure Aberdeen Ardoe House

4 star Ardoe House is just under four miles from the center of the city. Features facilities such as a gym, sauna, beauty salon, tennis courts and a 2 AA Rosette restaurant. 109 rooms.

Copthorne Hotel

The 4 star Copthorne is less than half a mile away from the very center of the city. Within easy walking distance of the main shopping area. Disabled facilities. 89 rooms.

Holiday Inn Aberdeen West

This 4 star Holiday Inn is just over six and a half miles from the very center of the city. Features a gym, sauna and beauty salon. 86 rooms.

The Spires Suites

The 4 star Spires is just over a mile and a half from the city center. Fully-serviced luxury suites in the exclusive West End. 49 rooms.

Summerhill Hotel and Suites

The 3 star Summerhill is under two and a half miles from Aberdeen city center. Charges may be applicable for pets. 45 rooms, part of Cairn Hotels chain.

Wherever you choose to stay we hope that you and your pet have the most enjoyable vacation.