What stops you from being productive

: What Stops You From Being Productive? Lots of things get in our way when we are trying to be productive. Most of these are easy to spot and tend to boil down to being distracted from our goals. We want to get something done, but the dog needs to go to the vet. The grocery shopping can’t wait. The car needs an oil change. And we get tired, and then everything seems like too much to do, so we don’t do anything and go watch television. Not much can be done about the daily minutia of our lives. Those things exist and we have to come to terms with the fact that there will always be “little things” to distract us from the things that we want to do. But there is hope. There’s a little secret to being productive, and you don’t need to buy a book to learn it. You don’t need to attend a seminar and pay someone a bunch of money to uncover this secret. The “secret” is that we actually do have enough time to get our tasks done. And we even have enough time left over to enjoy some relaxation. The secret is that we only think we don’t have enough time to get stuff done because we don’t actually know how much we need to do! Most people keep their task list in their head. And here’s our problem: our minds just aren’t very good at keeping lists of things to do. We very quickly perceive that we have too many things to do, so we become discouraged. The easiest way to get control over your own productivity is to start, and use, a simple to-do list. Keeping it simple is the key. Many people keep to-do lists that don’t help them because they turn into clusters of sticky papers just as cluttered as the lists we try to keep in our minds. What good is a list that looks just as daunting as you already feel? To keep a to-do list functional, you need to get rid of items when they are done.

Don’t just cross them out – that just adds clutter and adds to the perception that you have too much to deal with. If you are using paper, then re-write your to-do list every night, leaving out the things that are done, so you have a nice, clean list the next day to work from. Once you get into the habit of keeping a clean to-do list, you’ll find that it’s not overwhelming to get your tasks done. The reason is simple: you’ll be able to just look at your list to know what you need to do. Tackle each task, one at a time, and remove it when it’s done. Before you know it, you’ll be in control of your own productivity.

And there’s no substitute for the feeling of satisfaction earned by getting stuff done before the end of the day.

Christmas article 8

8. Christmas In Other European Countries In Finland, Christmas Eve is the traditional time to set up the Christmas tree and it's also traditional to visit the sauna and for families to listen to a broadcast of the national 'Peace of Christmas' on the radio. Christmas Dinner generally consists of a main dish of boiled codfish that is snowy and fluffy in appearance, served with cream sauce and boiled potatoes. Christmas dinner is rounded out with roast suckling pig or roasted fresh ham and vegetables. Among peasants, there is a tradition to tie a sheaf of grain, with nuts and seeds, to a pole that is put in a garden for birds. Many peasants will wait until after the birds have eaten before having their Christmas Dinner. And Santa Claus is expected to visit homes in person with his Christmas elves to give out Christmas gifts. Christmas in France is called Noel, from the phrase 'les bonnes nouvelles,' or 'the good news,' which refers to the gospel. On Christmas Eve, cathedrals and churches are beautifully lit and filled with the sounds of Christmas carols, ringing church bells and carillons. The tradition among children is to put their shoes by the fireplace for Pere Noel or le petit Jesus to fill them with gifts. In the north of France however, children receive gifts on Dec. 6, St. Nicholas Day, instead of Christmas. Most French homes will have a Nativity scene or crиche on display during the season. In Southern France, some people will burn a log in their home from Christmas Eve until New Years Day, which comes out of a farming tradition of using the log for good luck in the coming harvest. The French also make a traditional cake called the buche de Noel, or Christmas Log, which is shaped like a Yule log and is part of a late supper called le reveillon held after Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. The main dish for this meal generally consists of poultry, ham, salads, cake, fruit and wine but varies according to region. The main course in Burgundy is turkey with chestnuts and in Paris it's oysters, foie gras and the buche de Noel cake. The wines generally served are Champagne, Muscadet, Sauterne and Anjou. An annual tradition of puppet shows, particularly in Paris and Lyons, is popular during Christmas time. In Paris, it's also popular for big department stores to have grand, animated window displays. Christmas in Italy is called 'Il Natale,' or 'the birthday.' Christmas season starts eight days before Christmas, a period called the Novena, and runs for three weeks. During the Novena, children dress as shepherds and go from house to house saying Christmas poems, singing and playing pipes. They often receive money to buy gifts during this activity. The Nativity scene, called the Presepio, has miniature figures, carved in great detail out of clay or plaster, of the Holy Family in the stable and is the center of Christmas for families. Families say prayers and children recite poems around the Presepio. Christmas Eve dinner, called cenone, is a traditional dish of roasted, baked or fried eel. In some regions, various types of fish is prepared for this dinner, as well as pork, sausage in a pig's leg or turkey stuffed with chestnuts. Christmas sweets are called panettone and traditionally have nuts and almonds. On Christmas Eve, children set out their shoes for a kind, old woman or ugly witch called La Befana, who rides on a broomstick down chimneys, to fill them with gifts of toys or candies. If they were bad, their shoes will be filled with coal. Some children wait until Jan. 6, the Epiphany, to receive gifts. Norway is where the tradition of the Yule log started and which gave rise to log-shaped cakes, cheese and other desserts during the holidays. Norwegians today often go into the forest to cut their own Christmas trees, which is secretly decorated on Christmas Eve to surprise children. After the Christmas tree is revealed, Norwegians engage in 'circling the Christmas tree,' a tradition in which everyone joins hands forming a ring around the tree. They then walk around the Christmas tree singing carols. Gifts are distributed after this ritual is finished.

Parents a top priority for atlanta schools

No one can deny that it is important for parents to be involved in their child’s education. It is a widely known and rarely disputed fact that kids whose parents are involved in their child’s school do better than those whose parents are not. Parental involvement increases and boosts student achievement. End of story. Or is it? Many parents today have to work, whether they are heads of single-parent or two-parent families. Atlanta Public Schools parents are no exception. They know that if they want to give their children support by contributing to their child’s learning environment, they must actually do something beyond telling the child in question to “go do your homework”. While lots of students will do extremely well despite their parent’s lack of involvement, all kids would do better WITH that involvement. Yes, helping with homework is important, and for the struggling student, is vital. For even the highest achieving Atlanta Schools student will benefit from parents who work on homework with them. The child will feel that their parent loves and supports them, and is interested in what he or she has been doing all day. This past school year, in August 2006, the Atlanta Schools education board gave the go-ahead for the formation of a Parental Involvement Task Force. The main purpose of this organization is to identify strategies which increase Atlanta Schools parental involvement. Their ultimate goal is to improve student achievement. This initiative by Atlanta Schools demonstrates yet another key factor in getting parents to participate in the schools at higher levels. Showing that they are determined to get their parents more involved, Atlanta Schools are taking the topic to the administrative levels. This move demonstrates that Atlanta Schools leaders are aware of and believe in the importance of getting – and keeping – parents involved in the schools. Of course, helping with homework or simply reading aloud with a child (at any age, even with teenagers) shows enormous benefit to the child. But getting out there in their children’s school by volunteering in the classroom, front office, library, and for special events is vital. Physically being there shows the student (and their friends) that the parent is interested and wants to know what’s going on in the place their child spends most of their time. The Atlanta Schools parental committee, a sub-committee of the Parental Involvement Task Force, is present at each elementary, middle, and high school throughout the Atlanta Schools area. Two parents and two faculty members from all Atlanta Schools are nominated to sit on this committee. Their objectives are to: • Make recommendations to the Atlanta Schools Superintendent regarding parental, family and community involvement activities. • Provide input to the annual parent/community report that will be submitted to the Board of Education by the Superintendent. It is obvious that the Atlanta Schools are aware of the necessity to increase parental involvement, with the ultimate goal of improving student achievement.

The notebook and its adaptors

The invention of the laptop has revolutionized the life of general public. It is an appliance that converts data according to the list and commands that it is instructed . The ability of the computer to store and execute the list of the instructions is called the programs which have made the computer extremely versatile. Any pc with this basic capacity, is able to perform almost the same tasks that any other top end computer can perform. To run a pc, a few components are needed, so that it can perform various function at the same time, and become more useful to the user. The basic requirements that a computer has is, the monitor, processing unit, the power supply, keyboard, mouse etc. But the most important device that makes all these features work are the computer adapters which connects all the devices to oneeach. There are many manufactures of the pc adapters, to find the one for your requirements will not be difficult, but before purchasing one, do not forget to check out whether it will fit your system correctly. Almost all the computer adapters are manufactured in a very standardized form so that it can fit into most systems. Your computer might be a cheap model, it may have only the minimal functions that any computer has. But you should not skimp with the quality of computer adapters. It is the main item which lets all the data to transmit through out the system, so select the best computer adapters for your system. All the computer adapters and the cables do not contain any electronic components, and they have a very long duration warranty. The various computer adapters that are available are the internal computer power adapters, keyboard and mouse adapters, video and monitor adapters, multimedia adapters, network adapters, serial adapters, USB adapters, audio adapters etc. The ports where you can connect all the computer adapters and the cables are provided at the back of the central processing unit. You can connect any of these adapters according to your requirements. To plug in the adapter is very easy, they have colour coding for the easy identification. If you are about to add a printer to your system, then you can connect it to the port at the back. They are fully protected for safety purposes, and have ferrite cores on each end so that it can suppress the noise. Each and every adapter differs from each other and is specifically meant for only the functions for which it has been manufactured. The entire output and input procedure of the computer is possible because of the computer adapters. To purchase the best computer adapters you can check out the various sites where you can buy them online and get all the required knowledge about their features and functions supplied. The online services have affordable pricing and provide quick deliveries that are reliable. for a good selection of adapters visit pcworld or maplins laptop computers discount-notebooks. net

Real estate investment clubs

: Your local real estate investment clubs or associations will educate you. It won't be book education, but useful knowledge about your local real estate market. The people there are investors, many who have gotten wealthy investing right in your town. This means you'll get meaningful and specific advice on what is working in your area, where to go for an inspector or property manager, and many other tips and based on real experience. There are also the actual money-making opportunities that you'll find. People there may need a partner with money, or a partner with time to find deals. Some have properties for sale and want to save the sales commission by selling to one of the members. Also, if you have a business that's in any way related to real estate, you can make valuable contacts. Handyman or landscapers can often find business at our local real estate investment club meetings. Real Estate Investment Clubs - An Example The local association that my wife and I belong to is AZREIA, or "The Arizona Real Estate Investors Association." I'll tell you a little about it. If you don't have a similar organization in your own town, this may give you ideas for what to include if you start one. The association sponsors many educational events and seminars for reasonable fees, but the regular meetings are once each month, and included in the membership fee. It cost $195 per year for the two of us to join. As I write this, I am looking forward to tomorrow's meeting, which will include a winner of the TV show "The Apprentice," Kendra Todd, telling us how she made her first million in real estate. Speakers are great, but I also like the regular events. Every meeting starts with "Open Networking," for thirty minutes or so. It's an opportunity to meet people, learn a little, and take down names and numbers. We each have a name tag that also tells everyone what our primary interests are, ranging from rental properties to fixer-uppers to wholesaling. The monthly meeting then officially starts with "Structured Networking." This involves filling out 3 x 5 cards with your name, occupation, real estate experience, and investments you are interested in. This information is systematically traded with randomly chosen others. It's surprising how often profitable connections are made during this process. The best part of the meeting is the "I have / I want" event. Members (or even visitors) can stand up and announce what they have and what they want. The host writes their phone number on the overhead projector. It is sometimes something as mundane as a microwave an investor needs to get rid of, that someone doing a fixer-upper might need. Often, it is someone who has money but needs help finding good investments. I once announced that I was looking for a mobile home park to buy, and I received three calls within a week. The meetings are not formal affairs. The millionaires in the room are as likely to have on jeans as a suit. Everyone shares a common purpose - to make money investing in real estate. In fact, even if you have no money to invest, yuo can do just fine. Just go find a great deal, and if the numbers truly work, you can probably find the money at these meetings. It is just one more great thing about real estate investment clubs.

Will the democrats be able to reverse the online gambling ban

Many people were hoping that if the Democrats won control of Congress they would reverse the online gambling ban, but experts doubt they will even try or that if they do that the will be successful. Once the bill was passed and signed into law by the president, it became much harder to reverse the law. The democrats would need to bring up the law and get it to a vote, then after the vote passed it needs to go to the president for his signature. The problem with this is that the current president is the one who signed the bill into law in the first place. Another problem is because the gambling ban was attached to another bill, it means that to reverse the law the entire bill needs to be reversed, but the other part of the bill is for an increase in port security, so any congressmen who recommends reversing this law, will be going on record as trying to reverse the increase in port security. Because of this trying to get the law reversed could ruin a congressman’s chances of ever getting elected to public office again for the rest of their lives. It is more likely that it will have to wait till the end of George Bushes term in office and then get an amendment to the law that reverses only gambling ban part of the law. So if you are on Online Gambling enthusiast and you were hoping that after the election the online gambling ban would just disappear I am sorry to say you were mistaken and that you are going to have to wait a little longer, but that does not mean you need to sit quietly by. The key is to make sure that you are heard, write letters to congressmen, and attend protest rallies anything that will keep this issue in the front of the minds of the politicians so they know that just as the Republicans lost the house so can they. The republicans used the online gambling ban to try to gain votes for them in the last weeks before the election, but it backfired on them and lost them more votes then it brought in. Hopefully the Democrats will learn from the mistakes of the Republicans and will understand that banning something never works, and that it is only thru regulating the online gambling industry that will ensure that it is safe and honest to play and that no underage children manage to play. Other wise I am sure that the Democrats will also see the wrath of the American voters when it comes time for the next elections. The American people are tired of having the government controlling every aspect of their lives and I think this election may have made their point for them. So if the question is will they try to reverse the law I am sure they will try, but how successful they will be is still up in the air, and no one can really know what the outcome will be.

Does your website facilitate the new breed of laymab users

There is a dramatic surge in the number of layman users Internet has got virtually deep down penetration across the globe, and the profile of its users has also gone a sea change. Over the years, the internet has come out from the prerogative of select users of scientific and defense community to mass accessibility. And probably this is the temperament of this so called cyber age where people have just started to treat computers as just another thing that is indispensable to modern human existence. Today the use of computers is not necessarily confined to high–tech professionals, but has spanned over all functions and disciplines including common man for his everyday’s purposes. Hence, there is a awful number of users who browse through the Internet on a periodic basis, and their surfing skills are at best rudimentary. Time is ripe for making your web site superbly user friendly. This new breed of users with minimal exposure to browsing is vulnerable to encounter a little more difficulty in even a web site that is otherwise user friendly. Here is an important point not to be missed out that this new breed of surfers can be a great prospect for your site when their needs are understood and correspondingly catered to. The need of the moment is to make your site excessively user friendly so that they are not lost on the web, and they do not just wind up browsing in sheer hopelessness. They need to be guided through simplistic features to help them know what to do next in order to get what they are looking forward to. This sort of users lacks fundamental competence to search the stuff on the Internet effectively, faces hiccups in navigating web site and looks in astonishment while dealing with typical annoyances on the web. Their utter inability to understand your site often lead them to another site in search of ease, and it does constitute losses for you! Designing your web site in such a manner as will enable them to learn quickly and steer clear the way to enriching experience is what is required in this regard. But before making your web site layman friendly, it is essential to get the pulse of the browsing tendencies and habits of layman users. An insightful look at the online behavior of layman users Here are some interesting observations on the typical behavior of relatively new users while they use the Internet. It is quite amazing to learn that new users have been found to practice a novel method to log on to a particular web site whose URL is known to them. They have been observed to type in the URL in Google search, and subsequently clicking on same URL in the returned search pages. A report from Metacrawler, an Internet research firm, reveals the fact that search queries like "hotmail", " hotmail", "Google", "Yahoo” etc. are among the top search engine queries. It implicitly proves that people do not seem to know that they can access any site by simply typing its URL in the browser address bar. While going through the returned search pages of Google, new users tend to read the titles of the pages, which they think are closest to their search criteria, and click on such hyperlinks. Hence, the titles of the pages in search results have to be strategically written. Haphazard pieces of information clustered all through the page not only confuse the users but also scare them. Unsystematic organization of content on the page and a low count on readability make them feel that desired information is non-existent on the page. The randomness of content simply turns them off because they do not bother to look deep; they just scan and skip. It has been found that new users are not comfortable with pop-up advertisement windows. They mistakenly close other windows, ponder over how to go back, or even close dial-up connection in their attempt to deal with the pop-ups. It has been seen that layman users are not at ease to manage multiple browser windows. Helping layman users to browse with confidence and convenience In the light of the above observations, a couple of simplistic features might be added to your web site in order to tap the traffic of layman users. Definitely such features will be contributing to the overall usability of your site in a positive way. You can not afford to miss the listing of your web site in prominent search engines. It has nothing to do with your offline advertising campaign however aggressive it might be. Such advertisement will of course help your URL gain popularity, but chances are not distant that some new users end up complaining that your web site could not be accessed. Not to mention here, getting listed in the search engines has got its own bundle of benefits. If you wish to have your own start page for the users of your site, it pays to place search engine links or a search box onto that page. This will help layman users to stick to your start page. It is clear now that the titles of the pages in search results are crucial for clickthroughs. Therefore, the title of your page should be in accordance with the key words you are optimizing the page for. The title should be enticing and relevant enough to be clicked on. Each page of your site has to be individually optimized for a particular key word for a good traffic. There can not be any hard and fast rules in using pop-ups and newsletter subscription windows. It essentially depends on the proficiency level of users who visit the site. It is always preferable to have test run of such features before implementing them throughout the site. Once you experience the loss of traffic due to such features, it is a subtle indication that such features are not for your site. The crowd visiting this site is dominantly layman users, and hence it is to be a lot more user friendly. The learning advantage In short, capitalizing on the idiosyncrasies and rudimentary skills of this new breed of Internet users can open the gateway of more traffic and hence more revenues that can eventually translate into your web success.

If it is the unusual you are after

So you’re after an usual venue, not the size of the Sydney Opera House, but something just as inspiring. Of course London boasts it all for event organisers from magnificent Tall Ships and historic Sailing Barges on the Thames to Museums and royal palaces for extravagant receptions. Meetings and conferences make a Ј10 billion-a-year contribution to the national economy and is an industry that supports 1.8 million jobs. But what’s on offer outside the Capital. Here are my top picks: The Deep, Hull's Ј53 million Millennium Commission Lottery project is certainly a venue with a difference. Providing the most spectacular aquarium displays to be found anywhere in Europe, the world’s only submarium is home to nearly 50 sharks and more then 3,500 fish, giving a spectacular backdrop for a variety of events. When you think about it, where else can you banquet with sharks. A trip to an authentic Victorian fairground should certainly be on any events organiser’s list. Blists Hill Fun fair is part of the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage site in Telford and this venue, complete with sideshows and rides can be hired independently. Alternatively, the entire Victorian Town can be booked for the evening, allowing guests to wander leisurely around the shops and cottages giving them an unforgettable taste of Victorian Shropshire. Even its name suggests a sense of mystery and Sutton Hoo certainly doesn't disappoint. Described as one of Britain’s most important archaeological sites, an Anglo-Saxon burial chamber and the remains of a 90 ft ship were discovered here at Woodbridge in Suffolk in the Thirties, which lay untouched for more than one thousand three hundred years. A replica of the ship now forms a spectacular backdrop to a corporate event or drinks reception in the main Exhibition Hall at this National Trust property. Set in the heart of the city of Manchester, the award winning Royal Exchange Theatre is one of the most exciting architectural achievements in the country, built within one of Manchester’s most prestigious historic buildings – the former Cotton Exchange, once the largest room in the world for commerce. Today it provides a WOW factor for conference delegates as the foyer integrates one of the more unusual Theatre spaces with seating on three levels and in-the-round facilities for up to 750 people. Of all Henry VIII's wives, Anne Boleyn is arguably the most famous and her headless ghost is still said to wander the corridors of Blicking Hall. With its Dutch turrets, gables and intricate red brick and Ketton limestone, Blickling Hall is a superb conference venue, a National Trust Jacobean house in the rolling Norfolk countryside representing all that is great about the English stately home. A former residence of queens and ambassadors for more than four centuries, the Hall’s dramatic faзade conceals an exclusive suite of rooms offering the perfect area for corporate hospitality and meetings. Leicester’s National Space Centre offers an out of this world venue where you can welcome your guests with a reception at the top of a rocket tower but if you’re looking for something that’s a little more down to earth, the National Coal Mining Museum near Wakefield fits the bill in more ways than one …historic 19th Century colliery buildings, exhibitions that bring the story of coal to life and a unique underground tour make the Museum an exceptional location…while Rheged in Penrith, Cumbria, Europe's largest grass covered building boasts stunning architecture. But wherever you choose, remember the golden rule… that the conference venue you select is appropriately sized for your requirements. A venue without that right amount of space will be uncomfortable, yet it is often the factor that is underestimated.

Skiing in andorra

Skiing in Andorra The Pyrenees Mountains are located across the border between France and Spain. Also on this border is the tiny principality of Andorra, as small country that’s skiing crazy! With two prominent world class ski resorts, Andorra is an excellent place to escape it all; a relaxing, picturesque, quaint place, with mountain views to take your breath away. And because it is so near France, you can always make a stop off in Andorra for a day or two on another European ski break. Andorra is situated itself across the Pyrenees, and has a long and protracted dalliance with snow sports. Since the installation of their first ski lift in 1956, Andorra has been a great ski resort, and a great vacation for the hundreds of thousands of ski tourists who have wisely chosen to visit. For minimal fee, you can experience the wonder of skiing in Andorra, and enjoy the surprising depth of culture Andorra holds so dear. The Grandvalira resort is situated high in the Pyrenees mountain range, and benefits from astonishing snow coverage. It is the product of a commercial merger between two of Andorra’s premium ski resorts, and is now of a size and scale to compete with the big resorts north of the border in France. Grandvalira boasts an impressive 193 ski runs, with 66 mechanised ski lifts, making it a resort to be reckoned with on a truly European scale. Additionally, it boasts an impressive training school, over seven separate centres with 450 of Europe’s top skiing and snow boarding instructors. With a wealth of experience, the Grandvalira skiing school has an international reputation, and has achieved a high degree of success on an international level. Additionally, Grandvalira benefits from an adventure activity centre, and a variety of world class restaurant and bar areas, making it a truly amazing resort, and a great place to spend a vacation with your family or with your friends. With such a friendly atmosphere, you will feel right at home in the heart of Andorra and the Pyrenees, yet still feel out of the way of the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Another of Andorra’s most famous resorts is the Vallnord resort. Ideally catering for all ages and abilities, the Vallnord resort offers a challenge for expert skiers, whilst still enabling beginners to have a great time. Additionally, the Vallnord is more than well equipped for a family holiday, with something to keep everyone entertained and happy. A slightly smaller resort, it benefits from 30 mechanised ski lifts handling around seventeen thousand skiers every hour, and over 50 different slopes. It also offers a diverse range of complimentary activities, including other snow sports and even helicopter rides! Along side this, you’ve got two training schools with over two hundred staff working hard to help hone your skills. With this much talent and effort, you’re sure to really benefit, and guaranteed to have a great vacation. An excellent way to save money on a trip to Andorra is to consider a coach trip. Coach trips through Europe are excellent ways to see a different continent, and to experience first hand the amazing scenery these countries are blessed with, as well as saving a great deal of money whilst you’re at it. In addition to that, you can find some great package deals that stop off at various skiing locations around central Europe, giving you a chance to experience a variety and depth of skiing conditions on your break. Whatever coach tour you choose, it is worth remembering that you’re going to have to travel for a good number of hours, although once you get there, everything is fairly proximate, allowing you to experience different cultures and peoples without too much hassle. Whatever your needs for a skiing vacation, Andorra is certainly a great location to choose. With such variety crammed into such a small geographic area, you can really experience world class skiing without having to pay through the nose. Word Count 664

How to find the right get well gift

Having someone you care about in the hospital is hard. You want to let them know you care and that you’re thinking about them. The challenge is figuring out what is appropriate. This depends both on why the person is in the hospital and what they like. You also want to think about whether it is something they will be able to use in the hospital or have to take home. Of course, sometimes you’re sending a get well gift to someone who is sick or recovering from an injury at home, which can open things up a little. You can buy things without worrying about the effort it will take to bring your gift home or if anyone in the hospital might have an allergy. Flowers are, of course, the classic get well gift. Just about anyone will welcome flowers. They bring a bit of brightness to drab hospital rooms. I recommend choosing flowers that don’t have too strong a scent, as some people are sensitive. Flowers don’t have to be in a bouquet either. If the person loves gardening, try getting some flowers in a pot instead. Then your gift can be there for a long time. Candies are often welcome too. How welcome depends on what the recipient is getting better from and any other problems they might have. If they cannot or prefer not to eat candy, this won’t be so welcome. Stuffed animals are very popular with sick children. It’s something soft and friendly when they aren’t feeling their best. Other toys may be welcome as well, depending on the age and interests of the child. Reading material is another great gift idea. Being an invalid is BORING! This can be challenging, as you need to know a lot about what the person likes to read, but can be one of the most welcome gifts. You may want to avoid anything that is too strong a reminder of what the person is not able to do, unless you are absolutely certain that it will be welcome. That is, a child with a broken leg may or may not appreciate something to do with the sport he or she would otherwise be outside playing. This kind of gift can be either extremely thoughtful or utterly thoughtless. If the person is in the hospital, be aware that latex balloons are no longer permitted in many hospitals because some people have serious allergies to them. If you want to bring balloons, stick with the mylar ones. You can get better messages on those anyhow.

Make your home business work

It’s been a while since I have written an article; I believe it’s time to write one now because my Home Business has really taken off and I wanted to share some things that might help some of you. I think this might be the most excited I’ve ever been in my life. There’s truly nothing better than being able to support myself while working from home. Not having a boss to answer to and not having to worry about what mood that boss is in is fantastic. I’m graduating from college in 3 months and it looks like I’ll never have to work for anyone ever again. The biggest reason I’m where I’m at right now is the fact that I have a website that is “Proven” and thoroughly “Researched” with home business opportunities for people looking to work from home. I was able to find a great mentor who believes in the same things I do. In this business it’s important to be truthful and not sell something on your website that scams people. A lot of the things I offer on my site are based on information. I do sell some home income opportunities; I’m belong to a few of them myself so no one can tell me they don’t work. Once you have something you can offer someone you need to get people to your website. I’ve found advertising to be even harder than getting my website built and off the ground. Granted, I tweak my website almost once a week, but advertising keeps me very busy everyday. One of the biggest elements of learning advertising is constant work. Everyday I work on advertising even if I don’t see immediate results. As a matter of fact I hardly see immediate results. Usually it takes weeks and sometimes months to see results. One of the main reasons people give up in this business is because they are looking for instant gratification and quick money in their pockets. I’m here to tell you that will not cut it. Tons of people are looking to make money from home and if it was easy everyone would be doing it. I’ve been at this for six months and I’m finally seeing some very positive results. I was able to get over that hump where I was spending more money than I made; for a lot of people this is the cut-off point. The ones who are successful in this business are tenacious and believe in their abilities. Back to advertising, in order to make money in this business you have to do a lot of advertising. Advertising on Google Adwords is very tough and competitive; don’t give up, I didn’t and now I’m getting some pretty descent results. Also be sure to use a variety of different ways to advertise. I have a buddy who just started a rug business. He’s in the beginning stages, but I’m worried for him. He has a website and numerous people he knows who can spread the word for him. The problem he will face is advertising his business. With the internet playing a huge role in the advertising world, it’s almost impossible to beat out your competitors if you don’t know how to advertise on the net. Whether you’re just starting or looking to expand on your home business remember to always have fun. It’s tough out there and if you’re not willing to have fun and work hard you will never make it. Even though you’re working from home it’s still hard work; I know a lot of people who just started to try and work from home and are very miserable because they thought it would be a cake-walk. Listen, it’s called “work from home” for a reason. The great thing about it is once you become successful you won’t have to work as hard. Bust you’re your butt and you will be REWARDED!!!!

Home loan with tax benefits

Home Loans and their high rate of interest dig a hole in the pocket of homeowners. On top of that the monthly payouts have to be juggled with the regular home expenses which are equally essential if not more. Maintaining a comfortable finance graph without going into further debt is a concern that worries all prospective homeowners making them wary of Home Loans. While there are many banks and firms offering multiple fiscal plans to these prospective buyers, there is a need for expert advice on Home Loans. It is imperative that you know what the laws of the state are and what the various options available are so as to make your loan journey smooth and easy. Home Loans also have multiple tax implications and benefits and with the help of expert guidance one can map out a monthly finance plan that will not hinder savings and benefit in the long run. The specialists work closely with the homeowners to capitalize on Home Loans or liability on lines of credit. With the help of their professional understanding and guidance homeowners can save by lowering the tax liability. The homeowners can score brownie points every month by using the home loans for credit requirements. Banks allow an almost hundred percent deduction on their rate of interest on home loans. They bid comparatively lower rate of interest on the home loans than on credit and debit cards issued. Moreover, the rate of interest on home loans is typically lower than that on the unsecured loans. Therefore, every time a homeowner borrows home loans on home mortgage or mortgage of any other self-owned property. The banks are assured to provide the homeowner with a lower rate of interest with higher resulting in tax deductibles. Home loans present numerous points of tax benefits and savings. The tax advisors would help getting the tax deductible on property taxes, which is among the most highly applicable cases of tax benefits. However, the fees paid for title searches and appraisals are not deductible under the tax laws. Although the tax benefits can be regularly earned on the home loans on mortgage, the capital reclaimed on cash paid during purchase of the former home is only on the year of buying. The homeowners would get the sum of money based on the value of the property paid at the time of purchase. The government allows homeowners to obtain tax deductibles due to the interest paid on home loans. If the homeowners have already cleared - off the payment on first mortgage to acquire the home or landed property, they are eligible for secured home loans on the next loans taken on mortgage of the same landed property. In all such cases, the banks and financing agencies provide higher amount of loans at a lower rate of interest to homeowners. But, it can be valid only under certain conditions. The most important factor that is judged to be qualified for such tax benefits is personal ownership of the residence or property. It either has to be the main home or a second landed property of the borrower. The homeowners are eligible for tax deduction on only one second home or landed property, in case of multiple landed properties. The documents regarding rights of authority over homeownership for buying and selling have to be presented while applying for home loan. It becomes important to provide the tax lawyers with a record of in depth information on deductions. If a homeowners wishes to avail the tax benefits on home loans, the record of deductions included in the schedule must not be missed while submitting the tax payment forms. They must note the date on which the bank or agency issued the home loans. The government keeps amending the tax and home loans law. It becomes necessary to categorize and identify the segment under which the home loans fall to be entitled for tax deduction.

Experience tibet

A land that conjures up images of mountains and temples. A place whos mystique is unmatched by any other around the world. A people who can bring a smile to any visitor`s face. These all can be found in the farthest corner of China, atop the roof of the world-Tibet. Yes, Tibet is one of kind. No other place brings to mind such majestic scenary or spiritual splendor. This is a land that will expel any doubt to whether or not there is a supreme power. One can`t help but sense that there is something greater that exists, that could only be responsible for creating such a magnificent place. Tibet is a land of incredible points of interest. Besides home to the world`s tallest mountain, it boasts the world`s deepest canyon, the highest elevated river, as well as the highest elevated roads and airports. Yes, the highest elevated railroad can also be found in Tibet. Tibet is a vast land, subsequently allowing visitors to usually only view a small piece of what it has to offer during one visit. Among the many attractions, the famous Potala Palace, Jokhang Monastery, Barkhor Street, Nam Co and Basum Co are just several must see spots. There are, however, many other gems the savy tourist should not go without seeing as well. Some of these include the Guge Kingdom Ruins and the Tombs of Tibetan Kings. Yet, if one did not spend any time seeing Tibet`s many historic attractions, one can gain enough satisfaction soley enjoying the splendid natural landscapes. While you stay in Tibet, make sure you try the local foods-quite different than typical Chinese cuisine-but just as delicious. Also, get to know the local people. Many are friendly, and will fill your heart with warmth. A trip to Tibet will be like no other place you have visited. Be rest assured you will experience things you thought you could have only dreamed of, and be ready for a change in how you perceive life afterwards. Tibet is that incredible. But, don`t take my word for it-come travel to Tibet and experience it for yourself.

Understanding different types of auto insurance

Auto Insurance policies can be divided into different categories according to the coverage they provide. Broadly speaking there are four kinds of policies known as Collision Insurance, Comprehensive Coverage Insurance, Uninsured and underinsured Motorist Coverage policies and No Fault Automobile Insurance policy. Besides these, there are policies that take care of other needs like covering an auto loan, paying for towing expenses or paying for the cost of a rented car while your vehicle is being repaired. The most common insurance policies are: Collision: Any property damage caused to your vehicle due to an accident caused by any other vehicle or object is covered under this policy. The claim amount cannot exceed the actual cash value of the vehicle and is subject to any deductible. Comprehensive: Any property damage to your vehicle that is caused by non-collision factors like fire, theft, vandalism, and even natural disasters like flood, hurricane or earthquake is covered under this policy. Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage: takes cares of any injury that may result to you or to persons insured in your policy from an accident that takes place with another uninsured or underinsured driver or vehicle owner. Generally only body injuries are covered under this policy. No Fault Auto Insurance Policy: Irrespective of who caused the accident, the insurance company pays for the medical expenses and for the loss of wages that the insured suffers on account of a collision under this policy. Some other additional coverage that an auto insurance policy holder can buy are: Property Damage Liability and Bodily Injury Liability: These two policies protect the insured from any claims made against him for causing damage to property including vehicle belonging to another person or for causing any bodily injury or loss of life to other individuals up to the amount mentioned in the policy. Auto Lease Protection: is an additional protection that you may add to your collision or comprehensive auto insurance policy to take care of any gap that exists between your auto loan amount and the cash value of your vehicle. Full Tort and Limited Tort: available only in the state of Pennsylvania allows the insured to retain unrestricted rights to bring a lawsuit against a negligent party or recover expenses incurred for certain damages. Rental Expense: Known as Extended Transportation Expense Coverage, the policy pays for a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired or replaced. Medical Payments Insurance covers medical expenses for injuries sustained in an accident involving any vehicle for the insured, his passengers and other parties irrespective of whose fault it is. Towing and Labor: An additional coverage option that can pay for all necessary towing and labor costs to tow your damaged vehicle to a work shop or another location.

The housemate

For housewives who have a college degree and would want to at least take part in the family's income, for the single parent who is having a hard time juggling work and household chores, and even for people who are disabled and yet have the attitude and workmanship, surely you have a love-hate relationship with your jobs. It's hard to keep your job due to certain circumstances but what's even more difficult is that you have to keep it in order to sustain your needs and wants. Somehow, these jobs are the only reason why you exist or how you could possibly subsist in this dog-eat-dog world. Coping up with the different roles that you could play in life is hard but at the same time rewarding. Lucky for you, working at home is now possible. With the help of the new high-technology, you could work at the comfort of your own home. You are earning added income while still continuing with your daily routines around the house or the city. Comfort Zone There are a lot of different ways to work at home. You could apply for jobs found at trusted web pages or start your own. If wish to apply for a job based at home with the use of the internet, then make sure that the site could be trusted. Do your research. Ask friends who have tried doing that kind of job. Ask how it went and if they are still living and loving that job. Then, it could probably be a good choice. Putting up your own business could be dragging at the beginning. But once you already have your name out there, then you won't have a problem at all. But when you are just about to start, think of how much it could cost you; the assets and liabilities and if you will need employees. Can you take some of the hassles that come with doing business online? If all your reactions are negative, then you obviously don't even have to think about it. The Drawbacks Working at home will have a lot of things going for you, but there are cons, too. Time may not be an issue at the start, but once you can't get yourself offline anymore, then it's about time to start doing double-takes. Remember, you chose to work at home to easily cope up with the responsibilities that you have at home. Comfort is the keyword here. Being comfortable and safe at home is always a good thing. But if you are spending too much time at home, that could be intoxicating. Make sure that you could find time to go out and still be socially active, not only in online chat rooms but also with your loved ones.

Spider solitaire a winning strategy

Spider Solitaire is one of the most popular solitaire card games in the world. It is often named Classic Solitaire Game and "the King of all solitaires". Spider Solitaire is a lot of fun and has to be learned like any game. At first glance, this challenging and time-consuming game seems to be too complicated. But spider solitaire is a very easy game to play once you get the hang of it. Not every game of Spider Solitaire can be won, but you have a better chance of winning if you plan your strategy carefully. Below you will find several simple rules that can increase your chances of winning Spider Solitaire. 1. Build sequences of cards by following suit Whenever you have a choice, prefer builds in suite ("natural builds"). Natural build may be moved as a unit to be built elsewhere. This allows you to expose a hidden face down card, which you may now turn over, or expose an empty pile. 2. Try to expose hidden cards whenever possible Uncovering hidden cards leads to a new set of possible moves. Besides, it is a way to get empty pile. 3.Try to make empty piles as early as possible Move cards from tableaus that have fewer cards. Use empty piles as temporary storage when rearranging cards sequences into "natural" builds as far as possible. Move cards to empty spaces to turn over more cards. 4. Build on higher cards first Among the "out of suit" builds, start with those of highest rank. The reason for this is apparent. You can not move "out of suit" build as a unit to another pile. So this build is of no use except as a temporary storage for cards from other piles. If we start with low card, the build will be finished with an Ace very quickly and then it will be useless. Starting from higher cards allows us to get maximum advantage from it. 5. Get as many cards exposed and arranged in suit order as possible before dealing the next 10 cards from the stock Otherwise your chances of winning are significantly reduced. 6. As soon as you remove a suit, arrange the remaining cards into "natural builds" Use empty piles as temporary storage when rearranging cards. Spend some time practicing this strategy and soon you will find yourself beating Spider Solitaire faster and more often.

Washington d. c. teacher recognized for excellence by congress

Kim Burke – Ables Science Teacher, Benjamin Banneker Academic High School Washington, DC - Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today introduced a congressional resolution recognizing Kim Burke-Ables, a science teacher at Washington D. C. schools ‘ Benjamin Banneker Academic High School, on her selection as the District of Columbia Teacher of the Year for 2006, and “congratulating her for her exceptional dedication to the students and her excellence as a teacher.” Burke-Ables has been teaching at Banneker for three years and has received praise for developing creative ways to motivate her students to learn and understand biology, life sciences, human anatomy and physiology, and chemistry. She has contributed to making this Washington D. C. school competitive and relevant in student lives. Student Turned Congresswoman Praises Washington D. C. Schools Norton, who went to Banneker when it was a junior high school, said that she was pleased that, “Banneker’s excellence is attributed in no small part to the excellence of Kim Burke-Ables and others like her, although the school building looks as it did when I was a seventh grade kid and Banneker was a junior high school.” Norton recently announced that she intends to make a priority for the coming year federal tax credits for Washington D. C. school bonds so that Washington D. C. school systems can more quickly rebuild or repair old schools like Banneker. “Banneker’s excellence despite the limitations and the age of its facilities is the inspiration any of us should need to make old schools like Banneker fit for what Kim Burke-Ables and other teachers do inside.” In honoring Burke-Ables, Norton also expressed appreciation to Banneker Principal Anita Berger for providing an environment for enriched academic growth and development and to other Washington D. C. school principals and teachers “for their commitment and service to the education of the city’s children.” The resolution congratulated Banneker’s designation in the May 21, 2006 edition of Newsweek Magazine as one of the nation’s best high schools. The national recognition of one Washington D. C. school and its teachers has brought pride and high expectations for Washington D. C. school students and parents alike. Exemplary Teaching at Washington D. C. Schools Burke-Ables was among elected officials, educators and residents who recently attended a Capitol Hill reception Norton sponsored in recognition of 2005 National Teacher of the Year Jason Kamras of Sousa Middle School, who preceded Burke-Ables as the D. C. Teacher of the Year. Kamras is the only Washington D. C. school teacher to win the competition for National Teacher of the Year, the oldest and most prestigious national honors program that focuses public attention on excellence in teaching. This is not the first time Burke-Ables has received prestigious educational awards. In 2004, she was selected to work as an educational consultant to the National Academies of Science and won a TEACH Fellowship (Teaching Educators Agriculture and Conservation Holistically) with the U. S. Department of Agriculture to travel to Ghana, West Africa. In 2003, the Milken Family Foundation gave the science teacher the District of Columbia Milken Educator Award. All of these awards have contributed to her outstanding performance as a science teacher for Washington D. C. schools.

Getting to know your business credit card

Business owners are becoming increasingly dependent on business credit cards, albeit not quite to the extent that individual consumers rely on their personal credit cards. This dependence on business credit cards is mainly due to its usefulness in transacting and because it provides instant credit when needed. Realizing the huge potential of the small business market, more and more credit card issuers have come up with business credit card packages specifically designed to meet the needs of business owners. If the credit card companies are correct in their predictions, business credit cards will become an essential tool for conducting business going into the future. Business owners may as well familiarize themselves with the basic benefits of business credit cards, to assist them in choosing a package best suited to their needs. Cash flow when cash is low Business credit cards offer a financial life line when an urgent expense needs to be incurred and the cash flow is temporarily impaired. It is also not uncommon for entrepreneurs to employ business credit cards in helping them get a business off the ground. Naturally a solid and sufficiently convincing business plan will be required with which to persuade a business credit card company to issue a business credit card for this purpose. Earn as you spend Business credit cards with various reward options are very popular. Many business owners appreciate the savings that these business credit cards offer in terms of airline tickets, hotel stays, car rentals, gasoline purchases, office supplies, printing, courier services, and more. There are variations to these reward options, but one can compare the different business credit card features and apply for the business credit card that best suits the business’ needs. Credit when you need it Companies that issue business credit cards know that businesses need more funding than individual consumers do. For this reason, higher spending limits exist on business credit cards when compared to those of personal credit cards. It is reassuring to know that the business has the ability to cover an expense – even if it is unexpected and substantial. Some business credit card issuers even allow business owners to cover overdrafts on their checking accounts by means of a cash advance drawn against the available credit on their business credit cards. Access to business resources If you’ve ever visited the web sites of business credit cards issuers, especially those belonging to the big banks, you will have noticed that they offer expert assistance to small businesses. This includes information on market research methods, business plan preparation, cash flow management and so forth. These valuable resources are available to holders of their business credit cards free of charge. Both the application and the approval processes for business credit cards are quick and easy. It is time and effort well spent by any business owner. A business credit card has become an indispensable financial instrument, in every way. In addition to the direct benefits on offer, issuers of business credit cards also provide business owners with detailed, itemized statements at regular intervals. This is a great help in as far as bookkeeping is concerned. Provided that the business credit card, like any other financial instrument, is dealt with in a circumspect manner, it will enhance the potential of any business to succeed.

Article marketing isn t for everyone

Marketing with articles can take a lot of time, time not everyone has to spare. It can used successfully for most businesses, but if you don't have a lot of time to spare, this may not be the method you choose. It only takes a few minutes to write an article of 300 to 500 words. It becomes a problem if you can't write. If thios is the case with you, it is better not to use articles to market. Hiring someone to write articles for you isn't always an option. You must first find an author you can work with then find the money to pay them. Most will seek immediate payment. This may not be something you are prepared to provide. If you are looking for ways to promote that cost little or nothing, you may try article marketing. It has consistently proven itself as a very effective marketing strategy and shows no signs of that staus disappearing. You can hire someone to write your articles and hire others to submit them for you. If you have the money to do this, and it can be very affordable, then article marketing may be a good choice for you. You won't know how successful you can be with submitting articles unless you at least try it. Write an article. The first ones always take more time but that changes with experience. If the article is good you are on your way. Now comes the submitting. Try doing this yourself and see how it works. Do you have the time it will take? Are you willing to put in that much time? If the answers are no, are you willing to pay a submission service to do this part for you? The answers to this will help you decide if this method is for you. Give article marketing a month trial. Write and submit a weekly article during that time and see what happens. By the time the month ends, you will have a good idea whether or not you want to continue with this endeavor.

Top 10 ways to improve your site s link pop

: 10. Post comments in discussion groups and on message boards. Be sure to make useful, relevant statements based on topics being discussedments that only contain a link will usually be deleted or banned. If you make valuable contributions, people will want to find out what else you have to say by visiting your site. 9. Give away awards to other sites that you find particularly outstanding. Provide a graphic with the award title and a link to your webpage. 8. Email other webmasters and simply ask for a link. Let them know why your website will benefit their readers, and provide a pre-coded html link for them to cut and paste to their page. 7. Never underestimate the power of blogs. Talk to bloggers about links and posts about your website. The blogging community is ever-growing, and blogmasters are always looking for cool new things to post. 6. Write a site review on your webpage and send the site's webmaster a link. Who would pass up an opportunity to advertise a great testimonial? 5. If your site distributes a newsletter, start a contest for ad space. Offer to advertise a website in your publication to the sites that offer you a free link. 4. Write free articles for an article directory (search "article directory" in Yahoo! or Google for submission options). This allows people to read your work and publish it for free. Make sure to include a Bio Box that includes a link to your site. Stipulate that the article may be reprinted for free as long as the Bio Box is included. This will instantaneously provide extra links to your page when people reprint your work. 3. Write to webmasters and compliment their site. Often, they will want to include your kind statements in a testimonial section, and a link to your site will give the quote credibility. 2. Start your own reciprocal linking campaign. Write to webmasters of quality, relevant sites that you want your readers to see. Choose wisely! Tell them why your site will benefit their readers, and show them how prominently their link will be displayed on your page. Make sure to include a pre-made html link to your site that can be easily cut and pasted. 1. Submit to as many directories as you can. Webmasters agree that directory submission is the BEST way to gain targeted traffic to your site. By listing your site in a directory, web users will view your page as a reliable resource tailored specifically to their search criteria. And a great way to quickly submit your website to hundreds of Link Directories is by using the Link Directory Submitter.

Mind puzzling math

Ever tried the addictive number puzzle game that is a certified craze worldwide? Sudoku, or Su Doku, is a deceptively game of logic. The rules seem easy. There is a nine-by-nine grid composed of nine three-by-three boxes. Some numbers are already filled in to a few of the 81 squares. The goal is to fill in all the squares so that each row, column and box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once. Sudoku has a fascinating history. “Su” means number in Japanese, and “Doku” refers to the single place on the puzzle board that each number can fit into. It also connotes someone who is single. Hence, one way to describe the game is “solitaire with numbers.” Sometimes Sudoku is misspelled as “soduko” or “sudoko.” Although its name is Japanese, its origins are actually European and American. Unlike many games which spring from one culture and are then absorbed by others, Sudoku's development represents the best in cross-cultural propagation. Though this puzzle seems to be very enjoyable for the math savvy, there are still others who seem not to enjoy numbers that much. Generally, when we see numbers, we instantly think of math. Math and numbers which are difficult to avoid as they are everywhere. In fact, many people get nervous at the thought of studying or using math. Mathematics as a subject is perceived to be difficult, obscure and are only meant for the supremely intelligent. It is almost as though it is normal that one is afraid of math or is no good at the subject. Often, this perception causes people to suffer from math anxiety. Anxiety is stress, tension, and strain on one’s body and mind. Anxiety can be broken down into two types: Somatic or the loss control of body. Some symptoms are sweaty palms, pain in neck or sick to the stomach. The other is Cognitive or loss of concentration. Its symptoms include negative self-talk, feelings of doubt, or mind wanders from test or tasks. Many students might say that anxiety in class inhibits them or reduces their ability to perform well. In the case of mathematics, they would be correct. Psychological researches have somehow ascertained that math anxiety causes students of all levels to perform poorly in math. For some students, trouble in math is driven by problems with language. These children may also experience difficulty with reading, writing, and speaking. In math, however, their language problem is confounded by the naturally difficult terminology, some of which, they only hear in math class. These students have an uncomfortable time understanding written or verbal directions or explanations, and find word problems especially hard to translate. A common difficulty also experienced by people with math problems is the inability to easily connect the abstract aspects of math with reality. Understanding what symbols represent in the physical world is important to how well and how easily a child will remember a concept. Some key methods to conquering math anxiety center on not avoiding the problem. Just because they believe it's tough, one will presume that it can not overcome the anxiety. Whereas in most cases, it is seen that this is a mind block and one could be really good at math if he put his or her mind into it. Thinking things like “I don't have a Math mind” can lead nowhere. They are self-defeating games --- games you play on oneself. If a student knows what these games are, the student might be able to see oneself playing and actually enjoying them like the Sudoku. The exact cause of math anxiety are not known, but those who overcome it will perform normally and eventually be puzzled no more.

Credit card debt do you need credit help

If you have credit card debt it is important to take its measure from time-to-time to determine whether or not you have a problem with your debt. If you are carrying a balance on more than one card (or simply a sizable balance on one card) then you could have a problem. There are five reasons why you should seek credit help to deal with your credit card debt. The biggest reason is that credit card debt can affect your credit score which in turn impacts your ability to borrow money for everything from your car to your home. High credit card debt can lower your credit score and raise your interest rates. A problem with late credit card payments or high amounts of debt can make you appear to be a poor risk for credit to many finance companies. However, almost as important is the way that credit card debt makes you feel. While money cannot buy happiness, credit card debt certainly buys unhappiness. The knowledge that you have a large debt can destroy your self esteem and add a lot of stress to your life. If you dread the arrival of the credit card bill in the mail then you have a problem with debt that you need to address. Owing money can also add a lot of pressure and stress on a marriage. Another important reason to resolve your credit card debt is that by avoiding the problem or simply paying minimum amounts you will never be free. Most minimum payments do not do much more than pay for the interest. While many people make paying their credit cards a low priority it should actually be a top priority. Yes, your mortgage payment is important because you do not want to lose your home but that is good debt as it helps your credit rating and your taxes. Credit card debt does nothing for you at all. Owing money on your credit cards is also a self perpetuating problem. Every time you charge instead of paying with cash and every time you do not pay off the full balance when it comes due you are perpetuating your problem with debt. You need to learn better money habits or you will never solve your problem with credit card debt. Finally, an important reason to start paying with cash, check or debit card is that by paying-as-you-go for your lifestyle you will be modeling responsible behavior for the next generation. Take these five reasons to heart and take stock of your own financial situation to determine whether or not you have a credit card debt problem.

Basics of bodybuilding

Bodybuilding is a sport of building muscle. Bigger and stronger is the name of the game. One of the great things about bodybuilding is that you can achieve great results with only very basic equipment and a few hours of training three to four times per week. The key to building bigger and stronger muscles is to keep progressively adding more and more weight over time. Building bigger muscles is about consistent regular training, eating properly, getting plenty of rest, and lots of weight at low repetitions. As a starting any new exercise program, is important a first check with your physician before starting a bodybuilding program. In the beginning is important that you start slow and learn proper technique. Time and time again professional body builders have said that technique is one of most important aspects of getting a good workout. It might be helpful to schedule a session with a professional trainer in the beginning so you start on the right track. If this is not an option for you there are various instructional books on the subject of bodybuilding. Above all take the time to learn proper technique. Lifting heavy weight damages muscle fibers. It is only when the muscles repair themselves that they grow larger and stronger. For this reason it is very important that each muscle group is given plenty of rest following each workout. This is why most body builders alternate muscle groups. For example, you might work on your back on Monday, your legs on Tuesday, your chest on Wednesday, and your arms on Friday. Most successful body builders will recommend that you not work a particular muscle group more than twice per week. The question may come up of whether it is best to use weight machines or free weights. The general consensus is that free weights are your best option for increasing muscle mass. Machines are typically used for isolating muscles and this is something that only professional body builders need to do before contest. The following are some basic exercises for the major muscle groups. Chest 1. Flat Bench Press 2. Dips 3. Incline Bench Press Legs 1. Squats 2. Straight Leg Dead Lifts 3. Leg Press Back 1. Pull ups 2. Barbell Rows 3. Deadlifts Biceps 1. Curls 2. Incline curls Triceps 1. Lying Tricep Extensions 2. Close Grip Bench Press Shoulders 1. Military Press. Remember to increase muscle size you will need to progressively increase poundage. Be patient. Overworking your muscles can actually have adverse effects. If you maintain a consistent regular workout routine coupled with proper nutrition and rest you will begin to see results in no time. Keep in mind it is common to see more obvious results initially and in overtime your gains will seem less apparent. This is because your body becomes used to your work out routine and in a sense knows what to expect. It is helpful to keep your body guessing by changing your workout routine on a regular basis.

The art of listening

Everyone has a story to tell. However, not everyone may be willing to listen. Sometimes, we are amazed - in an unpleasant way – over the fact that we have not been paying attention to the one speaking to us. At some point along the story, our mind has wandered off, and we only drift back to reality when suddenly asked, “Are you still listening?” That would be most unfortunate, since next to our visual skills, our ability to listen allows us to reap various benefits. If we listen to our mentor as he shares with us useful thoughts on life, we become good apprentices. If we listen to our professor as he lectures about the day’s lesson, we become good students. If we listen to our boss as he explains the rationale of the company’s recent policy, we become good employees. If we listen to our parents as they advise us regarding career choices, we become good sons/daughters. If we listen to a friend in dire need of unloading his troubles, we become good friends. In short, listening is vital in developing good human relationships. To maximize our listening capability, here are a few tips. 1. Focus. It is but a single word, but its message conveys far more. Being focused means paying attention, and a lot of it at that. It means temporarily forgetting about other matters of consequence and lending a few minutes of your time to hear someone speak his mind out. It means giving interest to whatever it is that the speaker might want to say. It is taking his words seriously into consideration in whatever decision we are to make. It is placing his story in the context of his emotions, and trying to understand him within the events occurring in his life. 2. Watch out for non-verbal cues. The message need not always lie on the words, but also in movements that the speaker makes. If we also pay good attention to the speaker’s eyes, facial expressions, and gestures, we will be able to receive the message in totality. Moreover, if the speaker realizes that we are sincerely listening, we are boosting his confidence. 3. Be sensitive. A good measure of sensitivity is also essential to maintain enthusiasm in the part of the person speaking. If the person is at the peak of his emotions, do not interrupt. After all, if someone is extremely angry or anguished, it will be a form of catharsis to remain patient until he has calmed down. Unless the person is already causing bodily harm, it will do him well to let him be purged of his bad feelings. 4. Show unconditional openness. We may not always agree with what someone has to say, but being there to listen may be the least we can offer. While we may have different opinions about several issues, keeping our horizons wide is a healthy attitude. With these perspectives in listening, we become open to a world of unlimited learning and diverse experiences.

Types of decorating book

Decorating Book is one of the best guides that help you to decorate your favorite places and things. In simple words with the help of decorating book you can decorate your house, garden, office, cakes, cookies, etc. It has the best collection in most of the topics that a decorator seeks for. With decorating book you can make a well-decorated output. It doesn't matters whether you are a good decorator or not but with an appropriate decorating book you can decorate easily and quickly. Some examples of decorating books are Cake decorating Book Cake Decorating Book is a perfect choice to decorate the cake. This book provides you essential tips, together with illustrated pictures to decorate your birthday cakes, Christmas cake, wedding cake and party cake. If you want to decorate the cake for any special occasion then you need to purchase a cake decorating book. Interior Decorating Book Interior Decorating Book is one of the best references for decorating the interior in your house. With the help of this book anyone can decorate the interior of his house. If you are intending decorating your children's room, your kitchen, garden or your drawing room, this book provides you with different techniques of decorating. It is a well-informed book that contains some of the best tips for interior decorating. Cookie decorating Book Cook decorating book provides you essential tips and guidelines that can help you in decorating cookies. With the help of this book you can give an attractive look to your cookies. Purchase cookie decorating book to decorate cookies for Christmas celebration, birthday party or a picnic trip. Craft Book for Kids Kids of all ages like to work on different craft projects. Craft projects can be an ideal way to enhance skills of kids especially during summer vacations. However, not all parents and teachers have the time, energy or creativity to come up with ideas on their own. To overcome this problem today one can find different type’s of kids craft book. Kids craft book provides different project ideas for kids to make at home. Craft books can provide a break for parents from their kids to do their work.

Infomation about different types of wet mops and dust mops

There are many types of wet mops and dust mops that can be used to clean a floor. Each type of wet and dust mop has a specific purpose. This article will give you some insight on what different types of wet mops and dust mops are used for. Looped end mops are probably the most common wet mop used today. The looped ends on the mop give it extra surface area allowing it to hold more liquid and cover more of the floor with one swipe. The lopped ends on this type of mop also stop the mop from snagging and catching on corners or under furniture. Looped end mops are typically a little more costly than cut end mops but last a little longer and do a better job. The looped ends on the mop also will make it unlikely that the mop will fray or unravel. Some of these mops are launderable and can be cleaned and reused countless times. Cut end mops are great for spill cleanup, home use or as a disposable mop head. Cut end mops are usually less expensive that lopped end mops because the strands just attach on the mop band end. These mops will usually fray and unravel over time and are not recommend for machine washing as the strands will tangle in the washing machine. Microfiber mops are great for residential use or for areas that need quick and constant cleanup. Microfiber mops can be easily thrown into the washing machine after each use for easy cleanup. These mops are generally smaller in size than dust mops and are color coded blue for wet mop and white for microfiber dry mopping. Types of dust mops: Looped end dust mops are just as the name suggests. The strands that protrude from the dust mop are looped back and sewn. This gives the dust mop more surface area to pick up dust and debris. On the cut end dust mop, strands protrude from the dust mop and then are cut. These dust mops have less surface area to pick up dust and debris but can pick up finer particles of dust because the end fibers in each strand are showing at the cut. The clip style of a dust mop refers to how the dust mop attaches to the frame. A clip style dust mop uses snaps or clips to secure it to the dust mop frame. The tie style dust mop attaches its self to the dust mop with two ties on each side. The ties are usually tied into a bow to secure to mop to the frame. Microfiber dust mops are great for residential use and areas that need constant and quick cleanup. These mops are recommended for dust and smaller debris.

Erp selections making friends or making enemies

When searching for a new ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system, there is the right way and the wrong way. If you were to follow all the presumably right things to do, you can still make some awful mistakes. One of the most dreadful things that you can do is to choose the software and then choose the implementation partner. Let’s illustrate a typical scenario. A company is looking for new business software. They decide that they will do the best practice way of selecting software. They define their requirements, they then send out these requirements to the VAR (Value Added Reseller) of the ERP solutions. For the sake of argument, they choose four software providers and send the RFI (Request for Information) to four different VARs, one from each of the software solutions. They get back the RFI’s and then start to eliminate the candidates. They drive it to two solutions. The next step is for them to have the VARs provide demos. If they do it correctly, they have the VARs demonstrate the software according to their business process with their actual data. The demonstrations go well and they now have the decision of which software to go with. They choose “X”. Then someone on the team says “Yes, X is great software, but I am not sure about the VAR. What if we look at some other VARs or implementation partners?” At this point the problems begin. The company wants to interview and get references on three other VARs. They begin doing the due diligence on these other implementers. You might be asking, “So what have they done wrong? It makes sense to check out all the implementation options.” Yes that is true, but what about the VAR that spent days and weeks preparing, demonstrating and learning about the company and their business? They have invested a lot of time and resources. Some would argue that that is just the nature of competition. True, but…. what if you find that there is not a better VAR than the one you began with. Now all you have done is made them feel distrusted and alienated. This is not the way to start an implementation. It could have dire consequences down the road. You want an implementation partner who is your trusted advisor. Going into an implementation should be a partnership working towards a similar goal. Bringing in other candidates at the end of the selection is not the way to bring a trusted relationship to the table. If you are dealing with a software company that has various VARs, the ideal situation is to ask the software developer, which VAR they would recommend for your business type and industry. This must be done early in the selection when you have just come to the first list of candidate software providers. They may give you a couple of names. You can then screen these two or three VARs early to choose an implementer who you want to do business with, should you choose their software. Then if they are not selected, they understand that it is your choice in software, and if they are selected along with the software, you have already vetted them and you can now begin an implementation with a truly trusted advisor. Many people forget that the VARs put a lot of time and money into chasing you the lead. If you choose them early and then choose the ERP software, then you move together in unity. If you choose the ERP system and then choose the VAR, the VAR will hold resentment at having spent the time and money only to be possibly tossed out at the end, when another VAR, who has done nothing, gets the implementation. Should the chosen VAR not work out and you have to go back to the first VAR, there will be little chance of working with them as a trusted advisor. So choose the people early and before the choice of software is made. Doing so will only aid in a successful implementation.

Tips for hiring a reputable roofing contractor

Curling or cracked shingles. Leaks in the ceiling. Too many asphalt granules in the gutters. Any one of these telltale signs can mean it's time to replace your home's roof. So where do you start? With a reputable contractor. Schedule time to sit down with three or more recommended roofers and ask the following questions: • What is the full name and address of the company? This will verify that the company is credible. • Does the company carry insurance? Contractors should carry both comprehensive liability insurance and workers' compensation to protect you as the homeowner in the event that an accident occurs. • Is the company a licensed or credentialed contractor? Although not all states require licensing, it is a good indicator that the contractor is knowledgeable and dedicated. • How long has the company been in business? The longer the company has been in business, the better; the lifespan for most small businesses is three years. • Will the company provide referrals or references from previous jobs? Ask for a list of names and phone numbers of previous employers and try to get photos of the roofer's completed work. • What is the company's workmanship warranty? Warranties that cover the installer's work should typically cover a minimum of a one-year time span. • What is the company's track record for solving customer complaints? Request a referral from a job that involved a complaint. This will show the homeowner how the contractor handles problems when they do arise.

Young adult credit

Credit Care for Teens and Young Adults It's great when parents are willing to help out with their kids' futures, but make sure that you understand all of the implications before you help your kids build credit. A credit card is a great way to start building credit as a teen or young adult, and many young people receive their first credit card from their parents. Before you hand your teen a credit card as they head off to the mall, think about whether it's helping (or possibly hurting) their future credit. Authorized Users vs. Co-Applicants Often, a teen's first introduction to credit is becoming an authorized user on a parent's credit card. This is an easy way to get a credit card, but it's not usually the best way. In almost every case, an authorized user does not build positive credit of their own, but if the primary cardholder goes into default, it can be reflected on the authorized user's credit report. In other words, your child does not stand to benefit from your good credit but could suffer if you fall into hard times. Placing your child on your account as a co-applicant can have even more harmful consequences. If your credit card company requests a signature from the child, they are likely adding the child as a co-applicant. Think long an hard before you take that step. Being a co-applicant means that they are equally liable for any debts that you incur. If your child is an authorized user and you run up $25,000 in debt that you can't pay, your child could get an ugly stain on his or her credit. However, if you list your child as a co-applicant, the credit card company can expect them to pay back that money, and even take him or her to court! Make sure you look at all the factors. Even if your credit is great and you have no intention of racking up debt, is there a possibility that a lost job, medical bills, or another disaster could change your circumstances? If there is virtually no chance of that happening, your child might be fine being a co-applicant or an authorized user. However, even if you won't hurt your child's credit, you won't help them much either. The best course of action is to get a card in the child's name tied to his or her social security number only. If you've been thinking of adding your child to one of your cards, call you credit card company and ask to open a separate account in your child's name instead. Since you already have an open account with the company, and are bringing them additional business, you will usually get a better rate for your kid than he or she could get on his/her own. Why Start Early at All? Even if he or she has to open a starter credit card offer with a high interest rate, it will still help your child's credit in the long run, as long as you teach him or her to act responsibly. The easiest way to help them build good credit is to have them use their card for one use, paying his cell phone bill or buying gas, and pay it off each month. When your kids get an early start on credit, they'll have a huge advantage over their peers. If you show them how to use their new card responsibly, the credit card company will reward them in the future with higher credit lines and lower rates, so they can gradually use their credit card for more "adult" things, like furniture for their first apartment or a post-graduation vacation. Don't let common mistakes like adding your child as an authorized user or a co-applicant harm his or her future credit. Imagine what a shock it would be if she attempted to buy a car or pass a credit check for an apartment, and she found out that the credit card she'd been making payments to for years isn't on her credit report. And furthermore, imagine the phone call you'd get shortly after asking for a loan! Your kids' credit can have a negative financial impact on you as well, so start early! Stay safe. Sincerely, James

Herbal sleep aids for insomnia and other sleep disorders

Insomnia is defined as difficulty in sleeping, or disturbed sleep patterns leaving the perception of insufficient sleep. There are many herbs with reputations as being effective sleep remedies. The key to successful treatment of insomnia is to find the cause. If you do not want to take prescription sleep medication, then there are a plethora of holistic medicines available to you. Often the key to successful treatments lies in the focusing upon some part or function of the body that is experiencing problems. Hypnotics and nerviness can be used within the context of such treatments. These can be selected based on the role they play upon the system in question. The following are, a list of systems and possible remedies. 1. The circulatory system responds well to Motherwort, Lime Blossom and Balm. 2. The respiratory system responds well to all types of hypnotics, if used in the right dosage. 3. The digestive system relaxants to use are Chamomile, Vervain, Balm, Hops and Valerian. 4. Hypnotics are important to use as a muscle relaxant for the urinary system. Pasque Flower and Black Cohosh have a high success rate on the reproductive system. Jamaican Dogwood, Valerian and Black Cohosh are excellent ingredients to relax the muscles and skeletal systems. 5. Chamomile and Cowslip are healing herbs for the skin. Some of the medications are classified in the following way: Hypnotics are herbs with a reputation as easing the person into sleep. They are usually strong nervine relaxants. Nervine relaxants ease the tensions that often produce sleeplessness. Anti-spasmodics address any somatic muscular tightness that may be involved. Nervine tonics are indicated if there is any suspicion that the insomnia is associated with nervous exhaustion. Adaptogens will help in a similar way to the nerve tonics, but should only be used in the morning to help deal with stress. The value of hypnotics is to ensure that the body has a good recuperative rest each night. By selecting herbs that address specific health needs that are compounding the sleep difficulties, better results are obtained than simply going for strong hypnotic. An example of an herbal prescription for insomnia would be the following: Insomnia associated with hypertension and headaches: * Passion Flower * Valerian * Linden * Cramp Bark 7.5ml of tincture 30 minutes before bedtime. There are many herbal remedies suggested for curing insomnia. You may have to try a few before you find the recipe that works best for you. NOTE! Always consult a qualified Herbalist for guidance about the correct herbs to use

Discount wedding bands what you need to look for

Nothing more that makes your special day more official than the exchange offering of wedding bands. These are the rings that the bride and groom will be wearing forever, 'til death do us part! So it is important for the bride and groom to purchase a wedding band that they both like and feel good about. One thing that you should consider when buying a wedding band, is both the personal style of the future husband and wife. This is a joint effort, so both parties should agree. It is essential that both are comfortable with the rings that they choose, because they'd be wearing these rings for a lifetime. There are a variety of wedding band to choose from, made from different materials. 14 karat white and yellow gold being still two of the most popular choices. A 14 karat gold wedding band is not entirely made of gold. It is mixed with an alloy of gold and other metals such as copper and silver. Wedding bands also come in silver and platinum. Platinum is heavier than gold. It is considered to be the most precious of all metals. It makes for a beautiful wedding ring because of its stunning white metal that shines after it has been polished. Silver is not considered superior in quality. Silver metal tend to be very soft. Wedding bands made of silver are prone to discoloration. But they are very inexpensive. So those who are shopping on a budget might want to consider this as an option. In choosing a wedding band, the thickness of the band must be considered, and whether the bride and groom would want a wedding band with a design, or just a plain set of wedding bands. Now, it is common for couples to choose the same wedding band. Except, that the woman's wedding band is slightly smaller. It is advisable for couples who are shopping for rings to visit a number of jewelry stores. This way, they'd have a wide selection to choose from. They could also compare prices. If you have any questions regarding the rings, you can always ask a professional jeweler to assist you. He or she can also offer you an expert opinion when it comes to your selection. If couples chose to have an engraving in their rings, they should already have a dedication in mind. Also, they should be careful in choosing the type of engraving they will put in their wedding bands, because these engravings are lasting. Most couples chose to have their initials brandished inside their wedding rings. While others chose symbols, or dedications as a gesture, or profession of their love and devotion to each other. Engravings are a wonderful thing, because they make the rings more meaningful and special. Ask your friends and family who are blissfully married to recommend some names of places where you can acquire the wedding bands of your dream. If you cannot find a ready made ring that suits your style, you can always have them custom made. A lot of jeweler specialize in making wedding bands. Having your wedding bands made, actually is less expensive than purchasing in store wedding bands. The great thing about this is it also adds a personal touch to the ring selection process. But in the end, it's not really just about the rings, so couples should not stress over the whole ring selection process. Rather they should enjoy and relish this special time, when they are about to be made future husband and wife, and bonded for all eternity.

Gifts that benefit the recipients and sick children. these beautiful wish charms that symbolize unity and spirituality also help fund research

The reasons for giving gifts are as numerous as the ideas for gifts themselves. Whether it's for a birthday, a wedding, the holidays, a housewarming or "just because," a thoughtful gift conveys a true sense of caring and sharing. In addition, certain gifts offer a dual benefit-providing joy to the recipient and helping support worthwhile causes. For example, through the purchase of beautiful and unique items such as St. Jude Wish Charms and accessories, people can help children from communities around the world who are battling cancer and other catastrophic diseases. Wish Charms symbolize unity and spirituality, shaped into a perfect circle. They offer eight meaningful, life-affirming expressions, elegantly engraved and accentuated by fine Austrian crystals. The charms look great looped through a leather cord or a silver chain as a necklace. They can be stacked, woven together into a choker or dangled from a silver bracelet. By shopping through the Hope Catalog, you can show your support for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital with trendy merchandise from Liz Claiborne, DKNY Jeans, Tommy Hilfiger, Nike and several others. Choose from apparel, jewelry, bags, home accessories and other St. Jude merchandise to help children from communities around the world who are battling cancer and other catastrophic diseases.

Black american express credit cards legends come to life

How would you like to own a credit card you can use to buy just about anything you want? Imagine a credit card so powerful you can use it to purchase anything, from a jet plane to a jar of sand from the Dead Sea. Such is the power of the Black American Express credit cards. The Centurion Card, most commonly known as Black American Express credit card, is American Express’ most exclusive plastic. It provides a range of exclusive privileges. There are supposedly fewer than 10,000 Black American Express credit cards issued worldwide. Urban Legend Much of the origin of Black American Express credit cards is shrouded in mystery. As early as the 1980s, rumors have circulated about a black-colored credit card with unlimited purchasing power, given exclusively for celebrities and dignitaries. These black-colored credit cards supposedly granted after-hours access to the best and the most high-end stores. Were these black credit cards Black American Express credit cards? Certainly not! At the time, Black American Express credit cards had not existed. But American Express quickly recognized the opportunity, and capitalized on the free publicity by launching the Black American Express credit cards in 1999. Designed to be Different Little is known about Black American Express credit cards. These are not even listed on the American Express website. Far from being obscure, however, this veil of mystery just makes the credit card even more appealing. Black American Express credit cards are made of pure titanium. This is probably its most appealing and distinctive feature. Unlike other credit cards, Black American Express credit cards are heavy and can set off metal detectors. Being made of metal, the magnetic strip doesn’t work with most credit card scanners. But if you think this is a problem, think again. High-end shops and boutiques are fully equipped to accommodate Black American Express credit cards. Smaller shops, however, require the card numbers to be keyed-in manually. With all these distinguishing features, it cannot be denied Black American Express credit cards are, indeed, designed to be different. How to Get One While most credit card companies relentlessly hound you to apply for a credit card, providers of Black American Express credit cards do the opposite. Black American Express credit cards are so exclusive you cannot apply for one. In fact, you need a special invitation to have one. Moreover, for you to even be considered eligible for an invite, you need to be an American Express cardholder of excellent credit standing. Additionally, you must charge an average of $250,000 a year. Black American Express credit cards also bill you a gargantuan annual fee. When the cards were first launched, the annual fee was only $1,000. Today, it has increased to a whopping $2,500. Benefits Black American Express credit cards come with a personal concierge, complete with a direct phone number and email address. The concierge does the cardholder’s bidding, as long as this is legal. Personal concierges typically make travel arrangements and secure tickets to sold-out events at very short notice. As if that is not impressive enough, Black American Express credit cards also provide other exclusive privileges, such as complimentary companion airline tickets to trans-Atlantic flights, personal shoppers at high-end shops like Gucci and Saks Fifth Avenue, and a complimentary suite in any Mandarin Oriental hotel worldwide every year. With Black American Express credit cards, all you ever need to think about is what to buy and when. It is not a plastic for the faint of heart. It is only for those who know how to live well and luxuriously.