_____LEADS
**1. CAREERS: CASUAL FRIDAYS ARE SENDING THE WRONG MESSAGE. MARISA D'VARI, president of DEG.COM COMMUNICATIONS and author of "Building Buzz: How to Reach and Impress Your Target Audience": "Casual Fridays are sending the wrong message. Executives forget that the eyes trump the ears, meaning that their visual appearance shapes a client's perception of their value. The right pen, well-shined shoes and a neat appearance send a positive message. Celebrate Image Improvement Month by taking stock of yourself and implementing five things you can do to improve your appearance." Web site: http://www.buildingbuzz.com
**2. PARENTING: KEEPING KIDS (AND YOUR DATA) SAFE ONLINE. ROBERT L. SICILIANO, personal security expert for CHILDRENSECURITY.COM: "Children present unique security risks when they use a computer. Not only do you have to keep them safe from predators, but also from compromising your computers security. The Department of Homeland Security US-CERT sent out an advisory this week asking what unique risks are associated with children. When a child is using your computer, normal safeguards and security practices may not be sufficient. Children present additional challenges because of their natural characteristics: innocence, curiosity and desire for independence. You need to consider these characteristics when determining how to protect your data and the child."
**3. RELATIONSHIPS: SINGLES SHOULD SOCIALIZE STRATEGICALLY. ROBIN GORMAN NEWMAN of LOVECOACH.COM, is a real-life "love coach," offering advice to singles to help them succeed on the dating front: "Singles need to socialize strategically so they can maximize their chances of meeting Mr. or Ms. Right. A plan of action is the key, along with the three rights -- right time, right place and right attitude. February is often a challenge for singles due to Valentine's Day, but it can be a great time to take stock of your social life, get real with yourself and make dating a priority."
**4. TRAVEL: CHOOSING A CRUISE THAT'S RIGHT FOR YOU. JEFFREY MILLER, travel industry attorney with the MILLER TRAVEL GROUP INC. and consultant for LIPSHULTZ AND MILLER P.A., has more than 25 years of experience following travel issues and trends and is available to discuss what travelers should look for when booking a cruise: "Cruising is a hot product right now, and bookings are strong for 2005 "- and into 2006. This means the days of rock- bottom prices are gone. While cruising is still an excellent travel value, it is essential that consumers consider a number of factors before booking their cruise vacation. But don't wait too long to reserve your stateroom. Many cruise lines are reporting bookings that are stronger than pre-Sept. 11 levels."
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