European metropolitan areas have experienced a marked reorganization associated with the processes of globalization and the European integration of economic act- ities on various spatial scales. Much of this change is particularly evident at the edge of central cities, further away at suburban locations and on the fringes of expanding metropolitan areas. These spatial processes of urban expansion, sprawling dev- opment, and employment deconcentration present constant challenges to urban quality of life, raising concerns about excessive consumption of land and energy, traffic congestion, and so forth. These concerns prompt the formulation of public policies at various levels of government: European Union agencies, national, and sub national public authorities. The challenges posed by the spatial reorganization of economic activities within European metropolitan areas and their implications for the quality of life inspired the research project sponsored by the European Commission 5th Framework, entitled: Spatial Deconcentration of Economic Land Use and Quality of Life in European Metropolitan Areas (SELMA). The primary goal of SELMA was to design urban planning and management strategies to ensure the maintenance of the quality of life in European metropolitan areas. To this end, three broad activities were defined. The first focused on the identification and analysis of the driving forces and dynamics behind the process of economic land-use deconcentration in metropolitan areas. An analysis of the impacts of these processes on urban quality of life formed the heart of the second activity.

Build an empire out of its grass hut roots! Take the role of a 300-year old emperor cursed to live without his true love until he appeases his god for a grievous offense. Gather resources, research new tools and build bigger and better accommodations as you care for your people and attract new citizens to your fold.  Featuring outstanding graphics and a breathtaking score, Settlement: Colossus is as epic as it is thrilling!

The kingdoms treasury is nothing but a gaping hole of emptiness. The liege lord is utterly discontented and astonished – what could be the best way to fill up the treasury again?The king appoints you to liege man in “Royal Settlement 1450“. Your task is to build towns, villages and trade-routes in order to turn wild nature into prosperous and primarily profitable terrain.There is no time to lean back because the king is waiting for profit. Patience has never been one of his strengths! But your chances of success are high. Don’t forget to regulary pay moderate tribute to keep the king well-disposed.If you fail to succeed in time and fall behind with paying tribute, you will lose the king’s benevolence…The game is an exciting and entertaining mixture between time-management and real-time strategy!Features:

Free the colorful and cute Orbics from their underground prisons, and build them a brand spanking new settlement! Earn gold coins to construct new homes, and create a paradise for the Orbics in Trio: The Great Settlement! Play through this unique Match 3 game on the planet of Orb, and renew a beautiful civilization on the verge of extinction. Collect trophies, meet new characters, and improve magical flying islands!

Lead your people to their new settlement in this survival city-builder. You will need to provide their shelter, guarantee the food supply, protect against threats of nature, and pay attention to well-being, happiness, education, and employment. Do all of this well, and you might even attract residents from foreign cities! Choose where to build your settlement based on nearby resources, before determining your perfect layout. How will you build your settlement? Carve out the land, join rivers,...

Home equity loans provide you with cash in exchange for the net assets you have accumulated in the property as a separate loan.

This article lists the worst ways to use credit card rewards and reminds people to avoid making these mistakes in order to get the most out of them.

It is essential to apply for a credit card to live in the United States.

Cardholders must know how to protect themselves against different types of fraud.

U.S. Representative Slaughter introduced the College Student Credit Card Protection Act in 1999 and 2001.

Choosing the right auto insurance for your family is an important decision. The coverage can help to protect a substantial investment, your car. The cost can affect your budget. With so many policies to choose from, it can become confusing to decide which one is best for you. In this article, we will discuss some tips that can help in the auto insurance selection process.

In 1999, the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) initiated widespread media coverage of the credit card problem among college students, provoking a strong social reaction.

CBS-News reports on five hidden credit card fee pitfalls and advises consumers to shop around for the most fair credit card.

many argue that this will not work, that credit card marketing in society will always affect college students, and that card issuers will always find ways to get around the rules.

The basic principle of building home equity is the same for everyone (paying off as much mortgage as possible), but in today's financial environment, different generations face different challenges. Therefore, no matter how old we are, we've put together some tips on building home equity.