A quick look at depression and teen suicide

An alarming truth: teen girls and boys are both at risk for suicide. Though many do not recognize suicide as a serious threat to a teenager's well being, teen suicide is a major cause of death among American teenagers. According to the National Institute for Mental Health (NIMH), about eight out of every 100,000 teenagers committed suicide in 2000. Experts estimate that for every teen suicide death, there are 10 other teen suicide attempts. They also found out that almost one in five teens had thought about suicide. About one in six teens made plans on committing suicide and that one in twelve teens had attempted suicide in the last year. As many as eight out of ten teenagers who commit suicide try to ask for help in some way before committing suicide, usually by seeing a doctor or psychiatrist shortly before the suicide attempt.

Teenage girls are more likely to attempt suicide, but teenage boys are four to five times more likely to die by suicide. Even though teenage girls make more attempts on their own lives than teenage boys, the boys are more likely to actually complete a suicide attempt. They do not allow for intervention, and are less likely to “call for help” through a suicide attempt, since there is often little opportunity to get males into treatment since their suicide completion rate is higher than that of females.

What are the major factors that influence or cause teenage suicide? It is said that depression is the most common cause of teenage suicide in the United States. It is depression that leads people to focus mostly on failures and disappointments, to emphasize the negative side of their situations, and to downplay their own capabilities or self-worth.

Depression or depressive disorders (unipolar depression) are mental illnesses characterized by a profound and persistent feelings of sadness or despair. Depressed persons are not interested anymore in things that were once pleasurable. The symptoms of depression include having difficulty with sleeping, loss of appetite, significant weight loss, and loss of rationality in making decisions.

Depression affects a person’s thoughts in such a way that the person doesn’t see that he or she can overcome a present problem. It’s as if the depression puts a filter on the person’s thinking and totally distorts reality. For this reason, depressed people don’t realize the gravity of pondering suicide as a means to “resolve” or escape a particular problem. A teenager with depression may feel like there’s no other way out of problems; no other escape from emotional pain, or no other way to communicate their desperate sadness. Some teenagers actually think that attempting suicide is the only way to get their message across to their family or friends. Depression is a very serious condition that can ruin a teenager's young life. Young people with problems such as living in a violent or abusive environment, an unintended pregnancy, problems with parents, or a recent break-up with a boyfriend or girlfriend can suffer from emotional and psychological distress.

Further, teenagers who feel suicidal may not even realize that they are depressed. They may even be unaware of their depression. At times, they can be so emotionally disturbed and see death as the only way out of their troubles.

We must realize that it is common for teenagers to have some thoughts about death. These thoughts can stem from a variety of causes, and can result in actual attempts on their own lives. Thus, it is very important to take suicide attempts seriously. Understanding that a teen suicide attempt is a call for help is essential to suicide prevention.

Counselors and therapists can provide emotional support and can help teens develop coping skills for dealing with problems. Constant communication, guidance, and abundant love from immediate family and friends is of major importance in dealing with a teenager's with suicidal tendencies. Teens with severe emotional and psychological problems will also benefit by joining a support network for young people who are going through the same problems. When depression lifts because a teenager gets the proper therapy or treatment, the distorted thinking is cleared. Depression need not take the life out of a teenager. With proper help and guidance, young people with problems can recover and find pleasure, energy, and hope again.

How to get affordable homeowner s insurance in west virginia

Of all the different types of insurance most people are faced with buying, homeowner's insurance is the one that the vast majority chooses to purchase. The reason should be obvious. For most West Virginians their house is their most valuable asset and they want to protect that asset.

And well they should. However, there is no reason to pay more for your homeowner's insurance than you have to - and if you can implement one or more of the following suggestions you should be able to save potentially hundreds of dollars each and every year on your homeowner's insurance.

Start by making your property safer. Remember, the possibility of accident-inspired lawsuits is part of your premium; if you can reduce that possibility you should be able to reduce your premium - so let your agent know about any improvements you make to your home or property.

Start by filling in any potholes on the property. Replace any cracked or buckled concrete. Replace or repair any lose or broken boards on porches or decks. Make sure all rails are secure.

Another portion of your premium covers potential loses from burglaries. Making your home less attractive to burglars should also reduce your premium. Install motion-detecting floodlights. Cut bushes away from windows. Put deadbolts on every exterior door. Make sure all windows, even upper floor windows, have a working lock.

The most common claim made against homeowner's policies is for water damage caused by a broken waterline or by an old connection to an appliance. Talk to your agent and see what savings you could realize every month if you were to make a one-time investment in upgrading your plumbing and/or electrical system.

A home protection system that monitors your home 24/7 can be an excellent investment. Not only can it provide peace of mind to you and your family, many such systems can also save you 20% or even more on your monthly homeowner's insurance. Talk to your agent first, though, since not every system qualifies for the full 20% discount.

If you have a home-based business a portion of a home protection system may be tax deductible. A tax savings on top of a reduction in your homeowner's insurance could make such a system even more attractive.

Install fire and smoke detectors throughout your house and make sure each unit has a fresh battery twice each year. Buy a kitchen-rated fire extinguisher for your kitchen.

Pay your premiums yearly rather than monthly. If you cannot afford to pay yearly then set up an automatic payment out of your checking account on a monthly basis.

Consolidate all of your insurance policies with the same company. This will give you a Multi-Policy Discount on your homeowner's insurance.

Increase your deductible. The larger your deductible the smaller your monthly premium. But don't go overboard since you will be asked to come up with your deductible in cash if you should ever file a claim.

By the way, don't make a lot of small claims against your homeowner's policy. The longer you go without making a claim the lower your rate will be with some companies. See if you qualify for this discount.

Buy your homeowner's insurance over the internet. Online policies cost less than policies bought from a brick and mortar agent. Don't think that all you need to do is compare prices on just 1 website, however. If you are truly serious about finding the absolutely most affordable homeowner's insurance in West Virginia then you'll have to fill out the form on at least 3 different price comparison websites.

You'll also need to be careful that you fill in the same information on all 3 sites, otherwise your "comparisons" won't mean much.

Once you've compared prices on a minimum of 3 different sites then your job is almost complete. All that's left is for you to decide which companies you feel confident will still be around 30 years from now and then choose the lowest-priced policy from among those insurance companies.

That's it! You are now an expert when it comes to getting affordable homeowner's insurance in West Virginia.

Glimpses of heaven found in texas hill country

Article written and provided by Joshua Geary, Best Online Results

Texas hill country is a region in central Texas comprised of more than 14.000 square miles of majestic beauty spread – out across more than 50 cities/areas such as Fredericksburg, and Llano. With picturesque landscapes that can only be describes as, “Inspired by Heaven.”

Great hills made of limestone stand tall, reaching upwards to meet the horizon. Wildflowers with the most brilliant colors blanket the fields. Crystal-clear streams (running cool and fast), abundant wildlife roaming about free: all make for some breathtaking sight-seeing and award-winning photo opportunities.

The city of Fredericksburg is at the heart of central Texas and its hill country. Fredericksburg rests near Enchanted Rock State Park, a 1,643 acre park which has the 2nd largest granite outcrop in the United States. You can take a leisurely nature walk, or hike up one of the many hills. For the truly adventurous you can rock climb and repel. Have a family picnic or camp out in the park. Take a tour of some of the homes and buildings located in the ‘historical district of Fredericksburg. You can see 18th and 19th century-era homes that remain today as testaments to the influences that German immigrants had on the area. Some of these historical homes and buildings have been turned into quaint bed and breakfast Inns to welcome guests. You will also find well-known shops, restaurants and beer gardens this Texas hill country town.

Other sites of interest to visitors to Texas hill country include:

The historical Fort Martin Scott, a pre-civil war military outpost which was the 1st. frontier post in Texas.

The Old West Museum: which depicts the lives of early settlers, and the Indians that populated the area in the 1800’s and beyond?

The Rope and Herd Ranch: Learn how to rope and herd longhorns here at this western ranch

Are you looking for a special get away for just you and your sweetheart? Consider taking a romantic driving tour through Texas hill country’s many vineyards, with colorful grapes on the vine, ready for harvest. The town of Fredericksburg has 4 wineries in the area. Stop off at any of these wineries along the way for some wine-tasting, or to attend one of the special events held by these wineries throughout the year for visitors. You can find more than 15 different vineyards and wineries throughout Texas hill country. Touring a winery or vineyard is wonderful for couples, the wine ‘connoisseur’ or anyone who enjoys tasting new wines.

RV parks are popular throughout Texas and especially in hill country as camping offers you the chance to get closer to nature. Some of the most spectacular RV Parks rest among the rolling hills and wooded areas of the Texas Hill Country. The Spring-fed waters of the Llano River make for a perfect RV camping opportunity.

For a relaxing atmosphere that is just minutes from nearby attractions take your next vacation in the Texas Hill Country and stay with us. The Texas Llano River RV Park is located on US highway 87, 30 miles north of Fredericksburg, Texas. Our RV Park has 700 feet of river access and is located at the deepest part of the Llano River. Each one of our 46 RV camping sites has a view of the pristine Llano River. Our web address is http://www. LlanoRiverRVPark. com . See you soon!

Name for your computer should you have one

Have you thought of a name for your computer? Well, you should. Some people don’t have the chance to name more than one or two computers, while the site administrators name huge numbers of them. With that, it is a fact indeed that by assigning a name wisely, both the computer user and the administrator will have a quite easier time of reminiscing, discussing, and even typing the names of their computers.

A name for your computer is also that necessary for as soon as you deal with multiple computers, you need to recognize between them. Many cases regarding a name for a computer even surfaced today. A name for your computer is then significant for you to easily tell your system administrator that your computer is busted by just mentioning a name that you chose. Just like human beings, computers also have to be able to recognize between themselves. As we all noticed, when you are sending a mail to a colleague at another computer, you might apply commands that mention a name of the computer.

So if you want to know how you can pick a good name for your computer, it is then necessary for you to remember that there are certain problems that most people often stumble over and over again. For your interest, here are a few guidelines on what not to do when you want to choose a name for your computer.

One of the don’ts when it comes to a name for your computer is overloading with other terms that are already in common use. It is noted that using a word that has a strong semantic inferences in the recent context will just cause confusion. Secondly, don’t select a name for your computer that is subsequent to a project distinct to that computer. Along with this, here comes another consideration for a name for your computer and that is the “don’t” of using your own name. Even if you know that the computer is sitting on your desktop, you should be aware that it is a mistake to make a name for your computer that is after yourself. This is considered to be another case in overloading.

In choosing a name for your computer, you should not use long names. Using a long name for your computer may cause for a tough quantification, and many experiences have shown that names which are longer than eight characters simply annoy people. Also you should avoid alternate spellings. And even if you want to make a somewhat cute name for your computer by alternating the spellings, most people will often get annoyed with such names.

Information on parental monitoring software

We have entered the technological age. Parents may find that advances in technology make so many jobs easier. We now have vacuums that operate on their own or GPS systems that ensure one does not get lost. The latest devices in technology improve our lives in a specific way. The one downfall of the technological revolution is the question most parents ask. How is a parent supposed to monitor a child?

Children are now able to view any type of information on the internet. One of the scariest thoughts is that a child is able to talk to people on the internet. This leaves children open for a number of dangerous situations. Parental monitoring software tools enable a parent to monitor the type of web content that their children are viewing on the internet. IPOWER Applications’ Home Pow Wow is a great website that provides parents with information about this type of tools.

Parental internet monitoring software tools are designed to give parents control of what children view online. A parent is able to see who was online, what websites were visited and and/or used the most. Parental monitoring tools are one of the best ways to protect children while they are online. Every parent wants to protect their children for as long as possible.

SMS text message parental monitoring is another type of software tool that sends duplicate copies of ingoing and outgoing text messages. This type of tool can be installed into any cell phone that is currently on the market. This is a secret way to monitor the messages that children receive and send out to friends. Children seem to always be using their cell phones to communicate constantly with friends. Stay up to date on the information that your child sends and receives.

There are several different kinds of parental internet monitoring software tools that a parent can choose from. We live in the future age in which children are put into contact with inappropriate information or people each day. Make sure that this does not happen by investing in monitoring tools. It seems that each week there is a newspaper article or an announcement about a child who came into contact with the wrong type of person on the internet.

Children are an irreplaceable resource that we must work to protect. Keep your children safe while online. Learn more information about parental monitoring software tools at IPOWER Applications’ Home Pow Wow. This is a great online resource that explains the different types of monitoring equipment that parents can purchase. Visit http://www. DoYouPowWow. com to find out more information about protecting children while online or when using cell phones.

A celebration of life begins with lunch

On an ordinary afternoon in St. Augustine, Fla., a group of extraordinary people met at a local restaurant for a single purpose - to celebrate their accomplishments, share inspiration and encourage each other while enjoying a meal.

They came for their weekly Friday lunch from all walks of life: parents and realtors, mortgage brokers and doctor's assistants, life coaches and flower shop employees. Many represented their own entrepreneurial ventures such as jewelry making, business coaching, spas and health clubs. Regardless of where they came from, they were there for each other, to spend an hour in support and fellowship.

These weekly luncheons are held in five other cities, sponsored by the organization Women Celebrations and attended by both men and women. Each luncheon has a theme that suggests the independence and success to which all people aspire, according to founder Sheryl Lynn. Themes have been as varied as "magnificence," "confidence" and "work." At an "applause" themed gathering, each attendee explained to the group why he or she deserved applause.

Members talked about moving from out of state and changing careers, business successes and personal joys. Each of the speakers received heartfelt applause as they took a moment to "stand in their power," Lynn's expression for people's ability to find success and empowerment within themselves.

It was the need to celebrate everyday things that inspired Lynn to create Women Celebrations. Despite success as a mother of three and an entrepreneur, at the end of the day she felt exhausted and disheartened.

"I was not patting myself on the back upon the completion of these marvelous things. And certainly no one else was either," Lynn said.

In starting Women Celebrations, she created an environment in which support and encouragement played a vital role.

Today, Women Celebrations has a strong presence in northern Florida and more chapters, or "loops," are appearing across the country. The organization is open to everyone wishing to celebrate their lives, share their experiences with others through positive interaction and build a sense of community.

Choosing your loan repayment period

One of the crucial factors to consider when getting a loan is the length of the repayment period that you will apply for. This will affect how much you pay each month as well as the total amount you will pay back. As well as getting the length of repayment period right, you need to choose the right method of repayment so that you can afford the repayments whilst still paying your loan back quickly. Here is some advice about choosing the right repayment period for your loan.

Shorter period is better

Whenever you are looking to get a loan, work out what the shortest repayment period you can afford is for the amount you want to borrow. Although longer repayment periods will mean that you pay less each month, you will probably pay more in total because of the extra interest you will pay over the longer period. Always go for the shortest period you can afford to pay, as this will help you to pay your loan off more quickly and also save money by paying less in interest.

Standard loan repayments

As well as working out the length of your repayment, you need to consider the different methods of repaying your loan. Although not all loans offer different repayment plans, it pays to know which plan will work for you so that you can find a loan that fits these criteria. The standard repayment method is the most common, where you simply pay a fixed amount each month until you have paid off the entire loan. With this type of repayment you know that you will be paying off the loan steadily each month, and after a certain period you will have paid the loan off.

Graduated repayment

There are some loans on the market that offer you a graduated repayment scheme, meaning that the loan repayments start off small but then increase after a certain period of time. This is good if you have taken out a loan and expect your earnings to increase over time, and so allowing you to afford higher repayments. This method of repayment is less common and so you will need to shop around to find a loan like this.

Balloon payments

Some loans allow you to pay just the interest each month for a number of years, and then pay the final balance off in one go. This type of repayment is good if you know you will receive a lump sum of money in a few years but need to get hold of cash now. This type of loan means you pay little at the beginning, but at the end pay off the final balance. However, you generally end up paying more with this type of loan as you are only paying interest for the first few years of the loan.

Changing the terms

Although choosing the right loan period is important, there is always the possibility that you can change the terms if you need to. If you find that you can afford to pay off the loan more quickly, then try and do this, although beware of charges for early repayment. Also, if you find yourself struggling to pay off your loan then you should speak to your lender and try to arrange an extension for repayment so that you can more easily manage the payments. However, remember that the longer you take to pay off the loan, the more you are paying overall.

Five benefits of personal branding

Five Benefits of Personal Branding

Personal Branding is about honing your skills, narrowing your focus, and getting clear on what you're passionate about.

Branding is not just about you being better than your competition. It's about getting your prospects to choose you as the ONLY solution to their problem.

Here are five great benefits of creating a strong personal brand:

*One of the greatest benefits to you of having a strong brand is that it creates a sense of individuality and "separateness" in the marketplace so that your clients are able to easily differentiate your company from your competitors.

*The goal of personal branding is to be known for who you are as a person and what you stand for. Your brand is a reflection of who you are, your opinions, values, and beliefs that are visibly expressed by what you say and do, and how you do it.

*The branding process allows you to take control of your identity and influence the perception others will have about you and the services you offer.

*A strong personal brand will enable you to effortlessly attract clients and opportunities. You will position yourself in the mind of your marketplace as THE service provider of choice to dominate your market and command higher fees - work less and make more!

*Establish yourself as an expert and become a celebrity in your area of specialty. Gain name recognition in your area of expertise where it counts the most - in your customer's mind. Make a lasting impression and be super-rewarded for your individuality.

Trust, respect, and admiration will follow when your name and message are embedded repeatedly into the consciousness of your target market. You will be perceived as an expert the more you are visible to your target audience. Your brand will propel you to the top in your marketplace.

How to make herbal vinegar using fresh herbs

Suspending fresh herbs in decorative bottles and covered with vinegar make delicious herbal vinegars. By making herbal vinegar you are preserving the taste of the fresh herbs. To make herbal vinegar with even more flavor use fresh herbs and spices. You can use dried herbs but it won’t be half as much fun and surely not as flavorful. Later you will see one of the favorite herbal vinegar recipes.

If you take the herbal vinegar and mix it with olive oil or safflower oil you will make an excellent salad dressing. Add a bit of the herbal vinegar to sauces or to mustards for a different taste. Put a couple of tablespoons into stock for poaching fish and it will make a delightful change.

To make herbal vinegar, wash and dry your fresh herbs thoroughly then pour warm vinegar, not hot, over them in the glass jar. Be sure that the fresh herbs are completely covered by the vinegar. Seal the jar and allow them to sit for a month or two to mingle the flavors. Do not allow it access to direct sun.

Always use sterilized jars. Pour boiling water directly into the jar. Let them sit for about 10 minutes. Allow the bottle to cool and thoroughly dry. Sterilize the corks by throwing them in boiling water. Make sure everything is dry before making your herbal vinegar.

After it has steeped remove the fresh herbs that you used and ad new ones for a fresher look. If you want to add garlic or chili peppers to the herbal vinegar, thread them on wooden skewers so that they will stay submerged.

There are two methods to warm the vinegar. The easiest is to allow it to sit in the sun for about 20 minutes. It can be warmed on the stove but be careful not to let it boil

When deciding on which fresh herbs to use consider the type of vinegars that would pair with it. Use white wine or champagne vinegar with the delicate fresh herbs such as lemon basil or salad burnet. White wine vinegar goes with all fresh herbs. If you want to seek a stronger flavor use rice, red or cider vinegar with garlic, sage and basil. Stay away from distilled vinegar as it is harsh and will not give you the best results.

There are no herbal vinegar recipes that have strict rules. Use your imagination when pairing fresh herbs to be used in your herbal vinegar. Here are a few that go well together.

Cinnamon Basil and Whole Cloves

Lemon basil by itself

Cinnamon sticks with Whole Cloves Nutmeg and Allspice

Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme – no kidding

Dill flowers with Peppercorns

Basil Garlic and Peppercorn

Hot Peppers alone or with Pearl Onions

When you start to use your herbal vinegar, as the level of the liquid goes down take out any of the herbs that are exposed to the air in the jar. If you leave them in the jar they may form a mold. Never use metal tops on the jars, they will rust from the vinegar.

Herbal vinegar can be used in many dishes. Herbal vinegar can be used in any dish that calls for vinegar. Marinate chicken or turkey in lemon basil vinegar for a tasty treat. Throw some into soups or sauces for a subtle change. Sprinkle on meats as they are cooking to add a different flavor.

You can also add fresh lemon or orange peel to the herbal vinegars for added zest. Experiment!

Following is one of the very favorite herbal vinegar recipes made with fresh herbs.

Lemon Herb Vinegar

4 cups of white wine vinegar

2 cups of lemon thyme sprigs

1 cup lemon balm leaves

1 cup lemon verbena sprigs

One continuance peel from a fresh lemon

Sterilize a six cup bottle. Rinse and thoroughly dry the fresh herbs and lemon peel. Put the herbs and peel into the bottle and pour the warmed vinegar over the material. Allow the mixture to cool. Seal with a non metallic cap. In 2 weeks strain and divide into smaller bottles. You can add new fresh herbs to the bottles for added flavor and to make them look pretty.

This should give you some incentive to start an herb garden and to make your own herbal vinegars.

Good Luck and have fun!

Copyright © 2006 Mary Hanna All Rights Reserved.

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

Create long lasting wealth with simple home business solutions

Starting your own home business might seem overwhelming at first. There's so much to consider - finances, goals, and the type of business you should start. As a new home business owner, you can easily get frustrated with all the options that are available. Don't complicate matters. There are many simple home business solutions available that can help you create long-lasting wealth without adding stress to your life. Here are some great ideas to get you started.

"Don't Reinvent the Wheel"

You've probably heard the old saying, "Don't reinvent the wheel." Most frustration in business comes from trying to create something new - a new product, new service, or even a new way of doing things. The good news is you don't have to create anything new. With an online business, it's very easy to sign up with others and sell their products for a commission. Most companies are glad to pay you to promote their products. It saves them time and money.

There are millions of products and services online that are just "itching" for more promotion. You can easily find products that interest you and make money online while doing what you love. These products have already been through their testing period so you get to enjoy the benefits as you work from home.

Earn a Residual Income

With some companies, you can earn a residual income (month after month) when signing on new clients. Those in the business of Web education, Internet marketing, Web design services, medical billing and claims, insurance, travel booking, legal services, accounting, and financial investments will often pay you for monthly clients.

You'll earn money each month that the client remains faithful in payments. In other words, you could earn up to 20 percent or more of a client's payment every month! Multiply that number by a hundred and you will have a very lucrative residual income.

Choose High-Commission Products and Services

Don't waste your valuable time promoting products and services that pay very little in commissions. Seek out home business solutions where you can earn a generous commission amount for each sale.

When promoting products for someone else, the visitor/conversion ratio will likely be much lower than it would be when selling your own products. So, you'll have to work a little harder to get more visitors to your website. When you do sell a product, it will be much more rewarding if you make $100 or more instead of $10 or more!

Simplify Your Business Promotions

Another area of frustration for a home business owner is promotion. There are many ways to promote an online business, but usually only a few actually work for the long term. The first thing to do is create a website of your own that you can tweak and add content to on a daily basis. From your website, offer tips and plenty of fresh content about the products and services you offer. Find your target audience and write to them. Give them the information they're seeking before you try to sell them a product.

With some home business solutions, you can receive your own website free. But, be sure it will be your own website, and that you can add to it whenever you want. Being unique with your website is very important for receiving search engine exposure.

Also, beware of scams. Check out online companies before investing any money. Use dependable home business solution directories that will investigate home businesses for you. This will save you time and money. And remember, whatever you do, keep it simple!

Reasons to get a robotic cleaner

Reasons To Get A Robotic Cleaner

Since the day the robotic vacuum cleaners hit the

market, cleaning house has never been the same. Due

to the sleek design and advanced technology, people

are very eager to get their hands on their own

robotic vacuum cleaner.

Now, we'll take a look at some reasons why you

should own a robotic vacuum cleaner.

Efficiency

As everyone already knows, cleaning is very hard

indeed, and nobody wants to do it. Getting a maid

isn't cheap anymore. With a robotic vacuum cleaner,

you can get any room in your home nice and tidy in

no time at all. It has features of the upright

vacuum cleaner, only better. Robotic vacuums offer

filters, brushes, cleaning mechanisms, and more

within a sturdy case that ensures you'll get the

operation possible.

Easy to use

As you probably already know, the robotic vacuum

cleaner is automatic, as you don't even need to be

at home to run it. Simply turn it on, leave it

to clean, come back home, and you'll find the room

spick and span clean. There are no special switches

or configurations either. All you have to do is

press a button and the robot will start cleaning

right away.

The robotic vacuum cleaner will automatically pace

the room, using a random programming technology.

It can cover the same area many times, and it can

also recharge on its own once the battery starts

to get low. There is no need to go looking for it

when it gets finished either, as it will return

to the homebase and wait for you until you need

it again.

Compact design

The robot vacuum is a small, flat device that is

shaped like a disc. It is designed this way so

that it can go under furniture, and reach places

that the standard vacuum can't. This way, there

is no need to move stools, sofas, and low set

tables. It also has bumpers as well so it can

absorb any type of collision with solid devices

along the way.

Cutting edge technology

The concept that drives the robotic vacuum is

similar to what the army uses when clearing land

mines on the field. Robotic vacuums contain

several sensors that will detect the dirt that

is sucks in. The sensors are also what makes it

possible to go towards the dirtier part of the

room, clean it several times, then stop when there

is no more dirt detected. The device is so smart

that it doesn't fall down steps or stairs. With

the virtual wall device that's included with it,

it won't even go outside of an open doorway either.

Easy to afford

Although they were a little on the expensive side

when they first hit the market, they are now more

affordable than ever. You don't need to be rich

to own one, which is one of the main reasons why

they are so popular these days.

PPPPP

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Is your friend s refinancing mortgage choice a better one

Things are always better on the other side of the fence. Other people seem to be making the smart choices, from girlfriends to cars and even refinancing loan programs. Why not you?

Proact, not react

After making several bumbling errors, don’t make a serious mistake, not with a refinancing mortgage plan. A costly mistake at this time of economic hardships will surely make you miserable, while your friend is having a good time with his smart choice of almost everything.

Before you announce your grand design for a refinancing mortgage loan, do your assignment. Read up on mortgage news, and join forums. You can ask the silliest questions, assuming your knowledge on these matters is zero. How you got the first loan is questionable, and you are suffering for your haste and ignorance.

You can also tap information from various online sites to get a broader picture of the mortgage business. Perhaps your friend can recommend a broker. Or if you can, get an independent and reliable agent who can spell out the pros and cons without pressuring you into making a hasty decision.

How to choose your refinancing mortgage lender

Here are some tips to get even with your friend:

- Weigh the terms of the mortgage. Are you ready to be tied and bound for a 30-year loan? A longer term loan has a lower monthly payment. You can have extras for those little things in the house or for yourself. A 15-year loan will be more expensive, but you will be saving a lot on interests alone.

- Examine the advantages and disadvantages of a fixed rate to an adjusted rate. A fixed rate is stable. Throughout the period loan, you will know how much money to set aside monthly. A variable rate has the advantage of dipping into all-time lows, saving you more money. But when the rates soar to an all-time high and stays there for a long time, you’re dead meat.

- Do your math. Some lenders will charge origination or discount fees while others will not. Compare the costs. The lender boasting no fees will likely skim all your cream. So, find out if you are saving more from a lower rate. You might be astounded with your findings.

- Shop around for lenders. There will be one good one out there. Ask questions, and compare their responses. If you are unsure of the technical and financial details, then get a professional to help you.

- If you decide to stick with your current lender, that’s fine too. Since your refinancing mortgage lender has your files and is aware of your performance, you might get a better deal the second time around.

Preparing for your refinancing mortgage loan

Assess your financial situation: income, gratuities, fixed expenses, insurances, regular monthly bills, and expenses. If you are getting a lower interest rate, let’s say about 7.5% for a $200,000 30-year loan, you will be paying $1,398, which is already $70 less than your present monthly bills.

Get that $70 and save it. By the end of the year, you will have $770 to spend at the end of the year or money for your taxes. But you will be breaking even after 29 months. This is the grunt part of your refinancing mortgage loan.

Will that be a better deal like your friend’s at the other side of the fence? If it is, go for it.

Questions business owners ask when selling their business

Questions Business Owners Ask When Selling Their Business

By Paul L. Kush – Copyright © 1994 Solutions Consultants Business Brokers

Frequently Asked Questions

WHY SHOULD I CONTRACT A BUSINESS BROKER?

Business Brokers understand the market and the quickest path to achieving a closed transaction. SO YOU CAN STAY FOCUSED ON RUNNING YOUR BUSINESS - This is important so your business stays profitable and marketable. Having a third party involved allows you to keep an arm’s length in the negotiations.

MARKETING AND ADVERTISING

Designing a marketing plan specifically targeted to the types of buyer that would be interested in the business is a key factor. Business brokers use data bases of buyer prospects professional associations, and investment groups. Target marketing through trade publications, direct mail, and Internet sites specifically for business transactions may be used to reach buyers. Advertising in newspapers both local and national are typically used.

QUALIFYING BUYERS

The business broker will focus on those prospects who are financially qualified and who are genuinely interested in the type of business.

PRESENTING THE BUSINESS

The professional business broker is experienced in handling negotiations. The broker also offers the seller convenience of continuing to manage the business while the selling process is underway.

MAINTAINING PRIVACY AND CONFIDENTIALITY

Business owners are extremely concerned about confidentiality. A professional broker is skilled at protecting the confidentiality from the employees, suppliers, creditors, and customers of the business.

NEGOTIATING THE BUSINESS SALE TRANSACTION

The business broker will be a vital advisor during the sale transaction. Knowledgeable about negotiating price, terms, and other key aspects of the sale, the broker will guide the seller each step of the way. Proper deal structure will greatly affect the net amount that the seller will end up keeping after selling the business.

HOW MUCH IS MY BUSINESS WORTH?

The value of your company depends on many factors such as: Who is buying the business, what is the cash flow, asset values, financial history, condition of equipment and premises of the business. Are there favorable lease terms, what is the competition, location and the economy? As you can see analyzing your business and comparable sales in your industry is imperative. Solutions Consultants Business Brokers can advise you on the proper pricing strategy for your business based on all of these factors.

The biggest mistake you can make is to over or under price your business!

It is Imperative to do a third party valuation. Not only for you to know the true market value of your business so you can price it right, but most financial institutions insist on a business valuation before they will consider financing. In addition, businesses that have third party valuations sell more frequently at the asking price than those that don't have one. It provides the buyer with the confidence that the business has been analyzed and priced. Why not sell my business myself? It is extremely difficult to maintain your business while engaging in the selling process.

Most owners do not know the time and expense involved in marketing their own business. They will often spend wasted hours working with unqualified buyers. In fact, because the business owner does not have access to a network of qualified buyers, they often end up selling their businesses for much less than they could have. It is very hard to maintain confidentiality as well as negotiate a deal if the business owner is working directly with the buyer. Using a Broker can ensure the highest dollar.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO SELL?

The best time to sell is at the businesses peak. Buyers put most of their focus on the future prospects, if your business has been a steady performer and they can see growth potential, the higher the purchase price.

WHY SHOULD I USE SOLUTIONS CONSULTANTS BUSINESS BROKERS AND THE SCBB TO SELL MY BUSINESS?

Solutions Consultants Business Brokers will help you get the best value for your business. We will save both buyers and Sellers money by avoiding costly mistakes in the selling process. Our National Affiliation with the SCBB network enables us to utilize our affiliate offices worldwide to aid in selling our listings. Solutions Consultants Business Brokers will help you get the best value for your business. We will save both buyers and Sellers money by avoiding costly mistakes in the selling process.

* Bottom Line, by using us to sell your business you get:

* Maximum Exposure

* Confidentiality

* Qualified Buyers

* Advertising and Marketing

* Financial Guidance

* Negotiating Power

* Ability co-broker with our affiliates

* Experience Proven Results

WHAT ITEMS DO I NEED TO PREPARE IN ORDER TO SELL MY BUSINESS?

* Gather Documents for Evaluation:

* Three Years of Income Statements or Tax Returns

* Current Balance Sheet

* Current Asset List with replacement value

* Copy of Facilities Lease Agreement

* Organizational chart

We assist you in putting together a professional marketing package. A professional business broker is never the expert in your business or the industry. That expertise comes from the business owner. The broker is the marketing expert. Preparing a marketing package for your business requires that the owner and the broker work together to determine the strengths and weaknesses of a company and how they could impact the marketing of your business.

WHEN SHOULD I DEVELOP AN EXIT STRATEGY?

The sooner the better. The ideal time to develop an Exit Strategy for your business is when you start or purchase the business. However, industry statistics indicate that 85% of all business owners do not have a defined exit strategy although, on average 75% of their net worth is tied up in their business.

IS MY COMPANY READY FOR SALE?

The company's financial records and operations must be evaluated and analyzed to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the company. Proper planning will help you address and hopefully minimize any operational or financial weaknesses of the company before launching the marketing phase of the disposition process.

WHAT IS MY COMPANY WORTH?

The market price range of your company is estimated after consulting with all of your team members (accountant, valuation expert, M&A specialist) and evaluating all of your goals and objectives. Timing considerations, proposed transaction structure, industry conditions and lending market conditions are all key elements to consider in estimating the market price range for your company.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO SELL MY COMPANY?

The industry average for selling a business is 6-12 months. The size of the transaction, the pricing structure, and specific marketing strategy will directly affect how long it will take to sell your company.

HOW DO I MAINTAIN CONFIDENTIALITY IN THE MARKETING PROCESS?

Confidentiality in dealing with internal personnel and external sources is strongly encouraged and is critical to achieve a successful transaction. For the Seller's protection, Solutions Consultants Business Brokers requires a Buyer's Confidentiality Agreement to be signed by the potential buyer before the release of the Business Memorandum.

HOW DO I PREPARE TO BUY A COMPANY SHOULD THAT BE MY INTEREST?

We will assist you in determining your acquisition goals and objectives. Before the acquisition search begins, it is important to narrowly define and target a specific industry, business size, develop an integration plan if applicable, understand your financial purchasing parameters and explore your financing options.

WILL SOLUTIONS CONSULTANTS BUSINESS BROKERS HELP ME ARRANGE FOR FINANCING?

Yes, we assist Buyers in obtaining transaction financing through our extensive financial institution network. We counsel you on the variety of transaction financing options that are available and assist you in evaluating these options as they pertain to and your specific potential business acquisition.

DOES SOLUTIONS CONSULTANTS BUSINESS BROKERS ASSIST IN STRATEGIC ACQUISITIONS?

Yes, we will formulate with you a definitive acquisition plan to target both single and multiple acquisition candidates. If you prefer, we will help you remain anonymous and maintain confidentiality until the appropriate time in the transaction.

WHAT IS A BUSINESS VALUATION?

A business valuation is an estimate of the value of a business or of an interest in a business.

Should the value of a business have any relationship to the value in the marketplace?

A business valuation should consider the market value that a buyer could reasonably be expected to pay, and that a seller could reasonably be expected to accept, if the business were exposed for sale on the open market for a reasonable period of time, both buyer and seller being in possession of the pertinent facts, and neither being under compulsion to act.

WHY ARE VALUATIONS DONE?

A valuation may be necessary to sell a company, to buy a company, to sell shares of a company to key employees, to settle estates, for divorce property settlements, insurance purposes or to simply keep informed of the company's value as growth takes place.

WHAT INFORMATION SHOULD BE USED TO COMPLETE A VALUATION?

Solutions Consultants Business Brokers uses proprietary information for valuations such as tax returns and accountant prepared financial statements for up to five fiscal years. We also incorporate interviews with the principal and employees, tours of the business facility, reviews of customer lists, tangible business assets, general operating and management information, and other information concerning business operations. Analysis is also done to compare the company's financial performance to others within the same industry.

WHAT IS DONE WITH ALL OF THIS BUSINESS INFORMATION?

The basis of any valuation should be the analysis and reconstruction of business earnings, an assessment of current business assets, and an opinion of the future of the business. The valuation considers the continuity of business income, market competitiveness, industry growth, company longevity and reputation, financial trends, management depth, customer mix, the quality of the products and services offered, and the general desirability of the business.

WHAT ARE MORE IMPORTANT, BUSINESS EARNINGS OR BUSINESS ASSETS?

It is true that earnings must support the purchase of business assets. It is also true that assets must be available to serve as financial or even "psychological" collateral. A common finding is that the mix of assets and earnings will vary considerably among businesses. This mix is then judged accordingly for that particular business.

HOW ASSETS AND EARNINGS ARE BEST DISPLAYED?

In most valuations it is necessary to reconstruct the tax oriented income statement and balance sheet to display the information as it would appear to a new owner.

For example, the income statement may need to be adjusted to better show the pre-tax earnings that a business can generate. This is necessary since an income statement is prepared for tax purposes and in general will attempt to lower taxable earnings. For example, a business may show a non-cash expense such as depreciation, in excess of what would be necessary for a reasonable replacement fund. Also, an owner may be receiving a salary that is either too high or low for the work that is being performed. Both of these cases will require adjustment. Another adjustment is usually required for interest expenses since a new owner will have a different debt and equity structure than the current owner. There may also be other adjustments on expense items which are not necessarily important for business operations but considered important to the owner as additional benefits or compensation.

In addition, a company's balance sheet may display equipment that is fully or almost fully depreciated, but that has a higher fair market value. The balance sheet may also display certain assets such as franchise fees or real property at cost, but they may actually have appreciated in value. Conversely, there may also be unrelated business assets that should be eliminated. These and other adjustments to a company's book value of assets need to be made in order to show the current fair market value.

What are the Top 10 reasons why businesses don't sell?

1. Priced too high.

2. No justification for the price.

3. Business cannot be financed.

4. Poor record keeping (tax returns).

5. Not packaged correctly.

6. Need to explain full value of the company in writing. Buyers want to leverage their money.

7. Desirability (owner’s responsibility and hours required to operate successfully).

8. Management and employee not staying after the sale (family owned).

9. Out dated service and/or product (i. e., payphone business).

10. Too much working capital required.

SOME ADDITIONAL POINTS TO CONSIDER:

Asking Price Must be reasonable and fair to both seller and buyer.

DEAL STRUCTURE AND FINANCING

Is owner financing a consideration? Does this company have the potential for SBA approved financing? Sales and Earnings Are revenues going up, down, or flat? What are the trends in expenses and margins? Company History

IS THIS COMPANY A STARTUP OR IS THERE A LONG, STEADY HISTORY?

Marketing Strategies Is there an opportunity to improve sales through a more aggressive marketing campaign? Industry Trends? How are revenues trending in the industry as a whole? Is there a consolidation movement within this industry? Employees Is there a stable workforce? Do the employees know the business is for sale? Is the owner willing to stay on as an employee? Facilities Is there a long-term lease? Is real estate included in the deal? Assets and Liabilities

Exactly what assets and liabilities are to be transferred with the sale of the company? Does it make sense to include accounts receivable and accounts payable? Are there some assets or liabilities that it makes sense to exclude?

As you can see, there are many things to consider when selling your business. We are ready to help you if you have the need.

Paul L. Kush – Solutions Consultants Business Brokers – Houston, TX – 281.333.0052

SCBB | Questions Business Owners Ask When Selling Their Business

1

2nd mortgage loan after bankruptcy get approved online with a sub prime lender

A 2nd mortgage loan after a bankruptcy is the easiest way to access cash. With online sub prime lenders, you can qualify for a mortgage as soon as your bankruptcy closes. But for near conventional rates, it is better to wait two years and build a solid credit history.

Bankruptcy And Sub Prime Lenders

Millions of people file for bankruptcy every year for many understandable reasons, such as job loss or illness. Sub prime lenders understand this and are willing to lend to such people

Specializing in high risk loans with unconventional terms, sub prime lenders can work out financing for virtually anyone. Legitimate lenders will offer rates that are competitive with reasonable closing costs.

Bankruptcy Affect On Your 2nd Mortgage Rates

The first two years after a bankruptcy are the most difficult for your credit score. Right after your bankruptcy, you will qualify for “E” class loans, the highest rate mortgages.

After a year and a good credit history, you can qualify for better rates with a “C” class loan. Rates are typically about 3% to 5% higher than conventional rates. And in two years, you can possibly have an excellent credit score and get prime mortgage rates.

Other factors also affect your mortgage rates. Keeping a large percent of your equity in tact along with cash assets could possibly bump up your credit score.

Comparison Shopping For Better Rates

No matter when you decide to secure a 2nd mortgage, you need to shop loan rates before settling on a lender. Each financing company has its own formula for determining rates and closing costs. A careful search of loan estimates will ensure you get the cheapest rates and fees.

If you don’t have a specific lender in mind, start with a mortgage broker site. They partner with several different companies to come up with special offers. From there you can expand your search to individual lender sites.

When you are looking at rates, be sure they include closing costs as well. With some lenders, low rates are available only if you pay thousands up front. You may also want to consider a home equity line of credit if you want to keep loan processing fees to a minimum.

How to find the right mortgage

A mortgage that is properly suited to an individual’s needs when buying a home can save the individual thousands while a mortgage that has not been properly tailored to their needs can place the house and the individual’s financial future in jeopardy. And because there are so many types of mortgages and mortgage products available, it’s essential to have a basic understanding of mortgages before choosing which one is the right one.

First one needs to understand the different options available to them. For people who have good credit, a fixed rate mortgage is usually the best option. These types of mortgages offer the same interest rate for the entire life of the loan so the monthly payments will always be the same. One may also choose an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) after a one, five, or ten year term. These mortgages have a fixed rate for a certain period and they then move to a variable rate after the one, five, or ten years. This means that the monthly payments could be more or less, depending on what the interest rate currently is. Rates don’t generally have dramatic increases or reductions so there are usually no large surprises. However, over the course of a thirty-year loan, the interest rate could be considerably more or less by the end of the mortgage.

Individuals who have no or bad credit will have a higher interest rate on their mortgage. They may also have to look into the sub-prime lending market where the loans will have much higher interest rates and many different structures. When looking at the different loan options available, it’s important to make sure there is no prepayment penalty, which have a fee associated with paying off more of the mortgage in advance. These loans should be avoided as the goal is to pay off the debt.

A mortgage consists of two major components: the down payment and the interest rate. For people who are very active in investing in different things such as the stock market, and real estate, it’s best to pay as little down payment as possible. If the individual has a good credit rating, it’s best to try to get a 100% mortgage. The interest on these mortgages is generally higher but the cost of borrowing will be less than the returns the individuals will receive on their investment.

For individuals that are not active investors, the mortgage can be a great investment tool. Paying off a mortgage with a 6.5% to 7.5% interest rate makes more sense than savings accounts that offer a 2.5% interest rate.

Everything in the mortgage process is negotiable. The goal is to lower the down payment and the interest rate. The higher the down payment is, the lower the interest rate will be and the sooner one will be able to pay off the mortgage. Using a mortgage broker can help one find the best mortgage for the specific situation.

Hot new way to treat an old problem

While scientists suspect humans have been suffering from back pain since learning to walk upright, doctors today have discovered a simple but effective way to relieve it.

The use of continuous low-level heat (36-40°C) therapy (CLHT) in a portable heat wrap significantly reduces acute low back pain and related disability of employees suffering from acute low back pain in the workplace, according to a Johns Hopkins School of Medicine study published in the December 2005 issue of The Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.

"With recent concerns around the safety of oral pain medications, both patients and physicians are considering alternative treatment options for acute low back pain," said Edward J. Bernacki, M. D., M. P.H., Associate Professor of Medicine at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the study's lead author. "There is substantial evidence to confirm that acute low back pain responds well to CLHT. The dramatic differences shown by workplace participants using CLHT shows that this therapy has clear benefits for low back pain and that it plays an important role in pain management."

In the study, patients who visited an occupational injury clinic for low back pain either received education regarding back therapy and pain management alone or received the same education combined with three days of CLHT by wearing ThermaCare® HeatWraps for eight hours. The CLHT group experienced significant reduction in pain intensity and greater pain relief when compared to patients who only received pain education (reference group). Patients on CLHT showed a 107 percent pain intensity reduction and an 85 percent improvement in pain relief within one day of treatment as compared to the reference group.

Low back pain is one of the most common and, therefore, costly medical problems in industrialized countries, according to Dr. Bernacki, who also directs the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine department of health, safety and the environment. Approximately half the working-age people in the United States suffer from acute low back pain every year and the estimated productivity loss comes to $20 to $50 billion annually.

Now, doctors and employers can confidently recommend CLHT for the relief of acute low back pain to their patients and employees, respectively. Like any heat treatment, CLHT therapy may not be appropriate for everyone. Individuals who have disease conditions that can compromise skin circulation (e. g., diabetes, hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis) should consult their physicians or health care provider prior to using CLHT for low back pain.

White diamonds perfume 19

There are many people that we meet in our lives that we end up exchanging gifts with. Sometimes this is any easy task and other times it is not. I have one friend that I see things for every time I am out shopping. She has many interests and hobbies so it is easy to find things that she will appreciate. I have three sisters. Two of them I also can locate things very easily for, but the oldest one is quite difficult to buy for. She is a shopper and she has a great deal of money. If she sees something she likes she buys it.

Several years ago my sisters and I started a tradition of going out for drinks and exchanging gifts for each other’s birthdays. This is our time to visit without children or spouses. Our birthdays are spread throughout the year so this makes for a great way to catch up on what is going on in each other’s life. Last year when we got together I was wearing some of the white diamonds perfume that my husband gave me for Christmas. When I greeted my oldest sister with a hug she commented that I smelled good. She made the same comment when we embraced goodbye. Her birthday was the next one we were to celebrate so I decided that the next time I went shopping I would buy her white diamonds perfume. Fragrance is not something that I would ordinarily choose to buy for someone because if is such a personal choice. I had never noticed that my sister wore any perfume, so I had not considered this as an option before. The next time I went shopping I looked at the white diamonds gift sets. The bottles themselves are very pretty and look nice sitting on a vanity or dresser. The perfume comes in a small bottle with a cover that is shaped like a bow. The middle of the bow has a small stone in it that looks like a diamond. The cologne bottle has a band of fake diamonds around it. I purchased a white diamonds perfume set that included a small bottle of perfume a bottle of cologne and a tube of body lotion.

When we got together for my oldest sisters birthday I noticed that she was wearing white diamonds perfume. I commented on this and she said that she had liked it so much on me that she had bought herself a small bottle. She had to laugh when she opened the gift set I had bought for her. She was very pleased with it. I told her that once again she had just gone out and bought what she wanted, but at least it was something that had to be replenished. At least now I know I have a fall back gift for her if I cannot locate anything else.

Networking is more than just handing out business cards

At a Chamber of Commerce Business Card Exchange several years ago a well-dress woman walked up to me, business card in hand and, in perfect form held it in both hands in front of me, gesturing for me to take it. I took the card from her and smiled. She looked up and in a polite voice, said "Thank you," and walked away. How sad. Here was this obviously well-intentioned woman, who most likely owned an interesting business but never learned what to do at a card exchange. Somewhere she bought into the idea that you were suppose to hand out as many business cards in as little time as possible. Clearly, this does nothing but waste business cards. Great for card businesses, not so great for yours.

The other extreme is the person who spends the entire time at a card exchange talking to the same individual, sometimes even people from their own company. Again, this is quite unproductive. The purpose of a business card exchange is to get to meet new people in a pleasant atmosphere.

While there are many good books to help you hone your networking skills including, Sue Roane’s How to Work a Room, the essence of networking is quite simple.

Businesses run on relationships. I’ve always felt that everything that we do is about personal relationships and a business just gives us a playing field on which to do it.

Following that theme, growing your business is about developing and nurturing relationships and card exchanges and similar networking events are really the starting point to begin what will hopefully become a mutually rewarding relationship.

Since your time is limited, it is a good idea to spend only a short time speaking with people, especially those you already know. If you feel a resonance with someone you’re talking with, make arrangements to follow-up your connection at a later date and move on to meet someone else. I’m sure the shy looking person in the corner, who is probably there for the very first time, has something interesting to say. Why not go over and extend your hand.

The other big faux paus I see over and over again, are the people who approach the networking meeting with a "me, me, me" attitude. A better approach is to learn about the other person first. You then have the option of explaining how what you do might be of interest to them. This establishes a stronger platform for communications, for as speaking legend Zig Zigler says, "You get what you want by helping other people get what they want."

Care about the other person

There are better ways to network and meet prospective business contacts. For openers, (no pun intended) people are more responsive if you first show some interest in them and what they do. There is an old clichй that says we have one mouth and two ears for a reason. If you listen more than you talk, you will automatically find people more interested in talking with you and being around you.

Marketing guru, Jay Abraham, once said that "Discovery is the fuel of competitive advantage." Get curious. Become interested in other people and what makes them tick. Really care about the other person. If you take the time to investigate, you will find that even those people who appear quite ordinary have a story to tell. If you show an interest in them and their lives, you will not only increase your chances of doing business with them but you may gain a friend as well.

How do you do that?

When you do introduce yourself, do so in a way that states the benefit of doing business with you. Saying "Hi, my name is Mary and I sell insurance" is not very exciting. However, if you were to say, "My name is Mary and I help people prepare for the uncertainty that may be in their future." This causes the other person, if they are at all curious, to ask, "How do you do that?" At this point, you have opened the door for a further explanation or "commercial" for your business. You can go on to explain the benefits of your products and services.

As an exercise, devise three or four ways to introduce your business. Let each one focus on a different benefit of your product or service. Test each of them at your next networking event.

Remember: people do not buy products or services, they buy benefits and solutions.

The more you focus on communicating the benefits gained from using your products or services, the more you will benefit from the increase in business.

With prospecting new business becoming more and more difficult, a personal relationship is even more important and the Chamber of Commerce Card Exchange offers the perfect playground for you do it, besides the food is usually pretty good too.

Secret starcraft game play tips tricks

False Surrender Trick

If you have an expansion, and one of your base’s are under attack, press enter, and type in “has left the game” (make sure you have chat on “send to all”), but don’t send it yet! Pause the game and then send the message. People will think you have surrendered! This looks more realistic than the Fake Elimination Trick because the color of the fonts are all the same when the game is paused! I actually got fooled by this trick before!

Nuke Defense Trick - Submitted by Jesse Shuck

If a small group of your units have been chosen for a targeted nuke, and you can’t see where it’s coming from, simply use statis field with an arbiter and the covered units won’t even be scratched.

“Invisible” Supply Depot - Submitted by Snakeab

If you are a newbie or you know you’re gonna lose, and your terran…

When you get money to spare send an SCV behind a mineral patch and build a supply depot right when he starts building it, click on the SCV (not the supply depot) and press cancel. It will almost look as if it weren't there. Then when you lose all your buildings (except the supply depot), your opponent will think the game is messed up and leave. You should probably build a few all around the map. Try to build one behind your enemies minerals.

“Invincible” Tank Glitch (Does not work with 1.08!)

This trick is used to make your siege tank have the hit points of a building! To do this, first hotkey a tank, and put it next to a building that is capable of flying. Lift off the building, and land it. While it’s landing, get your tank, move it under the landing building, and siege it. You must do this VERY QUICKLY. The tank will now have the life of the building and be invincible to melee units! With practice, you can get 5+ tanks hiding under 1 building!

Critter Trick

A VERY easy and cheap way to see your opponent’s base!

This is very simple to do…all it requires is a map with critters (preferably Kakarus because they fly) and you being Zerg. Get a Queen with 75 energy and look for a critter. Parasite the thing, and you can see what it sees! Once the critter walks (or flies) into your opponent’s base, enjoy the view! This is really cool because your opponent will not automatically attack the critter! This is because it’s a neutral unit! This neat little trick will help A LOT in a game.

Note: This will not work very well against comps because comps always kill critters. But most humans just ignore them!

Tips from the Pros:

- ALWAYS expand! Do not be afraid to!

- Against comp, ALWAYS build defense.

- Against human in a no rush game, do not build tower or choke point defense. It wastes time, money, food, and it’s not needed. Just have anti-air detection towers (eg. Missile Turrets) scattered around your base.

- When attacking, ALWAYS leave units behind in your base.

- When attacking, go for the workers, supplies, and key production buildings.

- As Zerg, build Nydus Canals in your expansions. This allows quick back-up against attacks.

- NEVER have more than 2 workers per mineral field, and 4 workers per geyser.

- Attacking with a mix of units is more effective than attacking with bunches of the same unit.

- Combining spells with attacks can greatly increase your chance of winning a battle.

- Go Overlord hunting with Devourers, Corsairs, and Valkyries. Zerg players often put all their Overlords in the back of their bases, near their primary resource area.

- Cloaked units work well against humans early in the game.

- As Terrans, ALWAYS build a comsat on your first Command Center; NEVER a Nuclear Silo.

- Against Zerg, don’t bother attacking Larva or Eggs. Attack eggs only if you have strong units.

- Trick your opponents by doing a small attack with air, and after he/she spends tons of money on anti-air, do a massive ground attack, or vise-versa.

- As Terran, don’t nuke buildings unless you have more than one nuke available. If you only have one, go for units (nuking a bunch of burrowed units kicks pompis!).

- When playing big money maps, always do frequent attacks on your opponent to wear him down.

- Attacking 1 unit at a time is a lot more effective then having all your units attack different things. To do this, use the shift key. Hold down shift while issuing commands, and your units will finish each one before moving on to the next.

- A very cheap, but useful, tactic is to parasite critters (especially kakarus because they fly). The critter will walk around the whole map for you, and when near enemy defense, it will not get attacked!

How to evaluate a good stock market timing system

Copyright 2006 Equitrend, Inc.

No matter what investment discipline you use, there are three important variables for measuring your success - peak-to-valley drawdown, beta, reward/risk ratio. The first and most important factor is your measure of risk. Performance volatility is a measure of the variability of an investment's rate of return.

Specifically, it is the standard deviation of the sample set of monthly returns that have been observed for the investment over the interval being considered. A simple way to measure a good stock market timing system is to calculate the largest peak-to-valley drawdown that has or would have occurred in the last five years. This drawdown is your measure of risk.

Second, is your beta to the overall market. Beta is an important variable that measures portfolio or timing system volatility as compared to an index. Most Betas are calculated based on the S&P 500 index. A beta of one tells you that the system has the same volatility (i. e. risk) as the S&P 500 index. A beta of two tells you that the system has twice the volatility as the S&P 500 index.

By actively managing your money, your stock market timing system should allow you to reduce the beta of your portfolio as compared to the index you are trading and substantially improve your returns over time.

Third, is your reward/risk ratio, which calculates your reward as compared to your risk. In order to calculate this, you need to know your average rate of return. A rule of thumb is that your return should be at least twice as large as your risk. For example, if your largest peak-to-valley drawdown percentage over the last five years is 15%, your average rate of return should be at least 30%. In other words, your reward/risk ratio (30%/15% = 2) should be 2 or greater.

The best stock market timing system for you will depend a lot on your personality, specifically your tolerance for risk. You might think a trend timing system that averages 80% is a great system, but what if I told you that system had a risk potential of 35%?

Most people cannot tolerate a system that decreases their investment capital more than 20%. Your tolerance and ability to accept risk should help you identify a stock market timing system that’s right for you.

There are only a few systems available that really work. Most come and go like mayflies on a warm summer’s day. When evaluating a timing system, it’s important to consider all of the above factors plus whether or not the system has survived and prospered over at least a five year period. If they’ve made it through the last five to six years, you’ve likely found a good stock market timing system.

Renewed interest rate rise fear

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is the rate-setting organisation for the Bank of England.

Every three months it releases a report that tracks the progress of inflation and economic growth, with regard to the effects they will have on society in general.

The latest results hint at troubled times ahead for home-owners, with the rate of inflation set to rise by an annual three percent over the next two years. This will undoubtedly set a trend for an increase in the cost of borrowing, leaving many householders struggling to make repayments.

With house prices rising by an annual average of twenty percent, those wishing to move to larger properties will also be facing the likelihood of higher interest rates, given that the housing market is currently being partially supported by low interest rates. This may make moving a more difficult option for some, than previously expected.

The MPC has also warned that the current ‘bubble’ in the housing market is potentially ready to burst, leading to the house price: average earnings ratio reaching unsustainable heights.

With these factors in play, the situation can begin to look unmanageable to some consumers. Aside from simply ‘burying their heads in the sand’, it can be tempting to try and use a repayment to pay off immediate debts, rather than give it to the contracted mortgage lender. This in itself can increase the ‘spiral of debt’, leading to bankruptcy and even repossession.

However, many consumers are ignorant of the fact that the financial growth in property remains at an average of 10 percent per year. This means that many existing homeowners may have more useable equity in their homes than they are aware of.

Finding a mortgage broker who specialises in providing mortgages or remortgages for consumers in difficulty can help them to release those funds and combat existing debts.

These mortgage brokers can find suitable mortgage products where repayments can be agreed that directly reflect the consumer’s ability to pay and, therefore, free up a considerable amount of equity at affordable rates.

The secret to cleaning your metal detecting finds

In general, larger searchcoils will give better depth with larger targets and better ground coverage. However, sensitivity to smaller objects may be sacrificed. Smaller searchcoils will offer greater sensitivity to smaller objects and improved target separation in trashy soil. There are certain features needed for certain places the device is going to be used for. If you intend to use it on the beach, the terrain wont be that rigorous. But you are going to need waterproof protection.

A recent study proves that hand-held metal detectors are just as accurate as x-rays in finding coins and other metallic objects swallowed by children. They are cheaper and radiation-free, are usually lightweight, highly sensitive and require little maintenance. The special shape of the sensitive surface makes operation of the device easy, unlike portable metal detectors with ring transducers.

In 1881, Alexander Graham Bell constructed one of the world’s first metal detectors in an attempt to find an assassin's bullet in President James Garfield. Fischer patented a portable version in 1931.

The Secret to Cleaning Your Metal Detecting Finds

Metal detecting is considered to be one of today's most sought-after hobbies. In fact, nearly 80% of people who are into treasure hunting love metal detecting as well. Many people have tried metal detecting, but only those who know what it takes to become successful in metal detecting accomplish something. People who persevere the most tend to find more treasures than any other person does, even if they have been doing metal detecting for many years.

This goes to show that metal detecting is not just any "finder's keepers, losers weepers" game. The valuables that people find are not appraised just because they are rare. Most importantly, their values depend on the perseverance people use when finding metals.

However, metal detecting is not just plain what you see is what you get activity. Since most of the treasures are buried beneath the earth, you can expect layers upon layers of sand, mud, or dirt on the items. Now, the question is: Is it safe to clean these items?

There are some manufacturers of cleaning solutions that suggest you clean your items. However, if your metal detector finds include coins of high value, it is best not to clean them.

Metal detectors work on the principal of electromagnetics and their effects on conductive metals. There are actually two separate elements in the coil of a typical unit. One is a high-powered coil of metal which uses the battery power to generate a penetrating magnetic field.

Will smaller children be using this detector? If this is to be a family detector then it is critical that you consider the size of the detector including how short the pole can be. Any place there is construction and the ground is being cleared, that is a great place to start treasure hunting. Successfull treasure hunting starts with having the right metal detector. But which type of metal detector should you get? Complete info on metal detectors and treasure hunting at http://detect-metal. info.

In older parks check in front of bandstands or areas where people would sit, to listen to bands playing in the summer. Another good place is baseball diamonds. Check the infield and the area where the players would wait to play. Also look in the area that the families and fans would watch the game from. As with other electronic equipments, innovations seems to always happen overnight. If you are going to buy a metal detector today, try to know that technologies are currently employed. You do not want to be behind the technology line, right?

Metal detectors using PI (Pulse Induction) technology often makes use of a single coil or even a series of coils that works as a receiver and the transmitter. The short bursts of electricity are allowed to pass through a coil or wire which causes magnetism. This means that coins classified as "key collector's items" should never be cleaned. This is to preserve the mint mark and the date on the coins.

If you have found non-key collector's items, or those with the typical "face values," you can clean them using mild solution. However, the cleaning process will depend on the kind of coin you have found. For example, copper and nickel can both be cleaned with the same process. Other coins are cleaned using a different cleaning process and techniques.

Here are also some tips on eliminating stains on your coins. You can try using the salt and vinegar solution. This will remove stubborn stains or those that were not removed with the usual cleaning solution. The key here is to evaluate, analyze, and appraise your metal detector finds before you start cleaning them. This way you will be able to detect if a certain item is more valuable when preserved and kept the way you have found it, or if it has to undergo a special cleaning process to make it more appealing and presentable.

Indeed, cleaning metal detecting finds may or may not be advantageous, depending on the kind of items that you have. So to ensure quality, always evaluate your items first. There are many different types of metal detectors, some are more complicated then others. Find out how you can go treasure hunting today!

Hand-held Metal Detectors are designed to safeguard security-sensitive areas like schools, courtrooms, corrections facilities, sports events, businesses, nightclubs, bars and other public areas and events. They are used along with walk-through metal detectors. It is responsible for receiving frequencies that bounce back from the object that the coil detects. This type of detector is best for identifying different types of metals.

It does, however, have its own downsides. Some say that the knobs of the Pro XL are quite loose and when adjusting it, you have to be careful not to hit it with your arms. It is quite sensitive and bumping it may require you to start or reset the adjustments. Some users put a rubber band around the knobs to keep them from moving or becoming loose. Most metal detector companies also offer supplementary services like designing, material sourcing, prototyping, short run manufacturing, upgrading or re-designing, assembly services and specialty packaging.

Anonymous visitor marketing

Anonymous Visitor Marketing

Anonymous visitor marketing or anonymous user marketing is nothing but changing the content of the website according to the taste of the visitor and thus making the information more relevant. Some kind of data is attached with each user known as metadata or supplemental data that is similar to human sensory nerves and gives an idea about how to react to the approaching person.

Metadata or supplemental data consists of information like the geographic location, IP address, browser languages like English, Chinese, German, etc., and also information about domain extension like. edu,.gov,.mil, etc., internet connection speed, operating system, search keyword or sentence, referring URL and screen resolution.

Graphical location tells about the approximate address of the visitor. By this information, the server can search and display information which is specific for the people of that location. Information like climate, temperature, local happening, and time can be displayed accurately.

IP address or Internet protocol address gives idea of the specific Internet service, company the person is related to. If belonging to an Internet provider the web page displays the speed of the connection and if related to a specific company the website displays the name and logo of the company.

A web page can be formatted in different languages. By analyzing the browser language, the visitor can be can be served with a web page which is easy for him to understand and the visitor is made to feel that the website is centered on his mother tongue which will make him more comfortable.

Different organizations and different sectors have different domain extensions. A website with a. gov extension means that its a government website and a website with. edu extension refers to an educational organization. So the content of the webpage can be changed according to the organization the visitor is related to.

Depending on the Internet connection speed if there are any multimedia downloads the size of downloads can also be managed. There will be different resolution versions of a particular download and if the speed is low, multimedia with the lowest resolution will be downloaded to the visitor’s temporary Internet files. This will not interrupt the normal working of the computer.

Different operating systems have different requirements and their functionality also varies. Some websites provide downloadable software and updates which will not be compatible with all kinds of operating systems. These limitations can be determined without interrupting the user.

Search keyword or sentence can be utilized to apply search engine optimization techniques or SEO techniques to the website to make the matter more relevant. Linking data to a specific keyword, which is displayed automatically making the visitor feel that his query was dealt with effectively, does this.

Referring URL helps the sponsor to compare data with that of the previous page and bring it on the present page. This increases the competition between the websites, the present website will try to prove to be better than the previous website.

If the visitor is surfing the Internet with his hand held device or mobile, the content of the website is trimmed to fit the screen resolution of the device. If the amount of data that is viewed on a normal monitor is displayed over the hand held device, the data will overlap with each other and the content won’t be readable.

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Financial value of an mba

Most degrees are obtained with the purpose of advancing your career prospects and job opportunities. The same is the case with an MBA degree; the only difference being that an MBA degree is considered as the most valuable post graduate degree in the world and has exciting career opportunities. People take the MBA program in order to further their careers in their current jobs or to get a better job on the basis of their MBA degree.

Most MBA programs regardless of the major focus will provide you with training in basic business principle needed by any business manager including, corporate finance, economics, strategic planning, marketing, basic accounting, etc. However, if you know which career field you are interested in, selecting a specific MBA focus will allow you to specialize and better prepare yourself for your career. This means you won't just learn the basis of corporate finance, but rather advance corporate, investment finance, financial accounting and financial markets which will make you much more marketable as a financial analyst or banker.

Advance Your Career

Whether you're a real estate agent, an ER doctor, an engineer, or an editor for your local newspaper, a graduate business degree can prepare you to move into a managerial position within your field.

Where you decide to pursue a general MBA or a specific specilization earning an MBA in any field is an excellent option - especially for students hoping to land excellent jobs once they graduate. Research indicates that individuals with an MBA tend to move up the promotion ladder much quicker than those without the degree. Not only that, but most employees possessing an MBA on average earn more than their lesser-educated contemporaries. These statistics should come as no surprise given the fact that MBA graduates are in high demand at multi-million dollar companies throughout the world.

Financial Value of an MBA

An MBA degree from one of the top business schools in America could set you back by up to $100,000. This is by no means a small amount and is indeed one of the largest investments that you are likely to make in your life. So it is necessary to evaluate the value of an MBA, strictly from a financial point of view as well. So you need to ascertain the return on investment on the amount that you are likely to incur in pursuing an MBA and see if it is financially valuable to you.

Calculate all the costs that are involved in pursuing an MBA, namely application fees, program fees, tuition costs, interest on any loans, cost of materials needed, travel costs related to training etc, test fees, and any other miscellaneous costs that you may incur. Once you have estimated the cost of your MBA, you need to assess the benefits of an MBA in terms of increased salaries, better wages, and more career opportunities to evaluate the monetary value of your MBA degree.

Take care of your teeth

By now we are all aware of the importance of keeping ourselves in good health. Anyone who has a television or access to the internet knows that our health is one of the most valuable things we have. We frequently hear about the importance of watching our weight, watching our caloric intact and of staying away from too much fat, but how often do we hear a warning about the importance of taking care of our teeth?

Maybe I come by caring about teeth honestly since I am the daughter of a dentist and now the wife of a dentist. Regardless, I am concerned about the lack of concern I see all around me about teeth. I see far too many people sucking down sugar-filled drinks all day long without taking the time to brush their teeth or think about what they are doing for the health of their teeth.

One of the most basic ways you can take a step towards taking better care of your teeth is to get a dental check up with a dentist. I know, many people hate going to the dentist for fear of what will happen there, but I guarentee that you will be glad to get a check up and a cleaning once you have done it. Look for a good dentist in your area in the newspaper, phonebook, through an online search, or by talking with friends. Just find yourself a dentist and make a visit. It is the best way to begin a lifetime of caring for your teeth.

A second step to taking care of your teeth is to brush them regularly. It sounds simple and obvious, I know, but you might be shocked to realize how few people actually brush their teeth regularly. I know too many people (children, teens and adults included) that brush once a day or less! Sound disgusting? It is! You should be brushing your teeth a minimum of twice a day. Begin making good teeth habits now by making yourself brush when you get up in the morning and before you go to bed at night.

Flossing is a third important element to good teeth care. I didn't start flossing regularly until I was an adult, but since I started I just cannot stop. Flossing is a small thing that makes a huge difference. Caring for your teeth in such a detailed way is a reflection about the level of care you have for your body and your health.

Vitamins for a healthy heart

Vitamins For A Healthy Heart

As we all know, vitamins are very important when it comes to keeping your heart healthy. You need to eat the right foods of course, although you also need to supplement the food you eat with the necessary vitamins your body needs to stay in shape and keep your heart working healthy for a long time to come. If you don’t consume the right nutrients, you won’t be doing your heart any favors - and may end up having problems later on in life.

The first vitamin that comes to mind for most people is vitamin E, a vitamin that is essential to improving the overall health of your heart. When taken correctly, vitamin E will stop the cholesterol in the body from harming the arteries that surround the heart. Anytime cholesterol oxidizes, it sticks to the sides of the arteries and can lead to blockages which can cause heart attacks or other serious problems with the heart.

To help you keep your heart healthy, most doctors recommend that you take additional supplements that contain vitamin E. They may also suggest that you eat foods that are naturally rich in vitamin E, such as nuts. Nuts have high amounts of vitamin E, and most of them taste great. You can find other foods that contain vitamin E as well, although nuts have the highest amounts.

In the past, research has shown Vitamin E to help those who have already suffered the wrath of a heart attack. This vitamin helps to prevent heart attacks in the future by opening up the arteries and eliminate blockage. Those who have had a heart attack in the past are always encouraged to add more vitamin E to their diet.

What many aren’t aware of, is the fact that you can use vitamin C to boost the effects of vitamin E. Vitamin C is known as an antioxidant, which prevents the damaging effects that cholesterol has on the body. Along with preventing cholesterol from damaging the body, vitamin C also helps vitamin E with it’s functions - such as protecting your arteries and your heart.

By taking both vitamin C and E as a combination, you’ll be well on your way to a healthier heart. Overall, this is the easiest way that you can be sure you aren’t damaging your heart, especially if you have had a heart attack in the past. If you have a history of heart disease or heart problems in your family, these vitamins are essential to your diet. Even if you are just concerned about the health of your heart, these vitamins will give you the peace of mind in knowing that you are eating for a healthy heart.

As far as your dosage goes, it will vary from person to person, although 400 international units of vitamin E and C are the recommended amounts for most people. On it’s own, vitamin C can be tolerated in large doses, without imposing any harmful effects. You can take around 500 mg of it twice a day, and ensure that your heart remains healthy.

To be on the safe side, you should always make sure that you get the proper amount of vitamins in your daily diet. Taking additional vitamins and supplements isn’t a bad idea either, especially if you are trying to boost the health of your heart. Your heart is one of the most important organs in your body, which is why you should always take care of it. If you eat the proper diet and take the necessary vitamins - you’ll be well on your way to keeping your heart healthy.

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