7 materials for creating the perfect kitchen countertop

The kitchen countertop has to be able to take a lot of abuse including the heat of pots, cutting and knives and abrasive cleansers. The ideal countertop should be able to stand up to heat and the sharp edge of a knife.

Let us take a look at 7 of the most popular kitchen countertop materials being used today:

Granite - A natural stone, granite is a popular choice for it’s classic beauty and durability. Granite is the hardest and densest of the natural stones. It can create a kitchen countertop that is extremely scratch resistant and can keep its luster longer than most materials. granite slabs are the most expensive of all kitchen countertop surfaces, although it is still considered a very practical material in that it is virtually indestructible.

Marble – Another natural stone, marble is considered to be the height of elegance and will last longer than most kitchens. It is however, is very expensive and requires some care: acidic foods such as orange juice will etch the finished surface of a marble kitchen countertop.

Slate – Because of it richness and beauty slate is usually used in interior applications such as kitchen countertops, bathroom sinks or fireplace surrounds. It can be used in either modern or traditional kitchens as well as in combination with marble. Slate is durable, strong, and can withstand hard use. It is less expensive than marble

Concrete – This is one of the biggest trends in kitchen countertops today. It is a good look for clean, industrial and contemporary kitchen designs. Available in pre formed sections or poured and formed on-site. Concrete is a good material for unusually shaped counters. Concrete kitchen countertopsare expensive, require a sealant and must be treated with care. The countertop can crack if the concrete should contract. Concrete can be stained any color. The most popular color is a natural gray tone. The top layer can be finished as desired.

Corian – A solid surface material that first became popular in the 1990’s It is highly recommended by kitchen countertop experts. It is a totally manmade product and is not porous. As a solid surface it can easily be repaired if scratched or burned.

Stainless Steel – Advantages include very hygienic, easy to clean, has ability to stand up to exteme wear and heat. Stainless steel can provide a great look for an ultra modern kitchen. Some disadvantages with stainless is that it can be noisy and that scratches can develop.

Tile – Tile surfaces can be tough, hard-wearing, takes hot pans, heat and stain resistant as well as beautiful. There are many types of tiles including ceramic, porcelain, quarry, glass, natural stone and mosiac. Available in many colors, sizes and textures. It has good design flexibility. Tile can often be used for trim or backsplashes. The downside of tile is that the grouts can be easily stained. Also the tiles can become chipped or cracked.

Back pain

Back pain is one thing most likely to elicit a twinge of sympathy from the hardest of hearts. It is estimated that every person in the world will suffer from it in his/her lifetime - mild to serious, chronic or temporary.

You could get an attack at any point along the spine, especially the lower back area which takes on the maximum weight and stress. Most common causes: strain or bruising of muscles; sprain or injury to ligaments; and spasms when the injured muscle knots up as part of the body’s attempt to immobilize it to prevent further injury. Other causes include osteoporosis, arthritis, a slipped disc, or even excessive gas, besides more serious causes like tumors, diabetes or kidney malfunctions that emerge in a doctor’s clinic.

Blame it on your Lifestyle

An important factor and one that is entirely in you hands, is lifestyle. For instance, improper postures while sitting and sleeping, and carelessness during walking, stretching or playing, especially when you are overweight, are few common causes. Grand illusions of being a Hercules incarnate and lifting heavy weights or improperly hefting them around are other frequent errors.

Bad posture is the biggest culprit. Desk jobs mean sitting for hours before computers where we unconsciously slump into odd positions. Or twist our backs frequently while trying to reach for something behind or beside us, or stretch forward too far; too fast. We also unconsciously slip into awkward positions while reading or watching TV sprawled on the bed or sofa.

Sit up

Chairs with gaps at the lower back level are deadly - avoid them. And if you think you are invulnerable because you have that perfectly ‘ergonomically’ designed chair; know this - most people unconsciously lean forward in such a way that their lower back moves away from the chair base and thus remains unsupported.

Get up and Walk around

Sitting anywhere, anyhow, for long periods means that dangerous pressure points develop along the back. The load on you back is the highest when you are sitting, less while standing and least when you are sleeping.

The golden rule is to get up and walk around every 15-20 minutes. When on a long drive, get out of the car, walk around, stretch you limbs after every two hours. While driving, the back of the car seat should not recline beyond 30 degrees and ideally the seat bottom should be tilted up slightly in front.

It’s not a high

Avoid regular use of high heels - they hamper good posture, ruin you body’s alignment and hurt the back, feet and neck. Our feet are designed to bear the entire weight of the body evenly across their surface. However, the feet and legs are placed in and unnatural position when you wear heels. Most of the pressure is transferred to the front of the foot.

Stressed Out

The modern-day stress epidemic is another factor since back pain can be psychosomatic. Stress/emotional problems both cause back pain and aggravate any existing pain. Yoga and meditation sessions are effective in such cases.

Weak stomach muscles heighten back strain and cause you pelvis to twist abnormally. Regular and proper exercise help tremendously since it keeps joints mobile, muscles conditioned and, more importantly, raises your pain threshold.

Don’t over Exercise

Doctors receive many back-pain patients who are victims of improperly-trained gym instructors or half-baked yoga teachers. Suddenly launching into heavy, unaccustomed activity is a sure recipe for disaster.

The three a s of women s magazines

In an express way type of day with work, kids, house chores, spouse chores, pets, activities and email all needing attention, amazing women still find time to read. Its not a lot of time. Most women don't have time to read War and Peace or the long winding novels they did during carefree days, but do find stitches of time sewn into the fabric of a day for at least a few hundred words.

Women's magazines were made for just such times. Containing articles, essays and photojournalism, these magazines add a little edification to already full days. Because time is precious the secret is to pick the best magazines to fill the void with things the reader really wants to see or know. The best way to do that is judge by the three A's.

Age

The first thing magazines do to define themselves is select the age of the target group they are writing about. Age determines language use, writing style, topic selection, the types of advertisements and cover art. There are age appropriate magazines across the spectrum of life time.

From Tiger Beat, the guilty pleasure of pre-teen girls with star crushes, to Modern Maturity for women who have lived long enough to know those crushes never last, there is a magazine or two written just for the age. While age may not determine all the reader's interests - a 60 year old can just as easily have a crush on Orlando Bloom as a high school freshman - the lexicon, usage and style should be something the reader is most comfortable with.

Audience

Before subscribing, it might be best to buy a copy or two of the magazine off the rack and see if the audience it was written for is a match to your taste and style. Audience adaptation is what magazine writing is all about. Each publication uses a profile to determine the types of women who will best enjoy the article. Just because a magazine covers the same topic does not mean it was written for the same audience. For women who are a little more formal and have dinner parties where well dressed people sit at a long wooden table with napkins in their lap while using their indoor voice, Martha Stewart's Living may be just the magazine they need.

For others who serve chips, dips and finger food to friends who eat while standing around a music filled room or sitting on the kitchen counter Rachel Ray Everyday is more likely to give better tips. Like shoes and car seat covers, magazines should be a good fit.

Appeal

In the sniplets of time women have to enjoy themselves with an article or two the key question becomes, "what topic appeals too you?" Some women are life-long learners who want to read about new developments, world issues and travel essays. The New Yorker would be good for them. Others are business oriented and want to make the most of their family finances or get support for women in business from others who are also in the mix and they might enjoy Pink a magazine for women in business. Many simply want to escape and be entertained and there is no shortage of offerings for them from Entertainment Weekly to People. There are plenty of choices out there for whatever may best enhance a woman's life and time.

Magazines are not written to take away someone's time. They are published to make it meaningful and enjoyable. They actually add to life. By selecting a magazine that fulfills the three A's of your life your reading can always be the best of times.

Role of off page optimization in seo

Off-page search engine optimization

The optimization of your web content is extremely important in ensuring that your site ranks well in search engines but at the same time search engine algorithms also take off-page factors into account in order to determine the relevance and importance of a web page.

The off-page seo elements include:

• Backlinks to your website

• Page Rank of the Pages Linking to your site

• Link Exchange which your website is doing

• Anchor text of the links to your website

• Relevancy of the links

• Directories where your site is listed

• Traffic which your site is getting

• Bookmark

The most important off-page elements are backlinks and Link Exchange which are the links to your website page that need to be relevent for achieving the best results. The more links you have to your page with related keywords, the better will its ranking be on Search Engines. off-page seo are those elements that are on other websites and have an impact (good or bad) on your sites.

Backlinks:

These are also known as inbound links and are links to pages in a site from other websites. Search engine algorithms are known to use these incoming links as a kind of voting system to determine the importance and relevance of a website.

A website should not only have many backlinks, but the backlinks should also be of high quality. The quality is determined by their topical relevance to a website and the importance and quality of the site the backlinks originate from.

For example, a book website might have backlinks that come from book review sites, publishing house sites, the sites of writers, book cafes and so on. Such links would all be very closely related to the actual content of the book website and accordingly considered important by search engines. Some of these linking sites may be very popular and well respected which would further enhance the value of the links. If, on the other hand, links originated from sites that are completely unrelated to the book site (for example a site filled with nothing but advertising banners or affiliate links), the backlinks would not add to the importance or relevance of the book site.

Optimize Your Domain Name

Search engines do weigh the fact that a domain name has relevant keywords in it. The number of years your domain has, and will be, registered for also has an effect on search engine rankings. If you have an older domain name, it is generally concluded that the website is not spam and will probably be around for years to come. It may be a good idea to acquire a domain name that been around for a few years and also contains one of your keywords.

Page Rank

Search engines assign each web page a Page Rank based on the number and quality of inbound links you have pointing to your website. In order to get your number up you’ll have to get other websites to link to you.

Here are some tips to obtain the best quality back links:

One-way links are better than reciprocal links. Reciprocal links are being de-valued because it is not natural linking – it’s an arrangement between the webmasters. It may be a good idea to buy some one-way links to your website.

Get links from pages with a high Page Rank because some of that will pass through to your site, increasing your own site’s Page Rank.

Get links from sites in a related industry or geographical location.

Make sure your keywords are included in the link from other sites. If your keyword is included in the anchor text, Search Engines will assume that your site relates to that particular keyword.

The off-page factors for making a website rank well in the search engines are probably even more important than the on-page factors. This is because the off-page factors are like a representative opinion of the rest of the websites on the Internet.

REPRINT RIGHTS statement: This article is free for republishing by visitors provided the Author Bio box is retained as usual so that all links are Active/Linkable with no syntax changes.

Hot online poker

Poker Play World

With World Poker Tour becoming such a hit Poker Play World was built as a refuge for adults seeking the hottest gambling and adult entertainment the web has to offer. The

Over a year ago while sitting in front of the computer surfing the web for Adult entertainment when the idea was born to create a true one stop site just for adults only, after seeing how cheesy some of the sites looked. Gambling and adult entertainment exists and at Poker Play World is tastefully shown. There would be only the most reputable and big money games available.

The creator of Poker Play World being a Woodstock baby from the era of Jimi Hendrix, the Rolling Stones (when they were really raw!), Janis Joplin etc. as well as being an avid poker player, had a broader vision. Create an environment where gambling and adult entertainment being intertwined tastefully. The perfect example would be the great success of Las Vegas entertainment and gambling for adults. With this in mind he decided to build entertainment sites for adults only with a unique model.

Only the hottest companies would be placed under one site. The idea was to create a place where not having money wasn't always an option. The theme of the site is to have fun, therefore there are plenty of free galleries, free adult games, free adult chat, free dating, free movies, etc. for adults to have fun. There is a astrology and meditation section, golf section, advice section, for adult entertainment. The creator of the site stated, "We don't advertise to kids, and make it a point to focus on adults only" ! So far there are over 7000 top adult entertainment and gambling sites like Poker. com, Playboy, Penthouse, Hustler, Adult friend finder, Girls Gone Wild, Poker Room, Full Tilt, etc. This is indeed a true one stop for adults !

How to qualify for a low interest debt consolidation loan

Introduction

If you are like many people in the world today, you have found yourself dealing with an ever more complicated financial situation. You are beginning to worry more as your debts mount. In this regard, you may be looking for solutions through which you can restore a better sense of order to your finances and to your debts.

With this in mind, you might want to consider the possibility of obtaining a low interest debt consolidation loan. Through this article, you will be provided with some tips, pointers and suggestions about how you can qualify for a low interest debt consolidation loan.

When it comes to qualifying for a low interest debt consolidation loan, there are two primary factors that a lender will take into consideration when considering your application for this type of financing:

-- credit score

-- steady income

These elements that are essential to qualifying for a low interest debt consolidation loan will be discussed in turn in this informational article.

Qualifying for a Low Interest Debt Consolidation Loan:

The Importance of a Decent Credit Score

If your credit score has really dipped downward you will not be able to qualify for a low interest debt consolidation loan. While you may be able to obtain some sort of debt consolidation loan, it will not be a low interest debt consolidation loan. Therefore, it is important -- when seeking a low interest debt consolidation loan -- that you act in a proactive manner. You do not want to reach the point where your financial situation is so dismal that your credit score has crashed.

You will be able to qualify for a low interest debt consolidation loan largely because your credit score is at a decent level. While there is some variation from lender to lender, certainly if you’ve dipped into the “poor” zone -- you will not qualify for a low interest debt consolidation loan. Indeed, most lenders will not extend to you a low interest debt consolidation loan if you’ve dropped beyond the “good” credit score zone.

Thus, and as has been mentioned, you really do need to be proactive when it comes to obtaining a low interest debt consolidation loan. You need to act before you really have begun to have more serious financial problems associated with your credit and debt.

Qualifying for a Low Interest Debt Consolidation Loan:

A Steady Income

Beyond your credit score, when you are considering making application for a low interest debt consolidation loan, you need to appreciate that the lender will closely scrutinize your income history. A lender likely is going to want to go back three to five years in order to get a clearer picture of your income over that period of time. Obviously, the primary concern of a lender considering your application for a low interest debt consolidation loan will be your ultimate ability to satisfy the loan pursuant to the terms and conditions of the low interest debt consolidation loan agreement.

Costa rica home - a better lifestyle for you and your loved ones

If you’re thinking of retiring, want a second home, or want to live in a country that offers you a better and more affordable lifestyle - then you should consider buying a home in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica is a slice of paradise that’s affordable - and buying a home in Costa Rica is easy. Let’s look at the lifestyle you could enjoy.

There are three groups of people who should consider buying a home in Costa Rica, they are:

. People who wish to retire

. People seeking a second home

. People wanting to work abroad

1. Retiring: You have worked hard all your life, and now you want a quality lifestyle - where your money goes further.

Property is up to 70% less expensive than in the southern states of the USA - and you’re just a few hours flight from the Southern states of the US.

When you live in Costa Rica, you benefit from the following:

. Property is cheaper, and so too are your living expenses - up to 70% cheaper - meaning your social security cheques go further.

. If you buy a Costa Rican home, you still get the entire infrastructure you’ve become used to in the USA - great communications, shopping, and entertainment.

. You get beautiful scenery - from rolling hills, to stunning beaches – even volcanoes!

. Buying is easy - and you get the same rights as Costa Rican residents.

. You get a more relaxed pace of life - and serious crime is rare.

. You get the comfort of world-class healthcare - at a fraction of the cost you’d have to pay in the US.

. Finally, you get some of the best weather in the world - live without the need for heating in the winter, or air conditioning in the summer.

2. A Costa Rica second home, or an investment property: A Costa Rica home gives you all the advantages of the above and many more - but buying a home in Costa Rica is not just for retired people. With more Americans than ever looking at vacation and investment property, you should consider the following:

Real Estate Values ready to Soar.

Costa Rica homes are cheap - and real estate values are growing at an average rate of 30% per year - and in many locations prices have doubled, or tripled in just a few years.

Therefore, you get an asset you can enjoy as a second home whenever you want - with prices up to 70% cheaper than in the southern US states such as Florida.

Many people are buying Costa Rica homes as an alternative buying property in the USA – it’s cheaper, and you get a fantastic lifestyle.

You get a cheaper property with better growth potential - and the added benefit of a booming vacation rental market. So when you’re not enjoying your second home yourself, you can rent it out and make a good income.

3. A Complete change: We’ve already seen the benefits of a Costa Rica home for retiring to, or as vacation home - but maybe you fancy moving, and setting up a business in Costa Rica? Well the opportunities are endless.

As more Americans and other foreigners relocate to Costa Rica than ever before, there are opportunities to set up businesses and take advantage of the new wealth being created.

Tax Advantages

The major advantage is that the Government will not charge you any tax for years - so you can get your business off to a flying start. Educational standards are high, and labour laws are flexible - so you have everything you need to make your business a success.

Consider Buying a Home in Costa Rica

It’s an affordable slice of paradise, and record numbers of Americans and other foreign nationals are actively buying, or considering buying a home in Costa Rica.

If you’ve not considered a Costa Rica home, then maybe this article will encourage to find out more – you won’t regret it!

Care to listen proper ear cleaning

The Ears

The ear is one of the body's many sensory organs. Its main purpose is to detect sounds. But aside from hearing, it plays a big role in a person's sense of balance and body position. The ear, along with the brain, makes up the auditory system.

The ear is made up of the following:

l The outer ear. It is composed of:

* Pinna. This is the cartilagenous external ear outside the ear canal. It reflects and attenuates sound waves into the ear canal. The change it makes on the sound provides more information in helping the brain locate the source of the sound.

* Auditory canal. This is the tube connecting the pinna to the middle ear.

l The middle ear.

* Eardrum. This is a thin membrane that seperates the external and the middle ear. It transmits sound from the air to the ossicles within the middle ear.

* Ossicles. These are the three smallest bones in the body. They are the hammer (malleus), anvil (incus) and stirrups (stapes). They transmit the sounds towards the fluid-filled cochlea. They convert lower-pressure eardrum sound vibrations into higher pressure sound vibrations at the elliptical window.

l The inner ear.

* Cochlea. This portion of the ear is filled with watery fluid that moves in response to vibrations from the middle ear. The fluid reacts to the movement, causing thousands of “hair cells” to start moving. It then converts the movement into electrical signals communicated through neurotransmitters to different nerve cells.

* Vestibules. This is the central part of the inner ear. It houses sensitive accoustic nerves that goes from the semi-circular canal to the cochlea.

* Semi-circular canals. It is composed of three, interconnected, half-circular tubes. They detect hea movement on a vertical, rostral-caudal, and sagittal planes.

Medical Complications

Improper care of the ears may cause one to develop ear infections and medical complications. The most common of ear infections is otitis. Otitis is a generic term used for inflammation or infection of the ear. It is subdivide into three different classes:

1. Otitis Externa. This infection involves the pinna and the auditory canal. Sufferers feel pain when their ears are touched or pulled. This condition is also called “swimmer's ear”.

2. Otitis Media. This affects the middle ear. In this condition, the ear is infected or clogged with fluid at the back of the ear drum, in the normally air-filled tympani cavity.

3. Otitis Interna. This condition is also called Labyrinthitis. It affects the inner ear that houses the major sensory organs for balance and hearing. Vertigo is often a symptom for this condition.

Ear infections may be caused by dirty water, having things stuck in the ear canal, too much ear manipulation, diseases (colds), and certain lifestyle factors (smoking).

Proper Ear Care

Here are useful tips for taking better care of your ears to prevent infections:

l Take extra care in cleaning your ears. Use a washcloth or tissue to wipe the pinna dry. Do not use sharp, pointed objects to clear the middle and inner ears, these objects may injure the ear canal.

l Protect yourself from illnesses. Have upper respiratory tract infections treated as these may affect your hearing. If you notice a weird discharge from your ears, consult a physician immediately.

l Avoid exposing yourself to noise. Wear ear protection when you're required to perform a task that exposes you to excessively loud noises. Avoid playing music at a very high volume. Wear ear plugs when attending loud concerts, especially if you're seated near the stage speakers.

l Protect yourself from physical trauma. Wear a helmet when engaging in any activities that may injure the head. Wear filtered ear plugs when going on air travel, this helps equalize the pressure inside and outside the ears.

l Attend regular ear check ups with your trusted ear physician.

The case for self certification loans

Heres a basic scenario thats repeated around the country every day:

You have been renting an apartment for more than a decade. The walls are cracked, the flooring is hideous, and the heater tends to quit working at the most inopportune moments. Black mold has invaded the crevices of your bathtub tile, and you're not sure whats growing in the corner of your closet floor amidst the dirty shag carpet. However, your landlord has made it perfectly clear that she will not invest money in cosmetic changes or repairs, nor will she allow you to do so on your own.

As a result, you desperately want to move out and stop the renting cycle; however, you are faced with what seems to be a big problem. You work out of your apartment as a self-employed performer. Though you have been able to eke out a living in this artistic field, you don't exactly have pay stubs and have to declare income on your annual taxes. So how can you entice a financial institution to loan you the amount needed to buy your own place

This scenario may sound a bit on the dire side, but its actually quite common and can be overcome thanks to self certification loans

Self certification loans are perfect for anyone looking to own his or her own digs, but who is self-employed and therefore without annual income verification from a third-party. Self certification loans allow for those who work for themselves to essentially self declare how much they'll make annually or how much they expect to make; thus, they don't need any official pay stubs for a bank or lender to seriously look at them as a borrower.

Of course, some self-employed persons choosing self certification loans do opt to ask for the assistance of a professional accountant or financial planner. This can be money wisely spent, by the way! The accountant or financial planner can basically verify that the borrower is going to most likely make a certain amount of money per year; having a second verifier enables the lending institution to be more confident in issuing self certification loans.

Yes, self certification loans do carry with them higher-than-usual interest rates, but thats understandable. Because the customer is essentially on the hon our system, the financial institution is taking a bit of a risk with self certification loans. Consequently, with risk come higher interest rates.

However, most persons who enjoy borrowing with self certification loans aren't deterred by the interest rates associated with the self certification loans. They are simply elated to be able to finally own their dream home, apartment, condo, townhouse, or other dwelling!

No, self certification loans aren't for everyone… but they just might be the perfect solution for you. Why not check out self certification loans today The time has never been better, and interest rates are lower than they've been in years, thanks to international competition for borrowers. Get on board with self certification loans and become the homeowner youve always wanted to be.

Basic sitting postures with benefits

JANU SIRSASANA: Correct foot placement

Sit up straight with legs evenly extended in front. Bend the right leg at the knee and place the foot so that the heel is in the right groin and the front of the foot touches the left thigh. Turn the foot so that the bottom of the foot is facing upward and press the knee back to form an obtuse angle with the body. This position will be difficult at first; don't force it. Put a folded blanket under the knee and also under the hips. Gradually the knee will move farther back. Just keep the foot correctly positioned best-tvs. info

JANU SIRSASANA: Correct, perfect posture

Having positioned the foot and knee correctly, stretch the left leg out, keeping the leg firmly on the mat. Settle the heel firmly and stretch the toes up. (The heel should pull gently away from the ankle.) Now inhale and bend forward over the straight leg, catching the foot with both hands if possible. Beginners should bend only as far as they can without rounding the back. When this posture is done correctly and completely, the body will roll forward over the extended leg, absolutely flat from the tail bone to the head. Stay there breathing normally for as long as you can. Inhale, release the handhold, come up smoothly, straighten the bent leg and relax. Repeat on other side.

JANU SIRSASANA: Wrong posture

The heel is not positioned against its own thigh. The knee has not been pushed back as far as possible to form an obtuse angle. The back is humped and curved because the pelvis is jammed and unable to lift properly. Instead of a smooth, complete stretching of the spine, the lumbar is over-stretched and the rest of the spine constricted. The left leg is not flat on the floor.

TRIANG MUKHAIPADA PASCHIMOTTANASANA: Sitting, forward-bending pose over one leg

This posture generally follows the previous one. Sit with your legs stretched in front. Bend the right leg so that the right foot is near the right hip. The toes should point back. The right calf presses against the right thigh. The body will tilt in this position so put a small folded towel under the left buttock to keep the hips level and the forward stretch even and extended. Hold the left foot with both hands, inhale and bend forward, keeping both knees together as you stretch forward over the straight leg. Many students will find it difficult in this position to even take hold of the foot of the outstretched leg. Do not despair. Just hold the knee, shin or ankle, and sit, breathing deeply, in whichever position represents your best extension. If the back is tight and the spine inflexible, this will take time. Release the hold and straighten the bent leg. Repeat on the other side.

Protecting your plans when purchasing travel

There's good news for travelers who fear their money may take flight if the airline they've booked tickets on declares bankruptcy. There are practical steps travelers can take to protect their travel plans and their money.

Legally, struggling airlines may declare bankruptcy while continuing flight operations. Here are a few tips for travelers to consider when purchasing travel:

• Use a credit card. When selecting a supplier that might be be in financial trouble, consumers should pay by credit card. Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, credit card customers have the right to refuse to pay for charges for services not rendered. Details of the Fair Credit Billing Act can be found at the Federal Trade Commission's Web site.

• Consider insurance. Some travel insurance policies may include supplier default protection. However, vendors that have declared bankruptcy protection are generally excluded.

• Remember Section 145. According to the experts at the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), consumers who have purchased a ticket on an airline that ceases operations may be entitled to standby travel on other airlines.

Section 145 of the Aviation and Transportation Security Act provides that airline passengers holding tickets (paper or electronic) from a bankrupt carrier for a particular route are entitled, at minimum, to transportation on a space-available basis on any airline currently serving that route provided the passenger makes alternate arrangements within 60 days after an airline has suspended operations.

Additionally, the maximum fee that an airline can charge for providing standby transportation should not exceed $50 each way. Unless extended, Section 145 is valid through November 30, 2006.

• File a claim. If an airline defaults and a consumer is unable to take advantage of the Fair Credit Billing Act or Section 145, he should file a claim with the bankruptcy court. The bankruptcy court usually provides filing instructions, including claim forms, within months after a bankruptcy is filed.

ASTA is the world's largest association of travel professionals.

Disneyland family reunions

Disneyland is a favorite vacation destination for kids, and those who are still kids at heart. So it only makes sense to hold your next family reunion at the "Happiest Place on Earth". Your Disneyland family reunion is easy to plan and is guaranteed to be a success.

To arrange your Disney family reunion, call the Disneyland Vacation Planning Services Department. The service staff will help you book rooms at the resort hotels, and arrange admission tickets to the park. By purchasing in bulk, you should be able to receive discounted prices on tickets for everyone in your family.

When you call, ask to book the "Happiest Place on Earth Picnic". This joyful setting will accommodate all of your family members and includes admission to the park for your entire party. You have the choice of a selection of fully catered meals, specially created for the event. For families from 100 to 300 people, your picnic will be held at Big Thunder Ranch. Larger Disneyland family reunions, with a group of 300 to 1000 people, will take place at the Festival Arena.

If there are fewer than 100 people in your party, you may not be eligible for the catering services. This is at the sole discretion of Disneyland, so you will need to work out these details with an attendant at Guest Services or the Planning Services Department. If catering is not available, you will be offered reservations at one of Disneyland' many restaurants.

In some cases, special Disneyland family reunion discount rates may be available at Disneyland resorts. If you book well in advance, book a block of rooms and hold your event during the off-season, discounts may apply. If family members are flying to Orlando, purchase the tickets well in advance and ask about bulk savings.

Planning your Disneyland family reunion can be simple when you use a travel agent to help with flight arrangements, and consult Disneyland Vacation Planning Services to work out the rest of the details. For best results, choose one family member to work with the planning services and travel agent, and relay information back and forth between the service departments and the people in your party. Having one person collect and share information will cut down on confusion and

misinformation when you are making travel arrangements for a large group of people.

Any family reunion takes organization and work. Choosing a Disneyland family reunion can actually be easier, and it will be one party that no one will ever forget. Ask the Vacation Planning Services Department what other services are available to make the experience even more unforgettable.

Toddlers, teens, even Grandma and Granddad will love a Disneyland family reunion. Celebrate your heritage and enjoy your get together at the Happiest Place on Earth.

Building your success team

Think about anyone you know who is incredibly successful.

Do these people do everything themselves? Do they do it all themselves?

Think of J. K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter books. She writes the books, but does she do all the legal work, all the marketing, distribution, printing, advertising and public relations?

No of course she does not.

She has a “success team” around her.

These are people who are experts in their chosen fields. They are probably amongst the best in the world. They are people she trusts implicitly to do the job, with her best interests at heart.

Whilst she may trust these people, she doesn’t just leave them running her empire. She checks in on them, works with them, and keeps an eye on their running of her business.

Any successful person you can think of will have a success team around them.

You too need to form your own success team in whatever venture you choose. Whether it is lawyers, accountants, advisors, mentors or experts, it is vital that you have this team around you.

Quite simply, you can’t do everything yourself. There is no way you can have the level of expertise you need to succeed in all the areas you need.

J. K. Rowling spends her time focusing on what makes her money and what she loves, writing. She leaves all the accountancy, legalities, advertising and everything else to her team of advisors. This leaves her time to do what she is best at, i. e. writing books.

How long would it take her to become an expert accountant and to keep up with the tax laws?

How long would it take her to become an expert lawyer and keep up with the changes in legislation?

By picking a team of advisors to help you and guide you, you give yourself the time to focus on your area of speciality.

So what should you look for in your success team? Someone who

* You feel a connection to and comfortable with

* Is dedicated to keeping up to date with their professional education

* Has an excellent track record in their field

* Has excellent references that you can check up

* Integrates well with the rest of your success team

Where would you find your success team?

The best way is to find them from personal recommendation. Look at other successful people in your field and who is advising them.

Look through the Yellow Pages, call people up and interview them. That’s right, you interview them to see if they are good enough to work with you and of the right stuff. Before you see them, create a list of questions you want to ask them. See how you get on with them and check up on the references they give you.

A success team isn’t just lawyers and accountants, it could also be your “cheerleading” squad. This is friends, family and colleagues who support you and believe in what you are doing. It’s much better to have them around you than naysayers who will drag you down and try to stop you succeeding. Discard them and get your own set of cheerleaders.

Surrounding yourself with a success team will give you the opportunity to focus on what you do best for yourself and your business. Your success team can focus on what they do best, freeing up your time and efforts to become even more successful.

The good the bad of office romance

Professionals often spend significantly more time at the office than at home. So much so that there is always a generous amount of single men and single women who don't have the time to meet new people. So the logical choice for them to meet other single men and women is naturally, the office.

When single people spend at least 40 hours, in some professions 50 hours and more, with like minded people of similar backgrounds and interests, relationships are a tempting side effect. Although it's a logical choice to look within the office for romance, there are definitely good and bad aspects to the office dating scene.

The good in office dating

There are several advantages to office dating one of which is obvious -- the time you have to check out the available singles is during your work hours so no longer do the constraints of office hours apply. Also the awkwardness of first introductions is usually eliminated as initial conversations are done within the pretense of a work environment once again relieving the stress of having to make such a critical first impression since the impression would be based on some sort of work objective as opposed to strictly a personal objective like you would have in the normal dating process.

A second advantage is knowing the person before you date them, at least to some degree. The truth is you may interact with a potential date several times on a business level and get to know something about their personality and themselves without being on the spot as you would in a normal social setting. This helps avoid the common pitfall of most early relationships -- incompatibility.

A final advantage, is the ability to quickly build a relationship as the time you see each other is significantly more than people who would meet outside the work place?

The bad in office dating

As with any dating scenario there is defiantly a bad side to office romance. For example just as being in constant contact with each other due to sharing an office can be an advantage it can also be a huge disadvantage. This amount of time spent together can cause a relationship to fall apart just as quickly as it developed, why? We all need alone time and seeing each other five days a week for eight hours or more and then spending time together on the weekends makes for precious little alone time.

Another disadvantage to the office romance is when a person must exercise their professional responsibilities which might include having to discipline or even fire the person they are dating . Although this might seem like a remote idea when you being the relationship, I don't think you would be very comfortable having to tell your boyfriend or girlfriend, "your fired". Another example of this might be a need for one of the participants to go out of their way to show the rest of the office they are not playing favorites maybe even to the point of not promoting the person even though they might be the most deserving.

A final disadvantage to office dating could be jealousy especially if the relationship is "under cover". If you see your officemates flirting with your date the natural reaction would be negative and why would being in a office environment generate any other reaction than a natural one? With that reaction might come a unnecessary reaction including punishing someone for something that is not work related at all.

Before you entertain the thought of dating the cute secretary on the fourth floor or the hot hunk VP you saw during the last office meeting, entertain the consequences of dating that person, balance the pros and cons and if you decide to move foreward keep an eye out for all of the things that can go wrong and have an understanding of how you might handle any of those situations. Remember you are dating a professional single so to keep your job keep the professional in front of the single.

Getting the most benefits from your cash back credit card

So many credit cards - so little time. Is this the way you feel about all the options that are now available in credit cards? It really is incredible when it comes to the various possibilities of how you can benefit from a cash back credit card. Here are a few things you need to look for when you choose yours.

The first thing you need to know about cash back credit cards is that some of them come with incentives. Some of these could be pretty good so you may want to start by looking at them. A couple of them will give you as many as 10,000 points which will go toward whatever the focus is of that credit card (air miles, hotels, etc.). If one of these will best suit your needs, then you would want to look at that particular card a little further.

The next thing you want to consider is the interest rate. This can vary anywhere from about 7.99% up to 18.24%. Normally, this interest rate does not go into effect until the introductory period runs out - but it will eventually. So, if you allow balances to remain on your credit card, you will want to choose one with as low an interest rate as you can.

Then, look to see if the cash back credit card allows balance transfers. If you have any balances on other credit cards that you are paying any interest on, then you will want to put it on your new card and get 0% APR interest. Check to see how long you can enjoy that interest rate - it could be for the life of the transfer - which means until it is paid off. Also, look to see if there are any fees for transfers on the card. At least one credit card company will even pay you to make the transfer.

When it comes to seeing how much of a rebate your cash back credit card actually will give, you will find that it varies. Some offer as much as 5% cash back with certain purchases - usually on things like gasoline, groceries and medicine. Some will give you an overall cash back of 3% on everything you buy. Truthfully, you will need to compare the interest rate with the percentage of cash back in order to get an accurate picture of the overall benefits. Some credit card issuers seem to hope that you may not notice.

Other things you need to look at on your cash back credit card is the various fees that apply. This means you need to read the fine print on the offer and compare it with other offers for the same type of card. Some credit cards also have an annual fee, may require you to keep balances on your credit card, or your air miles may disappear after a while. Other cards may have very high fees, or are limited to certain types of places where you can use your points. Be sure that you can actually use all the benefits - or find another one.

Adirondack all weather furniture-discover why adirondack outdoor furniture is so popular

If you want to make your garden more attractive and inviting, Adirondack chairs are a fantastic choice. Adding Adirondack rocking chairs or Adirondack plastic chairs to your garden will surely make you feel very relaxed and comfortable. The contoured seat and extensive arm rests coupled with other Adirondack all weather furniture make a perfect combination that enhances the level of comfort for anyone relaxing in it.

You have a number of options for choosing the most appropriate Adirondack furniture for your garden. For example, when selecting Adirondack chairs, you can choose plastic Adirondack chairs made of recycled milk jugs and resin. These, like every Adirondack all weather furniture piece, are desirable because generally there are virtually no maintenance problems with it.

Another option would be the timeless Adirondack rocking chair. There is a wide range of painted Adirondack rocking chair of the most unusual colors’ available such as ivory or bright barn red. However, you can also add any color of your own choice so as to reflect your own style. But, before that you must bear one thing in mind; not all the Adirondack chair should be painted. For example, an Adirondack rocking chair made of teak doesn’t require being painted. This is primarily because teak wood contains natural oils in it that does not allow the paint to adhere well to it. Cedar Adirondack rocking chairs, on the other hand, may be painted because it may help the chair to be resistible to decay and will have a nice finish to it.

Another thing that should be kept in mind while selecting your new outdoor furniture is the season in which you want to use these items. Teak adirondack furniture is durable enough to withstand many conditions during the winter season. Therefore it won’t matter whether you are using your Adirondack furniture during winter or any other season. That is why such furniture is called all weather furniture. Folding Adirondack rocking chairs are a wonderful option for some extra seating when you have unexpected guests.

As you can see, you have a number of choices when deciding which Adirondack furniture will best suit your needs. Adirondack chairs help you in the best way to make your garden or patio look elegant and spectacular.

Should you timeshare or not

Timeshares are a large part of the vacation travel industry. Travellers who cannot afford to own a home abroad, or who don't want the worries associated with exclusive ownership, often see timeshare as an affordable alternative.

However, unscrupulous salespeople, poorly maintained properties and unexpected hidden costs have brought a lot of bad publicity to the industry. A well-informed consumer can avoid the common pitfalls.

It is always risky to buy property sight unseen, but many people do this when they purchase timeshares. If you purchase in an area where you wish to vacation, you may be unpleasantly surprised when you arrive at your destination.

However, many timeshares are purchased with the intent of trading them for others in different locations, and in this case the location of the property is a bargaining chip, not the actual physical property. Timeshares in prime locations such as Hawaii are easier to trade than others.

Recently, big corporations such as Disney, Hilton, Marriott and Hyatt have entered the timeshare market, and their properties are of a uniform standard around the world. First, you should know that if you buy a new unit directly from a timeshare company, it may cost up to 60% more than if you purchased from the resale market.

Buying from a time-share company is more expensive primarily because of the company's marketing costs, which include free trips, meals and vacation activities for prospective buyers. Most customers of these timeshare companies buy on impulse, without any intent to purchase when they first walked into the timeshare seminar. Hard-sell tactics and "Buy-it-NOW-one-time-only-offers!!!" are the rule, and to avoid being pressured into a bad deal, the best tactic is to avoid these sales presentations altogether.

Try the resale market for better deals. Time-share resales are listed on many websites, on eBay and with independent time-share brokers. The search term "timeshare resale" produced approximately 500,000 results on Google, so there are plenty of services to choose from.

If you buy directly from an individual, a resale broker or a lawyer can handle the closing for a charge of $300 to $500.

If you are buying a timeshare for the resale value, consider regular real estate instead. Timeshares do not increase in value in tandem with conventional real estate. From a strictly financial point of view, time shares are poor investments.

Most real estate increases in value, but this is not always the case with time-shares, especially those bought directly from timeshare companies. If you get a good deal on a resale timeshare in a prime location, it may increase somewhat in value. But usually time-shares are like cars -- they are commodities to be used, and are resold for less than the original purchase price. Don't think of timeshares as real estate; you are buying a vacation plan.

Also, unless you buy in a prime location, swapping them may not be easy. Timeshares are frequently sold on the claim that the buyer can trade a week in one place for a week at another location. This is only true if the location is in demand by other vacationers. Otherwise, expect to vacation in the original location each year.

To find out whether or not you will be happy with a timeshare, it may be a good idea to rent one for your next vacation. Many timeshare units are placed on the rental market by owners who couldn't get away to vacation at their alloted time, and these units often rent at bargain prices. Check the same websites that offer timeshare resales for available rentals.

There is a new "points" system being offered by some timeshare properties. Instead of getting a week each year, buyers purchase a set number of "points." These can be redeemed for a week's stay during the peak season, for longer periods during the off-season, or even spread over the year in two - or three - day segments.

Some large hotel companies such as the Marriott also offer a points systems whereby a stay at their hotel earn points in the company's time-share system. Points systems can be confusing, so be sure you have a clear understanding of the services you are buying. For instance, find out how much advance time is required to reserve a week at the resort during peak season, whether the points have an expiration date, and if it is possible to transfer the points to other facilities in the same resort chain. However, when it comes to vacation planning, the points system offers more flexibility because the buyer is not locked into the same week every year.

Most important, don't forget the annual maintance fee. Time-share owners are responsible for paying a portion of the property's upkeep. These annual fees, including maintenance and real estate taxes, typically range from $300 to $700 per week of ownership.

In summary, timeshares can be a good buy if they offer some flexibility in terms of transferring to other locations and timing your vacation. The typical timeshare is a small condo with kitchen facilities and one or two bedrooms, ideal for a family vacation, and since such units rent for $150-200 per night, a timeshare purchase may be a cheaper way to travel. However, if you are a mobile traveller who likes to stay in a different town every night, a single person who doesn't need the extra space, or if you travel at unpredicatable times, then a time share may not be suitable.

Nuts and bolts of residual income

Residual income is the crиme de la crиme of revenue. In its most general incarnation it is little more than the act of receiving an income from an activity you performed only once. Artists, such as musicians or writers, know this form of residual income as a royalty. This is an income that can be very attractive to those in business.

For those who are loyal viewers of the late night infomercials that so frequently tout their business opportunities where you can make money while you are sleeping, the term residual income is most likely a familiar concept simply because it is used within the context of such ads. Although overstated in that particular venue, there is a bona fide methodology on the Internet for earning this kind of profit! This is not an area that should be ignored, especially if you are seeking different ways to generate income.

With respect to online ventures, the holy grail of residual income is the affiliate marketing relationship that may be entered into between a hopeful entrepreneur and an e-book company or multi level marketing business. While many mistakenly believe that any kind of network marketing scheme will permit for residuals to continue earning money, the real profit is to be made with memberships, or clubs.

Requiring a consumer to pay a certain fee on a continuous basis translates into repeat earnings for the marketer. Business opportunities of this kind may usually found in the information sector or essential online services sectors, such as web hosting services, newsletter publishers, savings club memberships, and also travel club benefits.

Unfortunately many a would-be entrepreneur does not realize that in order to find subscribers, one must be a subscriber oneself! This requires certain expenditures and even though the figures are generally low, the fact that you will first have to recoup your expense before you can realize a profit at times is a deterrent – especially if there are several programs the individual is considering.

Similarly, the fact that while it is possible to make money as you sleep if you have built up a respectable network of interested consumers, more often than not much of your online activity will revolve around marketing, promoting, and showcasing the benefits of the opportunity which you want other to sign up for.

Indeed, anyone who is thinking of making a lucrative living with the help of residual income ought to think long and hard about the income potential when compared against the backdrop of the expenditure of money, time, energy, and also when compared with other online activities and their income potential.

The odds are good that for someone not currently plugged in with a large network of potential clients or a well developed audience, the work required to create a lucrative residual income business is more time consuming and labor intensive than the potential benefits. Unless you find a great opportunity which clearly outlines your potential for earnings, you may wish to move on to more profitable ventures.

Insurance for newbies

Insurance is the coverage offered by an insurance company to an individual or an organization against a specified loss in return for the earlier premiums received from the policy holder. A premium is a periodic amount of money charged by the insurance company to provide active coverage.

The premium is usually collected on a monthly or half-yearly basis. The insurance company will normally terminate the policy, if the policy holder fails to make the scheduled payment. To renew this lapsed policy, the policy holder will have either have to pay the balance of the insurance premium or get reinstated.

The chief advantage of an insurance policy is the feeling of financial security that it offers to the policy holder.

The different types of insurance polices broadly defined include; Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Auto Insurance, Homeowners' Insurance and Appliance Protection.

The premium for the same service can vary depending upon the service provider and a host of other factors. The premium amount is primarily based on statistics. Individual habits and history can also play a role in influencing the insurance company’s decision on the cost of the premium. For instance, a younger driver with a sports car might have to pay a higher insurance premium than a middle-aged driver who drives a regular sedan, due to the higher probability of risks.

Because of the variability in rates and the variability in the formulas that individual companies use to determine rates, is very essential to get several insurance quotes before purchasing an insurance policy. Every insurance policy will have its own merits and demerits. However, the lowest premium quote price need not necessarily be the best insurance policy, since it may offer only a lower level of coverage. So, one will have to understand the different clauses and complexities in the policy. One will also have to do a check on the reputation of the insurance company, by considering factors such as percentage of rejected claims and timely reimbursement.

An insurance agent or broker would be aware of the different insurance schemes offered by various companies. The agent will also be of great assistance in calculating the insurance premium estimate based on the basic information obtained and help in determining the best insurance policy for you the first time insurance purchaser.

Identity theft s young victims how to protect your children s identities

When we think of identity theft, children are probably not the first victims we might imagine. Unfortunately, more and more kids are being targeted for this crime, and the culprits may not be who you think. Right now, approximately 4% of all identity theft cases involve children, which means roughly 400,000 kids a year are having their futures ruined without their knowledge. 1

In an article on MSNBC. com, a 24-year old man explained that by the age of 10, his identity had been used to accumulate almost $250,000 in debt and to commit a felony. Another victim, a 9-year old boy, received a collection notice for a $2,000 debt.

Unlike most identity theft victims, however, these two individuals know exactly who was responsible for committing this crime: their fathers. According to the article, almost two-thirds of all child-related identity theft cases are committed by family members.

A child becomes a victim, in most cases, because someone else uses their social security number and name to open a credit card or to have utilities turned on. While the information can be used in other ways, those are two of the most common. And, because children aren't interested in their credit history until they turn 18 or older, most never even realize the crime has been committed until years after the theft started.

There are some ways to protect your child against potential identity theft:

Keep their social security number locked up in a secure location – If criminals don't have access to your child's social security number, they can't steal it. Never carry their card in your purse or wallet where it could easily be lost or stolen. Never share the number with another family member or anyone else who does not have a professional need to know.

Ask to not have their SSN listed on insurance cards – Many insurance companies list social security numbers on their cards. If yours does, then contact them and ask to use a different number.

Do not allow your child to know his or her SSN until its necessary – Young children have no reason to know their social security numbers or to have access to their SSN card. Keep those documents safe and private until your child needs them. Children are often tempted to reveal more than they should to friends, family members, even strangers.

Check their credit report – While a yearly check of their report may not be necessary unless you suspect a problem, it's a good idea to periodically check your child's credit reports for activity. Your child shouldn't have anything listed at all, but if anything does show up contact the credit bureau and the listed creditors immediately.

Additionally, if you are a parent you should NEVER use your child's social security number fraudulently. Not only are you committing a crime, but you are also making your child's life more difficult. Furthermore, if you know or suspect that someone is wrongly using their child's personal information, then you should contact the authorities. Don't sit idly by while they ruin that child's future.

If you want more information on preventing, detecting, or rectifying identity theft problems for children and adults, then you need to read Identity Theft: A Resource Guide from PCSecurityNews. com. The ebook is available at pcsecuritynews. com/identity_theft. html

1. Novotny, Monica. “Robbing the Cradle.” Countdown with Keith Olberman. MSNBC. com

2006 buick lucerne return of the v8

The venerable Buick Park Avenue is no more, having been replaced by the all new Buick Lucerne, a down market version of the Cadillac DTS. With a 275-hp Northstar V8 engine, the Lucerne becomes the first Buick car in nearly ten years to arrive equipped with a V8. The entire Buick line up is in the process of being overhauled, so let’s take a look at this make’s newest flagship and see how it plays a part in GM’s overall strategy.

If you are a fan of the Buick brand you have witnessed your fair share of changes over the past five years. Gone are the Park Avenue, LeSabre, Century, and Regal, and in its place are the Rendezvous, the Rainier, LaCrosse, Terrazza, and the Lucerne. All the changes are the result of General Motors’ broad realignment strategy in the wake of retiring the Oldsmobile brand, lifting Saturn into the fold, and setting strategy to compete against the nonstop onslaught of foreign brands including Toyota, Lexus, Nissan, and Infiniti.

One look at the Buick and you will notice a strong resemblance to the Cadillac DTS. The Buick’s oval grille sets it apart from the Cadillac’s firm nose, but a cursory examination of the body lines tells you that these cars are in fact twins. In the past, Buicks were essentially “stripped down” versions of Cadillacs, while Oldsmobile and Pontiac were more luxurious or sportier versions of Chevrolet models. Clearly, GM is repositioning Buick to have a more distinct “near luxury” look without stepping on Cadillac’s toes, while giving the Buick division a much needed replacement for the aging Park Avenue.

For the car shopper, the Lucerne is value priced, arriving at in showrooms at just under 27K. With a standard 3.8 V6, the automaker can claim decent fuel mileage of 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. In these days of hyped up gas prices, favorable fuel economy is a keen marketing tool, but expect many buyers to opt for the ultra powerful Northstar V8 instead. Why? Because, if they want to purchase a Buick, they likely will want the power to go along with the luxury. It remains to be seen how well the V6 operates in a car that is 203 inches long and weighing in at nearly two tons.

Standard equipment for the Lucerne includes the following: power windows, door locks, and mirrors; side curtain air bags for the front seat; theft deterrent system; OnStar; keyless entry; and more.

The optional equipment list is expansive and can easily drive the starting price of the top of the line CSX to over 35K. For that price you receive heated power seats with lumbar support; a memory package that adjusts the seats, mirrors, radio, and climate control to each driver’s specifications; sport leather steering wheel with built in controls; and more.

A fully loaded Lucerne is still several thousand dollars less than the DTS, making the Lucerne a value leader in the luxury car category. Still, Buick has its work cut out for it as competition from foreign brands including Acura, BMW, and Lexus continue to hammer away at GM’s “near luxury” division. Fortunately, quality levels for all Buicks remain very high so combining that level of success with a strong price may help the Lucerne compete admirably.

10 really low-cost ways to start your stamp collection

Stamp collecting doesn’t have to be an expensive hobby. You can enjoy collecting stamps with limited financial resources. Here are 10 really low-cost ways to start stamp collecting.

1. Ask your friends to use commemorative stamps on their mail when they write to you. Commemorative stamps are generally larger than regular stamps and are issued to honor famous people, places, or events. Because commemorative stamps are usually issued in lesser quantities than common smaller stamps, they are of much more interest to collectors. Tell your friends that you are a stamp collector and ask them to request commemorative stamps at the post office.

2. When you send away for offers that require postage or self-addressed, stamped envelopes, use commemorative stamps. You’ll get them back when the envelopes are returned to you.

3. Ask your neighbors, friends, and relatives to save their used stamps for you. You’ll find that most people will be happy to save their stamps for you when they learn that you are a collector.

4. If you know someone who gets letters from other countries, ask them to save those stamps. Always be on the lookout for potentially good stamp contacts, and don't be afraid to ask them to go through their mail for you before they throw away all the envelopes.

5. Ask friends and family to save the envelopes from their office mail for you. Many businesses get a lot of foreign mail and regularly throw away stamps that have interest and value to a collector.

6. Ask your parents if they have any old letters with stamps on the envelopes. Don’t peel the stamp off the envelope. This will cause thin spots or tears, both of which ruin a stamp's appearance and lessen its value to collectors. Always tear off the envelope corner so that there is paper all around the stamp, and make sure that all of the perforations are undamaged.

7. If you know other stamp collectors, ask them if they have duplicates that they are willing to give or sell to you. Many collectors have thousands of duplicates and they are often willing to help get new philatelists get started by giving them stamps or by selling them packets of stamps much more cheaply than can be purchased in stores or by mail.

8. Look for free stamps advertised by stamp companies. Free stamps are often offered along with “approvals,” an assortment of other stamps that you must either buy or return. This can be a convenient way to buy stamps. Note, however, that you usually have to pay the return postage if you return the approval stamps.

9. Check out stamp clubs in your area. Clubs may offer stamps as prizes, or have inexpensive stamps you can afford to buy. Some stamp clubs sponsor junior clubs the local community center, YMCA, or schools.

10. Consider starting a stamp club if one doesn’t already exist in your area. It only takes four or five other stamp collectors who are interested in getting together to learn about and trade stamps and ideas.

With free stamps and a few inexpensive accessories, such as a small album and a package of stamp hinges, even collectors with little money can have a great time.

So, what are you waiting for? Start collecting stamps today!

Home loan

Home Loan

Buying a home is any man’s dream come true and one of the biggest expenses of life. Recently demand for home loans has increased considerably; reason being is the need for an ownership house and also the easy availability of home loans. Home loans are available easily at very cheap and affordable rates. They have picked up quite a pace in recent world, because home is a place where people begin their life. The investment in purchasing a home is huge; some have the cash ready for investment but not in all cases, especially investing a lump some amount in a short period, hence for these mass of people home loan is a blessing in disguise.

To start off with a home search, it is always advisable to start with a discussion with a lender incase if home loan is being opted. These professional advisers give a tentative amount that would be available as a loan amount and based on that quote one can start on the home search. This in a way helps, because then we look for those houses that are within the budget and not beyond the resources. With home loan schemes available in today’s world, life has become quite easy for buyers; they don’t have to think much about the availability of finance.

Purchasing a house can be an overwhelming experience for anyone but one has to be a little careful with certain aspects relating to home loan. Before applying for a home loan one should set in mind the amount that he/she is going to borrow. If no target is set then one might over exceed the loan amount that might become cumbersome at the time of repayment. Besides, if the loan amount is more than the need then it is used for other expenses, which are of less priority, and even interest is being charged on that extra amount. Interest rates, which is often considered as an unwanted burden always comes complementary with a home loan. Interest rates are the extra amount that the borrower has to pay along with the loan amount taken, so borrower needs to see that he/she gets the cheapest rate for the home loan amount.

Home loan is usually taken from personal banks or through financial institutions, hence, the one who offers the cheapest rate of interest with long term is what buyers look for. The repayment procedure also varies accordingly from monthly/quarterly/yearly basis as per the buyer’s discretion. The buyer initially has to pay a certain % of the loan amount as down payment and then the rest amount is paid back periodically as decided by the borrower.

Availing of a low rate of interest also depends upon the borrowers credit status; if the borrower has a bad credit scored then he/she might be charged a higher rate of interest than the one who has a good credit history. This is because of the repaying capacity which ofcourse is any time better for people having a good credit history as a good credit score tells volume about the debtor’s financial background. Hence, people with a steady income and good credit score can avail home loan faster and also at cheaper interest rates.

Hence, borrowers should do a good research before applying for a home loan, apart from visiting various banks and financial institutions we can also find best deals online. Through Internet we can get quotes from various lenders and thus borrower can compare the best deal as per his/her need. You can even fill up an online application stating your requirements and details about the home loan along with the contact address and then the company’s executive plans a budget mentioned in the form as per your requirement that is apt for you. Home loan are a boon to us, the best way to fulfill our desire to own a house. Thus, one of the sources that can help you to fulfill the dream of possessing a house is Wizard Loan Approval

Medical billing courses online should not be

Sure it would be easy for someone to tell you what good online medical billing courses should be comprised of. However, by showing you what they SHOULD NOT be will make a more dramatic impact on you so you will remember them instantly when researching an online course. Ready?

1) Medical Billing Courses online SHOULD NOT be taught by anyone other than experienced medical billers, medical coders or a successful medical billing business owner.

2) Medical Billing Courses online SHOULD NOT be given by an Educational Clearinghouse (school that teaches everything from accounting to zoology). The BIGGEST problem with EC's is that you are not taught the in-depth education that you need to be proficient within this industry.

3) Medical Billing Courses online SHOULD NOT take you 2 years to complete unless one of the following applies:

a.) Your current situation doesn’t allow you to dedicated the necessary time to complete the course sooner,

b.) Your course also consists of additional subjects such as medical transcription, medical coding or healthcare management.

c.) Your course also prepares you to sit for one of the National Certification Exams given by the The American Medical Billing Association (AMBA), The American Association Of Professional Coders (AAPC) or American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

4) Medical Billing Courses online SHOULD NOT be really short in length. A really good course should cover the 8 essential aspects of doing medical billing as a business and that cannot be properly learned in a cram course or seminar type course.

5) Medical Billing Courses online SHOULD NOT be overly expensive. The norm for a good online program is between $500 - $700 and anything above that is usually a sign that the school is trying to pad their pockets at your expense. However if your course also includes classes on becoming a nationally certified medical coder or medical transcriptionist then the cost could get as high as $2,500.

6) Medical Billing Courses online SHOULD NOT promise any CERTIFICATION. Only 3 organizations can award you with certification and you will have to pass a very lengthy and extensive exam to earn your designation. When you take a course the most that they can give you is called a “Certificate Of Completion” which means that you satisfied the requirements of the course and have been awarded the certificate as proof that you did.

7) Medical Billing Courses online SHOULD NOT push you to learn the material at their pace. People learn differently and attaching unrealistic time limits to a course is very detrimental to the learning process.

8) Medical Billing Courses online SHOULD NOT give you only one payment option. Any good school will be flexible enough to accommodate each student’s different financial circumstances and online courses are no different.

9) Medical Billing Courses online SHOULD NOT restrict you from speaking with current students, students from other courses and alumni. It should be a school/courses pleasure to supply you with as many referrals that you may ask for and if they don’t that’s a BIG RED FLAG!

One of the biggest reasons that people fail in the home based medical billing industry is because of FEAR. This fear overcomes those that realize they invested time and money in online medical billing courses and they still feel like they know nothing after they completed the course. Don’t allow that to happen to you so educate yourself on what you should be looking for before you spend any money taking an online medical billing course.

Managing the anxieties and stresses of dealing with your finances

Many people get stressed out in managing their investment portfolios and their finances. In some months, your investments are doing good and the next month you may be losing money. The good news is that there are ways that a person can reduce their anxiety and stresses in taking care of their finances.

Get sound advice from a good financial professional. There are many financial professionals that can give you good advice on how to manage your finances. Listen to what they have to say and decide for yourself the best route you can take in terms of your investments and finances.

Develop a budget to manage your expenses. A budget will allow you to distribute your paycheck that will pay all of your bills and will prevent you from spending your money on things that you do not need.

Plan for any emergencies that may come up. Put aside a small amount of money from your weekly paycheck into an emergency fund. The purpose of the emergency fund is to provide instant cash for sudden, unexpected events. When something happens, you will have something to fall back on.

Learn to manage your spending habits. The more you spend on things that you do not need, the less money you will have for the future. There is nothing wrong with buying things that seem nice at the time. The point is that you need to spend your money wisely.

Stay out of debt. Pay off your credit card bills and try to get rid of your debts. There also many credit counselors you can talk to that will help you develop a plan to get out of debt.

These are some of the ways to manage your anxieties and stresses of dealing with your finances. Even if you do not make a lot of money, there are ways to reduce your expenses and develop a sound budget. The key is to knowing how to manage the money you do have.

Learning style - how to develop your own

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A person's primary learning style is usually classified as "visual," "auditory," or "kinesthetic." There are tests to see which of these three is used most by yourself, and you can then use this self-knowledge to learn more efficiently. If, for example, your primary way of processing new information is visual, imagining things in your mind is a good way to make them "stick." Writing things down or otherwise physically using information helps those with a kinesthetic style, and listening to taped information is a good way for auditory learners to remember things.

Beyond these, though, a persons learning style is a unique combination of the primary ways of processing information as well as the ways in which various techniques and personal idiosyncrasies are used. For example, if you remember facts better when you study in the morning, then you should study important things in the morning. Also, particular techniques, like the memory technique of linking a set of facts or items in a story, might work well for you, and so should be used as a habitual part of learning.

Learn how you most easily process information, note how other factors affect your ability to learn, and then test various techniques. In this way you can develop a unique learning style that works best for you. The following are some elements you may want to include.

Techniques To Try In Your Learning Style

Take a few breaks. Research shows that we remember best what we studied first and last in a given session. Taking breaks creates more "sessions," and so increases the number of firsts and lasts. Getting up and moving around during your breaks can also keep your mind fresh.

Study with the idea in mind that you will be teaching the same material. As you study something, imagine how you will teach it, even hearing the words you will use. This is a powerful way to get a good grasp on new information.

Think about how you'll use the information. There is so much information to remember, and so little of it is the "important stuff." When you imagine how you'll use the new information, you tend to automatically focus on the things you really need to know.

Habitually compare and contrast things. Tell yourself, "That's like...," or "How is that different from..." The concept of the e-mail newsletter auto-responder was new to me, but I really started to understand how to use it when I thought, "It's like having someone to do all my addressing and mailing for pennies a day." I started to ask all the other important questions.

To sum up, learn how your mind processes new information. Then try various learning techniques and make the ones that work for you into habits. Oh, and take those personal idiosyncrasies into account too. This is how you develop an effective learning style of your own.

Wood decor adds uniqueness to a home

A home featuring traditional wood crafts, folk art and hand-carved furniture exemplifies a unique style of beauty. Whether you proudly display family heirlooms or collectibles gathered throughout the years, the addition of wood as a classic backdrop throughout your home will set the stage for these historic treasures and enhance your home's sense of warmth and style.

Here are some tips for adding wood decor to your home.

* Start with the entrance. An impressively detailed, hand-carved wood door will set the tone before anyone even takes a step into your home. A stately carved wood door informs those entering the home of your own personal style.

An elaborate wood entry system, like those available in the Jeld-Wen IWP Collection, features extraordinary details that emphasize the wood's character. These doors are created by artisans who carefully craft each masterpiece to match and highlight a home's architectural details.

* Include interior decorative wood pieces. From windows, doors and furniture to clocks and artwork, decorative pieces are available in the wood species and style of your choice. Many of these pieces are still being created by hand. Artisans utilize their skills to replicate the exquisite works of old-world craftsmen, as well as create new, original designs. Craftsmen construct each piece individually, often choosing and planing the lumber themselves to bring out the true beauty of the wood.

* Create your own style. Continue your wood theme throughout your home when selecting moulding, cabinetry and any additional woodwork. Using the same species all through your home creates a truly harmonious, classic feel. Or, use a blend of species by coordinating two or three different types of wood to create a varied, somewhat eclectic look.

From maple, pine and oak to mahogany and rosewood, these woods complement each other and promise an exotic design that will add interest and character to each room.

* Mix and match old with new. When decorating, match hand-carved wood items with factory-built accents, which are stylish yet economical. Handcrafted tables, cedar chests and armoires blend seamlessly with manufacturer-made wood picture frames, clocks and candlesticks. Mixing in your antique treasures will add that final touch, giving your home the individuality you desire and a proud display of your prized possessions.

Established phoenix schools districts losing students

Some established Phoenix Schools districts are just a few areas in the Valley that are losing students to charter schools, private schools, and other districts. These Phoenix schools districts have for many years added classrooms and teachers to keep up with their growing populations. Now, they are experiencing decline in enrollments for various reasons.

Since funding is readily available to Phoenix schools that are in a growth cycle, the enrollment decline means loses in badly needed revenues. It also means losses in local, state and federal funding, which also are based upon the student population. This could mean millions in lost funding to the Phoenix schools.

Along with schools in Mesa and Scottsdale, the Phoenix schools are taking aggressive action. Some school districts are aggressively marketing to recruit students from neighboring districts, as well as to reacquire students who have moved to private schools. Street banners announce the start of schools in some districts, beefing up the Phoenix schools image in others.

The Phoenix schools are battling to keep their current student enrollment levels, while searching for methods to recruit more students. The Phoenix schools face increasing competition from charter schools, as well as private schools that offer more exclusivity to the Phoenix schools’ students.

Enrollment throughout the Valley, overall, continues to increase; thus, supporting the findings of an enrollment study for Paradise Valley school district by Applied Economics. They found that charter and private schools were luring students from the district at increasing rates.

The Phoenix schools districts know that new residential housing developments are planned within their districts. The problem is how to plan for such increase in student population — Will they attend the traditional Phoenix schools or opt for a charter or private school. By the time the Phoenix schools have an answer to this quandary, it will be too late to build the needed facilities. Overcrowding in the Phoenix schools already will have been felt.

The Phoenix schools are hurt further by the state law on school funding. When the Phoenix schools experience a decline in student enrollment, they lose funding. Additionally, according to this law, there is a mandated drop in how much additional funding the Phoenix schools can obtain, even through local funding sources.

Lastly, additional funding for construction and renovation of facilities that is available during a growth cycle of the Phoenix schools is nonexistent during an enrollment decline. This makes the average $8,000 per student with extra for students with various types of situations and disabilities, less than adequate for schools that already are dealing with budget and funding concerns.

Sporting clays tips published montly the paragon school of sporting

Each month, The Paragon School of Sporting provides a new Sporting Clays shooting tip to help you be more consistent in the shooting box and on your scoresheet. Dan Schindler teaches shooters, from all skill levels, a shooting process that creates more consistency and proficiency by eliminating mistakes both before and during the shot.

The complete index of Sporting Clays Tips can be found at:

paragonschool. com/shooting-tips. html

Sporting Clays Tips are also availalbe in RSS Feed Format by visiting:

paragonschool. com/sporting-clays-tips. xml

For More Information, Please visit our Website At:

Web: paragonschool. com

About The Paragon School of Sporting:

The Paragon School of Sporting, established by Dan Schindler in 1994, is a prominent Sporting Clays and Wing Shooting school specializing in Sporting Clays instruction, Sporting Clays instructor training, and lessons for the Wing Shooter. If you are a recreational target shooter, a seasoned sporting clays competitor, a wing shooting sportsman, or a new shooter looking to improve your shooting abilities, Paragon can provide customized instruction for you.

Is there discount term life insurance out there

First of all, we’ve all heard of life insurance. Many of us even have it. But what is term life insurance? The meaning of term life insurance is in its name—it covers its policyholders for a certain amount of time—a certain term. It costs much less (except for the very elderly) than whole life insurance and can be covered in two types of premiums—level-term and annual renewable. The premiums of level-term stay the same throughout the duration of the policy and can usually be purchased in terms up to 30 years; however, annual renewable premiums increase as the policyholder gets older.

Although term life insurance is already less expensive than whole life insurance, there are ways to find discount term life insurance. We all want to save as much money as we can while getting the best coverage possible, right? As when searching for any insurance, the best way to find discount term life insurance is to research several different life insurance providers. However, you don’t want to simply find a seemingly decent term life insurance provider, search for a policy that’s cheap in price, and sign up. If you do, you could end up with a policy that doesn’t actually suit you at all (that is, if you even qualify for it) and spending much more than you would have if you had searched around for a bit longer.

When shopping for discount term life insurance, look for reputable, financially stable life insurance companies that have well-trained, objective, unbiased insurance agents. These unbiased agents will take your information—your needs and the needs of your family members—research your options, and present the best discount term life insurance to you—not them. You can find information about an insurance agency online or directly from the agency, but you’re more likely to get a reliable review from someone who has used, or is currently using, their services.

Start up for nothing with a free home based business opportunity

One of the biggest drawbacks to starting a home business is getting the money needed. When a person starts a business there are many costs. There are expenses for products, a sales space, advertising and other random things that can really add up. The good news is that in today’s internet marketplace there are many free home based business opportunities form which to choose.

A free home based business opportunity is one where everything is basically provided for the business owner. They do not have to pay for a single thing to get started. In order for this to happen the prospective business owner needs to be on the lookout for a few things.

They need to find a company that will provide a website, web hosting and domain name for free. Building a website, securing a domain name and getting web hosting are all quite costly in most cases. While it is not too hard to find a good bargain in these areas, the business will suffer from the lack of reliability that is provided. So, in order to do a business for free, the parent company needs to supply these things.

Another thing to look for is that the parent company handles all shipping and inventory. Many businesses offer this. There are a few reasons why. First of all, it requires no upfront costs to their sellers. Secondly, they are minimizing their risk of losing products since they never ship them to anyone but the customer. Lastly, it makes tracking orders and keeping inventory counts simple since it is all handled in one place.

The last thing about a free home based business opportunity lies solely with the prospective business owner. It involves marketing. Marketing is one of the biggest factors in internet business success. That is why many people spend most of their budget on advertising. However, there are some really good sources for free advertising online. It is up to the prospective business owner to research these sources and get a marketing plan in place that will not cost them a thing.

Finding a free home based business opportunity is a matter of doing a little leg work. They are not hard to find, but it takes knowing what to look for to ensure the opportunity is truly free. The biggest thing is securing free marketing resources, as this is crucial to both the business success and the ability to really get the opportunity free. If a person is serious about finding a free home based business opportunity then they will be abet of find one. There are plenty of good companies offering free opportunities and they allow everyone the chance to realize the dream of owning their own home business, even when they can not financial afford to start one.

Can social bookmarking help me

You have probably heard a lot about social bookmarking lately. As a matter of fact, you can spend hundreds of dollars right now just to find out what it's all about. Well, not here. I am giving you this information. I did the research and found this to be a super way to get more traffic to your site. The best news is, it's 100% FREE.

What is Social Bookmarking?

It's a public list of your favorites. Not all your favorites, just the favorites you want to share with others. You can add any website to your public list and retrieve it from any computer. (This is done on someone else's server, not your computer)

When you list a site in your bookmark list, anyone looking for that same type of information can do a search at the bookmark site and find the sites that you have bookmarked. It is like a search engine without all the trash.

When you do a search in a search engine, you get all the sites that have something to do with the keywords you typed into the search box. It is easy to get a bunch of garbage sites that are loaded up with keywords but have poor content on the actual site.

The great thing about social bookmarking sites is the only sites you will find there are sites that other people have looked at and decided were worth saving for future reference. Real people have decided to save (bookmark) the sites, not robots. Real people also monitor the sites so if trash does get added, it is soon deleted.

The more people who bookmark a site, the more popular it becomes. As an example, lets say you are selling widgets for a really great price. You bookmark your home page on many public bookmarking sites. When someone is looking for a widget, they do a search at the bookmarking site and your bookmark comes up. They go look at your site and decide your prices are so good, they might want to come back later when they need another widget. So they add your site to their bookmarks for future reference.

When someone goes to one of these sites and types widgets into the search box, your site listing will come up in the search. If many people have bookmarked your site, you will be listed high in the search results. It's kind of like a voting system. If you site is good enough to bookmark, other people will want to see what all the fuss is about.

Unlike search engines where all you have to do is good seo, the sites you will find in the Social Bookmarking sites are quality sites that other people enjoyed enough to save. You don't really have to have a good site to get listed in the search engines.

How do you get started?

Do a search for social bookmarking, many sites will come up. Go to each site and register for an account. It's FREE! Once you have your account set up, start listing your site. Make sure you add proper tags to your listing.

Tags are the same as keywords with a twist. These sites will tell you what the most popular searches are on their site. You choose the tags that will work with your site or page and are also part of the popular list. Many of the sites will also offer a spot to write a small description of the site you are bookmarking. Add a description that uses some of your tag words for added benefit.

Building popularity

As with anything that is worth doing, this will take you a while to get it all set up and running smooth but the end result will be very well worth your effort.

Start with one bookmarking site and one page from your site. (Start with your squeeze page and build your newsletter list) Set up your account with the bookmarking site and add your page to the bookmarks. Make sure you use the best tags and description you can. (Check the popularity list on the site) Doing this in itself will help you get more traffic. Now you can go one step further and work both sides of the system.

Add a link to your site that will lead back to the bookmarking site that has your page bookmarked. Ask your visitors to bookmark your site on the social bookmarking site.

My example is below

Bookmark my site at Blinklist. com and access it from any computer, anytime. Create a link to the bookmarking site so your visitors only have to click.

You want to make sure the page opens in a new window so when your visitors are done setting up their account, they will still have your page handy to bookmark.

Next Page

Now move on to the next page. You will want to offer a different bookmarking site on each page. Why? So you can get as many bookmarks on as many sites as possible. Use the same information in the example above but change the social bookmarking site you are promoting.

Won't this look odd to your visitors? No. Most people will ignore the suggestion once they have bookmarked your site. They won't even notice that you have changed the name of the link. They will see, Bookmark my site, and think, "I already did that", and they will move on.

Final Note:

Don't SPAM the sites. Make sure what you are listing is relevant and useful. You don't want to bring traffic to a page that has nothing but links, you will probably get banned form the bookmarking site. Only bookmark your pages that have actual content. Ask yourself if you would truly add this page to your own favorites list? If your answer is no then don't list it.